The Chance Encounter

Part twelve

Regina’s POV

I ride back to the castle reflecting on my last interaction with Emma. She seemed to believe my cover up story, but she looked unfazed when we talked about the kiss I initiated. Maybe that’s just my imagination trying to get my hopes up?

I bring Rocinante back to his stall and sneak back into the castle by the rope I leave hanging out the window. Once I’m in my room, I open my doors seeking out Edward (one of the guards I’ve befriended, who covers for me when I sneak out of the castle).

“Hey Eddy, I’m back for the night, you don’t have to cover me anymore.”

“Hey Regina, went to see this mystery girl again? When am I going to meet her anyway? At least give me her name so I don't have to refer to her as the ‘mystery girl’.”

“It wasn’t a planned meeting, but yes. I saw her. Maybe soon you’ll get to meet her. Her name is Emma. Is that good enough for now?”

“I guess it is for now, Princess.”

“Don’t call me that again, please. Good night.”

“Okay, good night, Regina. Better?”

“Much” I say with a smirk.

I go through my nightly routine and then get into bed, drifting into a dreamless sleep.

-Time Skip to Morning-

I wake up and go over my morning routine. Brushing, showering and getting dressed. Then, I make my way to make sure Snow is awake and getting ready as well.

Cora, Snow and I meet up in the dining hall for breakfast. Not a single word was uttered as we ate our breakfast together. I finish my duties as Queen at around 1pm and then I go looking for Edward to inform him that I’m going for a ride to the market.

“Would you like me to go with you or cover for you?” He asks.

“Come with, Eddy, please.”

“Of course, Regina.”

-Fast Forward to the Market-

“Looking for something in particular?” Eddy asks.

“Not really. Emma and I will be hanging out later, and I’d like to bring something.”

“Maybe some wine, fruits and cheese?”

“That sounds great! Let’s start with picking out fruits and making our way around for the rest.”

While I’m paying for the grapes, I begin to hear some commotion behind me.

“No! I’m not going on a date with you” a familiar voice yells.

“Come on. Just one date. How could you resist?” the man says.

I begin to walk over with Eddy. “Follow my lead, please.” I say

“Okay, but I’ll be asking questions later,” he says.

“Is there a problem here?” I ask with my authoritative tone.

“No, this fine lady was just agreeing to go on a date with me, Queen Regina.” he says while he bows his head towards me.

“No I’m not, you jerk! Fuck off.” The woman says. “Excuse my language, Your Majesty” she says while bowing her head slightly and winking at me.

“Well then, It’s settled. It seems this Lady doesn’t have any interest in you. Leave her alone, immediately.” I ordered.

“But yes, my queen” He says as he cowers away.

“Thank you, Regina. Not to sound rude, but what are you doing here?”

“Wait, you’re Emma? The mystery woman she’s been meeting?” Eddy asks.

“Yes, Eddy. She’s Emma. And to answer your question, I wanted to bring something with me tonight instead of showing up empty handed.”

“Well, hi Eddy. Nice to meet you. I see you’ve heard a lot about me. All good things, I hope” she says with a smile. “Thank you both for saving me from that jerk.”

“It’s no problem at all, Ems. I’ll see you later, yeah?”

“Of course you will.”

From there we part ways. Eddy and I continue on with our shopping and head back to the castle after.