The Dark Princess {OUAT AU}

Chapter 6

"I could get used to that." Killian smiles and Valerie giggles before their lips join again, the sound of the rushing waterfall the only thing they can hear.

~~~

"Come along now dear." Queen Miranda says, pulling on Valerie's hand. Valerie follows obediently, not wanting to start a scene with all the guests at her house. 

"Where are we going again mother?" Valerie asks, gently pulling her hand from Miranda's grasp. The queen allows Valerie to just follow behind her.

"You are having lunch with the boys, and I will be having lunch with the other mothers at the next table."

"So just like every night?" Valerie asks, confused.

"No." Miranda rolls her eyes, frustrated. "You will be at a table with them, alone. We will be near by but far enough away for you to have some privacy." 

"Okay. Is there some kind of pressure for me to pick someone?"

"Oh dear you can't forget that your father and I are picking." Miranda scolds her and Valerie frowns. 

"I don't want to spend a life with someone I don't love." Valerie protests and Miranda stops them both, pulling Valerie into an alcove for privacy.

"This conversation feels like deja vu, now doesn't it? We've been over this Valerie. It doesn't matter who you like most or if you love one of them. We're picking who's best for our kingdom to align with." Miranda says, her voice quiet but her words cutting like knives. 

"I want a say." Valerie says firmly.

"You can say all you want but it isn't going to make a difference." Miranda tells her daughter. Valerie decides not to say another word and instead nods, making her mother smile. "Now, let's get to lunch."

Valerie follows her mother out to the gardens, right by her mother's massive oak tree. When Valerie takes a seat and notices Robin staring at her she makes eye contact with him and he winks at her before eyeing the oak tree. She hides her blush by taking a sip of tea and he tries to hold back his laughter. Neal watches them subtly, wondering what it could mean while Killian pours himself a glass of water, thinking of the waterfall. 

"Good morning boys." Valerie says once she's cleared her throat and they all respond accordingly. She smiles at each one in turn before the servants bring out a light lunch and everyone begins eating. 

"How is everything?" Valerie asks and each boy swallows their food.

"Really good, love." Killian says, making her stomach tingle.

"It's lovely." Robin tells her and she feels a blooming heat in her chest.

"It's awesome." Neal says, his boyish grin sending sparks through her blood. 

"Excellent." She smiles, trying to hide how guilty she feels by liking all of these boys. Valerie worries who her mother will pick. She wonders if their choice will be her choice. Or if she even has a preferred choice. 

"So, how have you guys liked your stay at the castle?" Valerie asks and they launch into choruses of praises. Meanwhile at the mother's table, they watch as Valerie captivates their son's' attention. Miranda is happy her daughter is finally getting the right attention from other families. She was worried they had heard rumors of how Valerie was acting out.

"Your daughter is quite stunning, Miranda." Rose says, touching Miranda's hand lightly.

"Thank you Rose." Miranda smiles warmly. 

"She is quite the charmer. My usually composed boy is smitten." Milah says, adjusting herself in her seat. Miranda is still slightly wary of this woman, who wears pants like a man to fancy dinners and who didn't bother to come to the ball even though her son did. Miranda would never let her children run wild without her knowing.