~Author's Note~

Thanks again for all of the follows, favorites, and reviews. This is a short chapter but I'm posting two today and I have several more already written. I would also still love to get some prompts to write so send them my way. I ship OutlawQueen and SwanQueen friendship!

Chapter 8

~Flashback~

Regina awoke in her chambers, trying to remember why she felt so drained. Oh right. The girl.

She called for her servants to come help her dress and then went down to the room where she had put the girl. When she walked in she saw that her father was there asleep in a chair. The girl, however, was awake.

The girl looked up and then paled as she recognized Regina.

"Your…your majesty," she whispered and tried to get out of the bed. Regina quickly moved to stop her.

"You should remain in bed," Regina said. "I was able to heal your wounds but you will still be weak for a while."

"Thank you," the girl stated sincerely.

"Now," Regina replied. "Who are you and how did you end up on the side of the road in my forest like that?"

The girl paused for a second and looked down at her hands before beginning to speak.

"My name is Katelyn, your majesty. I work in the village as a seamstress. I'm married and, well, sometimes when my husband has had a long day he goes to the pub and last night he drank too much. I guess I made him angry; I should have left him alone…" Regina held up her hand to stop her.

"Has this happened before?" Regina asked. Katelyn nodded. "Often?" Another nod.

By now Henry had woken up and was quietly watching the conversation. When he saw how Regina's fists tightened in anger he decided to step in.

"Sweetheart," he began, moving to join them. "How old are you?"

"Twenty," she responded. Regina turned and walked to the window.

"How long have you been married?" Henry asked.

"Three years," Katelyn murmured. Before either could say anything else, Regina interrupted.

"His name. What is his name?"

Katelyn looked at Henry with a frightened expression, but he nodded for her to answer.

"Robert Cobbles," she stated, "but please don't make me go back to him. Please I'll do anything." She was beginning to hyperventilate so Henry went to calm her down. Regina also walked over.

"You will never have to live with that bastard again," Regina said seriously and then turned and walked from the room.

~End flashback~