Hello, hello! A little gift for the mid-season premiere of OUAT being OQ central and all that jazz: I have a brand new fic for all of you to enjoy! This is another prompt, an idea given to me by my bestie thequeenregina (seriously, you guys don't realize how creative she is, it's astounding). The story, in this case, takes place way back in Season One of Once Upon a Time, way before the first Dark Curse was cast. It is an alternate universe of sorts, a retelling of the story of the Evil Queen's poisoned apple from the first person point of view of Regina. Please enjoy, and tell me what you think!

I pace back and forth in my bedchamber. The velvety material of my gown swirls around my feet as I walk one way, spin on my heel, and continue walking the opposite direction. Over, and over, and over again I repeat, what I must unfortunately call, this nervous habit. Being the queen, after all, means that I like control in all things concerning both subjects and situations. Therefore, I get antsy when different circumstances, such as those of this particularly miserable day, arise.

Rumplestiltskin is at it once again, always scheming to disrupt my plans in any way, shape, or form just by the mere flick of his delicate wrist. Oh how I simply loathe the man at times; his mercurial attitude, the way he twists his words and those of others to get what he wants, and to make people believe practically anything he wants them to believe. Many a time he has played that tiresome game on me, but not any more. Nowadays, I can never tell on whose side he is. So consequently, in order to shield both myself and the work that I do, I've had to resort to considering him as nothing but an enemy, regardless of whether he was my teacher or not. I don't fucking like him, especially after what he has done.

"Your Majesty!" the captain of my guard comes rushing towards me, practically stumbling headlong into the room. Well it's about fucking time. I stare daggers at the man who crumples like a can under my fiery gaze.

"Well?" I demand, stepping towards him.

"I—um—we, uh…," the man gulps. I raise a brow at him. "We were able to…make it to the Dark One's castle by nightfall, but no luck getting inside. His castle is a fortress. There are traps set everywhere."

"Don't you think I know that?" I bite, stepping even closer to the man. How dare he give me an answer like that? Is my guard really that incompetent? "So you're telling me that not one of you were able to breach it."

"We—we lost—about two dozen men, and—"

"And do I look like I care?" I snarl. In my anger I thrust my hand forward, sending the pathetic excuse of a guard flying towards the opposite stone wall of my chamber and pinning him against it midair. "I can't believe it!" I stalk towards him. "I order for the best of my men to take on the Dark Castle and not one of you succeeds?!"

"I—I shall send more men right away at your command," the struggling man breathes, his eyes wide with trepidation as he attempts to mend his defeat. It ignites a spark of exhilaration that rushes through my veins, fueling that desire within me to have people weak and trembling under my very thumb. It's what I do best, a talent in which I pride myself.

But before I can revel in such a feeling even further, a familiar giggle makes me jump in surprise, causing the hairs on my neck to stand upright. Whirling around, I see the very reason of my burning wrath sitting perched on the railing of my balcony.

"Sending your knights to do your dirty work, eh Regina?" the despicable man mocks. "How unbecoming of you."

"Oh shut up," I bark, marching towards the Dark One. "You know exactly why I can't come and fetch it myself."

"Indeed," Rumple giggles as he hops off the railing, brushing past me. His arrogance, which he leaves lingering like a bad smell, in his wake makes me wrinkle my nose in disgust. He strides confidently back into my bedchamber, leaving me to stare angrily at the open balcony.

"I can't have you poofing your way into my castle and stealing what will become nothing but yet another failed attempt at getting your revenge," the Dark One continues.

"It's my right, as you were the one to steal from me first. And besides, you don't know shit."

"I can see the future."

"Well dear, I control my own future. The lies you tell from your so-called foresight certainly won't work on me—not anymore." I continue to stare at the trees that ruffle softly in the breeze. It does nothing to calm my mind.

"Then you are absolutely certain that you believe a simple apple will fix all of your problems? Revenge isn't so simple, dearie, especially if it's against Snow White. You'll never be able to make it last." The whiny, pompous voice behind me continues to blabber.

"Don't tell me what I will or won't be able to do," I admonish, slowly turning back towards the interior of the castle, facing my foe once again. I shake my head, striding steadily towards him. "I know you. I know what you are up to," I state lowly, "And I know that you want me to cast this so-called Dark Curse as a way of making me believe that I have gotten my revenge when really I've done nothing but a favor to you and your worthless schemes." I laugh humorlessly. "You don't have my best interests at heart, Rumple," I purr, "You never have. You still think I'm weak, and that I need you to complete my revenge. But I don't. I'll get it by my self...without you."

Rumplestiltskin smirks, walking a slow circle around me. "But how do you manage to do so when I now have that precious little apple of yours, hmm?"

"I'll get it. One way or another, I will have it," I reply with a shrug. I have to keep turning around to keep eye contact with him. I know exactly what he is doing and it pisses me off to no end.

"You've already sent your guards, Regina," Rumple states, "Each one of them has failed. I see you are frustrated. Your options are dwindling."

"Oh when I'm finished, it won't be my options that will be dwindling but your own fucking ego," I retort lowly. I shake my head, squinting at the man. "You underestimate me, Rumplestiltskin," I hiss, "You are no longer at an advantage. You may have more powerful magic than I, and you may be stronger because of that, but this is my kingdom. And only I know the ins and outs of every corner of the Enchanted Forest. I will find a way."

Rumplestiltskin shakes his head, his smirk only widening. "Well then good luck trying, dearie. You're never gonna beat me."

And with that, he disappears in a cloud of red smoke, leaving me wanting to scream and stomp my feet in frustration. But I do nothing of the sort, resorting to silently seethe as I release the guard and tell him to get the hell out of my sight.

The man couldn't get away fast enough. I watch him scurry from my chambers like a mouse before a cat. Shaking my head, I sigh, turning and heading to sit before my vanity. I put my head in my hands, sliding my palms over my forehead to my locks that stay secured in an elegant updo. Upon feeling a headache spread, I yank at the single bejeweled comb with a groan. Instantly, soft tresses tumble down my back in waves of ebony.

"I can see that my queen is worried." The mirror in front of me begins to shimmer and shine, the ripples in the glass beginning to take form of a pale face.

I roll my eyes, snorting. "An understatement," I grumble simply as I grab my brush, beginning to run it through my locks. "Plus, I'm not worried. I'm pissed."

"Perhaps I can be of help."

"If you can retrieve the apple, then by all means, what are you waiting for?"

"That, I'm afraid is beyond my powers of reflection."

"Then why am I wasting my breath talking to you?"

"Because I know exactly what you need…that is, who you need."

I frown, tilting my head. "I don't follow."

"You need someone who is adept in breaching forces of magic, a skilled person at breaking and entering."

"I know that. I've deployed my best guards—or, well, whom I thought were worthy— in order to complete that task. Apparently, I thought wrong."

"They may be just as incompetent as you think. However, I believe the sole fact that they are guards is the problem. They may be skilled in breaking and entering, but their mindset is not correct. You need someone who is adept in a particular way of thinking, quick amongst the shadows, sly, and resourceful. You need someone who is willing to think outside the box, if you will, to complete this task."

"Go on," I say with a nod, "So, you're saying I need someone unconventional in his methods."

My mirror nods in reply. "Exactly. Therefore in this case, I suggest you require a thief."

"A thief…," I echo pensively, placing down my brush. "A skilled expert in the field…one who works by the shadows of the night. One who is not afraid to defy the law; fearless and brave."

"Precisely, Your Majesty."

I can't help the small smile that spreads wider across my features. "Excellent," I whisper, "Then I want only the best thief in the Enchanted Forest, that is, the thief most wanted throughout all the land. Show him to me. Now."

And with a solemn smile, my mirror bows his head.

I hope you all enjoyed this first little bit! These chapters may be on the shorter side, but I can assure you that they will be packed full with all kinds of interesting stuff ;) Stay tuned for more and don't forget to leave your review! I'd love to hear of what you all think! Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the mid-season premiere tonight!