Emma stared into the coal black eyes of Snow White. Hans was apparently her new Captain, as he stood off to her side. She gritted her teeth and tried to straighten her body, only to feel the hands of her captor tighten on her shoulder. She shot the man a dirty look, but his mask hid his face from her view. She coughed out another breath as her cracked ribs rubbed painfully against her lungs. She looked up as Snow slinked out of the throne and glided down the steps toward her. As Snow approached with her glare held on Emma, the captain took in how her appearance had changed.
Besides the ugly scar across her face, Snow walked with a viscous limp, and had to lean on a staff. Emma saw what looked like a healed burn stretching down the length of one arm. No doubt there were other scars that were hidden to her under the Queen's long red dress.
"Red, huh?" Emma rasped out. "Not usually your style."
Emma's sarcasm was met with a back hand across her face, and her head snapped to the side. Emma's eyes squeezed shut at the sting, but made no reaction as she just looked back angrily to the queen. She heard Regina struggle with her captor for a moment.
Snow scoffed. "Yes, well. Let's just say a lot has changed since you last saw me." Snow pulled out a dagger and placed it at Emma's throat. A grunt came from Regina who again struggled against her restraints. Snow looked over at a distressed Regina and giggled maniacally. She walked over, watching Regina with amusement. "What ever is the matter, Regina? You don't care what happens to MY captain, do you?"
Regina suddenly realized she had tipped her hand. Now that Snow knew she cared about Emma, there was no doubt she would use it to her advantage. "She's MINE." She tried to steady her breathing, even as Snow reached the dagger out and placed it against her cheek. Looking squarely into Regina's eyes, Snow's hatred flowed through her veins like venom. With one swift movement, she sliced down Regina's face, leaving a red trail in it's wake.
When Emma heard Regina cry out, she saw red. She tried desperately to get on her feet but the pain in her ribs sent a dizzying shock that caused her to relent to her captor and fall down to the floor.
The soldier picked her back up to place her back on her knees, using her bound wrists as leverage. Once he grabbed ahold of her, Emma felt him shove something between her two palms. Emma furrowed her eyebrows, but gripped onto the object secretly. She looked over at Regina who was breathing heavy, tears streaking down with the blood falling from her cheek. Emma could tell it wasn't a deep cut, but one that would probably leave a small scar. Emma steeled her gaze on Snow as she let her fingers fall over the object hidden in her hands. A dagger.
Emma had no idea who it was that stood behind her hidden in White soldier gear, but whoever it was was an ally.
Snow laughed again as she walked back over between her two captors. "My, I have so much killing to do, I hardly know where to start. I think I'll start with my traitorous royal guards, and let the fine Queen here suffer as she watches all her former allies die." She motioned toward Hans. "Bring him in."
As Hans walked toward the back of the throne room, Emma discreetly maneuvered the blade in her hands. "How the hell did you get out of that dungeon? Surely I thought the masses you threw in there to die would have ripped you apart."
Snow smiled. "Yes, well. I have people loyal to me, unlike you, you ungrateful whore. My dear Zelena got me out and nursed me back to health. Thanks to her I was able to retake my own castle while you were off trying to save the world."
"I'M an ungrateful whore? I earned everything. Unlike you, born with a silver spoon in your mouth and a royal stick up your ass. Tell me, how easy was it for you to order your own father to die?"
Snow scoffed as she started to walk toward Emma. Emma panicked slightly that Snow would notice the dagger.
Regina knew the cut wasn't deep, and so dropped her hands and looked at Emma. She thought she saw Emma fiddling with something and focused on her hands. Emma had a dagger! As Snow started to walk towards her, Regina knew she had to distract her. "It's a shame about James. After all, its going to be hard to find another husband now. I mean, look at you. Not quite the fairest in the land, anymore, aye?"
Emma looked at Regina out of the corner of her eye, figuring Regina knew Emma had the dagger. As Snow walked toward Regina, Emma knew she had her chance, but also knew egging Snow on was a very bad idea. She glanced to make sure no one was watching her and continued to work on the ropes around her wrists.
Regina swallowed hard as Snow approached her again, prepared for something much worse than a scratch on her cheek. She leaned back into the legs of the soldier behind her as Snow bent over, placing her face into Regina's.
"Oh, make no mistake," Snow hissed. "When I'm done with you, my scars will look like beauty marks compared to yours."
The sound of jingling chain mail brought Snow's attention away from Regina, as Hans escorted a beaten Phillip up the walk and tossed him down in front of Snow. He was covered with blood, and laid limply on the floor in a crumpled mess.
Emma's eyes grew wide. "Phillip!" She gasped. She knew she had to act fast or they would all die. Phillip had become a loyal and trusted friend, and she couldn't bare the thought of him dying like this. She doubled her efforts on the ropes.
Snow laughed again at seeing Emma's fear. "Oh, this just gets better and better! You care about him! You see, now, Regina? Love is weakness. It's just too easy to use it against you."
"You know what's weakness?" Regina rasped. When Snow cocked her head Regina continued. "Hatred. It's just too easy to use THAT against you, you soulless, scar faced little heathen. The only thing you had going for you was your looks, and now look at you." Regina saw Emma sawing away out of the corner of her eye. She had to buy Phillip some time.
Snow's face dropped but she didn't move. She just put her tongue in her cheek. "Selfish as always, huh Regina? You're trying to anger me so I'll kill you first. Then you won't have to watch your beloved Captain suffer a painful death. Sorry. You're not getting out of it that easy." She motioned toward Hans. "Kill him."
Both Emma and Regina's heart dropped. Emma wasn't free yet! She looked over as Hans pulled Phillip off the floor. There was so much blood already, Emma had no idea how he was still alive at all. Hans pulled Phillip's body against his as he reached for his dagger. She saw Phillip's left hand come up and grip onto Hans' forearm. In slow motion, Emma saw his right hand come out from under his blood streaked chest plate holding a dagger of his own. With a swift downward motion, he stabbed Hans, burying it to the hilt into his thigh. Hans went teetering backwards, groaning in pain.
The rest of the scene kept in slow motion for Emma. She heard Snow screaming for guards as she staggered backwards. Emma felt the soldier behind her kneel down and start to cut through the ropes at her ankles. She fought to cut the last few threads on the ones at her wrists when she looked over and saw Phillip grappling with the guard that had been behind Regina. Just as she finally cut through the ropes on her wrists, she heard the door burst open as more men came through.
Emma stood up and turned to the mysterious soldier, who simply handed her a sword. As the men rushed toward them, another cry came, as a second wave of men came through after them. These weren't soldiers, though. They were villagers. Carrying pitch forks and make shift spears, the skinny farmers and laborers charged forward, engaging the White soldiers that had turned around.
Emma looked over to see Regina had been knocked to the ground during Phillip's scuffle with the soldier, her hands and feet still bound. Before she could surge forward to protect her Queen, she was intercepted by an angry Hans. Emma gripped her side with her left hand while she raised the sword with her right. Her arm wiggled with the weight of the sword, her energy sapped and ribs searing in pain. But the thought of protecting Regina gave her a second wind.
She engaged Hans as the villagers fought off the remainder of Snow's men. Where Emma was weak in her ribs, Hans was hobbling on his injured right leg. Emma knew to use that to her advantage. She purposely engaged Hans on the left, exposing his wound. Once he was leaning to the left, Emma swiftly kicked him in the knife wound, causing him to collapse in pain. With a fast downward swing, Emma stabbed him through the stomach, watching as he sputtered blood.
Emma pulled her sword out and looked across at Regina. Regina had managed to get to her feet, but Snow had her backed against the wall, raising her dagger. Emma screamed and ran forward, but there was no way she could get there in time. She watched as Regina's eyes flashed in fear as the dagger descended.
Regina saw the rage in Snow's eyes as she raised the dagger. She heard Emma scream her name as the dagger plunged down toward her. Just as she expected the blade to pierce her heart, the flash of someone stepping in front of her widened her eyes. As the dagger plunged into her hero's chest, he groaned and slid down, Regina catching him in her lap.
Right after Snow plunged her dagger into the mystery soldier that had given Emma the dagger, Emma tackled her to the ground, flailing punches and elbows violently until Snow was either unconscious or dead, Emma wasn't sure which. She looked up to see the villagers taking out the last of the White soldiers when she heard a sob. She looked over as Regina removed the soldier's helmet, her hands still bound.
Regina looked down to see the villager who's plow she had fixed. "Lawrence?!" She heard Emma rush over, who cut her binds. Regina reached down and cradled the man's head, who had blood trickling from his mouth. "Why, Lawrence?"
The man gripped Regina's hands as he choked on the blood pooling in his throat. He locked eyes with her. "You-best chance-for my sons," he coughed out, eyes rolling in his head.
Regina sobbed as she gripped onto him. She leaned down and whispered, "I promise you, Lawrence. I will personally see that your sons have a good life. I promise you!"
Emma looked on as she saw the man smile and nod, then choke quietly as life drained out of him. She reached up and cupped Regina's face, looking at her in sympathy. Regina gazed at Emma through her tears and took her hand and kissed it.
Emma looked up as Phillip walked over, breathing heavy. He smiled down at them. "Highness, Captain. It seems we have found victory yet again."
Emma shook her head and took the offered hand. "How are you still alive? Look at you!" Emma indicates his blood soaked body as he helped her to his feet. She grimaced slightly at the pain.
Phillip just smiled at her. "A little pig's blood, some torn clothes. That would lead anyone to believe I was on death's doorstep." He winked at Emma as he dropped her hand. "Snow didn't have as many allies as she thought."
Emma noticed Regina carefully placing Lawrence's head on the floor, and moved to help the queen stand. She gingerly moved close to Regina, examining the cut on her face.
Regina chuckled, remembering this same scene outside a pub not too long ago. "It's just a scratch," she whispered. Regina heard Phillip clear his throat, and looked over to see the villagers looking intently at her. Regina left the comfort of Emma's nearness and walked over toward the throne. She stood and faced these brave villagers, whom had risked their lives for hers.
They were dirty and sweaty, many with blood trickling from various injuries. They were skinny and weather worn. And yet they had defeated a mob of trained soldiers. Regina felt tears pricking as one by one, they got down on one knee. She had to swallow down her emotion before she spoke. "My good people, rise, please." As they stood back up Regina took a deep breath. "Your bravery has saved me and this kingdom. Your loyalty shall be rewarded, I swear it. I will help you get back on your feet, help bring life to your fields again. I have several wagons of food headed this way as we speak. Once it arrives, I ask that you join me in a celebratory feast in your honor. Spread the word. White Kingdom is now under Queen Regina's rule for good. Together we will rebuild this land, maintain healthy livestock, produce successful harvests, and put food on your tables. No longer will you be taxed so severely that you can not feed your children. I give you my word, this kingdom will change."
There was silence until one man stood up and stepped forward. He bowed his head and crossed a fist over his chest. "Long live Queen Regina!"
The statement was echoed in a chorus as the rest of the rabble made the same gesture. Emma looked on, still holding her ribs. But she felt no pain. As she looked at Regina's bruised and bloody face, she was certain she had never looked as regal as she did then. Emma's heart swelled with pride and love, allowing a single tear to spill onto her cheek.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Regina sat regally on her chair in the courtyard. Emma stood at attention just behind her, both women still bearing the bruises and cuts from the battle a few days ago. Regina ended up not needing stitches, though there would be a small permanent scar. It would take time for Emma's ribs to heal, however she was lucky that everything else in there was okay.
The women were surrounded by Regina's guard, with many villagers lining the courtyard. They all watched on as Phillip dragged a bound Zelena into the center. She was grunting and groaning, straining against Phillip's strong hold. Phillip let her go once she reached the center, leaving her to stand there alone. She breathed heavily, looking around at the dozens of onlookers.
"What are you staring at?" She growled. She stumbled a bit, finally meeting Regina's eyes. "An execution? And here I thought you weren't the Evil Queen? Seems a public murder is exactly up the Evil Queen's alley." She addressed the people now. "Don't you see?! She's a murderous whore! Soon it will be you in my place!"
"Zelena!" Regina bellowed, snapping Zelena's attention to her. "Did you or did you not remove Snow White from my detention in the dungeon?"
Zelena just looked at her for a minute. "I did," she spat. "And I'd do it again. SHE is my queen, NOT you!"
Regina didn't even bat an eye. "And did you or did you not conspire with White soldiers to lead me and my men into a trap?"
Zelena was still breathing heavily. "It would have worked too, if Snow had let me poison your stupid lover girl like I wanted."
Regina tightened her jaw at the thought of Emma being poisoned by her own kitchen staff. Suddenly her voice became louder. "And did you or did you not assist Snow White in taking over the castle in my absence?"
Zelena shook her head, scoffing. "What is this, a joke?! You know damned well I did it, and I'd do it again!" She was near screaming.
"Then by the aforementioned crimes, you are guilty of treason to the crown, and hereby sentenced to death by hanging," Regina spoke with authority and contempt.
Zelena cried out as Phillip grabbed ahold of her and dragged her to the gallows. He handed her off to the hangman, who slipped a burlap bag over her head. She continued to scream as he tightened the noose.
Regina sighed out a deep breath and looked down on her lap. Even though she knew Zelena had to die, she didn't like witnessing a hanging. No matter how much this woman had done. She would never take joy in death. Except maybe that of one person.
Emma closed her eyes as she heard the trap door fall out from under Zelena, hearing the sickening crack as her neck broke. It was a blessing for Zelena, really. Instant death instead of slowly suffocating. Emma wondered if maybe Regina hadn't planned it that way. When she opened her eyes, her breath caught at the body swinging, but took a deep breath and steeled her stomach.
Her attention was drawn back to the center of the courtyard, where Phillip was dragging another woman to the center. This time when he let her go, he kicked her legs out from under her, no doubt getting in at least one lick for himself.
Snow angrily pushed herself to her feet, staggering and limping without the aid of her staff. She had dried blood all over her face from Emma's attack, and her eyes were nearly swollen shut. She looked around at the faces before finally looking up at Regina.
"Snow White, did you or did you not order and carry out the execution of the King of the Black Kingdom, your father, Leopold, and also attempt murder on the Queen as well?"
Snow stood staring, shaking slightly from the pain. She said nothing.
"Did you or did you not spread lies indicating that I was responsible for Leopold's death, and wage an unjust war on kingdom Black?" When she still didn't get an answer, Regina continued. "Did you or did you not place unjust taxes on your people, rob them of what little supplies they had, allowed their lands and their livestock to die where they lay, leaving your people in poverty without a second thought?" Slowly the crowd started becoming rowdy as Regina laid out Snow's crimes. They jeered and threw insults, crying out at their former queen's tyranny.
When Snow looked around frantically, Regina sighed out in satisfaction. "The people have spoken. You are guilty of murder, treason, deception and," Regina paused as she was a loss for words. "And for being a mother fucker." She rolled her eyes when she heard Emma snicker. "I sentence you to death. I find it fitting that your people decide exactly how that sentence will be carried out."
The restless crowd did nothing but shout and cheer for a moment, and Snow spun in place as the shouts came from all around her. Finally someone picked up a rock and threw it, cutting across Snow's shoulder. She cried out in pain as more rocks flew in her direction.
Regina looked on as the people closed in, until they completely overtook her. All Regina could do was listen to Snow's bloodcurdling screams as her former people exacted their revenge. She stood up as the screams continued and looked mournfully back at Emma. She took a deep cleansing breath and half smiled.
"Lets go," she said as she led Emma back into the castle. There was still much to do.