ScottieSwan

He waited for her panic, an unsettled feeling filling his stomach, of resentment and bitter joy. No one had stuck around to accept him as the Dark One, everyone fled eventually. Except those stuck here by his curse, to watch her run would give him a sick sense of pleasure. Everyone leaves in the end.

“You have to let him go.” She stated, breaking his trail of thought.

“Go? Love, he’s my prisoner” He shrugged and bent his head to play with something on his left hand, the low light of her torch flickered off it and sent shivers down her spine.

“Can’t you see he’s injured? He needs help immediately, didn’t you at least try to tend the wounds?”

She bent down again to take a closer look at her father’s injuries, she could see someone had attempted to stitch the deep gouges together but it looked as though it had been reopened with quite some force. She could feel her temper rising, her blood running cold. She clenched her hands and rose to her feet shakily, all she could see was red.

“Did you do this.” It wasn’t a question, she spoke the words in a low hiss and filled with such malice that he nearly didn’t hear them.

“He trespassed.” As if that was some sort of answer, the anger was boiling inside of her now; any moment she would snap.

“Emma… please.”

She looked towards her father once more, saw the pleading in his eyes and took a deep breath; she would never free him if she was to lose her temper.

“Because.” She started, taking another breath, “He was injured, as you can see.” She gestured to her father still captive in his cell. She thought it would calm her until she saw her father’s wince of pain and the fire relit in her soul, roaring through her.

“What kind of soulless, heartless monster are you?!” She screamed at the shadow, hand gripping to the torch, she could feel the elaborate details press into her palms leaving marks there.

Killian laughed again, stepping into the light provided by the torch.

“This kind.”

The room stood deadly still, the world silent around them. Emma’s eyes ran over his face, tracing every twisted feature, every scar, and imperfection.

He was tall, well built but not bulky; dressed head to toe in dark clothing, mostly leather. He had a scar on his chin, his hair although hanging over his eyes was thick and black like a raven’s. His skin was silvery, almost scaly, catching the light every time he turned. She could see the hook attached to his left arm, it was what had caused the light to catch on moments ago. But what had made Emma gasp was the blue of his eyes, the clearness of them; untouched by darkness, deep as oceans and light as her own soul; and yet heavy and ageless, with the weight of all he had seen. He was handsome, if you didn’t count his impossibly despicable behaviour and brutish temper.

She pulled herself up to her full height, met his eyes and spoke slowly and with all the authority she could muster.

“Let. Him. Go.” She refused to break his gaze, she stepped closer to him, invading his space.

“And what will you give me in return?” he lifted his hook to catch a loose bit of hair hanging around her shoulders, pushing it behind her.

“What?” She asked incredulously, “Give you? You should free him because-”

“I’m a good person?” he sneered, the words sounding bitter on his tongue, “Please” he scoffed, “Has any of this given you the slightest inclination that I have a shred of humanity left? So, I ask again: What will you give me?”

“Gold. We have lots of it, jewels, and gemstones too.” She offered, his shoulders shook with repressed laughter,

“What need have I for jewels darling? Look around you, do I look like I’m short on clink?” he waved his hooked arm around him. He raised his eyebrow expectantly again; she sucked in a breath, daring to let her eyes flit behind her to her father before facing the monster once more.

“Alright then. What about…” She hesitated slightly, caution causing her stomach to tense and knot up inside her. She drew another breath and summoned all the courage she had.

“Me.”

Such a simple word, yet it filled her with such horror. She would hand herself over to this monster to save her father, she had time to escape, she was unharmed and could find a way out. Her parent’s had time to make a plan to save her before it was her turn to ascend the throne.

And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to take her next breath. The eyes that were once so clear and blue before were dark and stormy, nearly black against his silver skin.

“A quick fuck?” She gasped, instinctively raising her hand to strike him, which he caught with ease, using it to pull her closer so she could feel his breath on her face.

“No thank you. I reject your offer, he stays.” He made to turn away, back to the door, repulsed by her offer.

She didn’t have time to think, she was drowning in panic and the words tumbled out against her will.

“No, I’ll stay. Forever. Think about it, a princess as your slave.” He stopped dead still against the door, thinking it over.

What use did he have for a wounded prisoner? She could at least be put to use.

As what? You have servants and what good are they? He argued with himself, hand fisting tightly.

“Fine.” He turned, stepping back to the light, reaching out to grab her arm. “But you must stay here forever.”

Emma winced slightly at his tight grip, nodding, “You have my word, but first, free him.”

“No Emma! I won’t let you do this!” She closed her eyes, trying to silence her father’s protests, “This will break your mother’s heart, and mine too, you can’t do this!”

“Silence!” Killian roared, lifting his arm.

“No!” Emma grabbed his arm before he was able to produce any magic, “At least let me say goodbye.”

He looked down at her, she could see the battle in his eyes, could feel the indecision coming off him in waves.

“You have one minute.” He lowered his arm, crossing them and staring at her. When she raised her eyebrows in question he responded, “I’m not leaving. I’m no fool.”

Biting her tongue, she turned to the cell prepared to lower herself to the ground when the door swung open. She turned her head, Killian just shrugged and looked away – almost self-consciously, she begrudgingly gave him a thankful smile.

“Father, you’re going to be okay,” She whispered, bending down and crawling close to him, raising a hand to rest on his cheek.

“I can’t let you do this, it’s my job to protect you.” He kept his voice low so the Dark One wouldn’t hear, grabbing her hand in his so tightly.

She smiled comfortingly, “It’s my choice this time. I promise papa, I’ll be okay. I will escape, you taught me well, you and mama.” Giving his hand a returning squeeze, tears falling slowly down her cheeks.

“Too well, I worry sometimes.” He chuckled, wincing, “I will find you, I will gather all my men, every man in our kingdom if necessary and we will find you.” He vowed, the truth strong in his eyes as he spoke,

“It’s what our family does. Papa, tell mama-” She broke off mid sentence as her father was engulfed in red smoke, there was nothing left of him when it dissipated; Emma stared at her empty hands, the tears flowing more freely now.

“You!” She whirled around to face the monster standing outside the cage, “You didn’t even let me say goodbye! I’ll never see him again. You didn’t even let me say goodbye.” She doubled over as a sob tore through her throat, echoing off the empty walls, the sound travelling throughout the castle. The following scream was harrowing, one of pain and agony and she cried for everything she had lost.

Her family. Her future. Her soul.

~BATB~

In the drawing room, the servants stood, listening to the screams of torment drifting from the tower. Regina stood facing the fire, watching the flames twist and turn higher and higher, pretending she couldn’t hear the pain. Her face sombre glowing red from the fire, eyebrows drawn in concentration.

Robin was pacing up and down the worn carpet, shaking his head and muttering to himself, twiddling an arrow, deep in thought. Granny sat on the sofa knitting forgotten beside her, Ruby’s head on her lap, gently stroking her hair in comfort as the tears shone in her eyes.

“That’s it. No. I won’t do this any longer.”

The room turned to look at Regina inquiringly as she whirled around and stormed for the door. Robin followed in curiosity, closely followed by Ruby and Granny.

“Regina! What are you doing?” Robin asked, walking quickly to keep up with the long strides,

“I can’t take any more of this incessant crying. I’m going to offer her a better room.” She paced up the stairs, “One without the acoustics.” She grumbled.

“But what about the master?” Ruby asked, looking over her shoulder, Granny reached up to place a hand upon it.

“To hell with him, how he can tune this out I don’t know, but I can’t and I need beauty sleep.”

Reaching the top of the tower, she threw open the door and stormed inside, grimacing as the crying grew louder, she fished out the key from her pocket and unlocked the cell door.

“Oh do stop your blubbering.” The princess looked up in shock to find four people standing outside the cell, she hastily wiped away the falling tears and took a breath to steady herself, “It’s been nearly a day since your father left-”

Robin coughed, “Actually it’s been about five minutes, your highness.”

Regina rolled her eyes, “You don’t want to sleep here do you?” She huffed in annoyance, awaiting the answer,

“No… Of course not” Emma clambered to her feet, straightened her riding clothes and brushed away the stray tears. She stretched out a hand, “Princess Emma of Misthaven.”

Regina looked down at her hand, and back up to her face, scoffed and turned away walking back towards the stairs,

“This way then. Hurry or I’ll leave you to sleep on the hay.”

Emma looked after her blankly, turning to the remaining three people in the tower, eyebrows raised in question. Robin was the first to answer,

“She can be a little… temperamental” He offered kindly, gesturing for her to go ahead of him.

“Temperamental?! She nearly burnt down my kitchen!” Granny cried, outraged, “You ignore him, dear, he’s just soft on her.”

“Am not.” He replied petulantly, “She annoys me to the ends of the earth!” He pushed past Emma and went strolling down the stairs, causing Emma to stop.

Granny gave Emma’s shoulder a comforting squeeze and carried on walking past her, “Come along dear” she muttered politely, but it was Ruby who tugged on her arm with a smile and nodded for her to carry on before Emma started walking again.

“I’m sorry about them, we’ve been here for a long time and sometimes we forget what other people are like.” She smiled, “If it helps, I think they’re crazy”

Emma found herself chuckling while walking with Ruby, listening to the tales of Regina and Robin fighting, and how they were certain to fall in love if they both just admit it. She told her of the numerous occasions they would fight even when they were on the same team, just because of their predisposition to disagree with each other.

They were following the others through the long and winding castle halls. Emma was sure she would get lost in a palace this size, it was bigger than her own, that is if she was ever allowed out of her room, which she doubted.

A small part of her wondered if the Dark One, her new lord and master knew she was being moved to a new bedroom, wondered whether he had agreed to it or not. Her eyes flickered all around, taking in the design of the castle, the colours and decorations, the time that had gone into building such craftsmanship.

Ruby stopped walking, freezing in place; she threw a quick apologetic glance to Emma before Granny whisked her away. Robin had vanished from the hall, leaving Regina throwing her arms wildly around her. She was a good distance in front of Emma and it looked like she was arguing with herself, Emma’s eyebrows drew together in confusion. She took a few hesitant steps forward until a figure leapt out of the shadows,

“How dare you defy me!” Emma swallowed thickly and stepped back cautiously, hoping not to be noticed.

“Going somewhere?” She whirled around to find the Dark One standing behind her, breathing heavily she took a step back. In response he raised an eyebrow, and tilted his head to the side, patiently waiting.

She looked over her shoulder to find Regina standing there watching them, before huffing in exasperation and walking away, disappearing into the shadows herself.

“I… uh.. I was following Regina?” it wasn’t meant to be said as a question but with his eyes boring into her she felt a brief flicker of panic.

“Ah yes. To your new room.” He raised his hook to his chin and pretended to think, “What was wrong with your previous accommodations slave?”

The word was like a slap in the face, of course, she knew she was to be his slave but she never even considered he would be such a brute about it.

“I have a name you know.” She folded her arms across her chest defensively,

“Oh! I have one too! Shall we be best friends?” He asked sarcastically and rolling his eyes, before walking down the hall at a fast pace. When Emma hadn’t moved he looked back and threw over his shoulder, “Well. Are you coming or not? I don’t have time to hold your hand, Princess.”

“Never expected you to.” She bit out, storming ahead leaving him to catch up to her.

The silence between them was thick and loaded with tension, Emma cleared her throat slightly before attempting a conversation,

“So… A Princess as your slave. That’ll be good, help you to intimidate other kingdoms? Surrender to me or I’ll take your heir?” She swallowed hard, she was sure that must have been what he was thinking when he agreed to this deal.

Killian stopped short, rounding on her with such fury, towering over Emma. His eyes flaring with rage and his brows drawn together, jaw ticking. She could feel his body shaking from where she stood, as he pressed against her.

“Is that what you think I am? Some coward who will blackmail and abuse to get what I want?” His mind raced to a coward he’d once known, an evil, manipulative man. A man he’d killed. The anger flowed freely through him now.

“Well look at what you’ve done to me. To my father.” She whispered, looking into his eyes, challenging his power.

“That was your choice, Princess.” He returned, words low and dark, eyes reflecting the blackness within. “Your chambers… your highness.” He mocked her again with another low bow and a smirk plastered on his face as he rose.

She hadn’t realised that they had stopped at a door until he’d mentioned it, he motioned to it and it creaked open on its old hinges. She took one last look at her owner before he raised his hand and vanished in a cloud of red smoke; she huffed and walked into the room before her.

She had expected the barest of rooms, no more than a cot to sleep in and a candle for light, although in truth she believed that he wouldn’t even leave her with a light.

She wasn’t prepared for what was awaiting her on the other side of the door, she gasped as she took a few steps inside. The room was much bigger than her own palace; gold guilding was spun over the ceiling leading down to a four-poster bed with fine silk linen and plump cushions in deep reds and glimmering gold; thin material hung over the top gently moving back and forth. She hadn’t realised how much her feet were aching, her body tense, her shoulders stiff until she sat on the bed, sinking into the thick feather mattress.

She couldn’t stop herself from taking in every detail of this new room, there was a faint smell of lavender and lemons and her stomach growled quietly in discontent. She hadn’t eaten in a while and she was starting to feel it; she took a deep breath and walked to the door, rattling the handle to see if it was locked, it would be just like him to lock her back in a room, like a bird in a gilded cage.

She laughed at that, what a pretty little birdie in a pretty little cage. She smirked. She was not so easily trapped, there were other ways out.

But it was open, much to her surprise, did that mean she was free to go through the castle as she pleased? She was debating whether or not to leave the room when she saw Granny and Ruby bustling towards her with a trolley filled with tea and cake.

“How about a nice spot of tea, dear?” She asked kindly, “Come on, let’s get inside.”

Emma opened the door wider to allow them to come in, she sat on the bed with Ruby while Granny took the stool and poured some tea.

“We think you were very brave, for saving your father like that.” Ruby told her, “We all do,” she offered her a small smile and patted her back.

“He’s my father, of course I’d do anything to protect him. But I won’t be here long, I’m going to leave this place and never come back.” She spoke, her mind far away; assessing how many sheets she would have to tie together to make it out of that window.

“Oh, but you can’t!” Ruby cried, reaching out for Emma’s arm,

“She’s right dear, the master will just drag you back whether you want to come or not.” She muttered sadly, “He’s been kind enough to let you have this room, you’d be surprised what else he’d be kind enough to allow”

“How about my freedom?” she mumbled bitterly, when Granny looked away awkwardly she continued, “Why do you defend him? He’s taken my father hostage, and taken me as his prisoner instead. That man is evil.”

“It’s not so bad here, you’ll see. Ruby has lessons with Jiminy, and Robin practices archery in the gardens, I prepare the food- there’s plenty to do here. Why, tomorrow Ruby can give you a tour of the castle?” She offered,

“That’s all very kind of you, but I don’t belong here.” She smiled sadly, “I belong with my family, I’m sorry.” She flopped backwards on the bed, arms stretched wide. Ruby and Granny began to walk out of the room, deflated.

Once the door closed she could hear them talking between themselves, she pushed herself up onto her elbows but couldn’t hear clearly enough. She quietly tip-toed to the door,

“But Granny, she must be the one! She can destroy the darkness, the one who was foretold, she can free him. Free us.”

Free him? She was the one who was a prisoner not him! She wanted to scoff but held it back when Granny started speaking,

“These things take time my dear, you can’t expect them to fall in love overnight.”

Love! Ha!

Emma wrenched the door open, sending a high pitched squeak echoing through the halls, the two women gawked at her, like prey caught in a hunter’s gaze.

“Let’s make one thing perfectly clear- I am not going to love that hideous beast, not now and not ever. I’m not the one to break the curse, I want to go home.” She shouted, feeling guilty at the way their eyes bulged.

From the corner of her eye she could see a dark figure looming in the shadow, she knew it was him but she no longer cared. Turning to him she proclaimed,

“Did you hear that clearly enough? I’m never going to fall in love with you, you monster!” The door slammed closed behind her, Ruby and Granny scurried away to the kitchen, leaving Killian standing alone.

This one would be fun to break, she was strong-willed and would need careful attention, but in the end, they always break. Killian's face lit up with a sickening smirk, plans already forming in his head;

Rolling over from his position on the floor, he swung his arm round and the hilt of his sword collided with the head of the wolf, that had chased him through the woods, which in turn snarled and bit into his right leg.

Blood immediately started welling up and oozing from the rip in his trouser leg, David screamed in pain, swinging his sword again, aiming to kill this time. He managed to catch it with the blade but not before it’s claws slashed down his left side leaving deep gouges.

A flash of lightening lit up the clearing, seconds later a deep rumble of thunder echoed through the trees, the wolves whimpering in fear and retreating to the cover of the trees. David struggled to look around in confusion, trying to figure out the source of the noise. Mere moments ago, the sun had been shining brightly in the sky, how could it suddenly be storming?

He shuffled backwards until his back was against a tree, breathing as deeply as he could, while he assessed the injuries.

“Snow is going to be furious.” He chuckled to himself despite the pain lacing through his body, “Lancelot? Where are you my friend?” David asked to an empty forest.

He waited a moment, using the tree to pull himself to his full height, attempting to walk back to the clearing but finding nothing. His eyebrows pulled together, where had everyone gone?

“Lancelot?” David shouted, louder this time, only hearing the wail of wolves in the distance.

He decided not to stay out in the open anymore, perhaps they had sought refuge in the trees? The sun was beginning to lower in the sky and David swallowed hard, if he couldn’t find his way home by the time the dark came, he would be stuck here for the night. The sound of howling wolves sent shivers down his spine.

“There has to be somewhere nearby to find safety for the night.” He concluded, surely if he carried on walking he would eventually find a place to rest for the night, his injuries gave a twinge of pain and he realised he might not have all night.

As he limped from tree to tree, allowing them to take his weight, David realised this was not the greatest plan he’d ever had. Arguing with himself whether he should carry on walking or stay put and wait for someone to find him, he felt as though he walked through a web, a strange rippling feeling flowed over his skin.

And as if by magic wrought iron gates, rusted and dirty appeared before him. He shook his head, closing his eyes as if the castle would suddenly disappear. The gates opened of their own accord, and a man came running down the path, David blinked hard, clearly his imagination was running wild.

“Are you alright my friend?” The figure asked, blurring the closer he got, David felt weak, shaking violently before his legs gave way.

He heard the figure shout to him to stay with him as the darkness surrounded him, and he lost all consciousness.

~BATB~

David groaned, his body feeling tight and stretched. He quickly assessed himself, he was feeling pain still, although much duller, he was lying down on something soft and there was someone leaning over him.

He sat up quickly, as far as he could, and the woman leaned backwards to avoid bumping heads with him,

“Where am I?” he questioned quickly, looking around as if he could answer that himself by determining the objects in the room.

“You’re still injured, lie back down dear.” David looked up into the face of a kindly old woman, “My name’s Granny, you rest we’ll look after you.” She smiled affectionately towards him.

“We shouldn’t be doing this. He’ll cause us nothing but trouble, what if the master finds out?” A woman in dark clothing, stood tall and proud, she swirled round, her dress twisting around her legs, sharp eyes turning to Granny.

“Well, we can’t leave the man injured, now can we?” The man in the corner argued, he turned to David, reaching out a hand towards him, “I’m Robin by the way, that’s Regina over there, the one with the stick up her a-”

“Ask not.” Granny snapped, rolling her eyes, “They fight those two, just leave them be, they can fight over anything and everything.”

David’s eyes flicked between Robin and Regina, each giving a distasteful stare to the other.

“The master?” he asked, trying to push himself into a seated position, “Where is he?” he directed his question towards Granny,

“Oh, never you mind about that- would you like a spot of tea? Nothing seems so bleak after a cup of tea-” She started, leaning towards the tea trolley,

“There isn’t time for tea!” Regina snapped, waving her arms wildly around her, “He could get us all killed! I refuse to be part of this.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, but I really must be going…” David made to stand, wincing and falling back to the sofa he was slumped upon, Granny laying a comforting hand on his shoulder.

As Regina stormed for the door, every candle in the room was extinguished plunging them into darkness, David sat up straight once again, alarmed and barely feeling the pain through the adrenaline pumping through him.

“I told you” Regina hissed into the blackness, “Now we’re all in for it.”

The wide doors on the far side of the room were thrown open, and banged upon the walls behind them. The air became thick and clammy as David fought for every breath, his heart hammering against his ribs.

“Who dares to enter my castle?”

David could feel Granny shuffle, clearing her throat before replying,

“He’s injured my lord, we thought best to tend to him before he’s… no longer with us.” Although the slight tremble gave her away, David thought she spoke with confidence almost daring the voice to defy her.

“That wasn’t your choice to make, was it now, my dear Granny” The voice sneered at the old woman, a tall figure shrouded in black, a fraction darker than the room itself, David could just make out a face twisted into repulsion from the light of the moon.

“I had no part in this master. I told them to leave him be to die.”

“Regina!” Robin elbowed her in her side, “My lord, we only meant to fix him up until he can make his way home, he’s the-”

“I know who he is. I know who everyone is.” The voice silenced him, “Very well then, if our guest wishes to stay, how about we offer a more comfortable room for him?”

His stomach dropped as the moonlight glinted off teeth, curled up into a sickening smirk. He felt a hand pull at the neck of his shirt, pulling him backwards his skin dragging harshly across the cold, rough stone.

“Master!”

“Stop it, no you can’t!” The chorus of protests were drowned out by an almighty growl,

“This is my castle, and you are all mine! You will do as I say or you’ll all find yourselves within the dungeons too.”

David hissed in agony as he was hauled up the stairs and thrown into a cell within the dungeon, the door slammed closed as it echoed through the empty walls. It was dark down here, there was water all over the floor, a leak dripping from the ceiling into one of the puddles, a shiver ran down his spine as it looked up at his captor.

“What? Never seen a Dark One before?” it growled out, “Name’s Hook” he held up a long glistening hook attached to his left forearm.

“Please enjoy your stay” he cackled before he retreated down the stairs, the door thumped shut with a final bang and he sighed deeply, how would he ever escape?

 ~BATB~

Emma had been riding hard all afternoon and finally arrived in the eastern fields, she leapt off her horse, still holding the lit torch she had carried with her. She crouched down towards the ground, she hadn’t remembered it snowing recently and yet the ground was covered in a thin layer of the stuff.

Her mother had taught her how to track since she was little, she picked it up with ease as she had most things, sword fighting, archery, even dancing and small talk.

She saw scuffles on the ground, deep gouges in the mud and snow where a fight had obviously taken place. She followed each set of footprints but they all stayed within the clearing, she observed the edges of the clearing until she came upon broken twigs hanging from the trees, she smiled to herself proudly as she began to trace her father’s footsteps.

“I will find you father, I will always find you.” She vowed to the sky, still following the path he had left for her.

On the snow, there was a pool of blood followed by several streaks and her stomach twisted uncomfortably, he was hurt and she needed to find him quickly, that was an awful lot of blood on the ground.

Racing through the trees she could see the steps becoming longer and dragging more, clearly her father was losing his strength by this point and the knot in her stomach tightened even more.

Suddenly the blood and tracks stopped, she whirled around trying hard to find the next steps but found nothing. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end and she felt a strange prickle coursing through her blood.

She edged forward until she touched something solid, something there wasn’t there; pushing forward, she felt as though she was walking through the thick goo the castle serves for pudding sometimes, until she was through the other side.

She was shocked to see a castle standing before her, tall towers, intricate designs surrounding the gates and doorways. She could see another thick layer of blood upon the snow and she was no longer afraid; her father was all that mattered now.

She squared her shoulders and walked towards the huge doors, finding them open she pushed herself inside ready to face someone, anyone who might be in her way.

But she found nothing, nobody. She huffed, relieved for a moment to gather her thoughts, still carrying the torch; she held it high to light the room as best she could.

There were chairs along the walls, a great chandelier hanging overhead, curtains pulled shut over the windows.

“Father?” She called out shyly, taking hesitant steps at first.

“Look Regina, a girl!” Robin whispered, nudging her with his elbow,

“I know it’s a girl. She shouldn’t be here.” She turned to walk away, barely noticing Robin leaping from his hiding place and racing up the stairs, “Robin!” She hissed,

“Who’s there?” Emma called, swinging her torch around to see better only to find an empty hallway in front of her.

The sound of footsteps could be heard and she turned to find a light filtering down from the stairs, expecting to find answers there, she followed the light. No longer taking small hesitant steps, she had no idea what condition her father was in, she didn’t have time to waste.

She flew up the stairs two at a time, the light seeming to get further and further away from her, twisting around the spiral staircase going higher and higher.

“I’m looking for my father, please! Slow down!” She implored, “Please, he’s hurt”

She continued racing up the stairs until suddenly they stopped, the hallway twisted round and then evened out to show a heavy wooden door.

Emma placed the lit torch in a holder just above her and turned to pull the heavy door with both hands, grunting with the effort. Once opened she slipped inside, plucking the torch out the holder and headed forwards.

“Father? Are you here?” she called,

“Emma!”

“Father!” Emma dropped to her knees outside his cell, hand reaching inside for her father.

He gathered her hand in his and kissed her knuckles, smiling at her gratefully. His back was to the cell wall, dried blood had crusted on his thin shirt and he was looking very pale.

“How did you find me?” He asked weakly,

“Mother taught me to track well, we need to get you out of here, you’re hurt.” She tugged hard on the bars but they wouldn’t budge an inch, she looked around for something to use, “It’s okay papa, I’m going to get you out, just stay with me.” She pleaded.

“Emma, you have to leave, he’s here.” He swallowed hard, eyes begging,

“I’m not leaving you.” She vowed,

“You have to! Now go, I’ll be okay.” He gave her knuckle one last kiss before letting go of her hand,

“Who would have done this? You’re a King, they cannot do this to you!” She argued, her chest puffed out, shoulder straight and head tall, looking every bit the princess she was.

He shook his head, “Please, just go, look after your mother and the baby, we will see each other again.” He reassured her, giving her a comforting smile.

“No. Not until you tell me just who did this to you.” She was stubborn like her parents and would refuse to move until she got her answer.

David opened his mouth to answer when a cold gust came through the tower, and the torch Emma held flickered low, threatening to go out.

“Emma? Emma for goodness sake where are you! The ball is about to begin!” Snow was walking the halls down to the stables, calling out for her daughter. “Emma! Must you make me walk so far?”

Snow was in the early stages of her pregnancy and was told to rest as much as possible, but when he daughter hadn’t been in her room as the ball started she was too anxious to sit around waiting for her. She stopped short when she saw her daughter, sitting in the mud laughing with the stable boy, Graham.

“You are the future queen of Misthaven, you have responsibilities of attending the ball tonight and you cannot go looking like that.” She waved her hand to the bottom of her crystal white gown covered in thick brown sludge.

“Oh mother, you worry too much, I was planning on changing gowns when the ball started.” She waved her mother off impatiently, turning back to Graham.

“The ball has already started! Your father is waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs and you’re not even in your chambers, come along!” She hooked her arm underneath Emma’s and dragged her upwards and pulled her towards the castle.

“I’ll see you at the ball Graham!” She called back over her shoulder with a smile, waving wildly as her mother picked up the pace.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, princess!” He returned, the words slipping through his laughter.

It was a few minutes before Emma pulled her arm away from her mother, with a sigh,

“Honestly mother, I was heading to my chambers now, I just lost track of time. You shouldn’t be walking this fast, you’re pregnant!” She shrugged, moving quickly to keep up with her.

“You’re too much like your father, that’s the trouble, and I am aware I am carrying a child.” Snow insisted while smiling and shaking her head.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” Emma raised her head high, she was proud to be like both her parents, the fierce fighters and loyal, passionate leaders.

Snow chuckled, shrugging, “Yes, if being late and trying to charm the pants of everyone is a good thing.”

Emma rolled her eyes at her mother, she knew how much they loved each other- they shared many true love kisses but sometimes Emma’s heart ached with loneliness, she knew she was never alone in the castle; she had her parents, her friends, but she always felt something was missing.

They reached her bedchamber, Snow pushing the door back and ushering her inside, guiding her towards the bed. There on the bed lay a beautiful dark green gown that matched her eyes perfectly; it had long sleeves and was gilded with gold around the edges.

“Come along now Emma, we don’t have much time!” Her mother worried, biting her bottom lip as she undressed her.

Emma span around helplessly as her mother rushed around her like a whirlwind, and before she knew it she was clinging to her bed post as her mother tightened her corset.

“Really mother? Must I- Ooohf!” She inhaled deeply as Snow tugged once more “must I wear this awful contraption?” Her nails biting painfully into the wood.

“You must be properly dressed, now come, come!” Snow waved her arms for Emma to stand on a small stool as she carefully worked the dress over her head and body, fastening the laces at the front of the dress.

“There, your dress looks beautiful, you and Johanna did a wonderful job designing it.” Snow looked at her in awe for a second and before Emma had time to even blink she was being rushed into her chair in front of her vanity table, with Snow pulling and teasing her hair.

“Your hair is so beautiful my dear but it is such a nuisance. Maybe you should consider cutting it?” Emma’s brows knitted together and she shook her head, causing her mother’s hard work to fall out of place.

“No, I like my hair the way it is. I’m a woman now mama, I can decide for myself.” She crossed her arms over her chest and looked away from the mirror.

“Definitely like your father.” Snow chuckled, picking up the strands of hair and rearranging it once more.

Minutes later, after the torture of make-up and combing her hair, Emma stood in front of the mirror to assess herself. Her eyes growing wide as she took in the young woman facing her in the reflection.

Her hair was beautifully combed and rolling in waves down her back whilst some of it was pulled up in to a delicate up do. The make-up was light and natural with only the slightest hint of rose on her cheeks and lips, with the faintest trace of black under her eyes.

And the dress, oh the dress. It hugged her body perfectly from the waist upwards, like a second skin, but flowed out around her hips down to her feet that twisted as she turned back and forth to see herself.

“You’ve done a wonderful job mother; I barely recognise myself.” Emma whispered reverently, whilst a blush creeped its way up her cheeks.

“Oh I did nothing; you were already beautiful darling. Now there was one last thing I wanted to give you before the ball.” Snow turned to the box placed on the dresser; It was gold and had delicate, intricate carvings all around it.

She lifted the lid with caution, and picked up the tiara inside. It shone with diamonds and glittered with every movement, she held it out as Emma lowered her head slightly to accept it.

“Mama…” she choked out as Snow tucked the tiara in place, leaning forward to kiss her forehead.

“Don’t ruin my good work, come now, your father is expecting us and I will not turn into him.” She smiled, taking her daughter’s arm and walking from her room.

~BATB~

“Presenting her royal majesty, Queen Snow of Misthaven, and her daughter, her royal highness, Princess Emma.”

Emma clung tightly to her mother’s arm as they descended the stairs, feeling the eyes of everyone in the ballroom staring at her, she was afraid she would slip and fall for everyone to see.

Finally, her foot touched the bottom of the stairs and she breathed a deep sigh of relief, her father was waiting for them and leant forward to place a kiss to Emma’s forehead, before embracing her mother.

“You two are late.” He told them with a smug smile, eyes flicking between the two women.

Snow huffed, “Blame your daughter. She was out in the stables getting covered in filth.” Shaking his head her father threw her a quick wink as he guided her mother to the dance floor.

She sighed, it was only a matter of time before she was asked to dance, she looked around helplessly for her friends when she felt a presence behind her.

“Your highness,” the figure fell into a graceful bow, “Might I have the pleasure of a dance?” With one last glance around the ballroom she nodded and took the hand she was offered.

It seemed endless, being twirled this way and that, spun in circles and small talk involving the kingdom and politics with princes and dukes, all vying for her attentions. She spotted Elsa and Tink over by the windows, sending her smiles, hands wrapped around long drinking glasses.

She carefully extricated herself from the arms of the fifth prince of Northwood castle, offering a gracious curtsey and walking to her friends.

“Go on, what was wrong with this one?” Elsa sighed, waving her hand towards the blond hair prince.

“Like you’re one to talk. And how is your love life going Elsa?” Emma smirked,

“Better than yours it would seem. I have plenty of suitors, just none that Anna need know about.” Elsa nodded towards her sister talking avidly to her fiancé.

“Elsa!” Tink cried, hearing the implication in her voice, “Who is he? Why didn’t you tell us!” nudging her friend with her elbow.

“Because I was trying him on for size, turns out he’s terrible at keeping beds warm…” She giggled, Emma and Tink’s eyes widening,

“You have to tell us everything!” Emma urged, reaching over to grab a drink off the serving tray

“I don’t think you have time for that my dear,” Elsa nodded behind her, “Looks like prince ‘me, me, me’ is heading this way for a dance.”

Emma groaned, closing her eyes, scrunching them up tightly and praying he would just walk straight past her,

“Your highness.”

Or not.

She took a deep breath and forced a polite smile on to her lips, turning towards the prince, he bowed low, holding out his hand as he stood straight again.

“I am Prince Baelfire, might I have this dance?” His lips seemed permanently in a smug smile, she extended her hand, allowing him to place a sloppy kiss on it.

Grimacing at the moisture covering her hand, she tried to subtly wipe it off on the back of her dress, glancing at Elsa and Tink who were trying to hide their sniggers in their glasses.

“Of course, lead the way.” He yanked her forwards, harder than she had been prepared for, looking over her shoulder at her friends in distress, pleading with them to help.

He crushed her forwards against him, arm coming around to circle her waist and trap her there. Her head placed awkwardly close to his, his breath clinging to the skin of her throat. She cleared her throat and tried to lean back as far as he would allow.

“So Prince Baelfire, what brings you to my kingdom?” She tried to force herself to act polite but the constant smugness plastered on his face made her stomach lurch uncomfortably.

“Why to find a wife of course. You are the picture of beauty my Princess, we would make a fine match.” Emma tried to hide her grimace as he continued blind to her reactions. “Imagine the children we would make with my brutish good looks and your simple elegant beauty.”

Simple?!

She tried to tune him out she really did; but the final straw came and she could hide her distaste no longer.

“Think of this, my latest kill roasting on the fire, our children playing on the floor with the dogs- we’ll have five or six of them.”

“Dogs?” Emma asked hopefully, however futile.

“No, Emma, children! Of course, my little wife will be rubbing my feet after a long day of ruling both our kingdoms.” She didn’t think his self-satisfied smile could get any worse and when his hand drifted too low she barely registered her hand pulling back before launching it forwards to hit him in the nose with a sickening, yet satisfying, crack.

The ballroom gasped and turned to the drama, Emma looked around at all the eyes on her searching for her mother and father.

“Come along Princess, I think you’ve had too much wine.” She felt the comforting hand on her shoulder steering her to the shadows of the ballroom and out of one of the doors and into the kitchens.

“Thanks Graham, that boarish, brainless brute has no idea how to talk to women. He wanted me to play the meek and mild obeying wife. Me!” She told him in disbelief as he handed her a damp cloth to press against her knuckles.

“I don’t think anyone would make that mistake princess…” Graham chuckled.

“Emma!”

“Emma!”

She groaned as her Elsa, Anna, Tink and her parents filtered into the kitchens, she buried her face in her folded arms resting on the table.

“I’m sorry!” She lifted her head up before glaring at her parents, “Actually I’m not sorry, I would rather live my life alone than be with such a selfish, self-obsessed…. Brute!”

She was shocked to see her father’s shoulders moving up and down with his contained laughter.

“David.” Snow chastised him, slapping him lightly on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry Snow, but I can’t help but be proud of our little girl. At least I know she can defend herself while I’m away- she broke his nose Snow!”

Her eyes narrowed at her husband,

“Yes. But not in a ballroom filled with visitors! Really Emma…”

“I thought she did the right thing, that man has no sense at all, keeps all his brains in his-”

“Tinkerbell!” Snow admonished, eyes wide at the insinuated comment.

Emma’s head fell back, groaning again and throwing the cloth on the table with a small smile towards Graham.

“If someone is making inappropriate advances I will stop them, I am perfectly capable of defending myself while father is away.”

“Good because I leave in the morning.” David told her, looking awkwardly shuffling from foot to foot,

“Tomorrow?” She glanced nervously between her parents, “Well if you must, but take care, and take guards-”

“Emma, stop worrying I’ll be fine, it’s a perfectly normal patrol of the forest, the Dark One has laid dormant for many years, I suspect there will be nothing to worry about.” Reaching out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder, using it to pull her forward into his embrace and cupping the back of her head with his hand.

“Can we please get back out there, I want to get back to dancing!” Anna cried enthusiastically, while Tink merely rolled her eyes and smirked,

“I want to see the damage Emma did.”

Emma scoffed as Elsa pulled her close and walked back towards the ballroom, “I really didn’t break his nose, did I?”

~BATB~

Emma was walking her horse through the courtyard preparing for an afternoon ride when the guards came back, shouting and crying for help. She called for more guards and sent for Doc, the castle physician, she helped them off the horses and gently laid them on the grounds.

“My father, where is he? Where are the others?” She asked impatiently, eyes searching every horse, scanning every path in or out of the castle.

“The wolves, they attacked us, he’s still out there, I’m so sorry my Princess.” Sir Lancelot answered, the pain lacing through his voice.

Snow came running down the steps, “David?! Where’s David? Lancelot!” She hurried over to her daughter and the knight.

“He’s out there somewhere mama, I need to find him.” Emma drew up tall and reached for her horse,

“No Emma. We will send guards, there is no use you getting lost out there too.” Snow pleaded, “Emma, you can’t!”

She swung up into the saddle, “Lancelot, where did you lose my father?” Fixing him with a glare he’d dare not refuse.

“In the eastern fields, just outside the abandoned castle owned by the Dark One.” He swallowed hard looking towards Snow, “I’m sorry your majesty, I couldn’t defend him.”

Before Snow could even open her mouth, Emma sharp reply cut her off,

“That doesn’t matter now Lancelot, I’ll bring him back- take care of my mother.” With a firm kick to her horse she raced through the gates and out to the eastern fields.