(A/N: I hope you all enjoy this, I'm going to try to update every Monday. This is my Xena: Warrior Princess-inspired fic!)

A Knight and A Princess

Episode 1: Pilot

"…There rode a woman with brunette hair, that flowed in the wind on horseback. A warrior and a knight. Protecting villages, people, whomever she passed on her journey. Daring and bold, letting no soul ruin her adventure…" Curling blonde locks danced about her face as she read the tail of the woman knight who fought for justice in the lands. Her favorite spot was down by the pond just outside the Kingdom's safety. Swans swimming across the pond in the reefs that danced about on the water. She glimpsed up and smiled brightly, her green eyes shimmering in the sunlight.

"How lovely it would be to be free and roaming on such grand adventures. Seeing the realm and all its glory? Fighting ogres and trolls…" Heavily sighing escaped her, shoulders drooping down longing to live such a life. One that could never happen for her. Shortly startled by the swans in panic, squawking with wings flapping gliding across the water to fly into the air. She gathered quickly to her feet. Velvet blue robes glided over her slender body. Revealing royal colors to the house of White.

Guards were quick to lunge a surprise at her. Grabbing her wrist she yelped before giving them a serious scolding expression. "Release me you swine!" She exclaimed fighting to loosen their grip. "You don't know who you are dealing with!"

Black uniforms with green feathers in their helmets all laughed at her. The main guard smiled coyly at the blonde, "Emma White? Is that who I am dealing with? If so, I believe I know exactly who you are. Now, you are under arrest."

Nostrils rising, "I repeat, release me now or else!" Yanking her wrist from him only to have it gripped tighter. She held back a yelp from the pain that was inflicted by his grip. "Who dares to arrest me?" Staring into his eyes holding up her guard. It wasn't that she didn't know who had a bounty on her head but she merely was delaying in hopes her own guards would soon come to her aid.

Laughing at her he cocked his head towards his crew pointing a thumb at her, "Can you believe how dimwitted this princess is? Who? Who would want her arrested?"

A smile crept across her lips, lowering her head helplessly she waited for the opportunity to escape if all else seemed to fail. She would use her magic if needed but her mother and father warned her against it. The helpless act is what she was told to play otherwise she could possibly harm herself or even others that she didn't entail. She hated it, no matter the magic lessons the Blue fairy has been giving her she wished she could use it for more than fairy-like tasks. Defenseless. Lost in her thoughts she heard silence fall upon her. Coming back to it she finally caught what was happening around her.

The guard had turned to look at her and a kick laid straight into the side of his face thrusting him to the dirt ground below them. A scream warning echoed through the surrounding area. Catching Emma's eyes was a woman in leather garments, dark brown chestnut hair flowed in the wind with each of her movements. A chanting cry escaped from her plump red lips. A tight stance shifted to defend, waiting for the other guards to attack her.

Excitement rose within Emma at this sight of the woman. She was a legend, the one, and only Regina, Knight warrior. Here to save her of all people! Trying to keep her focus as the thoughts ran through her head, fangirling and then reality hitting. The fight broke out in front of her and she stood there frozen in place. Suddenly she felt a warm strong grip take her hand. Her body was light as a feather while she was swept off her feet and lifted onto a horse. She instinctively wrapped her arms around the woman's waist. Holding on tightly as possible with the speed the horse had taken off. The arrows shot at them from behind, yelling from the guards who had begun chasing them.

Once the adrenaline from all the excitement drained from her system and the arrows had stopped firing into the air whooshing past them. Silence had fallen on them and Emma found herself turning her head over her shoulder seeing some of the men fallen, twitching on the ground behind them. Sprawled out were weapons all over many unconscious others stunned at defeat by the knight who had single-handedly taken them down. The brunette knight had fought from horseback without Emma being aware. The men never had a chance. "Not much of a fight in them…" she said turning her head back, leaning a bit to her side to see ahead of the woman.

Grinning, the brunette laughed, her hair bouncing on her back and shoulders. Tossing strands in front of her face. "I didn't expect much out of them. Though, if I were, to be honest, they didn't have a chance, to begin with. Weak just like their Queen," she snorted. Slowing down the horse once they reached a clearance. "Regina," she said turning to the woman behind her, "now that we can be formally introduced."

A smile painted Emma's lips, "I had a feeling that's who you were, I'm Emma." So much admiration for her, Regina was even more beautiful than the stories had described her to be. A little rugged yet her skin was soft and glowing. Perfectly suited to the woman's figure and features.

"Pleasure to meet you, Emma. But might I ask how you figured that is who I was?" She raised a brow in reply. "Also why are the Evil Queen's guards after you?"

"Well… I was just reading about you… villages and kingdoms note and log about their run-ins with you." She blushed slightly behind her hair. "Collecting," Emma finally answered quickly after. "Apparently, I am a necessary pawn in play that everyone wants their grubby hands on. All due to who my parents are." A scoff and eye roll followed. Annoying it was and Emma wanted desperately to change it. But it seemed impossible let alone inevitable.

Pursing her lips together sliding off the horse, "So let me guess, you're folks are Queen Snow and King Charming?" Regina chuckled, "How unfortunate for you. Is that why you are so far away from home?" Questioning curiously of why a princess that was desirable was out of her own kingdom. Had she run off? Considering there were none of the White's guards about to protect her. "No babysitter?" She added in thought.

"Yes them and yes actually it is really unfortunate. I hate it and I was just wanting a break from constant surveillance. Though I had thought someone was following me from a distance I suppose no one saw me this time." Emma laughed, "Surprisingly I was wrong." She honestly thought one of the dwarfs or Ruby would have followed her closely considering everything, they always have and for the first time ever….nothing.

Holding the horse by its reins, petting it gently. "Well, I don't blame you for wanting a break. Being a princess probably isn't all it's cracked up to be. Have you had any self-defense taught to you? I mean, only asking since they seem to trust you'll be okay." Question the idea that a Princess of Queen Snow and King Charming would ever be left unattended. Especially if she was a pawn such as she said.

Emma looked around momentarily, shaking her head, "All I have been taught is magic by the fairies." She bit her lower lip feeling embarrassed at the notion. "They don't believe in defense magic oddly enough. It's not pure they say."

"Fairies…teaching magic?" Regina shook her head, "now that sounds absurd if you ask me. What about weapon training of some sort?"

Shrugging her shoulders, "I mean… my mother has taught me how to use a bow but I'm not allowed to have one."

Staring blankly, jaw dropped at Emma's reply trying not to laugh but her shoulders hunched slowly forward and her hand cupped her mouth, "What sort of joke is this? Fairy teaching magic… not allowed to keep your own bow in case of an attack… do they rely on you never leaving your tower too?" She added with a muffling laugh that had managed to escape her. "This is surreal even for me."

Rolling her eyes, Emma felt her pale skin starting to redden by embarrassment. Her voice rose as she playfully whacked the woman's arm. "Hey! It's not like I had a choice. My parents said it would help keep me safe and pure."

Regina's laugh came more apparent, her head flinging back as her hands rested on her stomach. "Pure?" she roared in amusement.

"OF LIGHT!" She spat out. "Not like that! I mean… I am but oh my gods not what I meant!" Emma puffed up her cheeks. Now feeling her whole body turning red. "Just shut up, I'd rather be trained by someone, not a fairy. They even struggle saying it's too powerful. It's why the Dark One is also after me…"

Teasingly Regina smirked playing with the golden locks of Emma's hair, "Well now, if you aren't a trophy. What sort of reward would you fetch me?" She calmed down her laughter, dropping her hand back to her side. Hearing a rustle coming from the bushes nearby grabbed her attention within seconds. "Shh…" she whispered, releasing the reins of the horse creeping towards the noise. A hand on her hips slowly reached for the hilt of her sword. Fingers curled around with each step she took. Hunching forward her grip tightened.

Heavy breathing rustled the leaves of the bushes. A beast with pure black eyes loomed from between the branches. Barring its sharp white teeth, its jaw clenched tightly. Paws digging into the ground ready to make their move.

"Emma, stay on the horse and if I whistle go." She glared back at her for a second. Her voice is calm and stern. Regina moved closer pulling her sword out of its sheath a few inches.

The wolf lunged forward making its move. Aiming its teeth for Regina's throat. Falling submissively to its feet at Emma's call Snarling at the brunette, the wolf ran to Emma's side, shifting human. Startling the horse Emma slid off it calming it before approaching the now human. Taking off her cloak and wrapping the naked woman that stood beside her. "Ruby, what are you doing here?" Looking around, "Where did you come from anyway?"

Dropping her sword back into its sheath Regina hunched forward curiously and cautiously, "You know this…wolf?"

Nodding at her, "Yes, she's a friend and one of my mother's most trusting council members… and one of my guards."

"Yes, I am her protector," her words like venom, "Queen Snow's best friend." Cold as ice in her eyes, her body tense and defensive as she leered at Regina. "And just who might you be, exactly?" her nostrils flared up, "and why are you with our Princess?" Turning she was quick to glance over Emma, taking her hands looking up her arms, and checking her face. "You aren't hurt are you?"

Rolling her eyes Regina relaxed a bit more as she walked over towards the two of them. Her feet dragging in the leaves, "Regina," she began, "as for Emma—-" her words cut off.

"PRINCESS EMMA," Ruby spat twirling to face the woman. Hunched over, arms open behind her back.

Resisting the urge to laugh Regina halted in her movement. Smiling, giving Emma a look, "-Princess," she reiterated, "Emma, and for your information, I saved her from some of the Evil Queen's guards since no one else was around. To top it off, apparently, she is a true damsel since she has no idea how to even defend herself." She gestured with her hands.

Ruby glanced the woman up and down and then Emma, raising her brow concern in her face. "That is what happens when dwarfs go off to keep an eye on you... It was probably Sleepy. He isn't the best of guards… and what makes you think you can even—" her finger wags, "trust this woman? You know her history, who she is, and what she does." Turning to face Regina, "and you get no right to judge how our Princess is. Her parents took it into her best interest."

"Snow White thought it was best to keep her daughter locked in a tower and never thought to teach her any means of a way to defend herself in case she is captured? Great job. Last I recall the Queen had a time of being chased by people for years before becoming Queen." Regina lectured, placing her hands on her hips.

Emma covered her mouth to hide her laughter. "Regina is a savior, a warrior, a knight. She was going to assist me back to the castle Ruby. Please, let her come with us. I'm sure my parents would like to meet her."

"Doubtful. But if you want… your parents are worried sick about you. Grumpy had started an entire commotion and even my grandmother is out and ready with her bow. I don't think the kingdom has heard the same stories you have." Cocking her head to look at Regina some more, "And I don't think your parents want to hear from this woman how they are terrible people." Her mouth tensed up at the words.

"Emma, are you sure about this? Your wolf friend isn't a hundred percent wrong about my history and I would totally lecture them." She smirked at the thought of lecturing the king and queen.

"Thank you," Ruby tipped her head. Finally the first sensical thing out of the woman's mouth.

"It's just one night and Regina you deserve this after saving me. If she were a knight from another kingdom we'd take her in. I'm sure my parents would at least like to reward her… even if she lectures them." Emma didn't bother to hide her laughter this time. A small dance in her skip as she followed Ruby who had already begun heading down the path.

"If I say yes, will you just move along?" Ruby sighed.

"Come Regina and meet my parents!" She sing-songy looking back at Regina, picking up her pace.

A faint chuckle escaped Regina as she tipped her head and followed them. Taking the reins of her horse, "Very well, I can't argue with that princess. But only to make an appearance. I do not plan on overstaying my welcome."

"There's no such thing!" Emma insisted.

….~~~~~~~~~~...

"Your highness Princess Emma has arrived with Ruby and another." Leroy rushed in almost out of breath. Hunched over he twirled around to face the doors as they swung back open.

"Mother, father!" Emma curtsied before her folks. Reading the expression that painted their faces. One mixed with gratitude, anger, and worry.

Snow stepped from her chair and moved towards her daughter, "Emma, you can't just run off like that. You know how dangerous out there it is. Every single time it's one thing after another." Snow held her head high, worry rang in her voice as she looked upon her daughter.

"You know your mother is right Emma. We can't have you just galavanting about like that. You have no protection if on your own."

Regina stood behind Emma, choking back her sarcasm, the words that she so wished to spew at them. Instead, a laugh croaked out from her.

"I don't like being confined and always watched, and I could defend myself if you just taught me how! I enjoy the adventure like in my books. You always go on so many times yet I never get the chance to join you." Emma argued, holding her ground.

"Don't argue with us, Emma. We set strict rules for a reason. Your safety and there is a reason you can't learn defense. You have no actual reason to if you just stay here where it's safe." Charming stood walking over towards them.

"Keeping her confined and helpless is in her best interest? Excuse me?" Regina could no longer hide it and let the comments run off her tongue.

"Emma, who is your friend?" Snow glanced curiously.

Charming looked the woman up and down with a bitter taste in his mouth. "Yes… you are who exactly?"

A quick curtsy, though unpleasant to watch Regina tugged a smile in the corners of her lips, "Regina," her voice trailed as their expressions fell and Charming was quick to pull his daughter back. "I am just here to drop her off, don't be alarmed."

"R—Regina?" Snow stammered and looked at her husband. "Well—" her words choked in the back of her throat, "t–thank you for bringing Emma back with Ruby… but, we must kindly ask you to leave. We will supply you with food and beverages, along with gold as our appreciation." She looked to her husband who nodded his head in agreement.

Bowing Regina humbly accepted, "Than you, your majesties. That is quite kind of you."

Jaw-dropping Emma shook her head, "Regina no, you need to rest please let us give you—"

"That's quite alright Emma, I respect your parent's wishes. I don't want to make an enemy and bring more dangers to the kingdom." Regina shook her head smiling.

A tiny fairy flew past the guards before anyone could announce their arrival. Growing to full size her blue dress poofing outwards and brown curls pinned up in a bun bounced about. "Queen Snow and King Charming," she curtsied.

"Oh Blue, thank you for coming, I'm sorry we ran into a small problem—" Snow looked at Emma who rolled her eyes.

Smiling at the princess, Blue then glanced towards the brunette, "And— I see you have a guest. My apologies. I should have waited."

"No, don't I was just on my way out." Regina grimaces a smile at the fairy.

Snow waved to one of the guards and Ruby to come forward, "Thank you for understanding, Regina. This guard will take you to the stables where everything and your horse will be." Ruby stood before she and Snow patted her friend on the back, "Ruby please take Emma to her room to clean up and change so that she can begin her training with Blue."

"Of course, Snow." Ruby smiled and looked at Emma before heading towards the door.

Emma bit down on her bottom lip tearing her teeth over it following Ruby slowly. Wide green puppy eyes fell on Regina as she walked past her. Pleading with the woman who she saw but a smile and heard a low chuckle come from her.

The guard stepped to Regina, bowing, "Come with me please, ma'am." He spoke in a low voice.

"But of course," her eyes traced the Blue Fairy up and down, rolling them while letting out a low scoff. "Fake," she muttered under her breath. Never did she like the fairy let alone had any good encounters with her in the past. Following the guard out to the stables. Her horse cleaned up with a fresh polish to the saddle. A new leather bag strapped to its side stored beverages and food.

The guard handed her a leather coin purse filled with gold. "For your troubles," he said before turning and exiting the stables.

Regina nodded her head and tied the pouch to the belt that wrapped around her waist. Petting her horse she gathered its reins hopping onto the saddle, "HYAH!" she exclaimed. The horse neighed lifting its hooves into the air taking off out of the stables. Running out into the village that hid within the kingdom.