The room had changed much from her and Leopold's wedding day until, but as she looked around the room she realised these people weren't merely allies to be tolerated but friends that she cared about. This realisation stunned her maybe she did still have something to loose…
She cleared her throat drawing the attention of the room in her direction as she began, "I am sure you are all wondering why I have brought you all here."
"To curse us again?" asked Grumpy mockingly.
Regina laughed off the dwarf's poor attempt at wit. "No, not this time." She said raising an eyebrow in a mock threatening way. "I wanted to discuss with you all how we deal with the Wicked Witch, now I think the best place to start would be to get as much information to try and learn her intentions and maybe even weaknesses."
"Hold on a minute the only person who has ever met her is you, how can we trust that you haven't returned to your evil ways and are working with her?" interjected Doctor Whale.
A shimmer of suspicion spread through the group as they waited for Regina's response. A flicker of betrayal featured on her face before being replaced by indignation. "Well I can see your point I understand that my word probably doesn't mean a considerable amount to the people in this room, but I can assure you that I will use all my power to protect the people of this land."
Out of the blue Granny shouted from the back of the room, "Why was she wearing your dress then as she left the castle?" A collective gasp from the room prompted them to return their attention to the Evil Queen.
"Because, she has been living here and she decided to go through my chambers and steal a few of my favourite outfits." Regina replied.
Unexpectedly Snow piped up with, "To be fair when I lived here I was always 'borrowing' Regina's dresses they are pretty spectacular."
A mumble of agreement went across the room from the women, as Regina attempted to supress a smile.
"OK, so we need a plan we still don't even know where she is," said Regina.
Finally Charming spoke up, "Well myself and some of the men can start scouting the area to monitor the flying monkeys and to try and establish where the Wicked Witch is hiding."
"Hey!" jokingly shouted Red, "What about me and Granny we can track better than all of your 'men'!"
Belle added then, "Me and Neal could go to Rumple's castle to check the library there for clues."
After all the logistical arrangements were made the group left the hall purposefully ready to do all they could.
…..
Snow, Charming, Regina and Robin were left alone in the throne room.
Snow pulled Regina to the side and quietly asked her, "What about Cora do you think maybe she's at your old house?"
The colour drained from Regina's face "I never even thought of there. I … I … I haven't been back there since Daniel. But it does seem as good place as any to start."
Robin had no idea what David was saying about organising the Merry Men to help the search all could think of was that whatever Snow had said had put a tear in Regina's eye. He didn't know why but a sudden protective urge came over him, as he found himself arranging for David to lead the Merry Men while he accompanied Regina on this next as yet unknown mission.