Why 4

For the next few days, Emma was extremely cold. She was pissed that Queen Regina had done this to her, but even more hurt that Snow had agreed to it. She didn't even put up a fight about it.

Emma had to admit she wasn't minding the fact that she would continue to see Queen Regina every day, she had started to take quite an interest. Besides the fact she was extremely beautiful, Emma found her quite an enigma. She had been told all her life about the terrible and despicable ways of the Evil Queen, but she found that Regina was far from what she expected. The woman was witty, easily amused, warm and almost kind. Not to mention that so far what Emma had witnessed was that she was an excellent queen. Emma tried to fight the pull she felt to the woman, and kept pushing her feelings down, allowing her anger and hurt to shield her true feelings.

But aside from her interest in the queen, Emma found life in the Black Castle trying. She had been kept here to train the new recruits, and no one was especially interested in taking orders from Snow White's Captain of the Guard, much less a woman. In fact they instead made it their mission to make Emma's life miserable. They stood around the training yard talking amongst themselves, not listening, making lewd comments and mocking her. By the third lesson time where she was met with the same rude behavior, she had had enough. She needed to get their attention and win their respect. There was only one way to achieve this.

Emma looked over to see Robin with his back to her talking to a group of men. He was animatedly talking about what he had done with a poor bar maid the previous evening and had no idea Emma was walking up behind him. Robin turned when Emma tapped him on the shoulder. His neck snapped to the side and his face tweaked as Emma punched him square in the jaw.

"What the bloody hell was that?" Robin cried out as suddenly the attention of the whole courtyard was on them.

Emma looked around at all the men. "Getting your attention." She punched him again, causing several of the men to step between them and push Emma back. The men all around were shouting and cussing as they slowly closed in on her. Emma raised her fists, ready to at least attempt to defend herself against these large soldiers who clearly hated her and were really pissed off. "If I have to fight every single one of you bare handed to gain your respect then so be it. At least let it be one at a time."

She saw as Robin grabbed one of the men by the shoulder and push him out of the way. "Sounds like a great idea. Starting with me." Robin brushed the blood off his lip and came at Emma like a locomotive. Just as he got to Emma he threw the biggest punch he could muster. Emma's eyes dilated as the adrenaline surged. She ducked out of the way at the last moment, karate chopping him in the throat on the way by. Robin collapsed like a sack of potatoes, choking and gasping for air.

There was no time for Emma to celebrate as the next man stepped up quickly, clocking her in the eye. She recovered quick enough to block the second blow, but it was enough to send her to the ground. Emma somersaulted back to her feet and put her fists back up. She blocked the next punch and countered with a fist to his stomach. As he doubled over, she kneed him in the face, breaking his nose.

An elbow to the back of her head caused Emma to see stars, and a kick to her leg sent her crashing to the ground. Suddenly she had a man on top of her, one hand squeezing her throat while the other groped at her chest. Emma kept her cool, even as she was desperate for air. Instead of trying to remove the hand from her throat, she took two hands and gripped the hand that was probing her body. With a loud crunch, she twisted as hard as she could, breaking his wrist. She kneed him hard in the groin as he was crying out and pushed him off of her.

Emma pushed to her feet, staggering slightly. She glared at the next man who, she had to admit, had a bit of fear in his eyes. She motioned him forward, ignoring the blood trickling down her face. Finally he stepped forward, and as he was bringing his fist back, Emma swiftly jabbed him in the nose, knocking him off balance. She stepped into him and turned, elbowing him in the cheek. He flew backwards. Emma turned only to be punched again, sending her spinning to the ground. Suddenly there was a boot at her throat, and it was crushing her windpipe. Emma gripped at the boot, trying desperately to release some of the pressure. But it was no use. She was running out of air, and knew she was short on options. Gripping onto his leg as leverage, Emma flexed her abdominal muscles and swung her body up, using her feet to slink her legs around to the front of his body. With her last bit of energy before she was going to black out, she kicked up fiercely, connecting with his chin. He stumbled backwards as blood splurted out of his mouth. Emma sucked in air violently, coughing as she staggered to her feet. She started toward the man in an attempt to finish things. She looked at him as he started backing up, his hands waving her off in defeat. She looked around as the men just looked at her in shock. Their fists slowly started dropping as they looked around at each other.

Emma breathed heavily, trying to ignore the pain over her entire body as she tried to keep up the tough act. "Now." She said between breaths. "Tomorrow we get to work." Emma glared around at the men before limping off to find the infirmary.

Regina had been half a second away from intervening. She had watched the entire scene unfold as she watched from the balcony. Emma's decision to take on the entire battalion was quite a shock, but Regina understood why she did it. Though not squeamish, Regina found it extremely difficult to watch Emma take such a beating. But Regina was amazed at the woman's skill. She was half the size and strength of some of these men, but still sent everyone to the ground. She was afraid for Emma's life as she watched her throat being crushed, and drew out a breath of relief when Emma was able to break free. Regina smiled as the men finally relented, a sense of pride booming in her chest. Captain Emma Swan was something, alright, and it was altogether intoxicating.

Regina walked into the infirmary to find Emma had removed her leather vest and shirt. She was standing in her cotton undergarments, dabbing a cotton ball on a bloody gash on her arm. Regina walked in and surveyed the damage to Emma's body as the blonde watched her approach. Emma ignored her and went back to tending her wounds.

Regina watched as Emma flinched slightly in pain. "That was either extremely brave or extremely stupid." She said as she picked up a cotton ball. She dipped it in water and held it up, reaching for a nasty gash on Emma's temple.

Emma dodged Regina's hand and knocked it away. "I got it."

Regina gave her a glare that Emma couldn't help but relent to. Regina gripped Emma's chin and pulled her face forward. They met eyes tentatively as Regina gently dabbed at the wound, carefully cleaning the blood away. "You certainly got your point across. Though I could have done without being down a soldier to a broken wrist."

"He was groping me. No one touches me without permission," Emma said, perhaps a bit more harshly than she intended. She caught Regina's eyes for a moment. "He's lucky that's all I broke."

Regina had a feeling there was much more to this statement, and that Emma was probably harboring memories of terrible atrocities that occurred to her. No doubt these events led to Emma becoming the incredible warrior she had. Regina shivered at the thought of anyone hurting this exquisite woman like that. She dipped the cotton ball and returned to cleaning Emma's wound.

They were silent for a few moments until Regina switched to the alcohol to clean the cuts. Emma jumped back, pushing Regina's hand away from her face. "Ow! Fuck!"

Regina jumped at the outburst but had to snicker a bit. "I'm sorry I should have warned you." She pulled Emma's hand away from her face and dabbed the wound again.

Emma jumped again but this time Regina grabbed her so she couldn't flee. "Mother fucker, stop that!"

Regina squeezed Emma's wrist to still her and shook her head. "You do know I'm the queen, not a bar keep. I've had people thrown in the dungeon for far less vulgarity."

Emma suddenly realized that she had just cussed at the Evil Queen and felt a bit of panic run through her. "Sorry, I forgot-I mean it just came out-"

Regina chuckled and pulled Emma's face back towards her. "It's alright. Kind of amusing, actually. No one has ever dared to call me a...Mother fucker, was it?"

Emma tried to fight the smile that wanted to surface but a giggle let itself out. The radiant smile she got in return made her stomach flip. "I wasn't calling you that, it's just-it hurt."

Regina bit her lip and shook her head. "Stop being such a baby."

"A baby?" She hissed as Regina dabbed another wound but sat still this time. "This hurts worse than the ass kicking I just received."

Regina pursed her lips. This woman was not treating Regina like the queen. She was treating her like a friend. Regina liked it. "Well, it seemed like you were doing most of the...ass kicking."

Emma looked at the queen in surprise and this time she let the smile come. She let out a chuckle.

"What?"

Emma snickered. "It's just funny. Hearing you cuss. It's all drawn out and exaggerated. Like it hurts you to say it."

Regina quirked an eyebrow. "Yes, well. Lets just say I wasn't raised to talk like that. Honestly, though, I kinda liked it," Regina winked as she smiled into Emma's face.

Emma let out a single silent chuckle, where her body looked like it hiccuped. "It is kind of liberating, isn't it?"

They just smiled at each other for a moment. "Indeed."

Regina finished with Emma's wounds in silence. When she went to put a bandage on the worst wound on her arm, Emma stopped her, putting her hand over Regina's. Regina looked up at the captain as the electricity in their touch nearly caused her heart to stop. She met those sea green eyes that had lost all the anger and hatred they had held for so long.

"No, don't," Emma said softly. "I don't want them to think I'm a wimp. I'll wear these proudly." She left her hand over Regina's, not wanting to lose that simple connection to the queen. They sat in silence, reveling in the simple presence of the other. Emma saw the queen look at her lips and couldn't fight the urge to lick them.

Regina felt her heart rate quicken when she saw Emma's tongue dart out and moisten her lips. She wanted so badly to taste those pink lips that were now slightly parted. She looked back up and was met with smoldering eyes that practically glowed with lust.

Emma felt herself leaning toward the beauty in front of her when suddenly she snapped back to reality. This was the queen! What the hell was she doing! Emma took a quick intake of breath and sat back. She looked around the room before pushing herself off the table. "I-should go," she stammered, pushing past the queen. She looked back at the brunette as she got to the door and paused. "Thank you...your highness."

Regina smiled at Emma and sighed as the blonde darted from the room. Oh boy. This was moving on from intrigue. This was developing into a crush.

XXXXXXXXX

A bout a week later, Emma was summoned by the queen to the stables. She walked in to find Regina with her back to her, tending to her horse. Emma's eyes nearly bulged from her head. The queen was out of her normal garb, instead dressed in riding gear. Her tight brown pants showed off a perfectly rounded ass that made Emma drool. Her tall riding boots and long sleeved top were rich chocolate in color. Her hair was swept back into a long braid.

Regina turned when she felt someone had approached, and smiled at what she was sure was a smitten Emma Swan. Regina smiled broadly as the blonde shyly approached. "You sent for me, your highness?"

Regina glanced at her feet as she suddenly felt very shy. "Yes. How are you feeling? Seems you're healing nicely."

Emma nodded and shifted her weight. "Yeah, much better, just a little sore."

Regina nodded. "Are you well enough to ride?"

Emma looked curiously at the queen. "Yeah, sure. Why?"

"We're going on a day trip. I-I thought you might like to join us."

Emma looked around and noticed there were three saddled horses, but only the two of them in the barn. "Um, us?"

"Regina!" A voice called from behind Emma. She turned around just as a small boy shot past her and dove into Regina, latching onto her waist.

Emma watched in shock as the queen enveloped the boy in a huge hug, smiling affectionately. "Henry," Emma whispered.

It was soft but loud enough that Regina heard it. She looked curiously at Emma but her attention was quickly brought back when Henry pulled her arm trying to draw her gaze.

Regina knelt down so she was eye level with the small boy. "Did Mr. Hopper find you?"

The boy was bristling with excitement. "Yes! He brought me to the back of the castle and told me I could have my own room to sleep in! My own room! I have my own bed with a blanket and a pillow and everything!"

Regina laughed. "That's wonderful, Henry. You've been working so hard for us here in the stables I thought you deserved to have a warm place to sleep."

Henry threw his arms around Regina's neck, squeezing tightly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, Regina!"

Emma was so shocked she could barely move, and it hadn't gotten past her that the young lad was using the queens first name.

Regina stood up and took Henry's hand, pointing toward Emma. "Henry, I'd like you to meet Captain Emma Swan."

Henry looked up shyly, clinging to Regina's hand. "You're a captain? But you're a girl!"

Emma laughed and nodded. "That's right. I'm both."

"The captain here is the best fighter in all the lands," Regina said smiling at Emma. "If you're lucky, maybe she'll teach you a thing or two."

Emma smiled lightly swaying a bit in embarrassment.

"Really? Like sword fighting and archery? Oh please, can you?!"

Emma laughed again and stepped forward to ruffle the child's hair a little. "Sure kid, some time I'd love to."

Regina warmed at the ease in which Emma interacted with Henry. "Henry, I've invited the captain to join us today. Is that alright with you?" Henry nodded his head vigorously. Regina looked back up at Emma. "So what do say? Join us?"

Emma blushed and swallowed. She smiled and nodded. "I'd love to."