Thanks for finding the time to check out my little story. I'll try to update early and often, so don't despair! I'm a big sucker for love triangles, so if that's not your thing, sorry.

This is totally AU. No curse, no magic, but some of your favorite characters just might make an appearance ;). For those following, I updated the first chapter (left a bit off, sorry) so here it is in it's entirety.

"Emma, wait up!"

The princess turned at the sound of her name being used so familiarly. She smiled at Baelfire as he ambled toward her.

"I hear congratulations are in order," she said as he approached. He smiled sheepishly at her, his dimple deepening in a heart fluttering way.

"So, you heard?"

"Well, my father did perform the ceremony," she returned wryly. "I'm so proud that my best friend will be watching over our palace. I know I'll sleep better at night." She gave him a wink, in case he missed her subtle meaning.

Ever since they were young, Baelfire had a way of melting her heart. When she was eight, she found him sneaking into the palace gardens, collecting apples from the large tree in the center. When she stopped to ask him what he was doing, he ran. How could he have known that the princess was such a tomboy? She easily caught up with him, not withstanding the fact that he'd been weak with hunger. She had pried the fact that he was an orphan and starving from him. Her stubbornness and kind heart had caused her to jump into action. Grabbing his hand, she marched him straight to her father, the king, and demanded the boy be allowed to stay in the palace. Since she was given almost anything her heart desired by her doting father, the boy was given a small room in the servants' quarters and employed by the royal groomers in the stables. This made it easy for the princess to oversee the results, since she loved riding, though she had never been seen in the stables as much before the boy came. The two had become fast friends, and nearly inseparable for the next 12 years.

That is, until Baelfire joined the king's guard. His work in the stabled had given him time to hone his riding skills. One of the groomers had taught him fencing, so, inevitably, he asked to join the knights that accompanied the king and queen on their journeys throughout the kingdom. Queen Snow and King James were fond of their daughter's companion, so they quickly agreed.
Emma had been devastated. Her parents were frequently traveling, visiting their allies and friends throughout the land. With Baelfire joining them for the next two years, Emma's friend would no longer be around for her to confide in. Even when the travelers returned, he spent his time training to be a knight in the king's guard. During their time spent apart, Emma realized that somewhere along the line her feelings had changed. Her friend and confidante was more than that, but what, exactly, she didn't know. She'd never had the opportunity to find out.

But now, things were different. He'd be here. With me, Emma thought to herself. Aloud, she said, "Exactly what post did they give you?"

"Right now, I'm just a man-at-arms," he said sheepishly, his dimple deepening. "But, someday..."

"Someday, you'll be a knight," Emma finished for him. In her mind, he was already a hero. Every time she had felt sad, he had been there to cheer her up. No title could change that. "Will you still be attending the ball at the end of the week?" She implored.

"Wouldn't miss it. They even gave me a fancy uniform, so I won't have to worry about what to wear. You, on the other hand..." He grinned devilishly at her and she rolled her eyes, recalling the seamstress that had been at the palace earlier, fitting her for yet another gown.

"If I had my way, I'd be wearing trousers." She had never been fond of gowns and finery, but when you were the princess, certain things were expected of you.

"I'm sure you'll look beautiful, no matter what you wear," Bae said, the sheepish grin returning.

No, not sheepish, Emma thought, wolffish.

Was he... Could he... Did he feel for her what she felt for him? Emma swelled with hope.

"Emma!" Another familiar voice rang out, this one belonging to her mother.

Emma turned toward Baelfire with a roll of her eyes. "A princess's job never ends. Well, congratulations, again. I'm so proud of you." Without hesitation, she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek, lingering perhaps a little longer than necessary. "I can't wait to see you in uniform." With that, she spun and practically skipped to her waiting mother.

Baelfire touched his cheek after she had gone, smiling to himself. For so long, he had only hoped that Emma felt for him half of what he felt for her. Now that he was moving up in society, he might have his chance to show her how he feels.

"The ball," he said, anticipating the moment he planned in his mind with a smile.

Please review! This is my first attempt at fan fiction, so be gentle, but be honest. I'd like to know how to improve.