Robin sat next to Emma at the table in the pub. They both ordered ale to drink and Robin said, "You are the only person out of our band of merry men who isn't wanted by the royal guards. It'd be easier for you to become Princess Regina's servant! Imagine how much that necklace would be worth when we can sell it off and use the money to feed the families who need it. If you're as skilled as you say you are, then you should have no problem. I didn't take you under my wing because I took pity on you. I did it because I could tell that you were a good person who wanted to help others."
Emma stood and shook his hand, "I won't come back without the necklace."
He smiled brightly at her, "You're doing a lot of good, Emma. Thank you."
Nightfall came and Emma was dressed in her beige tunic, a dark blue vest with brass buttons on the side, a leather belt with a buckle, dark blue trousers, and black gloves ending below the elbow. She finished with a cloak that had a hood.
Looking up at the stone wall in front of her, she'd thought of many ways to get into the garden, which was the easiest way to the castle, but didn't realize it was this tall. Her eyes scanned the lower parts of the wall and found very thick vines that went to the top. It was a good thing Emma stayed slim and in shape. She would be prepared for anything that required physical strength. Grabbing tightly onto a vine, she hoisted herself up. It wasn't long before she had reached the top and saw a beautiful apple tree that stood proudly in the center of the garden.
Her foot was caught in the vine which caused her to lose her balance and fell down into bushes. Emma had injured her ankle on the way down. She took a deep breath and thanked the Gods that she didn't fall to her death. As she was about to stand up, she heard footsteps entering the garden. Emma's eyes adjusted to the darkness as she saw a woman a little older than her walking towards the apple tree. The crimson apples looked delicious as they shimmered in the moonlight. Emma's stomach began to growl.
The woman had a lantern that she held up to make sure that everything was in place. Emma could see that she had dark hair that cascaded down her shoulders. She wore a dress that looked as if it were made of pure gold, a necklace that reflected off the light produced by the lantern. Emma noticed the necklace she wore was the one Robin had described to her in perfect detail. She knew that the only woman in the kingdom with an apple tree was Princess Regina. This was going to be more difficult than she had predicted.
Regina had moved out of view and Emma waited until the light was no longer visible. She took her chance to sneak across the garden to steal one of the apples. She decided it was safest to hide among the branches and eat as many as she wanted to. Emma lifted herself with ease and winced a little as her ankle touched a branch. It caused the branches to shake.
"Who is there?" Regina shouted up at the tree knowing full well that someone had entered her sanctuary. "If you don't come out, then I'll call the guards on you. I will tell them that you wanted to cause me harm. Trust me; you don't want them to take you in front of my mother to be punished. She's a lot crueler than the rumors that spread across the kingdom."
Emma was a bit frightened at the thought of being at the mercy of the Queen and knew that her punishments have become more severe as the years had passed. She slowly got down from the tree with an apple in her mouth. Emma bit into it and used the back of her gloved hand to wipe off the juices. "This is really delicious, your highness."
Princess Regina snapped, "You're the worst mannered man I've ever met!"
Emma rolled her eyes, "At least I'm able to appreciate true beauty when I see it or taste it." She winked.
"You shouldn't be saying such vulgar things, especially to your princess!" Emma was about to say more when guards had appeared behind her.
"Princess, we heard a disturbance and apparently have now found the source of it." Emma winced when she was grabbed roughly by one of the guards and dropped the apple. The pain in her ankle had intensified as she put too much pressure on it. Regina watched as the young man was being taken to where her mother was and followed the guards. The only thought that was running through Emma's mind was that the last thing she'd ever do in her life was eat that apple and flirting with the princess.
Queen Cora Mills had been awoken by one of her servants who said that her daughter was ambushed only a few moments ago. She was dressed and was now sitting on her throne while she beckoned her daughter to sit beside her. Emma's arms were still gripped a bit too tightly and one guard kicked the back of her legs so she was on her knees before them.
"Do you know the punishment for entering the castle without permission let alone almost harming my daughter in the process?" Cora didn't wait for a response when she swiftly moved her hand as a sign to one of the guards. He took out his sword, put it against the back of Emma's neck to prove its sharpness, and rose it above his head.
Regina might not have liked his mannerisms, but it seemed wrong for him to be put to death for it. "Mother, wait!" Regina yelled and the guard looked up at his queen for guidance.
The Queen looked at her daughter, "Now Regina, you know the punishment for his crimes."
"I want him to be my servant and remain in my servitude until I lose interest in him or he has served me long enough." The Queen paused at this thought and signaled the guard to stop what he was doing.
Regina knew that her mother couldn't deny her ever since her father had died and she had become her happiness. Emma gave out a sigh of relief as the sword was removed from her neck. She shakily stood as the guards supported her.
"From this day forward, you will serve my daughter and obey her every command, What's your name?"
Emma looked at her, "My name is Emmet, your highness." She did her best to cover the pain she was in and bowed to Regina and her mother. The guards showed "Emmet" the way to a servant sleeping quarter and it was close to Regina's quarter as well. Regina had followed, but kept some distance so as not to be spotted.