Regina didn't remember how it happened, not really. There was a small child in the road. She had one moment of weakness, the first in 28 years.

She could barely think while her hands were roughly roped together and tied to a post. But that was nothing compared to the smoke that was filling her lungs and the heat that sharply licked at her skin.

She couldn't hold on anymore, maybe it was time for her terror to end, not that she had done anything worthy of the moniker of the 'Evil Queen' in a long while. She closed her eyes and wished the smoke would finish suffocating her quickly.

…

Emma hated meeting up with Neil, he had crushed her heart. But the little hand gripping hers brought a smile to quickly cover her frown. She needed help with the next heist, and her friend Red had been busy today at the Inn, too busy to watch Henry for once.

She saw Neil in the clearing but his attention was focused elsewhere. He focused his attention over the next ridge. As Emma came up she saw a lot of smoke rising in the not so far off distance.

"Em, looks like something's up, who's the kid?" Neil smiled at the little guy.

Emma had a bad feeling.

"Henry, stay with Neil, and do whatever he says. Neil, a fire in the disputed territory isn't good, get Henry out of here, I'll check it out."

Emma made to leave but Neil grabbed her shoulder,

"Em, word is the Evil Queen is roaming around, it could be her doing… or it could be her, either way it's not safe…"

"Get Henry out of here."

She took off running.

…

She got to the next clearing and there was no one around. Well no one but the woman tied to the post, on the dais, that would be burning soon, as the embers under it were catching.

Emma took off her cloak and ran through the smoke. The woman had deep brown hair cut just above her shoulders. The woman raised her head when Emma touched her cheek, yep she was still alive. Emma reached up and cut the rope that bound the woman's hands, she came falling forward into Emma.

Emma hoisted her over her shoulder and stumbled out of the flames, tumbling them to the ground to put out any stray embers.

The brunette now lay with her head to the side. Emma moved back over to her.

"Hey…HEY! Wake up, are you alright?"

There were slight burns on her legs and some bruising on her arms but she should live, hopefully. Emma shook her shoulder and the brunette turned away from the touch, and began a coughing fit.

Emma kept her hand on the woman's back to comfort her, she moved it to her arm and started rubbing lightly.

When the woman could breathe again she slowly turned her head.

"You saved me?" A light cough followed.

Emma whistled and a white horse came running from the woods.

"Can you ride?" Emma's eyes full of worry, she didn't know if whoever had done this would be coming back to see their work completed.

Regina nodded through her haze. Emma pulled her up so the woman could put her hands on the horn of the saddle. Emma hopped up and reached out an arm.

"Do you trust me?" The brunette looked up, she felt faint. She knew she wouldn't survive on her own. She grabbed the arm offered to her.

…

They arrived at a large tree in the forest. Emma jumped down, and then reached up for the brunette. She led her to the tree and brushed aside some branches, there was a well hidden door.

The brunette's hand started to shake, she had already been kidnapped enough for one day, she didn't like to be enclosed.

The blond noticed the tremble.

"It's my place, we'll be safe here." She offered a kind smile, and pulled the brunette in with her.

Once inside she lit a few candles, bared the door and put her new companion in the bed.

The brunette was still coughing. Emma brought her some water and gently tipped it to her lips.

"Slowly, ok? It's not going anywhere." The brunette's throat was raw from all of the smoke that had attacked her lungs. She cautiously tired a little bit of water, finding instant relief.

Emma helped her slowly drink the water till it was mostly gone.

"I'll get you some more, please rest." She gently guided the woman back down onto the pillow and pulled the blanket over her. The woman was out before she left the room. Emma was intrigued, the woman was surely beautiful, why would anyone want to kill her? Death by fire was not a slow death either. Someone had wanted to inflict pain.

Neil had mentioned the Evil Queen was about, was she not supposed to be the fairest in the land? Emma glanced again, the woman was so peaceful and innocent in sleep. This couldn't be the evil queen, she had magic, she was invincible, this was just a woman.

…

Regina awoke to someone sighing beside her. She froze. The last thing she remembered was being tied to that post and the fire starting. She had been ambushed. The rumors about the queen having a soft spot for children and animals was certainly true.

A hand cupped her face. She tried to squelch her curiosity but her eyes fluttered open, damn.

Green eyes. A flash went through her mind, one of green eyes in the fire. She had been rescued, it was coming back to her now. Her hand flew to her head, the worry that flooded her started to make her head pulse.

"Hey relax, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm Emma by the way." Again another easy smile was granted her.

Regina nodded, "Ok."

"So what were you doing out in the woods?"

No Regina couldn't answer that, everyone wanted to take out the Queen of the dark kingdom. Her eyes darted around the room to look for an escape path, but then she remembered she was underground.

A hand gripped hers, "You don't have to tell me it's alright. Is there anyone we need to get word to that you're safe? I am sure someone is very worried."

Regina's eyes stared blankly back, "No, I… there is no one looking for me."

She saw the blonde grow sad.

"Well, ok then. I-I'll go make some tea and bring you some bread, you must be hungry." Regina missed the other hand instantly as soon as it left the safety of her own.

This woman was so kind to her, had rushed in to a fire to save her. But life had taught Regina no one was ever that good, there was always a reason.

…

Regina awoke the next morning to seeing the blonde reading in the corner of the room.

"Good morning." She offered up.

The blonde glanced up and a soft smile played across her features.

"Morning."

Regina noticed the blonde was beautiful, a blush quickly flooded her face. Emma took notice and laughed.

"Lightheaded?" She tried to help the woman cover up the embarrassment.

"Yes, actually. I think I might need more water."

Emma got her glass and handed it to her.

Regina nodded her thanks and quickly drained the cup.

"May…may I leave today?" There was a slight shake to her voice. Was she kidnapped again?

Emma's face grew confused, "Well I had hoped you would stay for a few days, you really do need your rest. But after you are feeling better I can escort you home."

Regina relaxed a bit, "So, I am not a prisoner here?" Her eyes hopeful.

Emma let out a laugh, "What? Gods no." She walked over and sat down on the bed.

Regina moved some hair behind her ear and smiled.

Emma loved how light the woman looked now, as if yesterday hadn't happened to her. She seemed happy.

They spent the day talking away about horse riding and little things.

Emma figured the woman was someone of wealth, but she seemed very down to earth. The brunette found the blonde charming.

Regina thought this is the first person since Daniel to make her laugh. But quickly tried to chase that thought away as she knew happiness didn't exist for people like her, villains. But this girl didn't know who she was yet. It was clear in the way she joked with her, and flirted.

Time passed quite quickly and the few days for Regina's recovery flew by. The woman was feeling well enough to travel. Emma readied the supplies for their days ride and they headed out the door.

….

They came to the crossroad between both kingdoms.

"Ok so which way do I go?"

The brunette bit her lip. Would Emma really take her home?

She picked up her right arm and pointed toward the dark kingdom.

Emma turned the horse and continued on.

Today they had been having quite the intense debate about apples. The brunette rambling on about how the honey crisp tree simply provided the best fruit while Emma kept naming other apples just to get a rise out of the other woman. She liked teasing her.

"I really don't see what your obsession is with green apples they are so bitter, and disgusting…"

Emma giggled.

"Ok, ok look I really just liked hearing you wind up about it, I actually don't like apples at all. Though I did steal some last week so if you really want one there are some in the sack behind you."

Regina pouted and smacked Emma's shoulder.

She reached behind her and did find and apple, a devious smile crossing her lips as she had also seen the way she caught Emma looking at her the past few days.

She bit into the apple and huskily moaned into Emma's ear. She felt the blonde shutter in front of her.

Satisfied she leaned back and continued eating her apple.

….

As they got closer to the dark kingdom it was growing dark. Emma didn't know how she was going to make it home. She was lost in thought when she heard voices close by. She stiffened and Regina griped her waist tighter. Emma turned around and lifted a single finger to her lips, signaling for Regina to remain quiet. Emma slipped off the horse, motioning for Regina to stay on, that's when she saw them, one of the queen's patrols was rounding the corner.

"Well, if we don't have two pretty ladies out tonight." The captain sneered.

Emma's hand went for her sword.

"We don't want any trouble, we were just passing through."

"No one passes through the dark kingdom without the queen's permission. Too bad she's been traveling, so we can't validate your claim. But there is always something we could do while we wait…."

Emma didn't like the way he was looking at her or Regina. And more men kept appearing behind him.

She turned to the brunette one last time.

"Push the horse as fast as she will go and don't look back."

Regina shook her head, "I'm not leaving you here…"

A/N: So what are you thinking so far? I might have rushed this piece a bit but it's been in my head for a while so I hope you enjoy it anyways :) Does she leave?