Yes, I am alive! I disappeared into the black hole colloquially called "law school." I'm FINALLY posting the next chapter of OUATAA. I don't know if anyone is still interested in this. It's unfortunately going to continue to be slow-going, I'm in my last year, I don't know what my writing and posting will be like after graduation.

Thank you as ever to my dartie, SassySnow1988, for the encouragement and beta-ing!

ONCE~ONCE~ONCE~ONCE

Chapter 25: Auspicious Beginnings

Nova hadn't been this nervous in a long time, not even when Prince James had caught her with the gossiping maids. Standing at the end of the long line of servants waiting for the royal families to enter the entrance hall, waiting to be introduced to their soon-to-be new princess, Nova was trying so hard not to wring her hands. In moments she would be introduced to the future queen of Seaborn, the woman she would be serving—gods, she hoped that she was as kind as the prince!

The doors opened, preparing to admit the royals; to try and calm the new surge of nerves, Nova swept her hands down her new uniform, hoping to remove any possible wrinkles that may have appeared in the fabric—there shouldn't be any given how much she'd starched it, determined to make a good first impression, but you just never know, those pesky wrinkles sometimes just seemed to appear by a magic beyond her understanding.

King George and Queen Ruth were naturally the first through the double doors, immediately followed by a couple that must be the king and queen of Everland—Nova was surprised by how young the queen was, though she supposed it wasn't too odd since she was his second wife. There was a softness and kindly light in the king's eyes, the queen seemed much more aloof; Nova didn't like to put stock in gossip but looking at the dark-haired woman she was admittedly inclined to believe the rumors that she was a cold woman. The ex-fairy forcefully shoved that thought from her mind, hating it for having taken any root.

Finally, Prince James came through the doorway; Nova held her breath as her gaze scanned to the white-clad woman on his arm, and the breath escaped her with relief. Warmth radiated from the dark-haired beauty, her locks cascaded loosely about her shoulders and she was sparsely adorned, her clothing much simpler than most nobles, making her feel approachable. Further easing Nova's fears were the nerves lurking in the crowned princess' emerald eyes as she scanned the line of castle staff. The final aspect of the princess she took in stemmed from her residual fairy-magic that hadn't fully disappeared when she'd become human, the glow of new life. Princess Snow White was pregnant.

Nova bit down on the inside of her cheek, hard. Oh, gods and goddesses don't let her say anything about that! She'd learnt enough about the human society to know that a woman being unmarried and pregnant was something not looked kindly upon. Oh, she certainly hoped that the child was the prince's! Oh, gods, please, don't let her say that!

James led his betrothed down the line of staff introducing her to the heads; she greeted them with a nervous but genuine enthusiasm. Even Mrs. Cuthbert, who had been silently dubious about the princess after the prince announced his engagement, cracked the tiniest smile as she spoke to Snow White. Finally, they reached the end of the line and stood before Nova, who squeezed her hands even tighter together so that she wouldn't squirm.

"Snow, I would like to introduce you to Nova. Nova, my fiancée, Princess Snow White." James grinned broadly as he made the introductions. "Nova has agreed to be your maid here in Seaborn."

The dark-haired princess' eyes lit up. "It's wonderful to meet you, Nova. Thank you so much for agreeing to help me while I'm here."

Nova's cheeks warmed—she knew that they were at least pink, maybe red, blushing, a very inconvenient function of a human body—as she dropped into a, likely belated, curtsey. "It's an honor, Your Majesty. I'm very thankful for the opportunity." She looked down to see that her hands were twisting together, so she quickly unclasped them and instead grasped handfuls of her apron.

"Nova, would you mind going with me to show Snow to her room?" Queen Ruth stepped in, hooking her arm through her daughter-in-law-to-be's, mischief glinting in her eyes—Nova had never directly interacted with the Queen before, but in that moment she decided that she liked the older woman very much.

A bit more recovered and more mindful of protocol, Nova dipped into another curtsey. "I would be happy to, Your Majesty."

"Don't worry, James," the queen teasingly told her son, "I'll return her to you soon enough."

Snow White muffled a giggle behind her hand as she released her fiancé's arm and allowed Queen Ruth and Nova to lead her away. The fairy-turned-human-maid bit her lip to hide her own grin at the prince's pout.

"See to our other guests, my dear," the queen called to him over her shoulder, "I need to spend time getting to know my future daughter-in-law."

Nova wasn't sure, but she thought she might've heard the prince mutter something very un-prince-like as they made their way up the stairs.

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Snow had to call the carriage to a stop twice during their journey because her stomach rebelled, managing to brush it off as nerves—her father had definitely bought that explanation, Regina…Snow wasn't so sure her stepmother believed it. Riding through the village surrounding the castle, Snow had never been more thankful for the fact that most of the people could not see inside, she was sure her expression was terrified. Walking up the steps to James' parents was quite likely the hardest thing she'd ever done, forcing herself to breathe so that she would not pass out—thank the gods for James being at her side.

King George's acceptance had eased a great deal of her fears, though it hadn't erased them entirely, she still had the household to face and, very soon, the people. And if it was possible she feared their condemnation more than even the reaction of both their parents' to her pregnancy.

Mrs. Cuthburt's severe mien had been especially intimidating, until Snow had complimented her on the organization of the household and the beauty of the seashell festoons and floral arrangements in the hall. That tiny smile had felt like the greatest victory yet, knowing how James loved and relied on the housekeeper, and how protective she was of the princes.

Finally, there was Nova. Thank the gods and goddesses for Nova. The pretty brunette maid, with her nervous demeanor, and wide, innocent eyes that reassured Snow in a way she couldn't have guessed they would.

And of course, there was Ruth, Ruth who was the only parent Snow was actually looking forward to telling about the baby, certain the woman would be thrilled regardless of the circumstances. The older woman had looped her arm through Snow's and swept her away from the prying judging eyes in the grand entrance. Once they were out of sight and earshot, the queen called Ella and Red closer, linking her arm through the blonde's, and began regaling them with their men's childhood (and adulthood) escapades; all the women were doubled over with laughter before they even reached Snow's door.

Ruth directed Ella and Red to the rooms across from Snow's, stating she would like to spend some time with her daughter-in-law-to-be while she settled in, which both acquiesced to without protest.

Sunlight spilled through the open balcony doors and stained-glass windows, painting the floors in vibrant shades of blue, red, yellow, and green. The bedding was a crème embroidered with flowering vines, the red of the blossoms vivid against the pale background, accenting the dark wood of the bed. It was a gorgeous room.

"The bedding pattern is one of my favorites," Ruth commented, watching Snow stroke her fingers over the fabric.

"It's lovely, and so soft."

"Cotton from Lochlomond; woven by artisans from Lochdubh." Ruth ran the cloth between her own fingers. "I don't know what they do with the cotton, but it always feels softer than any other weaver's." Her eyes turned to Snow, amusement lighting them. "Though for our winter linens, we use wool sourced from Everland."

The princess shared a grin with her. "Our sheep are the best wool providers."

"I don't know what you feed those animals, but their wool is definitely the warmest while being remarkably soft."

"Magic from the moon goddess," Snow immediately quipped, drawing from a laugh from the older woman.

The queen, who had been discreetly watching Nova, saw the maid move into the privy and turned fully to the dark-haired woman. She gently captured the dark-haired woman's chin, turning her face so she could inspect it closely, before a smile slowly spread across her face. "How far along are you?"

Snow's jaw fell open, eyes flicking to the privy to make sure Nova was still inside, before nervously answering. "We believe about three months."

"The summer equinox?"

The princess nodded bashfully.

"Does James know?"

Snow nodded again, biting her lip. "I told him…when he came to visit me before breaking with Midas." The admission loosed from her reluctantly.

The queen nodded, a touch of humor in her eyes. "He was happy." It was not a question.

The ebony-haired princess couldn't have stopped the grin that crossed her face if she tried. "Ecstatic."

Ruth gave a soft chuckle, ghosting her fingers over Snow's stomach. "All he's ever wanted was a wife, and a child."

Snow bit her lip, eyes dropping to her hands, protective over her womb. "This is going to be a daughter… And girls are more common in my family." While James had given his reassurance she needed a more objective opinion of this fact.

If anything a greater delight crossed the queen's face; she captured the princess' chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. "Fear not," her voice was firm, without an ounce of doubt, "you could have all daughters and my son would be thrilled. All that matters, is that they're healthy. My son just wants a family with you." She squeezed Snow's hand in reassurance, before pulling her into a warm embrace.

The dark-haired princess hugged the older woman back tightly. Praying with al her might for a healthy child, and that she could have both a son and a daughter…

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Sorry for it being so short, but I hope whoever is still reading still enjoyed it! Thank you for all the likes and reviews!