Apologies that this took longer to update than I had originally planned! Well without further ado here is chapter 2 and I hope you enjoy :)

'Snow don't go too far now!' Regina called her voice laced with concern. The princess had been terrified to ride for so long that now she was back on her horse the queen couldn't help but worry for her.

'She'll be fine Gina worry not' King Leopold smiled kindly at his new wife.

Regina forced herself to smile back at him ignoring the use of his nickname for her that she oh so hated. 'Of course you are most likely right but I can't help but to worry'.

Leopold's smile widened. Truly he was blessed to have found a new wife who was not only beautiful but also truly cared for his daughter. Finally it felt as though his family was complete again. Grin still in place he hurried his horse to catch up with Regina who had galloped on ahead to keep a better eye on Snow.

The rest of the afternoon passed with no incident as the royal trio continued their leisurely ride. Indeed were it not for the company of her new husband Regina might have considered it a wonderful day. The sun although warm was not scorchingly so and was accentuated nicely by a soft breeze that brought the wonderful aroma of a dozen different wild flowers. This meant that there was also no shortage of wildlife to be spotted which soon turned into a game between them. Snow turned out to be surprisingly perceptive when it came to types of birds.

As dusk came they were forced to return to the palace. The new queen found that she had mixed feelings about the day. On the one hand she found that she actually enjoyed spending time with Snow but Leopold was another matter entirely. Every moment with him was a painful reminder that he was not Daniel. Regina would always hate her mother for killing her one true love and forcing her to marry such an unappealing alternative. To make matters worse Cora had tricked Snow into giving up Regina's secret, no doubt expecting Regina to blame the child instead of her. It had almost worked. Almost.

Regina was no fool. She knew how manipulative Cora could be, hell she'd spent her whole life with the woman, there was no way a young innocent girl such as Snow could resist her snare. As soon as Cora knew Snow had information that could be useful to her it had been too late for Daniel. Regina had years to build defences against her mother, she couldn't blame Snow for being weak when she had never been in the presence of such evil. Her love for the child remained. Although even her love for the princess couldn't change the fact that Regina hated her life.

Magic had been her salvation. Rumpelstiltskin her saviour.

As if her thoughts alone had conjured him the man in question materialised in her chambers. 'Hello dearie, tell me did you enjoy playing happy families today?' His obnoxious grin made Regina want to hit him.

'Did you come here just to taunt me or was there an actual reason?' The queen had quickly discovered that it was best to get straight down to business when dealing with the Dark One.

His smile widened. 'What a man can't just check in with his best pupil?'

Regina arched her brow. 'That is rarely the case Rumple'.

'Fine you got me', the imp chuckled in his odd little way. 'Tell me my dear have you ever heard of the eye of the Moirai?'

She had to admit that she had not.

'Well there goes that idea', Rumpelstiltskin sighed dramatically, 'If only Cora were here she would no doubt know'.

The offhand comment about her mother had done its job, Regina's temper flared. 'What does my mother have to do with this' she snarled.

'Why it was one of her pet projects' the Dark One turned his back on the queen unfazed by her icy countenance. 'And really who could blame her an orb that can look into the future i'd imagine most people would be tempted by such a gift'.

Regina froze. An orb that could show the future. Perhaps it could show hers, perhaps there was a way out of this unhappy life after all. There was still a trunk or two of Cora's possessions within the castle was it too much to hope that her mother could actually help her for once? Lost as she was in her thoughts she failed to notice the smirk that was back on Rumpelstiltskin's scaly face.

'Well if you can't help me dearie I suppose i'll just have to find an alternative'. With a flourish and a mock bow the Dark one disappeared in a cloud of red smoke.

Regina's heart was pounding as a strange feeling rose within her chest, she had gone without it for so long that it took her a moment or two to realise that it was hope. If she could find out what her future had in store for her she would know how to change it! The beautiful queen flew from her chambers as fast as her legs would carry her. In a matter of minutes she arrived at her mother's former room. Fear and apprehension struck her as her hand clutched at the door handle but she forced herself to fight through it. This had to be done. With a deep breath Regina entered.

She should of known. 'What are you doing here?' Regina snapped at none other than Rumpelstiltskin who was digging through the contents of a large oak chest.

'I said i'd have to find an alternative is it so surprising that occasonally the Dark One has to get his hands dirty?' came the reply from the unfazed imp. 'Of course the real question is what are you doing here?'

'That's none of your business'

'I see' Rumpelstiltskin went back to his search and moments later found his prize. Purple orb in hand he bowed to his pupil. 'Then I guess i'll just be going'

'Wait!' Regina had no choice she would have to tell him. Doing her best to ignore his knowing smirk the queen confessed. 'I wanted to use the orb, I have to know my future and find out if this is really it'.

'This is not a toy you know dearie knowledge of the future is a dangerous thing, makes people do all sorts of things they might regret'. For once the Dark One was not playful, he seemed almost sincere in fact.

'I understand but I must know. I can not continue living like this'

A moment of silence passed between them as Rumpelstiltskin seemed to consider her words. At long last he seemed to reach a decision.

'Very well dearie i'm willing to make you a deal'.

Of course there would be a deal Regina thought bitterly. There always was when it came to her teacher and rarely did anyone benefit from them except the man himself. Still almost anything was worth it if it meant a chance to change her fate.

'I'm willing to teach you how to use this device and let you use it once but in exchange you'll owe me a favour'.

A favour that was all? Admittedly that could mean anything with the Dark One but somehow in that moment it didn't seem like such a bad deal. It was either that or continue living as a shell of a person in a life that she despised. It was an easy descision really.

'Deal'.

He chuckled light-heartedly, 'Very well dearie let's get to work'.