Chapter Text
Within weeks of the crown being placed upon her head Regina had managed to start turning things for the better. Some were easier than others, but Regina refused to let anyone get in her way. Fighting any opposition that had come her way.
Ensuring food was distributed to those in need was an easy endeavor. The first Regina had undertaken, while her second was quieter. Slowly figuring out who amongst the guards was actually loyal to the crown. One that had been in the background as she worked to bring Storybrooke into a new era.
Taxes were too high, and Regina knew many - if not almost all - of the Lords and other title holders were taking more than they should from those they collected from. First she had lowered the taxes and made it known that no one could line their pockets. That any found guilty would pay dearly.
Several royals had fought back, while others had tried to hide their actions. Many had continued to gouge those in their areas far above what the tax amount was. Using violence and intimidation to try and keep it quiet. It had become clear that nothing would be overlooked. Regina had made sure people had paid for their wrongdoings.
That wasn’t all she changed of course. Overall life was much better for everyone in the Kingdom. Nothing made Regina more proud than the effects she’d made on the Hunt itself. Certain it was just the starting point, that eventually she’d end it. In Daniel’s honor.
Outlawing the Hunt wasn’t something anyone could manage - not yet at least. Regina’s laws did cause a drastic and very welcome change in the Hunt itself. Now nearly ninety percent of prey evaded being claimed. Magic aids and weapons were offered freely to anyone who hadn’t presented, and low-cost to those that had.
Those in the Kingdom who suffered under the Hunt were happy with the changes. Opposition was much smaller, mostly men who thought it was unfair to them. Crying and wailing that the Predators would face too much risk. When they found no sympathy they became too scared to speak out against it again.
Trades had suffered for a short time - other Kingdoms had looked down on Storybrookes new Hunt practices. Regina had stayed firm. Anyone who wished to join Storybrookes hunt had to follow their laws. Eventually the other Kingdoms had caved. Suffering without the trades themselves.
Five years and Regina had made so many differences. That didn’t mean her family was any less disappointed in her. They were proud of what she did as Queen, prevailing just as Cora had raised her daughters to do. It was her relationship with Emma that caused the disappointment.
Beyond their wedding night Regina had not been intimate with Emma since their wedding night. Not so much as holding her hand. Truthfully Regina stayed as far from the blonde as she could manage. That didn’t stop her from watching as Emma grew stronger, taller. Blossoming into a force to be reckoned with.
Early in their marriage Emma had sought Regina out. Giving her gifts. Writing poems. Had even gone on Quests in Regina’s honor. Doing all she could to win her wife’s love or at least some small semblance of affection. To prove she was worthy of Regina in some way.
In the beginning Emma had been happy. Content to love Regina even if she never loved her back. As the months turned to years her smile faded away, until it was barely a memory. Gifts no longer came, poems were no longer written, and while Emma went on Quests it was now an escape.
No matter what Regina wanted done Emma had backed her up silently. Ornamental at best. Going where Regina wanted her to go, doing what Regina wanted done. When Emma had no responsibilities she spent her time drunk in the forests, or in the training ring.
Three things Emma had asked of her wife. The first Regina did amazingly. Proving herself a Just and fair Queen. Making changes Emma had thought impossible. Disrespect was something that Emma knew she could live with.
Disloyalty however was something Emma found she couldn’t handle. Driving her to drink her feelings, or to fight until her body hurt more than her heart. Sometimes Emma felt like her soul was dying. Wondering how long until she’d last before she completely broke.
Few knew of Regina’s affairs. Man or woman made no difference, Regina always chose carefully. Infidelity was something she needed to ensure the Kingdom never learned about. Emma always knew. No matter how many people Regina slept with Emma didn’t stray. Not even during her ruts. Didn’t even look upon another with lust or the stirring of it.
More than a month had passed since Regina had laid eyes on her King. Surprised she’d run into her at random. Of course Emma had noticed her before abruptly changing direction. Going back the way she’d come. By the time Regina had turned the corner at the end of the hall it was empty.
Angry Regina had stormed away. She had been actively seeking out Emma for days. Which was why she had decided to simply go to the King’s chambers herself. Finding herself wishing for the days when she could spot Emma dozens of times before dinner.
Sneaking around the castle to see her own mate was debasing. Regina had no other choice, the guard at the door had refused her entry. Determined she had left, only to head down to the bowels of the castle. Slowly making her way up through secret passages.
Finally she had stepped out of the entirely too dark, and too small, secret tunnel. Thankfully a fire wasn’t lit and she was able to step into the fireplace itself before heading into the room. A hand flew to cover her mouth, and she squeezed her thighs closer together.
Positioned perfectly across from her was Emma. Glistening, fresh from the baths. A large towel was tossed on the stone floor a few feet from her. Left hand pressed against the castle wall itself Emma was masturbating. Right hand stroking herself as a water droplet ran down her spine. The sight shouldn’t affect Regina like it did.
Every
fiber of Regina’s being demanded she stride forward and bare herself. To let Emma
dominate
her. Disgusted by her body’s betrayal Regina had refrained. That wasn’t what she was here for - or at least not for the physical pleasure aspect.
Painful as it was to admit the truth was that Emma had always respected that Regina had shown absolutely zero interest in a physical relationship. In any sort of relationship to be honest. Regina found herself troubled by her absences. Upset that Emma had given up trying to earn her respect or her loyalty. Due to Regina’s own actions.
Paralyzed Regina couldn’t tear her eyes away. Grunting escaped Emma as her back tensed, arm going faster. As a splashing sound was heard Emma stilled, bowing her head until it was touching the wall. Swallowing Regina did her best not to think about how wet she was.
Hating her own body's reaction. Usually she would find someone else to sate the desire Emma caused. Something she couldn’t do anymore - she had come for an important reason. One that was now hazy and floating in the back of her mind.
Getting caught like a perverted old man had been the last thing Regina was expecting. Anger flashed through Emma’s face after she had turned, but lasted only a few seconds. Internally Regina raged at herself - she should have run off. It was too late for that now. Cocking her head to the side Emma appraised her wife.
Stepping to the side to grab at the towel, wrapping it around her lower-half before falling into her chair. Lazily motioning with one hand for Regina to speak - wanting an explanation. Pissing Regina off. Emma was always so calm, and almost never spoke to her.
Breasts also simply weren’t meant to be so entrancing. Regina thought it was a grave error that the God’s had given such perfect specimens to her mate. Contemplating what was more distracting - breasts or the seed dripping down the wall - would do her no good. She needed to pull herself together, and fast.
“One would assume that as King you’d find at least one willing body” Regina could have screamed at herself, that had not been what she’d meant to say. Anger and jealousy had taken her senses.
Finding out why she constantly lashed out at Emma had never been high on Regina’s to do list. Right now she wished she had done so before showing up uninvited to her chambers. Had even discussed with herself how to approach this conversation, promising herself she wouldn’t have an attitude.
Just another promise she was unable to keep. Scowling Regina stared at Emma. The thought of someone being fucked by
her
mate made her magic act of its own accord. Small flames appeared above her fingertips, only deepening Regina’s anger.
Regina Mills did
not
share. That was all she was ever going to admit to, even to herself. Anything deeper was absolutely out of the question. Which was why she ignored the way emerald eyes dimmed in response to her comment, and the frown that etched itself across Emma’s lips.
“Unlike you,
wife
, I don’t stray from my mark.” As much as she searched for it Regina found no malice behind Emma’s words. Which only made them hurt more. Why must Emma be so honest?
Eighteen or not Emma felt much older. Life had never been kind. Leaving her drained and broken. Mated to a woman who hated her, a woman Emma still couldn't help but love with everything she had left within her. That wasn’t counting the crown she had never wanted to bare.
“I never marked you” Snapped Regina. The reminder quicker than an arrow. Tumbling out of her mouth before she could stop it. Regret flooded her, and Emma visibly flinched. Looking away, not wanting Regina to see the pain she felt.
Crossing her arms Regina ignored the flames she still couldn't stop. Her own magic wouldn’t hurt her - it was her mouth that was going to do the damage. Since she couldn’t think of a single thing to say Regina pretended she was unbothered.
Mate marks were generally shown off with pride. Amongst the public Regina did the same. Neck, and mark, on display. In private and amongst her trusted council and guards she would hide hers. Never wanted to see it, to be reminded of its existence.
A mark Regina had never wanted. The only mark she had wanted was Daniel’s. Something Regina chanted like a mantra. Stoking her hatred, scared that if she didn't it would die. Needing to hate Emma, needing to still love Daniel. It was how Regina protected herself.
Flickering her eyes to Regina’s mark Emma wondered what her wife wanted. Or if this was just some new punishment. She really couldn’t be sure. Feeling Emma’s eyes on her mark Regina had hoped to see a smile. Emma used to always smile when she’d see it. If anything as she gazed at it her frown deepened. Only making Regina want to cover it more.