As the sun set for the third time over the bridal chamber, Emma patiently awaited the Queen's arrival. Earlier that day, she had discovered an adjoining bathroom. The blonde had happily immersed herself in the warm water, forgetting for a moment the threat hanging over her head.
After stepping out of the tub, she had slipped into a chiffon dress that fit her perfectly. It was almost as though it had been left there just for her. Then she had studied herself in the mirror.
"Everything is fine, Emma. You're doing very well. Keep it up, and no one will rip your heart out..."
Those words of self-reassurance had only half succeeded in calming her. After all, the threat was a serious one! Nevertheless, she managed to act as though nothing was wrong whenever she was around the Queen. Nothing in her demeanor betrayed her nervousness in Regina's presence.
With her legs trembling slightly, she went to sit in her usual place on the bed. She only had to wait a few minutes before her wife arrived.
"I hope tonight's story won't be interrupted. I hate it when things are left unfinished. Yesterday was your only chance."
Emma resisted the urge to swallow nervously. Instead, she said:
"Would you like me to finish my story?"
The Evil Queen clicked her tongue.
"No. Tell me something new!"
"Very well..."
Emma's voice grew soft.
⸻
There once lived a woman named Belle in a village whose name even time had forgotten. She was excessively generous. Or rather... she simply didn't know how to say no.
A curse prevented her from refusing any request. Officially, it was a gift of obedience bestowed upon her by her fairy godmother, but there was nothing positive about it as far as Belle was concerned.
Most people didn't realize what was happening. They only asked her for little favors. Looking after a child for a few hours, helping someone carry their groceries, or even helping count the sheep were among the requests frequently made of her. And she was always happy to oblige.
But one day, a man arrived in the village.
His name was Rumplestiltskin.
Everyone in the village feared him, knowing of his extraordinary magical abilities. He quickly realized that she never said no to anyone. At first, he tested her gently.
"Belle, come for a walk with me."
The young woman obeyed, partly because of her curse and partly out of curiosity.
One day, however, he gave her an order on a whim.
"Don't move. I'll be right back!"
The poor woman froze like a statue.
When the man returned and saw her standing perfectly still, he smiled wickedly.
"You may move again."
Belle drew in a deep breath.
Rumplestiltskin had discovered something interesting, and he fully intended to exploit it.
"Tell me, my dear, what gift did your fairy godmother give you at birth?"
The young woman's mouth opened against her will.
"Obedience. I received the gift of obedience."
"Wonderful! From this day forward, you are in my service."
Belle shuddered beneath his delighted gaze.
That day, the brunette's life took a very dark turn. Her freedom no longer belonged to her. The creature who had stolen it had no intention of ever giving it back...
⸻
"Ha!" Regina exclaimed. "No one is truly free... but this curse is interesting. I'll consult my spellbooks to see whether I can recreate it..."
Emma went slightly pale.
She hadn't been able to finish her story. Regina had interrupted her before she could reach the end. And now the Queen wanted to recreate that horrible spell on top of everything else!
This was all going terribly wrong!
Emma had wanted to show that control could destroy a person. That would have been obvious if she'd been allowed to finish her tale!
The blonde had made a mistake, and she was very likely to pay dearly for it.