Chapter Text
A Changed Game
Chapter One
The blast of cannon fire filled the air and mingled with the smell of burning flesh and the metallic sweet scent of blood. The smell made Emma nauseous and the fire made her eyes burn but she had to push through. Her men were falling around her and she felt her heart break for them. She made it her business to know all of her men well. Some Knights didn't bother to learn the names of their companions but Emma did. Each name and story stayed with her. Their faces, their laughs. Some say it makes you weaker but it made Emma stronger. It made her want to fight harder to protect her brothers in battle. It made her want to avenge them when they fell. It made her a better warrior.
She gripped the golden hilt of her sword tighter as she and a group of about ten trudged through the sea of fallen soldiers. They could barely see the ground anymore. Some were dead and some were moaning in agony from their fatal injuries. She wanted to stop and help them but they had a mission.
Capture the Queen.
Emma didn't understand why she couldn't just chop her head off with her sword then all of the blood shed would be over and done. They wouldn't have to live in fear anymore. Emma's kingdom and the villages surrounding it could finally release the breath they had been holding for the past almost three decades.
Emma had had enough. That's why she told her parents that they were going to declare war on the Queen but they made her promise that she would return with the Queen alive. They wanted to execute her for her crimes. Emma thought that was too good for the evil old witch that would burn an entire village of women, elderly people and children to the ground without a second thought.
Emma tried to see through the smoke and the world around them was growing darker with the setting sun. They had been battling for two days and Emma was beginning to feel it. Her body was achy, her muscles were tight and she was practically dragging herself across the battlefield. They were a few miles out from the castle.
She heard a pained grunt beside her and then another one. She looked over to see a few of her men on the ground unmoving with huge gaping holes burned into their chests. She looked up and saw the figure of a woman in a long black gown. She was holding a ball of fire. She thrusted her arm forward launching it towards Emma. Emma ducked just in time for it to miss her completely. She couldn't say the same for the man behind her. Her men were dropping like flies and she was beyond irritated by it. All of this pointless death...
She felt the raging fire of anger burning within her at the thought of the murderous queen. Emma in anger began wading through the bodies littering the ground. She heard a battle cry and barely had time to raise her sword when one of the queen's dark knight's came changing at her. She lifted it high and the sound of iron against iron reverberated through the battlefield. She inhaled and exhaled and she slammed her sword against his. He moved with finesse and skill but so did Emma. She spun around and blocked his hit. She did it again and again. He barely missed it. She elbowed him in the ribs sending him sailing back. She was using most of her energy in this battle. She turned around and stood her ground as he came charging towards her. She raised her sword and when he was close enough she lowered it and before he could stop, she jammed it straight through his empty chest. He cried out in agony and slumped over still on the sword. Emma could hear his warm blood as it dropped onto the armor of another fallen knight. When she felt the life completely leave him, she pulled her sword free from the soft flesh and let his lifeless corpse crumple down to the ground bedside his fallen comrade.
She hated killing but she had to survive and to ensure the safety of her kingdom. A few more charged her and she continued walking. One she ran him straight through and his buddy behind him. She yanked the sword free just in time to slice the next attacker across the stomach. He fell on to the pile of his other two friends. Emma could hear the shouts of her men behind her. She continued slicing and chopping through the black knights. They all fell before her feet. They were good warriors but none were a match for Emma. Emma had been training for most of her life. When she was old enough to hold her own bottle her father put a toy sword in her hand. Instead of ballet and music classes she learned to sword fight.
It was Emma's destiny to defeat the Evil Queen and she had been preparing her whole life. It was prophesied by the fairies that Emma would defeat the Evil Queen on her twenty first birthday. It was that day and there Emma was.
Emma was a few yards away from the castle. She looked up and saw the Queen eyeing her. She smirked then and the woman turned and sauntered back inside. Emma chuckled to herself at having the most evil woman to ever live on the run. She marched straight up to the castle doors and kicked them open.
She looked around the throne room which was completely empty. Or so she thought. She turned and began to head out of the room and that's when she was ambushed by a group of guards, bursting through a back door. Emma stood still and waited for them to circle her. She observed her situation. She scanned the room for exits and found three. She could fight her way out of this troubling circumstance and hunt down the queen or she could back out because she was grossly outnumbered.
That never stopped Emma before. She tilted her head and there was a satisfying pop of her neck. She rolled her shoulders and released a soft breath. The men watched her carefully. She sighed and stood still, lowering her sword. One of the men chuckled.
Surrendering would be the safest bet but Emma was never one for going the cautious route.
"Smart girl." A tall burly man with blue eyes and blood in his mustache said. Emma sized him up. He was older and much larger. He must have been of some type of authority since all of the men obeyed him. He sheathed his sword and went to grab a pair of chains to put around her wrists. Emma fought back a smirk. She went to sheath her own sword but it was snatched out of her hand by another guard.
The young man held it up to his face admiring the craftsmanship. "This is quite a lovely sword. I'll keep it. Thanks."
Emma growled and she felt the raging anger again. That was a gift from her parents.
The older guard stepped closer and held out the chains. "The Queen is going to be so pleased." He leaned in close and when he did, Emma threw her head forward, hitting the man's nose with her forehead. There was a sickening crack. When she pulled away she saw it. His nose was crooked and blood was running down his lip. He howled in pain as he clutched his nose. She heard the zip of all of their swords being unsheathed.
Emma felt that rush of excitement again. In the blink of an eye, she raised her foot and kicked the man behind her square in the chest. He fell over to the ground. Two lunged at her with their swords and Emma stepped back causing the men to run each other through. Their bodies fell to the floor. She ducked causing one of the men to fall over her. She spotted the young man that had taken her sword. He wasn't so tough when he was all alone. She lunged for him and he raised the sword. Emma knocked it aside and grabbed his wrist. She twisted until he dropped it. He screamed in pain and Emma scooped up her sword. She swung it high over her head and brought down in a swipe. There was a slice and the young man's hands fell to the ground.
The boy looked at the bloody stumps that now resided where his hands once were. He let out a blood curdling scream. Emma felt it in her chest. She leaned in close to his face that was stricken with horror.
"Don't ever touch my sword again!" Emma growled. The boy looked at her then he fell to the ground.
Emma didn't bother to look at the bodies as she stepped over them and the puddles of blood surrounding them. She didn't bother to acknowledge their corpses. To her they were vermin and if she killed a possum, it's still a rodent. Would anyone miss it when it's dead? No and none of those men should be missed. She decided to leave the unconscious ones alone for now.
"Commander." Emma heard a booming voice calling. She looked up towards the doors that she had barged in through. A handful of her men were standing there with looks of awe on their faces. She cleared her throat and stood up straight, raising her chin.
"Yes?" She asked to the group of men. She really hoped that that wasn't all that was left of her army.
"Why didn't you wait?" One of the younger men asked quietly.
Emma chuckled with a shake of her head. "Well, I want this battle to be over. It's been days. Besides you boys were a bit tied up." She winked. "I didn't want you to worry about me."
The men gave her tired smiles. Most of them were battered and bruised and covered in filth and blood. They looked worn but they held their heads high for her. They will always worry about her and fight for her. That was how it worked. They loved and respected her. They all had a strong bond and Emma trusted them and they trusted her. She would die for them just as they would for her. She was pretty sure that no other generals or commanders had a bond like she did with her men.
"Anyway, you split up." She ordered. "Find the Queen's parents. Do not harm them." She began backing up away from them.
"And where are you going?" The same young man asked.
"I'm going to capture the Queen." She said with a huge grin. The men all cheered and held their swords up. They all knew that it was her fate to defeat the Evil Queen.
She saluted them and watched as they all dispersed. She nodded in approval then was on her way.
She headed for the door right behind the throne and shoved it open. She was met with a large dark corridor. She took off into a jog. The sound of her boots hitting the floor, the clank of her armour and her heavy breathing were the only sounds that could be heard reverberating off of the dark walls. Everything about this castle said death, pain and despair. It seemed like the perfect fit for a horrible witch like the Evil Queen.
The Evil Queen has struck fear into the hearts of peasants and other royals for years and one day the White Kingdom had had enough. David gave Emma the okay then she threw herself into battle. She and her men fought valiantly to restore peace to the Enchanted Forest. In fact many of them had died for it and Emma would lay down her own life for it as well.
She reached a winding staircase. She knew where she would find the Queen. She took off up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Despite how exhausted she was moments ago, she felt a sudden burst of pure energy. The closer she came to the top floor of the palace, the more alert she became. Maybe it was the cold draft everywhere within the castle and maybe it was the anticipation of what was to come. A world where Emma could finally rest and take it easy. She's been fighting her whole life and it would be nice not to for a change.
She reached the top floor and bent over forward, placing her hands on her knees. She looked over to see the long hallway ahead of her. On one side was a dark wall dressed in even darker velvet drapes. On the opposite side was the world outside due to it being made like a long balcony. She broke out into a jog again. The only light provided was from the moon and the stars up above. She could still smell the fire and the death of the battle going on down below. Shouts of orders and cries of pain could be heard up there. Iron versus iron and explosions. Emma didn't bother to look down at the blood and corpses of her men. She needed to focus and the heartache would distract her.
The end of the hall gave way to a huge archway. Emma stepped inside. She observed her surroundings as she stepped further into the room. The large sitting room was dark as well. A few candles along with the moonlight shining in from the balcony and the fireplace right in the center of the room was the only light.
"Well, if it isn't Princess Emma."
The voice made Emma flinch at first because she thought she was alone. Her eyes darted towards the sound and she nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw the woman sitting there, sprawled out on a dark gold colored chaise. She was dressed in a skin tight, velvet, crimson dress. Almost as red as the blood of their soldiers down below. Her dark hair was done up in a half updo and her make up was dark, heavy but not too heavy. Just enough to showcase her dark features and olive skin. She looked much younger than Emma's parents, despite the woman being around much longer than Emma had been alive. That didn't make one bit of sense. Then again, none of it did.
"Witch!" Emma spat.
The woman's dark perfectly sculpted eyebrows rose and a smirk graced her plump dark painted lips. "Is that any way to address your queen?"
"My queen is back home." Emma unsheathed her sword and pointed it at the woman. "She ordered your capture."
The woman threw her head back and laughed then. The sound wasn't a cackle and it was actually melodic and pleasant. Emma shook that off. She wasn't a woman. She was a monster. She pointed her sword towards the chaise. The Queen pouted. "Are you going to kill me? Did mommy and daddy send you to slay the big bad Evil Queen?"
"Capture. My mother has mercy while you do not." Emma pointed out.
"You... are going to capture me?" The Queen asked, still amused.
Emma hummed as she nodded. "You, are going to be executed for everyone to see."
The Queen chuckled as she sat up and spun around in the chaise, placing her feet on the floor. Emma noticed her elegance and for a moment she wondered how such a well conditioned woman could end up like that.
"You are not going to capture me." The Queen snarled. "I refuse to be executed by the likes of you. Your kingdom is a joke. I cannot fall by your hand."
Emma felt the anger bubble up inside her at the jab. Her kingdom is not a joke. Everyone is happy, everyone works, everyone is fed. They take care of their people and their people love them. Emma would not let her speak of them that way.
"How dare you." Emma growled. She lunged forward and the Queen lifted her hand. There in her palm was a ball of fire. Emma stepped back.
"I am growing tired of this conversation. I want you to go."
Emma smirked. She saw the anger in the Queen's eyes and she wanted to challenge her and push her around. "No."
"That so?" The Queen growled. She lifted her hand and threw the fire ball at Emma. Emma lifted her sword and blocked it. As soon as it made contact it faded away. The sword was enchanted to protect her in battle. It blocked all magical attacks.
"Just come with me." Emma sighed.
"No."
Emma's eyes darted to the window. She could see her men walking the Queen's parents across the battlefield. Obviously none of the Queen's guards had noticed yet. Emma smirked as she got an idea. "If you don't come with me we're going to kill your parents."
The Queen's brows rose then. She saw the serious look on Emma's face with a hint of victory. She bunched up the bottom of her dress in her hands and raced to the window. She looked out and saw just as the men were shoving them into the carriage The Queen let out an animalistic growl. She spun on Emma.
"You let them go. You let them go right now!" She screamed. Her eyes were wild and crazy. Her mask of sensuality fell away and she looked... scared..
"You come with me and after you are executed, we will set them free." Emma said simply.
"No!" The Queen shouted. "You will let them go now or I will..." Her hand shot forward and Emma suddenly felt her throat being squeezed and her airway being crushed. She reached up and her hands wrapped around her throat as she gagged as if she was being choked. Her eyes widened as the queen's arm was shot straight out and half clutched in a choking gesture. She was strangling Emma with an invisible force.
That's powerful dark magic.
Emma struggled to breathe because she couldn't pass out. Not then. Too much was at stake. She lifted her own hand. A crackle came to life. A white light shown from her palm. She saw the look of shock on the Queen's face. Emma chuckled before a blast of white light shot from her hand hitting the Queen square in the chest. The woman let out a grunt as the force pushed her backward and she went sailing until her back hit the wall. She fell to the floor in an unconscious heap. Emma was dropped to the ground as well.
She instantly began pulling in huge gulps of air and she was finally able to breathe again. She inhaled one last time and straightened up. She looked over at the Queen that was sprawled out on the floor unconscious. Emma shrugged and walked across the room to where she was.
That was a pretty hard hit but Emma could still see the rise and fall of the woman's chest as she tried to breathe. That was a lot of force and Emma hadn't meant to do that but she didn't regret it. The woman deserved it. Emma bent down and lifted the woman up. She slung her across her shoulder.
Finally a weight was lifted from her chest. She could breathe easier now. The Queen is vanquished and now peace can return to her land.
Her destiny is fulfilled and all is as it should be. She passed the window on her way out of the room. She looked out just in time to see the last of the black knights fall. She saw her men begin cheering in victory. She shook her head with a smile as she began carrying the Queen out of the castle.
Victory for her kingdom in the fall of the Evil Queen.
Emma couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift.
The journey home wasn't a long one but it felt like days. It only took a few hours. She was almost asleep on her horse when they finally reached her home kingdom. They decided to take the back roads in order to avoid the villages. The last thing they needed was a rush of angry villagers trying to break into the carriage that was carrying their prisoners and murder the Queen and her entire family before they even got to execute her. Emma wanted her to make it to the castle first. Mostly so that Emma's parents could see that she managed to do what others had deemed impossible. Defeat the great and terrible Evil Queen.
The woman in question had been asleep the entire trip. She had yet to awaken. The last time Emma had checked her, her parents had her lying flat in the back of the carriage and her head was propped up by what appeared to be her mother's cloak. Queen Cora was all but snarling at her when she saw her. She blamed her for harming her daughter. Emma of course laughed in the woman's face. How dare she after all of the pain and grief that her daughter had caused. It was laughable that she would think that anyone would ever care about any of them.
The only thing that mattered that her reign of terror and destruction was over.
And Emma could finally get some rest.
Her white steed led her up to the front gates of the castle. Emma looked up at the tall white palace. It was large and went on for acres. A beautiful place that stood tall and proud. There wasn't much to do within those halls but it was home. Two guards were standing there on the opposite side of the gates. They bowed when they saw her and opened the gates quickly. She dipped her head and her horse trotted inside. She could hear her surviving soldiers following and the carriages rolling over gravel. She sighed as they stopped in front of the back entrance.
She was home.
She inhaled the sweet smell of snowbells and other flowers. She loved the sweet fresh air that she hasn't smelled in days. Everything was so clean and Emma realized just how filthy she probably was. There's nothing more she wanted than a hot bath and a nap
She looked over her shoulder at her men who were standing around waiting for instructions. "I'm going to put Maximus in the stable." She said. They nodded. "Take her and the other two to the dungeon and lock them up. Separately."
The men nodded. She watched a few go round to the prisoner carriage. She nodded and turned back to her castle. A smile graced her lips for the first time in days.
The doors to the castle opened and Emma perked up. She watched her parents come running out and she instantly felt anxious. Her parents started frantically waving when they saw her and that feeling was knocked away. Emma chuckled and dismounted her horse. Her feet hit the gravel and she slowly began walking towards them.
Her mother squealed happily and picked up the pace of her running. Emma laughed at the sight of her usually so calm and poised mother running her way. When she was close enough, she wrapped Emma in a tight hug almost squeezing the life out of her. Emma's father caught up just as her mother freed her from the death grip. She smiled at her parents.
"Hello Mother, Father." Emma said with a dip of her head.
"Hi, Emma." Queen Snow White said brightly. "I'm so glad that you made it home okay."
"It's good to see you, Emma." Her father, King David added. "I knew you would be just fine."
Her parents were known as the kindest king and queen to ever live. They always have their people in mind during every decision they make. They host balls often for their people to attend. They also make sure that everyone stays with a roof over their head and well fed. They're loved by their people and even far off Kingdoms. The Dark kingdom was the only one to hate and resent them but Queen Snow and King David weren't easily scared or bullied. They would fight if there was no other option. That's how the war started.
"Is that..." David trailed off as he pointed to something over Emma's shoulder. Emma glanced over and saw one of the men carrying the unconscious queen across the courtyard. Another was tugging Queen Cora and King Henry along by the chains attached to their cuffs around their wrists.
Emma turned back to her parents. She saw the look of pride on their face. She grinned wide. "Yes. That's the Evil Queen and her parents."
Snow smiled and embraced Emma yet again. "I knew you would do it." She said giving her a squeeze. She pulled back and placed her hands on Emma's shoulders. "I'm so glad you're okay."
"We're glad you're home." Her father said stepping closer and claiming his hug. Emma chuckled.
"Me too." She confessed.
"We have much to discuss." Snow said finally.
Emma frowned. "Alright but you mind if I bathe, eat and nap first?"
Snow and David chuckled. "Of course not. You earned it." Her father said, patting her on the shoulder. She was pleased that they were proud of her.
Emma smirked. She kissed her mother's cheek and hugged her father. "Great, now if you need me I'll be bathing or eating."
She waved at them then began jogging towards the castle. She'll deal with her prisoner and her parents later.
Right now Emma wanted to treat herself to a bath and a warm meal. She inhaled the world around her again and was pleased that there was no death and decay lingering. There was nothing but life surrounding her and she was already starting to feel much better.
It's good to be home.
The first thing she felt was the touch of soft fingers running though her hair and down her cheek. She recognized the touch automatically as her father. She smiled a little then a throbbing in her head caused her to groan and squeeze her eyes tighter. Her hand shot to her temple and she groaned. She rolled away from her father's touch and onto her back. She didn't remember drinking the night before. In fact she didn't remember much of anything. Oh well. She raised her hand and ran her palm over her face, using a quick spell to relieve her headache.
She gasped when the pounding in her head remained. Her eyes shot open. It didn't work. She brought her hands up to her face and saw that there was a large brown leather cuff on her wrist. It had the white kingdom crest of a white snowbell flower. She whimpered and sat up. For the first time she realized where she was. Panic set in as she took in the cell of a dungeon. In all honestly it was better than her own. The walls were a lighter color stone. There was a bed and a desk with a lantern. The only giveaway were the cell bars on both sides of her and in front of her.
She suddenly felt her chest squeeze painfully then and she felt her heart shatter. She couldn't breathe. She was captured! Then just like that it all started coming back to her in flashes. The princess, her overpowering her. She was captured by the White Princess and they have taken her magic. She recognized that cuff. She tried to gulp in air but no matter how much she took in, she couldn't get enough. She was suffocating.
"Regina," She heard her father beside her but she couldn't focus on that. On him. They were detained by her enemies and they were going to execute them. She was going to be taken down and she didn't think she could deal with it at all. "Regina, breathe."
"Regina." It was her mother's voice coming from the place right on the opposite side of her father. "Regina, hold your head high. You will die as a Queen. The only true Queen."
Regina thought of the ways they would kill her. She had fought so hard to build her kingdom and the idiots took it all from her. Their stupid daughter took it from her.
She lost.
A pained scream ripped from her throat and she couldn't stop it. Her soul cleansing years of agony, anger and defiance from her body. Some still remained though and she continued to scream in despair of being defeated by an unworthy opponent. She kept screaming until her voice cracked and no more sound could travel through her throat.
"Do you feel better?" Queen Cora asked. Her mother and an even more ruthless queen than her daughter could ever be. She struck fear into all of the kingdoms before her retirement where she handed the kingdom over to her daughter. Cora was always in the shadows though. Lurking behind the new queen.
"No." Regina's voice was hoarse and her throat was sore.
"Good." Cora said. "Hold your head up high, Regina. They have not defeated us."
Regina stayed quiet. She felt her father touch her shoulder and she looked up into his kind eyes. He smiled. "It's alright, Regina." How could he say that? They were separated by the cell bars and she would never hug him again.
"I'm so sorry, Daddy. You don't deserve this." Regina said quietly. Her father had never harmed a soul. He was kind and affectionate. He didn't deserve to die with her and her mother who have done terrible things. He didn't deserve any of that. That may be the only thing she ever regretted.
"It's alright." He said with a smile. "You are my whole life, Regina. I wouldn't want to exist in a world where you didn't."
Regina smiled softly at her father. He always understood. "I love you, Daddy."
"And I love you, sweetheart."
"Never forget that they will never truly win." Cora reminded Regina. "You are the only rightful queen."
"Now I wouldn't say that." Regina looked over at the sound of the new voice. There on the opposite side of the bars stood the princess that had defeated her.
Regina growled and stood to her feet. She felt a bit wobbly given that she's been unconscious for so long but her anger was stronger. She stalked closer to the bars so she could look the woman square in the eyes. The young woman stood her ground. Her big green eyes locked on hers. Regina grimaced as she looked over the woman. She was dressed more the part of a prince. She had on a red velvet vest that had a black leather belt. It was over a black ruffled shirt. She had on black pants and matching high boots. Her figure was the only thing that made the outfit look slightly decent. Her golden locks that fell down her shoulders in soft waves was distracting.
Regina waited for her mother to say something but the other Queen was clearly pouting so, she spoke up.
"Are you here to gloat, white princess?" The Queen sneered.
The princess shrugged. "I just wanted to see the great and terrible Evil Queen for myself." She grinned and her eyes raked over Regina's body and Regina growled low. "I didn't really get a chance to really look at you." She bit her lip. "Turn around."
Regina scoffed and cross her arms over her chest. How dare she. The audacity. "I will not. What would mommy and daddy say if they knew that you were down here lusting for their oldest enemy?"
"Lusting." Emma scoffed. "You wish. I prefer non-homicidal women who aren't completely mad."
"Oh you're a lover of women?" The Queen raised a brow. Her eyes wandered the princess and for the first time she saw it. There was a prominent bulge in the princess' pants. Could it be?
"I am. And so are you." She threw back.
"I'm a lover of people in general. Men, women it doesn't matter as long as they can please me." The Queen said simply. "I doubt you could rise to the occasion." She put emphasis on the word 'rise' to let the princess know that she knew her secret.
The princess smirked, seemingly unfazed . "Yes well... you won't have to worry about that soon. You and your parents will be in hell where you belong very soon."
Regina growled and threw herself at the bars. The princess didn't even flinch which made Regina even more angry. She hit the bar with her fist. "Shut your mouth!"
The princess rose a brow. "Did I hit a nerve at the idea of me punishing mommy and daddy?"
Regina's hand shot out of the cell but the princess was quicker as she leaned back away from Regina's grasp. "I would be very careful with that snake tongue of yours. You can easily lose it."
The woman chuckled. "I'm sorry." She raised her hand. "It's so funny that you're threatening me when you're inside of a cell."
"You better pray that I never get free." The Queen growled darkly. "White Princess..."
"White Knight. I'm a White Knight."
The Queen snickered. "Oh excuse me. If only I cared."
The princess chuckled. "You're a real bitch. Beautiful but a piece of shit."
The Queen pouted. "Are you going to tell mommy and daddy?" She asked mockingly.
The princess shook her head. "No. In fact I'm going to see them very soon. We're going to discuss your fate."
"Oh." Regina chuckled. "I'm glad that I'm still a favorite topic of your family's."
Emma scoffed. "Your death is more like it. I bet everyone is going to feel much safer when you're with Hades where you belong."
Regina rolled her eyes. "At least I won't have to hear your self righteous rambling. Hell fire sounds so much better than your irritating voice."
Emma's eyes wandered Regina's form. "It's sad really. Such a waste."
Regina made a face. "I wouldn't touch you if you were the last..." Her eyes dropped to Emma's crotch. "...Female on earth."
"Don't flatter yourself." Emma sighed. "Although, I think I'm exactly what you need."
The Queen smirked. "Now who is flattering themselves?"
Emma smirked with a shrug. "I don't know but you need something only I can give you."
The Queen looked quite amused then. "And what is that, Princess?" She put extra emphasis on the word to aggravate the young woman but Emma didn't even bat an eye.
"You will learn soon enough." Emma said in an indifferent tone. She winked and Regina bristled. "Sit tight, your majesty."
Regina scowled at the sarcasm in the girl's voice. She wished that she could just tear her heart out. She wouldn't even use magic but her bare hands. She wanted her to truly suffer. That's what she deserved. She wanted to ruin Regina and hurt her father. She deserved to be destroyed.
With one more salacious look at her body, the Princess turned on her heel and began heading back the way she came. The Queen glared at her back until she disappeared from sight around a corner.
Regina growled in frustration. "That stupid little..." She huffed and plopped down onto the bed. It groaned under her weight. "She's..."
"It's alright, Regina." Henry said softly. "Don't get too upset."
She continued to pout as she looked around the cell. She couldn't accept that this is where her story ended. Not here. Not like this. At the mercy of the white kingdom. She couldn't have ended up with a worse fate.
Emma stepped into the well lit room and thanked the guards who had opened the doors for her. They both nodded. She gave them a warm smile and they began slowly closing the doors. Emma knew most of the older knights well. They trained her and sparred with her as a girl. She had an understanding and a bond with them as well. They still looked to her and she did the same.
She continued into the room. She found her parents, a few knights and some more of their colleagues sitting around the gold colored round table. For the first time, it wasn't covered in maps and little figurines for planning an attack or battle strategy. Instead everyone had a chalice in front of them.
When they saw her, they all stood and raised their cups to her. She smiled and bowed to them.
"To our White Knight." Queen Snow White announced proudly.
"For defeating or enemy and restoring peace to our kingdom." King David added. The room erupted in cheers.
Emma smiled. "Thank you but I need to thank my men. If they hadn't..." She looked at Lancelot. Her parents' close friend and one of her mentors. She then smiled at Sir Nicholas, another outstanding knight. She caught Mulan's eye and they both shared a smile. "I wouldn't be here without them..."
Lancelot, Mulan and Nicholas bowed their heads. Emma chuckled. She loved everyone in the room. They were all her family and important to the kingdom. They made a good team.
She walked over to the table and everyone waited for her to sit. She took her seat beside her father. Her mother sat on the opposite side. Beside Emma was Lancelot and beside him was Mulan and Sir Nicholas opposite her. There were a few other knights and members of the council as well. Emma greeted them all. They all smiled back.
"Okay." Snow said starting off the meeting. "We have to discuss this Evil Queen issue." Her mother sounded so tired of it and she just wanted it to be over.
"Execution." King David shouted.
Emma frowned. She was all for it until she came face to face with the queen. The woman was so stunning and she hadn't expected that. Sure she was a monster and Emma despised her and the things she's done and she understood that the woman should have been drawn and quartered for her sins but on the same hand, Emma had been thinking of a different punishment for her. An ongoing punishment that's far worst than a swift execution.
"Hanging." A councilman suggested.
"Burn her!" Shouted another.
"What if we don't kill her?" Emma spoke up. The room fell silent and Emma sighed. She raised her hand stopping anyone from interrupting her. "What if we give her a worst fate than death?"
"What's worse than death?" Mulan asked completely surprised. Emma frowned at her friend's reaction.
"Emma..." Red sighed as she rubbed at her temples. Emma looked up at her aunt, a young werewolf that her mother had met before she had Emma. She saved her life when she got lost in the forest as a child. They were friends ever since and when Emma was born, she was always taught that the woman was her aunt. They were close as well. For one she looked to be about Emma's age but she wasn't. The werewolf inside of her caused her to age slower than most so she still looked very young.
"I know, I know." Emma sighed. "But hear me out." When everyone fell silent, Emma continued. "What if we force her into a life of servitude and treat her like a slave or worse?"
The complete table fell silent and Emma thought she was going to get thrown out of the room but her father hummed in agreement.
"It could work. Breaking the Evil Queen would be a good warning to any of our other enemies." He said. "Dragging out her punishment could be better than a simple beheading."
"By slave what do you mean?" Sir Nicholas asked. "I mean, did you mean..." He trailed off. "It gets lonely here."
"I didn't mean that!" Emma groaned. She was disgusted by him even suggesting letting them use the woman for her body. "An actual slave."
Snow White nodded. "Alright but who will she serve?"
"Emma..." Lancelot said simply. Emma rolled her eyes at Sir Nicholas' look of disappointment. "She captured her. She should be the one to break her."
"I agree." Mulan said. "Emma can be harsh. That's what that witch needs."
Emma raised her brows and smirked. She turned to her parents and saw them nodding. She had them. She could have fun breaking that bitch. She hated how excited she was to make her pay.
"Alright." The Queen said with a nod. "I get it." She looked at her King and he smiled.
"All in favor of punishing the queen with an eternity of servitude..." King David said. He raised his hand and so did his wife. So did Mulan, Lancelot and Sir Nicholas. The councilman who had been quiet did as well. Red looked hesitant for a moment.
"This is a terrible idea." She grumbled as she finally raised her hand. Emma chuckled at Red's worrying.
"Okay." Snow White sighed. She turned to Emma. "Sweetie, the queen is your responsibility now. You make sure she stays fed and healthy. A sickly slave is useful to no one."
Emma nodded. "I understand."
"Good girl." King David said as his squeezed her shoulder.
"What about the parents?" Mulan asked.
"They stay in the dungeon." Emma said coldly. "I'll use them as incentive."
Snow nodded. "Indeed." She clapped her hands together. "So it's settled."
David chuckled. "This is the shortest meeting we've ever had." He shrugged. "Meeting adjourned." He said simply.
Everyone stood. Emma did as well. Her mother reached over and grabbed her arm. Emma looked at her with raised brows. "Where are you going to keep her?" The woman asked.
Emma shrugged. "Clear a room and have a large cage brought to my bedroom."
Her mother nodded. "Very well. If you need anything else. Let me know."
Emma nodded. She was pretty sure that she had it covered. There were a few things she needed though. She'll tell her mother about them later but her hand will do for now.
Everyone began to disperse then. Emma waved her parents off. They returned it as she began to leave. She tried to make a quick exit but Red and Mulan caught up to her just as she slipped out of the room. She sighed as they fell into step with her as she headed down the hallway.
"This is a terrible idea." Red whispered.
"Is it?" Emma asked with a sigh.
"She could kill you in your sleep."
"I'm stronger than she is." Emma muttered completely disinterested. "And she has no magic. The cuff, remember? She can't harm me."
Red frowned. "But what if-"
"Red, its fine." Emma sighed. "I promise."
Red frowned but nodded. She understood that Emma was an adult now and she didn't need her all of the time to look out for her.
"If you want some torture tactics, I have some." Mulan offered.
"Really?" Emma asked with a small grin. That could be useful.
"Mulan, not you too." Red groaned.
"I want that bitch to suffer." Mulan said darkly. "I will do everything in my power to make sure that she does."
Emma smirked. "Thank you."
"No problem." Mulan replied with a smile.
Emma nodded. "Well, I'm off to give her the news."
Mulan and Red chuckled then. They knew just as Emma did that this was not going to end well.
Emma walked into the dungeon with a huge grin on her face. It was time to get under Regina's skin. She was going to show that monster who was in charge. She was going to pay for every horrible thing she had ever done. Emma was excited to teach her a lesson. To make her regret every monstrosity that she had committed or even thought about committing. Her life now belonged to Emma and she planned to never let her forget that.
"You look awful cheery." The Queen snarled upon seeing her. Her father just looked at Emma. Emma noticed that there was no malice or fear in his gaze. He was simply observing her. Emma frowned at the quiet old man. He certainly was not a killer like his wife and daughter. It looked like he was just a man who loved his child.
It's really too bad that he was caught up in this mess.
"Missed me?" Emma asked and Regina scowled. Emma smirked. "Didn't your parents ever tell you that if you keep making that face, it'll get stuck that way?" Emma looked at the other cells. "Did you guys teach her that?" She asked the woman's parents who just stared at her.
Regina scoffed. "Is that what happened to you?"
"Ouch." Emma said feigning hurt. It was a juvenile jab but sharp. "You wound me."
"Clearly not enough." Regina said as she pursed her lips. "You're still here... breathing." She sighed with an eye roll. "And irritating me."
Emma chuckled and wagged a finger at the Queen who simply raised a brow. "You're sharp." Then just like that the smile fell and Emma turned serious, almost stern. "But I would watch your tongue if you wish to keep it."
It was the Queen's turn to chuckle. "Why is that, Dear? You are already going to kill us. Why don't you do something about my ears so, I don't have to listen to your yammering?"
The smirk fell from Emma's lips and a cold look clouded her face. Her eyes were like ice and her mouth was pressed into a tight line. "You better watch that smart mouth of yours when you are speaking to your Master!" She barked.
Emma delighted in the way the queen jumped at the bass and echo of her voice. The woman's mouth fell open and she stood there frozen for a moment. Her mouth opened and closed a few times before deciding on...
"What?"
Emma shrugged. "I decided not to kill you this time but instead, you will serve me and tend to my every need."
Regina's eyes widened. "What?"
"You're mine now, Regina." Emma said stepping closer. "Every inch of you belongs to me."
Regina shook her head. "No."
Emma wrapped her hand around the bar and her eyes locked on Regina's. The Queen's brows rose. "Yes Regina, From now on you do as I say or mommy and daddy go to the guillotine." Emma's voice was sharp and cruel as she spoke low to the woman.
Regina's eyes widened then and Emma smirked in satisfaction. She knew she had her then. "Do you understand?"
"Yes." Regina grumbled.
Emma leaned closer with a hand cupped behind her ear. "Yes what, pet?"
Regina bristled at the name. "Yes Emma." She bit, refusing to use Emma's preferred title.
Emma bristled that time. She looked into the defiant eyes staring back at her. She knew she had her work cut out for her. But one thing Emma had was determination. Whether Regina liked it or not, Regina was going to bow to her and recognize her as her owner.
"Get some rest." Emma ordered. "You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow."
"What?" The Queen asked.
Emma said nothing else. She turned on her heels and began leaving the dungeon. She wanted to let her words sink in for a while so that the woman could feel the heat. She will return in the morning and when she did, she was not going to play any games. She definitely needed to talk to Mulan about those torture tactics before the morning.
She wanted to be ready for her first day of training her new pet.