The Queen's Ruffians
Part I
The Troublemakers
The Queen, the Princess and the Musician sat in the dark dining hall alone and in silence, each drowning in their own bitterness. Regina sat at the head of the table, with nostrils flaring as she thought back to the task which her two young troublemakers failed to do. As much as she wanted to scold them for their failures or simply destroy them, she knew the silence was more of a torture. Either way, she had invested too much time molding them to do anything too vicious to either them. The princess, particularly, would much rather hear Regina's yells, as opposed to her deafening silence. She looked up at her mentor Queen with her big hazel eyes, hoping to gain an inch of sympathy, but Regina was not having it. The princess turned to the young musician and took a deep sigh, but he simply slouched in his chair scratching his newly growing beard.
"Sit upright, young musician. I will not allow such bad posture at my table," Regina reprimanded to the boy, which caused him to leap up and sit perfectly straight in his seat.
Princess Leetha gritted her teeth as she thought how disrespectful it was to slump in front of their Queen. She turned to Regina anticipating a few words from her, but nothing. Regina stood up holding her dress, so that it wouldn't drag, and walked across the table to lean her arms on it.
"Now, I suppose it is time we speak of your unfortunate failures," Regina said as she looked them both dead in the eyes. "Musician, what was the simple task I asked of you?"
The musician, Ash, gulped some saliva to cure the dryness in his mouth. "You asked me to collect a violin from the Performer in the woods," he replied as he ran his hand through his brown shoulder length hair.
"That is correct, and what, may I ask, happened during your little voyage?" Regina asked as the fire in her stare grew.
"I," he paused and cupped his hands together, flipping his thumbs back and forth.
"You what?" Regina asked.
"I lost the map to his hideout." Ash blurted.
"You what," Princess Leetha exclaimed.
"It wasn't my fault! A girl came out of the forest and tricked me into her hut with a song! I was so tired. She gave me some tea and I, well, I fell asleep. The next thing I remember I was outside castle grounds with you waking me up," Ash explained to Leetha.
"Who was she?" Princess Leetha asked, but then turned to Regina and continued; "Now how will we beat that witch to the enchanted spindle?"
"Well, that's the next conundrum, isn't dear? It seems as though we cannot send this young musician, on his own, to complete any task. Tell me dear boy, what did this "mysterious" girl in the woods look like?" Regina asked with her patience deteriorating by the second.
"She had hair of gold. It was curly. Her clothes were worn down, like a peasant," Ash described.
"You took homage with a peasant? Ha, I suppose next you'll be having dinner with dwarfs." The princess said sarcastically as she sat back in her chair, almost as upset as the Queen.
Young Ash rolled his green eyes and turned back to Regina. "She had a strange wrap around her head. It seemed to be a rag, but the tips of it formed into horns of some sort. Her eyes were piercing blue and she," before he could finish, Regina interrupted him.
"Horns," Regina asked. "Maleficent," she said grinding her teeth. She slammed her fist to the table. "How could you be so foolish Musician? What use are you to me if I do not have that violin," Regina shouted breathing heavily. Ash sunk into his chair completely filled with fear. "What did I say about posture, hmm? Sit upright!" Regina could no longer hold in her anger and elevated Ash in his chair up into the air, as she said, "Or is this what I have to do in order for you to learn the proper etiquette to use in front of your Queen? How long must I leave you up there? Tell me!" Regina yelled completely frustrated with his actions.
Leetha sat straight in her seat and did not look in the direction of Regina or Ash. She hoped that Regina would not be as cruel with her own failure. The princess grew a bit short of breath. Leetha felt Regina's eyes on her skin like leaches. Suddenly she heard the chair land harshly on the wooden floors. The Queen stomped over to Leetha with her chest moving up and down from how heavy she was breathing. Anger had taken over Regina's full being.
"And you dear princess, tell me, just how unsuccessful were you on your sweet little voyage? Did you fall asleep as well? Did you hand the apple over to Maleficent directly? Did you even find the gingerbread house?" Regina said with a dark laugh.
"Indeed, I found it your Majesty," the princess said, "and I didn't eat anything, just as you ordered, but the house was protected by magic. I could not get inside. It was as though I was too old to get in," she explained looking directly into Regina's eyes. The fury the Queen had grown seemed to decrease as her bust was not moving drastically when she breathed. "I even tried throwing a spear, but it merely bounced off. I sent some winds, but the house remained unharmed. There must be a spell over it."
Regina walked back to the head of the table and sat down in her chair a little stunned by Leetha's justification. "Yes," Regina replied with a pause. The explanation calmed her nerves instantly. "Without a doubt you must be too old to enter that house now. I sometimes forget that you are no longer the age you were when I found you, far from it in fact. It must have slipped my mind the age limit the blind witch cast with her spell."
Regina gave a rather blank stare towards nothing. She thought back to the how young Princess Leetha was when they found one another. The truth was it had been years, but Regina still thought of her young prodigy as a girl of fourteen, not the young woman of 20 which she had grown into. Although it was obvious in her physical appearance, the Queen could not help, but perceive her young princess as a child. The princess had grown into her slim, tan, hour glass figure with her hair as long and black as ever. One thing had remained the same in those short years, her eyes. Leetha's big hazel eyes always stared back into her own for approval, ever since the first day they met in the Enchanted Forest. Regina shook off the memory and took a deep breath. She had to focus back on the matter at hand.
"Well then, I believe we will have to find someone much younger to make their way into that sticky situation, right my dear?" Regina said to the Leetha. "As for you musician, it is needless to say that your loss is unfortunate. I should just do away with you, seeing as how I would only need you if the violin was in my possession," Regina said as she turned to the princess, "but since we have both grown so," Regina paused and searched for a word, "accustomed to you, I suppose I can give you one more chance," she said. Her voice grew much deeper as she turned back to Ash and added, "I expect, when I do decide to give you a task to do on your own, that you will NOT fail me again." Regina stood up and walked out of the dining hall towards her bed chambers, leaving the two young prospects in the hall. Without turning back to look at them the Queen said, "You are dismissed to your rooms."
The princess watched Regina disappear into the giant hallway. It was always a wonder to her why her mentor would not use magic in every circumstance. She shrugged off the thought and stood up. Ash remained shaken up by his encounter with their Queen. He was not used to having to sit upright. Since he was abandoned as a child, he was shown no real manners and in his mind, he did not think a lot of the pet peeves Regina had were a big deal. Ash turned to Princess Leetha, hoping she wasn't angry with him, but she had already started towards her room. He ran to catch up with her.
"Wait up, where are you going?" Ash asked.
"I am going to my room to think of a way to get the map away from Maleficent," Leetha replied.
"Well, isn't Regina going to do that?" he asked again.
"Do not call her Regina! She is your Royal Highness and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves, Young Ash!" Princess Leetha exclaimed, entirely offended by his question. She marched forward, with the young man still following behind.
"One day is nothing. What can Maleficent do in one day?" Ash said, trying to smooth out the situation.
"Oh you foolish boy, don't you know anything? If Maleficent knows of the violin's powers, then she must have someone to use it or worse, she knows how to use it herself. If she gets the violin first, then she will put the Monroe Castle to sleep, and get the spindle before us!" Leetha explained, infuriated at the thought, but Ash still did not seem to understand. "And then we cannot defeat Snow White, you careless boy! Do you even listen when we make these plans? Why do we even keep you around?" The young princess asked herself as she continued towards her room.
A soft beat from a guitar started up and the sound stopped Leetha in her tracks, "This is why," Ash replied with a smirk. "You both enjoy the music I play."
Princess Leetha returned the smile. "I enjoy the music. The Queen enjoys its powers."
Before Ash had any time to try and woo the young maiden, she walked into her room and shut the door on him. Leetha kicked off her leather boots and threw herself onto her large bed. The journey to the gingerbread house was a long one. She looked up at the ceiling trying to get some rest, but her thoughts kept her from sleeping. The only thing in her mind was getting that map out of Maleficent's clutches. Princess Leetha thought that if she could only devise a plan to get it back, that Regina would be proud of the accomplishment. The mere idea of Regina's approval brought a small warmth in the Leetha's stomach. The comforting thought caused the princess to drift into sleep.
The following morning Regina was awoken by noise in the war room. She stood up and waved her hand causing her pajamas to change into leather pants, a black corset, and a mustard blazer with a black cape drifting down from it. She paced down the hall and made her way towards the noise. From a distance she saw the princess leaning over a map.
"What is the meaning of this?" Regina exclaimed.
"Your Majesty," Leetha said, a little startled as she curtsied slightly in her Queen's presence, "I wanted to surprise you."
"I hate surprises. What is it?" Regina replied firmly as she walked towards her apprentice.
"I developed plan to find Maleficent." Leetha answered.
"Oh, and just how do you plan to do that?" the Queen asked quite curiously.
"Well, I figured she would not return to her castle." She replied.
"And just how do you figure that dear?" Regina inquired.
"If she saw the map, she must have seen that she is very near the Performer's hideout. Maleficent would not have returned being so close." The princess paused and smiled as she came to her favorite part of the plan, "And if I simply cause a radical weather change, well, she'll want to shield herself from it, wont' she?"
Regina's wicked smile grew from ear to ear. "Indeed, she would my child," she added. "Your weather change would lead her to block herself from the storm and we would have full view of a protection bubble, correct? She will not want to move from the spot where she rests. From there, I can protect us from your storm as we enter the forest and collect what belongs to me," Regina continued as she thought of her victory with a terrifying look in her eyes.
"I didn't know it was yours," Ash said as he entered the war room. "I thought we were just taking it away from the Performer."
Irritated with the comment, Leetha exclaimed, "It belongs to her if she wants it! Her Majesty should want for nothing!"
The young musician's head snapped back a bit. It was too early to hear Princess Leetha's worship over Regina. He bit into a piece of bread and walked towards the map, but before he could take another bite, Regina made the bread disappear. She reminded him that there was no food in the war room. Ash apologized and then asked to be informed of their scheme.
With no minute to spare, the three of them were on their horses with their guards, making their way into the Enchanted Forest. Regina rode with her chin up as she looked down at the commoners who knelt as she passed. Once they were away from the main roads, Leetha started. She pulled off her black hood and looked up into the sky; she took a deep breath and blew it up into the air; the clouds grew dark gray; lightening flew down and struck trees; the winds were so rigorous that it knocked out branches and leaves out of them. Regina smirked at the storm, which they had perfect view of from the small safety bubble she had created by holding a simple fist in the air. The strong winds which damaged the forest did not even affect the cute riding hat Regina wore. Without fail, the three had perfect view of a tiny protection bubble ahead of them. Surely it was Maleficent shielding herself from the storm. An effortless nod from Regina to her princess, and the storm stopped abruptly.
There, directly in front of them, stood Maleficent more surprised than ever. Before she had time to do anything, Regina wiggled her fingers and caused the branches of the trees to hold Maleficent in place.
"Regina, old friend, you have no idea how much I hate it when you do that," Maleficent said.
Regina hopped off of her prized horse and replied, "And you, dear Maleficent, have no idea how much I hate it when you steal from me." She walked towards her alleged friend and grabbed her cheeks tightly. "Where is it?"Regina asked through her teeth with a tone that would frighten the Gods.
"Where is-" Maleficent was interrupted by Regina's furious voice.
"Where is the map that you stole from this foolish boy yesterday?" Regina shouted as she made a fist causing the trees clutches to grow tighter.
"Oh, the map which your young, and might I add, handsome, goon handed to me when I simply sang him a little tune," Maleficent said as she looked towards Ash with her piercing blue eyes.
Regina snapped back, "Do not remind me of the boy's failures!" She gave Leetha a glance and without hesitation, the princess was off of her horse, taking off her gloves, and walking towards Regina and Maleficent. "My dear, would you do me the honors of searching our beloved Maleficent?" Regina requested.
As Leetha walked towards them, cheetah spots came lightly over her body. The princess raised her hand up and her nails turned into claws. She ran one sharp nail lightly over Maleficent's cheek, down her neck and breasts till she reached a pocket. Then, her claws grew much sharper and she sliced the pocket open. The map fell to the ground. Regina raised the map into her hands with the sinister smile that made chills go down Ash's spine as he watched from his horse.
"Now this one," Maleficent paused, "this one is a keeper," she said admiring Leetha's powers.
Regina's smile disappeared immediately. "Yes," she said and with a wave of her hand the branches lifted Maleficent into the air. "Stay away from her, old friend," Regina added as she made her way back to her horse.
Maleficent looked stunned at Regina's last remark. It was not like Regina to try and keep new powers out of the eyes of others. The Queen would usually rub any new magic in everyone's face and Leetha was definitely something to show off. Maleficent thought it strange for Regina to keep her new pet a secret. Perhaps Regina thought of the young girl as more than a pet or a thug.
The princess drew back her claws and got back onto her horse next to Regina. She put her hood back up to hide her face. Regina had always told her two young prodigies to remain unnoticeable to the eyes of strangers. They never knew who might possibly be watching.
"Old friend, is that affection I detect in your tone?" Maleficent asked, but Regina ignored her. With an angry tone, Maleficent added, "Do you really think a simple spindle will get you what you want? You'll need the curse to with it you fool." Maleficent shouted with no fear of the situation she was in.
Enraged by the comment, Princess Leetha grabbed a spear from the side of her horse. Her eyes turned yellow, identical to those of a snake. She brought the spear to her mouth and stuck out her tongue, which had also taken shape to that of a snake's. Leetha licked the spear. "Shall I kill her, your Majesty?" Leetha asked.
"No, why would we do that," Regina replied as she looked intensely at the map. She looked back up to Maleficent with a smirk. "She's my only friend." The three turned around and rode away.
Once they had possession of the map, everything else fell into place. The following day, Regina had the young princess and young musician go to the Monroe Castle and play a song that would put everyone in the castle grounds to sleep. Leetha did not want to have to fuss with climbing the castle walls. With a wave of her hand, a lightning bolt came from the sky and knocked down the front wall. As the troublesome pair strolled down the palace grounds, Ash continuously played the violin which left those not expecting it in a deep slumber. Princess Leetha led the way. Regina had told her that the spindle would surely be in the Queen's den, for it was a favorite hobby of hers. Within minutes of walking down the stoned floors, they finally found the entrance to the main palace. The princess looked around, debating which direction to go. Ash kept his eyes shut as he played the song of sleep. Again, not feeling like walking up the stairs, Leetha leaned down like a cat and then took a giant leap to reach the second floor of the castle.
In front of her was a mirror filled with black smoke and instantaneously Regina appeared telling her to go to the room on the left, two doors down. Princess Leetha flipped her black, feathered hair and walked slowly down the hall. Just as Regina had said, the spindle sat in the middle of the room. Leetha was careful not prick her finger; even though Maleficent had said it was useless without the curse, she didn't want to risk it. It was larger than she expected. There was no way she could ask Ash for help. If he were to stop playing the violin, everyone would wake up. She looked around the room for something to carry it on. She knew Regina could simply send her a wagon through any mirror, but she wanted to impress her mentor. Princess Leetha thought for a moment. She wondered if she could use the strength of a bear to carry the spindle herself. With a deep sigh, she thought of the muscles a bear would have with her eyes closed and walked towards the spindle. She lifted it as if nothing. Her eyes opened in amazement. The princess figured Regina was still watching. The new found power would certainly impress her Queen. Leetha walked down the stairs towards the young musician. He grinned at her.
"What?" she asked.
"Are you trying to be a bear or something?" he asked.
"How did you know?" Leetha asked again.
"Your nose turned black at the tip" he paused and his smirk grew larger, "and your ears are rather, uh, bearish."
She walked towards a mirror and got a look at herself. They both laughed and marched out of the castle. Awaiting them was one of Regina's carriages. Leetha placed the spindle in the carriage and the two young troublemakers got on their horses. Ash did not stop playing the song. As they passed a couple of townspeople, they witnessed them fall into a deep sleep. The pair looked at each other with a soft smile. Leetha wondered what else he would be able to do with the violin.
"Well, the reason Regina wanted this specific violin was because it has the sound loud enough to control an entire kingdom, all at once. The ones I have usually have only control two or three unsuspecting victims at a time," he said.
"But how does it work? I don't understand." The princess asked as they rode down the forest.
"Usually, the way it works is that whatever I'm thinking I can get them to do with the music I play. The magic works better when it's a feeling I have, though. I find that a feeling spreads quicker and easier than a thought. Regina wants me to use my thoughts, but it is more difficult than I could have imagined." He paused and looked at his beautiful companion with a smile. Her slightly tan skin seemed so smooth and glossy in the sunlight. Her dark black hair flowed as the breeze hit it. Leetha's big hazel eyes looked at the townspeople and Ash could see there was still an ounce of good in her. She licked her slightly plump lips as she saw a bucket of apples. "Watch this," the musician said as he looked at the young princess with a continuing smile.
Ash played a tune on the violin that was much faster and upbeat than the previous song. Leetha looked around at the people. Those who were asleep stood up and rubbed their eyes. Suddenly, the people started smiling and laughing. Their eyes sparkled and the smirks on their faces didn't go away as they went along with their daily tasks.
"What have you done to them?" the princess asked in amazement.
"I started feeling happy, so they started feeling it too." He replied.
"Oh, are you happy because we completed our task?" Leetha asked.
His smirk decreased as he thought of what to say. "I suppose that must be it."
She smiled back at him and rubbed his arm sending a chill down his spin. The people hearing the tune instantly approached one another looking for a kiss. Princess Leetha looked at them completely confused.
"And what are you feeling now?" Leetha asked.
The question snapped Ash from his emotions and said, "I, um, I thought of a dear friend."
"Did you wish to kiss this friend, because all the people are," Leetha stopped and turned to Ash. She rolled her eyes. "I don't think there is a need to play the violin anymore. We're close to the Queen's palace." She nudged her horse to stroll faster.
Ash hid his disappointment and followed behind until they reached the castle. The knights approached the carriage to help Princess Leetha with the spindle, but she signaled them to move away. Leetha lifted the spindle herself using her bear strength. Ash wasn't surprised. He knew she would want to show Regina her newly found power. They walked towards the Queen's chambers. Regina stood in the balcony waiting for them wearing a burgundy dress with a large collar and her hair up. She turned around when she heard the guards open the doors. Regina signaled the guards to leave them. Leetha bowed slightly, still carrying the large spindle. Ash followed behind her and bowed as well. Regina smiled when her eyes got a look at the spindle. She didn't notice Leetha's nose or ears. The Queen walked towards them and spun the spindle a little. When she realized it was her princess carrying it, her smile disappeared.
"What are you," Regina paused and changed her question, "How are you doing that dear? Put it down here sweet girl." The princess placed the spindle down lightly. "I see you've found a new source of power. Tell me, how did you come about it?" Regina inquired.
"Well, your Highness, when I found the spindle, I saw that it was rather large and there was nothing for me to place it in. I couldn't ask Ash for help because I knew he couldn't stop playing the song of sleep. I thought of the most muscular animal in the forest, a bear. I focused, just as you taught me, and I was able to carry it myself." Princess Leetha explained.
"Well done, my princess, I'm sure we will be able to use that strength during other journeys," Regina said and then noticed Leetha's nose. "Oh," Regina said puzzled, "your nose is black," she smiled and added, "It looks quite endearing my sweet girl." She poked Leetha's nose. "Now then, who shall we get to trial the spindle?" Regina looked at Ash and asked, "Any volunteers?" Ash looked terrified as Regina snapped her fingers and made a throne appear behind her and chairs appear behind them. She sat down and said, "That last question was a quip, dear boy."
"Why does Maleficent want the spindle, your majesty?" Leetha asked.
"I assume she has a type of devious enemy, just as I. I don't know. I will inquire after her reasons later." Regina said as she flicked her hand out and a small table appeared with tea on it.
"Maleficent said that the spindle wouldn't work without the curse. How do you plan on getting Snow White to enter the castle willingly? I'm sure she will suspect something," Ash asked.
Regina gritted her teeth and took a deep breath waving her hand in the air again and lifting the handsome Ash in his seat up in the air. "Dear musician, why must you always be so negative?" Regina turned to Leetha and asked, "Do you doubt me so, my dear princess?"
Leetha stared into Regina's eyes and gulped; barely able to spit out the words, "Of course not."
"There, musician, is a loyal prospect. How do you expect me to help you use your powers to the fullest if you do not trust in my intelligence?" Regina asked as she slammed the chair back onto the floor.
"I am sorry you're Majesty. I know you will have an excellent plan. I must have grown too eager to hear it," Ash quickly replied breathing heavily.
"That is better," Regina stated with a menacing smile. "I plan on leaving the spindle where Snow White is staying. She will certainly want to use it, but the needle is quite sharp. There is no way she will be able to use it without pricking her finger," Regina explained as she sipped her tea so elegantly. "I suppose it is getting dark. Let us retire to the dining hall for supper."
The three of them ate their dinner in silence. Regina noticed her young princess had grown a bit distant the past couple of weeks. She thought to herself that she may have been growing rather strict with her young prodigy. The thought made her remember how horrid Cora, her mother, had been with her during her own childhood, especially went came to magic. Regina turned to Ash, who, as usual, was gobbling down his food. The Queen's irritation blew up as she saw him chew with his mouth open. Before she used any magic to teach him a lesson, she turned to the princess who ate her meal quietly. It suddenly occurred to Regina that Ash was the reason her strictness had grown. The boy would cause Regina's frustrations to multiply, thus leading her to take it out on both young apprentices. Regina hoped young Leetha would turn to look at her, but no luck. She turned back to Ash. He stared deeply at the princess without her noticing. Regina gritted her teeth at the thought that the young musician was falling for Leetha, but why wouldn't he? Leetha had many admirable qualities, many of which had drawn Regina in when they first met. Luckily for her, Regina knew that the princess had no interest in Ash what so ever. As a matter of fact, Princess Leetha had been opposed to Regina taking him in when they first found him in the woods. It was actually the first time Regina had ever seen her dear Leetha look a bit frightened. After all they had been through together; Regina had never seen that specific look in the Leetha's eyes.
Regina shook off the feeling and looked back towards her princess, anxious with the silence, she asked, "Are you enjoying your supper my dear?" The princess looked a bit stunned by the sudden question and nodded her head. Regina still didn't get quite what she wanted. "Did you have fun on your little excursion? I suspect it was somewhat thrilling to find that you have the strength of ten guards," The Queen joked.
The princess smiled, "Indeed."
The Queen enjoyed the smile, but was unsatisfied with her answer. "Is something bothering you dear," Regina asked. The princess shook her head. Regina felt a very small sensation of guilt. "I was very pleased with the way you handled this situation dear princess."
"Thank you, your royal highness," Leetha replied shortly.
Normally, the princess would be overjoyed with such a comment. Regina slammed her utensils down and asked with a stern tone, "What the hell is bothering you Leetha?"
Princess Leetha wiped her mouth, "I feel unsatisfied with my failure at the gingerbread house your Majesty. I feel as though I could have conjured up a bolt of lightning to break the house or I could have lured that blind witch out somehow and killed her," Leetha said breathing heavily with anger.
Ash looked shocked with her remark. Kill. He thought it strange that such an enrapturing creature could have it in her to kill, even if it was a witch.
Regina was just as surprised as Ash, but not at the killing part. She smiled and replied, "My sweet princess, there was nothing you could have done. That spell protects the house completely. Magic of that sort is… tricky. Quite frankly, we will need to find a child to enter the house and gather my satchel," Regina said as she continued her dinner.
Ash stared at Regina hoping that she would commend his part in the task as well. His stare didn't faze Regina one bit. When she looked up and saw him looking in her direction, she rolled her eyes. "How many times must I tell you that it is rude to stare at someone whilst they eat?" Regina exclaimed. He looked down at his plate disappointed. "What is it, boy?" Regina asked, sensing his disappointment.
"I wish you could have heard the song I played as we entered the castle. You should have seen all of the people fall asleep instantly and I-" Ash said, but was quickly interrupted by Regina.
"Oh, I heard the song young musician. I also saw the little stunt you pulled in the forest." Regina replied with an eyebrow raised.
Ash looked embarrassed. He blushed and said, "Leetha asked me how my magic worked so I," he once again was interrupted.
"So you had to show off?" Regina added, mocking his little tricks. The Queen turned to Princess Leetha and asked, "And what did you think of our young musician's stunt in the woods, my dear?"
Leetha laughed, "I thought it quite funny for the people to suddenly want to kiss one another."
Regina's smile disappeared, "Well it wasn't! Was that something I asked of you? Do you really think these musical tricks will work for what you want boy?" Regina yelled to Ash as her eyes grew furious.
"I do not know what you mean, your Majesty. I was only," Ash was once again interrupted by his Queen.
"I am not a fool Musician! That better be the last time you pull a stunt like that when you are on a mission! There is no time for games such as those. What if you ran into Maleficent again? If that had happened you would have most certainly lost possession of the spindle, and why? Because you were too busy trying to impress," Regina paused as she got a glimpse of Leetha. Without knowing, Regina had grown a fireball in her hand and many things behind her were elevated and aimed towards Ash. The Queen tilted her head and said sternly, "Leave your flirting for your own time Young Ash, unless you would like to become ash." Regina withdrew her fireball and the floating items went back to their places. "And stay away from young maidens who are out of your league," Regina said with her nostrils flaring as she stood up to walk away. "Come Princess. Walk with me to my bed chambers."
Leetha quickly stood up leaving Ash behind. Regina thought to herself as they walked down the halls. There was no real reason for why she had asked the young princess to walk with her. She simply wanted to keep Ash away from Leetha. The more she thought of it, she didn't Ash to spend time with Leetha at all. They reached Regina's room and Regina invited her in. With a wave of her hand, the fireplace lit up and there were seats waiting for them in front of it. The Queen signaled the princess to sit. Leetha sat down and poured them both some tea. She could see something was bothering Regina. It was hard for her to overcome her fear of the Queen and get the nerve up to ask if she was okay. Regina stared out of her balcony as her young prospect waited for a conversation to begin. As Regina looked at the moon and the stars, she wondered if it was wrong of her to keep Leetha away from other people. It was only for her best interest. If anyone found out the powers which she had, she would more than likely be killed, or even worse. What if Rumplestiltskin or Cora found out of her beloved Leetha's powers? They would most certainly try and take her as their own alley, maybe even try and turn her against Regina. Then she would not only have another enemy to worry about, but she would once again be alone. A small breeze hit her pale skin and she sighed at the thought. From what she could see, Leetha was happy, but then again, Regina couldn't even remember what happiness felt like. The few years she had spent with her young apprentice had brought something close to happiness back into her bitter life. It was nice to have someone on her side for once, someone so loyal. Perhaps Regina was growing too close. If she did truly care for Leetha, she would want her to find her true love, but finding true love and having true love's kiss, well that was something Regina could not let happen. Then, who knows if Leetha would still have her powers. No, Regina had her apprentice's best interest in mind, as well as her own. Regina turned back to Leetha with a smile.
"Is something bothering you, your Majesty?" Leetha asked, finally gaining the nerve to ask.
Regina sat down next to her and said, "No, my dear, nothing is bothering me at the moment. I am simply rejoicing in today's victory. It really was something to see you march in front of that castle and break the door down. I was proud of you today dear," Regina said as she sipped her tea. "You are becoming quite valuable to me."
Leetha's smile grew from ear to ear with the sound of the comment. "Thank you, your Royal Highness. You haven't any idea what those words mean to me. Every day that I wake up there are no words for me to express how grateful I am to have met you that day in the Enchanted Forest. I feel as though you gave my cold blood warmth; you gave my hands something to reach for and my soul something to long for. My Queen, there is nothing in this world or any that I wouldn't do for you," Leetha said with a sincere tone. It was obvious that the words were still not enough to express her gratitude to Regina.
Regina's red lips gave her princess a smile. With an eyebrow raised she said in a deep sarcastic tone, "How poetic. On that note, there is something I'd like you to do for me tomorrow."
"Anything your Highness," Leetha replied desperately.
"I'd like you to go to the palace near the ocean, where King Butler resides, and make a wave large enough to flood the entire kingdom," Regina stated firmly. She waited, thinking her young apprentice would inquire as to why she wanted the kingdom flooded. A flood of that nature would certainly cost many innocents their lives. Regina raised an eyebrow waiting for a response.
"Shall I make it large enough to let some whales or sharks float into the kingdom, or does your Royal Highness want simply water?" Leetha asked intrigued with the request, as though she were making mental notes in her head.
Regina once again gave a menacing smile to her princess and said, "Sharks sound as though they will do just fine my dear."
"And around what time would you like me to head over there your Highness?" Leetha asked.
"I would like the flood to happen just before nightfall. Head over there around noon," Regina said. She was still a bit puzzled that Leetha did not need Regina to give her a reason. She knew Leetha was loyal, but she did not know the extent of her blind loyalty."Are you curious as to why I'd like this kingdom flooded my dear?"
Leetha looked surprised. It hadn't occurred to her to ask why. "I suppose you must have your reasons, your Majesty, but all I need is a simple request from you and your reasons become mine as well."
"I shall tell you, just the same. Perhaps it will fuel your flood tomorrow. That nuisance of a King was over here today when you made your way into the Monroe Castle. That is why I stopped watching. That old, ridiculous, disgusting fool had the audacity to enter my Kingdom and ask for a chance to court me. Ha," Regina said with a laugh. The look in her eyes changed in seconds as she became livid and said, "King Butler did not believe me when I spoke of my powers. I told him that tomorrow he could expect a sudden change of weather if he did not back away. Well, my sweet, he sent me a carriage of flowers after nightfall. Come have a look."
The two of them walked over to the balcony. Regina pointed towards a white and red carriage full of rose and lilies. With a repulsed look on her face, Regina created a fireball and shot it down towards the carriage. They saw some townspeople begin to fret. A couple of knights attempted to put out the fire. Leetha lifted a fist in the air. Upon her release, a shower of rain came down, putting out the fire. Regina smiled at her apprentice and they both sat back down.
"So you see my dear princess, King Butler must learn a lesson. I told him his whole kingdom would suffer if he did not leave me be. I guess this goes to show how much he cares about his kingdom," Regina said with a bloodcurdling tone.
"You did give him fair warning. Perhaps now he will understand. I cannot believe he would show such insolence to you, your Majesty," Leetha said, beginning her words of adoration. "This shall be a lesson for many kingdoms. With King Butler's suffering, all other kingdoms will now know that your threats are anything but. These threats shall always end in victory," Leetha said with a smile as frightening as Regina's.
The two clanked their teacups together as a toast. Regina did not want to admit it, but she was just as grateful for their meeting. There had been several occasions where she didn't know what she would have done without Princess Leetha's devotion. None the less, she knew she could never admit that she cared for the girl. That would be show weakness. Her enemies would never be able to know of the true feelings she had for Leetha or there would undoubtedly be trouble for both of them. Regina stood up and walked towards her young prodigy. With lips puckered to their fullest, she kissed Leetha's forehead, leaving a red mark. Leetha looked up with her hazel eyes and smiled. Regina smiled back with a hand on her princess' cheek and dismissed her to her bedroom.
The following morning, Leetha woke up and got dressed to begin her day. Her Queen was still not awake. She put on her black leather pants and boots. She picked her hair up to match her mentor's. Since she would be traveling quite a ways, she wore one of her more comfortable corsets. It was a one of her favorites that Regina had given her. It was dark purple. She wore black leather gloves over her arms and a black cape with a hood. Leetha sat in front of her mirror looking at her own face. There was a sadness in her eyes as she thought back to her old kingdom. The only comfort she could give herself was that if she had never been shunned from that kingdom, then she would never have met Regina. Leetha sighed. She figured she should have some breakfast before her voyage.
As the Princess collected her essentials in a knapsack, an unfamiliar tune came into her bedroom. She rolled her eyes, assuming it was young Ash. Although annoyed, Leetha smiled at the tune and walked to her balcony to see what instrument was making the pleasant unfamiliar music. Outside, on the castle grounds, Ash stood playing a guitar. Around him were the castles servants setting up a picnic table and food. Leetha stood confused. Ash looked up towards her balcony and signaled her to come down.
Leetha reached the table which was filled with fruits, toast, ham, eggs and as her nose sniffed the delicious foods, a memory drifted into her head.
"Strawberry flat cakes" Leetha said as she smelled the foods with her eyes closed, "and mango juice? Where in the world did you get mangos around these parts?" Leetha asked as her nose suddenly turned black again with her smile, but this time, her hair became somewhat white, like that of a wolf. "Mmm, these are all of my favorite fruits," she said inhaling the scent. "How did you know?" Leetha asked the young musician.
"You told me, long ago, how you missed the breakfasts of your kingdom. I have never forgotten," Ash said as he continued to play the song so that the servants would finish setting up the table.
His beard had grown a little more in the last few days. Leetha liked it when his hair came to the front of his face slightly, despite his pony tail. She could still see the dimples underneath his brown beard and his eyes were something so bright that they could not be hidden behind his facial hair. He wore his leather brown pants and a white loose shirt. Leetha smiled at Ash. She was pleased with the surprise. There weren't too many surprises in their kingdom. Regina hated surprises. Leetha figured her Queen hated surprises because most of the ones she had encountered throughout her life were unpleasant ones.
Leetha down looked at the table and realized that there were only two plates set up. She grew confused. "Why are there only two plates? What about the Queen?" Leetha asked.
The musician was surprised with her question. "Regina doesn't wake up for another hour or so. I figured she would eat her breakfast in the," Ash replied, but was stopped by Leetha.
"Her Majesty will undoubtedly be hungry when she awakens, Ash. Why must you always be so careless? Make one of them bring another plate," Leetha said.
Upstairs, in her bed chambers, Regina was awoken by the strange tune. She walked towards the balcony, following the music. The Queen saw her two young prodigies about to have their breakfast together and a fire built up in her belly. Regina knew exactly what Ash was doing. How dare he? After she made it perfectly clear for him to back away from Leetha, he still had the nerve to try and woo her. Without hesitation, Regina appeared in a cloud of black smoke before her two prodigies by their picnic table.
"What are you two doing?" Regina asked her two prodigies in a most unpleasant tone.
To be continued…