The morning rays peeked through the window from her balcony. Her blonde hair captured the light making her hair glitter in the light. As the sun rays gently touched her rosy cheek, she turned her face away from it and cuddled closer to her fluffy pillow and tugged closer to her silk comforter. She just wanted to continue to sleep soundly and allow her dreams to take her to unknown adventures she longed to be on with her father.

"Princess Emma," said her chamber maid as she entered the young princess's room, "It's time to wake up."

The plump lady pulled back the curtains letting the sun enter the room it longed to be in. The blonde girl buried herself more into her blankets, not wanting to be disturbed from her slumber and dreams.

"Come now, your highness," the chamber maid said as she tugged at the silk comforter that was covering the young princess, "It is a beautiful day for us to celebrate your birthday. "

"Which is a good reason for me to stay in bed," the young blonde girl mumbled as she held her pillow close.

"But if you sleep the day away, how will you enjoy this beloved day," she replied as if she was singing.

Emma hated when the maid got cheery like that. Her bath was drawn as she stumbled to the tub in her room. She was stripped from her nightgown to reveal her cream color skin. She slowly lowered her body into the warm water. She allowed the tingling sensation seep through her body. She sighed, breathing in the rosy smell of the perfumed water. She scrubbed her body with a rag as she let her mind wonder to all the things she was going to do today, but what to do first? She could go horseback riding or head to the archery range, show off to all the soldiers and guards that she was just as good as them or maybe just seeing what the day would bring as she went on a random adventure. With the splash of water, she was awaken from her daydream.

"Come now, little darling," the chamber maid chirped as she rinsed off the princess, "Your mother is expecting you to join her for breakfast. Not to worry either, I have prepared your riding cloths, your majesty."

Emma smiled at the plump lady and jumped out of the tub. Though her bright, positive disposition turned the young princess off, her chamber maid knew exactly what she wanted.

She walked at a fast pace, hoping to scarf down her breakfast so she could have her day of freedom. She entered the large eating hall to grab an apple from the table and be gone until her mother got her attention.

"Emma, will you please join for breakfast?" she hear her mother say, "Cook has made your favorite breakfast for your birthday."

"Mother," Emma groaned, but there was no arguing with Queen Snow as she gave her daughter a parental glare telling her that she had to obey. The blonde teen shuffled her feet as she made her way to the queen's right hand side. A plate with runny eggs, slice of ham and toast was placed in front of Emma. She pointed at her food a little as her mother ate the meal with poise and grace. It was as if she was dancing. Every movement she made was like a performance, but that was how a queen was supposed to be as Emma was taught. She was to be like a mother to all of her people as she ruled and be grateful for everything they do for her. Emma sighed and slouched back in her chair as she nibbled on a piece of toast. At this rate it would be high noon by the time she got to the stables.

"Emma," her mother said, "I have your present for you."

This caught the young princess's attention as one of the maid forth a wooden chest with a red ribbon on it. She placed the box in front of the blonde teen and curtsied before walking back to her post.

"A jewelry box?" she question her mother.

"Open it up, silly," the queen laughed as her pale face showed excitement and anticipation.

With sigh, Emma pulled the silky ribbon that seemed to be holding the box together. Lifting lid, she found an object that twinkled in the sunlight. She held up the silver chain that head a white opal that was shaped into a swan.

"When you were born," her mother started, "A swan landed in the lake outside of our castle as if to welcome you into the world as well. That's how you have your middle name. You know swans are very protective of their family? I feel every year you grow truer to your name."

"Wow. This is beautiful, mother," she said as she wore the pedant, "Thank you."

"Go," her mother said as she held her daughter's hand and winked, "Be back before the sun sets. We still have to prepare for your coming out ball."

"Yes mother," she said and kiss her mother's rosy cheek, "Thank you for the lovely gift."

Leaving the dining table, Emma sprinted to the giant door, down the hall leading her to the grand courtyard to the stables where her steed was being brushed by her childhood friend and stable boy, Pinocchio. The brown stallion bobbed his head and whiny when he saw his master, sharing the same excitement Emma did.

"He's all ready for you, your majesty," he said as he playful bowed to the young princess.

"Really, Pinocchio?" Emma said in an annoyed tone as the young man laughed. She rolled her eyes, grabbed her saddle.

"Oh come on, Em," he laughed, helping the princess as he placed the bridle in the horse's mouth, "You're soon you'll have your hands full with princes. It's best you start getting use to how they are going to behave."

He hoisted her up onto her horse and handed her satchel.

"An apple for Percy here and you lunch is in there as well. Try to stay out of trouble," he said.

"Coming from the worst troublemaker in realm, I can't make any promises," she laughed and lightly dug her heels into the side of her horse.

The wind whipped through her hair as she spend out of the castle gates, into the vast unknown. She passed through the orchards as workers stopped to wave at their brave, adventurous princess. Passing the dwarves that were off to work in the mines, racing against the werewolf known as Red Riding Hood, beating her to edge of the forest. Her horse galloped down the strip that connected the Charmings' castle to the rest of their kingdom. A smile on her face widen as she felt Percy wanting to be pushed to his limit, so she encouraged the steed to go faster. The horse leapt over fallen logs as they weaved through the forest. This was freedom. She loved this time of year where she didn't have to answer to anyone, where she didn't have to be a graceful, poised princess. She could be the wild beast she was when she was younger. The tomboy that was deep inside of her could be set free. She laughed as threw her head back letting out a wild cry like she was a child of the forest. Coming to an opening in the forest where the sun hit a pond making it shine like silver. Dismounting her steed and led him to the water. She let him drink as fell back into the soft grass. She sighed with content, resting her hands behind her head and watched the clouds lazily roll by. In her safe haven, she could enjoy peace and relaxation without anyone to bother her. She just let her mind wonder to thoughts of distant lands far from that her father would tell her about.

Suddenly a snap of a twig broke her daydreaming. She may have wanted to be alone, but she wasn't stupid. She played it cool, slowly reaching for the knife that was concealed in her riding boots. She gripped the handle of the weapon and waited. When she heard the rustling of bushes behind her, Emma leapt into her a defensive stance to protect herself from…

"A lamb?" she said confused. The black, wooly babe bleeped at her as if it was offended that the princess would that think it threating at all.

"Blackie? Where are you, dumb animal?" called a male's voice. Following the lamb was its shepherd. A young man with hair black as night and a scruffy beard. When his chocolate eyes met the icy blue ones of the fearless princess, she felt a new sensation take over her body. He removed his hat to reveal the curly mess of hair he had upon his head. For a shepherd, he was surly handsome.

"Terribly sorry, miss," he apologized, laughing slightly at the sight of his lamb and Emma holding a knife, "I hope he didn't attack you. Sheep can be vicious creatures."

"No," she stammered, taking back by his teasing smile, "I mean, just thinking ahead, you know. There have been a lot of bandits lately in these woods."

"Well good that you know how to use a knife, miss," he chuckled and helped her up, "They'll know not mess with you."

"Just so you know, I can take care of myself," she scoffed feel somewhat offended that he was making fun of her, "How do I know you're not a bandit?"

"Just an honest shepherd, miss," he said in a teasing manner, "If you don't believe me, I'll just take my lamb and be on my way.

Seemed like the lamb did not want to leave the company of Emma and her steed in the little piece of paradise as it sprinted away from its keeper. Emma laughed as she watched the chase between the handsome shepherd and his mischievous lamb. It bucked every time its keeper even came close to him and he fell face first into the ground.

"If you wouldn't mind, could you help?" he asked.

"No, I prefer watching you fail," she laughed, "It's more entertaining."

"Please," he begged her, "If we can corner him, then maybe we can try to get him to calm down."

"Depends," she said, twirling a strand of her blonde hair, "What's in it for me?"

"We can talk about payment later," he said in a panicked voice, "He is heading into the woods again."

The shepherd and Emma chased after the troublesome black lamb. They called for the troublesome lamb, looked in bushes and behind boulders until they heard it bleep in the distance as if it was scared. They found it being backed into a corner be a large wolf. Thinking fast, Emma grabbed a rock near her foot and chucked it at head of the beast.

"Are you crazy?!" the shepherd snapped at the young princess.

"Get lamb," she said fast and ran off in the forest as the wolf chased her.

She had to lead the beast away from the shepherd and his lamb, but what she was going to do when she was far enough was a different story. She cursed herself for not coming up with a better plan. At least she always thought on her toes. She found a hollow tree trunk up ahead and dove into it, hoping that would be enough. The princess held her breath when she heard the crunching of leaves and a low growl. She hoped that it would lose interest in tracking her. Some sixteenth birthday this was turning out to be. She feel its drool wet her forehead as she looked up to find its snout wanting to snatch her up. It took all everything to keep herself from screaming. At least the shepherd and his lamb were safe.

"Hey!" she heard someone shout. With a couple of loud thuds, she heard to wolf whimper away in fear. Looking up, Emma spotted the head of her hero.

"Hey," the shepherd smirked and reached out a hand to the fair princess.

"Why did you come back for me?" she asked, startled that anyone would save her.

"I couldn't let you face that beast alone," he said looking her over to see if she was hurt. He pulled a few leaves from her hair and wiped the mud from her face. She felt her heart flutter at his touch as his eye connected with hers. His lips looked full. She wonder if his beard would tickle her face if they were to kiss. Her thoughts were running a mile a minute darting from one thought to another about the young shepherd. His rough hand cupped her soft face. He seemed to be thinking the same thing as his face came closer to hers. She should reward him for his bravery. Would her first kiss be enough for him? A bleep from the little lamb broke their concentration on the other and they quickly pulled a part, blushing from what could have been.

"Umm…" the shepherd stammered, "I should get back. My papa will be wondering where I am."

"Wait," Emma said as she watched the shepherd scoop up the lamb, "Could I at least know the name of my hero?"

"Baelfire," the handsome shepherd said with a flirtatious smile that made the young princess blush, "And who may be the name of the fair maiden I saved?"

"Emma," she said simply sharing a smile with him, "Emma Swan."

"Nice to meet you, Emma," he said as he clumsily took her hand to kiss it, but the lamb wiggled its way out of his arms.

After another exhausting hour of chasing the black lamb, the shepherd and princess finally made their way back to the clearing. Her steed waited obediently for his master. Emma was grateful that Percy was well-behaved. She didn't want to think about what it would be like to chase her stallion around the forest.

"I guess this is where we say good-bye, Emma," Baelfire said solemnly, "Perhaps I'll see you in the village sometime."

"Maybe," she sighed though it was very unlikely that she would see the handsome shepherd again, "but in case I don't."

She pulled the silk red ribbon from her present that morning out of her pocket and tied it around his staff.

"So you never forget me," she said and bit her bottom lip as she felt herself becoming shy. He smile and reached for the feather that was on his hat. He stuck it in her blonde hair.

"So you don't forget me," he said softly with his face close to hers. His hand still held the back of her head where he stuck the feather as he brought her face closer to his. Their lips brushed against each other before finally connecting wither each other. The young princess felt her heart pound again her chest as her hand found their way to his neck. Their bodies touched so there was no space between them. With a light nibble on her lip, Emma gasped as the shepherd's tongue snuck its way into her mouth. This new sensation she was experiencing was so new and different. Was this what her mother felt every time her father kissed her? Her head went blank, holding tight onto the shepherd, afraid that she would float away if she let go.

"Emma!" called a strong male voice, bringing the young princess back to reality. She pushed Baelfire away afraid of what would happen if he found out she was a princess.

"What's wrong?" the shepherd asked and heard his new lover's name being called, "Is that your papa?"

"Yes," she groaned, "I have to go."

With her foot in the holster of the saddle, Baelfire helped her up onto her horse.

"Please say you'll come here again, Emma," he plead.

"Emma!" called her father again.

"Yes," she said quickly, "Two days from now after the sunset. Good-bye."

With the click of her heels, Percy went into a gallop as she went to meet her father. She smiled the whole way. This had to be the best birthday ever.