I know I should be updating Becoming More but I couldn't get this story out of my head. Hopefully you'll enjoy it!

It's set in the Enchanted Forest while Regina is married to Leopold but it's definitely AU. There's some pretty huge changes that will become obvious as the story unfolds. All will (hopefully) be explained in time.

Trigger warnings for references to abuse & non con throughout the story. I'm not planning on including anything graphic but if that changes I'll make sure to mark the chapter clearly.

Without further ado here's chapter 1 :)

Chapter 1 - Confusion

Regina paced her chambers, deliberately keeping her steps light to avoid waking the small boy slumbering in her oversized bed. She knew she should have sent him back to his own room to nap but he was still shaken up from the events of the day and when he'd asked to stay with her, she found herself unable to say no.

Originally she'd been tempted to sleep beside him but she was too on edge to relax. Something was wrong with Leopold. He was almost kind to her earlier and had actually looked at her with respect. He'd even been fatherly towards Henry. It was something she wasn't used to seeing and it unnerved her. She hated the unknown. As much as she loathed most of her life in this castle, at least she knew what to expect and she had her son to get her through the worst parts. Now she felt like the rug was being pulled out from under her feet.

It may have seemed like an overreaction to some, but Regina knew she was dependent on her husband and his moods. She'd learnt to read him, to predict his desires. She knew when to avoid him altogether and when to act as the dutiful wife. She knew almost everything about the man but this was new territory.

She tried to think of all the possibilities, anything to explain the shift in her husband's behaviour. Maybe then she could prepare herself. She'd heard of people changing after near death experiences. Something about seeing your life flashing before your eyes seemed to have that effect. She didn't dare hope that was the case. Even if the King saw his life playing out before him after what had happened today, she was certain his treatment of her wouldn't be one of the things he'd regret. He knew exactly what he was doing.

He was always on his best behaviour when they were in public. God forbid he ruined his saintly image. Yet the only people present had been his advisors, the court physician and Graham. The doctor was more than aware of the truth about their marriage, after all he was the one forced to deal with the results of his brutality, while his personal advisors couldn't care less about anything to do with her and they didn't bother trying to hide it. She was sure Graham remained blissfully ignorant of what went on behind closed doors, she liked to believe he would at least be sympathetic if he knew the truth, but his presence didn't seem enough reason to cause the King to behave so kindly. It didn't explain the gentleness of his eyes either, that was something that couldn't be faked.

Regina let out small sigh. She'd drive herself mad if she pondered this any longer. Revelling in the fact there was no one around to judge her for it, she graceless flopped down on the bed next to her son, his tiny body bouncing slightly as the mattress absorbed the impact of her body.

She smiled as Henry subconsciously wiggled towards her and snuggled into her side. She threaded her fingers through his hair and nodded to herself. She would take whatever the King threw at her. Whether he had changed for the better or if this was all some strange ploy, it didn't matter as long as she had her son. She finally had someone who loved her unconditionally and that was worth any amount of suffering. Regina vowed to herself for the thousandth time since Henry's birth four years ago that she'd bring him up right. She would teach him to be kind and caring and how to treat a woman properly, she'd make sure he was a good King in private as well as in public and most importantly, she'd ensure he always knew how loved he was.

Regina closed her eyes and finally fell asleep.

It was just before 11 at night and Henry was safely tucked away in his own bed, fast asleep and hopefully having happy dreams. The castle around her was quiet, most people having already retired for the night. Regina stilled at the sound of the gentle knock on her door before downing the rest of her drink. She'd been waiting for this moment since after dinner. "Come in." She smoothed down the front of her skirt as her lady's maid slid into the room and gave her a brief curtsey.

"His Majesty has requested your presence." Sarah informed her with a sympathetic smile.

Well there's a surprise Regina found herself thinking. She placed the empty tumbler on top of the bureau and willed her hands to stop shaking. "I wouldn't want to keep him waiting. Can you draw a bath for me by the time I return please?"

"Of course, My Lady."

Regina gave her a small smile in thanks before heading towards her husband's rooms.

The guards stationed outside Leopold's chambers nodded to her and allowed her into the room with little ceremony.

"Ahh my beautiful wife." Leopold greeted her as she entered. "I was worried you might already be asleep."

Regina curtseyed elegantly and kept her eyes firmly on floor. "I thought Your Majesty might have need of me tonight," she answered honestly. "How are you feeling Sire?"

"I am well dear, do not worry yourself over me."

Regina focused on keeping her expression demure, no matter how much she wanted to disagree with his words. She had every reason to worry and they both knew it.

"Come and sit," Leopold patted the bed beside where he was propped up with a multitude of pillows supporting his back and head. "I was hoping we could talk."

Despite her best attempts, Regina knew her surprise was painfully apparent on her face. Leopold never bothered with pleasantries on the nights he summoned her. They were under no illusions why she was there. She quickly feigned a smile and perched on the edge of the bed beside him. "What did you wish to discuss My Lord?"

Her husband was silent for a few agonising minutes, apparently weighing something up in his mind. Finally he looked straight at her with those kind eyes that had unnerved her so much earlier. "I know you often travel out into the Kingdom when I am away from Court."

Regina had to force herself to stay still as every instinct she possessed screamed for her to run. She was certain she'd managed to keep her outings a secret from him and all those close to him. She was so careful but he'd found out anyway. The quivering of her hands become uncontrollable as she looked back at him fearfully. She knew she should apologise, or deny his claims, anything but sit here silently, yet she couldn't do it. Her words had abandoned her and she could do nothing but wait for him to reveal her punishment.

She flinched as he took her hands into his own even though his touch was light. "Do not be scared my dear. I am merely hoping you might have heard something while out amongst our people. Maybe you can give us some advice as to who might be responsible for today's events?"

The adrenaline pumping through her system from her fear was driving her mind into overload. Something was wrong. She'd disobeyed a direct order from the King and he wasn't punishing her. She knew she was not allowed outside the palace walls without his express permission and she knew the consequences. Not only that, but he was actually asking for advice, as if her opinion was valued. He was talking to her like a human being instead of unapologetically having his way with her as he usually did. He was holding her hand, as if trying to comfort her and he seemed genuinely concerned by her behaviour. He was worried about her. It was as if he was a completely different person…

Regina gracefully got to her feet, forcing Leopold to drop her hand, and took a few deep breaths. Once she had calmed enough to trust her voice would hold steady, she held her hand back out to her husband. "Hello. My name is Regina, perhaps you could introduce yourself and tell me where my real husband is?"

The look of panic on the man's face confirmed her theory. Whoever this person was, it wasn't Leopold.

So what did you think? You'll have to wait until the next chapter to find out what the mysterious event that happened earlier was. I'm mean like that.

And I don't have a beta so all mistakes are completely my own.