The Chance Encounter

Part Twenty

Regina’s POV

Thirty minutes later the villagers return with their makeshift weapons and other supplies we would need to save Emma and take back the castle. Some of the villagers came with their horses to ride up on and some carried wagons to hold supplies if needed. When everyone was ready for the fight, they all set off with me once I signaled for us to go. I lead them to the castle gates and the villagers dismount their horses, preparing to fight the royal guards knowing very well they could either die or be thrown in jail. They didn’t care about the repercussions or being executed, because they believed in Regina as their Queen.

When we reach the guards, I call everyone to a halt before they could start a fight.

“The guards, don’t we have to fight them?” one of the villagers called out.

“We aren’t fighting the guards. Is that why you all thought I brought you here?” I ask.

“Well, yes. You made it sound like we were running into battle from your speech.”

“You have a point, but I wasn’t referring to the guards. They are straight on our side. I was referring to Cora.”

I see Eddy patrolling the gates for us.

“Eddy! Over here!” I shout.

“There you are, Princess. The rest of the guards know the plan. Charles is guarding Emma, so she’s safe, while you take the castle back from Cora.”

“Does that mean she finally got to meet Charles? Well, that’s not important right now.”

I turn to face the villagers. “We are going to the throne room to dethrone my mother, who took over the Kingdom, and tried to take power away from me.”

Cora’s POV

The doors burst open and I see Regina with all the guards and a group of villagers.

“Mother, I have come to take back my throne. You can either leave now, or I can have you put in the dungeon. Don’t think for a second I don’t know what you did to Emma, or that she’s not safe.”

“Well, it took you long enough to get here. I guess I’ll leave.” I turn to walk away, thinking that Regina will stop this foolishness.

“Goodbye, Mother.”

Regina’s POV

As my mother walks out the door, I remember the other people in the room. I turn to face the villagers.

“Now that she’s gone, I would like to thank you for being here. How about we go to the Wandering Willow Tavern. Tonight, drinks are on me as a thank you for all of your support and being by my side to face my mother.

The villagers and guards begin to cheer. While everyone starts to make their way to the tavern, I head down to the dungeon to get Emma.

“Regina!”

“Emma!”

“I’m so glad you’re here.”

I take out the keys, unlock the cell and embrace her tightly. “I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m sorry I took so long. I gathered the villagers to forge an army so we can get Cora out.”

“It’s okay, Gina. You’re here now. Besides, Charles kept me company.”

“The villagers, the guards and I are going to the Wandering Willow to celebrate our victory. Would you like to accompany me?”

“Yes, I would love to. I haven’t been back there since our second meeting.”

I begin to feel a giddy feeling with her choosing to come with me. I have a surprise for her.

–Time Skip to a few hours later–

I got to the Tavern and everyone was already there and had a few rounds of drinks. Everyone continues to celebrate and enjoy their night. Emma is talking with Eddy, Charles and some of the villagers. I take a deep breath before I walk up behind her and tap her shoulder. I pull out the ring box and get down on one knee. Everyone stops and stares as Emma turns around and looks at me.

“Emma, from the moment we saw each other, I knew you were my soulmate. We’ve faced every challenge together, causing our love to only grow stronger. You are my rock, my best friend, and my everything. Will you marry me and continue this beautiful journey together?”

“Oh my God, Regina. Yes! Yes! A thousand times, yes.”

I slide the ring on her finger and she pulls me into a kiss. We only stop when we hear everyone cheering for us. Then we hear Eddy shout, “well it’s about damn time.” as he hands Charles a bag of coins.”

“What was that about, Eddy?” I ask.

“We might have had a bet going on who would propose.” Charles says. He turns to the other guards. “I’ll be expecting the money tomorrow, guys.” The guards groan in response, and in the corner of my eye, I see Emma’s friend Red hand Dorothy a bag of coins.

“Not you guys, too.”

“Well, we would have won if Emma had some balls.” I turn to Emma and see her pull out a ring from her pocket and hand it to me.

“It seems like we both had the same idea. You just happened to beat me to it.” she says with her goofy grin that I love.

With that, I kiss her chastly, as we spend the rest of the night celebrating with our friends.

Thanks for reading!