A Kingdom Divided

Chapter 5

Regina stared at the young woman before her. It was Emma. Her Emma. When her father had announced that they were going to the 20th birthday celebration of Prince James and Snow White's daughter, she could barely contain her excitement. Isabella had helped her get ready for the occasion, knowing about the relationship she and Emma had.

Seeing her friend for the first time in 10 years, Regina felt that void inside of her slowly dissipate. Ever since Zelena's death, life had gotten increasingly worse for the young princess. Her mother became more abusive, physically and emotionally torturing her into submission.

The woman was determined to make her a Queen now more than ever. Regina's father on the other hand... he no longer wanted anything to do with his daughter. The once kind heart he had for his daughter had turned to stone, it seemed. He no longer tried to bond with her, the nights of late stories and tea by the fireplace were over.

When he witnessed Cora laying her cruel punishments on their only daughter he simply turned the other way, disappearing into his study for long periods of time. He was always away now, rarely at home. Even when Regina was 12 and she had come down with a horrible case of pneumonia he had cruelly left her alone to suffer, not caring whether she lived or died.

The only thing that got her through the agonizingly slow days turned to months turned to years was Emma's letters and the comfort of the bracelets. Regina knew that one day, she and Emma would be reunited. And now here they were, face to face.

"I can't believe it's really you." The brunette breathed, holding Emma's hand as the young woman helped her up. Emma hugged her tightly, making up for all the years they spent apart. "You look absolutely stunning, Emma. Happy birthday." Regina smiled at her. The blonde certainly had aged well. There were curves that she didn't have before, and she grew into her piercing green eyes.

Emma thanked her and spun her around. "I could say the same about you. You certainly are a sight to see, Regina. I bet all the men just fawn over you." The blonde commented, her eyes looking her up and down. Then her smile faded as she noticed the small bandage on Regina's left wrist.

"Cora..." The blonde whispered, eyebrows knit together in worry. "Did you get my letter? It's not that bad." The brunette tried to distract her. "I got your letter today in fact, but this still upsets me. She has no right to treat you like this!" Emma seethed with anger. Regina took her hand, rubbing the pad of her thumb over the soft skin.

"You're wearing my ring." She said softly, noticing how the small heart gleamed in the moonlight. Emma temporarily forgot about the other woman's injury, paying attention to the small jewel on her littlest finger. "It's a special night." Emma took the olive-toned hand of Regina's and lifted it to her mouth, lightly brushing her lips against it in an intimate gesture.

Regina felt her heart skip a beat. All the feelings that she was forced to keep inside her all these years threatened to come forth. They may have been innocent children when they had run away and believed they would finally be free from their royal lives, but over the years her feelings toward the princess had deepened with every letter that was exchanged between them.

"We better get inside and join the festivities." Regina reluctantly pulled her hand away, noticing the blonde's eyes never looked away from her. "I suppose you're right." Emma murmured. She grabbed Regina's wrist once more, and the young woman could do nothing but stare as she used magic to heal the fracture. "Thank you." The brunette said softly. "I guess my magic only works when I'm with you. Such a strange thing, isn't it?" Emma answered, a smile tugging at her lips before she disappeared inside.

After a few minutes, Regina joined her parents in the crowded ballroom. "There you are! Where have you been?" Cora demanded, a wide smile on her face and sweet tone to her voice. Regina could read between the lines and she fought hard to think of an excuse. If the Queen were to find out who she was with, she would come unglued.