It had been a month since then. Regina dutifully performed all of his requests, answered every question, even though in her heart she hated the monster. Only in the rare moments such as when he spun, it showed through some human qualities, it was evident that he was engrossed in his own thoughts, but this humanity immediately disappeared when she appeared next to him. He again turned to the Dark, with a familiar smirk, distributed throughout the palace with laughter and so is diabolically brilliant eyes.
Regina was afraid of him. Although she did not show her emotions, but that was only for protection. She was afraid of his anger, afraid that he would lose control again. Often at night, in a dream, she heard the squeal of lashes that carry the castle, and she would wake up in a cold sweat and hugging her knees, sitting for hours in the pitch dark. To some extent, Regina had gotten used to it, but the fact that the castle had no servants, meant generally she was allowed to walk freely in the dresses with an open back. At such moments, she noticed the views of Rumpelstiltskin, but could not read it, or whether he regrets, on the contrary, enjoy the spectacle.
Only one thing offered Regina rejoice, horses. Rumpelstiltskin sometimes allowed her to leave the castle, because he knew she would not run away, she couldn't. And Regina was well aware that, so she just rode, it was nice to be in the sun, feel the breeze, stepping barefoot on the grass. In those few seconds she felt free, hidden from his eyes.
On one of these walks, when Regina was lying on the grass, and the warm rays of the sun warmed, she suddenly heard the clatter of hooves. She turned at the sound; she saw the traveler racing to the castle Rumpelstiltskin. He did not even notice her. No, he was too angry. Regina could tell by the way he gripped the hilt of his sword, and every now and then drove stallion. Indeed, he was unlikely to be Rumpelstiltskin friend, she smiled to herself. She wondered how this would play out.
She did not understand why she was worried about a stranger; Regina quickly jumped onto the saddle and ran to the castle. Besides, she was already too long absent, and an unexpected guest could only upset the Dark.
The Prince was rapidly approaching the castle, he knew that the monster already knew about his visit, but he did not care. All his thoughts are occupied his love, Snow White. He did not know how he could help her after what did King George, but he was willing to pay any price.
Spurred his horse and holding tight to the sword, he literally broke into the castle. But after running through several halls he stopped. Absolute silence, no rustling. Lovely slow steps came to a big oak door and he forcefully pushed it open. What presented itself to his eyes, was not in keeping with the stories about the castle. Bright and spacious room radiates warmth and comfort in the middle was a large bed, gently seasoned, and next to the mirror were spread things. Prince, as if trying not to offend, careful stepped up to the bed. On it lay a beautiful blue satin dress trimmed with silver threads. Is there a girl living here? He left the perfectly neat room and through the next door.
Before his eyes appeared a completely different picture. A long table stretched across the length of the room, on the sides of the walls were filled with cabinets, windows were slightly open, and a man was sitting in a corner and spinning. Perfect his first thought was wrong again, and was ready to close the door, and then he noticed that the filament was a subtle golden section.
"Rumpelstiltskin!" Called Prince, confidently striding towards him. But the Dark seemed just did not hear it, continuing to turn the wheel.
Rumpelstiltskin amused by this kind of game.
Dark felt a flash of steel in his neck. He just smiled and disappeared into the air, causing the Prince to spin in confusion.
"Rumpelstiltskin!" he angrily shouted. "You're a coward! Enough to hide!"
Words with pain reminded the Dark about his past, about the man, whom he buried a long time ago. He was angry. But, trying to contain his anger, he again appeared in a cloud of smoke, and, sitting down in a chair standing in the middle of the room, laughing.
"Prince Charming ..." Rumpelstiltskin giggled. "What do you want from me?"
"You know what!" The prince screamed angrily. "King George admitted that it was you that prepared the poison for Snow White.
"Poison? What is the poison?" Dark mocked.
"Do not bullshit me! I need an antidote!"
"You're well aware, any magic comes at a price ..." Rumpelstiltskin said, his eyes gleaming in anticipation of the new deal.
"What do you want? I will give everything" - said the Prince.
"Everything? Really?" the magician smiled cunningly. "I just want one thing. Your first child."
"Don't you dare ..." Prince began to boil. "You will never find out!"
"Then you'll never have it" Rumpelstiltskin hissed, and at the same moment, moved from the blow of the sword that cut deeply into the chair. He knew that all costs were worth getting the medicine, and without it was not going to go away.
But Rumpelstiltskin is quickly bored, and he snapped his fingers, he made the sword disappear and pinned Prince Charming with force to the wall.
"Don't you dare! Let go of me! You're a monster!" He shouted in anger. "Stop hiding behind the magic!"
The words were the last straw. Rumpelstiltskin picked up the sword lying on the floor and was about to plunge it into the prince, the door suddenly opened and entered Regina.
"Sorry I'm late…" was all she had time to utter it before she saw the whole situation.
Regina anxiously watched Rumpelstiltskin, indicating the edge of the sword in the heart of a stranger. He lost control, the thought flashed through her head, and she instinctively shrank into herself, afraid to fall under his wrath.
"What are you ... doing?" She murmured, tentatively stepping towards them.
"Oh, you're back, dear?" Still holding the sword and without breaking contact with the Prince, he smiled "Allow me to introduce Prince Charming."
Rumpelstiltskin willfully bowed, but still held his sword. He went over to stand next to Regina, and taking her by the hand, led her to a stranger.
"Come on, introduce yourself, sweet" laughed the magician.
Only now she was finally able to see the Prince. He was a tall, well-built, but most of all she caught his eye. They were a clear blue. Regina's heart began to beat even stronger, and in a daze, she only managed to say:
"Regina. My name is Regina. I ..."
He was lost in examining her; she was wearing that same satin dress, which he had seen in a bright room. She was beautiful. My God, what was he thinking?! His true love was waiting for him, and here he is admiring the another.
"Regina my fiancée" he heard how pleased Rumpelstiltskin was, noting how the girl looked down. The bride? It did not fit in his head.
"Why are you here?" Regina asked cautiously, meeting his eyes.
But in less than a second, Rumpelstiltskin wrapped his arm around her waist, pulled her close and whispered: "He wants to make a deal, honey."
Regina stiffened, Dark was so close that she wanted to push him away and run away, but she could still remember how that turned out last time, so only holding her lips together tightly, prevented a moan of despair on the lips.
But the gesture did not go unnoticed by the Prince. He had to think now about the Snow White! But the only thing he wanted to do now is to embed this pompous magician and take Regina from him.
He was brought back to reality by her voice:
"Deal?"
"Not on what you're asking! Never! I'll kill you!" Prince shouted, trying to break out of the shackles.
Rumpelstiltskin and laughed, letting go of Regina.
"Everything has its price" he hissed.
"Your price is too high. I will never agree!" Prince spat in his face.
"Then you will never have an heir" laughed Rumpelstiltskin.
Only now beginning to understand Regina saw his thoughts. She was disgusted with him. Not wanting to conceal it, Regina said:
"You…" the devil. "And I hope you will burn in hell for what you did."
Charming could not believe his ears, her voice was filled with so much pain and hatred that he inadvertently wondered what this monster did to her.
Rumpelstiltskin quickly turned to Regina, her eyes full of a mix of fear and determination.
Charming watched with fear the proceedings. Rumpelstiltskin came close to Regina and sent her flying to the floor, with a harsh slap.
"Don'!" James shouted, trying to get lose of the invisible bounds that held him.
"No! You do not contradict me, darling!" The dark one angrily said, grabbing her by the chin and eagerly dropping to her lips.
Regina, collecting all the power pushed him away. In her eyes there was no fear, only anger.
Rumpelstiltskin a predatory smile and whispered:
"You've forgotten my lesson ..."
The lesson? Charming looked confused at the two of them, but noticed how pale Regina.
"You know, dear, I think you both need time to think" said the Dark once again turning to the Prince. "You know, I think Regina will gladly show you her old room."
With these words, Rumpelstiltskin gestured and prisoners vanished into the haze.
In the dark cold cell, Charming was finally able to move. Noticing the girl, he cautiously approached her, not wanting to scare, and brushed her cheek, examining where there was a bruise from the impact. Looking into her chocolate eyes filled with hope and pain, he again found himself thinking how beautiful she was.
"I'm sorry"
"It's not your fault, Prince" Regina tried to calm him down, and slowly sank to the floor, leaning against the cold wall.
"Have you been here…." A though flickered into Charming's head "but your his fiancée ... you ... he does not have to ..."
"Does not have to what? Hit me? Shouldn't throw me in prison?!" Regina yelled. "This was not my choice."
She was ready now to tell him everything, to share the burden, but again she did not want to seem weak. I have to be strong, the thought flashed through her head.
Charming realized this, and without a word kneeled down on the floor in front of Regina. Silence was the only thing that both of them needed.
In sleep, Regina was again transported back to that day, in her mind again surfaced pictures from the past: the separation from their parents, desperate eyes of his father, blows dealt by Rumpelstiltskin and her own screams filled the room. He awoke noticing Regina squirming, tears flowing and her lips whispered "let go" ...
"Shh, it's okay, you're safe" His warm hands brushed away tears and patted her head.
Charming so wanted to hug her and never let go, hug her and safeguard against all adversity. Not understanding what he was doing, he bent down to her lips and kissed her gently and carefully.
Regina responded to the kiss, deepening it and dropping to his entire body. She felt his strong hands moving over her and weave into her hair. It was her need.
Charming lost his mind, he wanted to have her here and now, and no common sense would not allow him to let her go.
But suddenly Regina pulled away, panting and gasping for air, she suddenly realized that if Rumpelstiltskin knew he would never stop hurting her.
"We can not" she gasped, pushing him back against the wall
"I'm sorry, I should not have ..." Charming pulled away
"You're not to blame" Regina whispered, closing his eyes.
Prince sighed, took off his coat and threw it at her.
"Thank you" Regina smiled gratefully, wrapping it round her, and then trying to sleep.
Charming for a minute looked at her peaceful face, and making sure that it is no longer plagued by nightmares, he fell asleep.
Waking up, Regina felt so warm and cozy that did not understand where she was, and only when she noticed the sleeping prince, did the memories of last night return her causing a blush on her cheeks.
She already knew what do. She looked at a child-like calm face of the Prince.. She was grateful for the fact that he allowed her to feel safe yesterday, and now Regina was ready to give back. He loves another, she thought she would to do anything to help him.
Regina knew that Rumpelstiltskin never give medicine just like that, but it's possible that he would agree to another price, something that he had wanted a long time.
Regina stood up, still wrapped in his cloak, and whispered: "Rumpelstiltskin."
Instantly his lilac mist shrouded, and she found herself face to face with the magician.
"You thought better of it, dear?" He cooed, grinning.
"I want to offer you a deal in exchange for a cure for Snow White" Regina said.
Rumpelstiltskin nodded after hearing her sentence.
"Charming, wake up" Regina was gently shaking his shoulders. Wide-eyed, Prince just noticed that Regina was kneeling before him. Her face was so close that he wanted to reach out and brush a strand of hair that fell over his forehead. Bu then he noticed that the door of the prison opened.
"What? ... How? Did you?" Surprised he muttered, with a puzzled looking at Regina.
"Take it" Regina offered him a bundle, carefully avoiding his gaze. "Here the cure for Snow White."
"How did you get?" The Prince asked in surprise, taking the parcel. Only now he started to reach the meaning of the whole situation, and he grabbed Regina's shoulders, starting to shake: "What did you offer him, Regina?" His voice sounded anxious. In her eyes, he tried to find the answer, but they had only humility.
"Myself" she whispered.
Charming still gripping her shoulders ,ran his hand down her cheek.
"You did not have to do that" the bitterness in his voice.
"He would never let go of me, but by agreeing to a deal, I gave you a chance to get away and be happy with Snow White. So go," said Regina slowly getting up from the floor and gesturing to the door.
Charming rose behind her, he fought conflicting feelings, he loved Snow White, but this girl aroused in him new feelings, he had to carry the medication to Snow, but he could not bring myself to even take a step towards the exit.
"Get out!" Regina screamed.
With uncertain steps Prince went to Regina, who was standing at the door, and leaned and whispered: "Thank you" leaving a kiss on the cheek.
In the window Regina saw the Prince gradually moving away from the castle, but the sound of the door opening brought her out of thought. She turned around and saw Rumpelstiltskin, feigned bowing to her with a smirk on his face.
"My Queen" he smiled.