A/N - And we're back for chapter 2! A lot happens in this chapter so we hope you enjoy it. There is mention of rape and abuse, but there is nothing graphic, just implied. Both happened in the past.

Also a big thank you to Willow-Hermione ( You can find her under the same name at tumblr!) for the beautiful cover art! Thank you so much! Please do not use the image without permission.

You can have a much better picture as to who we've always envisioned to be Kalyn and that is the incomparable Jaime Murray. Been a fan of hers since Dexter, and of course she is now the Black Fairy on the show.

The sun had barely peaked over the horizon signaling dawn as the Knight Commander made her way down the stairs to the hearths after being dismissed by her queen after the second night in her quarters had passed. Regina had been withdrawn and almost awkward, but Kalyn took that in stride, knowing that what happened last night was outside the norm. She had been patient and understanding, taking her leave without question to begin her new quest of finding food.

Delicious smells of herbs and spices filled her senses and allowed a rare smile to creep along her features. If there was one thing that made Kalyn happy was the thought of a full belly. It was how she had been treated during her time as a slave - the mercenaries giving her scraps to live off of because they had no choice but to keep her alive for their atrocious needs. Good food was plentiful since joining the queen's service, but Kalyn savored every morsel as if it could be her last.

"Good morn, Commander!" called one of the younger bakers as she hefted up a sack of flour onto a table.

Kalyn nodded at the woman with a thin, more tempered smiled. "Good morning, Sally."

She knew every single man, woman, and child's name in the palace. It was her sworn duty to protect the realm, starting here, and no one would be a nameless face to her.

"Off ta steal something already?" Sally asked, pushing aside a tuft of blonde lock that fell from her handkerchief.

With an amused chuckled, Kalyn waved off the accusation. "I don't steal. I just get first choice on freshly baked goods."

Snorting, Sally ripped open the bag with an expert flick of the knife. "Whatever lets ya sleep at night, Commander."

Kalyn rolled her eyes and went to survey what was cooling off - several loaves of bread, pancakes, and several tarts made with apples or berries. Moving past the apple tarts, as those were Regina's favorites, she picked a berry one with a gloved hand and brought it up so she could inhale its fresh aroma.

"Mm." She held it up with a gushing smile because the commander was looking forward to this all night.

"And there she goes again," groaned Lily the Baker, the mistress of the hearths. "Filching tarts. We'll have to make another to replace that, ya know."

There was a bit of humorous, weary resignation to her tone, but there was a definite edge as well. Lily did not jest. Every time the Knight Commander saw fit to "compliment" them by taking a tart uninvited, it meant the baking team had to account for that before trays went out! Blonde, wavy hair was tucked up and back through her kerchief as she busied herself, checking over work and righting toppled berries.

"Oh. And, good morning, Commander," she said, still giving her a bit of an eye.

Kalyn's gazed upon the grousing baker and wasn't sure if she should be impressed or insulted that Lily had to audacity to call the commander out on her thievery. It wasn't as if this was her first offense, but this was certainly the first time that someone had decided to make a ruckus about it!

"To be fair, one of these trays are sent to my quarters. If I wish to partake in one before it arrives, what's the harm in that?" she countered with a dashing smile, definitely impressed with Lily.

Lily gazed at her, considering what - if anything - to say. Narrowing blue eyes, she replied with a smirk, "Oh, good. Then I'll make sure one is deducted from your tray to keep things fair."

Brown eyes narrowed right back at the baker in honest confusion. "Is it really that disruptive I have two tarts?"

A muscle in the baker's jaw twitched, deciding just how much an issue she wanted to make of this. Clearly, the commander didn't see any issue, and Lily found that typical. The knights always thought that everything was theirs for the taking, so it appeared their leader was no different even if she was rare for being a woman in that role. Knowing that she reported just to one person - their Queen - gave Lily pause, considering how things were going.

Biting the inside of her cheek before speaking, Lily said, "It's fine, Commander. Forgive my insolence."

Kalyn's eyes softened at Lily's unneeded apology. She hadn't meant any offense, but it was clear that the hearth mistress thought otherwise. It made the commander feel rather brutish for snatching up the tarts all this time when she had, erroneously, believed there wasn't an issue. Lily may have been more forthright with confronting the Knight Commander, but the small jesting that were shared with the other bakers had put things into perspective just now. She wanted a harmonious palace when she could guide it, and Kalyn felt awful for causing discord in the hearths over something so trivial.

"I didn't hear any insolence. So your apology is unnecessary. And it's obvious I'm in the way so I'll take my leave. Good day to you, Lily," she said politely and departed.

But not before leaving the untouched tart.

Bea, one of the bakers until Lily's charge, came up beside her as they both watched Kalyn depart. "Well, that was sure ballsy of ya, girl."

Lily side-eyed her. "Yeah, well. If I go 'poof' between now and tomorrow morning, ya know how not to be in charge, huh?"

Bea smirked at that. "She left the tart rather than being all superior-to-thou. You're probably okay."

"Yeah." Lily sighed, feeling foolish. Moving on to check over the items ready to be served, she thought to herself, Nice way to make a first impression, Lil. Come off as a first class bitch to her. Swell.

"You okay?" Fran asked, coming along side her while Lily counted.

They'd been friends since Lily had come to the Enchanted Forest, apprenticing as bakers together. She eyed her with concern.

"Yeah, fine," Lily replied dismissively. "Don't matter anyways, aye?"

Frannie shrugged. "Your feelings do."

"It's fine. Really."

Lily need not have worried because Kalyn had moved on with the duties that awaited her that morning, the incident with the tart behind her. They were departing for Maleficent's castle by late morning, and then onward to Pinelow as planned; the knight commander had a good deal of logistics to hammer out with her knights and the staff, as well as with her own squire, Thomas. There was much to be done to ensure her Queen's safety on a multi-day journey!

At the predetermined time, Regina arrived at the courtyard, just as her minimal luggage was being stowed with the pack animals traveling with them. The party was larger than she'd hoped for with a bit more than a dozen guards, but she and Kalyn had negotiated about what was needful for the trip. She had, however, insisted upon riding her beloved Rocinante herself rather than traveling by carriage.

Considering the nature of the first visit, Kalyn was dressed formally in chain and garbed in the colors of her queen, her cloak pinned at the shoulder with a silver feather. She held Rocinante by the reins, offering them humbly to Regina.

"The company is all set to ride out, your Majesty."

Regina accepted the reins and nodded her thanks. She hesitated for a moment and offered a covert wink, in which Kalyn offered just the briefest of smiles.

"Thank you, Commander. Hello, Rocinante, my love." She rested her head with her steed's, then drew back. "Lead us out, Commander."

With that, Regina easily mounted Rocinante without aid and settled herself into the saddle. She was in a good mood and ready for the departure. She was nightmare-free for two nights now, and she was hopeful that the visit to Maleficent would go well. She needed that scroll back!

Kalyn mounted a brown mare with striking black mane that had no current owner in the stables as her squire followed suit. Thomas was not as graceful, even wearing leather, but the lanky, mousy hair lad was still learning his way, just recently earning the Knight Commander's regard to not only be her squire, but the first one ever to impress her.

"Move out!" she bellowed.

The black knights were evenly distributed around the queen, with Kalyn and Thomas riding closest. Banners were carried high nearest to their sovereign, the black, red and white colors known to all in the lands of what danger came there way. Regina surveyed the knights surrounding her, knowing them well since she'd heeded Mother's advice in forming her own personal guard. Kalyn had chosen well in selecting the best of them for the journey.

"We should be arriving at the Forbidden Fortress within a day if we stop for rest. If we push the men and horses, we can make it well after sundown," explained Kalyn.

Regina half-smiled, knowing that using magic would have placed her at Maleficent's doorstep almost instantly. But, she wanted to make the further journey with Kalyn to select a steed, so this slower pace made sense.

"Stopping to rest is acceptable. This is an important mission, but not one that needs that level of urgency," she replied.

"Very well," nodded Kalyn in acceptance. "We should reach the forest by nightfall to make camp."

Regina nodded back, warmth in her tone. "Thank you, Commander."

The ride to the outskirts of the forest below the Forbidden Mountains was uneventful. With their late departure, few were on the queen's road and they gave the party a wide berth to avoid any unpleasantries. The company broke off, securing the immediate area for camp. Tents were pitched, wood was gathered, watches were divvied out, and Thomas was given duty to secure the horses. Kalyn personally oversaw the securing of Regina's tent, even hammering several of the pegs herself!

Regina, for her part, busied herself with silently rehearsing what she planned on saying to Maleficent. She had traded away the dark curse because she'd thought she had something more value in the sleeping curse. Clearly, that had not been the case! In her own world, the queen pondered her appeal to Maleficent, oblivious to how her path halted the knights' work as they deferred to her.

One of the knights quietly made his way to the knight commander. He knelt down in order to keep their conversation private, afraid of what the queen would do if she believed ill was spoken of her.

"Ah, sir? A word?"

"Go ahead," she answered as the hammer came down on the peg.

Tight lipped, the knight cast a harrowing glance towards the queen. "It's… Well, it's th' queen. She's, well ta be blunt, sir? She's kinda in th' way."

She lowered the hammer and cast a curious glance over her shoulder, confirming the knight's story. Regina was directly in the way of several knights starting the large fire for dinner tonight, them dodging her with kindling and wood with fearful expressions of accidentally hitting her because of the random pacing. Or worse! Stepping on her long cloak and tripping her!

Without a word, she handed the knight the tool - a silent command of finishing the work and went to Regina.

"Majesty?" said Kalyn, hoping that by getting her attention she would stop moving.

The queen startled slightly, wide brown eyes settling on the commander.

"Yes?" she asked a bit sharper than necessary, which Kalyn took in her usual, patient stride.

"Travel has been long and I was curious if you need to refresh yourself before the evening meal is prepared?"

Regina blinked, puzzled at receiving a question of etiquette from Kalyn. "That is… a good idea. Thank you. The stream is…?"

This mission was more important that Regina had led the commander to believe. This was supposed to be visiting an old friend, but there was something upsetting the queen about it. What? Kalyn knew not, but it was out of the ordinary disruptions.

"To the southwest, my queen," she answered as much as by word as by eyesight towards the proper direction.

"Ah. Thank you, my dear," Regina said quietly.

Glancing about the camp for a moment, she took in all the work that had been going on while she was lost in her own thoughts. Nodding to herself, Regina took her leave for the stream.

"Majesty? You should have an escort. I know no one would dare trifle with you, but I would not be able to forgive myself if something untoward happened under my watch," said the commander calmly.

Kalyn believed nothing would happen but she was worried for her queen. Her behavior was off tonight and she wanted to stay close to ensure that Regina did not get in any trouble that could be preventable.

"I can…" She sighed, then nodded. It wasn't worth making a scene over, after all. It was only freshening up at the stream. "Very well. Would you be free to escort me then?"

Already anticipating being the one to go, Kalyn nodded. "Of course, majesty."

She addressed the camp with a resounding tone that carried throughout the area. "When we return, I expect tents secured, horses fed, and dinner ready to be served. Am I clear?"

There was a chorus of ayes and yessirs, just a moment's pause in the knights' work before they returned to their duties. Satisfied with the pace she was seeing, Kalyn approached Regina with a tight, formal, smile, motioning for her to lead the way. "After you, majesty."

Regina nodded and led the way away from camp, even though it was the commander who truly knew the way. Once out of earshot of the knights, she gave her a searching look.

"My presence is that… distracting to the men? Is that it?" she inquired.

Regina was not as oblivious to what was happening around her as Kalyn first suspected. She half smiled and shook her head. "No, Majesty. I promise you that's not why I suggested this."

Smirking and teasing - the latter a rarity from Regina - she quipped, "I hope it wasn't for the purpose of seeing me at or in the stream."

Brown eyes widened in panic, an image just as rare for the commander to display. "No! Course not, majesty!"

Regina chuckled, shaking her head. "I am kidding you, Kalyn. I don't think you have that level of manipulative ability in you. Which is to your credit, mind."

Her racing heart began to quiet as Regina explained herself. She found herself chuckling out of nerves more than anything. "Thank you for your understanding, my queen."

The irony was Kalyn had the ability to be manipulative, just not against her sovereign. The trip to Pinelow was based on truth, but she has left out the dual purpose of the visit.

To kill her own father.

Regina had retired to her elaborate canopy tent for the night. It was nothing to her to have such refined accommodations to "camp" in while the men rested in simple, rustic canvas tents… if they happened to have the luck of time to sleep versus sentry duty. If they dared look, they could see the Queen's shadow moving as she paced within her tent, then finally sat down on her cot, thanks to the glow of candlelight. It was the image that greeted Kalyn upon approach with fresh wood for the fires.

"How long has this been going on?" she asked.

The sentry was preparing the late meal and kept stirring as he looked up to answer. "Probably since she finished eating, sir."

He glanced over at the tent and shrugged before going back to cooking. "Least she's settled now. Finally sitting."

This troubled the commander and her expression visibly darkened. The Queen had been on edge since arriving here. The short trip to the stream had only briefly quieted Regina's thoughts. As she knelt down to place a few larger branches onto the fire, her eyes were fixed on the tent, riddled with conflict. She wanted to check on her but would that be proper?

As Kalyn pondered the best course of action, Regina finally doused the candles with a flicker of magic and lay down. To her surprise, she quickly fell to sleep, but her rest was plagued by the tormented nightmares that had kept creeping back into her unconscious. Much like the first night that Kalyn had heard her, Regina moaned and stifled a cry in her sleep. It roused Kayn from her slumber, remarkably sensitive to her distress. She kicked off the blanket and emerged from the tent with just a linen shirt and pants on - sword at the ready. The chill of the night air was subdued by the rush of concern as she stalked towards the royal tent, signaling the guards. They drew their swords and pulled the tent flap aside to allow the commander entrance.

Regina whimpered in her sleep, tossing fitfully, haunted, as Kalyn and the other guards instantly confirmed that there were no intruders in the tent.

"Dismissed…" she ordered briskly, knowing that Regina would be mortified that anyone other than Kalyn saw her in such a state.

"But … ?"

"Must I repeat myself?" she said without looking at them, her tone increasingly sharp.

The other guard smacked the questioning one across the shoulder and shoved him out of the tent before he said anything that would incite the wrath of the commander, or worse! The Queen if she awoke!

"Fucking idiot! What's wrong with ya?!" he murmured angrily outside the tent.

With them gone, Kalyn rushed to Regina's cot, shifting the sword defensively against her thigh as she crouched, touching her queen's shoulder.

"Majesty?" she whispered.

Regina jolted awake with a gasp. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked wildly to Kalyn. "...Kalyn?! You're…?"

"... right here, of course," she said, hopefully finishing her statement with a concerned smile.

She reached out to touch her arm, blinking in the dim light. "You're… alright, though?"

The commander was too aloof to realize that Regina was having a nightmare about her. "I'm fine. I'm more concerned about you …"

Regina took a deep breath, shivered, and gave her a nod.

"I'm fine now, I believe. Thanks to you once more." She seemed to recall their whereabouts then, glancing around the tent. "How much was heard?"

With a quick glance to the front of the tent, she sighed. Kalyn did not want to lie, nor would she. "I believed you were in distress with a possible intruder. Two other men know."

Half-sitting up, Regina considered that with a slight nod. "Very well. See to it that their lips are sealed."

"I'm certain they know, but I will make sure that this incident never happened," she promised.

"Thank you, Kalyn."

She smiled with understanding. "Most welcome, my queen."

Regina half-smiled back, then let out a slow breath. "Much like before, I'd like to ask you to pass the night with me to keep any further… incidents… at bay. Would this be acceptable to you?"

Kalyn's posture visibly straightened, touched and confused by the request. It had not crossed her mind that Regina would have asked this of her again. She recovered her thoughts, not wanting Regina to feel that the pause in answering was any sort of uncertainty or rejection. She didn't even think about the other men's thoughts on the matter. What mattered was Regina feeling safe.

"It would. Shall I retrieve my things before I join you?"

Regina had expected her to defer on account of the visibility there was in passing the night with her here. Her expression lit up with delight and relief. "Thank you. Yes, I'd like you to stay here the whole night."

With a half smile, she rose. "I'll return shortly then."

"Thank you," she repeated, and settled on her cot to wait.

Kalyn departed from the tent with purpose, and she didn't have to go far to find her squire.

"Thomas!" she called, waving him over.

The scrawny boy of sixteen ran on over, his moppy bangs bouncing against his eyes. He so badly needed to trim his hair.

"Yes Commander?"

"I'll be personally guarding the queen tonight. Which is good for you since my tent will be unused. I was wondering if you wanted to have a better night's sleep here instead of with the horses?"

Thomas narrowed his eyes, looking for some sort of angle to this. Often the commander, and other high ranking knights, liked to test him. Most of the time it was harmless indoctrinations if they decided to poke a bit of fun at the Commander's squire, but Kalyn was always focused and wanted him to learn.

"Is this a trick, sir?" he asked, unsure.

"No trick, lad," she reassured, clasping his shoulder. "You've worked hard and have done an exemplary job in keeping the horses safe. Especially her majesty's favorite steed. You've earned this."

"Wow! Thank you!" he said with a wide eyed, grateful grin. "Let me help ya with bringing her things over -"

"I've got it. You should run off and gather your things to bring here."
Kalyn didn't want to have an awkward moment between Thomas and Regina. Not that she believed her squire would poke around and ask questions, but her queen was on edge again tonight. The less people with her, the better.

She grabbed her modest pack, leaving her bedroll and pillow for Thomas, and returned to the royal tent. The guards heightened at attention as the commander passed, one pulling aside the flap for easier entry. But the commander paused.

"Just a reminder for the two of you."

Either guard shifted their head to get a good look at Kalyn's expression, unable to read her despite the usual serious tone and stare that demanded instant respect.

"What happened earlier? It never happened," she explained with a sharp tone full of promise. "We understand, aye?"

"Aye sir!" the one said, answering quickly - not wanting the wrath of either Commander or Queen.

"Course, sir. Good night," said the second, swallowing hard.

She waited a moment, gauging their reactions and intent before nodding, and then entered. Regina lifted her head, meeting Kalyn's gaze as she stepped inside. She patted the space beside her on the cot.

"Thank you," she said softly. "I do appreciate your agreeing to do this, as much as I enjoy your presence, dear."

With a look of confusion that the commander could not hide, Kalyn let the pack slide off her arm and fall to the ground. "I do not understand."

Regina anticipated that because the simple non-verbal gesture was well outside the norm and protocol. She gave a slight nod and repeated the patting of her cot.

"I would not ask you to lie on the hard earth here, at my side. That would be cruel and unusual… even if you normally bed down thusly out there," she said, referring to the village of tents beyond.

"But, your majesty? With all do respect, such an offer, though much appreciated, is not proper," Kalyn explained, hoping that the slight warmth she felt upon her cheeks was unnoticed.

Regina tilted her head, amused at her polite refusal. "I am hardly a proper queen, now am I?"

"That's not up for debate …" she cleared her throat.

She quirked a brow at the commander, mirth dancing in her eyes by candlelight. "If I clarify that this would be for mutual comfort and not part of any sort of seduction, would you agree then?"

Kalyn's eyes widened with embarrassment. "I didn't presume you were seducing me!"

"Good, then there's no reason not to accept," Regina said. She shifted to lie down, on her side, watching the brunette knight.

With that, the commander was stumped. This was still highly improper but there was no room for further debate with that expectant look from her queen. Inhaling deeply, Kalyn blew out the anxiety that had built up, reminding herself that this was truly no different than what happened back at the palace. Just instead of sitting beside Regina as she drifted off to sleep, she would just be laying beside her. In the same cot. So close … so not the same.

Quietly scolding herself through clenched teeth, she began the arduous task of undressing out of her tabard and chainmail. Regina closed her eyes, giving her confidant and commander the benefit of privacy. It wasn't until she felt the cot shift with her weight that she opened her eyes.

"Kalyn… thank you. I appreciate you," she said simply, sincerely, looking softer than she normally did.

"I'm happy I can help, Majesty." Kalyn said truthfully, despite her nerves.

She had not shared a bed with anyone since her days as a slave. This feeling was frightening, but also empowering in a sense because it was her choice. She knew deep down that if this situation was too personal and confining because her past, Regina would have understood. Kalyn felt only acceptance and companionship - not revulsion and abuse as her body was forced upon for the pleasure of others. So yes. This was her choice to be here with her.

Regina made sure she had ample space to lie down in and gazed at her, resting a hand over the one that lay between them. "I feel safe with you. I haven't felt that way in a very long time," she confessed quietly.

The calloused hand that Regina was touching shifted to take it and squeezed. "I feel safe too."

She smiled and squeezed back. "Good. Good night, Commander Kalyn…"

"Good night, my queen," came the quiet response back.

The next morning saw Kalyn working to break down camp early while Regina dressed and otherwise prepared for the remaining journey to Maleficent's castle. Nothing was said about passing the night together; when their gazes did meet as they rode on, though, there was no awkwardness between them.

After the frustrating encounter with Maleficent, however, the queen was very withdrawn on the journey to Pinelow. Kalyn was highly attuned to Regina's mood and did not press her for any information unless it was shared. The only thing the commander knew to be true was the mission had been a success - Regina had got what she wanted from the powerful sorceress. Kalyn was ignorant of what was obtained but her thoughts had turned selfish now. They were consumed with her father and how she was going to end his miserable existence so not only she could find peace, but so could her twin, Nikole, who had shared her same fate. She, too, was sold to the mercenaries by their father. But she died in captivity. Blood demanded blood.

Gradually, the forest gave way to the outskirts of the village and Regina tore herself away from her thoughts about Maleficent and the dark curse she now had in her possession once more. She looked to Kalyn, surprised.

"We're already here?"

"Aye," came the commander's reply, unable to completely hide her concern. "I've already dispatched riders to announce our arrival."

Regina eyed her for a moment, debating whether to ask. "And…?"

She looked at her shrewdly. "Nothing unusual so far. They're headed to the tavern to secure rooms depending on what's available. At least we'll get one for you."

The queen nodded, considering that.

"Which means most will camp," she mused. "And you…? Will you stay with me at the tavern?"

"If there's room."

Regina paused and half-smiled, trying to determine if Kalyn was being obtuse or oblivious. She assumed for the latter and said just over the beat of the horses' hooves, "I meant with me."

Embarrassed, Kalyn eyes shot a quick glance at her queen, speaking in the same tone to avoid eavesdropping. "Forgive my ignorance at your request. But would that be wise?"

"Wise?"

"I, well ...," she began, looking serious. "Though it is out of the ordinary, it's not impossible that I remain at your side at the palace and your tent. But … the tavern? The locals are … How to put this? They're worse gossipers then the guards."

"And?" Regina gave her a bland, if amused, look.

"And you don't care?" she answered for Regina, stunned.

She arched an eyebrow in reply. "Do you?"

Kalyn did not answer so readily as before. Did she care? Her questioning had come quick to protect the queen from idle gossip, but it was clear Regina did not care. So why did Kalyn press? She demanded that her men were loyal to the crown and carried out the queen's orders without hesitation. Yet Kalyn was doing that - questioning her queen.

"I … No," she stated firmly while gazing at the outskirts of town which was looming closer.

"Very well then," Regina said, smiling with mischief and delight.

She settled back in the saddle, contemplating what exactly she thought she was doing. In her possession was the dangerous and life-altering dark curse. And, at the very same time, Regina knew she was engaged in something potentially serious here with Kalyn. She hummed to herself, musing on the dissonance as Kalyn urged her steed forward.

Citizens of Pinelow were split in how to react to the queen's arrival. While some gathered to watch the procession at the wooden gates, just as many avoided her and continued with their lives as if she were a bothersome pest instead of their ruler. The town was heavily traveled due to trade. Built near the water, fresh fish was brought in daily and many sailors from other parts of the realm called Pinelow home after hauling in textiles, dyes, along with spices and dried goods from other lands. It was why the town erected a wall and had its own militia for protection to deter bandits and other enemies of the crown.

Now the queen's guard would soon be joining them in rotation while Regina stayed here. For her protection and to question the people of Snow White's whereabouts.

Kalyn knew the town well as she had accompanied her father many times to deliver grain for trade. Time had done little to change the town. Every stall, house and store were exactly the same as she remembered - just the faces were new. Kalyn had a capable memory but life prior to being a slave was fuzzy. It was hard to recollect people unless they were her father or sister - the later because Nikole was her identical twin. Whether it was chores around the farm, feeding the chickens and gathering eggs, or running along the river skipping stones or playing hide and seek - they were inseparable. Especially at their father's worst …

"My turn!" Nikole giggled, snatching the stick from her twin sister's hand.

Kalyn jumped back a few feet and held out the small rock in her palm. Nikole nodded and she gently tossed it in her direction. With another gleeful giggle, Nikole swung wildly at the rock, knocking it back to Kalyn.

"Good catch!"

"Good knock!" Kalyn shouted back, grinning.

The simple game continued, the two girls taking turns at throwing the rock versus hitting it back. Both had good hand-eye coordination for the game, and neither needed anyone else to join for it to be fun. They'd always been inseparable.

"Ready?" Nikole asked, her turn now to toss one of their small rocks.

"Ready!"

She tossed the rock. Kalyn swung with all her might, making contact. The rock went sailing up and over Nikole's head, striking the side of their house, right next to the window. Both girls tensed and gasped. Kalyn dropped the stick abruptly and they looked to each other.

The heavy wooden door swung open, their father - Jakob - storming out toward them, his expression terrifying which made up for his lanky frame.

"Who?! Who did that?!" he shouted.

Jakob was a runt compared to other men, but not to the girls. He towered over them, his gaunt face curled in rage over something so small. His hand was readied in a fist, waiting to be unleashed.

Nikole looked down at the stick that Kalyn had dropped and spoke up immediately. "It was an accident, Father. My mistake. I did it."

Kalyn looked aghast at her sister, riddled with guilt, but Jakob didn't see that, so focused on Nikole with her admission.

"You stupid careless whelp! Ya know what woulda happened if ya broke that window? Do ya?" he roared.

Kalyn's hands curled into impotent fists, wanting to protect Nikole now as her sister was clearly trying to do just that for her.

"Aye, Father. It'd be right bad. I'm sorry," she said as contritely as possible.

"Stupid whelp. Why I gotta be saddled with two stupid, useless whelps an' this farm is beyond me," he growled.

"We're sorry, Father. We'll go pull weeds, aye? Help more?" Kalyn offered, finding her voice.

That they'd already done that chore was likely to be lost on Jakob. He'd been mercifully out of sight until the near-miss with the rock; they had no idea what he'd been up to. Suggesting the task would give them an out, Kalyn hoped.

"Ya didn't DO that yet?" he roared, advancing on her.

Kalyn trembled, bracing for violence, but stood her ground.

"Almost done, Father," Nikole said quickly, positioning herself between father and sister as fast as she could. "We'll get back to it right now. Every weed gone. Right, Kay?"

"R-r-right! Right now, Father!" she agreed, grabbing Nikole's hand.

Under his baleful glare, the girls bolted toward the meager fields.

The Queen's procession halted at the tavern and Regina gave Kalyn an imploring look. She'd looked momentarily lost, and even as self-absorbed as she was, Regina knew there was more to that distant gaze than thinking about finding a new horse. She glanced around the courtyard, considered Pinelow, then looked back at Kalyn. Quietly, she cleared her throat, causing the commander to appear unusually startled. She didn't even bother to acknowledge Regina, mortified by her lack of composure.

After a second of focus of where she was, she honed in on the men waiting for her just outside the tavern and waved them over. "And…?"

"We got the last two rooms, Commander," explained the knight. "He's even moving guests around so the queen can have the biggest one."

A ghost of a smile flitted across Regina's lips and she nodded. Her gaze shifted from the knight to her commander, who was curious as to how accommodating the innkeeper actually was.

"Should I have the men prepare camp once guards are stationed?" asked the knight, assuming that Regina and Kalyn were to take the rooms..

"Yes," Regina replied. "Ensure all is secure within this… hamlet."

"And if I may? The guards can rotate using the second room during breaks. The ones closer to the edge of town will remain in camp," Kalyn added.

It was an injustice to not use the second room. The men should be able to take advantage of it, she thought.

Regina nodded her agreement, thankful for her diplomatic way to handle the issue of the second room. She smiled briefly. "Yes, I approve of that, Commander."

As he pieced together what that meant, the knight nodded and held his curiosity. "As you wish, Majesty. Commander."

The two riders mounted their steeds to direct the men as Kalyn dismounted hers. Thomas immediately took the reins and went to secure the horse as the Commander saw to steadying Rocinante. Regina dismounted and patted his neck affectionately, ignoring all but her steed in that moment. Then, the queen drew back and looked like her usual, severe self. Knowing that Regina would like to walk him herself, Kalyn escorted her to the post and kept a watchful eye..

"Just a short stay here," she whispered to Rocinante. "Enjoy a rest before we head back to the palace…"

He tossed his head, mane flying.

Regina eyed him. "Be good, beloved steed."

With that, she turned to Kalyn and gave a curt nod.

With a sweep of her hand, she led Regina and the guards behind her, inside the tavern. The atmosphere was tense inside. The innkeeper was nervously drying off his hands on his apron while glaring down the line of cooks and maids who stood dutifully in the foyer. Regina surveyed the rustic but clean dining area before fixing her gaze on the proprietor.

"Majesty!" he almost yelped, hastily executing a bow. "This is an unexpected pleasure, the opportunity to serve you and your knights. Welcome to Pinelow!"

She inclined her head, gazing at the innkeeper, then his staff. Like most commoners, she saw them as coarse and uncouth. But, they were not without purpose.

"Thank you. I appreciate your hospitality, and I do expect if you've news of Snow White's whereabouts…" Regina paused, eyeing each person. "...you will speak up and share your knowledge."

There was no need to threaten. By now, the Queen's wrath and appetite for violence in her quest to find Snow White was legendary. Everyone knew that.

"Of course, Majesty! If anyone knows anything, it will be spoken. Right away!"

"Good. You may show me to my room," she replied.

"C-c-certainly," he stammered, personally moving ahead of the queen to show her the way. "This way. Please!"

Kalyn took up residence in front of Regina and climbed the stairs behind the innkeeper, always on the alert of foul play, even in a simple place as Pinelow. The place was well kept on the second level, not a speck of dust to be found. Sconces were lit between each doorway where prying eyes were wanting to get a small glimpse of the evil queen as she passed by.

"Here we are!" he said before realizing that the maids were still tidying up.

The two girls were hastily finishing the sweeping, perspiration lining their brows as their employer looked like he was about to explode with embarrassment.

Before he could break out into a lengthy apology, Kalyn held out her hand. "It's fine. Let them finish."

Regina waited behind Kalyn, thinking again about how distant her commander had seemed on the last legs of their journey through Pinelow. Unsure what had made her drift like that, Regina was also indecisive on whether or not to broach the topic. Kalyn was her protector of non-nightmares; she wasn't so certain that the commander expected the same of her.

"Begging your pardon, Majesty," the maid said with a curtsy. "We're sorry it took a bit but room's all ready for ya."

The previous patrons items had been hastily packed and moved. New linens freshened the full sized bed and the pitcher had been refilled with water. There was even a bouquet of flowers on the nightstand.

Regina, unused to being so close to commoners, only gave the maid a nod. Given her usual dour expression, she terrified her. Both maids scurried off under her gaze. Brown eyes shifted to Kalyn and the innkeeper.

"After you, Majesty, Commander," he said, gesturing broadly with an arm.

Regina noted how it trembled. With good reason. She followed Kalyn into the modest room, recognizing it was likely the best the tavern and inn offered because of its size. But, it was humble at best. He hovered behind them anxiously; Regina turned his way.

"This will do. Thank you," she said.

He exhaled with relief and bowed once more. "Thank you! Let me know if you need anything."

"The knights will be in and out of the tavern. Make sure they're well fed. The queen and I will take dinner in her quarters," she droned out.

"Of course, Commander. Anything else?" he said, hoping there was nothing else.

"No. Thank you," she said dismissively and glanced around the room to make sure it was safe from inquisitive eyes and ears.

Regina waited until he'd bowed once more and closed the door behind him before relaxing even the slightest. Arms folded across her chest, she said, "Well then. Welcome to Pinelow, hm?"

"It's quaint. As always," answered Kalyn, satisfied with the room. "With permission, I'll be heading out to see the horse master."

Moving toward the small table, Regina poured herself a glass of water from the pitcher and nodded. "Very well. I hope you find what you're looking for here."

Regina was unaware of how duplicitous a statement that was, with Kalyn not being entirely forthright with her reasons in coming to Pinelow. She felt a pain of weakness in her heart for the omission, knowing that her sister would not have approved.

With a pensive look, mulling that feeling over, Kalyn answered firmly. "I'm sure I will, my queen."

Sipping the water, Regina nodded. "Appoint one of your men to inform me if there's news on Snow White's whereabouts. Otherwise, I do not wish to be disturbed."

"Of course," she bowed. "I will make sure of it."