Wonderstruck
Chapter 20
Author's Notes: So it only took 20 chapters but I finally got them married. Now that they're together I think we'll begin to see the story beginning to come together quite a bit more as the mystery of the magicite and the diamond mines begin to deepen. Not to mention the political intrigue. As always if you like what you're reading please let me know. And if you really want to make me happy visit my Etsy shop The Nerd Spa. You can buy nerd scented bath products and lip balms from my business. And yes I do have a Once Upon a Time line and I do take custom orders. Thanks guys and I'll hopefully have the next chapter of this up shortly. ~ Scarlette
Regina offered a wan smile to Maleficent as she tried to pull her hair up into an elaborate up do. Disguised as she was, it was hard to view her as more than a handmaiden but she was enduring. So far they hadn't gotten caught and she was growing used to having her friend so close. "Are you leaving after I'm married off?" She asked softly.
"I'll attempt to stay for a bit longer though all the people are beginning to get to me. You know I don't like so much…noise."
"I know and I appreciate all you've sacrificed to be here with me."
"You look beautiful Regina."
"Thank you, do you think Emma will like it?"
"Does it matter?"
"That's enough. Fraternizing with the help Regina honestly. I thought I'd taught you better." Cora's chin lifted as she pushed open the door to her daughter's chambers. "It's time we get you into your dress."
"Yes, your Majesty." Regina dipped her head, the gold crown woven into her thick hair was uncomfortable but she'd make do. A golden crown of laurels how fitting, the conquering consort should her Mother had her way. Her deep burgundy dress cut in the exact styles favored at home awaited her; the fabric heavy thick velvet would keep her warm throughout the proceedings.
She moved with three other handmaidens behind a screen where her robe was undone and her undergarments were changed. She stepped into the gold colored slippers and shifted her arms into her dress. She took a breath and released it as the thick lacings were done up and pulled tight. She was shifted and moved until the full skirts settled around her ankles. Gold and burgundy the colors of her kingdom, everything that made her look exotic and like she didn't belong was there. The heavy earrings pulled at her ears, swinging with weight that would grow uncomfortable as the day wore on. She stepped from behind the screen and folded her hands in front of her, waiting for her Mother's approval or disapproval. The crown dug into her scalp as she shifted her head slightly trying to find a comfortable position.
"Perfect; everything a Princess of Springfall should be on her wedding day."
"Then I am a good representation for the Kingdom Majesty." Regina offered back as her Mother stepped forward, cupping her soft cheeks in her gloved hands. Despite what may have appeared to be a soft gentle touch, it was anything but. Regina could easily feel the steel in her Mother's hands. She wouldn't doubt if it rivaled the Gar scales that were said to be unpierceable once woven into mail.
"Do what you must to secure the throne Regina. Be everything your spouse desires and when the time is right, we will show these northerners that the true power lies with you."
"Don't you mean you Mother?"
Cora smiled condescendingly, "Oh my darling girl wherever would you get that idea?"
"Regina," Her Father smiled softly at her as she approached him in the hall. Elaborate couldn't begin to cover the royal wedding. Fairy lights, beautiful hand blown ornaments of pure silver, white, and gold hung scattered from the ceiling as though floating there on their own. Vases filled with icy blue and silver flowers lined the walkways interspersed with beautiful ice sculptures. Even a pair of snow leopards had been brought out for the occasion with thick silver leads and beautiful white bows around their necks. The guests gave them a wide breadth though they were a lovely addition Regina supposed. Her bouquet was beautiful though. Ice lilies interspersed with deep red roses a perfect combination, a coming together of two completely different flowers just like she and Emma.
"You look beautiful my dear."
"Thank you your Majesty. You look very dashing." She complimented her Father who offered her a warm smile. She stepped closer to him, the lace of her sleeves doing little to keep her warm though the gold fur bolero was doing its job. Why they'd chosen to put burgundy lace sleeves with her velvet wedding dress she'd never understand but that was how things went she supposed.
"Are you sure you want to do this Regina?" Her Father asked, drawing her close so that she was the only one to hear his words.
"I'm positive. I can be happy here. I feel it even if it may seem like I won't be."
"You will be away from your Mother and I."
"Yes but I will miss you."
"I will miss you as well my beautiful daughter."
Regina dipped her head, feeling the crown dig into her head for a moment. "I'm ready."
The wedding ceremony was strange to Regina but she'd endured. She'd wanted to flinch when the platinum bracelet was locked around her wrist but she endured. The tender smile on Emma's face had helped to calm her nerves. The ceremony was longer, much longer than those usually experienced in SpringFall or the warmer Kingdoms. The Northern Kingdoms always favored more rigorous traditions. She supposed they had to seeing as they had to endure the cold and ice of the north. They drank of the same cup, they fed one another the traditional cake, and they repeated the words of their vows as a capable priestess who smiled and spoke slowly and clearly, guiding them to ensure the proper words that bound them before the Valaar were properly spoken. Emma's tender looks and bright smile once again came through for her as the fate cord was tied around their other wrists signifying the bond before the gods.
She took a deep breath as her new wife led her to the dais where the table was set up for their wedding feast.
"Are you all right?" Emma asked, noting the far off look on Regina's pretty face. She really did look beautiful in red and gold. Next to her silver and white gown, they cut a beautiful figure.
"I'm fine; you look beautiful by the way. I have so rarely seen you in a dress."
Emma laughed, tilting her head as her platinum tiara shifted on her head. It wasn't as large as the one Regina wore but it was still beautiful.
"I wanted to wear breaches but I was told that wasn't appropriate." The blonde's cute nose wrinkled, "It's my wedding shouldn't I be allowed to wear what I like?"
"That isn't how a royal wedding works Princess."
"Are you still refusing to use my name?" Emma asked, lifting her new wife's hand to flash their matching platinum wedding bracelets. "This says you're mine and I'm yours. And if that wasn't enough the vows we took should've said it all."
"I'm not refusing to use your name. I'm merely using your title. I'm aware that you're Emma and I'm Regina and I'm your wife and you're mine. That's not something I can easily forget nor do I desire to." They walked slowly up the stairs amid cheers and well wishes and toasts to their union.
"I'm glad; I was afraid you may have changed you mind."
"I went through with it didn't I?" Regina asked, twisting slightly to face her wife as the woman drew out her chair for her. "Thank you." She smiled as she settled in the high backed chair, feeling Emma push it in before moving to take a seat beside her quickly so as to avoid the dark skinned guard that moved forward to pull her chair for her.
"Yes you did and now we're married until death."
"Even in death we'll be together. Our vows stated nothing less." Regina lifted her goblet to her lips, taking a small sip as the music began to play. It was heavier, more guttural than that of her own Kingdom which was known for lighter instruments like the flute and the mandolin but she found she liked it. It suited the more hearty North and she found herself tapping her feet in time with the beat.
Emma laughed, "To us." She lifted her goblet and Regina clinked hers to the other. They took a sip and smiled at one another as several more toasts were made. The pleasant buzz of a little too much wine made her relax, leaning into her new wife and laughing at the dancers that were beginning to show how much they'd imbued of the spirits and heavy foods.
"You haven't eaten much." Emma breathed beside her ear, making her shiver. Who would've guessed her ears were sensitive?
"What?" She looked at the winter princess, her eyes slightly glazed.
"I said you haven't eaten much."
"I'm not really that hungry. I'm just enjoying watching what's going on."
"They are starting to show how much ale they've drank. Especially my Godfather. He loves the stuff, can handle it like a fish usually too." She pointed towards the dwarf, who was holding to large tankards in both hands and sipping from one and then the other. It wouldn't take long before those were empty and he'd refill them again.
"I can see that. At least he's not trying to dance like others." She pointed towards a red cheeked dwarf with a bright, albeit dopey grin currently enjoying himself with several different ladies on the dance floor.
"That's Happy. He's always up for a good time. He's Grumpy's brother."
"I was unaware dwarves had families."
"Oh yes, they usually hatch in groups. There are eight in Grumpy's family."
"Oh, well I'll have to do some reading on them. I'd like to know about the other races of my new homeland."
"You're amazing you know that?"
"How so?"
"You're just taking all this into stride and talking about learning things about Wintersend and I know that's not easy and I just want you to know how much I cherish that about you. And I'm not much of a reader, I'm more of a doer than a researcher but I will learn to for you and I know I'll love SpringFall the same way I hope you come to love Wintersend."
"I will," Regina promised with a small smile. Maybe it was the wine, maybe it was the sweet words but she found herself leaning forward and tenderly pressing her lips to Emma's thinner pink ones. The blonde gasped and then kissed back with equal tenderness. There was nothing to the kiss, a butterfly kiss really. Light and sweet, nothing passionate and heavy but that was all it needed to be. It didn't need to be something more. It was just them and they were there together and no one else in the room truly mattered at that moment.
The magicite around her neck, tucked underneath her heavy dress pulsed happily, fluttering with colors as it responded to what it perceived as a coming together of two souls but Regina didn't notice it. She was too caught up in the kiss and Emma and wine and good food.
Cora took a sip of her wine, pleased to see her daughter acting like the perfect new wife.
"I will have those diamonds." She murmured to her husband.
"I will do what I can." He promised, despite the sinking feeling in his stomach.
"It's begun." Venar said softly, standing near the entranceway to the kitchens. He grinned, white blue eyes alight with eager viciousness.
When the Snow Melts, What Does it Become? It becomes Spring
End Book 1