Chapter 1

"We'll you just better hope to hell you didn't bring anything else back." Regina said, glancing back to the reunited family as a small tear trickles down her face. She quickly wipes it away, turns around fluently and storms out of the diner unnoticed by anyone but Emma, the others completely oblivious to what had just happened. Regina walked quickly away from Granny's, millions of thoughts racing through her mind.

How could Emma do this to me? And Robin! Does he not care about me anymore?! My one chance at happiness ruined...All because of Emma Swan. Her and her Charming family always getting in the way. Because of her I have now lost my soul mate to someone who is supposed to be dead!

All the frustration, anger and sadness was evident in Regina's features, more tears threatening to fall. Her heart felt more broken than ever, all hope now drained away. She made her way across the street towards the clock tower (not really knowing where she was headed) stopping suddenly when she saw a figure standing under it. It wasn't dark, but Regina couldn't see that well, having tears in her eyes made it hard too. There weren't many people on the street this time of the night, that's why it had caught her eye, that and the figure was gazing strangely at the clock tower. Regina didn't want anyone to see her like this so she stood up straight, held her head high and tried to regain her composure. Wiping her tear stained face after a few had managed to fall Regina said, "Who's there?" Trying to talk clearly but failing as her voice cracked.

"Mia." A small voice spoke back, Regina could swear she heard a few sniffles coming from the mysterious figure even though she was a good distance away. Continuing to walk across the street, she stepped onto the path under the clock tower and was met face to face with a girl no taller than her chin. She was scared and confused by the expression on her face. But was also very beautiful. She had pale skin and long dark hair with ringlets almost to her waist. Dark sapphire eyes which were also teary. And pink full lips with a hint of chubbiness to her checks which made her look younger, but also had quite a slender figure. The thing that stood out the most to Regina was what she was wearing; a full length dark blue dress that matched her eyes perfectly attached to a corset the same colour which complimented her curves quite good despite her age could only be fourteen or fifteen. The dress was silk and had swirly floral patterns that matched her pure black cloak on her shoulders. The clothes she was wearing looked to be from the Enchanted Forest.

Despite Regina's shock, she asked hesitantly, "Why are you outside all alone...Mia?"

Not liking the silence, Mia answered, "I could ask you the same thing." And laughed without humor.

The two stood there once again in silence. Both having questions to ask but neither really knowing what to say. Regina didn't like feeling like this; vulnerable because of what had just happened and quite speechless and confused about this girl. It made her feel weak. And weakness was not something she liked or to show. After only a few seconds had passed by, even though to both of them it seemed like forever, Mia spoke.

"Honestly, I don't know why I'm outside all alone. I don't know where I am, why I'm here or even how!" She answered, frustrated. Mia wiped more tears away, turned around and slouched down the wall of the library in despair. "I'm lost." She whispered and wrapped her arms around her knees, head rested on them and began to cry harder. Regina looked at the saddened child who looked like she had completely lost all hope and slowly wandered over to her. Normally, Regina would've called someone to deal with situations similar to this one, but she felt obliged to help her, curiosity taking over. That and the fact that calling someone would involve Miss Swan, her being the town sheriff and all. Considering she was the last person Regina wanted to see she decided to handle this herself despite her own problems, which was an unusual thing for her to do.

She knelt down in front of Mia and said, "Come on, let's get you out of this cold and tell me what happened. Then maybe we can figure something out. Ok?"

Mia rose her head and managed a small smile. She stood up and followed the woman down the path. The duo slowly walked towards Regina's mansion, thinking about everything that had just happened to them. There were so many thoughts that occupied Mia's brain about the recent events. There were a few in particular that she couldn't shake away.

Why is this woman helping me? I'm a stranger and she's... the Evil Queen. Does she know I know who she is? What is going on? She looks sad as well. I could ask her but I doubt she would blurt out her story to someone like me. Can I even trust her?

During the short five minute walk, Mia was gazing around the dark town trying to comprehend everything she saw on her way.

Are those moving carriages? She thought as a few cars went by. Where are the horses?

She frowned, looking at the concrete, annoyed and frustrated. Mia pecked a look at Regina. Her face was pained. Staring far off into the distance, deep in thought. Mia quickly looked away, not liking the heartbreaking expression Regina wore.

Henry. Marian. Roland. Emma...Robin.

Those same names whirling threw her mind. Regina saw the quick glance Mia gave her and thought, she trusts complete strangers, even though I said I would help her. But I mean, does she know who I am? People make stupid decisions when they're not thinking clearly. I know I do. Did I make a mistake helping her? I can't just leave her in the street in the middle of the night in a foreign land. She's just a kid.

With a sigh Regina announced, "We're here."

Mia looked up and saw an extravagant white mansion. Clearly the biggest on the street. It was two story, had nice gardens and a foot path leading to the front door. Looking above the front door was a big window showing a curved staircase inside.

Wow. This house - this mansion is absolutely amazing. Fit for a queen as well.

Regina ignored the girl's stunned expression and headed inside, placing her jacket by the door. Mia followed slowly, taking in the foyer. She hesitantly took off her cloak, hanging it up also. She felt very out of place in this weird town. Of course she knew all the inhabitants were from the Enchanted Forest due to the curse. But they'd had time to adjust to the town.

"I'll let you look around the house tomorrow and discuss things but for the time being, I think we should head to bed." Piped Regina, staring Mia in the eyes.

She nodded. "It's a very nice house. So regal." Added Mia.

"Yes, it is." Regina replied dryly. She walked upstairs and Mia followed. She stood in front of a door at the end of the hallway and opened it to a simple yet flash guest room.

"This is where you'll stay. There's a bathroom to the left. I don't have any suitable clothes for you, so you'll have to stay in that for now, until tomorrow when we will sort out some things. If you need anything I'm two doors down." Explained Regina. Mia walked further into the room.

"Thank-you, your majes-" Mia said but silenced herself. She didn't know what Regina went by these days. Regina's face was shocked. She hadn't gone by 'your majesty' in a while now, but she should have expected it from Mia, having only knowing everyone by their Enchanted Forest personas.

"You know who I am?" She asked, slightly flabbergasted.

"Um, yes. Doesn't everyone?" Mia answered quietly, sitting on the bed. "I'm sorry, I was just confused on what to call you. This land is quite different." She said inspecting the bedside table lamp.

"So you know I'm the Evil Queen?" Whispered Regina. She really didn't want another person to fear her for who she is-was.

"Are you? Judging by the way you're letting me stay here and helping me, I don't think you are. I know you used to be. But that's the past. The past..." Explained Mia as she started to stare into thin air. Regina once again was utterly shocked. This girl amazed her with her wise nature and strong belief that she didn't think of Regina as the Evil Queen. It fascinated her because a person whom she had literally just met, already trusts and believes she is good when people Regina had known for years are still yet to believe she has changed. She didn't have any words for this shell shocking answer, so she just smiled widely at Mia. As she was about to turn and leave Mia asked, "If you don't mind me asking, what is this strange device thingy?" Pointing to the lamp she was inspecting before.

"Oh, that's a lamp. It's like the torches used in the Enchanted Forest." Regina replied, walking over and crouching down to turn it on for her.

"Wow. It's like the one on the roof." Mia said gazing at the lamp like a small child just discovering chocolate.

"Yes. They're everywhere here." Regina said smiling at Mia's expression. Mia looked at Regina and smiled widely at her, the two just grinning at each other for a few moments.

"Goodnight Mia." Said Regina, walking back towards the doorway.

"Goodnight...Regina." Replied Mia happily, turning back to the lamp when Regina shut the door. She turned the light and lamp off and climbed into the warm bed. She looked out the window above the bed at the weird land she was in, thinking about, well everything really. After a while, Mia realized she couldn't get to sleep so she just continued staring out the window looking at the stars.

Regina couldn't sleep that night either. She spent the majority of the night quietly sobbing into her pillow or wondering about the strange girl just two door's away. She wondered how the girl had turned a miserable night into at least a bearable one.

Maybe I didn't make a mistake after all.