Regina's point of view begins here. I hope everyone enjoys! Leave reviews and let me know what you think!

I sat silently. Perfectly still. Not moving the slightest bit. I couldn't. I wouldn't. I could see the magic ready to pounce off the tips of her fingers, her cruel, chilling voice sending shivers down my spine. My own Mother... You'd think I'd have been use to this by now, after sixteen years.

Yes, that was right. Sixteen years on this very day. And yet no simple happy birthday darling, or I love you my daughter. No. I'd grown to learn never to hope for anything of the sort, because it never came. My Mother. Cora Mills. In my eyes, she simply didn't care.

"Are you even listening to a word I'm saying? ... Regina Mills!" Her harsh voice traveled across the enormous dining table with ease, always gaining my attention. I'd been starring straight at her, but she'd known my thoughts were elsewhere, "Yes, Mother." I looked down, afraid she would scold me, but quickly looked back up to avoid the same for looking away.

"Your Father and I have business to attend to in another village." Business in another village, which was something I hated. Going into a castle you knew nothing of, to speak to the King of said village, trying to bargain deals to further your own kingdom. "This time you will not be joining us." My eyes widened. I wasn't going? I was getting to stay in the castle by myself? Well, other than the castle workers... "You are not to be outside of these castle walls, do you understand me, Regina Mills?" There came that cruel hiss of a voice again... "You are not allowed to go to the village, and that also means no visiting the stables. You will stay indoors and continue our reading lesson from this morning."

My thoughts of possibly getting out to the stables were quickly diminished, but I knew much much better than to argue with anything my Mother said, "Yes, Mother. I understand."

Daddy across from me near to my Mother tried to give me a smile. I returned a soft smile and looked down to my lap. "Your Father and I will return in the morning, and I expect you to be well rested and ready to tell me what you read after I left." I nodded, meeting her cold stare once again. "Yes, Mother." The constant reply was quickly growing old. "You're excused to your room if you've finished your dinner," she patted her lips with the cloth napkin that had occupied her lap the entire meal, "We will be leaving soon. Remember everything I've told you."

I gave her a brief nod, pulling my napkin from my lap and placing it on the table. "Thank you, Mother." I stood from my chair, and went off to my chambers.

It felt like hours had passed before I heard a soft knock at my door. The book Mother had assigned me making my eyes heavier with every flip of the page. "Miss Regina?" One of the maids called. Checking in on me, that's what she was probably doing. Directed to do so by Mother. "Yes? I'm in here, you may come in." I called back. A young, light blonde haired woman entered. This wasn't the maid that my Mother typically sent, but she would do the job of course. "Are my Mother and Father gone?" I asked quietly, sitting up from my slouched position at the reading chair in my room. Mother wouldn't approve of the way I'd been sitting...

"Yes, Miss Regina. Mr. and Madame Mills have left on their trip." A soft sigh escaped my lips. They're both gone, but what good does it do if I did get to stay? I can't go see Rocinante... A box? My eyes focused of the tiny box visible in the maid's hands as she moved closer. Something Mother left? No. Since when would Mother leave me anything other than another book? "What is that in your hands?" I asked curiously.

"Sir Mills instructed me to give this to you after their departure," The young blonde held the box out to me before placing it beside me. Daddy! A small smile crept across my lips. Daddy left me a present... "Thank you." A looked up at the girl, giving her a polite smile. Knowing Mother would scold me for such kindness to someone who was 'beneath us', but she wasn't around, and I couldn't help it. She nodded and quickly exited the room.

This box. Could it be a present? Daddy hadn't given me a present in many years, with Mother saying it wasn't necessary as I grew older. It was small, wrapped in a purple cloth bow. "Oh Daddy..." I sighed softly, before pulling one side of the bow to unravel it in order to pull the lid off.

A note...? Is this all he left me? Why would he leave me a note?

A hundred questions filled my mind as I pulled the note out. Seeing the small cake underneath, I smiled. Did Mother know about this? She couldn't know... She would never approve...

I gathered the small piece of cake, taking nibbles out of the sweet treat as I unfolded the note in my lap

My dearest daughter,

I am sorry I'm not able to be with you on your special day, but I do hope you enjoy the small treat I got the kitchen workers to bake you. I know your Mother said to remain indoors, but I've spoken with the maid that is to be watching over you. You deserve at least a little time in your favorite place on your birthday, instead of being cooped up in the castle. Go down to the stables, but please, make sure you've returned before sunrise. For your sake, and the maids. Enjoy your night, sweetheart. I'm sorry I can't be with you, but maybe someone can.

Daddy

Go down to the stables!? Was he mad? Mother would kill me if I was caught. And I was always caught if I ever attempted to do anything.

But please, make sure you've returned by sunrise. I read the line again.

I had finished a good deal of reading for the night... It was still before sunset... Daddy was giving me permission... I could see Rocinante... The maid knew I was allowed by Daddy's word... He obviously wanted me to spend my night with Rocinante, right? Why would Daddy go to the trouble of making sure I received this, if he didn't want to make sure I enjoyed my night?

I pushed off the chair. The book thumping softly against the table as it was set down. A happy smile on my face as I skipped off to slip into one of my many riding outfits. One thing Mother didn't know wouldn't kill her... And one nice birthday would be a real treat for me.

What does Henry really want Regina to find in the stables? Will Regina really return before the sunrise? It's all coming up in the next chapter! :) Leave your reviews, I really love hearing them!