The Saving of the Queen

The Celebration: Pt. I

Regina POV

As I finally make it through the doorway to my chambers, I slam the door, and try to calm my breathing.

I could have--
I almost--
They almost--

My thoughts are coming to me in a whirl, and I cannot concentrate. Then one thought alone pierces through the others.

She saved me.

"Swan." I wisper the name aloud to myself, slowly calming my breathing so I can actually begin to think.

Swan saved me from those...bastards. I'm not really hurt. I'm actually okay. She has a big sword....

The more I think about the whole scenario, the more I blush.

She probably thinks I am a peasant, with no means of protecting herself. She works for the man I am betrothed to. She looked so handsom in that armor. I am betrothed. I am betrothed.

Where are these thoughts coming from? I was just attacked. I could have been... Then one thought, one fact, pierces my consciousness and terrifies me:

Mother can never know.

Those men would be executed, not that I would be too upset about that, but still. I would be punished for leaving my chambers, especially unattended. Swan would probably be punished as well. I couldn't allow that. For some reason, I want to protect this woman. She did save my life after all.

I walk over to the doors that lead to the balcony of my chambers, walking out for some cool, fresh air. I need to calm myself, clear my mind, and prepare for the event tonight.

I take a big cleansing breath.

Inhale.

Hold.

Exhale.

There. My mind clear, now I can focus on getting through this thing without wanting to stab my eyes out. Mother will be expecting me in a few hours, and my servents will be here in half an hour to help me prepare.

I take another breath.

Inhale.

I need to focus.

Hold.

Mother will be on edge tonight.

Exhale.

Swan did have quite the sword.

My eyes open wide at the last thought.  I frown.

Damn it.

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Emma POV

I can almost feel the steam coming out of my ears because of how purely angry and disgusted I am. I'm storming to the Guards' quarters to have a chat with Sergent Lycon about maintaining order in his ranks.

Those...not men...cowards. Those cowards were actually going to assault that poor girl. They were going to do what they wanted, then leave her there crying, probably with a threat of more if she talked.

I want to kill them myself. I would if they weren't Guard. Honestly, in my opinion, that's even more of a reason they should be punished.

I almost killed Richards. I feel like I should have, everything in me told me to. But then I remembered the girl, watching the whole thing. Then when it was all said and done, she just ran off. I probably should have went after her. But I've been there, and I didn't want anyone following me.

I reach the door that leads to the Sergent's quarters and I knock loudly, attempting to calm my breathing and sooth the wild, angry look that I'm sure can be found in my eyes.

I hear a brisk "Come in.", so I storm in.  I stop and close the door as calmly as I can in this state, which still results in a solid slam.

"Sergent," I begin. "It has come to my attention that some of the men have not been promoting good conduct, and I have come to ask of how much you know."

"Captain Swan." He sits on his bed, and gestures to a modest chair. "Please, sit."

I walk over to the chair and sit.

"Now tell me," He starts in a nonchalant way, "what men have you come to complain to me about?"

I narrow my eyes at his ease and general disinterest in the topic.

"Richards and Stephan. I caught them in the stables this morning." I state.

"And what? Were they combing your pony wrong?" He raises an eyebrow sarcastically.

I fume. "They were in the process of molesting an innocent girl!" I let out.

"And you didn't let them finish?" He grins snarkily, showing his grey teeth.

"You sick bastard. You--"

He interrupts. "Alright Captain, alright! I will see to it that those men are dealt with. I too saw them in the stables this morning, but no girl could be seen. They were actually complaining about soreness in..." He gestures to between my legs. "certain parts."

I narrow my eyes and raise an eyebrow. The anger inside just rising.

"See to it. Because if I find that you didn't, or I hear of any man of the Royal Guard has participated in any form of misconduct again, I will be the one to see to their punishment."

I get up and walk to the door.

"Good afternoon, Sergent."

I walk out.

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Back at my quarters, I shed my heavy armor and slip into the tub of hot water waiting for me. As I sit there, trying clear my head and relax in preparation for tonight, I can't help but think about the girl from this morning.

Though frazzled and frightened, she was beautiful. Scared chocolate brown eyes, dark brown silk hair, and  lips that were just perfect for her features. I think I even saw a small scar on her upper lip, but if anything, it added to her perfection.

I shake my head as I realize my hand has snuck itself under the water unoticed. It's now that I feel I'm getting sick. That poor girl is probably still frightened and shaken, and here I am...ugh. I need a drink.

I scrub and rinse myself, then exit the tub, drying myself with a fluffy towel I found. I don my good leathers, and brush out my curly blonde hair.

I have a little time to waste, so I shine my boots and my sword before I get up to leave. Once I can see my face in the blade, I smile to myself and sheath it.

I take one last look over myself in the small mirror on the wall, and I head out the door.

Let the political games begin.

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I know, hate me if you want to, but it's been too long since I posted something. And I needed go get the ball rolling. So I'm splitting the Celebration up into two chapters.

Again, if you have any ideas, feel free to message me.

Also, I feel the need to clarify... Emma is like 25-30 right now, and Regina is about 20-25. Emma refers to her as a girl because she didn't get a good look at her, as far as determining age. Also, compares to the men she's generally around, to Emma, Regina is a girl. So yeah.

Alrighty... Til next time! Let me know what ya think!