Hi guys! I know it's been a while since I have done a Once story. I promise to finish Dragon Heart, but it's a companion with my other story I'm doing. So I was watching Sunday's episode and this came to mind. I hope you like it.

Regina may have not enjoyed her time in Leopold's castle, but she could manage when he was away. He was on another diplomatic trip in a neighboring kingdom and would not be back till the next week. What made it better was that his flak of a daughter was with him as well to learn how to negotiate with other kingdoms. Regina smiled as she read her book near the candle light before she went to sleep. It was one of her few escapes from her prison. Normally, during nights like these she would teleport herself to the Forbidden Fortress, but alas, Maleficent was not there.

Regina and Maleficent had been seeing each other more frequently ever since Regina helped Maleficent get her revenge on that sleeping beauty. But it was difficult. Between her family, her duty, her lessons with Rumpelstiltskin, Regina could visit her only friend maybe twice a month if she was lucky.

Nights like these were even rarer for Regina, being alone in her castle. Well, almost alone.

A loud boom rang throughout the castle corridor. Regina already knew it was going to be a long night with this thunder storm. She placed a bookmarker between the book and set it down on her nightstand. Then, right on cue, Regina could hear the sounds of little feet running towards her door. The doors bust opened as the guards were about to come in. Regina dismissed the guards as two little fist tried to pull itself up on to the bed. Dark brown curly hair was the first thing Regina saw. Regina tsked as she got up and went to the front of her bed.

She kneeled down and came face with a teary blue eyed girl. Daniel's eyes. "Sweetheart are you all right? Did the thunder scare you?" Regina asked in a sweet voice that was only for her. The girl's curls bounced up and down. She looked no more than five years old.

The girl screeched again as the thunder crashed once more. The girl held on to Regina for dear life, afraid that the storm would get her. "How about you sleep with me tonight? Would you like that?" Regina hugged the girl to comfort her. Not moving to look at the queen, the child fiercely nodded her head.

Taking that as a yes, Regina picked up the child and laid her on the bed. Regina coved both her and the child with her blanket. "There, there, I'm here. And I will not let anything happen to you."

"Promised?" the girl's voice was muffled as she was trying to hide in the nook of Regina's neck.

"Promise. Forever and ever."

"What about when I grow up?" The girl moved to look at Regina with curiosity.

"Even when I am old and grey my little bird. I will always protect you."

"What if a monster was to attack me?" Fear struck the girl's voice.

"Then I'll make sure it wished it was never born."

"What if bandits kidnapped me?"

"Then I would look for you till I found you and make them sorry that they took you."

"What if you forgot me?" The child gasped. "What if I forgot you?"

"That will never happen, you know why?" the girl shook her head fiercely. Regina gently held the girl's hand and placed it over Regina's heart. "You are my heart," Regina placed her hand on the child's heart. "That means I will always be with you. I will always be in your heart as you are in mine. I can never forget you," Regina moved the curls from the girl's face and kissed her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too," neither one noticed that the thunderstorm had stopped. For a moment, the world was in peace.

Stroybrooke

Regina's eyes flew open. She looked around the room to see that she was in her bedroom. She exhaled and closed her eyes. Her dream, it felt so real, but not at the same time. She tried her best to remember her dream, but failed. All she knew was that in the dream she was safe. That she was loved. She looked over at the clock to see it was eight in the morning. Regina knew she had to go see Zelena. She had to apologize for yesterday and tell her that the evil queen was back.

Regina had gotten up from her bed and got ready for a new day. It was going to be long between the evil queen, apologizing to Zelena, and running the town. The dream was now a distant memory.

What do you guys think? Should I continue or should this be a one shot? Please tell me, I really want to know what you think. Thanks guys!