Ruby had just finished placing the final card on what could only be described as a card palace, when her phone went off causing her to jump and crash into her desk knocking the structure over. Cursing at both her now injured knee and the loss of about an hour and a half's labour she reached for the handset angry at whoever was the cause of the incident. However all negative feelings instantly dissipated upon realisation that it was Regina who was attempting to contact her. With a huge grin the sheriff answered her phone.

'Well hello there beautiful and what can my awesome self possibly do for you?'

'Well it's nice to know your ego is still as vast as ever'

'Hey have you seen my wife? If anything I would say I'm incredibly modest compared to the major ego trip I should be on!'

There was a brief moment of silence which Ruby knew was down to Regina trying hard not to laugh, and sure enough there was still an amused tone to the mayor's voice when she finally responded.

'Well dear as much as I do enjoy receiving your most sincere compliments I did actually call you for a far more serious reason'.

'Of course, my apologies madam mayor what business do you need me to take care of? Because I assure you I am more than willing to-'

'Ruby…' Regina cut her off in a tone that almost managed to sound authoritative. Almost.

'Hey you can't blame me for trying!'

'You are incorrigible'

'So I hear at least twice a day'

There was another brief silence although Ruby had the distinct impression that her beloved's patience was fast waning. Thus as much as it pained her she deigned to be serious. Well as close as she could get to it.

'Are you done yet?'

It took a lot of self-control before the sheriff trusted herself to answer.

'Ruby?'

'Yes I'm good. Sorry amada'

'… that won't work everytime…'

'So you've said before my love but shall we get back to the reason you called me in the first place?'

'… Of course, it's about Miss Swan and Henry'

Ruby was instantly on high alert.

'What about them? I've told you before not to get so worked up about it-'

'She broke into Dr. Hopper's office and stole our son's file! Now please do tell me how that is me over reacting!?'

The younger woman was dumbstruck. In all of her meetings with Emma Swan never had she taken her for the kind of person to commit such an act, especially after being warned not to piss off Regina. And yet here they were. As Henry's mother this incident would of course have to be dealt with but as both Henry's mother and Sheriff there was no way of avoiding the situation. This was especially true with a very pissed off Regina demanding action. Yup there was no way of avoiding open conflict now…

'What do you want me to do?'

'Are you being serious right now? What do I want you to do? Why I want you to do your job of course and arrest this dangerous felon before anything happens to our son!'

Ruby physically shrank away from her phone. Regina was terrifying when angry, even via phone call. So she did the only thing she could do to calm her wife; she agreed with her.

'Of course, you're right Regina I'm sorry I'll take care of this straight away'

'So you'll arrest her?'

'I'll go question her immediately and if there is sufficient proof that she has Henry's file yes I'll place her in custody without hesitation'

'Good'

Ruby inwardly breathed a sigh of relief that Regina had been pacified so easily.

'Oh, and sheriff?'

'Yes?'

'Try not to be too late home tonight I'm making lasagne'

The younger woman could not help the smile that appeared across her face at that simple request.

'I'll try my hardest, I love you'

'I love you too'

And with that Ruby's interrogation was over. Now came the difficult part, she would have to confront Emma…


'And what pray tell is the meaning of this delay?' The Evil Queen descended from her carriage angered at the interruption to her schedule. Her ire only increased when no response was immediately forthcoming. 'Well?' Anger turned to vague amusement at the spectacle that met her contemptuous gaze.

Sprawled across the road and indeed spread across as far as the eye could see were the remains of at least ten people, the number estimated from a quick count of visible limbs. It appeared that some hunting party or other had run across something far more vicious. Such cruelty was rare in her kingdom, unless of course it came from herself or indeed Rumpelstiltskin, and she was willing to bet that he did not have a hand in this. It wasn't really his style. Nor could she remember deciding upon such a massacre. Thus the monarch found herself quite overcome with curiosity.

'Your majesty, do you wish for us to continue onwards?'

The question had been asked tentatively by one of her newer knights, a young lad who she often enjoyed terrifying but whose name she could never quite remember… normally she would take great pleasure in his discomfort but luckily for him her interest was currently being held elsewhere.

'No, I find myself wishing to discover what took place here such savagery needs to either be made useful or exterminated immediately'

'Of course your majesty we will search the area with haste', the youth exited with a bow leaving the queen to her thoughts.

It was a curious incident indeed. Whatever had attacked these people had moved with deadly precision and despite the fact that its victims had been armed, weapons remained scattered throughout the clearing, all had been slain easily. Such power could prove useful but it could also prove to be a threat if left in the wrong hands. Regina did not play around when it came to threats to her crown. The person or creature responsible for this macabre display would be subdued one way or the other.

'My queen we found a survivor'

The dark monarch was instantly snapped from her reverie.

'A survivor? Bring them to me immediately'

The knight gestured behind him and another man walked towards them carrying a beautiful dark haired woman. She was unconscious but seemed otherwise uninjured. The knight placed the girl at Regina's feet before departing swiftly at his sovereign's signal.

'Well, well what have we here?' the queen could sense something unusual about the woman in front of her, she could feel her own magic surging within her as if drawn to the pale form at her feet. This 'survivor' was quite the enigma.

It would be easy enough to kill her now. She was defenceless and any power that she may have would cease to be a problem. That would be the prudent thing to do. Eradicate the potential threat now before it became a risk. Regina conjured a fireball intent on doing just that. It was certainly what mother would have done. And just like that her desire to kill her captive waned. Regina was not Cora. After all what if the girl actually held some kind of useful information? Or better yet was powerful but could be brought under Regina's control? It would be foolish to waste a perfectly good weapon.

Her mind made up the Evil Queen extinguished her flames and instead transported the girl to her carriage. She would interrogate this mysterious stranger first and then would decide upon her fate based upon how useful she could be.


'Hello Emma'

'Ruby, what are you doing here?'

'Well Miss Swan I had a phone call stating that you broke into Dr. Hopper's office and stole my sons files as you might expect there are multiple reasons as to why I couldn't ignore such a thing'.

Emma was dumbstruck. Ruby on the other hand looked positively furious which as it was so out of character for the normally relaxed sheriff left the blonde unsure of what to think.

'Ruby I-'

'Please Emma can we just get this over with? Now do I need a search warrant or are you going to let me in?'

Emma recovered enough to step aside and allow the other woman entry into her temporary home. 'Well here they are sheriff' the blonde gestured towards the bed where only moments before she had indeed been perusing the documents in question.

'How helpful of you but I'm afraid this means you are going to have to come to the station'

'Ruby, Archie gave me those files'

'Alas that is not the version of events I've heard'

Although her words were harsh Emma could tell that the other woman was torn. Try as she might to look blank her eyes told a different story; they were filled with uncertainty. It was obvious that Ruby's hand was being forced in the matter and Emma had a pretty good idea of who was pulling the strings. The same person who had set this whole thing up: Regina Mills. Surely Ruby knew she was being set up by her wife?

'Ruby you do realise that this is a set up right?'

'And who may I ask would go to this much trouble to set you up?'

'I think we both know the answer to that question'

The sheriff's face portrayed a wide range of emotions in an amazingly short space of time ranging from shock to uncertainty to anger. It was the latter on which it finally rested.

'Let's get one thing clear right now Miss Swan. I like you and admittedly this kind of behaviour seems out of character from what I know of you so far' Ruby paused for a moment to ensure her words were sinking in. 'However, I love my wife more than I could ever possibly put into words. I would therefore suggest that you refrain from ever speaking or insinuating anything negative about Regina in front of me. Ever. Are we clear?'

The blonde was at a loss for words. It would appear that where the mayor was concerned the sheriff was in no way inclined to believe any story but hers. Then again she mused, that shouldn't have really been all that shocking. A quick glance at Ruby showed that she was clearly waiting for some kind of response.

'Crystal clear'

A look of relief quickly spread across the brunettes features only to fade slightly as she remembered why she was here in the first place.

'Well I'm glad that that's sorted out but I'm afraid there is still the matter of you being under arrest'

Emma was at least glad to see that now Ruby had gotten her angry speech out of the way she seemed back to normal. Hell she was actually rather apologetic over having to take her into custody. Well there was no point in dragging this out any longer. With a sigh the blonde grabbed her jacket and followed the sheriff out towards her car.


When Red finally woke up she found herself completely clueless to her surroundings which was worrying for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, she couldn't recall actually going to sleep, in fact the last thing she remembered doing was attempting to sneak out to see Peter. Secondly that had been after sunset whereas by the look of it, it was now well past midday. And finally the most disconcerting of all was the fact that she had awoken to find herself in the company of the most beautiful woman she had ever laid eyes upon.

'So you're finally awake'

Despite the statement simply being an observation Red felt that it was necessary to respond. Unfortunately for her, her vocal chords chose that particular moment to cease functioning and rather than being able to reply she was left with nothing but a blank look upon her face.

'You know many would consider it impolite for a person not to answer their queen when she addresses them'

Thankfully there was no malice in the woman's tone but rather a playful lilt as if she were genuinely amused by the younger woman currently sharing her carriage. Her amusement only seemed to grow as she watched the panic spread across her companions face as her words slowly began to sink in.

After what seemed like an age had passed by Red finally found her voice. 'I-I'm sorry your majesty I meant no offense'

'And you are lucky that I have taken none but then I assume your silence was due to surprise at your surroundings and not some clumsy attempt to slight me?' The younger girl nodded. 'Well then to business my dear… what is your name?'

'It's Red your majesty'

Regina raised an eyebrow but otherwise made no response to the unusual name. 'Well then Red to put it succinctly my men and I found you lying out in the woods near the scene of quite the massacre, as the only survivor I was hoping you may be able to answer some of my questions and thus help in clearing up the matter'

Massacre? Red had to fight a sudden urge to throw up. The thought alone was upsetting but the fact that the queen could talk of it in such a matter of fact emotionless way was alarming on a whole new level. All of the stories she had heard about the 'Evil Queen' came flooding back to her and in all honesty it terrified her. And yet. And yet something stopped her from connecting the tyrant from those tales to the poised, regal figure in front of her. It just didn't seem right. There had to be some kind of mistake.

'Well girl, do you have any vague notion of whom or what may be responsible?'

'I'm afraid not your majesty well except for…' Red stopped unsure if it would be appropriate to tell the dark monarch of something she herself did not fully believe in. After all she had never actually seen the creature with her own eyes…

Regina's interest was however already seized. 'Go on'

'Well you see the locals tell tales about a wolf that has been praying on the villagers for years and that all who have gone up against it have been slaughtered.'

Regina could not help it. She laughed. A wolf? That was what this foolish peasant girl thought responsible for the carnage that had been wrought but a few miles back? A wolf! It was so far past ridiculous that the evil queen found herself unable to give any other response besides amusement. What didn't help was the serious look the girl had had upon her face as she had relayed this piece of 'choice' information. It was actually quite adorable. Well if nothing else keeping this Red alive could prove to be a great source of entertainment! It was a while before Regina trusted herself to speak again but when she did she could not help but have a bit more sport out of her young companion.

'So this wolf of yours, it's bigger than others I would assume?'

'… erm yes your majesty they say that it is almost as big as a horse'

'Indeed. And its strength?'

'It has been claimed that it is stronger than twenty men'

Regina was finally thankful to her mother for the years spent learning to hide her emotions. Oh the things that the common folk dreamed up! It was truly mind-blowing that anyone could believe such tales. Well she had had her fun now it was time to shatter this little nonsensical illusion once and for all.

'And pray tell what exactly was that last part you told me about this wolf?'

'…erm… that anyone who had gotten near enough to see it in person were slaughtered?'

'I see. Then I have one more question for you my dear Red'

The younger woman was so nervous now that she had begun subconsciously chewing on her bottom lip. With a slight tremor in her voice she answered her sovereign. 'Yes your majesty?'

'If there are in fact no survivors in these fearsome encounters with the beast, where on earth do all the stories come from?'

'I… I…'

It was adorable watching this naïve peasant's little mind work as she slowly came to the realisation of just how absurd her little tale was. The queen mused that she had not been this thoroughly entertained in a long time. This Red was quite the find. Certainly she had earned the right to keep her life. At least for now.

'Well it would seem that you are of no use to me in this matter' She paused for a moment enjoying the look of fear that passed over her companions countenance. 'However, fortunately for you, you have proven to be quite the entertaining diversion thus you are free to keep your meagre little life'

'I-'

'Farewell Red perhaps you will entertain me again sometime' and before the younger woman could offer any kind of response Regina transported her back to the clearing where they had first met.


It had been one hell of a trying day and Regina Mills was incredibly glad that it was over. After seeing to it that Emma Swan had been arrested, she had been most vexed to discover the woman had been bailed out mere hours later by none other than Mary-Margaret Blanchard. It would appear that no matter what world they were in, or indeed whatever Regina planned, Snow White always managed to find a way to ruin her happiness.

First she had been responsible for the loss of Daniel and now it would seem she was determined to find ways of inadvertently being the cause of friction between her and her son. She had after all given Henry the storybook that had started his belief that his mother was the Evil Queen and was now singlehandedly helping Miss Swan to settle into town. Regina couldn't help but wonder how long it would be until she attempted to take Ruby from her too. There really were no words strong enough to describe how much she hated Snow White.

But then Snow was not her biggest concern right now. Emma Swan was. The woman was ridiculously unpredictable and unlike the rest of the town seemed to have no fear of her. Why only a few hours earlier the blonde had taken it on herself to take a chainsaw to the mayor's prized apple tree, something no one else would even dare to dream of. Back in the enchanted forest such an act against Regina would have resulted in a slow and painful death to the one responsible. However, sadly they weren't in the enchanted forest anymore. Now they were in Story Brooke, Maine where mayors were not allowed to sentence people to death for destroying their property. No matter how much they might deserve it…

She was broken from her chain of thought by the sound of a certain brunette snoring loudly into her ear, Ruby it seemed had rolled over in her sleep and was now snuggled up to her wife quite contently. It often amused the former queen that the best friend of her enemy was so comfortable in her presence. Then again Red had never truly been afraid of her even back in the enchanted forest. Cautious yes, but never afraid. It was one of the things that had made the monarch so smitten with the werewolf in the first place. Regina placed a soft kiss on her spouse's brow. If there was one thing she was certain of it was that she simply could not live without Ruby. Would she have to if her curse broke? True she and Red had had something in the enchanted forest but certainly nothing like the 28 year marriage she and Ruby were currently apart of. And of course there was their son. What would Henry say once it was confirmed that she was indeed the evil queen from his storybook? Would he even be able to see that she was still his mommy who loved him dearly when the rest of the town would remember her as a blood thirsty tyrant?

Ruby and Henry were the happiness that she had craved for far too many years and no one was going to take that away from her. Not snow white and certainly not this Emma Swan. She would simply have to redouble her efforts to be rid of them. But what if she failed? What if her happiness was destroyed and her family taken from her? A single tear escaped from behind her chocolate eyes, and as her thoughts spiralled into darker and darker possibilities were soon joined by others until the brunette could not stop the torrent cascading down her sculpted cheeks.

Ruby awoke to find her beloved in this state and without a word sat up drawing Regina close to her chest. No words were needed as the simple gesture of holding the other woman tightly to her said enough. Ruby was there for her and Regina was safe within her arms.