A chance to prove yourself
A few people have asked for a follow up to "The prodigal daughter".
And happy Boxing Day everyone! I hope Santa was good to you all ;)
Red kept her arm round her goddaughter's shoulders at they entered the palace.
"You're still fine." Red reminded her. "They'll just be glad you're back safe." Emma nodded, but she wasn't sure she believed her Aunt Red. The whole way to the family sitting room where her parents were waiting for her, Emma's heart was pounding. She gulped when Red opened the door and gently pushed her forward.
"Emma." Her mom gasped, and both her parents rushed forward, embracing her. Emma tentatively wrapped an arm around each parent, still worried they were going to yell. They pulled back, looking her up and down for any sign of injury.
"We were so worried." Charming said, placing a hand on her cheek. "When we saw that you were gone, all sorts of things ran through our heads. We were worried we'd never see you again…"
"Yeah, well I'm back, no harm done." Emma said, not able to look them in the eye. "Your stupid speech is safe." Snow tilted Emma's chin up so they were making eye contact.
"Emma, we were far more worried about you than some daft speech. We don't want you to feel forced into it, but at the same time we want you to know we have complete faith in you that you'll do a marvellous job." Emma could feel the tears building up in her eyes.
"What if I mess up?" She asked, no confidence in herself. Charming pulled his daughter into a warm hug.
"You won't mess up baby. We'll go over it with you again and again until you're happy with it. Just look right at us, forget all the other people are there."
"We both remember our first Royal speeches. We know it's scary, but we know you'll do us proud. But if you really don't want to do it, we won't make you." Emma looked at both of her parents. She knew them well, and knew if they said they wouldn't force her, they wouldn't force her. But she knew how happy it would make them if she did the speech. So slowly, she nodded.
"I'll do it." Each parent smiled warmly, kissing one of Emma's cheeks.
"We're so proud of you, honey. We know you'll do wonderfully."
Emma nearly collapsed with relief as she finished her speech and the crowd of guests gave her a round of applause. She walked on weak legs back to her parents' side. Her mom found her hand and squeezed it.
"Well done." She whispered. "You done wonderfully."
"Yes you did." Charming added. "You done both us and yourself proud, sweetheart." Emma smiled, relieved. She searched out her Aunt Red in the crowd how have her two thumbs up, causing Emma to grin. She felt so proud of herself. Maybe one day, she would make a good Queen.