Emma stood tall and proud as she made her way toward the altar. She knew perfectly well that by agreeing to this marriage, she was putting her life on the line. Queen Regina—better known as the Evil Queen—had taken many wives before her, and not one of them had lived to see a second sunset. Every single one had been executed after the wedding night.
Rumor had it that the Evil Queen's first wife had betrayed her in the worst way imaginable. Ever since then, Regina had refused to open her heart to anyone. That, however, had never stopped her from marrying again whenever she pleased.
Emma, for her part, did not fear death.
She had a plan.
If she could make herself indispensable to the Queen through the stories only she could tell, she might just survive.
That was probably why a mysterious smile curved her lips as she turned to face the priest.
"Emma Swan, do you swear your loyalty to Her Majesty Queen Regina until death do you part?"
"I do."
Her voice rang through the sacred hall, strong and unwavering. Every word carried quiet, unshakable determination.
"By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you wife and wife."
Now there was only one thing left to do:
Survive her first night.