Disclaimer: I don't own OUAT, etc.

It was raining as the young princess ran across the courtyard to get to her wing of the castle. She didn't have long to go to her room and change before the guests would start arriving. Her delicate slippers slipped on the steps and she pitched forward, her arms flailing as she fell. It hurt where her elbows and knees hit the corners of the stone stairs. She lay there a moment, allowing herself a few tears and before turning around to look at the damage.

"Are you all right?" A soft voice asked, and a hand reached out to help her to her feet.

Snow looked up and gasped as she saw the older girl in front of her. She was perfect. Despite the rain there was not a hair out of place and she was holding her umbrella out to shelter both of them.

"I fell."

"So I saw." Regina allowed a small smile to grace her lips, not wanting the little princess to think she was laughing at her.

Snow wiped a hand over her dress before accepting the help offered. "Thank you. I am Princess Snow."

Regina dipped into a curtsy. "My name is Regina, you majesty."

"Are you here for the party?"

"No, I am merely visiting for a short while."

"It's my birthday."

"So I understand."

"Would you like to come?"

Regina frowned. That was unexpected. She was supposed to introduce herself to the princess, be kind to her, then insult her and leave. Her mother hadn't instructed her on party invitations.

"Father said I could invite anyone I wanted, but as I don't really know anyone else my age he sent invitations to those he said were socially acceptable." Snow added, worried that her new friend didn't think there would be room for her. "I can instruct the servants to set another place while I change."

"Wouldn't you need to confirm that I am 'socially acceptable'?" Regina asked.

"No, I don't care. I like you and you were kind enough to help me."

"I have to go." Regina curtseyed again. "I advise against running in the rain, especially on wet surfaces."

"But, I'm having a party, they'll be wonderful food and…"

Time for the insult. Regina tried to work out how to use the words her mother had given her, but the princess was full of surprises none of them seemed fitting.

"I don't have time to attend a children's party. I suppose you will be playing games…"

"There will be dancing!" Snow insisted. "Very grown up."

Regina looked at the stained dress, noting a slight tear in the fabric. "A children's party, for children, however much you dress up for it."

Snow stomped her foot on the step. "I revoke your invitation!"

"I already rejected it."

"I want you out of my castle. Now."

Regina smiled. "Has your father passed his crown to you already? I see you have a child's temper. Such tantrums are not suitable in princesses, however young."

"You…"

"Ah, ah. Don't bother, I am leaving. You should go and change for your party, it is rude to keep your guests waiting."

Snow stuck her nose in the air and turned around quickly, determined to take her time getting dressed. She was a princess. It was her party. The guests could wait if she wanted them to wait.

Cora watched from the shadows as the princess stormed off. She stepped into view as Regina turned and headed in her direction.

"Well done, daughter. Despite ignoring my suggestions, you handled that quite well. I don't think the princess will forget your little meeting in a hurry."

Regina tucked her arm through Cora's as they headed to collect their carriage. "I still don't understand mother, why…?"

"Shh, later."

Cora sought the spell concealing their transportation and hurried Regina inside. Even though her daughter couldn't see the magic, she could feel the steps and door that opened for her. Regina was used to her mother's powers. She feared them and was awed by them in turns, depending on her mother's use of them. Most of all she wanted to please her, and it seemed that her performance today had achieved that.

The carriage started with a jolt as the horses headed home. Regina kept her back straight and her shoulders back as she bounced around inside. Sitting opposite her mother, she could see new thoughts crossing her mind and wished her mother would confide in her. If she knew what she was expected to do, it would be easier to prepare herself.

Regina turned her head slightly, to look at the view outside. The fields only left her more desperate to go for a ride on her horse. She closed her eyes and pretended that was where she was now. On horseback, racing over the grounds near their house.

"Tomorrow you will begin additional dance lessons." Cora broke her out of her daydream.

"As you wish."

"And I will arrange for the dressmaker to come and take new measurements. We can't have your clothes appearing out of fashion."

"Mother?"

"Yes, Regina?"

"Why…?"

"I made you a promise when you were born. You have a great destiny and I won't allow anything to stand in your way."

Regina didn't quite understand, but she knew her mother was only doing what she thought best. She wasn't sure she wanted to have a great destiny. She would be quite happy to just marry for love and settle into a quiet life, raising a family. Destinies were always for brave people, heroes and the like. Regina closed her eyes and tried not to picture Daniel as her husband. The stable boy was always so kind to her, but she knew her mother would never approve. He had such a good heart, was so strong and brave. In a way, Regina could picture him as a hero, something out of a story. In her dreams he came riding up on a horse, dressed in knights armour and carried her off to a faraway land. She sighed.

Cora noticed the smile on her daughters face and assumed she was thinking of her destiny. She could almost picture the crown on Regina's head. Everything was going exactly as planned.