Hello! Inspiration has struck once again, so I have decided to start a new Swan Queen story. In my version of this, Regina is sent to live with the king and Snow and a young Emma after Daniel's death. There will be no curse, and this is set in the Enchanted Forest. I hope you like it!

It has been 2 months since I lost the love of my life. 2 months, 8 hours, and 17 minutes, to be exact. Now it's less than 2 hours before I am being sent off to live with the king. And not just the king—his precious little princess as well. Snow White, otherwise known as the girl who ruined my life with no consequences to show for it.

Now, my beloved Daniel is 6 feet underground, robbed of his life before he had a chance to truly live. Mother is undoubtedly bustling about, making sure the departure and arrival to my new home goes smoothly. Snow White is most likely excitedly preparing for my arrival, ordering servants around like she didn't just inadvertently murder someone. She is too wrapped up in having a mother, yet another person to care for her. The king himself could probably care less. I am simply a replacement to keep up appearances and tend to a whiny 10-year-old. And yet here I am; numb to the world and cruelly still alive.

I have thought about joining Daniel—end this miserable existence and create my own happy ending… decide my own fate. However, I just can't bear to cause my father the same grief I am suffering. He is the only person who ever truly loved me, the only one who ever would, and I return that love with all of my heart.

Another reason I haven't been able to make a firm decision on ending my life is my mother has refused to leave me alone. Ever since she crushed Daniel's heart, she has had her eyes glued to me, even when she's not here. She must have sensed how hopeless and broken I have felt, and worried I would ruin my chance to become queen like she always wished to be.

To anyone on the outside of these castle walls, Cora Mills is seen as a selfless mother who gave her only daughter the world. I know better. Even the servants have more wits than to fall for her false charm. It's because of their fear of my mother, however, that they turn a blind eye and meekly do as they are told.

All of this preparation is because my mother missed her chance to be queen. "Everything I do is for your own good, my darling," she had told me the night I lost myself. She had wiped away my tears and scolded me whilst dragging me to my feet, not even allowing me a moment of privacy with my dead fiancé.

"Chin up, Regina. You must learn to compose yourself quickly and mask your emotions if you wish to be a great ruler."

How I wanted to scream at her, take her own dark magic and tear her heart out, watch as it withers into dust in front of my eyes. I wished to free myself from her vise-like grip that makes me feel like a lamb in the clutches of a wolf. But I forced myself to bite my tongue and obey. All my mother ever wanted for me was a good life, free of the hardships she had to face at my age. Snow White was the traitor in all this.

"Regina, what are you still doing in your riding clothes?" My mother's voice echoes throughout my bed chamber. "Rainy had the table set 20 minutes ago."

I pause my self-scrutiny to glance at her in the reflection of my gold-bordered mirror. Mother's face is hardened with disapproval and irritation. I can't remember the last time she granted me with a real smile. In her eyes, I would always fall one step short of her expectations. One might think I would be used to this treatment, alas, it hurts me more each time I am graced with my mother's presence.

"I'm sorry, Mother," I hastily apologize, moving toward my wardrobe to pick out a tea-time appropriate dress. "I wanted to make my last ride with Rociante memorable."

Yet another reason I dread becoming queen. Mother demanded I leave my beloved chestnut beauty behind, claiming I would have more important things to do than frolic with a 'wild beast'. It broke my heart when I was told I would have to leave my horse behind. He has been one of my only friends in my 19 years of existence. However, I quickly numbed my emotions and carried on.

Mother gives me a look of disgust as I reappear from behind the wardrobe. "Do you intend on traveling to the market and joining the beggars?"

I frown and glance down at the dress I had chosen. It most certainly wouldn't do for a royal ball, but I thought it was perfect for afternoon tea between mother and daughter. The dress was a soft, periwinkle color with white lace sleeves and trimming. Father had it tailored as one of my many 16th birthday gifts, as he had seen me gazing at it longingly during my torturous dress fittings. It was simple and reflected the life I always dreamed of having. I imagined passing it down to my daughter, should I ever have one with my beloved Daniel, though that was never going to happen now.

"A queen must be dressed to impress at all times, Regina," Mother scolded as she began to dig through my wardrobe for something up to her standards. "I won't always be there to hold your hand and coddle you when things become difficult."

"Thank the heavens," I think. Out loud, I say what I know she wants to hear. "I am very grateful to have you, Mother."

Mother sniffs and nods without another remark before using her magic to change my outfit. The room spins for an instant and I clutch my stomach, fearing I might hurl. I hate when Mother uses magic on me. It makes me feel weak and inferior, and the distinguished scent always seems to stick to me for hours afterwards. She always used her power on me as punishment when I was young, and to this day I vow to never use it and to be wary of those that do.

However, perhaps my ill feelings are because of the corset digging into my sides and restricting my ability to breathe. Mother simply turns me toward the mirror and begins pulling a brush through my silky, ebony locks. I fight not to make a face at the outfit she has chosen for me to wear. The dress is sky blue and adorned with the most ridiculous sashes and buttons. It isn't a surprise, though. Mother always demands the finest things and always manages to outdo herself time and time again.

I find myself relaxing into her embrace, enjoying the feeling of Mother fixing my hair. She hasn't done so since I was 10, and the gentle hands she maintains almost causes me to believe she truly loves me. Perhaps it's her own silent way of letting me know she is going to miss me. God forbid she drop the queen act and show some compassion for once.

I study her as I patiently wait for her to finish. It's apparent that Mother had once been gorgeous, and I can see why Father wished to have her hand. Her beauty had changed from a young, flirtatious girl to a radiant and composed woman. There are age marks around her mouth and lines by her eyes (most likely the cause of judging me so harshly,) as well as auburn hair with flecks of grey. Even so, I am still envious. Standing next to her, I feel like a peasant. Years of emotional abuse would do that to a person.

As we enter the cozy tea room, our servant Rainy beams brightly at me. I offer her a kind smile in return and softly utter a 'thank you' as she waits for me to sit before pushing in my chair. Mother simply scowls as she observes the table arrangement.

"This tea better still be hot," she warns. "Otherwise you will be out on the streets selling your body to make a living."

I blush at the rude words directed toward the young servant. Rainy is a few years younger than I and certainly the best servant of our staff, being my personal servant as well as my only friend. She has witnessed the cruelty of my Mother over the years and was always the first one to assist me with damage Mother had inflicted upon me in her fits of rage. She was also the only one who knew the truth about Daniel's death. My heart hurts as I realize this is yet another goodbye I will have to endure.

"Not at all, Your Highness," Rainy answers in a confident voice despite her slightly shaking hands. "Never would I disrespect you by allowing your tea to cool."

Mother dismisses her with the wave of her hand before pinching a bit of sugar between her fingers and sprinkling it into her tea. It suits her personality, oddly enough, bitter with just a hint of sweetness—reserved for people other than her daughter, of course.

"Will I be able to say goodbye to Father before I go?" I take a sip of my tea, trying to make it a casual question. Of course, whenever I bring up my Father, Mother always sees it as offensive.

"Why must you talk about him during our afternoon tea? Am I not good enough to be around?"

"You are, Mother. I was just curious, seeing as I'm going to be busy getting settled in to my new home is all and I won't be able to see you both." Under the table, my hands nervously pick at the decorations on my dress.

Mother completely ignores my question. "The reason I planned this afternoon was to prepare you for what is going to happen in your new life as queen. You will be moving to King Leopold's kingdom to live with him and his daughter, Snow. There is another girl, a Swan. Her name escapes me."

My brow furrows in confusion. "What is a Swan?"

Mother glares at me for interrupting her. "A Swan is a young child chosen from the village to live with the king to be company for the royal child or children. The child's parents get silver and shillings for giving their offspring up. The girl is around Snow's age. I believe she's a few years younger."

Great, another bratty child I'm going to have to care for.

"She must be decelerated, she hasn't spoken a word since she arrived," Mother continued, a look of disgust on her face.

I shift in my seat, munching on a cookie to keep myself from speaking. Mother thought anyone who wasn't royal was mentally challenged. I disagree, as I have met the villagers while sitting by my mother's side for the ceremonies in which they would give up the best offerings they had in exchange for help (which my Mother was reluctant to oblige.)

"Are you pure, Regina?"

The question startles me so much, I knock my tea over onto the white linen table cloth. Rainy is quick to clean it, and her hand just brushes mine in what looks like an accidental (but is actually a comforting) gesture.

Mother scowls at my reaction. "You didn't throw yourself away for that stable boy, did you?"

I wince at the disgust in her tone. "No, Mother. I was going to wait until we were married."

Mother laughs out loud, her eyes sparkling with malicious delight. "Well that plan is dead now, isn't it?"

Tears well in my eyes but I force them back. Mother thinks it is hilarious to ridicule mine and Daniel's love (and even more so) his death. She knows he is my weakness, so she brings him up every chance she gets.

"After tonight, you won't have to worry about that." Mother pours herself another cup of tea, making the comment seem as innocent as the weather.

"What do you mean?" I ask, feeling a sense of dread form in the pit of my stomach.

"You will offer yourself up to the king, my dear. Your body will belong to him. You will not fight, or run, or attempt one of your foolish schemes to trick him. It is the rules of marriage."

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Rainy bow her head. She knows all too well the torment Mother has put me through to prepare me for my arranged marriage. Some lines should never be crossed between mothers and daughters, but in the Mills house, those lines don't exist.

"And if you think about trying anything, Regina, I will know. I will always be watching."

By the time the steward has come to collect my bags and lead me to the carriage, my heart is pounding in fear. Rainy wraps me up in her arms with a few hidden tears and a 'blessed be' before she scampers back inside. Mother hugs me tightly, her hold almost suffocating as her eyes flash in a silent warning. I'm already in the carriage and headed down the path when my Father finally arrives to bid my farewell. I press my hand against the window, my eyes locked on his as a single tear slides down my cheek. He kisses his hand before pressing it over his heart. I force myself to look forward as I feel myself losing control.

"Ah, my lovely wife!" King Leopold greets me as I step out of the carriage. He grabs my hand and kisses it gently, bowing before me. "Regina, you are absolutely marvelous. Thank you for agreeing to my offer."

I fight the urge to start crying again. There was nothing to agree to—I didn't have a choice. I force a smile on my face and push my emotions away. Crying is weakness, Mother always said.

"It's a pleasure to be here, My King." I curtsey politely.

I am led inside where Leopold gives me a personal tour. "Finally, this is your chamber where you will stay. I thought you might like your own space."

I relax a little as I realize I won't be sharing a bed with my husband. He is awfully kind, perhaps staying here won't be so horrible after all.

Leopold leaves me alone to get ready for dinner. I look through the wardrobe, disappointed to see Mother must have talked with the seamstress about what dresses should be prepared. I pull out a rose gold colored gown with sparkles—it isn't quite so awful. In fact, it's rather beautiful.

I jump as the door bursts open. Snow runs inside and throws her arms around my waist. "You're here you're here you're here!" She says excitedly, a huge grin on her face.

I force myself to hug the girl, pushing away the images of her dying at my hand. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a flash of yellow appear. Snow lets go and I look up to see a little blonde girl standing in my doorway. She's very small, no older than 8. Her eyes are large, the color of a forest, and very expressive. Her hair hangs in waves, and she wears a pink ball gown the same color as mine with a little white bow accenting the front.

"Oh, that's Emma," Snow introduces the girl. "I call her my sister, but she's from the village. Father bought her to keep me company. She gets all my old clothes that I don't like."

Snow marches over and grabs the girl's arm, dragging her further into the room. I can see the pain on the little girl's face as Snow twists her arm painfully to get her to move. Snow finally lets up when the girl is right in front of me.

"Emma, this is Regina. She's our new mother." Snow nudges the girl hard in the ribs to get her to speak. She winces, but doesn't say a word. Snow rolls her eyes and sighs. "Emma doesn't talk. Princess Hallie says it's because her parents cut off her tongue, but I think she's just stupid. She's a good listener though—she doesn't mind me talking."

I bend down to the little girl's level, feeling a strange rush of affection for her. Her eyes remain trained on the floor as her body stiffens. "Hello, Emma. It's so nice to meet you. I've heard… wonderful things about you."

I feel bad lying to the girl, but it makes her respond. She looks up, her eyes wide with surprise. She doesn't smile, but her lips twitch like she wants to.

Before I can say anything more, Snow has a hold of the girl's arm again and is dragging her out the door. I change quickly, pushing down my feelings of anger toward my estranged step-daughter and head downstairs to join my new family for dinner.

Snow and Emma are already seated when I arrive. Leopold quickly stands, beaming at me. He kisses my cheek before pulling my chair out and helping me in. The first course soon arrives, and I diligently begin to eat.

"So, my love, how was your journey over here?" Leopold asks.

I quickly swallow my mouthful of food. "It was quite nice. The scenery here is beautiful."

"Ah, but not as beautiful as you." Leopold holds up his goblet in a toast before gulping a few drinks.

I avert my eyes as a few drops land on his chin before dropping onto his nice dinner clothing. I don't think I will ever get used to him throwing compliments toward me every other sentence. Daniel did so when he felt was necessary, never did he feel the need to woo me. My heart aches as his face shows in my mind—smiling, happy, handsome, alive.

Leopold then turns his attention to the girls. "How was your day?"

"It was wonderful, Father! Emma and I played pet and owner all day after our studies. Emma wanted to read, but I wouldn't let her. I only read for study, it's quite boring otherwise. Can we get Emma a collar and leash, Father? To make her seem like a real dog?" Snow rambles.

Emma shrinks in her seat. My eyes flick toward the king, who is rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Is this what Emma wants? You must think of your sister's wishes as well, Snow."

"She's as excited as I am!" Snow says loudly, throwing a smile Emma's way, though her eyes are a silent warning for the girl to keep her mouth shut.

My stomach churns at the scene. Snow is the spitting-image of Cora. No wonder why Mother loved her so much—Snow was what Mother had hoped I would become. I am rather proud that I have become more like my father. I am a kind spirit, a gentle soul. Minus the homicidal thoughts toward the king's daughter, of course.

"I think that can be arranged." Leopold finishes his cup, then motions for the servant nearby to refill it.

I politely make small talk during the rest of the meal, impatiently waiting for it to be over with so I can go back to my chamber for the night. After Leopold's fifth cup of wine, he stands, grabbing the back of his chair to study himself.

"Regina, love, shall we go upstairs?"

I nod, my heart pounding in fear as I excuse myself from the table and follow my husband upstairs to his chamber. Giving myself away is nothing like I expected it to be. Though the king is loving and gentle outside of the chamber, in his bed, he cares about nothing but himself. The 5 cups of wine have clouded his judgement, and I am nothing but a wife, in every use of the word. When it is over and done and he has stumbled back to his chamber to sleep off the alcohol, I am left crying, feeling used and disgusted.

I am no longer an innocent 19-year-old. I am a wife, a mother, a bed partner, an accessory draped over the king's arm. I am the shell of who I thought I was.

A quiet knock on the door interrupts my weeping. "Come in," I call out, my voice strained from my emotions.

A servant enters with a towel. "I have come to run your bath and collect the sheets of the royal bed."

I nod in acceptance and follow her to the bathroom where she lights candles and undresses me before running my bath. This older woman makes me miss Rainy. She doesn't hardly say a word before she leaves me alone with only my thoughts to keep me company.

Another knock sounds as I am bathed and changed into my nightgown, lying in my bed and curling up to fend off the ache between my legs. I am too tired to answer. The door opens to reveal Emma, changed for bed and holding a book and water bottle.

The girl comes over and sits on the edge of the bed for a moment before handing me the objects. A classic fairytale cover shines in the glow of the kerosene lamp. I'm surprised to find the hot water bottle is warm when I go to take a drink of it.

Emma watches me for a moment before gently grabbing the bottle and going to the bathroom. She comes back holding a towel and pulls back the covers, setting the towel and the water bottle between my legs. She covers me up again and nods in satisfaction. I close my eyes as the ache recedes, replaced with the pleasant feeling of warmth.

The thought of how a young child knows about such adult things more than I crosses my mind. But when I open my eyes to ask the girl how she knows, she is gone. I fall asleep with my eyes trained on the door, silently wishing for the girl to come back. Yes, perhaps living here won't be so horrible after all.

That's the end of the first chapter! I hope you enjoyed it, if you did, leave me a kind review in the comment section! This will be a Swan Queen fic, so don't worry about the age difference. See you in the next chapter!