Good morning, Miss Emily" Violet greets fondly, as she steps into the blondes chamber. Whilst, holding what looks like a piece of parchment.
"Hi" Emma greets back, as she sits upon the bed, and puts her boots on.
"The Queen, has requested I give you this" Violet then says, whilst holding out the piece of parchment for Emma to take.
Emma eyes the paper curiously, and thinks, why is Regina writing to me!
"Thanks" Emma then replies, as she takes the paper and looks closely at the script upon the front.
It reads Emily Swan, in perfect flowing pen.
"Should I be worried?" she asks Violet. Who is standing by the dresser and waiting.
"I don't think so. As, the Queen was smiling when she gave it to me, and that is usually a good sign"
"Okay" Emma then mutters back, and takes a deep breath. Before opening the letter.
Miss Swan
Are the first words Emma reads, and she rolls her eyes, whilst beginning to smirk.
The queen, had taken to calling her that, over the last two weeks. Because, she didn't want to accidently say Emma, instead of Emily in front of people.
I don't know if you are aware, but it has now been two months since our first meeting, and I would like to celebrate such an occasion, by having breakfast with you in the kitchens, where we first officially meet.
Emma's heart melts at this, as she continues to read.
Mrs Lucas, has laid on pancakes, pastries. All your favourites I believe. So, as soon as you read this. Please make your way to the kitchens, where you can eat, until your stomachs content.
Regina x
Emma feels tears well up in her eyes. Clearly touched, and she stands up, and looks away from the maid. As, she doesn't want the girl, to see the effect Regina's words have on her.
But its pretty pointless, because Violet had seen the way, that Emma would stare and blush in the Queen's presence.
"Yeah, Everything is great and Regina has requested my presence for breakfast" Emma explains.
"Don't you do that every morning?" Violet asks, with a frown.
"Yeah, we do" Emma smiles at the girl. "But, today we are having breakfast in the kitchens"
"The Queen, never takes her breakfast in the kitchens" she replies, confused.
"Well, maybe she wants a change. Mix things up a little" Emma smirks.
"Or maybe, she wants to mix things up for you" Violet then remarks seriously, and Emma's eyes widen. Before, she shakes her head.
"I should get going" she then says, whilst walking towards the door, and Violet sighs.
When Emma opens the kitchen doors, a dozen smells hit her nose instantly.
She can't pinpoint every one, but whatever they are they smell good.
"Miss Swan" Regina greets, with a wide smile upon her face. As, she steps away from Mrs Lucas. Who had been stirring a pot, upon the stove.
"Hi" Emma greets back, whilst a goofy grin takes over her face.
"I am surprised, that your majesty would lower herself to eat in the kitchens, when she has a grand hall to dine in" Emma then teases, and Regina rolls her eyes.
"Well, I could always change my mind" she teases back, and Mrs Lucas scoffs.
"You will do no such thing. Now sit both of you" she tells both Regina and Emma, and both look at the older woman.
"Shall I remind you who is in charge here?" Regina then remarks casually, and Mrs Lucas just smiles, whilst picking up a plate and taking it to the table.
Regina and Emma, then follow her and they sit down at the table. Which now has pancakes, pastries and fruit upon it.
"You really didn't have to go to all this trouble" Emma says, as she reaches for the pancakes.
"I know, but I wanted to do something nice for you" Regina replies with a small smile, as she picks up one of the pastries.
"Something nice, for our two month anniversary right?" Emma teases, whilst bringing a piece of food to her mouth.
"Of course" Regina smirks back.
"What will you do for our three month anniversary, I wonder? or shall I have to think of something?" Emma then teases.
"Well, that depends if you want to think of something dear" Regina raises an eyebrow at the blonde, as if she is challenging Emma and Emma chuckles.
She couldn't remember a time, where she had felt so comfortable with someone. That she could tease and banter with them and be herself.
"Yeah, okay. I'm sure I can come up with something worthy of a Queen " she then replies, whilst stuffing her face with more pancakes.
Later that afternoon, Regina takes Henry to Emma's chamber, and she opens the door, helping her father inside.
"Oh, Hi" Emma says, upon seeing both Henry and the Queen enter her chamber, and she quickly moves towards them.
"I wasn't expecting you" Emma says slightly surprised, as Regina had told her that she had meetings attend, and would be busy for the rest of the day.
"Do you want us to leave?" Henry asks with a frown, as he sits down in the chair near the window.
"Oh no, I am happy to see you both. I just thought, that Regina was busy for the rest of the day" she looks to the Queen, who lets out a sigh, and goes to sit herself upon the dresser stool.
"I have been able to spare these moments, to bring my father here. So, I may discuss with you both, of something which I have just learned" she frowns, as she looks to Henry.
"What is it sweetheart?" he asks ,and Regina looks to Emma
"Your mother, has sent over a hundred men to the border. To come in search of you"
Emma's eyes widen.
"They gave my patrol at the border, a correspondence which I now have read" she then explains and Emma frowns.
"What does it say?" she asks, whilst gripping her hands tightly, within her lap.
"It says, that she has it on good authority, that someone is harbouring you withing my kingdom. That, she wants the men at the border, to come into my land to rescue you"
Emma scrunches her face.
"Rescue me? Really! she knows full well I wasn't kidnapped"
"That may be true, but she is awaiting my reply, and If I do not answer, or agree to the action, it will lead to consequences"
Emma puts her head in her hands at this, and Henry shakes his head.
"What shall you do?" Henry, then asks.
"Well, I want to deny her of course, but I do not want to start a war, that my people will suffer for"
"I don't want that either" Emma then says sadly, and adds "I don't want anyone to suffer for me. I shall go back"
"NO!" Regina instantly replies, whilst standing, and walking over to the bed, on which Emma sits on.
She leans down in front of Emma, to both Emma's and Henry's surprise.
"I will not send you back to that misery. You have become rather dear to me Emma, and I couldn't bare knowing, that you were being mistreated and forced into a marriage you do not want" Regina tells her seriously, and Emma's eyes begin to water.
Regina then takes Emma's hands.
"I will think of a way, to appease your mother. Whilst also protecting my people"
"What if its impossible?" Emma mutters out, whilst staring into wide chocolate eyes.
"Nothing is impossible" she says firmly, whilst looking over to her father "You taught me that" she adds.
Henry smiles at this, and nods.
"Yes I did" he replies.
Regina then looks back to Emma. Who squeezes the queens hands, and they stare at one another for a long moment.
As if communicating without words, and Henry watches, in rapt attention.
He then, see's Regina pull her hands away, but she reaches up, and cups Emma's cheek.
"No not worry yourself. I've got this, and everything will be well. I'm sure of it" she tells the blonde, who takes a deep breath, and leans her head slightly into the Queen's hand.
Regina then pulls away and stands up. Before, patting down her burgundy dress.
"I have to take my leave now. As, I am needed in the throne room. Will you be okay to help daddy back to his chamber?" she asks Emma, and the blonde nods.
"I can do that" she agrees, and Regina steps over to her father, and kisses him upon the cheek.
"I shall see you later" she tells him.
"Okay. I look forward to hearing your progress" he replies softly, and she smiles at him and nods. Before taking her leave.
Once Regina leaves, Emma looks down and sighs.
"I am sure, that everything will work out" she then, hears Henry say simply.
"Yeah, I hope so. I just, don't want Regina to have this stress when she's been through so much already"
"She told you about Mallory?" Henry asks, in surprise.
"Oh, No, I've just heard the gossip about her. But, it sounds really bad"
Henry sighs, whilst leaning back in the chair.
"I should have done more to protect her. But, it was like the woman had Regina under a spell"
"Maybe she did. She had magic right?" Emma asks.
"Yes. She is a very powerful sorceress. One, Regina wanted to learn from"
"Where is she now?"
"I do not know. She just left one day, and hasn't come back"
"Do you think, she will ever come back?" Emma asks, whilst hoping not.
"I hope not. For everyone's sake. She's more trouble, than your mother"
"That's hard to believe"
"Well, did you mother, ever lay a hand on you? Belittle you so much, that you began to believe it? and make you believe, that you were losing your mind?"
Emma swallows thickly, and shakes her head.
For all Snows faults, she didn't go that far.
"Well, that's some, of what Mallory did to my daughter"
"I can't imagine, what Regina went through"
"Yes, It was tough seeing her like that, but she got through it, and I am proud of her"
Emma tilts her head at this, and smiles.
"She truly is, an amazing woman" Emma then says, wistfully and Henry smiles.
"She likes you too" he replies, which makes Emma begin to blush and she ducks her head.
"Your good for her" he then tells Emma, who shakes her head.
"I just hope, I don't become a burden. You have both, been so kind to me, and I don't know how to repay that"
Henry smiles softly at Emma.
"You already are. By making my Regina smile and laugh again. She hardly ever did, before you came"
"Really?" she looks back up.
"Yes" he chuckles, at Emma's surprised expression.
"Well, I will do my best to continue that" she now smiles, and Henry smiles back.
The next morning, Emma is going to the castle kitchens, to have breakfast. As, Regina is busy with royal duties.
She is thinking about Regina, when enters the kitchen, and is surprised to see a slim, brunette woman. Who she has not seen before, talking with Mrs Lucas.
"Hi" she greets, and steps towards the table to sit down.
"Emily" Mrs Lucas greets happily. "I was not expecting you this morning"
"Yeah, well, Regina has royal duties to attend, and I am rather hungry"
Mrs Lucas nods.
"Let me introduce you to my grand daughter, Ruby" the older woman then says, and Emma looks to the dark haired woman. Who is leaning against the counter, whilst smiling in a predatory way at Emma.
"Um, Hi" she says back, a little awkwardly. Whilst feeling, a little uncomfortable.
"She's cute" Ruby replies instantly, and Emma doesn't know what to say to that.
"Shall I cook up some pancakes?" Mrs Lucas, then asks Emma.
"Yeah, that would be great, thanks" Emma smiles in agreement, and watches, as the woman gets to work.
Ruby meanwhile, leans off the counter, and goes to sit opposite Emma.
Which makes Emma lean back slightly.
"So, I've heard that your the Queens new pet" Ruby says bluntly, and Emma's mouth drops open.
"Ruby" Mrs Lucas scolds and adds "She is no such thing. Leave her be"
"Why else, would the Queen take a peasant off the side of the road, if not to be a pet?" Ruby then says back, and Emma clenches her jaw.
"I am not a pet" she then, snaps back, which makes Ruby smile.
"Your certainly her type" Ruby remarks, with a smirk.
Emma blinks at this, and thinks, am I her type?
"The Queen, has a thing for blondes" Ruby then whispers, with a wink.
Mrs Lucas, then comes to the table, and puts a plate in front of Emma. She looks between the two seated women and notices, that Emma is tense.
"Why don't you tell Emily, of your adventures" she asks, her grand daughter. Who sighs.
However, before Ruby can say anything more, the kitchen door swings open and Regina walks in.
"There you are" She says to Emma, Who turns her head to look at her.
Regina, then see's Ruby, sitting opposite the blonde and she frowns.
"I see, you have finally returned to us. You should have returned weeks ago" she says, to the woman seriously.
"Did you miss me?" Ruby asks, Whilst battering her eyelids at Regina, who scoffs.
"You think to highly of yourself Miss Lucas, and that is no why to be speaking to your Queen"
Ruby laughs at that.
"You love me really" she then remarks, and Regina raises an eyebrow at the woman.
"You are lucky, that you are Mrs Lucas's grand-daughter. Otherwise, I would have you muck out the stables, for your lack of respect"
"Oh, kinky" Ruby smiles, and then winks at Regina, who rolls at eyes, and then looks to Mrs Lucas.
"Reign her in, or I will" she tells the woman half-heartedly, and Ruby snorts.
"Behave" Regina then tells her, whilst pointing a finger at the woman. However, there is a slight smirk appearing upon the Queen's lips, because Ruby can be rather amusing at times.
She then turns to Emma, who had been watching the whole exchange in amazement.
"Walk with me?" she asks, gesturing to the door, and Emma is all to happy to leave, even without eating her pancakes.
So, she then stands up, and looks to Mrs Lucas.
"Sorry, save them for later for me" She tells the woman, who just nods.
Before, Emma turns, and walks away with Regina. But not before hearing Mrs Lucas say "Respect your elders" to Ruby.
"Wow, that Ruby is something" Emma remarks, as the walk through the castle.
"She certainly is, but you will get used to her in time. And, I also want you to be careful around her. As, she is quiet forward, and I am sure, she will try to woo you into her bed, at some point"
Emma's eyes widen, in surprise.
"She has relations with women?" Emma then asks, without thinking, which makes Regina chuckle.
"Yes, men and women alike. It does not matter to her" Regina confirms.
"And...your okay with this?"
Regina then frowns, and looks sideways, at Emma.
"I do not care, what Miss Lucas gets up in her own time. Nor, Do I care, if it is with man or woman" she explains.
"I'm Sorry. It's just, my mother told me once, when there was an incident between two staff. That it is wrong. That a romantic love, is between a man and woman"
Regina stops walking, and turns to Emma. Who also stops.
"Do you think it is wrong?" she asks Emma, whilst hoping Emma doesn't feel that way.
Emma shakes her head.
"I don't think it is wrong. You can't help who you fall in love with. Love is love right?" Emma smiles brightly at Regina, who smiles back.
"Beautifully said, Miss Swan"
"Yeah" Emma bites her lip, and looks down.
So adorable, Regina then thinks to herself. Before, clearing her throat.
"Anyway. I came to find you, because I have decided to let my advisors strategize for the morning. Whilst, I enjoy the view from my balcony and clear my mind. I was hoping you would join me"
Emma looks back up, eyes widening.
"You can decline" Regina offers, wanting the blonde to know, that she has a choice.
"Oh, I would very much like to accept" Emma replies instantly, and Regina's smile widens.
"Okay. then" she then replies, taking the blondes arm within her own, and leading the way to her chamber. Where Emma, gapes in wonder at how magnificent Regina's room is.
There are expensive drapes. The finest linens and furniture, and a stunning dressing table with mirror. That has trinkets and perfumes set out neatly upon it.
Emma, then finds herself drifting over to look at the items. Whilst Regina, opens the doors to her balcony.
Emma begins, to run her hands over the beautiful pieces. Before Regina notices.
"Did you not have any jewellery or perfumes back home?" Regina asks, in amusement. It seemed to her, that Emma wasn't used to seeing such items.
"No" Emma frowns, as she picks up a delicate gold bracelet.
Regina frowns.
"I am not one for jewellery or perfumes. So, I never had any of this" she then answers, whilst putting the bracelet back down "I hope you don't mind me touching your things" she adds.
"Not at all" Regina smiles at Emma.
Emma, then picks up one of the perfumes. It is in, a pretty stained glass bottle and she sniffs it.
She smiles instantly.
"You wear this, often" she remarks, without thought, and Regina begins to blush, and looks away.
"Yes, it is one of my favourites" she replies.
"It reminds me of you" Emma then says softly, which makes Regina's cheeks redden further.
Emma, then places the glass bottle back down, and looks up at the portrait upon the wall. It is of Regina's horse.
"Is that Roc?" Emma asks, and Regina turns to look at what Emma is looking at.
"Oh, yes. I think, the artist captured him perfectly"
"They did" Emma smiles, before turning to look back at Regina. Who was flushed, and holding on to one of the bedposts.
She looks so beautiful, Emma thinks to herself. Whilst Regina takes a deep breath.
"Shall we go to the balcony? I think you will enjoy the view" The Queen then asks, whilst gesturing to the balcony
Emma nods, whilst not trusting herself to speak, and follows the Queen out onto the balcony.
Where she looks out and gasps.
"Wow" she remarks, upon looking at view.
Regina smiles at this, and holds onto the railing. Whilst looking outwards.
"I now know why you chose this room" Emma then remarks, looking sideways "You can see the stables, the fields, wildlife"
"I do, find it quiet relaxing to look at"
"It is" Emma beams.
"The view, on clear night is also a sight to see. With the stars and constellations visible"
"I would like to see that. Back home, I would look up at the stars, and want to reach out to them"
"Do you know anything about the constellations?" Regina asks.
"No. I wasn't taught anything about them"
"Well, maybe one evening. You could join me here, and I can tell you about Cassiopeia, or even the little bear" she smirks at Emma, who snorts.
"The little Bear? is there really one called the little bear?" she asks, in surprise.
"Well, it is actually called Ursa Minor, but it is commonly known as little bear" Regina smiles back.
"I think, I'd like to know about that one" Emma grins.
"Then you shall" Regina beams back.
"You really are amazing Regina, and probably, the smartest person I know" Emma then states truthfully, which surprises Regina.
"Your not so bad yourself" she replies back, whilst trying to play the compliment off. As, her heart begins to beat faster within her chest.
"Thanks" Emma then mutters back, whilst watching Regina, with a feeling of longing within her chest.
A longing, which will become all consuming..