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There had been a lot of activity around the palace from the moment Regina’s future in-laws arrived. Emma was told they would not be fighting until the following afternoon and she spent most of the night working herself to exertion with practicing and then working in the stables. She shoveled more shit than she had ever shoveled, and only after she was truly exhausted did she go to the stream for a soak and then fell into bed to sleep.
Regina had spent most of the night looking down into her lap. Her future husband seems nice enough, he hadn’t spoken much, and his mother and father are friendly and talkative with her parents. He was a Beta, but seemed entirely uninterested in Regina, or anyone else for that matter. She was thankful he was not an Alpha, as she can’t bear the thought of any other but her Emma. She spent most of the evening wondering what Emma was doing and wishing she could sneak off to the stables to be with her. She fought to control the calmness of her scent, though her mother glared at her more than once as she continued to think of Emma.
The previous night, the two women had spent the night together and Emma woke her before the sun rose to walk her back to the palace. They had held one another for long moments before parting, both breathing in one another in deeply, desperate to make the moments last as long as possible.
Regina continued to think about running away, but she knew they were in an impossible situation. There was no way Emma could escape without alerting anyone. Regina didn’t know any magic users they could visit, and to ask anyone would put both of them at risk. She felt hopeless, and dreaded the thought that she will have to leave her home soon for a land she will be a stranger in.
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The following day, as a tired Emma walks out into the field to begin her match, she clearly hears someone scream out her name, and a hint of recognition niggles within her brain, but as she turns to see the gathered crowd of royals she is stunned to see them.
The Midases were rulers from a kingdom close to hers. Emma remembers Queen Abigail and King Frederick. Emma recalls that their son, Prince Graham, was close to her brother Ethan when they were children. All Emma can hear is screaming and swords drawn and before she can figure out what the hell is happening, Queen Abigail is running out to her from her seat, and grabs her closely, even though Emma is taller and stronger, she holds her as a mother would, running her hands over her face and arms.
“What is the meaning of this?” King Frederick demands.
“They are Alpha fighters,” Cora states. “We have hired them to entertain us.”
“Do you not know who this woman is? I should arrest you all now,” he bellows as the rest of the royals look at him strangely.
The color drains from Cora’s face, “I don’t understand what you mean.”
“This woman, this fighter, is Princess Emma from the White Kingdom. She was kidnapped and presumed dead. It has been seven years since she was stolen. Her family must be notified immediately,” King Frederick turns to an advisor and asks him to send word to Emma’s family at once.
“Emma, are you hurt? Take that collar off, now.”
“It is enchanted, your Highness, I cannot remove it,” Emma admits to the Queen.
Regina is stunned by all of this, clutching her stomach and choking in breaths, Emma notices and rushes to her side. “Get her some water, someone, now!” Emma demands as she helps her love sit down and holds her hand gently.
“I don’t…I don’t understand,” Regina whimpers.
“Princess, I promise to tell you everything, just please calm down,” Emma states as she places her face close to Regina’s, attempting to calm her with her scent.
In the chaos, Cora carefully watches her daughter and the Alpha woman, her sharp eyes narrowing.
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Later, in the comfort of the palace, Emma is able to change into pants and a shirt that are new, given to her by King Frederick. She is to meet with him and his wife, and as she walks through the halls, her only thoughts are to find Regina. They must speak. She can only imagine what the Princess must be thinking.
“Emma, we have sent word to your parents,” King Frederick advises, urging Emma to sit.
“Thank you. It has been so long. I cannot believe someone would even recognize me after all these years.”
“Artists drew pictures of what you might look like after all this time, and your family never stopped posting them all throughout the northern lands. But no one down here would have ever seen them. No one would ever think that you would be this far south, we were stunned,” Queen Abigail admits.
“I hoped they would still look for me, although I am sure they had no idea where to even start.”
“The rumors were rampant you had been kidnapped, but rest assured Emma, your family never stopped hoping.”
“I don’t even know what to do now, King Frederick. I don’t know that I will even know how to adjust back to life in a palace when I have been outdoors for years, moving from place to place, fighting like a savage.”
“We are sorry, Emma. If there is anything we can do to help you, please let Frederick or I know.”
“Actually, there is something I must ask of you…”
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Emma finds Regina in the stables in the early evening. Regina brushes her horse, softly humming a tune as she carries on with her task. Emma stands watching her for a moment, catching the smile on Regina’s face when she picks up Emma’s scent.
“Finally made time to find me, hmm?” Regina asks Emma, her mouth turning up in a small smile.
“I wanted to get a few things settled first, Princess. I beg your forgiveness.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? All those nights we talked, not once did you confide in me the way I confided in you.”
“Princess, I know you’re upset, but I did not wish to burden you with that secret. It has been seven years, and I lost hope very early on that I would ever be with my family again. You knew that part. I never believed I would see them in this lifetime, and even wanting to be with you as much as I do, who would have believed I am who I say I am.”
“I could have helped you, Emma. I could have gone to my mother and…”
“And what? Revealed that we are in love, meanwhile you’re promised to another? Even if I am a royal, that wouldn’t have gone over well, Regina. At a certain point, I accepted that we could not be together, just like I accepted I might never see home or my family.”
“But why not tell these people you’re a royal?”
“And have these men hold me for ransom? I thought about that when I was stolen. I knew then that our kingdom wasn’t rich; I did not want my parents to be taken for all we had. I hoped to escape, I figured I was smart enough to, and then I got stuck with this stupid collar.”
“You think so much of everyone else, before thinking of yourself.”
“Well, you may not think that after I tell you one more thing.”
Regina stops her task, her heart beating fast and hard.
“What is it?”
“Sit with me?”
Regina sits next to Emma on a bench, without thinking, she slides her arm behind Emma’s waist, holding on to her tightly.
Emma rests her head against Regina’s, breathing in the Omega’s scent, she allows it to calm her before speaking.
“I spoke with King Frederick and Queen Abigail this morning. They are willing to speak to your mother about ending the promise of marriage to their son. Apparently Prince Graham has a love of his own he wishes to marry and was not keen on this match either, but was willing to do it for his parents.”
“Oh, Emma!”
“I would immediately make an offer to your parents for your hand. Once we reach the White Kingdom, you will be free to do as you wish, Regina. If it is still not your wish to marry, I respect and honor that choice. I will help you go off on your own adventures, or set up a new home, or whatever it is you have in your heart to pursue.”
Regina began to weep; her heart had never felt more full or happy. Emma truly loved her, Regina realized, and put Regina’s happiness far above her own. Emma was like no Alpha Regina had ever heard of. She was not selfish, unkind, rude or abrupt; she was the most connected, honorable, and kind person Regina had ever known. She was the luckiest woman for having crossed paths with such a soul.
“I accept,” Regina whispered, and wrapped her arms tightly around Emma, pressing her face to Emma’s neck and inhaling her sweet, wonderful scent.
Emma was so thrilled by the words; she did not have the heart to ask whether they would actually be married, or if Regina was just running away.
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“Emma!”
Emma heard the shouts of her name from the caravan as it approached the gates of the palace.
She runs toward them, her mother’s voice just as strong as she remembered. Seeing the woman again after so many years caused Emma some anxiousness, but she is more excited than she could imagine. In the days leading up to their arrival, she had been full of nervous energy, unable to keep calm even with Regina near.
Her mother jumps from her carriage, her father only slightly behind as he jumps from his steed and they run to Emma as she nervously approaches them.
They both embrace her, holding her tightly to them as she allows herself to be close, inhaling their scents.
Her mother reaches up and holds her face, “My baby grew up,” she says, her green eyes filled with tears, her once dark hair tinged with hints of grey at her temples and lines near the corners of her eyes.
Her father was slightly rounder in the middle, and Emma pats his belly with affection as she wraps an arm around him.
“We never stopped looking for you, Emma. We just never thought you would end up so far south,” he says with sadness.
“Let’s go in, I imagine you would both like to rest and have a bite to eat. We can talk more later, and I have some news to share.”
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“I would like to formally ask for Regina’s hand in marriage,” Emma announces at dinner.
“Nonsense, she is engaged,” Henry replies.
“The King and Queen have offered to release her from that arrangement.”
“On what grounds?”
“As a personal favor to my family, your highness. I have come to care for and love your daughter in the short time I have been here. I would like to imagine she feels the same,” Regina nodded slightly and kept her eyes lowered in submission, not only to her parents, but to Emma as well.
“And what have you to offer her? Us?” Cora asks.
“Our kingdom is twice the size of theirs. When it is my time to inherit the throne as eldest, she will be Queen.”
Cora nods, seemingly satisfied. “I am willing to accept this offer, Princess Emma, Queen Snow, and King David. Please accept this as a means of apology for what has occurred.”
“I wish that the trade itself were outlawed.”
“It is, in our lands, Emma. We don’t allow Alphas to be used for barbaric purposes. It is inhumane, and I am ashamed it has happened to you.”
“Mother, I’m fine, really.”
Regina glances at Emma and notes the clenching of her jaw. Emma is angry, her scent immediately warning the others of her mood.
“I shall work with the other surrounding kingdoms to get the same law passed here, your highness. We have been exposed to it since our childhood, and I know my husband can attest that his parents were as well,” Cora shares.
“That doesn’t make it right,” David responds.
“No, you’re correct. It does not. I can only offer our apologies and promise to do better.”
“Have the other men been given their freedom?” Emma asks. “I haven’t even had a moment to go out and speak to them, or make sure they are doing well.”
“Yes, they have Emma, and although we do not know how to remove the collars, since they are being allowed to leave, the magic will not stop them. We have also given all of them the money that would have gone to your…handlers, I suppose is the word for them. They all have something to start themselves out with, to get back home. One left you a note, I have taken the liberty of having it left in your room for you,” Henry says, and Emma notes it is the first time she had heard Regina’s father speak more than a few words.
“Then can we finally be done with this part of the conversation at last and move on to something else?”
“Of course, Emma. We should begin to prepare for a wedding, and we should begin to make arrangements for travel,” Cora announces.
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“Emma, are you alright?”
Emma continues brushing her father’s horse, so focused on her task she does not realize Regina has asked her anything until she repeats herself.
“I’m fine, Princess.”
“You do realize I can smell that you are not fine, right?”
“I’m sorry. I am just…frustrated with my parents and with everyone else. Except for you, love.”
“Why?”
“They can’t just shut up about what has happened. Do they not see I don’t want to talk about it, that I want to just forget the last seven years?”
“I think everyone is trying to figure out how to navigate all of this. Your parents may be in a bit of shock, I know my parents are.”
“I get that, I do. I just don’t want to talk about it.”
Regina walks behind Emma, wrapping her arms around her waist, rubbing her face against Emma’s back. Emma rubs Regina’s hands, instantly comforted by her presence; she turns her body, and Regina rubs her face against her chest, scenting her some more.
“Who left a note for you?”
“August. He has been my closest friend for most of my time captured. He left me the information of where he was headed, and told me he hoped we would see one another again someday. I’m a little sad I didn’t get to say goodbye, but I am sure they were all anxious to get out of here.”
“I am glad you had someone, Emma, and I hope someday you do meet again. We have hardly had time to be together since all of this started. Perhaps tomorrow we can go for a ride?”
“I would love that.”
“Good, now get some rest. I’ll see you for the morning meal.”
Regina tilts her head, hoping for a kiss, to which Emma responds by pressing her lips against Regina’s forehead.
“Sleep well, my love.”
Regina leaves the stables, her heart fluttery and light.
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The following morning, they ride for nearly a candlemark before settling near a stream and a large tree with shade. After tying the horses near the water for them to drink, Emma returns to Regina, who has laid out a blanket for them to lay on.
“I’m glad they didn’t insist we be chaperoned.”
“Well, they did, but I promised I would be good, and since they know we are to be married, they are a bit more lenient.”
“Emma, mother says we are leaving for your land in a few days.”
“We will. I am excited to leave, but somewhat nervous, as well.”
“Nervous, why?”
“Seeing home again used to be just a dream. Now it all seems so real, I hardly know what to think. Will things be different there? What about my brother? He had time to get used to the idea of ruling our lands. What if he resents me for returning?”
“I would like to think he would be happy his sister has returned.”
“I’m sorry, I tend to worry more than the average person,” Emma laughs.
“I understand, Emma. I think things will be better than you think, or at least I hope they are. I’m excited to see your lands, and the ocean. I’ve never been on a ship before.”
“I am not very fond of being on ships, but it will get me back faster, and I will have you with me to make passage easier. I cannot wait to show you all of my favorite places, or have my favorite foods. Our cook makes a fantastic beef stew that I can still remember the smell of.”
Regina grabs Emma’s hand, kissing her knuckles. “I love seeing you like this, almost carefree.”
Emma blushes as she smiles, then pulls Regina closer and brings their lips together, lightly at first before Regina swipes her tongue along Emma’s bottom lip.
Opening her mouth, Emma lets Regina explore confidently, content to let Regina lead their kisses in a way that makes her comfortable. What she doesn’t expect is for Regina to climb into her lap as she is kissing her.
It feels amazing, and she doesn’t want it to end, but she knows one of them has to be reasonable.
“Princess, we have to stop.”
Regina whimpers, “Please,” as she begins writhing in Emma’s lap.
Emma holds onto Regina’s hips, her fingers pressing into the flesh as she moans into Regina’s mouth.
Regina reaches down to Emma’s belt, feeling the hardness of the flesh between Emma’s legs trapped against her belly through her leather pants.
“Fuck,” Emma curses, and then immediately apologizes.
“I’m to be your wife Emma. I hardly think a little cursing will be out of the ordinary between us. I don’t mind, it’s kind of exciting.”
“I think we have both had enough excitement for the day,” Emma sighs.
“We could touch,” Regina bites her bottom lip, unsure of the words she wants to use to ask for what she desires.
“Touch?”
“Each other, there.”
“You’re making me crazy, you know this, right?”
Regina giggles, and lowers her eyes.
“You’re a naughty minx, Princess, truly, truly naughty.”
“I can’t help it Emma, you make me want to do things. You excite me, you have since the moment I saw you.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. The first day I saw you in the stables, I went back to my room and I felt like I was on fire.”
Emma moans, her cock growing harder in her pants, “What did you do, Princess?”
Regina rocks her hips against Emma’s, “I touched myself.”
“Do it, touch yourself now,” Emma demands.
Regina obeys immediately, her hand shoved into her riding pants as Emma begins nibbling on her earlobe.
“Rub yourself for me, Princess. You smell so good, so sweet and wonderful. Can you feel how hard I am for you?”
“Yes, Emma, you…you’re so hard,” Regina breathlessly replies.
“Rub yourself, I want to hear you scream my name, do you understand?”
“I will, I will,” Regina moans, rubbing herself harder, the scent of her reaching Emma’s nostrils and filling her with desire.
“No going inside, that place belongs to me, it’s mine,” Emma growls, which only serves to drive Regina off the edge, screaming Emma’s name, the horses whinny as she takes a deep breath of Emma’s scent. Removing her hand from her pants, she places her fingers against Emma’s lips, “For you,” she says as Emma grabs her wrist and licks her wetness from her fingers, her eyes dilating so that Regina only sees black pupils and none of the green she loves so much.
“You taste so good, Princess.”
“I want to help you.”
“You have.”
“No, I want to make you feel good.”
Emma laughs, “Too late, Regina.”
Emma blushes and looks down to her lap, as Regina’s eyes follow she sees the wet spot on Emma’s pants and shirt.
“That’s never happened to me before,” Emma confesses.
“Never?”
“Exploding without being touched? No, never. Well, once when I had a dream about you.”
“You dreamt of me?”
“When we first arrived and you started coming to see me every night,” Emma shyly responds.
“Emma, have you ever…”
“I’ve never been with anyone, Regina,” Emma admits.
“Is it awful that knowing that makes me very happy?”
“Why would it make you awful?”
“I want to be the only one you’ve ever had, but I am sure things were lonely for you.”
Emma leans her forehead against Regina’s, “You are the only one, Princess. The only one my heart has ever wanted. Just so you know, my offer still stands. If you don’t wish to marry, I won’t force you once we reach my homeland.”
“You would sacrifice your happiness to make sure I have my own?”
“That is love, is it not?”
“You are unlike anyone I have ever known, Emma. No one has ever looked out for me the way you do. I am no stranger to being desired, Emma. I’ve felt that before from others. But being loved, completely and totally and without expectation? No. Not until you, my darling. Not until you.”
“I’m your Alpha; it’s what I am supposed to do.”
“Then you have always been mine, because you have done this since the moment we met.”
“I guess I have,” Emma whispers, her lips finding Regina’s plump mouth again, as they fall back onto their blanket and spend the rest of the afternoon in one another’s embrace.
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Their travel home is arranged quickly, and before long Regina’s belongings are all packed and they are on their way, first by land and then by sea. The first few days at sea are rocky, and Regina spends most of her time in bed with a severe case of sea sickness. Emma takes to visiting her often, lying next to her and holding her, allowing her scent to calm and relax her. Regina loves the salty and minty smell of her future wife, and being near Emma helps calm her rolling stomach.
Regina’s scent is nearly overpowering to Emma, which can mean only one thing: her heat is coming, and they may barely reach the shores of home before it arrives.
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It happens in the middle of the night; Regina awakens panting and sweating and tearing at her clothes.
“Emma,” she cries out.
Emma, who has been sleeping in a chair at the foot of the bed, is instantly awake and at Regina’s side. Recognizing what is happening, she tries to shush and calm her Omega, but Regina is focused on very little but the need between her thighs.
“Please,” she begs. “I need you.”
“We cannot, Little One,” Emma husks, even though her cock is straining against her pants with need.
“Why? Why will you not give me what I need? What I so desperately want?” Regina rips at her nightshirt, finally taking off the cumbersome item and flinging it somewhere off the bed.
“I will not until we are married, my love, and I am sure this is a stress heat. It will pass quickly, and then you will feel better.”
“Damn you, Alpha, help me. Please.”
Emma looks at the slickened area between Regina’s legs, and makes a quick decision. “I will help you, Little One, I will.”
Spreading Regina’s legs further, Emma lays between them and begins lapping at the wetness there. Regina moans, grabbing Emma’s head to bring her closer. It is everything she ever imagined, as Emma gently focuses on her clit, licking and sucking at the hard bud, she cries out as an orgasm overtakes her, the haze of her heat lifted only for a moment, before she is desperately canting her hips against Emma’s mouth and tongue again.
“Please don’t stop,” Regina begs. “Never stop.”
“No, my love, I won’t,” Emma promises, using her fingers to rub Regina’s clit in a circular motion as she nips at the curve that connects Regina’s hip and leg. Regina grabs at Emma’s free hand and interlocks their fingers, needing to feel connected to Emma everywhere.
And so, they continue, through most of the night and morning, stopping only when Emma makes Regina drink and eat something to keep up her strength, until the next afternoon, when Regina’s heat breaks.
Regina plays with her Alpha’s hair as she sleeps in her lap, tired and sated, she once again thanks the fates for bringing her someone so kind and gentle, someone so in tune with her body and needs, someone so selfless as to spend hours pleasuring her and not once attempting to take pleasure for herself.
Amazed and feeling completely loved, she lays back and falls asleep.
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“There it is,” Emma says, holding Regina from behind as they approach land. The shores she has been waiting for so long to see are finally right in front of her. She is happier than she remembers feeling in a long time, and she holds Regina closer as she begins weeping silently.
Regina holds Emma’s hands, hoping her scent can calm her mate, she turns to kiss her softly, comforting her as best she can.
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They are put into a carriage and begin making their way to the palace. Emma excitedly points out landmarks to Regina as they ride, holding hands the entire way. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and Regina finds herself smiling and laughing at the stories Emma tells of her youth. Their parents are in the carriage behind them, and their items are being unpacked from the ship and will arrive later in the day.
They are met at the palace gate by staff who are cheering Emma’s return. She smiles and waves at them all, and continues to do so as she exits the carriage and then turns to assist Regina’s exit as well. She proudly takes Regina’s arm in hers as she walks to the entrance of the palace. Some of the house staff, as well as her brother, were standing there to welcome them.
Ethan is inches shorter than his sister, his green eyes slightly lighter than hers, the shininess in them giving away his emotions.
From potential heir to being second again, Ethan is happier with that than some might imagine. He has never wanted to rule a kingdom or be in charge of anything. He would be content continuing his studies with the palace healer, or spending time in the garden. Ruling has never been in his blood, and after hearing that his sister was found, there was a sense of relief within him for more than one reason.
Regina notices the awkwardness between the siblings. They do not speak much, and they do not embrace one another as she expected twins would do once being reunited after so long apart.
“Emma, I am glad you are here and safe,” Ethan reaches a hand out to shake, and Emma does the same.
“Thank you, brother. I hope you’ve been well. This is my future wife, Regina. We are to be married as soon as it can be arranged.”
Ethan reaches out to shake her hand and Regina smiles in greeting.
“I am happy to meet you, Ethan. Emma has told me lots of stories about the two of you.”
“I hope she wasn’t too bold in her telling. We weren’t the best of friends prior to her absence,” Ethan awkwardly admits. “I’m sure you must be tired. I will see you at the evening meal, ladies.”
“We will be there.”
Regina is stunned at the formal exchange and makes a note to ask Emma about it later as they walk away and Emma begins showing her the inside of their new home.
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Emma moves from the bed, placing her blankets onto the floor. She finds in the past few days, she cannot sleep comfortably unless she is on the floor. She chalks it up to her life over the past seven years and hopes that by the time she and Regina marry, she will feel more comfortable.
The floor is where Regina finds her, after coming to her room to wake her for a horse ride.
“Emma, are you ok?”
Emma groans as she rolls over, her back protesting the nights spent on a hard floor.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Why did you move from your bed?”
Tired green eyes look down, Emma’s mouth moving as she thinks of what she wants to say.
“Please,” Regina asks as she grabs Emma’s hand. “Tell me.”
“I can’t sleep in a bed. I can’t get comfortable. So I’ve been moving to the floor at night, which allows me to fall asleep, but come morning my back is killing me.”
“No wonder you’ve been so miserable the past few days,” Regina offers.
Emma sits up and wipes at her eyes, “That about covers it.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Marry me so we can sleep together at night.”
“Emma, do you think maybe you’re having trouble adjusting back to things?” Regina ignores Emma’s joke and goes straight to the matter that has been on her mind since arriving.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re not sleeping well. You definitely aren’t eating well. You tune out your parents a good deal of the time. You and Ethan don’t speak. You only seem yourself when we are outside together, away from everyone.”
“So you’ve noticed?”
“Of course I have, I can’t take my eyes off of you,” Regina teases, hoping to lighten the moment.
“Can we, can we move to the bed? I know this can’t be comfortable for you and I would like to sit and talk.”
Regina sits against the large wooden headboard, encouraging Emma to sit in front of her. She begins braiding blonde tendrils, waiting for Emma to open up about what is on her mind.
“I don’t know who I am anymore, Regina. I went from heir to the throne, to slave, to fighter, back to heir to the throne. My brother won’t look at me, never mind us having a conversation. My parents seem to want to shove seven years of history into my head. I’ve been used to fighting, used to working out my aggression with my fists every day, and often catching my own food. Now I am waited on, the cooks will make me anything I want, and I should be happy about this, I should be thrilled.”
Regina’s hands still, “But you aren’t.”
Emma runs her hands over Regina’s thighs, looking for a way to ground her emotions. “No, I don’t think that I am.”
“What do you want?”
“I honestly don’t know, Little One.”
Regina continues to play with Emma’s hair, hoping her scent calms her, relaxes her.
“Emma, do you think maybe you need time to yourself? Time to figure out what you want to do?”
“What do you mean?”
“Perhaps you need time to yourself, for yourself? Not doing anything relating to being an heir, or being my spouse. Time to get your mind used to the idea of who you are again?”
“Do you not wish to marry?” Emma asks, her hands clutching Regina’s thighs, though not hard enough to hurt.
Regina leans down and kisses Emma’s neck, behind her ear, nuzzling the skin as she nips and licks at it. Emma groans, her cock hardening.
“I want nothing more than to be your wife, but remember how you offered to help me? I am offering to help you. If you want to postpone this, or not do it at all until you are ready, I will wait for you.”
“You would?”
“Of course I would. I love you. I want you to be happy. I want you to be comfortable with this, with life as it is now. If you want to spend a year rutting to your heart’s content, I would live with it. I would learn to live with it.”
“I…I don’t know what to say. The captors would take us to places where we could find that release. The Alphas would get very worked up and so they would find those places so we could do what we needed before we got desperate enough to turn to each other. I never did. Even when I was in physical pain and needed to stick it somewhere, I just couldn’t do it.”
“I know you told me you had never been with anyone, but I didn’t imagine you had so much opportunity and controlled yourself,” Regina says with a sense of wonder. She had never heard of an Alpha having so much restraint. The stories she learned as a girl told her that Alphas were slaves to their cocks, and needed to mate with whoever was close when a rut occurred. She never imagined that one could control it, and while Emma confessed that she had not been with anyone, she never thought that she had been presented that much opportunity to do so.
“Not long before I was taken, my father sat us down and gave us a talk. He told us that sex was often done outside of one’s mate, or rather, before one found their mate. Not royal Omegas, but Alphas and Betas. But he told us that finding one’s mate, their true mate, and joining with them was unlike any experience we could ever imagine, and I always remembered that. I always believed it, and so I waited. I didn’t want to share myself with anyone else, ever.”
“What if you had never been freed?”
“I don’t even know, Regina. I truly do not know. But seven years of having this thing hang between my legs taught me the ultimate self-control. I don’t want to go off and do that with anyone else.”
“Okay, I won’t bring it up again. What about your brother? Why are things so tense there?”
“I don’t think we know how to relate with one another. We were close as small children, but I spent more time with Father and he spent more time with Mother. Right before I was taken, we weren’t around each other much. We used to fight a lot, and my mother took to separating us. It was probably because I was going to present as an Alpha and I was getting aggressive with him. I can’t imagine things have been easy for him with my being gone.”
“You should try to talk with him, Emma. Don’t continue to be divided in the same home. You may need one another someday.”
“Of course, you’re right. I will.”
“Will you think about the rest of what I’ve proposed? Taking time for yourself if you need it?”
“I will Princess, I promise. Now, we should probably have a bite to eat and go for our ride. I do so enjoy spending our days together.”
“We could ride all day here,” Regina teases, nipping again at Emma’s neck.
Emma groans, “You drive me mad, Little One, you know this right? Get up before I take you on this bed and anywhere else I see fit.”
“Is that supposed to be a threat?” Regina husks, as Emma jumps from the bed and tosses a pillow at her wife-to-be and her incessant teasing.
SQSQSQSQ
Emma finds her father in his study after their ride, and asks to speak with him.
“Come sit; tell me about your day.”
“Regina and I went down to the southern part of the kingdom. The people look to be thriving, Father. You must be proud.”
“Your mother has done so much to help them gain their independence with crops and farming. She wants everyone to have a trade, a way to survive and sustain themselves, especially future generations. She has brought back some fruits and vegetables from Regina’s land to grow here, as well.”
“That is wonderful news. I am sure Regina will appreciate that in seasons to come.”
“What is troubling you, Emma? And don’t tell me it’s nothing. If you think we haven’t noticed you seem to be unhappy, you’re wrong.”
“Father, I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Do what?”
“Any of it. I feel trapped, I feel angry, and I feel less like myself than when I was held captive.”
“I see. Does Regina know?”
“Of course. We have spoken about it, or should I say she confronted me about it.”
“She doesn’t back down about much, does she?” David chuckles.
“No, she does not.”
“She will make a fine Queen, Emma, provided you still want that.”
“I do want to marry her. I promised her, and I have given her my word.”
“But is it what you want?”
“I do. I love her without doubt, without question. I just don’t know what good I am to her like this. I’m so fucking angry all the time.”
“Anger is an understandable emotion, Emma. You’ve endured a lot over the past seven years.”
“I…I’m angry with you and Mother, too.”
“Us?” David moves forward in his seat, and places his hand on Emma’s knee, pleased when she does not jerk back from his touch, as she had become prone to do. He and Snow have tried not to get upset when it happens, knowing that what Emma has gone through is more than they can ever imagine.
“I am angry you didn’t look for me, and angry that you didn’t find me. And I know Mother says you did go on searches, but it wasn’t enough. I wish I didn’t feel this way, I feel awful that I do, but I am angry.”
David sighs, and brings his hand to the back of Emma’s neck, pulling her close to him. Emma allows her head to rest on his shoulder, takes in the comforting scent of him, and begins to cry, first silently, and then in sobs, letting herself go in a way she hasn’t been able to do with him since she was a child.
“Let it out, Emma. I’m here. I’m here.”
Snow finds them like this nearly an hour later, and David waves her out of the room, letting Emma rest against him in his chair, practically on his lap. He does not complain and instead enjoys holding his eldest again, even if she is physically larger than he is.
“Emma, I can’t tell you how to feel, or what to do. You’re grown, and I missed out on so much, we all have. But know this: we all love you. All of us. We only want you to be happy, and whatever that looks like for you is what we want. So think about it. See yourself in the future, and what that looks like for you. If you don’t want the throne, Ethan has been prepared for it. If you don’t want to marry, we can deal with Cora and Henry.”
“I do want to marry her,” Emma sniffles. “She is the only thing I am sure of.”
David smiles, though his daughter cannot see it. Knowing Emma has found love, and the one she wants to be with, makes him happier than he thought possible. It is the one bright spot from the whole ordeal Emma has been through.
“Think about the rest, Emma. And when you make a decision, let your mother and me know. We promise to respect any choice you make.”
“You aren’t angry with me? For what I’ve said?”
“Of course not, Em. Could I have done more? In retrospect, I suppose we should have known you would have been taken from the Enchanted Forest and we should have expanded our searches. I am going to have to live with that. I only hope that you can forgive me, forgive us, because we wanted nothing more than to have you home, to have you back.”
Emma begins crying again, weeping as she wraps her muscular arms around her father and for the first time since she’s been home, she almost feels light again.
SQSQSQSQ
“Sit, Regina, tell me how you’re adjusting to your new home,” Queen Snow says as she and Regina stroll through the gardens. She has been showing Regina the palace grounds, and supervising the planting of various fruits, vegetables, plants and trees that have been brought back from Regina’s homeland.
“This place is so beautiful. I am happy to be here.”
“Let’s see how you feel after your first winter,” Snow laughed. “That will be the true test.”
“Is that why you’re named Snow?”
“It is. I was born during a particularly rough winter, and my mother spent days in labor with me. When she finally gave birth, she said I was as bright, and as angry, as the snow storm outside. And, since we are the White Kingdom, Snow seemed a fitting name.”
“I have never seen snow, and until coming here, I had never even been on ship,” Regina confesses.
“Your mother has kept you very sheltered, Regina. That can be both a blessing and a curse.”
“Sometimes, it has felt more of a curse. I know she has good intentions, but it was made very clear to me once I presented that my sole purpose was to be a married woman and mother. Meeting Emma changed everything for me.”
“I see. Do you want children?”
“I foresee a palace full of them, but I know Emma isn’t in a hurry, and she has been so kind to me about making my own choices and having a voice in our relationship. I never imagined it could be this way.”
“You know I am an Omega, don’t you?”
“Yes, Emma mentioned it.”
“I was taught the same, that my place as Queen was assured but that I had to find a strong Alpha to help me rule. David has been the mate I needed, even though he is a Beta, and his advice and love has truly made all the difference. As Omegas, we can be whoever we want to be, not what society demands of us. I am proof of that. You will be the mate Emma needs, an equal, as she desires it of you. She is so much like her father in that respect. I can hardly imagine the things she has been through, but I know that she has managed to retain her kindness, and her capacity to love.”
“I never knew things could be like this. She makes me happier than I could ever imagine being.”
“Do you have an idea of when a heat could be coming?”
“I had a stress induced one on the ship coming over, so really, I am not sure when the next one could occur.”
“Not to worry, your marriage may be consummated even without a heat. Has your mother spoken to you about this?”
Regina blushes as she fidgets with her hands, “No, not really.”
“Don’t be embarrassed, Regina. I may be Emma’s mother, but I do hope that you’ll come to me should you need any help or advice, especially in these matters. Your first heat with a mate can be a very intense and enjoyable experience. I am positive Emma will be helpful and considerate with you. Consummating your marriage without a heat is possible and can be very gratifying; it just requires care and patience. I am sure Emma knows this, but I will ask her father to speak with her about it.”
“Thank you. I was a bit worried, to be honest. I wasn’t sure if we would be able to fully enjoy one another, and I didn’t want to have this conversation with my mother. Although having it with you isn’t as mortifying, it does make me wish there were a hole nearby to swallow me up.”
Snow laughs heartily and they both stand and resume their walk through the gardens. “I know my daughter will be a wonderful mate to you, Regina, and you will make a wonderful queen someday.”
Regina nods shyly, and the women spend most of the afternoon in conversation about the kingdom and Snow’s plans for its future.
SQSQSQSQ
Emma is back in the ring with August. He is battered and bloody. Emma has forgotten the choreography, and August keeps shoving at her, urging her to hit him, but she refuses.
“Stop being weak, Emma. Hit me already!”
“I’ve done enough.”
“I knew you didn’t have it in you, we all knew.”
Emma puts her hands at her sides, and looks down. She cannot do this anymore, not if it means hurting someone she cares about.
August smiles, many of his teeth gone, and begins punching her in the face, but she cannot move her hands to protect her face. She feels the pain in her nose once he lands a blow, and she knows it’s broken. Regina is going to be pissed, she thinks, and then begins looking around the area for her love. She sees men all around, men she has fought over the years. All of them ready to take their shots, and a feeling of panic and dread settles in her belly. Since she cannot move, she begins to scream, calling out to Regina for help.
“Emma, Emma wake up!”
“Ethan,” Emma says as she sits up on the floor, her brother crouches next to her.
“Emma, are you okay?”
“Just a bad dream, I’ll be fine. Was I loud, is that why you came in?”
“I was wandering the halls. I couldn’t sleep. I heard you yelling and walked in to you thrashing about on the floor. Why aren’t you in the bed?”
“I haven’t been able to be comfortable in it since I got back.”
“That has been very clear.”
“I feel like we haven’t had much time together since I have returned.”
“Well, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind. I didn’t want to crowd you, even more so than I can see Mother doing.”
Emma laughs, “She really hasn’t changed much since I’ve been gone. How… how has it been for you since I left?”
“Since you were stolen,” Ethan corrects her.
“Well. Yes.”
“What can I say, Emma? The first year was hard, mother and father were focused on finding you. The palace was quiet, empty. After that, Mother kept things going as well as she could, with Father off looking for you for months at a time, following leads. When I presented, I started going with him, though I knew it was a lost cause. No one had seen you, and we had no real leads. I began to believe you were taken far from here. I could feel it.”
“I was.”
“Had we left the Enchanted Forest, we may have been able to find you. I don’t blame you for being angry.”
“How did you…”
“Twins.”
Emma laughs, “I almost forgot what that was like.”
“It will come back to you, give it time.”
“I hope so. I feel like we hardly know one another. We weren’t getting along so well before I left and it is as if we have grown up and grown even further apart.”
“I don’t wish for it to be this way, Emma. I hope that we can forge a relationship again. Nothing would make me happier. I know you're still trying to adjust.”
“Thank you, brother.”
“I know this is hard for you, but I hope you know I will do anything I can to help you.”
“Are you willing to take this kingdom when the time comes, to remain the heir to the throne should I be unable to?”
Ethan sighs, he was not expecting that question, but he knows his sister’s pain is larger than he can even imagine, and so he answers, “If that is what you need, I will.”
Emma stands and opens her arms, embracing her brother for the first time since she has returned, her emotions all over the place, and him weeping against her chest as his hands move up to the collar around her neck. He first noticed it at her arrival and knowing what it is and what its purpose has made his blood boil over the past few days.
His anger gets the better of him as he grabs it. “Fuck this damn thing. Come off already,” he says as he pulls.
“Well… I’ll be damned,” Emma whispers.
SQSQSQSQ
“And so he just removed it? Like that?”
“Blood magic,” Emma replies to her mother. “We were both shocked, to say the least.”
They had been looking across the lands for an answer to Emma’s dilemma, but no solution had yet to be found. Clearly, Ethan had some kind of magic within him, and so their mother sent for some of the strongest magic holders in the lands to come and meet with her, to perhaps get Ethan the education that he would need. It had been a long day, and after running to see Regina and tell her what had happened, Emma then ran to find her mother.
“Emma, I know it has been hard to revert back to life here at the palace, but I do hope that you know your father and I only wish for your happiness, whatever that might look like for you.”
“I know, Mom. I am not sure I can picture what that looks like, although I know Regina is a part of it.”
“You really do love her.”
“She came along at a time when I felt like I was really losing myself. I am not sure how long I could have continued living that way.”
“Are you ready for the wedding?”
“As ready as I can be. Were you this nervous?” Emma laughs.
“Probably more so, for as much as I wanted to marry your father, I wondered if I was ready, if either of us were. Yet as soon as I saw him when I walked into the room, I knew he was everything I needed and more. He has made me a very happy woman. I have no doubt Regina will do the same.”
“I am confident she will. She is a fine woman, and she makes everything good. She truly is everything I ever could have hoped for, Mother.”
“That makes me happy to hear, Emma. Now, why don’t you go rest before tonight? Regina doesn’t seem the type to let you off the hook if you’ve had too much to drink or eat, so remember that and have a nap.”
“Mom!”
SQSQSQSQ
Regina wears a crown of flowers, as does Emma, and she finds herself nearly breathless as her wife-to-be comes down the aisle flanked by Henry and Cora. The ceremony is short, Emma had insisted, and only a few present to witness, also her insistence. Emma is so nervous she does not raise her eyes from their joined hands, until Regina whispers, “Look at me, my love,” and Emma meets her eyes and manages a flustered smile.
Emma is so happy, so surprised that her life is what it is now, that she has to be nudged by Regina to answer the vicar, “I do. I do!”
After a small reception, they retire to their now shared bedroom. Regina’s mother had explained that even though she was not in heat, their joining could still be pleasurable, to which a blushing Regina had replied, “Of course Emma will be sure that I enjoy it.”
Emma, having started a fire in the fireplace so that Regina would not be cold, began unbuttoning her shirt, before Regina came to stand in front of her and took over, looking into her eyes as she did so.
“I love you, Emma. More than I ever dreamed I would love anyone.”
Emma smiles, bringing her hands to cover Regina’s, before bringing them both to her lips.
“And I, you, Princess.”
“Are you nervous?”
“More than before any fight I have ever been in.”
“Mother said I should ask that you be gentle, but she doesn’t know my Alpha the way I do.”
Emma’s nostrils flare, and she picks Regina up and lays her on their bed.
“Undress me, Emma.”
Emma does so, slowly removing all of her wife’s clothing before stepping back and admiring her. From the small, but full breasts and the dark nipples at attention, the flat belly and roundness of Regina’s hips, to the trim mound of dark hair covering Regina’s womanhood, to strong legs. Emma cannot stop staring and only meets her wife’s eyes when she tells her to hurry up and get in bed.
Emma rips her own pants off, cock at attention and straining, already weeping with her desire.
She lays her body over Regina’s, who sighs at the feel of the weight upon her, her nails raking lightly over Emma’s back, “You feel so good,” she moans into Emma’s ear before taking the lobe between her teeth and nibbling.
Emma begins kissing Regina’s neck, before giving attention to both of Regina’s breasts, holding one in her large hand while sucking the other into her mouth. Moving down to Regina’s stomach, she kisses and nips at the skin as she inhales Regina’s arousal.
Holding her wife’s thighs in each of her hands, she sees Regina up close, open and wet, she is pink and beautiful. Emma’s mouth waters as she moves forward and uses her tongue to swipe at her sex from bottom to top, and then repeats the movement until Regina’s hips are desperately moving and seeking more from her mouth and tongue. Even though they have done this before, doing it as married women is a new and exciting experience.
Emma uses her fingers to rub at the small button at the top of Regina’s wetness, and uses her tongue to push inside of her. Regina is moaning, begging her for more, for anything, and then Emma focuses her mouth completely on her clit, bringing her to a screaming climax in moments.
Before she can even recover, Emma is kissing her again, her body settling in between her spread legs, she bucks her hips against Regina, who breaks away, panting, “Inside, Emma, now.”
Emma lines herself up, her tongue darting in and out of Regina’s mouth much in the same fashion she is about to do with her cock. She enters her wife, slowly at first, allowing her to get used to the size and the stretch of her body.
Once completely in, Emma stills her hips and begins licking and kissing Regina’s neck and chest. The mating mark is often done on the back of one’s neck, but Emma feels so tempted to put it on Regina’s chest, the primitive side of her nature almost demanding it.
She begins pumping slowly, letting Regina’s moans guide her actions. Wanting nothing more than to bring her to another peak, she places her hand between them, rubbing her wife’s clit in time to her strokes. She is trying to hold off her own climax, needing to hear Regina come for her once more.
Regina is lost in pleasure, never imagining it could feel like this, her heart feeling like it could pump straight from her chest. The love she feels for Emma, for her mate, is nothing that she has ever felt and she never wants it to stop, never wants to be away from her or without her.
“Scream for me, my love,” Emma demands, knowing her wife is close.
“Bite me and fill me,” Regina says, looking into Emma’s eyes, their pupils blown with lust and love and need for one another.
Regina screams Emma’s name as the orgasm hits her, and the pulsing in her pussy milks Emma’s cock, her own orgasm strong, and from deep within, she feels like their souls have connected, like everything is concentrated in and on their bodies, like nothing exists outside of them and this moment.
Leaning down, Emma bites Regina above her left breast, Regina screaming her name again, Emma pumping more of her essence inside of her wife.
SQSQSQSQ
Regina plays with Emma’s hair as she lays her head on her lap.
“Does the mark hurt, love?”
“No, it doesn’t. I rather like the way it looks, Emma.”
“We never discussed where I would do it, I hope you don’t mind.”
“Well, even if I did, it’s a bit too late for that, is it not?” Regina teases.
“You’re a rascal, my love, truly a rascal.”
“How do you feel, Emma?”
“Amazing, tired, loved, grateful. You?”
“Same. Very loved, my heart. As a girl, I never thought about marriage being this way, or finding someone that would make me feel the way you do. In you, I see a dream come true, Emma. A dream I hope always to dream.”
“Regina, I want to see the world with you. I want to have an adventure, and do the things I used to dream of during those years. What if we did this, you and I?”
“I would follow you anywhere.”
“We’ll speak to my mother tomorrow.”
“Or the next day.”
“What?”
“Emma, I am not letting you out of this room until we have done everything I have ever read about.”
“Princess!”
“You better ring for food or drink, and take a nap if you need it.”
“I’m positive there is food and drink left outside the door.”
“Do you think there’s nutbread?”
“I would bet on it.”
“Go then, Alpha, bring your wife sustenance so we can get back to doing what we were made to do.”
Emma jumps from bed, naked and proud as she purposely adds more shake to her hips.
“And you call me a tease!” Regina shouts.
Emma retrieves the tray left for them outside of the door, and then turns back toward her wife with their spoils. Regina is on her stomach, at the edge of the bed, beckoning Emma back with the crook of her finger.
Emma’s mouth runs dry, and she nearly drops the tray of food and drink at the predatory look on her wife’s face. Gone is the shy princess Emma met only a month ago, and in her place is a woman comfortable in her own skin for the first time in her life. She is radiating strength, confidence, and joy. Emma is intoxicated by the scent they are creating.
“I want you in my mouth, Em-ma,” she says, and this time Emma does drop the tray, its contents splashing off the floor as she nearly runs to takes her place in front of her wife, spreading her legs as her cock begs for attention.
Regina turns onto her side and opens her mouth, running her hand along the shaft and tonguing the sensitive tip.
Emma shudders and grabs a fistful of Regina’s hair, who moans at the action.
“I’m too big,” Emma gasps, “but please, I need more of your mouth.”
Regina laughs and then turns herself onto her knees. She grabs Emma’s hips and pulls her forward; taking her into her mouth as much as she can until she gags at the length, then uses her hands on the length of Emma she cannot swallow.
Grabbing Regina’s hair again, Emma stiffens and then howls as she comes, murmuring nonsense words as Regina swallows everything she has to give. It’s hours before they remember to request more food and drink.
SQSQSQSQ
“You’ll send word, at least once a month, right?”
“Of course, Mother.”
“I feel like I just got you back, and now I’m losing you again.”
“Never, Mom. Regina and I want to have an adventure of our own. We promise to return, and when you’re ready, I will take my place on the throne.”
“Oh Emma, I’m so proud of you,” David says, hugging his daughter.
“We expect news of a baby soon, especially the way you two go at it.”
“Ethan!”
Emma takes one last look at her family before boarding the ship, all of them shedding tears, but smiling as well. Regina holds Emma’s hand tightly as they walk up the gangplank, offering her silent support. It had been a long month, between making plans for their travel, speaking to her parents about her wishes and aspirations, and spending as much time as possible in bed with her new wife. Regina was an insatiable lover, and Emma was determined to satisfy her as often and however she desired.
The ship sets off to the south, the sun beginning its decent. They will only be on it a few days, before beginning their travels by land. Every stop has been mapped and noted for her parents so they will always know where they are. It was something they insisted on, and Emma agreed immediately to give them peace of mind. Regina’s parents decided to travel back home, and Regina promises to send news to them as well.
As they stand on the deck, watching Emma’s homelands fade, Regina gasps.
“Emma, look!”
They jump one and two at a time, the huge, majestic black and white creatures Emma remembers from her youth. She begins to laugh, her joy at seeing them again making her giddy, and sharing this with her wife makes her want to yelp with excitement, and so she does.
In this moment, she no longer envies their freedom. She has hers again and more, a beautiful love and hope for her future, more than she ever dared to imagine.
*