Chapter Text
“There we go.” Cora said with a smile as she finished placing Regina’s tiara carefully on her head, her hair threaded into it to keep it still. “Perfect.”
“This thing always makes me feel like my head is twice its weight.” Regina grumbled.
“That’s the diamonds.” Cora said proudly. “Now, I know you probably understand how important tonight is, however…”
“You’re going to tell me anyway.” Regina said, resisting the urge to roll her eyes at her mother.
“Yes. Because it’s of the utmost importance, Regina.” Cora insisted. “A portion of Queen Snow’s kingdom rests on our land, or at least it was until your drunkard of a grandfather lost it in a ridiculous gamble.”
“I’ve heard this story fifty times every year since I could talk, mother.” Regina reminded her. “I’m well aware of the situation between our two kingdoms. However, I still maintain that I’m glad you didn’t marry Leopold.”
“I am as well but desperate times call for desperate measures.” Cora said.
“Mother, our kingdom spans far and wide. And for Gods’ sake we even have rule over a few islands. Shouldn’t we just let it go?” Regina wondered.
“ No. ” Cora answered forcefully. “If anything we should persist harder. The more of this land that we rule, the more power we hold, Regina.”
“And power is very important in this world, yes, yes, mother. I know.” Regina sighed.
“Good. Then you know exactly why you must make the best of impressions tonight. If I know Snow White, and I unfortunately do, Princess Emma’s coming out ball will be the event of the year.” Cora pointed out.
“I’m still surprised I was even invited.” Regina said.
“Snow has always been one to make strategic moves. She likely thinks this will deter my attempts.” Cora said.
“ Or they wanted to avoid publicly insulting you because they knew you would be ruthless in your response.” Regina remarked.
“...Yes, that’s also quite possible.” Cora acknowledged. “Nevertheless, it is a golden opportunity. So you must do your best to win their affection. Especially Princess Emma’s. You’re a very charming woman, Regina. Use that. Woo her.”
“Mother!” Regina admonished, sighing in mild frustration. “I know how important this is to you, and to our kingdom but...Couldn’t I just enjoy one ball without trying to woo some prince, princess, lord, duke, or whomever.”
Cora was silent for a moment, regarding her daughter closely and assessing the situation in her mind, before she relented. “Well, alright. I suppose one night wouldn’t hurt. But you will still have to talk to her, it is her ball after all. So do at least try to leave a good impression.”
“I will do my best.” Regina nodded, giving her mother a small smile. “But thank you for understanding.”
“Of course, my dear.” Cora said, lifting a gentle hand to Regina’s cheek. “Just keep in mind, all that I do for our kingdom will be in your favour one day.”
“Long in the future, yes.” Regina nodded. “Unless you’re trying to tell me something about your health.”
“I am fit as a fiddle.” Cora said. “You won’t be getting rid of me any time soon.”
Regina opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a knock at the door.
“Come in.” Cora called.
“Excuse me, my love, but I…” Henry opened the door, spotting his wife first before his eyes fell on his daughter, who was dressed to the nines in a beautiful floor length pale lavender ball gown, with a split down the middle of the skirt that allowed a white underskirt beaded with pearls to show, the neckline and off-shoulder sleeves adorned with the same material. Her long hair was styled into a loose ponytail, resting on her right shoulder.
“Oh my, Regina. You look absolutely stunning!” Henry said as he entered the room, approaching his daughter and offering her a hand, which she took, so that he may guide her into a twirl.
“Thank you, Daddy.” she giggled.
“You are going to have all eyes on you tonight.” He said with a warm smile.
“Good!” Cora said, but Regina ignored her in favour of her father’s admiration.
“Come, one dance with your father before you go?” Henry asked, making a show of bowing to her and holding out his hand.
“But there’s no music.” Regina said, taking his hand gently. He stood, guiding her closer to him so that he may place his free hand on her hip, Regina placing hers on his shoulder in the proper stance.
“Feel the music in your heart, my precious.” He said, leading her into a dance. She smiled, hoping she would have just as easy a time dancing with anyone at the ball who might ask her.
Henry twirled his daughter around, eliciting a soft laugh from her.
Suddenly there was a gentle knock on the door, and they all looked up to see their valet.
“Pardon me, your Majesty.” he said to Cora with a bow. “The carriage is ready for the princess.”
“Excellent. Right on time.” Cora said, approaching Regina and once again fiddling with her tiara.
“Mother, it's fine.” she said.
“Just making sure.” she said. “Now go, enjoy yourself. And don’t forget what we talked about.”
“I won’t.” Regina said before turning to her father. “You’ll escort me there, right?”
“Of course, darling.” Henry nodded, stepping up to her side and offering her his elbow. “Come, your carriage awaits.”
“Good luck!” Cora said as Henry led Regina out of her chambers and the palace, to her carriage.
As the driver commanded the horses to walk, Regina was hit with a sudden mix of anxiety and excitement. She’d yet to meet or even see Princess Emma, and somehow the thought of finally doing so felt rather important. And not just because of her mother’s insistence or goals.
They arrived at the White Kingdom’s palace, the impressive building towering over their land and shining brightly in the colour of its namesake. If Regina didn’t know it was impossible, she would think it was cut right out of marble.
They waited for a while as carriage after carriage rolled up to the intimidating double doors, each of the ball guests being escorted to the door by whomever accompanied them. The invitations were spread across the vast land, but restricted to only those within Princess Emma’s age range. Her parents, it seemed, meant to spare her from the common tradition of marrying someone who could easily be her grandparent. A luxury Regina could only dream of.
“I know you’re nervous, my dear.” Henry said, placing a gentle hand over hers in her lap. “And I know your mother has put quite a lot of pressure on you this particular evening.”
“She gave me the freedom, at least, of being allowed to enjoy myself for one night.” Regina answered. “But I know she still has a lot of expectations from me.”
“Indeed. She always does.” Henry sighed. “Part of me wants to believe that she does it for your own good. After all, you will be queen one day.”
“A fact I am sorely aware of.” Regina remarked. “If and when I do become queen, Daddy, I will certainly rid of many of the tensions her ambition has created. If I am able to, at least.”
“My love, you will make a wonderful queen. Simply follow your heart and the rest will fall into place.” Henry advised. She smiled at him, turning her hand over to give his a gentle squeeze in thanks. “Promise me that you will put aside her wishes, for one night at least, and enjoy yourself. Great things only happen when we truly least expect them.”
“I promise, Daddy.” Regina nodded, gaining a smile from her father.
The driver halted the carriage, and stepped down from the coach box to open the door, holding it open and standing to the side to allow them to exit.
“Here.” Henry said, handing Regina a small gift box with wrapping that almost matched her dress and a royal purple ribbon, with a note card attached. “I picked it out myself, I hope the princess will like it.”
“You’ve always had exquisite taste in jewelry, Daddy. I wouldn’t worry.” Regina said, gently taking the box from him before he moved to step down from the carriage, holding his hand out to help her down immediately after.
They stepped up to the pristine marble steps, waiting in line as each guest was announced to the king and queen, who greeted them dutifully.
Regina and Henry walked up the steps, arms linked together, Regina’s hand clutching her fathers bicep nervously.
“Breathe, my dear, you’re going to be just fine.” Henry whispered.
“What do I even say to them? They’ve hated us for so long because of mother’s antics.” Regina whispered back.
“You curtsey, thank them for the invitation, and if they ask how your mother is, give them a passing answer and thank them for asking.” Henry advised gently. “Remember, you’re not here in her stead, you’re here because they invited you . Show them you are your own person, with your own thoughts and opinions. Besides, they won’t mention any of the tensions between them and your mother, it’s a social event. Doing so would easily cause embarrassment.”
“You’re right.” Regina nodded.
“Prince Naveen, of Maldonia.” called out the announcer, the young man and the woman Regina assumed was his mother that stood in front of them stepping past the doorway and into the palace, walking up to the hosts and saying a few words to them before the queen turned to leave through a separate exit.
“Will you be here to pick me up?” Regina asked quietly.
“Yes.” Henry nodded. “Here we go. Deep breath my love. You are the most gracious girl in the land.”
“Princess Regina, of the Aureum Kingdom.” the announcer called, Regina’s heart picking up a wild horse’s pace in her chest as she and her father made their way up to Queen Snow and King David.
“Your Majesties.” Henry bowed, with Regina curtseying to them in tandem.
“King Henry.” Snow said in greeting, holding her hand out towards him, he held it gently in his, brushing his lips against her knuckles before rising.
“Princess Regina.” David said, reaching for her hand. She gulped as she gave him her own, and he bent down to carry out the same act as her father had just done. He then reached over to Henry to shake his hand firmly.
“Thank you for coming.” Snow said to Regina. “It’s nice to finally put a face to the name.”
“Thank you, your Majesty, for your gracious invitation.” Regina answered.
“That’s quite a lovely dress, your highness.” David complimented. Regina gave him a thankful smile.
“And how is Queen Cora these days?” Snow asked.
“Just fine, your grace.” Henry answered.
“Wonderful,” Snow answered. “It was nice to see you again, King Henry.”
“Likewise to yourselves, your majesties.” He said with a final bow. He gave Regina one last parting smile before he turned to exit, leaving Regina in front of the king and queen by herself. She gulped, holding up the gift box in her hands.
“A small token, for the princess.” she said.
“Our valet will be happy to take that, thank you.” David said, gesturing for a young, tall man to come forward. Regina turned to give him the gift and he bowed his head to her as he took it, before stepping back.
“Please, your highness.” Snow said, stepping aside and waving a hand out to guide Regina into the ballroom. Regina gave her a nervous smile and nodded in thanks before walking further in, a servant stepping up to her with a tray that held several glasses filled with wine. She picked one up gently and thanked him before moving on.
“She’s the spitting image of her mother.” David whispered to his wife.
“Her eyes are much softer.” Snow said. “We agreed we would leave her out of this, just like we do with Emma.”
“That doesn’t mean I trust her.” David answered.
“I didn’t say you had to.” Snow said. “But she’s young, and seems innocent enough. We promised to put politics aside for one night so that Emma may enjoy herself.”
“Well I know who’s offer of courtship I won’t be accepting.” David remarked.
“That’s all in your hands, darling. Just...please don’t consider our next guest.” Snow whispered.
“Lieutenant Killian Jones.” the announcer called.
“You have my word.” David said before the young man stepped up to him.
“Would you relax already?” Ruby said to her best friend. “You look great, and you’re going to be fine. You’re going to have everyone drooling. They might flood the ballroom. Then everyone will drown and you’ll have nothing to worry about.”
“You’re not helping.” Emma sighed. “I hate this dress, I hate this corset, and I hate that I have to do this at all. Why can’t I just meet people the normal way?”
“Emma, you’re a princess. This is the normal way.” Ruby said as she took a sip from her wine glass. “And you look stunning in that dress.”
“If you like the dress so much, you wear it.” Emma said.
“That colour does not work on me.” Ruby responded.
“It’s white.” Emma rolled her eyes. “Which... ugh. I just know I’m going to spill wine on it or something.”
“Will you stop stressing?” Ruby said. “You’re coming up with every bad scenario that could happen. ‘Maybe I’ll spill wine on myself.’ ‘Maybe I’ll trip while going down the stairs.’ ‘Maybe I’ll step on a prince’s foot and start a war!’”
“Wait, you don’t think that could happen, do you?!” Emma asked with wide, fearful eyes.
“ No!” Ruby said forcefully. “Gods, Emma. Just breathe already!”
“I can’t in this corset.” Emma groaned.
“If you couldn’t breathe you’d be dead already.” Ruby rolled her eyes. “Don’t think about the corset and it won’t bother you so much. Honestly, you’d think this was your first time wearing one.”
“It’s not, but the handmaiden really did tighten the hell out of it this time.” Emma complained, trying to adjust the bothersome garment from over her dress.
“They do that to make your breasts look larger, makes you seem more mature and like you’re good stock for child rearing.” Ruby explained, sipping her wine again.
“Oh Gods. ” Emma whined. “Why. Why is this stupid tradition so important?”
“Oh, woe is you, a room full of people vying for your hand in marriage, ripe for the picking.” Ruby said sarcastically.
“I don’t want to be married!” Emma cried. “Not yet anyway.”
“Emma, your parents never begrudged you anything, they’re not going to push you into marriage just yet. But this is a really important step.” Ruby reminded her. “And who knows, the love of your life could be standing out there, ready to sweep you off your feet and ride off with you into the sunset.”
“You need to stop reading so many of Belle’s books.” Emma rolled her eyes.
“And you need to stop worrying so much.” Ruby said again. She stepped up to her best friend, taking her hand and pulling her away from the floor length mirror so she could face her, placing her hands gently on Emma’s shoulders. “Look, just go out there, mingle, and dance with anyone that catches your eye. If you enjoy anyone’s company more so than anyone else, talk to them. Ask them if you can write them letters or something. Nothing is set in stone tonight, Emma. It’s just a party like any other. Remember last year, at your birthday ball? That was a blast!”
“How do you know? You were drunk halfway through and ran off into the gardens to have a tryst with Belle in the bushes.” Emma rolled her eyes.
“Well...I had fun.” Ruby shrugged.
“That’s because you were ears deep in Belle’s-”
“Your highness.” The valet entered the room, cutting her off and bowing his head to her.
“Yes, August?” Emma asked, knowing what he was about to say. He gave her a gentle smile.
“It’s time.”
Regina was conversing, if you could call it that, with princess Rapunzel, who talked a mile a minute and didn’t let anyone get a word in edgeways. Not that Regina cared much anyway, she was fine with just listening.
There was a limit to how long a person could listen to chameleon facts, though.
“Did you know they change colour? It’s so fascinating! One second they’re there and the next woops they’re gone! Mostly when they’re in danger, though. I actually managed to catch one! I kept him as a pet, his name’s pascal! I wanted to bring him, but Daddy wouldn’t let me.” Rapunzel frowned.
“...What a shame.” Regina said sarcastically before taking a sip of her wine. It was fine, the blonde in front of her didn’t seem to notice.
“I know right? I even hand-sewed him a pretty little dress for the occasion. It’s just like mine! I made it from the scraps. He looks adorable in it! But Daddy said ‘Rapunzel, you cannot take your pet lizard to a ball. If he escapes you’ll cause a panic.’” she carried on, deepening her voice to mimic her father and wagging her finger, presumably as he had done. “I thought about getting one as a gift for Princess Emma, but then I thought maybe it would chew out of the box and she’d open it and it would just be empty and there would be a wild chameleon running around the palace! Which wouldn’t really be nice. So I commissioned a painting of Pascal instead, he’s dressed like a knight!”
“I’m...sure she’ll love it.” Regina nodded slowly, silently wondering if this girl was possibly a bit unhinged.
“You really think so?!” Rapunzel asked, her eyes wide and grinning hopefully. Regina opened her mouth, not really knowing what to say.
Thankfully, she didn’t need to. Because just then, a fanfare was heard from the top of the double staircase that descended into the ballroom.
Snow stood at the railing, looking down into the crowd of ball guests who all eagerly awaited the arrival of the princess.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” Snow began. “Thank you dearly for joining us on this incredibly special night. I promised my daughter I wouldn’t bore you all with reverent speeches, but I must take a moment and say that this is a truly amazing moment for us, both as King and Queen, and mother and father. We are truly proud of the woman our daughter has grown into, and we know that you will enjoy her grace, poise, wit, and beauty as much as we have since the day she was born. And now, without further ado, it is my greatest honour to present to you my daughter, Princess Emma.”
An applause rang out through the crowd, as the double doors behind Snow opened, and King David stepped out with his daughter on his arm.
Her face was lowered for a moment, and all anyone could see was a golden head of hair. But as they approached the railing, beside Queen Snow who had stepped aside, she lifted her head…
And Regina was stunned.
“Are you ready?” David asked, offering his elbow to Emma, who laced her right arm around it. The fanfare had just been played, and they could hear Snow beginning her speech from beyond the doors they stood in front of.
“As I’ll ever be.” Emma sighed nervously.
“Relax, honey.” David said, gently nudging his shoulder against hers. “You’re going to blow them away.”
“If only I could do that literally.” Emma mumbled.
“Oh come now.” David said. “You’re a beautiful young woman now, and you deserve for everyone in the land to know that. After tonight, you’ll be the most sought after woman in all the kingdoms.”
“You say that like it’s a good thing.” Emma rolled her eyes.
“I know it’s daunting.” David said. “But things fall into place. And don’t worry, I promised you that I won’t even think to accept anyone’s offer without your approval, and I whole-heartedly intend to keep my word.”
“Thank you, dad.” Emma said, giving him a gentle smile. “That means a lot to me.”
“All I want in this world is your happiness, darling.” he said, leaning over and pressing a soft kiss to her head. “For tonight? Just take pride in the fact that everyone is here for you. ”
“Mom says pride is the start of a slippery slope to arrogance.” Emma reminded him.
“Too much of it, yes.” David nodded. “But a healthy amount of pride and confidence is just as important as humility and grace. It’s a balance. Tonight is about you, enjoy that.”
“I promise to at least try.” Emma said.
“Good.” he said, giving her a warm smile.
The applause could be heard through the doors, almost louder than her mother’s speech.
“All for you.” he reminded her. “Here we go.”
Emma took a deep breath as the doors opened and the applause became louder. She was unable to control the blush that crept to her cheeks, and bowed her head down for a moment until she could get a handle on her emotions.
They reached the railing, and she took tight hold of it with her left hand to ground herself as she looked up at the crowd, her eyes skimming over the faces of all the people who were in attendance.
Then her eyes fell on a certain brunette, clad in lavender, her chocolate brown eyes sparkling beneath the light of the chandelier.
“Wow.” Emma whispered under her breath.
“Incredible, isn’t it?” Snow said as she sidled up to her left.
“Yes.” Emma said, a bright smile gracing her lips, eyes unable to leave the particular brunette. “Yes it is.”
“I’m proud of you, honey.” Snow said, subtly wrapping her arm around her waist and giving her a tight squeeze, pulling her out of her trance.
“Thank you.” Emma said, taking in another deep breath, unsure just what it was that she’d been feeling not a second ago.
“Come.” Snow said, elbow out to take her left arm in similar fashion to her father. “It’s time for you to meet all the people who desire your attention.”
“All of them?” Emma mumbled nervously as her parents led her towards the staircase to the right, beginning their descent down. And though she tried to keep her eyes forward, she couldn’t help but seek out that same enthralling brunette.
“Oh Gods, she’s beautiful .” Rapunzel gasped beside her. But as the princess examined all her guests, the noise around Regina was being slowly blocked out.
And then Emma’s piercing green eyes met hers, and Regina was sure the world stopped spinning entirely in that moment.
Her mind went blank. She forgot how to breathe. Her hands froze against each other, still held up in the position she’d held them in to clap for the princess who, at that moment, Regina was ready to go to war for.
Then Emma’s attention was pulled away from her by her mother. And it was like Regina was pulled back into reality.
“Regina? Are you listening?” Rapunzel asked. Regina was still staring at the princess that slowly approached the stairs, whose eyes flicked towards her repeatedly as she descended.
“Hmm?” Regina said, trying to stay conscious. “Yes...Chameleons.”
Rapunzel laughed jovially. “No silly. I said couldn’t you just die for that dress?”
“Oh...right...yes...it’s a beautiful dress.”
She didn’t give a damn about the dress. She was too focused on its wearer.
Emma and her parents made it to the bottom of the staircase, and Snow released her arm while David led her to the middle of the ballroom. They turned to face each other and moved into position for the first dance, the guests all moving back to form a circle so that they had room to move in. Regina ended up being positioned right at the front of the crowd, which she was thankful for, even if she didn’t yet understand why.
At the side of the room, the conductor turned towards the band and tapped his baton against the stand which held up his music sheet to gain the band’s attention before he began guiding them into a gentle, graceful tune.
David led Emma into a slow dance, both of them gliding perfectly across the dance floor as everyone watched. Regina never thought she could feel jealous of a woman’s father. But for a moment, she dared to picture herself in David’s place, looking into those stunning green eyes as they moved in tandem.
At some point, David’s back was directly in front of Regina, and Emma’s eyes flicked over to her once again. And once again, Regina’s heart stilled in her chest. If she died looking into Emma’s eyes, Regina decided, it would be the best way to die.
But though it felt like eternity, it was truly only a half-second, and Emma’s attention was once again swept away from her.
She inhaled deeply, pouring the last of her wine into her mouth and swallowing it harshly.
“What I wouldn’t give to get my hands on that. ” she heard a man behind her whisper to his friend. His chuckling made the objectifying nature of his remark even more obvious, and for some strange reason, Regina had to resist the urge to turn around and slap him.
She bit the inside of her cheek instead, focusing on Emma. If she could only spend the rest of the night simply watching her, she would call the evening a resounding success.
After David and Emma finished their dance, stepping back and bowing to each other, the crowd all but closed in on the princess, a man bumping directly into Regina’s back and nearly dropping her empty glass. Thankfully, a servant was nearby and caught it in time.
“I’m terribly sorry.” Regina said to the servant.
“No trouble, ma’am.” he said. “Would you like another?”
“Not just yet, thank you.” Regina replied with a thankful smile, which he reciprocated before going back to his duties. Regina turned around to face the man who bumped into her.
“Oh dear.” The blonde man said. “I’m terribly sorry...uhm…”
“ Regina. ” she annunciated her name carefully, holding her hand out to him expectantly. Some of her mother’s tricks were quite effective. “Princess of the Aureum Kingdom.”
“Oh, my goodness.” The man said, taking her hand and bowing while pressing a soft kiss to it. “I’m so terribly sorry, your highness. Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m Robin, of house Locksley.”
“Ah, the young lord from Nottingham.” Regina nodded, recognizing the name.
“An honour to make your acquaintance, your grace.” he said. “I do apologize, I was pushed, you see, uhm…”
He finally remembered to stand up straight, not that Regina minded, and gave her a smile that made her wonder if he was suffering a stomach ache. “Please, allow me to make amends with a dance?”
He held his hand out for her to take, and she hesitated for a moment before taking it. Might as well join the party. “Very well. By your lead, sir.”
He smiled at her again, though she wished he wouldn’t, and led her further out towards the center where, she noted, Emma was dancing with the man who’d made the lewd comment, who had narrowly avoided being whalloped with a wine glass.
They got into position before beginning to move to the rhythm of the music, or trying to at least. It seemed Robin didn’t have much luck with timing.
At some point, a foot landed on Regina’s and she clenched her jaw tightly to avoid crying out in pain. Robin’s eyes went wide in realization.
“Sorry,” he whispered. “I’m not really used to dancing.”
“It’s alright.” Regina said, giving him a terse smile. She would have taken the lead, but she wanted to avoid insulting the man.
Thankfully, this particular song was short, and the dance was over in a few minutes.
They turned to join everyone in the applause to the band, the conductor bowing before turning to start a new one.
“Excuse me…” Regina heard a gentle voice from behind her and turned, freezing in place when she saw Emma smiling at her, standing in front of her and Robin. “Could I have this dance?”
“Oh, of course your highness, it would be my hon-” Robin began, but Emma looked at him with an apologetic smile.
“I’m terribly sorry, Lord Locksley.” she said, brushing a stray hair back. “I was referring to your beautiful partner over here.”
A hand gestured towards Regina, and the brunette gulped nervously.
“Oh. Terribly sorry, your grace.” he said with a bow.
“It’s quite alright.” She said. “I’ll save one for you later?”
“I’d quite like that, thank you.” he said, giving her a bow of his head before turning and doing the same to Regina and then leaving the two of them alone to find his next victim.
Emma stepped closer to Regina with a hopeful smile, and Regina didn’t realize it, but she was smiling back.
“So? May I have this dance?” Emma asked again, breaking Regina out of her trance.
“Oh. Yes, of course your highness.” Regina said breathlessly, taking Emma’s hand gently.
“Please, call me Emma.” the blonde said. “Do you mind if I ask you to lead, your grace? The one time I tried, I stepped on my mother’s feet so much she was limping for three days. And if I saw correctly earlier, you’ve already suffered that fate once this evening, I’d like to spare you a second one.”
“It would be an honour.” Regina answered. “And please, call me Regina.”
“Regina.” Emma repeated, the word tasting like the sweetest wine on her tongue. Regina didn’t think she could enjoy the sound of her own name so much, but here she was.
The music started, slower than the previous one. Regina recognized it as one of her father’s favourites and, much to her pleasure, a rather long one.
They began moving to the rhythm, the rest of the world fading out as they stared at each other, eyes locked like they were made to be that way forever.
“You’re an exquisite dancer.” Emma remarked.
“My father taught me all I know.” Regina replied. “You’re quite proficient yourself, Emma.”
“My mother would beg to differ.” Emma chuckled softly. “But my father taught me as well. With my mother being Queen, he was more present in my upbringing.”
“It seems we have that in common then.” Regina said. “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, Emma...But you’re absolutely stunning.”
Emma blushed, her eyes glancing downward for just a moment before looking back up, her eyes brighter, if such a thing were even possible.
“I don’t mind it at all, Regina. But I have to say, you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.” the blonde responded. Regina’s heart was sent afloat and she had to remind herself to breathe.
“Somehow, if that compliment had come from anyone else, it wouldn’t mean as much.” Regina said.
“Surely it’s not the first time anyone’s told you that.” Emma replied.
“It feels like it’s the first time it’s mattered.” Regina stated.
“Well then I’ll have to say it again the next time we dance together.” Emma said, her smile widening. “I doubt that will take very long.”
Regina’s eyes sparkled as her heart did somersaults in her chest. “I sincerely hope it doesn’t.”
“Am I going crazy or is Emma dancing with Regina ?” David asked from his seat at the throne at the very back of the ballroom.
“I’m sure she’s just being courteous.” Snow said. “She danced with Killian before this.”
“And looked like she’d rather be eating glass.” David replied. “For which I’m thankful, mind you. But now she looks like...like…”
“David.” Snow chastised. “Calm down, would you? Let her enjoy herself.”
David sighed and scratched at his brow in frustration. “I just don’t want her to...I don’t know... connect with Regina. Do you know what kind of havoc Cora could wreak if they became friends?”
“David, they’ve literally just met. Besides, Emma doesn’t even know who Regina is. We’ve kept her away from that mess so much that she barely knows anything about it besides why it exists and who Cora is. I may have mentioned offhandedly that she has a daughter but I’ve never told her her name.” Snow explained. “I’m sure when she realizes who she’s dealing with, her attitude will change. But it’s just a dance. It’s innocent. Let it go for now and we’ll discuss it with her later if need be.”
“Fine.” David sighed, gesturing to a servant who was holding a wine tray to come over so he could take a glass. “But I still don’t like this.”
Snow let out a deep sigh. “I don’t either.”
They shared three dances before someone cut in and Emma had to accept his offer or risk causing an international dispute. Regina stepped away from her reluctantly and kept her head down, slipping away from the crowd and out of one of the doors leading to the gardens, walking past the flowerbeds and well-trimmed hedges out to a pond.
She stood there for a moment, wrapping her arms around her midriff and looking out into the water before her feet hit a few pebbles that caught her attention. She crouched down, picking up a few of them, and poured them into her left hand, save but one, which she gripped between her thumb and forefinger, drawing her arm back and then tossing it towards the water, making it skip off the surface several times before sinking down to the bottom of the pond.
It was a trick her father had taught her, and she often did it when she was alone and needed to think.
As she continued the action, she let her mind wander to thoughts of what had transpired only a few moments ago, how Emma looked at her, the way she made her feel with just a touch of her hand.
She was far too deep in her own thoughts to sense that anyone was approaching, until she heard the sound of a twig snapping to her left.
She turned around suddenly, trying to see whoever was obviously approaching.
“Who’s there?” she called out.
“Just me.” David called back, stepping closer and appearing from the shadows. “Didn’t mean to startle you, Princess Regina.”
“Oh, Your Majesty.” Regina said, dropping the pebbles in her hands and picking up her skirt to curtsey to the King. “It’s quite alright. I’m sorry if I’m intruding on your gardens, sir. I just...needed some air.”
“That’s quite alright.” he said, stepping closer until he was directly in front of her. “I’m actually glad to get a moment alone with you. There’s something you and I should discuss.”
Regina gulped. “What would that be, Your Majesty?”
“My daughter.” David said. Regina’s heart started beating in fear.
“Yes...she’s quite lovely.” Regina said.
“Indeed she is.” David nodded. “And the most important thing in my life.”
“I can certainly understand, Your Majesty.” Regina nodded.
“Mmhm.” David hummed. “Regina, are you aware of the tensions between our kingdoms?”
Regina faltered. “I uhm...y-yes, Your Majesty. It’s quite unfortunate.”
“Yes, quite.” He said, his left hand lifting slightly to rest on the hilt of the sword that was strapped to his hip. “But it is a reality nonetheless.”
“Yes.” Regina said, trying to glean from his eyes what his point was.
“And since you so clearly understand my sentiments towards my daughter, you will understand what I am about to say.” David said.
Regina froze, goosebumps covering her arms, her legs beginning to tremble slightly. “A-and, what would that be, Your Majesty?”
David clenched his jaw for a moment, staring Regina down, obviously trying to intimidate her. Unfortunately for the princess, it was working.
“Stay away from my daughter, Regina. If you know what’s good for you.” he said threateningly.
“Y-your Majesty I-”
“No.” he lifted a hand to stop her. “I cannot stress this enough, Regina. Emma is off-limits to you, completely. I don’t want you speaking to her, I don’t even want you looking at her.”
“H-have I done something wrong?” Regina asked, trying hard to push back the wave of emotions that was threatening to break free.
“You, yourself? No.” David shook his head. “But if Emma were to take any interest in you what-so-ever, your mother would use it for her personal gain. And I refuse to let Emma be a pawn. That means she can have no connection to your mother, and in extension, to you.”
“I…” Regina sighed, screwing her eyes shut. “I understand, sir.”
“Good.” David said, giving the girl a once over. “You’re free to enjoy the rest of the party. But once it’s over, this is the last I want to see of you around my daughter. Is that clear?”
Regina hesitated before nodding, having to force herself to speak through the growing lump in her throat. “Y-yes...Your Majesty.”
David nodded slowly, once again taking stock of her before he wordlessly turned around and left back the way he came.
Regina waited until she couldn’t hear his footsteps anymore, and prayed to the Gods that he was out of earshot when she allowed her emotions to take over, crumpling to her knees as a sob broke free of her throat.
She had composed herself enough to make it look like she’d not been crying, and went back to the ballroom to see Emma dancing with another woman. And though she wished she didn’t have to be, she was thankful that there were too many guests at the ball for Emma to be able to dance with her again without rebuffing someone else.
She tried, as much as she could, to enjoy the rest of the party. But Emma’s presence felt like a tingling in the back of her spine. Her eyes were constantly drawn to her, then she would remember David’s bitter words, and look away. A few times, she caught him watching her like a hawk. Soon, she began to pray for this nightmare to be over.
Her wish would take a few hours to come true. But eventually time had passed, midnight was upon them, and that was the time that her father had told her he would pick her up. She thought it was a little conservative when he initially told her, but now she thanked the Gods for it.
Emma, on the other hand, could never take her eyes off the brunette who had enthralled her so. And when time started pressing on, and a few people had already bid her goodbye and left the ball, she slipped away into the room situated behind the ballroom.
“August.” she whispered, beckoning the valet who quickly rushed over to her.
“How can I help you, Your Highness?” he asked dutifully.
“I need a favour.” she said, giving him a small smirk that told him she was plotting something. “I need you to distract my parents for a little bit. They’ve been watching me closely all night and I want to...well...I want to give a special goodbye to one particular guest.”
“ Princess !” he said, pretending to be scandalized.
“Oh hush.” she chuckled quietly. “It’s only for a few minutes, so that I can talk to her properly without all these people watching.”
“And asking who this lucky lady is would be…” He trailed off questioningly.
“The highest treason.” she teased. He smiled at her in amusement.
“I shall do my best.” he said, giving her a bow of his head. “Wait until your parents have left the room and then do your best to hurry, I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to hold their attention.”
“Thank you, August.” Emma said with a grin.
“Of course. Anything for you, Emma.” he said. She gave him a thankful squeeze of his arm before rushing to return to the ball before her parents became suspicious.
She wove into the crowd, as far away from her parents as possible to make it seem like she simply got out of their sight, before stepping back into a spot where she could see them easily, while also keeping an eye on Regina.
The current song was coming to a close when August rushed into the ballroom, straight to David and Snow, and spoke to them. She couldn’t hear what he was saying, but he seemed concerned, and after a moment, just as the song was reaching it’s crescendo end, they got up and followed him out of the ballroom.
Perfect timing, August . Emma thought with a smirk, rushing over to Regina, who seemed as though she was preparing to leave. No time for pleasantries, Emma grabbed her as gently as she could by the hand, pulling her out of the ballroom and onto the patio, in a strategic spot out of sight from any of the party-goers.
“What the-” Regina cried as they halted to a stop, composing herself and looking at Emma with wide eyes. “Emma?”
“Hi. Sorry.” Emma smiled at her nervously. “I wanted to speak to you privately, but I don’t have much time.”
“Neither do I, I’m afraid. I must go soon.” Regina said, swallowing thickly as her heart raced in her chest, excited to once again be in Emma’s presence, but anxious of David seeing them.
“I’ll make this quick.” Emma said, biting her lip for a moment before she surged forward, pressing a soft, chaste kiss to Regina’s cheek, the brunette’s cheeks going dark pink at the action.
“I-I…” she stammered uselessly.
“Regina, you truly are the most beautiful person I’ve ever met.” Emma said, taking her hands and stepping closer to her. “I didn’t think it was possible for me to be so captivated by one person in a matter of minutes since seeing them for the first time, but you’ve proven me wrong, in the best of ways.”
“Emma…” Regina sighed.
“I hope you’ll agree, Regina.” Emma smiled at her hopefully. “I’d like for you to send an offer to my father. He agreed that he would only choose based on my preference. All we would need is a single letter from you so that we may see each other again.”
Dread fell on Regina’s chest like a cannonball. She wanted to be able to speak, but she couldn’t, all she could do was slip her hands out of Emma’s hold and step back, diverting her eyes away from the blonde so that she wouldn’t see the heartbreak she had no choice but to cause, and gripping at the stone railing of the patio to try and ground herself.
“O-oh…” Emma stammered, her chest caving in on itself in despair, tears beginning to sting her eyes. “I’m...I’m sorry...I suppose I misread the situation.”
“No!” Regina looked up, unable to lie to the blonde who’d so quickly captivated her heart. “No, Emma. You haven't, it's just that...I…”
“Are you betrothed?” Emma asked.
“No.” Regina shook her head, tears welling up in her own eyes. She looked up and shook her head with a wry chuckle, as if asking the Gods why they insisted on torturing her so. Inhaling a deep breath, she looked back down at the blonde, who seemed incredibly confused and hurt. “I genuinely want nothing more than to be able to send the offer, my dear. But...the truth is that...the tensions between our two kingdoms would quickly quash any hopes of any courtship we might have.”
Emma’s confusion increased for a moment, before realization struck her and she shut her eyes. “You’re...You’re queen Cora’s daughter.”
“Unfortunately.” Regina sighed. Emma looked down for a moment, deep in thought.
“Would it…” Emma looked up at her, taking a step closer to the brunette. “Would it surprise you if I said I didn’t care?”
“Well...a little.” Regina said, surprise painted on her features. “My mother’s been trying to steal your land back for...for years.”
“I know.” Emma said, stepping closer yet again, her right hand skimming the surface of the stone railing, while her left reached over for Regina’s hand, taking gentle hold of it and brushing her thumb gently across the brunette’s knuckles, sending chills throughout her entire body. “But you are not your mother.”
“Your father doesn’t much care.” Regina said sadly. “He spoke to me...told me that I am to keep away from you if I know what’s good for me.”
“He’s overprotective.” Emma said. “And most days I love him for it...but some days I wish he would just let go...this is certainly one of them.”
“I’d have to agree.” Regina sighed, her eyes linking with Emma’s, sending her heart aflutter. “I really do wish I could do what you’ve asked of me. A courtship with you...I could only ever dream of such a delight.”
The hand Emma rested on the railing moved forward, her fingers linking with Regina as she further closed the space between them.
“Do you think...perhaps...that I could still write to you?” Emma asked.
“Your father would-”
“My father...doesn’t have to know.” Emma shook her head. “My valet and I have a close personal relationship, I can ask for his help with matters I could never ask of my parents.”
Regina didn’t know she could feel so happy hearing anyone talk about their valet, but she praised the Gods for the man in question.
“In that case...I would love to hear from you, Emma.” she smiled at her. “It would be the greatest gift you could give.”
“There is one other that I can give you now, if you’d like.” Emma said, standing close enough that Regina could feel her breath on her lips.
“And what would that be?” Regina asked, dizzy with anticipation. Emma leaned forward, and Regina’s eyes slipped shut just as she felt the blonde’s lips against her.
A hand landed on her hip, and Emma pulled her closer while Regina deepened the kiss, lifting her hand to rest gently on Emma’s neck.
Neither could tell if it lasted mere seconds or whole eternities, neither cared.
But eventually, they slowly retracted from each other, unable to control the smiles that appeared on their faces.
“I do hope that I didn’t overstep.” Emma said, brushing a hair back behind her ear.
“Oh dearest Emma, if that is the last thing I ever do in this life, I will die a happy woman.” Regina said, her heart still racing.
“I wish I could stay out here with you all night.” Emma said, before sighing. “Unfortunately…”
“I understand.” Regina nodded. “I’m sorry that our circumstances make it impossible for me to grant you your wish. There is nothing more I desire than to be able to do so.”
Emma nodded. “Write to me, Regina. I will hold you in my heart till the end of my days.”
The blonde gave her hand one last gentle, parting squeeze, before she retreated back into the ballroom, leaving Regina to dream of another life, where they could be together without obstacle.
Perhaps one day, she told herself, her dream could come true. For now, she would write letters like her life depended on it, and hold on to the memory of the kiss that took her breath away, by the woman who stole her heart in just a few short moments.
“So, how was it my dear?” Henry asked when she settled into the carriage and they began moving forward, bound for home.
“It was...incredible, Daddy.” Regina said, a soft smile still on her lips from her final encounter with Emma.
“Oh?” Henry asked, a knowing smile on his face. Regina simply nodded, turning to look out of the window towards the pristine white palace she’d just emerged from.
“You were right, Daddy.” She said softly. “Great things do happen when we least expect them.”