Chapter 2

Henry and Regina had remained in their embrace for hours, neither wanted to let go of the other. Henry had fallen asleep a while ago, with his arms wrapped around his mother and his head leaning against her chest. Regina however was wide awake and was gently running her fingers through Henry's hair. Why did Gold want Henry here too? She thought with a foreboding feeling in the pit of her stomach. Surely he wouldn't punish Henry for something she did. Even for Gold that is an absolute low, hurting an innocent child. She had tried so hard to protect him, but she had never expected something like this to happen. How had Gold found out about Belle? Regina was wondering if he had managed to free the girl yet when she felt Henry stirring in her arms.

He moaned quietly before saying "I'm cold". Regina rubbed her hand up and down his arm and reached out for her coat.

After wrapping it around his tiny form she asked softly, "Better?" Henry nodded and rested his head against her shoulder. Regina's legs were starting to hurt and she felt like getting up to stretch them, but she also didn't want to leave Henry so she stayed where she was.

"Henry..." she started, "I'm sorry this had to happen." When Henry didn't reply she chose a different topic, "I know you've been upset with me lately, and you're angry that I tried to keep you from Emma, but really all I was doing was trying to protect you. I didn't want you to get hurt."

"Hurt from what?" Henry extracted himself enough to look up at her curiously.

"If she ever left or... if she wasn't the person you believed her to be. We didn't know her at all when she first arrived and we had no idea what kind of person she was. And then as you got to know her you spent more and more time with her and pulled even further away from me. It's not easy to admit but I am jealous of her at times. You have a special relationship with her, and now the one we used to have has almost disappeared completely."

After a few seconds Henry sniffled and then almost inaudibly said, "I'm sorry mom". With that he hugged her even tighter, a gesture she returned gladly while kissing him lightly on the top of his head.

"No Henry, it's not your fault. I've been too controlling lately. I was just afraid I was going to lose you. I know sometimes you think otherwise, but I do you love you, more than anything in the entire world."

"I love you too." Henry smiled. Regina smiled back and then looked down. Was he just saying that or was he really being honest? He seemed sincere... Noticing her uneasiness, Henry placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Mom, I mean it. I really do, and I'm really sorry I've been avoiding you lately. I shouldn't have ignored all of the years you spent looking after me. I need you," he wrapped his arms around her once more.

"Well isn't that sweet," came a mocking voice from the staircase. "But unfortunately I'm going to have to break up this happy little family moment. We have some business to attend to. Your majesty." Mr. Gold added nastily. Regina stood up, Henry still clinging to her. Both looked up at Mr. Gold who had a wicked smile on his face and was making his way down the stairs, swinging a pair of keys in hand.

"Oh really, and what's that?" She didn't know what she could do to fight Gold, he had his magic back, and she was powerless.

"Here's what's going to happen Regina," Gold said as he approached the bars. "I'm going to unlock this door, and you are going to do everything I tell you too. Please. You know you have no choice." Regina moved to place herself in front of Henry and gave Mr. Gold her most hateful stare. Henry peered out from behind his mother and gripped her left arm with both hands. "You can't protect your boy, so there's no use trying." Gold sneered as he turned one of the keys in the lock.

Regina felt Henry tighten his grip on her arm and her heart went out to him. Without turning away from Gold she reached her free arm around behind her to guard her son. Her mask was faltering and she tried to focus on breathing. She needed to remain strong. Gold slipped the keys into his pocket and with a wave of his hand the chain around her ankle snapped open and clanged to the floor. Confused, Regina glanced down at it and then back up at him. "Do your worst to me but leave Henry alone", she said threateningly.

"You're in no position to tell me what to do," Gold smiled and pulled a gun out of his jacket pocket. At the sight of the weapon Regina's blood ran cold. "I want you to come and take this, but don't pull the trigger yet." Regina unwillingly stepped forward and took the gun with a sinking feeling. She tried not to betray her fear as she felt Henry's hands leave her arm. "Now turn around dearie and point the pistol at your son". She gasped as she found herself obeying even before she had the chance to try to fight it.

"No!" She said with dread as she saw Henry shrink back against the wall, wide eyed. "You're strong, you can fight this," thought Regina.

"Pull the trigger," Gold whispered harshly. He watched with satisfaction as Regina tortured herself, trying desperately not to obey his cruel commands. She was doing a surprisingly good job at holding back Gold observed. Her hand was shaking and her finger was on the trigger, her mask had disappeared completely. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears and her lips were trembling slightly.

She closed her eyes briefly before pleading "Please don't make me do this." She hated herself for begging but she didn't know what else to do. Taking a deep, shaky breath she continued; "He's only ten years old! He didn't do anything, he doesn't deserve this." Henry was shivering and there were tears running down his face, but he was too petrified to move. He just stood there and stared open mouthed as his mother fought with herself, trying not to shoot her baby.

"No, but you do. Pull the trigger Regina. Please!" Said Gold roughly." Regina sobbed, and, obeyed.