Hello everyone, thanks for taking time to check out my new story. This story will be a look at the relationship we had glimpse into in episode 1 X 18 The Stable Boy. This entire story will be from Regina's point of view, except this very first, short chapter. It will go from the beginning of the Stable Queen relationship, up to Daniel's last tragic night, and hopefully lead into my next new story involving Regina and Cora. I love hearing your reviews, constructive and all! Hope you guys enjoy!

Sir Henry scratched his stubby gray beard as he studied the young man in front of him. Daniel, he was young, seventeen to be exact. He'd been searching for work for a long time, and when Sir Henry had offered him a job as his stable boy he'd jumped at the chance. Sir Henry, although happy he'd found someone so easily and as fit as Daniel, couldn't understand why the young man wanted this job, "You know I can't pay you as much as you may deserve, although you will get three meals a day and a place to stay in the stables, right?"

The boy nodded. A place to stay, a roof over his head, riding outfits for work, three meals a deal. He wouldn't get much of a salary, but small amounts could be saved to grow and the things he was getting in place of payment were things Daniel had struggled for, for a long time. "Yes, Sir, I understand."

Sir Henry was still curious about the boy, seeming so mature, "You'll care for all the horses, keep up the stables, and the lessons?"

"Yes, Sir. Maintenance and lessons, for your daughter, right Sir?"

Henry nodded briefly, "Yes, my daughter, Regina. She adores the stables and riding, but I'm afraid my teachings have gone as far as they can. My wife insists that she have a proper trainer." Daniel nodded to show he could fulfill the task. "I must warn you though, Daniel," Henry's voice grew lower, "My wife, Mrs. Mills, she doesn't approve of Regina's ways of riding. She's very consistent about Regina being proper. She doesn't always allow Regina down for her lessons if she can help it."

Daniel nodded once again, his soft spoken voice repeating its proper tone, "Yes, Sir."

The aged man studied the young one yet again, carefully asking his question, "Do you have family around here, Daniel?"

The young man's eyes dropped, but he quickly looked into the man eyes once again, not wanting to come across disrespectful to someone of his authority, "I don't have family."

Henry looked down at his feet as he rubbed off his coat, "I understand. I'm glad to have you hired, Daniel. I do hope you feel at home here." He took a step toward the boy, extending his hand in offer. Daniel firmly nodded his head, giving the man a gentle smile.

"And..., Daniel?" Sir Henry spoke up one last time before he turned to leave the boy to his new stable home.

"Yes, Sir?"

Dimples showed through the man's stubbly beard as the fondness of his daughter showed through in his smile, "Do be a gentleman to my dear daughter."

Daniel gave him one last respectful nod and smile, "I will, Sir."