Chapter 7
"Regina, dear. It's time to wake up. Queens in the making have no time to rest," Cora beams with excitement. Regina mumbles she is tired. Her mind could not process why her mother was so happy.
Cora walks over to her daughter's bed and shakes her slightly. "Regina, today is a special day." She pulls back Regina's cover and pulls her body up. "Wake up," Cora continues.
Regina rubs her eyes trying to get the crust out of them. "I'm awake mother."
Cora sits on the edge of the bed and grabs Regina's hands. "I have exciting news. You're going to attend your first ball. You should have always attended balls growing up but now we are able to do this the right way. The king is going to announce your betrothal to the entire kingdom."
Regina's heart dropped in her stomach. How could she stand up there in front of so many people and pretend her heart was with the king? No, it was too soon. There would never be a right time to do anything that had Leopold's name attached to it.
"Today? I thought the kingdom was still grieving Queen Eva. I don't want to send the wrong message," Regina stated.
"What message would that be dear?"
She sighed. "People will think I'm trying to replace Eva."
Cora's excitement died a little with the mention of her rival. However, she dismissed the feeling and her daughter's. "Nonsense. It's been months. The king has grieved. The right amount of time has passed. Anyway, we've been over this. Why do you think I've pushed all those dance lessons? The entire kingdom will know what a graceful woman you are."
"Now, we have all day to prepare. You will be the belle of the ball," Cora said. "Besides, it was King Leopold's decision and we cannot defy him. Not yet anyway."
Regina barely smiled. "Yes, mother."
The day stretches long and outside Regina's window she can see various carriages arrive to the castle. She can see Daniel greet the guests and her heart flutters at the sight. Her hand subconsciously goes to her ring finger.
If only Daniel was the one to be the groom and not Leopold. Ever since her dance with him she couldn't get him out of her head. She began to dream about Daniel spinning her around in the courtyard or gallivanting across the Enchanted Forest on their horses. In her dreams, she is happy and at peace. Two feelings that are fleeting as she faces her impending reality.
Her rapt attention on Daniel is interrupted by Snow's intrusion. Snow is full of excitement and Regina smiles at how happy she is. "Regina, have you seen the carriages? The ball is going to be perfect."
Snow bounces to the window and leans into Regina. Regina truly loves Snow and views Snow has the little sister she never had. While she sees Snow's excitement shine through, she is struck by Snow's innocence while hers is slowly chipped away. Regina runs her hand through Snow's dark hair.
"I have seen the carriages," she answered. "They're here to see the beloved Princess Snow." Snow snorts and nudges Regina.
"They are here to see the new Queen," Snow replies. Snow's tone is clipped by a sudden feeling of loss. Regina can detect a little sadness in her voice.
"Snow, listen to me." Snow faces Regina who is very serious."I know that no one can replace your mother. Not me or anyone else. She was and still is very huge factor in your life and I will not take that away from you. You don't have to call me mother. You can just call me Regina. You, dear, are the real queen of the kingdom."
"I miss her."
Regina hugs her. "I know. You can always talk to me. I hope you know that I'm here for you," Regina states.
"Thank you," Snow says.
A knock interrupts them. "Is this a bad time?"
Daniel comes into view looking troubled. He can tell Regina is comforting Snow about something.
Snow walks up to Daniel and hugs him. "Everything is fine. You worry too much." She leaves and the room becomes tense with Regina and Daniel looking in every direction but at each other.
Daniel rubs the back of his neck. "Um, you look beautiful."
Regina blushes a bright red. "Thank you. You look handsome." He was dressed in his white regalia demonstrating the demeanor of a prince.
"Oh Daniel. What am I supposed to do out there? What if nobody likes me?"
Daniel chuckled.
"It's not funny," Regina said. She sounded a little childish to her own ears.
Daniel coughed. "I'm sorry. I'm sure you will charm your way around the room. You will have people singing your praises," he replied.
"Or wanting my head," she muttered.
"Then I'll be there to keep that from happening," he said. "I like you. So does Snow. We have your back."
She was comforted by his conviction.
"May I request something of you?" he asked.
"Of course Daniel. What is it?"
"I would like the first dance before you are whisked away," Daniel said. This may be the last time he could dance with the woman he considered a friend and maybe something more.
He approaches her steadily holding out his hand. The chemistry between them is hard to ignore. Their hearts beat faster as their bodies fit perfectly. He holds her as if she is the most precious being in the world. She leans into him safe and secure because he won't let her fall.
He hums a tune from his childhood. Regina finds herself closing her eyes and trusting Daniel to guide. This feels right.
Their dance is over. Daniel reluctantly lets her go. "I'll escort you. I'm sure the cavalry is waiting for you."
"Thank you."
They can hear Leopold's booming voice around the corner. They catch distant voices as well.
Leopold is entertaining some guests and Daniel stops causing Regina to nearly trip over herself. Regina tries to tug on Daniel to get his attention but his face is stoic. It's a face filled with controlled anger.
"Finally," Leopold said. "My son has escorted my bride to me," he continues.
Daniel wants to pull Regina back and run out the castle. He feels as if he was being set up.
"Regina, meet King Thomas and Princess Alexandra. They will soon be part of our family," Leopold said.
"How?" Regina asked confused.
"I'm Prince Daniel's fiance," Alexandra explained. She curtsies. "It's an honor to meet you Queen Regina."
Regina, to her credit, put on a smile. "I'm sure you and Daniel will be happy together. And, please, call me Regina. I'm not queen yet."
"That will soon change," Leopold said laughing.
Daniel watches the bizarre interaction between the woman he wants and the woman so-called destined to be at his side. He wants to crawl into a hole or better yet, strangle his father.
"The king and I decided to announce both engagements. This is a new beginning for all of us," Leopold stated.
Regina's mind was spinning and she took the opportunity to glance at Daniel. Those blue eyes never looked so cold before he snapped out of it.
Daniel saw Alexandra's blond hair come into view. Daniel forced a smile. He bowed and kissed her hand. "Alexandra."
"Daniel, love," she said. She kissed his cheek. "Look alive darling. We have appearances to keep," she whispered.
