A/N: Woo! Another time warp; I re-watched a couple episodes trying to get some more ideas and I came across this episode. It was so full of potential that I couldn't pass it up. I'd like to thank you guys for the follows and reviews, they keep me writing and let me know you still like the story. Getting closer to Storybrooke with each chapter! I'm excited. Haha. Anyway here's the newest chapter. Enjoy.

-Enchanted Forest, Nine Years Later-

It had been a long nine years; Daniel's death was constantly plaguing Regina's mind she mourned him every day. The fact that she was basically trapped in a guiled cage did not help the healing process. Regina grew darker and more hateful as the days drew on; she blamed Snow for everything which was accurate and the fact that she was able to live out her life in happiness made Regina's blood boil. Regina was thankful that she was able to convince The King to allow her to appoint Rune into some position of standing. Rune was now known as her Enforcer; the sole person entrusted to protect the Queen with every breath they took. It was a simple task for her sister who had been doing so years before she had become royalty. Rune had started to abstain from magic, preferring to beat and tear her enemies apart with her superb fighting prowess and strength rather than using a simple spell to dispatch her adversaries. The latest suppression elixir, as they had begun to call it, had the unsavory side effect of near constant bloodlust. She had also used her newfound connections to try to locate her cousin Akeem without tipping him off before hand, so far the search had been fruitless but it was only a matter of time. Rune's visits to Granny's had stopped around four years ago. Rune felt that the darkness she carried would rub off on Red and that was the last thing she wanted to happen. So to save the young girl she had not returned; the decision tore her apart as more darkness latched onto her already tainted soul.

Xxxxxx

Regina was in the palace gardens picking apples with Rune not too far behind her looking for any signs of danger. 'She's getting fidgety,' Regina noted 'I will have to keep an ear out for outlaws; both Rune and Willow are overdue for a good brawl.' The sounds of approaching footsteps and an unfamiliar voice snapped her out of her thoughts as she felt her sister shift behind her. She hears introductions being made and feels eyes boring into her back. "And this is my wife, The Queen Regina." She pulled the apple from its stem, and then turned to greet the stranger. "Hello." She says softly with a slight smile; she manages to fight off the shiver of disgust that the strange man's lustful stare. She turned her head as Snow walked by with a freshly picked flower and headed in Rune's direction. She noticed Rune's grip tightened around the handle of her sword as Snow came within striking range, 'Yes, they both need something to bash-in.' Regina contemplated as she watched Rune bow dutifully as Snow put that day's flower in her sister's hair. It didn't do much to deter Rune's imposing appearance these days, but it had become a habit since The King did not want his daughter to be frightened by her stepmother's body guard. Rune's head snapped up and she glared at the foreign man who had tried to stand closer to The Queen. The man immediately halted his progress under the cursed half-ling's heated gaze and swallowed audibly. "Rune, would you please escort me to my chambers? I have grown weary of the chill in the air." Regina requested. Rune nodded "Of course my Queen." She replied smoothly while offering Regina her arm as she bid goodbye to The King, Snow, and the foreigner.

Once they reached Regina's chambers Rune dismissed the chamber maids and shut the doors behind them. As soon as the lock clicked they both relaxed; Rune flopped down on the edge of the bed and fought the urge to snatch the flower out of her hair. She heard her sister chuckling at her expense and looked to Regina with a scowl. The look caused Regina to laugh harder. Rune sighed before smirking, "I didn't see you laughing when that perverted Genie was practically molesting you with his eyes." The look on Regina's face was one akin to when someone unwittingly bites into a bruised piece of fruit. Regina sneers, "That man made me want to bathe for a week from his leering. How did you know he was a Genie?" Rune shrugged as she picked up a pomegranate, "It wasn't me who knew, I picked up on the magic but Willow noticed the scarring on his wrists. He had been recently unshackled." She replied catching her reflection in the mirror she paused. "I don't think I will ever get used to not seeing my own reflection in the mirror." Rune said softly as Willow gave a wolfish grin through the glass. Regina watched as her sister gazed at the mirror a while longer before Rune turned to her with a wicked glint in her eye. "Perhaps, we can use his new found freedom to break you shackles as well. He seemed to be the type to do something drastic in the name of love." That statement certainly piqued Regina's interest. "Really what did you have in mind?"

Xxxxxx

Later that evening at dinner Regina played the part of the neglected wife while Rune watched from the shadows. They had agreed that her presence would be more of a hindrance than an asset in this situation. Regina counted to ten before slipping into the gardens; she made a beeline to Tomlan and gazed out onto the horizon. She felt Rune's aura in the garden with her but did not bother to look; she knew she wouldn't be able to spot her. She heard soft footfalls behind her and knew he had fallen for their ruse. She would have Rune speak to her father later tonight for the next part of the plan. Now all Regina had to do was stomach the company of this strangely dressed man long enough for him to believe she cared for him. He tried to convince her that she was beautiful, and Regina was insulted at his interpretation of her performance. She was well aware that she was attractive and the fact that he gave her a mirror so she could "see what he sees" was offensive and confusing. 'Did I miss when mirrors became used in romantic gestures?' Regina mused in disbelief. They parted ways soon after much to Regina's relief and the Genie's disappointment. Knowing Rune was following her she made her way back to her chambers. Rune was amused at the sad attempt at romance the Genie had employed. Regina sighed and told her to contact her father while she wrote in her diary. Her sister smirked before leaving her alone.

Henry Mills met Rune shortly after Regina had been wed. The two got along famously at the start and after learning of the Soul Binding ritual he saw her as a second daughter. He saw the path they were headed down would be full of darkness but he would not abandon them. He knew that he could not save them, but they were all he had left. He would try his best to guide them; but he feels as though he failed with Rune. While he embraced her as a daughter, she never gave him the role of her father. He was kept at arm's length as her personality got darker; only letting Regina in. Regina was another matter entirely; their bond had strengthened over the years he was sure that even though there was no competition that the bond they shared was stronger than the one between both girls. He knew he would do anything to make Regina happy, no matter the cost. He was drawn out of his reflections by a knock on the door. "Enter." He said curious to see who would come to his chambers at such an hour. The doors opened and Rune strode in, the air around her automatically darkening. Henry gestured towards the seat, silently inviting her to sit down. She paused for a moment before sitting down, though this was not her first time in his room at such a late hour she did not enter with a lost look in her eyes Henry noticed. "Regina and I need your help. We have a plan and I can promise you that neither of you will be harmed. All that you need to do is deliver this box to the man that arrived here today," Rune paused and a look passed across her face and Henry grew concerned. Taking a deep breath she continues. "I need you to tell him that he is needed to deliver the box to Regina because The King would be suspicious if you did it." "What exactly is in this box?" Henry probed. Before Rune could reply however Rune doubled over and grimaced. She began patting her person in search of something, she quickly found what she needed and pulled it out. She brought the flask up to her lips and threw her head back in an attempt to swallow the contents quicker. It appeared that the flask was already empty or the contents did not have the desired effect because Rune growled in frustration. Henry was desperate to help as he watched her stumble towards the mirror, "NOT NOW!" she yelled at her reflection as ivory streaks started appearing in her hair. Henry rose and began to make his way to her. "NO! Stay back! You're safer over there!" Rune urged as her legs gave out. The trashing and growls continued for another minute or so before it all stopped.

Henry watched as Rune slowly picked herself off the floor. A dark chuckle filled the silence; "The contents of the box, old man are two of the deadliest serpents in this realm," she paused glancing at the mirror with a smirk. Henry fought off a shiver at her tone. "They have sworn fealty to me and do my bidding. They have been instructed on their task," Henry nearly fainted at the sight of glowing silver eyes that met his as she strode across the room to get in his personal space. "Now do yours." With that she turned around and paused just before she walked out the door, "The box will be carried up to your chambers tomorrow. Have a pleasant evening." After that she was gone leaving Henry to believe she was farther from his guidance than he had thought.

Xxxxxx

The plan had been going smoothly, and even though there were some disturbing reports of grisly murders in several villages, The King still employed the Genie's help in finding out who had stolen his wife's heart. Rune had been significantly less tense the next morning, Regina sighed it seemed like Willow had also built up a resistance to Rune's latest batch of suppression elixir. 'That explains the murders.' Regina mused. She had been in her chambers all morning, knowing it would make the Genie seek her out faster. The flapping of wings refocused her attention; she looked up just in time to see Ginovio land on her desk. "Yer father handed off the box. He's headed here, now would the time to put on yer war face lass." He informed her, "Oh, and watch out. He his mustache gives me the shivers." He winked before taking off. She was thankful that neither of their winged friends had changed much over the years. As the doors opened she gathered herself for the most pivotal part of the plan, convincing him to kill The King. The task had been easier to complete than she thought it would be; the man was truly desperate for love. All she had to do was brush her fingers near the opening of the box were the vipers were instructed to hiss and act as if they were going to strike her. He swiftly grabbed her hand and pulled her close and offered to kill The King instead of killing herself. She acted impressed at his bravery and "reluctantly" agreed to let him do this for her.

At her behest the Genie waited until the king was asleep in his bed so he'd be less likely to get caught. As Regina and Rune sat in her chambers they discussed what they were to do with the Genie once the task was completed. "We should kill him. Dead men tell no tales, we could simply say he sailed back to Agrabah; The Kingdom has no power there and you are free to rule as you please." Rune suggested, slightly jealous that Willow was able to let loose and she had not. She grinned darkly, "I promise not to get any on your drapes." Regina rolled her eyes, but seriously considered Rune's proposition. It would kill two birds with one stone; she wouldn't have to worry about him confessing to the murder somewhere down the line and Rune's bloodlust would be sated momentarily. It was an enticing offer but she wanted to give him a chance to leave; if he refused to leave however she would allow Rune to relieve some stress. She glanced over at her sister, who was currently cutting into her second pomegranate since they had been waiting. She was starting to think the girl had a problem, ever since her three month long tryst with that gypsy girl Esmeralda it's the only fruit she eats. She had a feeling that Tomlan was getting jealous that Rune no longer desired his apples. She was considering having a talk with her; she had forged a knife just for cutting the fruit! It was absurd. Rune was about half way through her new favorite fruit when the Genie burst into Regina's chambers not even noticing her sitting on the divan near the hearth. She was astonished that he confessed to the murder without once looking around. It was like his whole world revolved around her; Rune was grateful that she would have the chance to put this obsession to rest if Regina allows it. She pulled out her boot knife and set it on her thigh for quick access to it, but for now she was certain it'd be fine to watch the theatrics and finish her snack before the real fun began.

Regina was in awe of this man's stupidity; not once did he check to see if they were alone before practically shouting to the heavens that he was the one who had just killed The King. If anyone else had been in this room he would have been arrested and she would be looked upon with suspicion, she could slap this man, but that would expose her manipulations so instead she thanked him. Regina had seen Rune reach for a weapon; now was her one and only chance to convince him to leave and never return. That of course did cause the Genie to see her for what she really was; but still he did not want to leave and said as much. At this admission Rune was on her feet stalking towards him with a deadly glint in her eye. The Genie failed to notice his death creeping up on him as he ranted; it appeared that Rune wanted to be in close quarters when she struck not willing to attack until she knew she had him. The Genie turned to her with a crazed look in his eye snatched the lamp from his bag and made his wish. He was gone in a cloud of black and blue smoke leaving no trace behind. Rune grit her teeth and was about to mention the Genie's wish, when she heard a cry of anger and disbelief Regina's laugh drew her attention to the mirror the man had given her only to see his face and hear the pathetic thumps that his fists made as he pounded on the reflective surface. Rune laughed as well before tapping on the glass separating them. "I hope you are comfortable in there; it seems like you traded one pair of shackles for another. If you had only spoken slower you would have been at peace by now." She stated. "At peace, what do you mean? How would I have been at peace right now?" the man in the mirror queried curious to know how she could have made that happen. Rune smiled, "I was going to kill you. Death is the only place one can find true peace." The look of horror on his face was enough to make her laugh again. "Rune, stop taunting him; He may be of use to us sometime in the future." Regina chided. Rune growled at him for good measure before allowing Regina to retire for the night.

Xxxxxx

King Leopold's body was found the next morning. Rune managed to "coax" the vipers into a chest and identified them as Agrabah Vipers. It was common knowledge to all those in the castle that The King's guest had come from Agrabah; the guards searched the castle for the strange man with Rune leading the pursuit. After two weeks' worth of searching the castle grounds and the nearby villages Rune called off the search for The King's murderer. The whole nation mourned their King and Snow was absolutely distraught over what happened. Regina wore a veil over her face at the funeral the next month witnesses say she was sobbing so hard her shoulders were shaking. Even The Queen's Enforcer seemed to be taking it hard for her hand was over her mouth and though they weren't as noticeable as Queen Regina's; her shoulders were shaking as well. Regina's first act as Queen and sole ruler of the land was to start an investigation in search of the assassin's accomplice. Rune had informed her that many commoners believed that there was someone with in the palace that helped the Genie murder The King; how else could he have gotten access to His Majesty's chambers or smuggle in snakes? Regina already knows who will appear to be guilty, for the fairness of the people she allows the head of the Royal Guards to head the investigation instead of her Enforcer. They did not need suspicion cast on them so early in her reign; she needed someone unbiased and who also reminded the people of their King to find the damming evidence. So he was the logical choice; everything was coming along as it should be and soon Snow White would suffer.