Minerva steps outside to the open balcony adjacent to the war chamber. Shes been up all night thinking deeply about the Kingdom and watching the open skies. Even though she knows shes done a good job here, shes a little sad she will be leaving soon. As much as she cares to admit, shes grown attached to Snow and Regina. Shes also curious to see what happens with Snow and Davids blossoming romance.

Minerva sighs, leaning against the rails and watches the sun rise. The chilly nights air fades away with the warm rising sun, the city below waking for the long day ahead. Her focus slides to the palace gardens under her and she smiles. Its been four days since the Chieftain and his tribe arrived. Snow has developed a friendship with the chiefs daughter as understandably they both have much in common. The budding relationship also seems to be helping dissuade the princesses mind of David, who still remains in the dungeons under armed guard.

"My Grace?"

Minerva looks back, noting a sheepish Regina suddenly behind her.

"I apologize, I don't mean to intrude but.."

There's a pause before Minerva beckons the Queen forward, sensing Regina's urgency.

The young Queen slides alongside the railings, staring out into the city below. There's another brief moment of silence, the warm breeze wisping through raven hair until brown eyes refocus and Regina's hands begin their fidgeting.

"I..I'm not sure how to proceed with a certain problem and I need your wisdom."

"Is this regarding your new treaty?"

"No. Myself and Chief Padawah have already arranged the new trade agreement between us and it is being drafted as we speak."

Minerva cocks an eyebrow, her focus sliding to the anxious Queen.."Then what?"

"Its Snow..Shes obsessed with Prince David and keeps demanding I release him. We've..well it hasn't been good between us lately because of him and I was wondering..Could you tell me if David is a threat to her? A threat to this kingdom?"

Minerva studies the woman a moment.."Do you think he's a threat?"

"I don't know! That's why I'm asking you!"

Minerva purses her lips at the clipped tone and quickly Regina's angry features slip and wide eyes snap to the floor.

"I-I..I'm sorry I..Forgive me I didn't mean to I.."

Minerva sighs, placing a reassuring hand on the stumbling Queens shoulder and silencing her.."I know you must be frustrated, but you must approach this matter with a clear head and a clear heart. I know you love Snow and this matter will be straining your relationship, but I cannot give you all the answers Regina. You must figure this out for yourself."

Panic swells in brown eyes.."But what if I get it wrong? What if Snow grows to hate me or the Kingdom suffers because I let David go! If I have him executed Snow will never forgive me but if I release him the kingdom will think I'm weak and he could try to kill me or Snow or.."

Minerva quickly pulls the panicking woman into her arms and runs a soothing hand up and down Regina's back. After a few seconds, the woman's breathing settles and shes pulled back to stare into earnest grey eyes.

"You are a sensible and wise Queen Regina, you have done remarkably well on your own and not many Kings or rulers could have achieved what you have in such a short period of time. Where has all of this come from? Why are you doubting yourself now?"

Minerva runs the pad of her thumb across Regina's cheek and stares into glassy brown eyes.

"I thought I could do this on my own but..I cant."

"Yes you can. You are strong and resilient and you love your people. You've already done so much on your own."

Regina shakes her head, a tear sliding down flushed cheeks.."I couldn't have done any of this without you. I get my strength from you, my safety from you, and when you return to Olympus I..I wont..I cant.."

Regina crumbles but is quickly caught by strong arms and pulled against a firm body.

"You are a remarkable woman Regina but sometimes you don't see whats in front of you. I never once made a decision on behalf of the White Kingdom, its you who has decided the peoples future, its you who has brokered deals and solidified new treaty's with your allies, and it is you who has just opened up new relations with a foreign chief and his clan. Your a very wise and kind hearted Queen, but you're also grasping what it means to rule with an iron fist. All I've done Regina is nudged you in the right direction, the rest you've done all on your own."

Minerva guides the emotional Queen back into the war chamber and sits her down. She gently wipes the tears from flushed cheeks and guides brown eyes to meet hers.."You can do this. Its normal to be scared of uncertainty but just remember, if something does happen that is out of your control, listen to your heart, and it will guide you."

The Queen smiles brightly, the brightest Minerva's ever seen before ferocious red lips are crashing into hers. Slightly shaking hands grasp either side of Minerva's face as she stares wide eyed at the desperate woman, but soon shock is replaced by lust and she immerses in the kiss, pulling the Queen up with her and wraps a strong arm around Regina's petite waist. The fragile Queen from a moment ago has suddenly vanished, replaced by the more dominant royal deepening their kiss and exploring Minerva's mouth with a determined tongue.

After a heated beat, Regina pulls back, fingers caressing the other woman's jawline and her body pushing itself into Minerva, aching to be touched. Minerva cocks a cheeky eyebrow at the move but allows the younger woman to take the lead.

"I..I think I.."

Regina breathes heavily, dark eyes growing darker before shes grasping Minerva's hand and quickly walking them out of the war room. Minerva smirks, letting herself be guided down white halls until they approach her bedchamber. Abruptly they stop, Regina turning around a little anxiously and fidgeting with their entwined hands. Minerva simply smiles, waiting patiently for the young Queens next move. After a beat, Regina smiles softly, gently guiding them both through the large marble doors before they're closed with a light thud..

Grey eyes flicker open and survey the surrounding area. They first the glide around the gold and red chamber, tracing the luxury patterned ceiling before being redirected to a small shift under the covers beside her. Minerva smiles weakly, watching as Regina's slumbering features turn towards her and a small sigh escapes faded red lips.

She certainly didn't expect this to happen, especially after their heated conversation earlier. Minerva's smile slips, her thoughts dancing around the prospect she will be leaving shortly, technically abandoning Regina and Snow to return to Olympus. But she has to return, if she stays she will upset the balance of things and it could result in irreparable chaos.

Minerva frowns, grey eyes redirected to the open balcony doors. Silently she slips out of bed, careful not disturb a slumbering Regina, and strides towards the sunshine. She pulls the metal and glass open, carefully stepping out into the sun and surveys the area.

Quickly she steps to the side defensively, but calms her erratic heart seeing her mother stood at the other side of the balcony, staring out over the city.

"Mother?"

"Athena you must return home."

Minerva frowns, her mothers harsh tone and lack of eye contact worrying.

"Whats wrong? Is everything okay?"

"You know everything is not alright. Your father is furious and.."

Hera faces her daughter, pain shining in deep blue eyes.."I cant help you this time."

"What do you mean?"

"All will be explained at home, now come."

Minerva glances back into the chamber, eyes locking onto the sleeping Queen and she sighs, her job is finally done. Regina will be alright on her own..

"Then lets return home."

With a firm nod from her mother, both Hera and Minerva vanish, leaving the balcony empty once more and the White Queen sleeping soundly in the next room..