It had been over a week since the Dark Kingdom had learned that the White Princess was not to be executed. Some were greatly disappointed in the decision but most breathed a sigh of relief that a child so young would be spared. It was a warm but breezy day as both the White Princess and the Dark Princess strolled through the fields until they reached a break off and the palace's creek when Emma stopped suddenly.

"Surely you aren't still afraid of the water!" Regina admonished the younger girl when she refused to go any further.

"I beg your pardon! I fear naught, I just wish to stop here!" Emma huffed indignantly causing Regina to cackle in a very UN-Princess like manner.

"You sound like a witch will your cackling about! Or a hog straight from the pen!" Emma insulted the girl, grinning when Regina stopped and turned a reddish hue.

"Hold your tongue!" Regina stamped her foot in a warning

"I shall not! Regina le witch! Get it? Le witch?" Emma chuckled now at her own joke. The french tutor that she had been assigned to for her stay used Le in front of everything and anything. He had even taken to calling her Le Princess Emma.

"Take it back!" Regina growled but Emma only laughed harder. Without thinking about what she was doing she pushed the girl hard. She was so angry that some of her magic leaked out and she ended up pushing the child harder than she meant to. Emma tumbled to the ground, and to both of their horrors her bottom lip began to tremble as she turned away from Regina.

"Oh Gods! I'm so sorry!" Regina sank to her knees beside Emma, ignoring the dirt and grass stains that were sure to mar her dress.

"It's fine! I shouldn't have laughed at you." Emma managed to hold her tears at bay.

"No it's not fine. I'm truly sorry, my dear." Regina hugged Emma briefly before helping them both off the ground .

"You really ought to brush up on a witty comeback. That way you don't have to result to childish antics." Emma smiled letting her know all was forgiven.

"Come. I shall buy your forgiveness with the chocolate cake you seem to hold close to your heart." Regina sniffed taking the girls hand.

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Both girls were in the dining halls, Regina was watching Emma in morbid fascination as the girl ate her large slice of cake with gusto. Chocolate smeared her pale cheeks but she looked so cute with her rosy nose and wide set grin. Cora walked into the room and eyed the duo knowingly

"What did you do Regina?" Cora sighed as she to watched the girl devour the cake with an amused smile.

"Why must you assume that it was me?" Regina feigned hurt as Emma snorted

"Very ladylike." Regina deadpanned.

"She pushed me down!" Emma answered Cora causing Regina to scowl.

"Honestly Regina! Need I remind you that we use our words?" Cora admonished the girl like she was a toddler.

"She called me a witch!" Regina practically pouted with her arms folded as she glared at the table.

"And you! You just live to push her buttons don't you?" Cora turned on Emma who shot her an impish grin.

"Her buttons are so easily pushed!" Emma proved a point when she tickled Regina's side causing the girl to yelp.

"I swear you two are like an old married couple." Cora sighed

"One day maybe!" Emma piped up catching both of them off guard.

"What make you think I would marry you?" Regina furrowed her nose causing Emma to roll her eyes.

"I bring you flowers. We go on walks. I know you loves apples and horses. You don't like French because its very tedious and I tell you goodnight before you sleep. Plus I'm a Princess so it seems pretty cut and dry to me." Emma explained causing Cora and Regina to laugh at her immature views of what a marriage should be based off of.

"Dear, when I marry it shall be for love!" Regina tiffed

"You'll love me, I'm sure of it!" Emma spoke confidently "Plus I'm the only one who puts up with you and your moods." She finished with a smirk.

"Ever the confident one." Regina mocked.

"Well if you two are finished with your bickering, I have some news." Cora interrupted what was sure to be another argument that would end with Emma and a slice of cake. When both girls quieted down she began to speak.

"As you both know, I have spoken to your sister Regina. It was about Emma. I was wondering if she would take the Princess under her wing and mentor her in the ways of running a kingdom until she reached of age." Cora began but Emma cut her off.

"Your sending me away? Did I do something wrong?" The girl frowned and pushed away the remainder of her cake, suddenly not hungry.

"No sweet girl. Sending you away is for your own safety, ever since the bounty on your head was place it hasn't been safe for you here. We still do not know who put out the bounty and now I'm doubting if we ever will. This is just until the smoke clears, then you may visit. We have big plans for you." Cora told the girl.

"What type of plans?" Emma now looked up eagerly

"For the White throne of course! It is your birthright!" The Queen informed her.

"The throne belongs to Leopold. He is the male heir." Emma denied

"That's not how politics work Emma. You brother is a bastard, he is not recognised by the court. These are thing's Zelena will be able to teach you while I train Regina to be my successor. She is very skilled at magic, she will be good for you." Cora finished

"If you insist." Emma looked down again.

"She shall be here to collect you tomorrow. Finish your cake darling and then go wash up." Cora said before leaving.

"I bet you'll be happy that I'm out of your hair!" Emma attempted a smile but it came out as a grimace.

"We shall still see each other. I have grown quite fond of your presence not matter how annoying it truly is." Regina spoke dryly.

"I told you, you'd love me!" Emma pressed a chocolate kiss to the brunettes unsuspecting cheek before scurrying off, leaving a shocked Regina.