"Queen Regina," The steward called out to the crowded ballroom. There was a silence as she made her way through the grand doors. Everyone was watching her, the king's new wife. Regina looked around at all the unfamiliar faces until her gaze came to rest upon her new husband. Of course he wasn't looking at her. No, his eyes were glued to Snow White. She turned her eyes away from them, unable to bear the pain she still felt over the loss of her Daniel.

Once the novelty of her entrance began to wear off, the people continued to mingle amongst themselves. Regina sat herself upon the throne set out next to Leopold's for her and looked around. Everyone looked so happy and content surrounded among their friends and family. It only made her feel more lonely than ever. Especially considering the throne next to her remained empty while Leopold danced with his precious Snow. A small sigh escaped her lips as she looked down at her hands clasped elegantly in her lap.

A shadow feel across her spot of 'honour.' Regina glanced up, expecting to see Leopold but found herself surprised to see another man standing over her. The smile on his face as he gazed was warm. Regina felt drawn to him. But immediately felt guilty for the attraction. Daniel had just died in her arms not even a month ago.

"Could I bother you for a dance, my lady?" The man asked with a bow, his hand held out for her. She hesitated for a second before placing her hand in his. His smile grew and Regina could not help but allow a slight smile in return.

As he led her onto the dance floor Regina couldn't help but watch him out of the corner of her eye. He seemed so familiar but she swore she had never seen him before. A spot opened up and he pulled her close, placing a hand on the small of her back while she placed her hand on his shoulder. Again he smiled at her. She wanted to say something but didn't know what.

As if sensing her hesitation, he spoke up. "I've never seen a woman as beautiful as you, my lady."

A blush rose, warming her cheeks. Her eyes ducked down. "Your words are kind, sir."

"My words have nothing to do with kindness."

Again she found herself not knowing what to say. They continued their movements in silence until she finally built up the courage to ask, "What is your name?"

"Joshua."

Her face fell slightly. Joshua frowned. "Does this displease you?"

Regina shook her head and forced a smile, "It is a good name." She couldn't tell him why her face fell. She couldn't even tell herself. It just wasn't the right name she felt.

They were cut off from any further discussion when Leopold came up behind Joshua. "If I may cut in?"

Joshua looked as if he were going to refuse but, upon remembering his place, gave a small bow and offered her over. Regina found herself sad to let him go. But it would have been frowned upon for her to turn her husband down. So she placed one hand in Leopold's, the other on his shoulder, and allowed him to lead her around. However he could not control her eyes which followed the man named Joshua as he walked away.

As soon as she could, Regina stepped back from Leopold and dropped into a curtsy before him. No words were exchanged. He didn't even acknowledge her curtsy before turning to go find Snow again. No matter how much she hoped he would some day give her some attention, he never did.

She turned on her heel and left the crowd. The throne once again beckoned her and she began to comply. But something else made her change direction. Instead she headed for the french doors leading out to the balcony. Maybe some fresh air would do her good.

"Joshua?" she called as soon as the doors opened before her. The man at the edge of the balcony turned around and Regina couldn't help but smile. Before moving forward to meet him, she gave a nod to the guards, asking them to leave the balcony. She closed the doors behind them and finally moved next to Joshua.

Regina once again found herself staring. After the disappointing dance with the king, she once again felt lonely which made her feel vulnerable.

Before her mind could process what her body was doing, Regina took Joshua's face in her hands and kissed him, a long, deep kiss she had only shared with one other person before.

Joshua returned the kiss, having felt the same connection with the queen. But as the kiss continued on something changed. The touch felt familiar to him. Images flashed through his mind. He pulled back as he remembered and stared at Regina. Regina, hands still cupping his face, frowned, wondering what was wrong. But then she noticed a new light in his eyes. The frown became one of curiosity.

"Regina," he whispered, his hands now coming up from their spots on her waist to touch her face.

She smiled at him, a confused smile, but let him continue his movements. "Yes, Joshua." She spoke slowly.

His head shook vigorously and kissed her again, this time hungrily. "Daniel," he finally murmured against her lips, not wanting to pull away from them for a second.

Regina froze at the mention of that name. "How dare you."

Joshua pulled back and again shook his head. "Regina, it's me. It's Daniel."

"Daniel's dead." Her voice remained emotionless. She didn't want to give in to the pain again.

"I'm not. I'm not dead. I'm right here." He tried to kiss her again but Regina pushed him away and turned her back on him to hide the tears that were fighting to spill over.

"How dare you toy with me."

"Regina…" he moved forward to place a hand on her shoulder and turn her around to face him. "Regina, stay strong." He couldn't stand the pain in her voice.

At those words she looked up into his eyes, her mouth agape with wonder. Those were his words. No one ever said them to her besides him. "Could it really be? But, how?" Her fingers explored his face, his neck, his chest. Everywhere they could reach. "But it doesn't look like you…"

"I don't know. But true love always finds a way," he whispered before pulling her into another kiss.

And Regina knew.