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The carriage rumbled against the dirt roads. Snow was fanning herself while her dad was reading a book. Emma looked out the window and let out another huff.
“Honey could you not let out such an unseemly noise”
Green eyes rolled and stared at the queen
“Mother as much as I looove this tour of the kingdom why can I not ride ahead with august and Graham.”
“Just because you are an Alpha does not mean you are invincible, you are the future heir to your, young lady and you should mind that. We must keep you safe thus keeping the bloodline safe.
“You mean my sperm.”
“Emma!” the name came out in a shrieked tone
“Ems”
Her father looked up from the book he was reading while his wife gave him a pointed look.
Emma took a look at her father and it had hit her lately how the years have caught up to him. Not saying he looks old in an extreme way but he looks very mature from the father who used to swing her in the air as a pup and now she has noticed he’s had the responsibility of being a great father and a good leader.
His voice broke in through her thoughts
“ Ems you don’t need to sound so crass” he gave her a little wink
“But in some way, I guess you are right but we NEED you safe since you are the sole heir and also you are my daughter and I would hate to lose you”
Her mother looked down, and with that movement, the death of her younger brother was brought to mind.
Neal was only 7 yrs old when he passed. A fever took him in a couple of days. He was a surprise prince to his parents and thus the kingdom. Emma was 14 when he was born and was relieved that she would not be the only heir and just to have a playmate. Neal was her little shadow for most of his life. Emma had presented as an Alpha and thus her training was changed to take over for her father. Little Neal tried to do anything and everything she could, they were as thick as thieves. Emma didn’t leave his side as he succumbed to the sickness and she had to step up for the kingdom as her parents had shut themselves away for about a month.
It had been about a year since his passing and the royal family had decided to take this tour since they had been more shut away mourning their own loss. They knew the kingdom was mourning with them and it was now time to see how others were fairing and what new things could better the kingdom.
“Yes father”
A reverent silence fell upon the carriage and the party inside rode in silence till they reached the next stop.
____________________________________________________________________________
Aquarine
It was late when they reached the seaside town. It was a town that dealt with bringing in trade from Arendelle and Ferncombe and many other kingdoms across the water. Emma jumped out of the carriage and helped her mom out while David was helping some of the servants unload their belongings as they were staying for at least a month in the village. The family was set up in an old mansion that belonged to the long-deceased sea merchant who helped found the town.
“Geeze Ems what do you have in these trunks? A couple of anvils?” Graham was struggling up the stairs with her luggage.
“Haha” Emma stalked closer and looked graham in his eyes “Wouldn’t you like to know weather boy!” She spun around with a smirk on her face and took the stairs 3 at a time
“Weather boy?”
Graham and August shared a look at each other as they lugged up the trunks to her room.
Emma Reached her room first as she was only carrying a large bag, looking at the beautiful woodwork that caught her eye. A Thump interrupted her observations as August and Graham dramatically collapsed on the ground with all her luggage.
“ And here I was thinking my parents got me some strong security” mirth danced in Green eyes.
“Hey!” august shot up.
“Emma we were hired to protect, not to carry the weight of the sky up,” he asked august “how many flights of stairs?”
“It had to be at least 12.”
“Yes 12 so pardon us for being a teensy bit tired.”
Emma laughed and joined them on the floor staring at the ceiling.
August and Graham were her personal guards, but they had grown up together, so they were more like very close cousins.
“What do you think will happen here.”
“Who knows maybe you'll fall in looooove” august poked Emma.
Graham nodded a bit solemnly “ We all need a bit of good news and happiness, Emma is such a klutz it'll be something you don’t want to miss happening.”
Hey!” the blonde cried out.
The trio fell into laughter got up and finished getting ready for bed to see what the new day brought them.
___________________________________________________________________________
Emma got up early just as she could see the sun peaking over the horizon of the water. Looking around the room and seeing August and Graham still asleep she dressed in casual clothes and went out exploring the town. She saw some merchants just waking up and setting up shop. She was even able to nab some fresh muffins from a baker. The sea salt smell felt fresh to Emma as she enjoyed the light breeze. Finding a rock that overlooked the water on a little cliff, she sat down and enjoyed her surroundings.
“ oh no”, A tiny voice carried through the winds and the Princess looked down to a little boy struggling to get a fish into a bucket.
Green eyes watched with curiosity until she saw he needed some help.
Making her way down the rock she got closer to the little boy.
“Hey.”
The little body jumped with surprise and peered up at the adult coming closer to him.
“Stay back! mama says stranger danger and I’ve never seen you in town.”
Emma stopped walking willing to respect his distance.
“your mother is smart but I’m sure she’s also told you not to be out by yourself for it’s not always safe.”
Little brown eyes studied hers.
“I was trying to catch a surprise.”
A chuckle made its way out of Emma.
“I’m sure she would love it but it looks like you need some help”, sticking her arm out to meet the little boy “I’m Emma.”
A small hand slid into hers slowly but cautiously…. “Henry.”
“Well Henry we're not strangers anymore, may I help you with your fishing issue.
He excitedly nodded.
“Yes please!”
“My mom has been working really hard lately and my father has been gone on a boat.”
“How old are you, kid?”
“6 but my birthday is next week! Mama says I'm getting to be a big boy” He smiled, and Emma could see some gaps in his toothy grin indicating he had just lost some teeth.
“Oh, my you are big but even if we are grown sometimes it’s okay to ask for help” he nodded very seriously as he heard Emma's nugget of wisdom.
Emma was able to get the floppy fish in the bucket and help Henry capture 3 more.
“I wanna cawy it. '',The bucket was ¾ of the length of the boy but Emma walked behind him as he lugged it up the hill along a path and finally to the little homestead set off the path.
Emma saw smoke curling out of the chimney knowing whoever was there was awake.
“Henry, I think”- before more words could tumble out of her mouth the Wooden door of the house creaked open and a woman rushed out in a blur scooping up henry in a great big hug that lasted a full minute. Emma just stood in the background as the other woman set him down and ran her hands through his wavy hair checking if he was alright.
“Never do that to me again mi principito” she hugged him again fiercely.
“Sowy mama but look we got you a supwise”
At that moment Emma took her cue to make herself known, “Hi I’m”…. the words didn’t make it out her mouth because the other woman grabbed Henry and held him behind her in a stance of not to be messed with and Emma saw fire blazing in those cinnamon eyes.
“Alpha!” the word snarled out with disgust towards the princess.
“Oh okay wait” Emma immediately put her hand's palm up to show she meant no harm but the brunette in front of her did not waver.
“I was on the beach, and I saw the little guy all by himself trying to fish and I went to help and he told me no at first cause stranger danger.”
While Emma was regaling her morning tale, she was slowly walking backward but did not see the root behind her boot and thus took a tumble. Once she righted herself hair looking even messier than before she caught the brunette looking at her curiously.
“See mama”, the little boy tugged on his mother's dress “She wouldn't hurt me.” The brunette looked at her son and then looked at the bucket of fish and then the blonde Alpha who she could smell strongly but one who seemed quite clumsy. The Alpha was also looking at her with striking green eyes. The Brunette looked down and stuck out her hand pulling the said alpha up on their feet. Green and brown connected, and Regina felt as if her world stopped, basic but she had heard of these kinds of stories. Stories of meeting your true mate.
“Hi “ the other woman's voice permeated her thoughts “ I’m Emma.”
Taking a once over of the woman again Regina shook her hand, “Regina.”
They kept staring at each other then the little boy walked between em.
“Mama the fish.”
“ Oh yes, Emma would you care to join us for some breakfast.”
The blonde looked at the sky knowing her own parents would be up soon and probably freak out but she was captivated by the other woman, “I would love to” and followed the woman and her son into the house.
________________________________________________________________________
It was a modest house certainly smaller than anything that Emma lived in but she wouldn’t voice that.
“ So what brings you to town I clearly have never seen you before.”
“That’s what I said! mama.”
“Shhh, Henry!”
He at least looked a little ashamed.
“Family business” Regina could tell the other woman was holding something back but didn't pry,
“You have a lovely home.”
Emma thought she detected a blush rising in the other woman's cheeks. God, in this house Emma could smell the Omegas scent everywhere.
“Thank you, though it didn’t really become a home till he came along” motioning to Henry.
“He’s a cute kid.”
“He has so much of his father in him,” the brunette remarked with a wistful look on her face.
Emma saw a mating mark, but the dark-haired woman seemed to try and cover it.
“I’m sure his father loves that he has such an excited future fisherman growing up in his home.”
“Oh I’m sure his father would've loved it” Regina patted down her skirts as she was finishing up serving the fish.
“Oh, but he told me that his dad was out fishing…” the sentence faltered
“The man he knows as his dad does fish, but it doesn’t mean that is his sire or father”
“Sorry!” Emma wished she could suck those words back into her mouth.
A low chuckle rolled off the tongue of the other woman, “Hey it’s nice to not be seen as the fuckup the town thinks I am.”
Emma sat wondering what that meant and was about to ask but henry came back in.
“I washed my hand's mama, see all clean”, spreading his little fingers he showed them proudly to his mother.
“mmm but did you get this tiny spot on your nose!” Regina swiped at his nose with a cloth sending the young boy into a fit of giggles.
They sat down for breakfast and even though Emma had had food made by royal chefs most of her life she swears this is the best food she has ever had. After the meal, Regina went to get up but Emma motioned for her to sit down and she cleared the plates and started washing some of the dishes. Regina did not know what to think 1st this Alpha helped her son, then she trips in front of her and even stays on her knees in front of her which is not a very alpha-like pose, Then she offers to help her clean. Needless to say, it intrigues Regina and she can feel her Omega drawn to this other woman.
As Emma cleans up and Regina sent Henry to his room to clean up a bit, the blonde and brunette kept on catching each other in flirting glances.
“ Sooooo not to be rude this is a pretty nice homestead but I do find it hard to believe that you built this all yourself for you and henry- the blonde stopped, “ I’m NOT saying you couldn’t just because you're an omega, I love omegas, oh geez not like that but yes like that I’m…. going to shut up now” Emma's cheeks were bright red by that time.
Regina placed a hand on Emma’s at the sink to get her to calm down but with a small smile on her face.
“Em-ma” the way her name tumbled off the brunette lips Emma was sure she was in love right there but reminded herself this was a married woman.
“ My husband” the words spat out with vile “ he is out either fishing most of the year or seeing what he can buy and sell for rich patrons and he only comes home a few times to check up on his deal.”
“Deal?”
“ I had Henry out of wedlock from a different alpha. My parents needed money. My father was dying and they needed to pay for his medical care and so Robin said he was willing to help if he married me. I had seen Robin stare at me ever since I turned 13 even though he was 26 by that time he always had some comment about my beauty. Seeing his chance to have me obviously he seized it. My mother who was already extremely disappointed that her little girl got knocked up basically sold me. I know my father would’ve fought harder if he was in good health but I also loved my father and would do anything for him, so here I am, a not so single single mom. Whose husband comes home to use me every few months and then galavant across the world doing whatever.”
The princess was stunned by the story. She had heard in the past that alpha and omegas were used for trading tools but she thought her parents had gotten rid of that practice seeing as it did more damage than good.
“How could he do that? I’ve only known you for a bit Regina but you are not something SOMEONE to just be used and tossed aside.”
“Thank you, darling, but remember I am an Omega. I know you can smell it and this is the mentality of the smaller towns, we’re used for procreation and to be quiet.
A silence stretched between them as Regina dipped her hand to join in with washing.
“I noticed you only had Henry.
“Yes, I take a special tea so that nothing takes from Robin. I will be his wife but only on paper, I do not need any more ties to him.”
“Do you want more kids?” Emma pries.
Regina locks eyes with the princess, “…. With the right person? Yes.”
The answer makes the blonde's heart flutter as she gazes at the brunette in front of her.
“Why do you feel so familiar?” The wondering question hangs in the air from Regina.
“Perhaps the legends are true.”
“Legends?”
“You know of true mates.”
“Emma I am married and I-.”
“Regina, you have to feel it as well.”
Regina knew the blonde was right; she had never felt this pull even with Henry's real father. Time stretched as the pair gazed at each other and then Regina felt lips on hers…. and the world disappeared. Her omega howled with energy and excitement in her and for once she succumbed to her emotions, her eyes closed, and she delved into the kiss deeper. Emma cradled the brunette's head in the back of her palm and reverently kissed her. Finally, when the need for air became too much they separated and once again gazed at each other.
“I found you.” Emma croaked out with emotion
“You found me”, they leaned their foreheads together catching their breath when the light from the window glinted and Emma saw just how far the sun had come up.
“Oh geez I’m late.”
Regina watched her rush around her kitchen grabbing her cloak. The blonde nearly ran out of the door but stopped in the doorway looking back with hope in her eyes.
With a barely-there lip bite, “Will I see you again?”
Regina gave her a small nod and a smile. “Yes.”
And with that word of promise Emma stole back down the hill into town somehow sneaking back into her lodgings without anyone noticing or so she thought.
On the cot in the corner August caught the princess sneaking back into bed he didn't say anything but smiled and closed his eyes.
____________________________________________________________________________
It had been about 2 weeks of the royal family being in Aquarine. In that time Emma had been able to sneak away from her duties to see Regina and Henry about 4 times. They had grown closer but Emma still hadn't told Regina of her royal ties. She enjoyed just being Emma and nothing else with her.
Regina had been surprised how fast her feelings have grown for this clumsy but sweet Alpha.
She had learned that Emma was turning 23 in the summer while she herself just turned 24 the past winter. Emma joked that she always had a thing for older women causing regions to scoff and shut her up with a kiss. Their moments spent together were magical and they both could feel the pull to each other but never went farther than heavy petting and kissing. Emma knew if the omega was caught having another alpha’s scent on them could cause many problems for Regina. They both wanted Regina's mating mark to be dissolved but to do that one would have to have extremely special circumstances and have the blessing of the king or queen. It was a stupid complicated system but Emma promised Regina that she wouldn’t have to stay there with Robin forever. Whenever Emma Mentioned it a sad look would cloud over russet eyes.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep darling” Emma just squoze her tighter when those words were mentioned.
It was during one afternoon Emma was walking through the town with her parents trying to figure out telling them about the situation with Regina and the possibility of nullifying her mating mark when her father interrupted her thoughts.
“Emma dear you have to look at this” The blonde glanced at the sword her father was admiring.
“Where did you find a sword of such craftsmanship sir” he motioned to the shopkeeper.
“Thank you Sire, I traded it from a merchant at the port he may still be here if you want to look at his array of weapons.
“Yes, we would love to”, her father answered gleefully.
“Well just make your way down the path and the man's ship I think is called the maid Marian, you can’t miss it it’s the 2nd largest ship in port right now.”
“Thank you, sir,”, David handed the keeper a bag of gold coins “for your trouble.”
The man was gob smacked as he watched the two blondes make their way down the path to the port.
Scanning the ships Emma's eyes fell on the maid Marian, a ship painted blue with gold accents.
“She’s a bute isn’t she Em?” her father glanced at her then back at the ship taking the majesty of it in. “Almost as nice as the ones you charter father.”
“Ha” a low rumble of chuckles made it outer of the older man.
“Yes almost.”
They walked to the landing where some sailors were unloading crates.
“Excuse me gents where may I find the captain.”
“oi they're looking for the captain.”
“Who's asking?”
“I think it is his majesty sir” at that a gruff slightly drunk-looking man looked over the side of the ship, eyes going wide and seeing that it was actually his majesty.
Making his way down the ship slightly unsteady he met Emma and her father on the loading dock.
“The names Robin, Robin Hood.”
Emma shook his hand while her father made introductions, but her blood ran cold as she heard the name. His scent sent her stomach rolling. That scent that was the scent that lingered around Regina's cabin, This is the Alpha who has her mate.
Emma let out a barely-there growl and squeezed the man's hand before letting it go.
David looked at his daughter and noticed her scent shifted and wondered what brought that on but decided he’d ask her later.
“We found a sword that I was told came from your most recent shipment.”
The Drunken man's eyes lit up, “yes! Come, come he motioned them over then ordered some men to crack open a trunk and in it held swords knives and spears that look very beautifully crafted.”
“ Emma found a dagger with an obsidian blade with a light green emerald sheath.” Holding it up and admiring it the sailor leaned close to her.
“That is quite a pretty specimen but isn’t it quite unbecoming of a woman to carry such weapons.”
With that wording, Emma boosted her scent a bit and the man took a step back.
“Oh.. you’re one of those alphas.”
“Those alphas?” the blonde challenged.
The man looked like he was about to say something else when a loud “excuse me” ended the awkward standoff.
David was standing behind them with his hand on the hilt of his sword “I would appreciate it if you respected your future king.”
The man's eyes bugged open, but he did a short bow and looked away from Emma seemingly busy with something else.
It was then when Emma caught the scent of something that she cherished greatly. Looking up she saw dark brown hair and knew it was Regina making her way down the pier.
As Regina made her way to the group Emma wanted to give a big hug but restrained herself. She noticed the other woman had her hair swooped to the side to hide a barely-there bruise and Emma could feel the anger building inside her. Regina looked to be dropping food off to Robin. The man grabbed her by the waist roughly and laid a sloppy but forceful kiss on her lips. Ending the interaction by slapping her butt. Emma saw the flash of anger move across the brunette's face but then fade.
“Ahh yer majesty” he motioned to David.
“This is my wife Regina, isn't she a pretty little thing.”
Emma had made the briefest amount of eye contact with Regina but in that small amount of time, they had a nonverbal conversation, Regina imploring Emma not to do anything stupid.
“Hello, Mrs. Hood” David introduced himself to her “ This is my daughter Emma we were just exploring the wares that your husband has collected during his travels.”
“Yes, his majesty was quite generous to see visit my little ship.”
As the word Majesty slipped out of Robin's mouth Regina gave Emma a quick once over also taking in the royal garb. With green eyes pleading with her in understanding Regina didn't miss a beat.
“Who knew we would have part of the royal family visiting us? I'll have to tell my son he’s always loved hearing of your tales of bravery, your majesty. Giving a slight curtsey to David.
David, like any alpha, loved having their ego stroked a bit. I would love to meet him. Maybe I could tell him some of my stories firsthand.
Robin glanced at them talking and he soured, “My wife I think will be too busy doing certain services to bring my boy to chat.”
David ignored the remark “I hope to see you again Mrs. Hood…… and Mr. Hood.
“Hmm.”
“Your wife has such beautiful eyes. I'm saddened that one is covered, is she okay?”
Emma smirked at what her father was saying.
“Oh- um yes fine sir” the sailor stuttered out
“She’s clumsy must've fallen.
“On one eye?” disbelief danced in the king's question.
“Yes…..” the answer was very uneasy.
“Well do be sure she is careful, for we would not want your lovely face to be marred either.”
As Emma and her father took her to leave, she glanced back towards Regina but the other woman wouldn’t look at her so the Princess set her sights on her father and they made their way back up to the house.
“Emma.”
“Hmmm.”
“Do you want to tell me why I could hear your heart a mile a minute back there?”
Red bloomed across her cheeks.
“Dad remember how Granny would tell me stories when I was younger”. The older man nodded in understanding.
“She’s, my mate.”
The man stopped in his tracks.
“Emma, I know I’m not around you 24/7 but I think I would know when my daughter is mated.”
She rolled her eyes.
“We’re true mates dad. I don't know how to explain it, but it was just a pull when we first met. I swear I can feel what she’s feeling and the longer I’m farther from her the more it hurts.”
“She’s married Ems”, her father enveloped her in a hug.
“I know, but as you can see, he doesn’t treat her right and she has a son. What if he gets caught in the crossfire of a drunk man? Father, I love her.”
David exhaled and squeezed his daughter tighter… “I’ll see what we can do, If there is more evidence of mistreatment we may be able to dissolve the bond.”
Emma kissed her dad on the cheek
“ Thank you dad.”
____________________________________________________________________________
Evening at Regina's place ( trigger warning for SA)
“Uughh back to this shithole” Robin threw his boots off on the flood while Regina cleaned up supper”
“How was your recent voyage?”
“How was your recent voyage” he mimicked her
“I know you don’t care, you're just happy you have a roof over your head for you and that little bastard.”
“Don’t talk about Henry like that!” Fire blazed in her eyes. “You leave my son out of this.”
“Where is the Lil shite anyway?”
“Safe.”
“ Safe from who, me?” the drunkard said in disbelief “ He’s got nothing to worry bout just don't be underfoot.”
Regina said nothing as the man griped on.
“I mean in all honesty he is a bastard you let those legs fly open for any alpha and now you got yourself a child without a sire.” “It’s all you Omegas are good at, and tell me I know! how easily those legs part, shit I probably have some children out there somewhere. I don’t know why I keep trynna put one in ye since it seems it won’t happen but hey.” he rubbed his hand down Regina's arm “Doesn’t mean we shouldn’t stop trying”. At that the man stood up and Led Regina to the bedroom.
“Hands and knees bitch.” This was the point of the night that Regina disassociated letting her mind wander and she felt Robin have his way with her. Imagining a bright green-eyed Alpha holding her and making her feel special. With a weak moan, the man spent himself in her and he pulled out and rolled in bed basically falling asleep in an instant. The brunette waited a few moments before betting up and walking to the creek behind the house to wash off the evidence of her husband. Gathering her bearings she went back inside and back in bed knowing if Robin didn’t wake up with her next to him she’d pay for it physically. Sleep evaded her that night
___________________________________________________________________________
(Trigger warning over)
Dinner at the house was quiet as Emma thought about what her father had said. “Emma are you alright?” concern dripped in her tone.
“I’m okay mom.”
“I think she may just be a little homesick” David quipped.
“Emma please after supper meet your mother and I in the study room.”
“Foorr…”
“Hush dear finish your food you'll see”
Emma caught a knowing look on her mother's face.
Dinner was over quickly but Emma gave her parents an extra 20 minutes in the office before she came in knowing they loved spending their time together.
Sitting down on the loveseat she looked towards her mom who just looked at her dad.
“Emma, you know we only want the best for you” snows hand slid into David’s.
“Your father has told me you think you have found the one, you deserve every happiness, Emma.”
Tears started forming in green eyes
David continued “I was able to contact a judge in this area and he was able to help me draft the dissolving paperwork for Regina all she needs is to sign it. Sometimes both parties have to sign but in certain situations when one part of the party is being affected the most all it needs is one signature and then mine.” “As you can already see mine is on there you just need to take it-.”
His words were cut off as Emma slammed into her parents giving them a bone-crushing hug.
“Thank you,” now tears were freely flowing. “Thank you so much.” Emma rolled up the paper and made her way out of the room no matter how late it was she had a mission to go on.
___________________________________________________________________________
It was late but Emma already knew the way to Regina's cabin. All the lights were off except the glow of candlelight in the kitchen. Emma quietly tapped on the window and suddenly the side door swung open. “Emma?” a harsh whisper permeated into the dark.
“Gina” no sooner had she finished those words she was enveloped in a tight hug with a scent so overwhelming that said don't let me go.
“I’m so sorry”, Emma whispered into her hair, “I didn’t tell you I was the princess, I’m so sorry.”
“Shhh shhh” Regina cooed into her shoulder, it’s okay I understand just wanting to exist without judgment being put on you.”
Emma just choked out a laugh and hugged her girl even tighter.
“I have a surprise.”
The brunette pulled back with a questioning look
And by candlelight, Emma revealed the paper.
“Emma- is- is that?”
“Yep, I told you, you and Henry wouldn’t have to be here forever.”
She pulled out a quill and Regina signed her name.
“I can't believe it’s over, I’m free” tears welled up in big brown eyes
“What about the mark?”
“Since you guys had a weak link already it should dissolve if another more powerful Alpha claims you.”
“Regina chuckled “and I take it that would be you, my dear.”
“Hey I may be a little skinny but I’m scrappy.”
“I know, I know dear.” The brunette collapsed into the blonde for another hug.
“Robin is passed out drunk after our activities.”
“Are you hurt”!? Smooth hands ran against Regina's temples.
“Yes and no, but I am ok now that I can be with you and keep my son safe.
So that evening Emma helped Regina pack all her and Henry’s belongings while they stole out of the cabin early in the morning. Stopping by Tinkerbell's quilting shop and picking up Henry. The boy was still sleeping as they made it back to the Manor the Royal family was staying at.
Emma wasn’t surprised to see her parents still up basically waiting for her.
David shook Regina's hand “Mrs. Hood-.”
“Mills my father's name is Mills.”
“Well Ms. Mills I hope you find happiness with my daughter, and I am quite glad to be of assistance anytime you need me.”
“Thank you, sir... I would say a lot more, but I am exhausted, and I would like to make sure my son gets a bit more sleep.”
Snow glanced at the young boy sleeping in Emma's arms,
“We’ll leave you three alone even though the sun is rising I have a feeling you'll need the day to rest.”
The adults bid them goodbye, and Emma and Regina made it up to her room and laid the sleeping boy in one of the cots next to the bed. Thankfully he didn't wake up and just snuggled deeper into the sheets.
Emma and Regina collapsed into the bed physically and emotionally exhausted.
Regina kissed Emma's Forehead seeing the younger woman fight sleep.
“You found me.”
“We found each other my love” at that wording they both succumb to sleep and to what the future might bring.
____________________________________________________________________________
The sun rose and set on the Royal household and the whole time Emma Regina and Henry were in Emma's chambers enjoying just relaxing and having time to themselves before having to return to the real world.
The week was a relatively easy week. Emma still had to attend to certain royal duties leaving Her mate with her guards while she accompanied her parents. They were currently looking at different farmers and their crop yields for the year. Even though Aquarine was a seafaring town there were a few farmers high in the hills.
The whole time there David could tell his daughter was distracted and antsy.
“Emma, have you taken your Rut suppressants I swear I can smell you a mile away”
“I did before we left the castle just in case, but I don’t know what’s wrong with” pulling at her collar with discomfort
“me.”
Snow leaned into David “This may be a side effect of being true mates, Regina's mark is slowly dissolving while Emma’s wolf knows their near and needs to claim.”
“Mom!”
“Dear I think your mother is right we need to get you back to the manor.”
“I’m not having another sex talk with my parents one was enough” swiping her brow her nose scrunched “ it’s really hot out here.”
Snow and David just shared a look.
With the farmer approaching they bid farewell and thanked him for the update promising to send better seeds from the capital for next year's crops and new implements for him to work with.
The ride back into town seemed like forever all Emma could think of was her Raven-haired beauty at home. Though Emma was the one with Royal training she swears Regina was meant to be queen. With her poise, her manners, and her knowledge, Emma wouldn’t be surprised if her mate was smarter than her at least academically. Regina had told her while her father was still alive, He taught her academics, unlike her mother he believed Alphas and Omegas should have the same opportunities education-wise.
As the town came into view Emma noticed a Crowd in the streets, pushing her horse harder she was able to make it through the swarm of people and to the foot of her house.
“Let her out, let her out” “he's innocent” and many other chants made their way through the crowd.
Emma noticed there were four extra guards placed at the front entrance.
The crowd slightly parted for the royal family.
“Silence!” David bellowed across the crowd what is the meaning of this.”
Most people stayed silent as the king addressed them, but one man spoke up
“You come to our town, take our supplies and now you're taking our omegas!”
A roar went up in the crowd, the king raised his hand in a silent gesture.
“The situation you are thinking of has been completely lawful. These Omegas are not your property to do anything with. I do not stand for anyone in my kingdom to be mistreated for archaic ways. Do either of you really have a gripe with my daughter or me or are we just going along with the flow.”
The crowd slowly quieted and then began dispersing.
The princess was looking at her father in awe, but David didn’t miss a beat. He called 3 servants over to take the horses in and rushed his daughter and wife inside to escape the vocal beatings of the crowd.
In the foyer, Emma caught the scent of a slightly distressed Omega and an acid drunken smell.
“Robin”… following the smells she made her way into the drawing-room where Robin was more or less sitting on a chair with his hands tied in front of him. The blonde glanced up the stairs and saw Regina leaning over the banister with graham behind her. Seeing that her mate was okay she whirled around and took stock of the man in front of her.
“What is the meaning of this?” “Why are you in my house disrupting the staff who work here.”
Robin looked at her eyes blown wide scoffing. “Why am I! - little girl.”
“Princess - it will behoove you to state my title if you want any sort of hearing.”
A low growl made it out of the man's throat, Emma stood firm eyes unmoving.
“Princess,” he spat the words out like acid.
“I show you and your father my lovely wares and what do I get for it, my omega taken away.”
“She is not yours and she never has been,” Emma seethed out.
“She has always been mine and no female Alpha or whatever you are will take her from me, now I'm here to collect my wife.”
“You are here for nothing sir! and if you continue on your tirade, I will have you transported back to the capital and await for trial going against a direct order of the king.”
The princess unfurled the scroll that her father had given her, “you see that dotted line,” The other man glanced away as if this didn't phase him.
“I implore you to look or it may be the last thing you do.”
Steely eyes met the Princess's equally steely ones.
Continuing as if talking to a child
“This dotted line has my father or as you should address him as Your Majesties signature, right under it should I say Your mates- I mean, MY, MATES, signature. As you know this is only the paperwork part, but your mate has found an Alpha Stronger, More Suitable for their needs and your last remnant of the bond you have to her is dissolving.” A slightly smug smile graced the princess's face till she steeled it back to formal anger.
Emma never liked flexing her Alpha status but this excuse of a man had her doing it more than she ever did.
“You sir had an amazing partner, but you squandered her love towards you by being abusive and negligent to her and her son, you are no longer a part of their lives. And you are most definitely not in mine. If I am to set sight on you again it will be in court, now good day.”
Emma motioned to the guards standing at the edge of the room to escort the man out.
Robin let out all sorts of curses, but they fell on deaf ears. As the noise quieted around them Emma found her parents looking at her. Her father gave her a nod of approval and she rushed up the stairs to her mate.
____________________________________________________________________________
(Okay definitely more smexy times)
Reaching the door to her chambers Emma found Regina sitting on one of the window perches looking out over the town.
With a huff of breath, the blonde leaned against her door then slowly making her way to her mate she pulled Regina into a hug inhaling her scent as to get rid of all she inhaled downstairs. Cupping her face, she inspected the ravenette.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m Alright Emma.”
“Henry?”
“He’s off with the cooks in the house trying to steal cookies. When I saw that man coming up the path, I wanted to make sure Henry was safe.”
“Good, Good,” Emma kissed her fiercely.
“How long was he here before I got here?”
Leaving a kiss on the blonde’s cheek Regina regaled her side of the short story.
“He came to the door raving mad but drunk off his ass showing that he knew me and that you stole me.” “He already had a group behind him, and I guess there are many small minds in this town and that is how the crowd got bigger.” “The guards eventually escorted him inside and basically tied him to that chair. It was only for about 10 minutes then you appeared.” “God I thought I would never have to inhale his scent again and yet he invaded my life and my privacy once again.”
Regina snuggled into Emma's neck inhaling her scent glands.
The blonde snuggled in as well, “Love I promise you'll never see him again and he will no longer interrupt our lives.”
“Promise.”
“I Promise” they met each other in a soft kiss which soon turned heated.
“Em-ma please” Regina panted against pink lips.
“Yes.”
“Take me.”
Emma lifted her mate from the window seat and led her to the bed laying her down reverently. She stood up gazing at her mate as she unbuttoned her outerwear, shrugging her pants down. She could tell her mate already influenced her as the cold air hit her hardening shaft, but she was intent on making Regina feel pleasure first. Regina sat up in bed as Emma undid her chest bindings. The cloth slowly falling from clinging to her body, Regina turned and gave a soft kiss to her mate.
“God I love you” the blonde grumbled out deepening the kiss.
With clothes divested they explored each other's bodies Emma's hands ghosted over pert nipples causing her mate to lean into her touch.
“More” the ravenette rasped out.
Emma lowered her head to take a pebbled nipple into her mouth, her mate gasped and stroked her member in the process causing Emma to bite down a bit harder than intended but it seemed her mate loved it. Regina kept stroking Emma and the ministrations to her breasts were bringing her closer to finish.
“Darling I’m going to,” Her back arched as a whine permeated the air.
“Emma!”
The blonde grinned knowing what pleasure she could bring to her mate pushing Regina's hand off her member she moved down on the bed. Emma gazed at Regina coming down from her high and their eyes connected. Emma had never felt this connected, this in love with someone.
Emma dipped her finger into Regina's entrance causing the omegas legs to fall a little bit more open. Looking at each other in conformation Emma lined herself up and sunk slowly into the omegas velvet heat. Both partners leaned into each other feeling connected. Emma waited for Regina to adjust before starting to move in and out. Their lips connected as Emma pounded into her. Regina scoring her back with fingernail marks nipping at her alphas neck teasing at the bite to come. Emma looped her hands under her mate and adjusted them into a sitting position so she could hit her mate deeper. At that move, Regina relaxed a bit more sliding deeper onto Emma causing the alpha to stutter her thrusts for a bit. Regina gave her mate a little smirk seeing what she could do to her.
Emma let out a low rumble and pistoned into her even harder.
“Gina- im-.”
The Alpha let out a low whine as she released inside of her omega.
Regina reveled in the warmth spreading into her but the alpha was still rutting in her when she felt her passage grow tighter. She urged the Alpha to lay them on the bed as she felt the knot growing inside her. Emma was still rutting as she felt her knot expand. Eventually, she couldn’t pull back out.
The ravenette squeezed Emma's breast as the Alpha rutted into her. Regina squoze her inner muscles causing the Alpha to let out another release deep inside of her. At this moment Regina bit into the side of her mate's neck causing her own orgasm to roar through her which Emma swears caused hers to last longer. Regina felt the bond to her mate flood her system as she was enjoying her own high. Emma bit her omega, tying them together and removing any last remnants of Regina's old mating mark.
As both women were coming down from their highs Emma made sure not to put her full weight on her mate and slowly rolled them to their sides as they were still tied together by her knot. Emma leaned in giving small lazy kisses to her mate as she saw Regina was starting to doze off.
Emma sniffed and she swore a sweeter smell was coming off her mate.
“Regina,” a small whisper made it out.
“Hmm”
“I think I may have triggered your heat,” green eyes wide with shameful surprise
Brown eyes opened with a teasing glint
“I had a feeling, it’s okay love it’s just you and me now,” She leaned in a pecked Emma on the lips lightly.
“Just you and me”…. the Princess murmured and the mates succumbed to their sleep.
______________________________________________________________________
Epilogue
The royal family stayed about another week in Aquarine before packing up to leave. As the carriage rumbled back to the capital Regina looked back knowing she was leaving one chapter of her life.
Her thoughts interrupted as a little body scrambled into her lap.
“Mama, am I going to have my own room?” brown eyes bore into brown.
“Yes, mi principito.”
Emma chimed in “Henry you may even have a pony waiting for you at the stables.”
“Mama mama I’m going to ride a pony!”
Regina’s eyes widened a bit
Emma laughed a full belly laugh, “don’t worry dear I will be right with him every step of the way.”
“Hmmm, if I hear of him falling off even once! no more horses till he’s all grown up,” the omega grumbled out.
“But mama I wanna be a knight when I'm older I have to train!”
“I thought you liked being my little prince?”
The boy looked between Emma and his mother in quite an existential crisis for such a young human.
“I will always be your little prince mama,” he snuggled into his mother's embrace.
Emma gazed at her family, her mother and father who had fallen asleep leaning against each other, and her new mate and kid with Regina's eyes shining into hers. She held out her hand and squeezed it as an assurance that yes, many things have changed but they will always have each other and, who knows maybe someone else will come along and expand the family sooner rather than later.
Emma and Regina had found each other, and they intended to never let go.