This idea I got from watching the recent eps of season 4. Alternate version of how Regina and Maleficent first met. What if the soon to be Queen's mother, Cora introduced them? Also leads to how Regina ended up with Maleficent's book.
A Friendly Welcome.
As she stepped down the staircase while being followed closely by one of the King's maids who was sent to serve the brunette prior their wedding and during the young woman's move to his castle, Regina sighs noticing her mother sat on the couch ahead of her in the main room with a blonde woman sat beside her. Reaching the bottom, the soon to be Queen bit her lip wondering if she could make a quick escape before Cora spots her. Glancing over her shoulder, she scolds the maid who had continued walking despite the fact Regina had stopped and crashed straight into her causing a gasp to leave the maid's lips as she steps back hastily in fear of being in trouble.
Hearing the noise behind them, both women on the couch look over in the direction of the staircase to see Regina look back awkwardly and in fear of what her mother would say.
"Well don't just stand there Regina, it is rude when we have company" Cora glares at her, practically burning a hole in the poor brunette's head as the soon to be Queen makes her way over to greet them but not before gesturing with her hand for the maid to back off and go elsewhere.
"I do apologise mother but it would appear that the King's staff are rather incompetent..or for a better lack of words, clumsy"
Hearing her daughter use such reckless words, the older brunette takes a deep breath as the blonde beside her chuckles. Turning back to their guest, Cora clears her throat. "I apologise for my daughter's tongue..she's a work in progress as you can see..to be Queen"
Holding a hand up, the dragon woman shakes her head. "No need, it's quite refreshing" glancing towards the young brunette stood before her, the blonde smiles. "Hello Regina, it is nice to finally meet you.."
Regina gives a small smile back then looks to her mother confused as to who exactly this woman was. Cora gestures to her companion. "This is Maleficent.."
Eyes widening, the brunette looks shocked then smiles again. "As in the Maleficent? I have heard about you from my teacher"
Biting her lip with a smile at how Regina questions her like she is known by everyone, Maleficent nods. "The very one dear..and do tell who might this teacher be?"
"Yes Regina, who might this teacher be?" Cora repeats with a glare, completely unaware of what her daughter is talking about.
Realizing her fault, the brunette gulps slightly. "The..King's advisors..who are preparing me for the throne. I..I..had to have a lesson on security of the castle and its people..if someone with magic or someone who is a threat enters..I shall know the right protocol"
Cora gives a 'hm' then stands. "Right. Anyway Maleficent, I hope you would excuse me, I have a meeting about the bridal fitting, do show yourself out when you are ready or get Regina here to do so"
Maleficent continues to watch Regina with a raised eyebrow at the answer she gave then waits until Cora is out of view before responding. "It was Rumplestilskin, wasn't it?"
Looking worried, the brunette opens her mouth to speak but struggles with what to say without getting into trouble.
"It's okay dear, I will not say a word.." Smiling again, the blonde gestures for the other woman to sit.
Sitting beside her, Regina turns to face her curiously. "How did you know it was Rumple?"
"Because your answer was somewhat of a lie..I am the least of the King's troubles right now, besides no one needs a warning against me anyway, at least not yet" the blonde smirks and watches the brunette in fascination. "Tell me Regina, how comes you are to marry the King? I would have assumed by your..youth, you would have married someone..more suitable"
Sighing, the brunette purses her lips together. "I did too..my mother had other plans.."
Frowning concerned, Maleficent rests a hand upon her shoulder. "You mean you have not agreed so yourself?"
"I was in shock that the King had just proposed to me, mother said yes but who knows maybe this is the right decision in the long run" Regina states trying to convince herself then frowns looking towards the blonde, realizing what she had just admitted to and stands. "I have business to attend to"
"Regina? Do not be afraid of what I could say because I wouldn't. Believe me when I say that you remind me of me and I know what it is like to be pushed aside. You need to make a stand and decide for yourself for you, not for your mother and most certainly not for the King. If you need to talk, contact me through this.." Passing over her spell book, Maleficent smiles genuinely at her. "I will help you in any way I can..if I had someone back then..maybe I would be different and not so..alone"
"There is nothing wrong with you" Regina accepts the book and blurts out without hesitation.
Sniggering lightly, the blonde shakes her head. "Try telling the people that walked out of my life and doubted me because they were too afraid of me"
"I'm not afraid of you" the brunette admits then gives a coy smile, hugging the book to her chest.
"That makes you the first dear.." Rising to her feet, the dragon woman gives a small smile before she has to leave. "Didn't you have business to attend to?"
Regina cringes and looks apologetic before smiling. "I may have..lied again.."
Chuckling, Maleficent gestures with her head. "Shall we go for a walk?"
Nodding, the young woman walks in the direction of the garden with the blonde beside her, occasionally brushing their shoulders as they start into a friendly and happy conversation.