Why 14
Regina laid on her stomach, face turned to the side. The sheet was pulled over her buttocks but one leg was stuck out in the cool air. Emma was on her side, belly up to Regina's body, caressing up and down her bare back. Emma had been lost in thought for a while after napping a bit. She wondered what was next. She remembered back to Regina's story about her mother Cora trying to kill Snow. She didn't target Leopold because his brother was next in line for the throne. Now that Leopold was dead, what did that mean for Regina? Would her crown be taken away? Would Regina next go to war with him to keep her kingdom? So many questions paraded through her mind and she was loathed to ruin the cocoon of a life they had woven for themselves for the past few hours. It was nearing time for the feast anyway, so Emma knew they would have to leave the room soon. She dared to ask. She bent down and pressed a gentle kiss to Regina's cheek, sliding her body down to lay closer to her.
"What happens next?" Emma asked.
Regina was lingering in that place between sleep and awake, the satisfying love making having taken its toll on her energy. "Hm?"
Emma continued lazily passing fingertips over the queen's back. "I said what happens next? Now that Leopold is dead. Are you going to lose your crown?"
Regina sighed and turned her body over, facing Emma as she wrapped a leg around her hips. She looked up into those curious green eyes and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. Technically now that Leopold is dead, reign of the Black Kingdom falls to his brother, Robert. And since we took down Snow, that includes control of the White Kingdom now as well."
Emma shook her head. "That's bullshit. Now that guy has three kingdoms just because he's got a dick?"
Regina was shocked at the vulgarity but was quickly reminded that Emma's crassness was one of the traits that turned Regina on. She giggled and squeezed Emma's cheeks gently. "My, such a dirty mouth on you!" She pulled Emma's face in and kissed her firmly on said dirty mouth.
Emma was still annoyed. "Well, it's true! You have done all the work and he's just gonna swoop in here and take everything you've worked so hard on?"
Regina shook her head. "I don't know. He certainly has the right to. That's the way it works in this world, I'm afraid."
"Well it's not fair," Emma spouted like a child. "You're an amazing queen. You were born for this. It shouldn't be taken away because of some archaic rule that says men are superior just because they are men."
Regina smiled at the fire that burned under that soft skin. She pecked Emma's lips again. "True. I've only met Robert once, but he seemed like a fair man. Perhaps he will just let things continue the way they are. Maybe all he'll want is the White Kingdom and leave me to continue to rule here."
"Yes, and maybe he'll take everything and leave you homeless," Emma cracked.
Regina ran her hand up Emma's arm. "You won't let that happen."
Emma had to crack a smile, noticing how Regina didn't seem to be sweating this. "Why are you not worried? You could lose everything."
"Not possible," Regina said softly. "As long as I have you, no one will ever be able to take everything from me. YOU are my everything now." She saw how Emma practically melted at these words. "Besides, there's no point in worrying about something that may or may not happen. Word by now has certainly made its way to King Robert in Kingdom Gold. I'm sure I'll be hearing from him soon enough. In the mean time, lets just enjoy your hard earned victory." She kissed Emma fully and rolled on top of her. "Unfortunately, we have a celebratory feast to prepare for."
Emma whined, trying to seduce Regina into staying. Regina laughed down at her before playfully slapping her cheek and getting out of bed. "Come on dear. Time for another bath," she said seductively, swaying her hips as she left the room.
Emma's eyebrow stood to attention, and she swung herself out of bed and after the queen.
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The feast took place in the great hall, but the celebration spilled out into the courtyard. With both armies in attendance the place was overcrowded, but no one seemed to mind.
Regina had kicked off the feast with a speech, congratulating her forces and welcoming in those men who had defected from Snow's army. She promised them that their allegiance would be repaid with fairness and a better life. It was left up to them to either stay or go home to their families for the time being. Regina had yet to meet with her council regarding exactly how the White Kingdom would be governed, but she assured them that change would come swiftly.
Emma watched Regina with pride, seeing how truly everyone respected their queen. She thought back to how their relationship began, and Emma shook her head at her own pig headedness.
At one point Emma took Phillip by the arm and led him reluctantly up to the throne. They both bowed respectfully as Regina looked on curiously. "Your highness," Emma offered. "This is Phillip. He was pivotal in getting the White armies to defect. Without him, I doubt we would have gotten help from any of his men. He led the second battalion that flanked Snow's army. His bravery and leadership surely helped us win the day."
Regina looked on as Phillip blushed furiously, keeping his head bowed. "Well, Phillip. That's quite the recommendation. I thank you for your bravery, in both your decision to trust the good captain here and on the battlefield. I am honored to welcome you into my army."
"You are both too kind, your grace. If the things Captain Swan has told me about you are true, then I certainly will have no problem pledging my sword and my life to you, highness," Phillip gushed as he bowed again.
Regina raised an eyebrow at Emma who just smiled and nodded at her. Regina noticed Phillip fidgeting, as if he wanted to ask a question. "Something on your mind?" Regina asked.
Phillip wrung his hands slightly. "The captain-told us many things about what kind of queen you are. But what sold me-She said you told a story to a young lad.." He paused, not really even sure what he was asking.
Regina raised her head up, suddenly understanding. "Yes. Sleeping Beauty. Saved by her true love, Prince Phillip," she saw Phillip's eyes light up. Regina stood up from the throne and approached him, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Although Prince may be a bit out of reach, there are no limits under my rule to which a man can achieve. The lowliest peasant has the opportunity to become a wealthy merchant or a skilled healer. It's simply up to them to seize it." She smiled kindly at him before returning to her throne. She smiled as she sat. "Although, you never know. There are a few eligible princesses running around."
Emma watched as Phillip blushed, but clearly had a renewed sense of hope about him. He bashfully bowed and took his leave, thanking Emma on his way. Emma smiled at Regina and nodded, Regina simply winking back at her.
One of Regina's guards came walking briskly up to her, holding a small scroll. "Your highness," as he bowed. "We just received a raven."
Regina unrolled the small parchment and read it. Her face dropped slightly and she pursed her lips. Emma furrowed her eyebrows. Regina looked around and over to Emma, then toward her advisor, Archibald. "King Robert is leaving the Gold Kingdom tomorrow. He'll be here in three days for a council meeting."
Both Archibald and Emma frowned, and Regina simply cleared her throat. "That was fast." It was absolutely up in the air what Robert could possibly have to say to Regina, and she suddenly felt very terrified. She may very well be out of a job and a home. She looked over at Emma and sighed. At least, she thought, she'd have one thing going for her. She knew Emma would stick by her no matter what, and somehow they would be okay.
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Over the next few days, Regina put together a task force to send to the White Kingdom until this business with Robert could be dealt with. She sent some of her most trusted advisors and emissaries to just maintain a balance and order to the Kingdom until Regina could focus her full attention on the needs of Snow's dilapidated kingdom.
She spent her days making arrangements for the White Kingdom and putting her own army back in order, and her nights wrapped up in Emma Swan's arms. With Robin dead, Regina needed to appoint a new Captain of the Guard, and the council unanimously voted Emma in. Regina was of course in complete agreement, and her trust in Emma meant she had one less thing she needed to worry about.
Regina had never been more trusting and happy with someone else, and she felt like her heart no longer belonged to her, but to Emma. She let herself confide in Emma, all her worries and fears about what was to come. And Emma never failed in making her feel safe and comforted. Emma made her feel like there was nothing to stop her from being happy, and helping all the people in her charge find their own happiness.
As Regina sat on her throne, Emma to her right, she gripped tightly into wooden arm. She watched as King Robert made the long walk down the hallway, flanked by his royal guard.
Emma eyed the approaching King, noting that he was much smaller than she expected. She would be taller than he was were it not for the tall golden crown on his head. He limped forward, leaning heavily on a wooden cane. He was not an ugly man, but not attractive by any means. The only word Emma could come up with to describe him was 'imp'. She watched as Regina stood up as he approached. He bowed and took her hand, kissing the top of it. Regina in return curtsied. Never had Emma seen Regina bow to anyone. She didn't like it one bit.
"Regina, lovely as always," he hissed as he spoke, leaving Emma to picture him as a snake. "I'm so sorry to hear about my dear brother, your loving husband."
"Thank you Robert. My sympathies to you as well. He loved you dearly," Regina said formally.
Emma could sense the uneasiness exuding from Regina, and she knew the imp had picked up on it too. Emma hated him already.
"Well, I understand you have arranged a council meeting for this afternoon," King Robert looked around, eyeing Emma up and down. She forced her eyes away from him for fear of giving him a dirty look.
"Indeed. I have a chamber all set up for you if you'd like to rest. I'm sure it was a long few days journey," Regina responded.
King Robert didn't even look at Regina, just around examining the room, no doubt checking out what was soon to be his throne room. "Yes quite," finally he looked at Regina, then turned on his heel to exit the room. He called over his shoulder. "Then tonight we can talk about the fate of my new kingdoms."
Regina's heart dropped to her feet and she felt lightheaded. She looked at Emma, trying to hide her panic. Emma met her eyes, flexing her jaw muscle. It was Regina's worst nightmare. Her reign was over.