The Hatter and the Hare
Chapter 1: Prologue
"Are you going to tell me why you're here or not?" Regina said coldly as she stared down the man sitting in her office. Nothing ever good came when Mr. Gold visited her.
Mr. Gold smirked at her. "Well, Regina. You know how deeply I value your opinion," Sarcasm dripping from his voice which irritated her greatly. "and as you know I'm doing quite well for myself in this town. So, with my extra funds, I have decided I want to open a tea shop."
"That's it?" Regina said suspiciously. "Gold you're wasting my time. You know that I'm not the person you come to for these minor issues."
"Oh, that's not all!" Gold said, his classic smirk growing wider. "I'm going to need help running it, so I would like to invite my niece to come stay with me and take care of the shop."
Regina's back stiffened. "So that's why he's here," She thought. "He's finally come for the girl."
She knew it was only a matter of time before this happened. He did always adore that girl.
"Well I'm afraid that's impossible Mr. Gold. We don't allow new comers in Storybrooke. You know the rules" She replied with a bitter smile.
"Oh, come now Regina. Surely you can make an exception for me." He gave her a knowing smile.
It was just too risky. The whole balance of the town had been off recently and it worried Regina. One small slip up and the whole façade could come crashing down.
"I'm sorry Gold I just can't allow it."
He looked calmly at her and she already knew what he was going to say
"Please."