Chapter Text
"She will declare war, Regina," Emma's voice dripped with danger and seriousness, compelling Regina to finally turn and face her. The warmth of Regina's breath brushed against Emma's skin, momentarily evoking memories of their loving marriage—waking up to passionate kisses, finding solace in each other's arms. Home. But the fleeting visions quickly dissipated.
"The only reason she hasn't done it yet is because I pleaded with her to let me talk to you," Emma explained, closing the distance between them with purposeful steps. "I asked for this opportunity because of Liam.”
Liam. the last thing that still connects them. The last innocent soul caught in our spiteful game.
Liam, their beautiful son—the thought ignited a flame of anger within Regina. How dare Emma manipulate their pure child for her own ends?
"Don't you dare use Liam against me," Regina snapped, her voice almost a bark. "It's despicable, even for you."
"Why don't you just give him to them? Our kingdom is in shambles," Emma suggested, her words laced with resignation. "Our people are starving, and our economy is in ruins."
Regina exploded, unleashing her pent-up frustration. "Your kingdom is a mess! Your people are suffering, while mine thiriving,” she retorted. "Your subjects label me as evil, yet they yearn to cross our borders."
Emma sighed, realizing the truth in Regina's words. The Helin kingdom was indeed a chaotic wreck, and the last thing they needed was a war. She struggled to recall a time when their realm flourished, vaguely remembering documents from her grandfather's era when prosperity existed. However, for years now, the economy had crumbled, hunger plagued the populace, and orphaned children roamed the streets.
"I won't allow Eveylin to wield such power when she can't even provide for her own people," Regina asserted, her determination unwavering.
"And we're supposed to trust you with this kind of power?" Emma asked, Emmaoyance lacing her words. She despised the intricacies of politics, but she had to make this one gesture—for her mother, for what remained of their kingdom. She was the only one Regina would talk to.
"Yes," Regina shrugged, offering a nonchalant response that grated on Emma's nerves. She clenched her teeth, resisting the urge to snap back. "Speaking of Liam's upcoming birthday next month," Regina continued, smoothly shifting the conversation. That was their way—moving on to the next topic when things became too complicated, too painful to address. Sometimes Emma wondered if that was the true reason behind their breakup, burying too many shadows beneath the carpet.
"Eveylin wants the celebration in her palace. She wants Liam to be publicly recognized as a Helin," Emma stated, knowing it would ignite yet another argument. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the ensuing clash.
"He is my only heir, Emma! Eveylin has you as an heir, but I only have Liam," Regina retorted. Emma attempted to reason, desperation tainting her voice, "He is my son too. I want him to succeed me. Is that too much to ask?"
"First, you need to rule," Regina smirked. "Your mother doesn't fancy dying, dear. Trust me, I've tried multiple times."
"I hate you!" Emma's words were laced with venom, tears welling in her eyes and her hands trembling with anger she couldn't contain.
"Oh, please," Regina snarled. "Don't act like you don't know the history between your mother and me." Leaning closer, she whispered into Emma's ear, her warm breath teasing the blonde's earlobe. "You knew it when you kissed me for the first time. You knew it when you lay beneath me, craving more. You knew it when you screamed my name over and over again. And you knew it when you married me."
Emma forcefully pushed Regina away. "You're playing a dangerously twisted game," her voice emerged raw and low, leaving them both uncertain of which game she was referring to.
"I'm not backing down," Regina stated firmly, retrieving drinks for both of them. She handed Emma a glass of apple cider, their fingers brushing briefly—an electrifying sensation they both tried to ignore. "You can inform Eveylin that if she wishes to wage war against me, she better be well-prepared. I won't let her intimidate me with hollow threats. If she wants a war, she'll get one."
"Fine," Emma sighed, sinking onto a large cushion. "But we still need to discuss Liam."
"There's nothing to discuss," Regina replied, taking a sip of her drink as she settled across from Emma. Her composed demeanor and soothing tone only served to irritate the blonde, who rolled her eyes in response.
"Well, I suppose we'll have that conversation another time," Emma conceded.
"I guess we will," Regina smirked and waved her hand. A portal opened on the side of the room, and Emma smiled gratefully. "I wouldn't let you endure a two-day journey," Regina added, rolling her eyes.
"Don't act like you've never done it!"