Regina Mills is unhappily married to King Leopold when Emma Swan a knight comes into her life and unknowingly changes everything.

Note: There will be violence and mentions of rape. Not for the faint of heart.

*Please let me know what you think. This is going to be very long and complex. I will be updating most every day. Cover and photo edits are all done by me. I do not own these characters.*

Regina stood on the balcony and closed her eyes as the wind tickled her face. She leaned her arms on the marble railing and set her face in her hands. She was happy to finally be alone. Leopold was passed out somewhere in the castle... probably with a young servant girl who thought she'd actually gained something by being in the King's favor. Regina rolled her eyes. She despised the King more than anything.. the way he looked at her body like he owned it. The way he would lick his lips before eating and especially the way he smelled. Regina cringed. Most of all she hated the way he touched her. She looked up towards the night sky and saw a shooting star blazing through the darkness. She closed her eyes tight and made a wish.

Regina didn't know how long she'd been standing there when she saw the knights returning. She didn't know what was going on because Leopold didn't like to share that kind of information with her. She was basically just his trophy. "Women have no place in running a kingdom." He had said. She watched the knights, many were riding their horses and some were walking. One particular knight especially caught her attention because this knight was riding a solid black horse. "It was massive.. had to be at least 17 or 18 hands." Regina thought to herself. She loved horses. Riding was her only escape and she made a mental note to visit the stables first thing in the morning to check on the war horses. She admired the horse and eyed the rider. The moons reflection bounced off clad armour. Suddenly the rider took off their helmet and Regina gasped as long blond curls tumbled around a womens face. She'd never seen a female knight and she felt a jealous longing for all the adventures and freedom the woman must have. The blond looked up towards the balcony and Regina stepped away. She felt insignificant to this woman who was doing so many great things. Regina returned to her chambers and that night she dreamt of leading battles and fighting ogres.

Regina woke at the first sight of dawn. She hurriedly bathed herself because she wanted to check on the horses. She eyed her reflection in the mirror as her hand maiden Ruby tightened her corset. She went with tan riding breeches and a white blouse with her brown leather corset and boots to match. It was her typical riding attire. Regina flinched and let out a breath as the woman finished. She was certain Ruby was being purposely forceful. Ruby was nice enough but she had an attitude about her. "Do you need anything else, my Majesty?" Ruby asked. "Yes, can you tell Leopold that I'll be tending to the horses this morning?" Regina questioned. "Yes, your Majesty." Ruby said as she headed to find Leopold. Regina liked Ruby. She was the only one who was brave enough to question the Queen every once in awhile and it intrigued Regina.

When Regina was in the stables she liked to be alone and she liked to do everything herself. It was part of bonding with a horse. She would never allow a servant to tack or groom her horse. She quickly made her way to Rocinates stall and greeted him. "Hey there boy, how are you today?" She smiled. He nuzzled her cheek and she pulled an apple slice from her pocket and gave it to him. She gave him another pat before venturing to the war horses stalls. The second one she came to was the one she had seen the night before. She opened his stall and walked towards the giant horse with an apple slice in hand. The horse seemed unsure at first but the apple convinced him that Regina was a friend. "You're such a beauty!" She said as she marveled at his muscles and sleek shiny black coat. She ran her fingers through his long curly main. "What's your name?" She asked the horse.

"Ebony." Regina stiffened as she heard a voice from behind her. She quickly turned around.

"He doesn't usually take well to strangers." the women said.

"Is that so?" Regina said as she turned around to face the voice. She met green eyes and blond curls.

"He's a very spirited horse and he especially hates men. It takes him a long time to get comfortable with new people. So what's your name, stable girl?" The blond said.

Regina scoffed but decided to play along. "It's Regina and Ebony is magnificent."

"We get that a lot." The blond winked. "Names Emma. Emma Swan." She said as she held out a hand.

Regina looked at her hand for a moment before shaking it. Emma certainly was strong she thought to herself after she shook her hand. "So how long are you here for?" Regina asked.

"Oh, about a week or so and then we are going back out to fight the last of the Ogres. Well.. at least I hope it's the last of the ogres. Enough blood has been shed to last a lifetime and many more." Emma shook her head.

Regina clenched her fist, angry that she felt so powerless at stopping the war. "I'll brush him for you every morning." Regina smiled at Emma.

"Oh he'll love that. Don't spoil him too much. I don't want him getting used to it." Emma laughed as her eyes gazed over the brunette.

"I'm sure he deserves it." Regina smiled. She found it hard to believe that Emma was a knight. She was absolutely beautiful. "So do you fight in the war?" She asked.

"I don't just fight, I help lead the battles. I am in charge of thirty men. I'm a captain of sorts I guess you'd say." Emma said proudly. She gave Ebony a pat and said "be good for Regina, big boy."

"I better be going. I've got meetings with that obnoxious King to attend and then there's a ball tonight. I suppose stable girls don't get to attend the ball, maybe I'll see you after when I come to give Ebony his nightly treats?" She questioned as she brushed Regina's shoulder to walk past her.

"Maybe you will." Regina said simply as she watched the blond walk away. She mentally slapped herself for looking at the blonds butt. She couldn't help herself. Emma was in excellent shape. She turned towards Ebony and began brushing him.

Emma sat by Neal. He was a captain and also happened to be her best friend. On her other side sat Graham. He was the chief knight which means he had all authority over every knight. Neal and Emma were his best two captains and were included in all meetings with the Royals.

"I want them all dead. Every last one of them!" Leopold had shouted.

"There is only a small fraction of the ogres left. I assure you, your Majesty. We have it all handled. We are going to surprise attack them in ten days. We will leave right before dawn." Graham had said.

"Good, just what I wanted to hear. Enjoy yourselves tonight at the ball. I'm throwing it in your honor." Leopold said.

"Thank you, my Majesty." Graham said.

"Where did you find the woman?" Leopold asked as if Emma weren't even in the room. Emma opened her mouth to speak when she felt Neal's elbow jab into her rib. She bit her lip.

"She's from the White Kingdom and she volunteered to help fight the war many months ago. I've recently promoted her ranking. She's fought hard and she's earned her place. She's braver and stronger than most of my men." Graham said confidently.

"I don't believe women have a place in the war but I admire your bravery. I trust Graham and if he believes in you then you have my blessing. Thank you for your service, Miss?"

"Emma Swan." Thank you, it's a great honour, your Majesty." Emma said surprised at that the King. He had quite the reputation.

"Enjoy yourselves tonight. You've fought well and the night is yours." the King said and Graham, Neal, and Emma stood and then bowed before leaving the King.

Once they entered the hall Emma jabbed Neal in his rib. He playfully punched her in the arm. "I saved you from getting yourself thrown right out of there." Neal said.

"But..but.. you don't even know what I was going to say!" Emma whined.

"Emma, we know you and we know your mouth gets you in trouble. You've got to learn your place." Graham lectured.

"Okay okay. I'm sorry, you're right." Emma said.

"It's okay, Swan. Go get yourself ready for the ball tonight." Graham said.

"I can't wait to see this." Neal said as he smiled and nudged Emma.

"I know what you're thinking and NO I am not wearing a dress so don't get your hopes up." Emma said.

"That'll be twenty gold pieces, Neal!" Graham laughed.

"I can't believe you guys were taking bets." Emma rolled her eyes.

"You know we love you, Swan." Neal patted Emma on the back before he and Graham headed to their own quarters.

Not having to share a room was one of the perks of being a woman. She kicked off her boots and plopped down on the bed.