Chapter 1

19 years ago

"It's a girl!" The nurse proudly exclaimed. Regina fondly looked at her little miracle and smiled. Tears welled up in her eyes as it dawned on her that her child would never meet her father.
The nurse carefully cut the umbilical cord and washed the baby before handing her to her mother. When the nurse came back she placed the new born in Regina's arms. "Have you thought of a name, dear?" the nurse inquired.
As she held her baby close, the name she and Daniel chose for a girl crossed her mind. Finally, she came to a conclusion. "Her name is Selena," Regina exclaimed with a smile.
"I'll leave you to rest," the Nurse slightly smiled. "Shall I inform Lady Cora and Sir Henry of the wonderful news?" With a nod from Regina, the nurse left.
Regina cradled her child and kept her close to her chest. "You're safe, little Selena, and I love you," she whispered, rocking the child. Within Minutes Regina and her baby were fast asleep.

Early the next morning, Regina awoke to find that someone had placed Selena into her crib over night. Regina slowly sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed to stand. She walked over to the crib and gently kissed Selena on the cheek. Regina walked over to her wardrobe and ruffled through the dozens of ball gowns until she settled on one that suited her fancy. She picked up a beautiful purple flowing gown with diamonds encrusted on it and smiled. She slowly slipped the dress on and began to freshen herself for the day ahead.
Regina was not the type of a woman who made her maids do everything for her, so she preferred to do things for herself. Therefore, she fixed her bed and sat down. The moment she left herself unguarded, memories of Daniel flooded her mind. She remembered that time they snuck out before tea and discussed names for their child. They both were excited to form their own family and have a proper ending. However, her mother Cora cut this dream short by crushing Daniel's heart in front of Regina's very eyes. Just the thought of this tragic event caused Regina as much pain as the day it happened. Regina felt scared and nervous to how her mother would react to Selena. 'I'll never let her get to you, baby, I promise," she stood above the cradle and whispered. Just as she uttered those words, Selena awoke and began to cry. Regina cradled Selena and fed her until her sobbing ceased. She dressed her child put her in a tiny pink gown with a hood that had bear ears on it. Regina found it absolutely adorable.

Regina grabbed a blanket for Selena so she would not get cold and stepped outside to find her mother and father sitting at a table drinking tea. They both jumped out of their seats when they saw Regina glowing with their granddaughter in her arms.
"OH, my dear Regina how are you feeling?" Cora asked her as she walked towards her. Cora smiled as she saw her grandchild for the first time, yet the smile was bitter and forced.
"Fine, thank you mother." Regina said nervously as she got closer. As Cora moved to pick up the baby, Regina turned so the baby was out of Cora's reach.
Henry's proud grin, however, was as genuine as could be. "What's the little princess's name?" her father asked with a gleam in his eyes.

"Her name is Selena." Regina announced to her parents. While Henry's grin deepened, Cora fought to conceal a scowl. Regina noticed this, and wondered if Cora knew where Selena's name came from. She knew that if her mother was aware that the child's name was picked by both her and Daniel, she was in some deep trouble. She knew that her mother thought of love as weakness, as she so often explained. According to Cora, all weakness must be eliminated, and therefore, Selena was no longer safe. "May I hold her?" Henry asked as his smiled slowly faded as he saw Regina nervously looking at her mother. Regina nodded and placed Selena in her grandfather's arms. "My dear sweet Selena, welcome to the family." he said as he choked on some tears.