A/N: All the letters are in chronological order. We are still in S2 at the moment, for clarification.
Dear Henry's mother,
He asked me to protect you. I guess that is what I'm doing at the moment, protecting you. Henry's there with you now, I know. I told my father that you weren't dying and I meant it. Let's hope I don't grow to regret those words instead. You're unstable Regina- your drive for revenge is too great and now you have (I can't believe I'm writing this word) magic there's no limit to your ability. You are too powerful for me, for Henry. I wish you could just hear and not let your emotions rule every action.
Writing this letter is kind of comforting, I guess. The Enchanted Forest is very cold and damp and, although I'm no stranger to sleeping on the ground, the tree roots are starting to give me a bad back. I suppose, in that last letter you'll never read, you did let me save you… I saved you from the wraith. It was like I didn't have a choice- as if you were the only thing on my mind at the moment and your safety was everything. Pretty messed up, huh?
I kick started your magic didn't I? The saviour's magic, or perhaps just Emma's magic helping Regina's magic? Okay that does sound kind of cool! Either way, I helped you and that has to mean something right?
There's this really annoying pirate in the Enchanted Forest who I can imagine you'd find insufferable. I'm chuckling now at the thought of you two arguing, involving a lot of eye rolling I'm sure. He only has one hand and is basically an arrogant ass but he said he would help us so I can't complain. Oh yeah, and your mother is trying to kill us all. Like mother like daughter, I guess. (Cue eye roll from Regina).
It is weird, yet nice, being able to write to you knowing that I'll never have to hear your angry response back. Freeing. Mary Margaret should write a letter to you and you to her. What's the betting that yours involves several death threats? All this- the curse and everything- because she told a secret! I don't think I'll ever fully understand Regina Mills; although, a large part of me would like too. Scary.
Look after my son whilst I'm gone,
Emma
There is always something so familiar about her vault, a reminder of her past- the past that has helped to embody the woman she is today. Regina is slumped-yes Regina Mills is slumped-against the wall, the letter in her right hand as her left hand covers her eyes. Her vision is throbbing and she cannot seem to understand why she finds everything so confusing. There is a buzz as her phone vibrates in to life, Robin's picture illuminating the dark room. She hangs up. Somehow, Emma's letters seem so much important right now.
Dear Regina,
Thank you. We have a strange knack at this, don't we? Saving each other. Kind of like "I will always find you", except without the sickening catchphrase. How about, "I will always save you?" JOKING. Ha, I can imagine the disgusted look on your face.
Henry told me about all the green lightning bolts and stuff you absorbed. Okay, how did I manage to belittle you sacrificing yourself? Urgh. I'm not good with words. I think, and I'm probably just fooling myself here, you're happy I'm back? A little bit. I mean, you've got someone to say "Miss Swan" to in an exasperated eye roll again? You did seem overly eager to bake a lasagne for our 'Welcome Home' party at Granny's…
About that: how do things always escalate so quickly between us? I saw you leave and again that weird thing happened where you were the only one in my head and I just had to go after you. And I know I said, "Henry wanted it" but Regina I wanted you there too. You said you were sorry and I can't even begin to explain (or as you would say, "articulate") how much you that meant to me.
I think we're in a good place now. Henry… he does miss you. I know he does because he always talks about you at dinner. Apparently you know the secret to cooking potatoes "just right"? He kept saying stuff like:
"Mom always puts a tiny amount of salt on the mash- only a little bit because otherwise it's too unhealthy!"
"Mom and I always used to watch this weird cartoon about a starfish and a yellow thing that lived in a pineapple. She hated it soooo much!"
"Guys, can you take me to the stables? Mom said that she learned to ride when she was six and I'm almost twelve!"
It's pretty cute actually. I find myself talking about you too. I don't really know how, but Mary Margaret came upstairs to hand me some washing and this weird conversation happened:
"I bet Regina would hire you to do her washing," I said.
"Yes, she probably would. Slave labour, I imagine," MM laughed.
"Although…her clothes are always very neat."
"Regina through and through. You should have seen how immaculate she was in the Enchanted Forest. I used to dream of looking like her…"
"Yeah she definitely has the best style in Storybrooke. How does she always get her hair to look so full and bouncy?"
"Magic?"
"That's not fair! But still I'll allow it... it's doing a pretty good job."
Weird right? I'm sure you would be smiling smugly right now at the compliments: I guess it really is a good thing you're never going to read this. But seriously though, I wouldn't mind if you magicked my hair from time to time.
Anyway, I have to go. Henry is calling me for a game of cards. Oops. That was probably insensitive. Perhaps next time you could join us? (Mary Margaret is rubbish and David always has to comfort her- I imagine you would find this amusing).
Till next time,
Emma AKA card champion
Regina,
Why?
I was so stupid. I believed you, I looked in to your eyes and believed every lie you told us about Archie. And I wanted to believe you Regina, I really did. You're special and have something which I find so fascinating but… I don't even know what you are anymore.
I've just had to tell my son that his mother killed someone he loves. If you could have only seen the look on his face when I told him, you would have regretted every dark act your heart has ever committed. My poor boy is distraught, Regina. And I can't keep having to shield him from your wrath because you don't know how to love. So again I ask, why?
WHY DO THIS WHEN YOU HAD SO MANY PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY CARED ABOUT YOU!? You think you're isolated and unlovable but you're so wrong Regina! Henry loves you, I love care about you too. Even Mary Margaret does. You don't have to push the world away.
Don't give in to her: the Evil Queen. Yes, she is powerful and strong and untouchable but she isn't happy. And trust me I know how that feels, but when you let even an inch of happiness in it puts colour back in to your world.
It's too late now. You can't come back from death. Archie Hopper met his end by the hands of a deeply unhappy Queen; a helpless Queen.
I meant every word I said to you on your porch. I have magic now which means that you don't have the monopoly anymore. Henry is not getting anywhere near you because he is MY son. Not yours. I gave birth to him and quite frankly Regina he didn't even used to smile when he was in your care. I don't know how much longer he'll be able to stand any of this.
Goodbye,
Emma Swan
A/N: It was so sad having to write that last letter. I remember watching that episode and wanting to cry. Poor Regina! Still, what would a love story be without drama? Please keep reviewing; it makes me very happy…