Chapter 7

Note: Guess who's back?!

A few weeks had passed since the wedding, and everything was going well in the White Kingdom. Emmett and Regina had been basking in their love, growing closer and more in love with each other each day. Regina was happier than ever; despite being a prince, Emmett was the most generous, kindest and gorgeous man she had ever met. The only one that could come remotely close to him was Daniel.

Daniel…that was something that still stung. Even though she was pretty sure Emmett was her happy ending, she couldn't help but feeling remorse and guilt about his death. He didn't deserve it; he was an amazing man and would always have a special spot in her heart, but she knew now that the special connection she once had with him was not true love.

She looked up at the clear blue sky and smiled, her eyes glistening. "I'm so sorry, Daniel. I wish you didn't have to die for me. You saved me in all the ways a person can be saved and taught me that being myself was not a bad thing. Thank you" She whispered as a lone tear made its way down her cheek. She felt a small breeze pass, brushing against the wet spot on her skin, almost as if someone wanted to wipe it away. She gasped softly and smiled, somehow knowing that her beloved stable boy got her message. She stood up and went back to the castle in search of her Prince.

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Though it was all laughter and smiles in the White Kingdom, there was someone that wasn't even remotely happy about the latest developments. In the darkest part of the Forbidden Forest, in a dark and gloomy castle, resided a vile creature with mystical, dark powers. His hair was greasy and dirty, his skin green and scaly and eyes dark and cold. His name was Rumpelstiltskin, or, his most popular moniker, the Dark One.

Why wasn't he happy, you ask? The answer is simple. Regina Mills, or more appropriately, Swan. She wasn't supposed to be happy; this was not how things were supposed to happen. She should have lost everything; she should have married King Leopold and hated Snow White. But no, all his plans were ruined that to that stupid prince. For some reason, his visions of the future had never worked on him, so he had no way of knowing of the events regarding him, including his involvement with Cora's daughter, the child he saw grow up under her mother's fist and her father's cowardice.

She was going to be dark, powerful, and evil. But that prince had ruined everything with his big heart and charming smile. Even Cora was smitten with the boy. He growled angrily. This would not do; he wouldn't give up. He would need help though, an ancient deal made with Leopold's grandfather prevented him from going to their castle and killing that insufferable prince himself. No; he would seek help and who better to help him than the woman whose hate for Emmett rivaled his own.

Maleficent, the queen of the Forbidden Forest. He grinned evilly. Yes, she would help him indeed. He would get rid of the prince and steer Regina through a path of darkness and revenge, just as he originally planned. He couldn't afford to fail now; everything was at stake. Regina Swan would be the evil queen and she would guide him closer to his goal.

Baelfire...

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Meanwhile, in the Forbidden Fortress, a witch sat on her throne, nursing a glass of red wine. She had been like that since she heard about the nuptials of Prince Emmett, the man that was supposed to be hers. She gripped her glass tighter and closed her eyes, remembering that day.

Flashback (Five years ago)

An elegant carriage made its way through the lush green forest of the White Kingdom, its sole occupant impatient to get there already. When they finally got to the castle, a guard approached it and opened the door, assisting the beautiful woman inside. She smiled at him and her eyes glowed green for a moment, locking with his. "You will take me to your king immediately, I must speak with him urgently" she said. The man nodded, with no choice but to obey. She was guided to a conference room and a few minutes later, the King appeared. She stood up and bowed "Your Majesty, thanks for having me on such short notice. I'm Maleficent, queen of the Forbidden Forest" She said.

The king smiled and bowed as well "Pleasure, my lady. What can I do for you?" He asked, gesturing for her to take a seat. "I have a proposition for you, Your Majesty. I've been looking to expand my kingdom for a few years now but I haven't found a suitable offer. I propose a merger between our lands. I've heard that for a while now your export and import shipments has been intercepted by pirates and bandits. I'm offering an alternate route and protection. I'd gain more land and of course, your fairies' blessing upon my forest. The way I see it, Your Majesty, it's a win-win situation" she finished smoothly.

Leopold had to admit it was a good deal; they had lost several shipments during the last few years, and what she wanted in exchange was reasonable. He bit his lip "What did you have in mind for the merger?" he asked. She smirked. "A marriage, between myself and your eldest". She couldn't care less about her kingdom. But she was a very vain woman, whose beauty was admired and envied alike. Prince Emmett was, to put it mildly, gorgeous. A nice, attractive specimen and he would be perfect for her. King Leopold thought about it and decided to hear his son's input. He ordered a guard to get the prince to the conference room immediately.

When Emmett got there, he could feel the burning gaze of the woman in the room, but instead of making him feel wanted and special, he felt violated and uncomfortable. Leopold and Maleficent explained everything to him, their plans for the future and the advantages the merger would have on both their lands. Emmett stood up after a moment and looked Maleficent in the eye "While it's a very tempting offer, I'm afraid I have to decline, my lady. I have no interest in an arranged marriage for business. I'm sure there are other solutions for our problem with the shipments" He said. Maleficent was speechless and insulted "May I inquire as to why, Your Highness?" She asked through clenched teeth.

He sighed "I want love and passion, I want someone who makes my heart race, and who will love me for me and not my title. I'm sure other kings and princes will be interested in your offer, but I'm not. I'm sorry" He apologized, and with a bow, he left the room. Leopold and Maleficent stood there in silence until the king broke it "I'm deeply sorry, my lady. But while it would make my kingdom flourish even more, my son's happiness is more important to me. We can still merge if you want, but there won't be a wedding" He said, giving her an apologetic glance. Maleficent was livid and humiliated. No man before had rejected her and this brat wouldn't even look at her. Without another word she thanked the king, bowed and left the palace.

End of flashback

Stupid Prince! Who did he think he was? He rejected her and married that noble girl turned princess. They even got married by Fate! What's wrong with the world?! That night, when Rumple went to see her, she considered his words carefully. Killing a prince would start a war, not only with the White Kingdom but with the Summerlands and all their allies. But common sense had fled out of the window and revenge set in.

"I'll help you, Rumple. What do I have to do?" she asked. The Dark One giggled and summoned a small, silver dagger "Strike the Prince with this and he will fall in a deep, painful sleep not even true love's kiss will be able to break. He will suffer until his body gives up and dies. But the girl is mine, so don't touch her" He warned. Maleficent nodded and took the cursed dagger, smirking evilly.

If she couldn't have the prince, no one would. Rumple cackled in glee. Regina would be broken and his plan would be complete. Later, the two villains made a plan; to ruin Emmett and Regina's happy ending, forgetting the basic rule of sorcery.

Magic always comes with a price; doesn't matter if it's light or dark. Doesn't matter how powerful the caster is; everyone has to pay.

TBC

So, there you have it. I'm so, so sorry about the really long wait! Med school isn't as fun as Grey's anatomy and House make it to be. I've been very busy with school and life problems. Thought I'm finally on vacation (yay!) for a whole month, so, I'll update more frequently.

As always, enjoy and review, my fellow SQners.