A/N - The romantic pairing for Regina will be female. Also, there will be canon mentions but there will be liberties taken. Hope you enjoy!

Rivers glanced each way down the corridor, then looked back at his fellow soldier and nodded. "Aye, I know… it's bloody unreal what she's been doing!"

"Snow White is a bit of a snot, and always has been… but on a campaign to destroy her happiness? I mean, what does that even mean really?"

"Oy, I don't know, man." Rivers sighed, glancing around suspiciously again. He whispered, "She's surely gone around the bend though, so obsessed about it!"

"I didn't know we had time for a gossiping sewing circle during patrol," snapped a familiar voice behind the guards. "Or besmirching our Queen."

Rivers and Jones both startled, leaping and spinning about to face the Captain of the Queen's Guard, who stared them down with tempered animosity until explanation was given. She was the culmination of what it meant to loyally serve the queen with distinguished stature despite being a foot shorter than the men she addressed. Kalyn's brown hair was pulled back in a severe ponytail, armor pristine and gleaming where visible, her tabard perfectly aligned with her sword belt. She was a force to be reckoned with if angered, and these two had invited her wrath. Rivers had gone pale and wide-eyed, staring at her as they both sketched hasty salutes, both noticing her hand on the hilt of her sword.

"Apologies, sir!" Jones sputtered at her. "Just… we're worried, you know? Things've been wickedly crazy since the wedding an' all!"

The apology fell upon deaf ears. Kalyn's brown eyes were full of disappointment, anger in check, but it was clearly simmering under the surface of her stare - even if she felt that the guard's concern held merit. The Queen's orders were absolute and binding to those swearing fealty to her and she would not allow dissidence and idle chatter amongst her men that may make its way to the queen. She was saving their lives, truth be told! Her majesty had been unhinged for a long time, but even Kalyn never predicted her ruler would crash Snow's wedding and threaten the princess in front of the entire realm.

"Aye. I mean…" Rivers started to say, but fell short under her stare.

"Right, shutting up then," Jones said, spine stiffening to perfect guard duty posture.

"Aye. Me too," Rivers agreed.

Her hand fell from the hilt to join the other behind her back. Brown eyes shifted between them. "Good. I suggest you continue the silence until your duty has ended. Are we in agreement?" she asked callously.

"Yes, sir," they replied in harmony.

She nodded curtly, then slightly leaned forward. "But know this. If I hear of further talk of this sort, I will presume it came from you two. Which means our next discussion will have more than words attached to it. Are we clear?" she said, her voice low and full of promise.

"Yes, sir," Rivers and Jones said, again in perfect unison.

"Dismissed," she ordered crisply.

The guards hurried off, leaving the Knight's Commander to the corridor and her thoughts. Her rigid stance lessened while she sighed, knowing that she had to be hard on them to protect them. Regina had killed men for less than what Jones and Rivers had said, and that behavior had been escalating in the last months. Kalyn held no sway over the Queen, but she could keep the men in line and offer counsel when asked for to keep a veiled sense of order within the palace.

She waited several minutes, making sure whispers of scandal were abated before resuming patrol. Despite her position of power, Kalyn walked the halls on some nights to personally oversee security. It was enjoyable, having the palace seemingly to yourself. She could be with her thoughts, strategizing training sessions with the knights and how to maneuver patrols to keep the kingdom safe as she walked the same pattern through the palace. More so now with the threats against Snow. Her favorite time was close to dawn when the Commander would sneak into the hearths to filch fresh pastries cooling on the tables before off to quarters. That was her routine, and she thrived on that. Thus the Commander moving on towards the next leg of her patrol - the royal wing.

The sounds coming she now heard coming from the Queen's suite were definitely outside Kalyn's usual routine. There had been any number of terrible sounds that emanated from those quarters as the Queen lived up to the "Evil Queen" moniker she'd earned from the peasants; she used her own quarters, at times, to punish others as well as plot her next move, after all. But now… the sounds that the commander heard were desperate, troubled. And the stifled cries and moans were most definitely in Regina's voice. These weren't the dominant sounds of pleasure, either, that were occasionally the norm.

Kalyn's eyes were full of concern as she swiftly made her way to the queen's chamber with the first thought being Snow had acted first, attacking the queen in retaliation against her threats. The move would be out of the ordinary for the princess to consider, but it would be a smart, calculating, move. It just confused the Commander as to what could cause the queen such distress or even get the advantage of her. The Queen was intuitive and powerful despite her slow descent towards madness. With that thought in mind, she begged her queen's forgiveness as protocol was forgotten, opening the door to Regina's chamber with sword at the ready.

Regina lay on her stomach, one arm curled around a pillow, pulling it protectively against her side. She thrashed out with her free hand as if using magic in whatever nightmare had her in thrall. The Queen flinched and jerked atop the mattress, sending expensive bed coverings over the edge and onto the cobblestone floor.

"N-n-n-n-n-no!" she cried out, free hand moving as if attacking an unseen foe again. "NO!"

Tears streamed down her cheeks, all the while unaware of the knight's presence in her bedchamber. It was the first time since entering Regina's service that Kalyn had seen her so vulnerable. She felt like an intruder with the knowledge that her queen's sleep was plagued with nightmares. Torn between a hasty retreat, to allow her sovereign to save face, and waking her, Kalyn next thought turned to how Regina had found her...

She was surrounded by bodies of those she slain, sword arm finally shaking as she came down from the adrenaline rush of battle. Clothes that were several sizes too large were tattered from the fight and time, splattered in blood that was not her own. Brown eyes wildly looked at her work and realized that for the first time in years, Kalyn was a slave no more. But victory was short lived as she looked up with alarm at the sound of clamouring hooves coming near. How long they could have been heard, she knew not, but there was no time to hide the bodies. She forced wobbly legs to move so she could find cover, but it was far too late. The carriage came into view and Kalyn was certain she was seen.

The Queen's carriage had been on the road two days, ending a long, solitary journey that followed the King's untimely demise. Regina had done all that was necessary to "grieve" with the kingdom and assure them that she could continue to lead them. It was the last of that journey now, returning her to the palace to move forward but now it had been interrupted.

"Halt!" shouted the lookout guard, as the driver immediately brought the horses to a stop. He leaped down from the carriage, hand on the hilt of his sword. He called out to the bloodied woman. "You there! Do not move!"

Cursing under her breath, Kalyn did as ordered and released the sword. The only reason it made more than a dull sound against the ground was because the hilt smacked against the breastplate of Gregor, her tormentor that enjoyed the company of Kalyn the most over the years. She had surprise and planning over these men, but she was too exhausted and unequipped to face off against the fresh guards of that carriage.

Regina found herself exiting the carriage unassisted without even thinking about what she was doing, clad in a mourning gown, of course. She came up beside her startled guardsman.

"Majesty, you should be-"

"Yes, I know. Stand down," she replied tersely. Her gaze shifted to the woman who stood among the corpses, brown eyes looking at her curiously. Regina spoke a single word to her: "Explain."

With nothing to lose, Kalyn did not bow before this woman. All of the years as a slave, she held fealty to no one, just her owners. Most of the time, she had no knowledge of what lands they were in and who ruled over them. This day of freedom was no different.

Brown eyes brazenly looked at the woman who questioned her and answered truthfully with a firm voice. "I was their slave. I'm not any more."

The guard beside Regina stiffened as this woman failed to show any respect to the queen. However, she moved simply past him to stand face-to-face with the woman.

"No, you are most definitely not," she agreed, whispering to her. "For how long?"

Surprised by the reaction of this queen, Kalyn softened her voice, but was cautious. She had not seen kindness in so long and was naturally distrustful. "Ten years."

Regina paled, recognizing a fellow survivor… and one who had endured worse than she had. It took her a moment to respond.

"What will you now?"

"I …" she paused, a light croak in her voice as Kalyn realized she had no idea what she would do!

Her father had sold both her and her twin sister, Nikole, into slavery to Gregor's outfit. The farm was losing money and their father wanted to make quick coin by selling his children. He had no love for them, cursing them in silence as the reason his wife died in childbirth. Kalyn had learned that Nikole had later died during a raid, leaving with her no family that she cared to associate with. There was no plan except to be free.

"The truth is I… I don't even know where I am now," she answered quietly. "Or know where I was going after."

Her knights would assume she was half-mad with grief, given how this unexpected moment was playing out. Regina didn't care; they were already rallied under her banner and loyal to her, just as Mother had told her to do prior to the wedding to Leopold.

"I am Regina, Queen of this land. You are in the Enchanted Forest, my dear," she said. "And, as one powerful woman to another, may I offer you conveyance in my carriage, and my protection as you consider your next steps?"

Kalyn was not ignorant but she was not a learned woman. Conveyance was lost to her but the offer was understood. Matching brown eyes gazed at one another with silent understanding and it was in that moment that Kalyn saw a reflection of herself within the queen's gaze. Regina may have power, but not all forms of slavery were so easily labeled with purchase. That is why Kalyn allowed her to trust this queen.

"Thank you." And after a pause she realized that some measure of decorum should be offered out of respect. "Your Majesty."

She still didn't bow which made the guards bristle. Regina noticed their loyal reaction more than Kalyn's unintended slight.

"This is my guest," she told them, an edge of warning in her voice, realizing she didn't even know the woman's name yet. "And she will be riding with me. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Majesty. Of course."

"Good. One more thing…" She leaned in to speak privately with Knight Jones. "Ensure the bodies are removed by our party. Burned and scattered to the wind."

Dark eyes studied the queen's determined expression, and he nodded. "Yes, Majesty. As you wish."

"Come, dear," Regina murmured gently to guest, leading her to the carriage.

Not realizing how generous the queen was to her, Kalyn followed after her and had no care to look back at the bodies she left behind. She needed to think on her future, now that one was secured, and stepped into the carriage after Regina …

"No!" Regina shouted again. The pillow she'd been clutching went flying as she hurled it at an unseen enemy. "No, please, no!"

Kalyn could no longer sit idle and leave her queen in such distress. She sheathed her sword and approached the fitful queen, laying a gentle gloved hand against Regina's shoulder.

"Your Majesty?" she said with a forceful tone, hoping to rouse her. It was quite the contrast to her touch.

Regina cried out, turning and lashing out at Kalyn, still caught in the throes of her nightmare, she didn't realize whom she was clawing and punching at. It was not unexpected considering how frightful the dreams were and Regina was still caught between horror and lucidity. Kalyn was able to duck and push aside the wild attacks with gentle grace, not wanting her queen to be carelessly injured from banging limbs against armor. Halting Regina's movements with a tight hold would escalate things, and the commander did not wish to be incinerated or frighten her queen further . She simply tried to reason with her in hopes that Regina would wake.

"Majesty! It's Kalyn! You're safe at the palace!"

"Kalyn?" Shuddering, Regina pulled back, fixing her still-terrified gaze on her commander. She scooted away from her, expression darkening now that she was more awake, arms wrapped around herself. "What in the hell are you in doing in here?"

Now that Regina was aware of her surroundings, Kalyn immediately drew herself at attention. "I was on patrol, Majesty, and heard sounds of distress coming from your chambers. I came to investigate to ensure your safety and saw your sleep was disturbed."

Feeling her heart hammering against her chest, she stared up wildly at her. Just the same, she was defiant out of pride. A nerve twitching in her jaw, Regina replied, "I do not have nightmares, Commander."

She easily rolled with it and nodded. "Of course, your Majesty."

"I do not have nightmares," Regina repeated to herself, as Kalyn remained dutifully silent as her queen worked out what happened.

The queen slid out of bed and took in its disheveled state. With a flick of her wrist, all evidence of her struggled slumber was put back in its place through magic. She lifted a brow at Kalyn, ready to challenge her on this need to reconstruct reality. But, the loyal knight simply gazed back at her. They understood each other too well.

"I need a drink," Regina said with a heavy sigh. "Will you join me?"

"It'd be my honor, Majesty, but I am currently on duty." There were not many that could deny an invitation by Regina, but Kalyn took her role as commander quite seriously.

Regina's lips twitched with mirth. "I'll take that as a yes then, my dear."

Sliding her fingers through her hair, she walked to the vanity and poured from the tumbler there. Her dark gaze fixed on Kalyn's, holding a small glass out toward her.

Kalyn stepped forward to accept the glass with a curt smile. "Again, thank you Majesty."

"Thank you," she replied, bare fingers brushing against gloved ones. Regina took a healthy swallow, taking the time to let the liquid burn its way down her throat before speaking again as Kalyn curiously sniffed the contents of her glass. "You said you were able to hear me from the hall then?"

She brought the glass down without sampling it to answer, knowing that Regina was trying to decipher who else may have heard her. "I was close to your chamber while passing through."

In plain words, only Kalyn had heard her.

"My non-nightmare," Regina insisted. "Which means you really didn't hear a thing."

"True. I merely took extra precautions to make sure my queen was safe in her chambers. I appreciate the allowance of such liberties, Majesty." There was a brief flicker of a grin before Kalyn joined Regina in drink. The alcohol went down smooth and tasted exquisite compared with the mead served at the tavern.

Regina half-smiled at Kalyn's complicity. "Thank you for waking me."

"Mm. You're welcome, my queen." That brief grin spread into a full smile, pleased that Regina was in better spirits.

She smiled back for a moment, then took another drink. Regina's gaze shifted to the kingdom beyond her balcony, her expression darker and more troubled once more. Unerringly, she was looking toward Snow White's kingdom.

"How has your evening been?" she asked quietly, wrenching her gaze back to the commander.

"Uneventful," she replied. "Just the way it should be."

Regina nodded, finishing off her drink. She set her glass down and looked the knight up and down, thinking about Kalyn and the career she'd built for herself in such a short time.

One cannot see the deeply wounded woman she had been. Not anymore, Regina mused. Lucky for her.

"I see. Tensions continue to run high though, I'd imagine?" she asked.

"I will not lie." She could not to her queen, but the truth could be bent a little. "It has. Your campaign against Snow has escalated. The palace waits for new orders."

Regina nodded at that response. "New orders will come soon, I expect. I am working on learning what exactly I must do to put my plans into motion. I will spare her no quarter then. They will not be safe from my wrath."

"I, and your knights, anxiously await to carry out your orders and claim victory over the princess, Majesty," came Kalyn's passionate, and heartfelt, response.

The queen gazed at her pensively, seeking to determine if Kalyn was being genuine or simply obedient. Her brows lifted a fraction as she contemplated that, then she turned and poured another drink.

"Will you join me once again?" Regina asked.

This was no more a request then the first offer, even if Kalyn's glass was not yet empty. This felt unorthodox as her dealings with Regina were always as queen and commander. Any social interaction came before others - during court, military planning, trying to sway her queen's wrath from taking unnecessary life. But she could not say no to Regina. Not on this night.

"Of course." She held out the glass to be topped off.

Regina did just that. She set the decanter back on her vanity, brown eyes going back up seek Kalyn's. "Is there aught that you need…? As Commander."

Her eyes narrowed because there was one item that could be addressed, but it was personal. With war looming, Kalyn could not afford to take time away from the kingdom.

"One thing. I want to call blacksmiths from the nearby villages to the palace. We need an upgrade to our armor and weapons, make sure the armory is full in preparation."

What Kalyn said did not match the pensive look that had been on her face for a moment. Regina was ordinarily too self-absorbed with her plans for revenge to notice much of what was on a subordinate's face. Tonight, perhaps it was a combination of the nightmare and the strong drink, but she noticed.

"Of course," Regina replied. "You've my approval to move forward with whatever costs this incurs. The royal coffers are full."

Indeed, she was bleeding King George dry with the economic squeeze she'd put on him!

"Quite true, and thank you. I will send out notices in the afternoon to call who we need," she said before taking a sip. Kalyn did not want Regina to think she was drinking alone. The glass in the commander's hand had been barely touched.

She nodded her approval before asking, "What was it that you need, that you did not mention?"

The question took Kalyn by surprise, eyes widening at how perceptive Regina was. She quickly licked away the alcohol from her lips and cleared her throat. Her confidence had been tempered, unsure of how to respond to her queen. "I beg your pardon, Majesty?"

"I could see you weighing which need to voice," Regina explained, a ghost of a smile crossing her lips. "What was the other?"

"It's a … personal matter. One that has no weight in light of things to come, Majesty."

The Evil Queen cocked an eyebrow, an edge creeping into her voice. "Is someone causing you problems?"

Kalyn felt equal parts proud and disappointed in the queen's response. Proud that Regina felt her safety was important but just as disappointed that Regina may have felt Kalyn could not handle herself. It felt abnormal to feel at odds like this.

"No, Majesty. Nothing of the sort. The men are well aware to stay in line with me as their commander," she boasted.

"Good."

She looked relieved, unwilling to tolerate anyone giving her commander a difficult time. Kalyn had already been through too much in her life. They might not have been close, but Regina still felt protective and proud of her.

"Then what is it you need, dear?" she asked again.

With a reluctant sigh, Kalyn stood at full stature to explain as Regina would not let this matter be. "My horse was fatally wounded by bandits during my last patrol. I've yet to find a horse that suits me. I had hoped to take a few days leave to obtain one, but not with the state of things as they are now. I'm needed here, Majesty."

As a near constant, if silent, companion on many of her journeys, Regina did not like the idea of Kalyn having any leave time… even if the matter were a pragmatic and important one for someone of her position. She tried not to let that anxiety show on her features, hating that she even felt so vulnerable at this late hour as to have such feelings.

"Where would you go, to seek a new mount?" she inquired.

"Few days ride to the north. There's a village by the name of Pinelow that has a respected horsemaster. I should have good luck in finding a new steed."

Kalyn left out an important detail. It had taken her five years, and the use of spies during what little free time she had, to track down the location of father. The coward had moved about through various parts of the kingdom under different names and professions, burning through his coin so quickly that the fool became impoverished again. He was living at this village under the alias of Marcius as a carpenter. After fifteen years, she could finally have revenge and give her departed sister peace in the next life.

She smiled rather dashingly, hiding her murderous plans. "At least I'm hoping so."

Taking what the commander had said at face value alone, she considered her own next move against Snow. Once upon a time, she had traded away a terrible curse that Rumplestiltskin had given her, seeing it as a valuable commodity in order to gain certain aid from Maleficent. Now, Regina wanted that curse back because it would be key to her plan of destroying everyone's happiness.

"I've need of visiting an old… friend soon," Regina remarked thoughtfully, not knowing how else to describe Maleficent. She paused to sip her drink. "Once I finished that business, we could visit your Pinelow and see about a new steed as you desire. It shouldn't be too far a ride beyond where I need to go."

Perhaps Kalyn has misunderstood but it sounded as if Regina would be joining her. The logistics would be harrying! Depending on when they arrived, they may have to secure lodgings and Regina deserved more than a poor tavern bed in need of repair. Pinelow was a small village, not a large city that had amenities fit for a queen. This also put a crick in her plan now that there would be an entourage she had to oversee. It would be difficult to sneak away and confront her father without suspicion.

"You… want to accompany me to the village? To secure a horse?" she said with bewilderment. "Her Majesty has far more important matters to attend to than this trivial request. I can easily handle this, if you allow, after concluding your business."

She hoped that Regina would accept this counter proposal, as revenge against Snow was what the queen desired the most.

But, the queen half-frowned. "I wouldn't mind the diversion. Besides, Pinelow is not a village I have personally visited while hunting her. Perhaps it needs my presence."

"Of course. My apologies for not seeing that," Kalyn worked out with well masked disappointment.

Regina had the feeling that Kalyn was not enthused about the idea and was troubled with how she felt about that. It wasn't in the Evil Queen's style to care. She cleared her throat and looked away, downing the last of her second glass.

"Well, if it works out then."

Kalyn opened her mouth to respond, but did not know what to say. Her gaze softened, wondering if she had slighted her queen? Regina's response was listless and very unlike her. This decision would allow Kalyn room to venture out to Pinelow on her own if she planned accordingly, but the revenge that she sought felt hollow if her queen was bothered by her absence.

She downed the drink and spoke with conviction. Her loyalty was to Regina first. It always would be.

"It will. My place is at your side, after all."

Regina still felt off-center, but it was a night for that she had to concede. She looked at Kalyn and nodded. "I know. I never doubt that about you."

That admission made the commander stand up taller with pride that Regina trusted her so implicitly after all these years. "Thank you, Majesty."

"You're welcome, my dear. So tell me: do you play chess?" she asked, gesturing to the board near the fireplace.

"Aye, Majesty," she replied, eyes fixed upon Regina's. "Learned during my time among the mercenaries. They wanted to see if the little slave girl could learn strategy." She smiled darkly. "And she did. All too well."

Regina matched her smile, able to appreciate that. "Care to play? If your nightly patrol allows for such indulgence."

"My time is at your disposal, Majesty." She grinned, setting the empty glass atop the vanity. "Are there stakes involved?"

She couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh my. Such confidence! How appealing! Well, what would you suggest?"

Kalyn crossed her arms, the grin still present. "Perhaps I may be so bold in asking for another favor of my queen at a later time when I win?"

Regina grinned. "Acceptable. And if I win… I can claim a forfeit of my choosing at some future time."

"I think we have an accord, Majesty." She motioned for Regina to lead the way. "Shall we?"

Amused, she sashayed over to the chess board and sat down. Waving a hand over the board, the pieces appeared in perfect order.

"Black is my color," Regina said wryly.

"So you're offering me the first move?" she taunted playfully, easily, as if this were the norm.

"I suppose I am," she said with a tilt of her head.

"Then I promise to go easy on you," she said candidly.

If not for the game, one would believe they were dancing around each other with flirtation but it was innocent word-sparring before battle. The game was quite equally matched, queen and commander keeping each other sharp as they played. Regina was thankful for Kalyn going along with her whims, keeping her company. It was silly and needy on her part, Regina knew, but she did not want to be alone and it was when the clock chimed at two past midnight, Kalyn was well aware of that too.

She studied the board and saw a chance to win in the next three moves. The queen would fold on the second move, leaving the king vulnerable. To keep with her queen's wishes, she moved her knight instead of the bishop to set up the maneuver and prolong the game. Regina smiled softly, seeing what Kalyn was doing.

"Most gracious, my knight."

She nodded, impressed. "Very observant, my queen."

Regina dipped her king in surrender and sat back, smiling. "You play well."

With that, Kalyn sat upright, slightly shifting her neck to stretch from sitting hunched over so long. The game had her captivated. "Thank you. I had years of practice. Still! You had me going there at times, wondering if I'd actually lose."

The queen chuckled, gazing at her. "You were quite determined. You must have quite the favor in mind to call upon."

"No, Majesty," she confessed. "Just determined to win."

"I see." Regina smiled, relaxing into the chair's back. "Well done then."

She matched her smile and nodded. Kalyn played to win because failure was not an option to her. She was by no means perfect and had her fair share of setbacks when agreeing to work for the queen, but it did not mean Kalyn tried her damndest to be better.

"I've kept you a long time tonight, Commander. I feel as though I owe you something extra for the inconvenience. If you're hungry, I could send for the kitchens to make us something," she offered.

Regina was continuing her subtle control in wanting the commander to stay. It also was an enticing offer because Kalyn was famished! She hadn't a thing to eat since normal supper time and this was when her stomach began its usual rumblings for food.

The smile on Kalyn's face was answer enough, but still she answered. "I'd like that, my queen. Thank you."

She rose with ease and ventured toward the outer door to speak with the guard on duty. The order for a late night snack would travel to the kitchens. As she re-closed the door, affording them privacy, Regina was acutely conscious of how far her cries had traveled that Kalyn had heard her in the hallway. She shivered.

"It will be a few minutes, of course. Would you care for another drink, dear?" Regina offered.

She moved to stand with a nod. "Allow me."
Kalyn fetch both of their glasses and moved to the vanity where she plucked the same decanter that Regina had poured from, refreshing their drinks. She returned to her queen with both glasses cradled in the same hand in offering.

She searched Regina's gaze, wondering what nightmares truly plagued her that the unstoppable queen did not want Kalyn to leave these chambers tonight. "Here you are."

"Thank you," she whispered, accepting a glass. As seeking as her gaze was, it was difficult to maintain eye contact with Kalyn just then. She looked down, contemplating her drink. "I greatly appreciate your staying with me. Your… caring."

"It's no different than the kindness you showed me when we first met," she offered with a sympathetic smile.

Regina bowed her head in acknowledgement. "You've come a very long way since then."

"Yes. Thanks to you." She raised her glass to Regina. "You allowed me the opportunity to achieve so much more than I could possibly imagine, Majesty."

Uncomfortable with genuine praise, the queen blushed. "You're welcome."

Since the kitchens worked at all hours, it only required a short wait for a tray with bread, fruit, and cheeses to be sent up and delivered. Queen and commander dined and drank in comfortable silence, and Regina had to admit that while this was nice, it was unfair to continue to monopolize Kalyn's time. The commander was about to express her gratitude for the late meal, but Regina had spoken first.

"Just one more request, dear. I am a fool for asking, but would you remain until I fall back to sleep?" she asked, feeling awkward and embarrassed to pose such a question.

The request deviated outside the usual orders that Kalyn was accustomed to, but this was an unusual night. This was twice now that the commander had seen her queen so vulnerable and willingly expressing that countenance despite Regina's language of control.

After wiping her face, she set the cloth atop the empty silver plate as she agreed to this with a tiny nod. "I'm at my Majesty's beck and call. Even now."

Kalyn remained ever formal, but what else would Regina expect? They weren't friends. She didn't have friends. But, none of what she mused showed in her expression and she gave a grateful nod and exhausted smile.

"Thank you, my knight."

"May I expand upon your request?" she asked as an idea came to her.

"Perhaps… what do you have in mind?"

"That I stay until you wake. To... how did you put it? To make sure the non-nightmares remain as such?" she offered, quite serious with unspoken concern seen within her gaze.

Regina was touched. "Thank you. I'd appreciate that, actually."

"Good. Allow me to inform my men on where to find me," she began, rising from the ornate dining table carved from oak and coated black.

"Is that absolutely necessary?" Regina asked. "I know it would prudent for them to know your whereabouts, but…"

Kalyn's gloved hands stilled atop the table as she stood in bewilderment. Perhaps it was the alcohol or just the comfortable way that the two of them had conversed that made the commander forget her station.

"But what?"

But what? Regina blinked, unused to being questioned and not immediately sure what her objection precisely was. She flushed and made a face.

"Well… it's just I'd rather this be… private, between us?" Regina said hesitantly, hating that vulnerable, uncertain feeling that bubbled up inside. "I'd rather there not be awkward curiousity why you're my nighttime sitter, suddenly."

There may not be curiosity if Kalyn did not speak to her men, but she was certain that the night staff from the kitchen were chatty about the commander and queen having a late meal here. Still, more gossip was unnecessary and Kalyn wanted to help Regina, not make the awkwardness fester further which could lead her queen down a even darker road.

She sat back down in understanding. "Of course, Majesty. I understand."

Regina moved around the table to touch her shoulder. "Thank you. I appreciate you, Kalyn."

Her lips parted in awe at the gentleness that Regina had showed her. And speaking her name so effortlessly without cumbersome titles attached - it felt like the highest honor had been bestowed upon her. She dare not reciprocate though.

"You … you honor me, my queen," she said quietly with a small bow of her head.

Regina smiled softly. "Likewise."

With that, the queen retreated to her bedchamber and slipped into bed. She lay on her side, watching Kalyn's approach. It felt strange, having someone friendly and one she had not manipulated in her private space like this. Her honesty had created this and eyed Kalyn lifting a red velvet high backed chair to set across from Regina.

"This alright, Majesty?" she asked, wanting to make sure that this didn't encroach upon Regina's personal space.

"Perfect, my protector from non-nightmares," she replied, lips curving.

With the faintest of smiles, Kalyn took that as the invitation to take her seat with back upright and shoulders square against the comfortable chair. She mused on the unconventional title that Regina had given her and admitted it was starting to grow on her. Perhaps it was ridiculous, but even still, Kalyn would take this duty seriously. Regina had given her that second chance at life, not conscripting the newly freed slave into service. She had given her a choice and for the first time Kalyn recognized a sovereign, a sovereign that would find rest this night.

This is truly silly, needing a protector from my nightmares, Regina thought wearily, but… there is something comforting at having a genuine ally here to watch over me as a sleep…

After all, such was a rarity for the Evil Queen.

Sleep was pestering the commander, her body tensing at being up close to a day's time. It felt like her skin was crawling with fatigue - not unlike the nights when Kalyn forced herself to remain awake, watching and waiting for any of the mercenaries to come claim her. But that was a fear long since past. Now it was exhaustion but she remained on duty and when her eyes met Regina's for the last time, Kalyn offered her a tight smile.

"Good night, Majesty."