The Queen's Ruffians
Part VIIII
The Girl on the Road
The Queen and her Princess rode along side each other down the path to the Forbidden Fortress. Upon deliberating for a few days, Regina found that she would rather execute the sleeping curse on the horrid Snow White, instead of enacting the Dark Curse. Aside from not being able to rejoice with her Princess about previous victories, Regina also felt that it was better to enact the sleeping curse due to the fact that the Princess had suffered far too much to withstand the dark curse as well. What little bit of heart Regina had left in her felt sympathy for the poor hopeless Princess Leetha. Following Ash's death, Regina tried to ease the pain with gifts and quality time practicing dark magic and royal etiquette. The day after his death Regina gave Leetha a set of black diamonds. A few days later, Regina gave Leetha a new wardrobe. They would have every meal together and spend every waking hour with each other. Regina wanted Leetha by her side and, after Ash's death, Leetha felt as though Regina was the only bit of light in her universe of darkness.
It had been two weeks since Ash's death. As much as it pained Leetha to see her one true love die standing before, his heart in her hand, her hand in Regina's, she had somehow managed to keep it out of her mind. She comforted herself by thinking that he was indeed trying to seduce both her and Regina. He was definitely trying to weaken her. He wanted to be the most powerful out of the two prodigies, but his last words continuously ran through her mind. Keep it; it has always been yours. A tear ran down her cheek, followed by sudden sprinkles of rain. Regina rolled her eyes and turned to look at Leetha.
"I am getting quite tired of having to carry around this umbrella my dear," Regina said.
Leetha sucked up the tears and took a deep breath. She could only hold in her feelings, otherwise, everyone would feel her pain. "Why are going to the Forbidden Fortress? Why must you trade the Dark Curse for this mere sleeping curse? The Dark Curse is the curse to end all curses. The only happy ending will be yours. I thought that is what you wanted." Leetha asked.
"I have my reasons, Princess," Regina replied shortly.
She was glad Leetha did not ask any more questions. Regina really did not want to admit that she wanted Leetha to have another chance at happiness in the Enchanted Forest. Enacting the dark curse would most definitely take everything away from the young Princess. As cold as Regina's heart was, she did not want her devoted, loving, daughter-like, ruffian to suffer any more than she already had. Leetha had expressed her thoughts on the curse before Ash's death. The Princess was scared to lose the only person she cared about, Regina. If the Dark Curse were to be enacted, Leetha would lose all memory of Regina and their pasts. Regina would certainly remember Leetha, but how could she keep Leetha close. No, the Queen could live with only Snow White suffering. Her suffering would essentially cause everyone else to suffer.
Regina enjoyed the ride to Maleficent's castle. The roads were clear, the sky was blue, and the pair of Evil Royals enjoyed each others' company. They arrived to the fortress with good time. Regina and Leetha sat before a large fireplace. Maleficent sat before them staring them down, just as conceited and cold as Regina did to her.
"Well, her body would become her tomb and she would have nightmares of all her regrets. Certainly one of those nightmares would have something to do with her not keeping your secret. I expect this dark curse IS indeed unnecessary when you can put her under a sleeping curse." Maleficent said as she sipped her wine. "Tell me, are you going to use the spindle?"
"No, I plan on using the apple." Regina replied.
"From the blind witch? She IS the one who stole the last apple which can hold the curse. She stole it from you, didn't she? Yes, she did. She took it right out of the carriage your knights guarded. How do you plan to get into the house? It is protected by magic." Maleficent asked and then turned to Leetha. "I am sure your young apprentice is very talented, but there is no way she is young enough to get through that enchantment."
"That is my business. Now then, would you like to make the trade or not?" Regina answered very frustrated with the chit chat.
"Are you in a hurry old friend? I thought we could catch up. It is not every day the Queen comes to visit, especially not with her little pet." Maleficent replied sarcastically.
"She is not a pet! She is my princess, Princess Leetha. Now, answer my question." Regina stated with slight anger in her voice.
Maleficent thought for a moment. "I suppose it would be foolish to say no to a trade like this. Did you make it Regina?"
"No, I traded it as well." Regina said as they switched scrolls.
"For what?" Maleficent asked.
"A magic lamp," Regina answered, gazing at the scroll with eager eyes. "I too thought it would be foolish to turn down the trade, especially since the magic lamp had no genie." Regina added with a cackle.
Maleficent laughed along with her old friend. Leetha remained silent. Regina sat wearing a dark purple red dress with a large collar and her hair up. The Princess wore a forest green dress similar to Regina's, but the collar was not as high and Leetha's hair was up in a ponytail.
"That was funny dear. You may laugh." Maleficent said to the Princess, but she still remained silent. "Does she speak?" Maleficent continued.
Regina turned to look at Leetha and answered, "Only if I tell her to. Why? What would you like her to say?" The Queen asked her old friend as she too sipped on the wine.
"Nothing comes to mind old friend. Tell me, what happened to the other prodigy, the young foolish boy?" Maleficent asked.
Leetha looked surprised by the question. Regina raised an eyebrow and served herself more wine. After the question processed in her head, Leetha drank her entire glass in one chug. Regina disapproved.
"That was very unladylike dear. A princess sips. She does not chug." Regina said. "About the musician, well he was obviously foolish and is no longer with us."
Maleficent raised both eyebrows and replied, "Ah, I see. I suppose he was dead weight and now we can say that literally. Well, cheers. I suppose you will have your revenge as soon as you get the apple." Maleficent said, ending their visit.
Regina and Leetha moved on to their next conundrum, the children who were to make their way into the Gingerbread house. The Queen ordered her young ruffian to capture some little kids and bring them to her. Leetha went well on her way. She used her wolf sense of smell to sniff out some kids. The wolf-like Princess wandered the forest searching for kids. Leetha saw their mother hanging up clothes and froze her with dark magic. After that she wandered into the backyard where one of the kids played and appeared before him.
"Hello little boy," Leetha said walking up to him quite creepy. "That is quite the club house you are making. What is that, straw?" The little boy backed away from her not saying a word. "Do not fret child, I simply have a request for you." The little boy ran into his straw club house. Leetha rolled her eyes. "Where are you going little boy? I won't hurt you." The little boy remained hidden. Leetha paced closer to the tree house. "Little kid," she said. "Come out here, or let me in."
"No, what are you going to do!" the little boy shouted.
Leetha smiled and then took a deep breath. She blew it out and the straw-made house blew away. The little boy had already start running into the neighbors yard where another little boy playing in his wooden playhouse. They both ran inside after seeing Leetha walking towards them. She waved her hand and blew away a passerby coming to check on them.
"Two kids are better than one. Listen, I will not harm you. I simply want to talk. I need you two to do something for me and I promise… I will give you anything you desire if you succeed." Leetha said trying to tempt the kids. They were more scared of her than anything. "What would you like? Name it. Let me in to discuss this or come out here. We can talk about it at the Queen's palace if you'd like, just so you see how honorable my word is. The Queen Regina sent me."
"The Queen? Now we are definitely not coming outside." One of the little boys said. "That girl must be the snake princess." The boy said.
"She looks more like a wolf than a snake to me," the other little boy replied.
Leetha grew frustrated, but took a deep breath and tried a charming tone as she said, "Little kids, little kids, let me in."
"Not by the hair on my chiny chin, chin," one little boy said and then laughed.
Leetha's nostrils flared with anger and she shouted, "Oh you won't ey? Well then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow this house down too!"
Leetha took a deep breath and then blew the house down. The little boys stood wide eyed in fear as they saw the wolf-like Leetha grinning sinisterly before them. She took one step towards them and they ran with all their speed to the next neighbor yard. They ran into the brick house and waited with little girl who was home alone. The princess slithered to the house slowly. She saw the three little kids peeking outside the back window. Leetha tilted her head to the side. One of them stuck their tongue out. Her jaw dropped.
"Why you little pig! How dare you!" Leetha said as she marched towards the house.
"She can't blow this house down. It is made of brick. She's just an evil wolf." The girl said.
"She's not just a wolf, she's a snake and she made that wind come out of nowhere maybe she can do more! I do not think we are safe!" the little boy said.
"In that case," the little girl said and then closed he eyes.
Suddenly the Blue Fairy appeared before them. She looked up and saw Leetha pacing their way. She waved her wand and put an enchantment on the brick house.
"Little kids, little kids, let me in," Leetha said with a laugh. "On second thought, I'll let myself in."
She blew a fierce wind at the house, but the wind did not shake the house one bit. Leetha grew confused. The Princess blew again, but nothing.
"You little pigs! I was trying to be nice and I WAS going to give you anything you desired, but now I think I'll have you do what I ask or take your lives." Leetha stated completely enraged there her powers did not work.
Leetha walked up to the brick house and with every step, her body formed to different animals, the wolf, the bear, the snake, and the cheetah. She made a fist and punch the door, but as the fist made contact with the door the enchantment the Blue Fairy sent Leetha flying. She passed out with the impact.
Hours later, when it was night, Leetha woke up tied to a tree and a rope in her mouth. An old woman stood before her blurry vision with a torch.
"Red, she's awake!" The old woman said.
Red Riding Hood approached as Leetha's vision cleared up. "Thank you Granny. Who are you? What did you want with those children?" Leetha seemed offended at the questions as she tilted her head off to the side rather annoyed. "I will remove the rope, but it goes back on if you do not cooperate."
Leetha bit down on the rope with her wolf teeth and the rope snapped. She pulled her arms away from the tree and broke the rope that held her with her bear strength.
"Why I wanted them is none of your concern." Leetha replied as she stood up. "So, you are Red Riding Hood; I take it that this must be the infamous Snow White's hideout, right? May I ask where this flake of snow is?"
"She works for the Queen!" Grumpy shouted from a distance.
At that moment, Red looked up to the full moon and took of her hood. She instantly took the form of the big bad wolf and growled at Leetha.
"A wolf? How terrifying. Well, two can play at that game dear." Leetha said her teeth grew sharp and she growled right back.
Red pounced Leetha. The Princess landed on her back, but she put her arm to the wolf's neck and pushed her away with all of her might. The wolf went flying. Leetha stood up and hissed. She got ready to tackle the wolf. They fought a little while longer when finally Leetha had the upper hand. Grumpy threw Red's hood over her body and Red laid there injured. The Evil Princess took one step closer to the beautiful Red Riding Hood, but was stopped by a sudden sting. Leetha looked down to her shoulder and there sat an arrow, piercing through her flesh. She turned around and hissed at the old woman as she pulled out the arrow.
"How dare you, you insane old woman?!" Leetha shouted, immediately looking up to the sky and collecting bolts of lightning with her hand in the air.
The crowd of good doers remained still in a frightened amazement as the Princess used her powers. Leetha was slightly interrupted by a voice coming from the locket on her chest.
"Princess what could possibly taking so long? Come back to the palace immediately." Regina said firmly.
"I am busy your Highness," Leetha replied.
Regina sat in her thrown holding her mirror. She saw her Princess surrounded, but using her powers. The Queen watched as her Princess gave a sinister smile. Leetha fell to the ground. She was shot in the leg with another arrow from Granny. Regina put down the mirror and stood up, turning into black smoke.
She appeared in the forest and stood in front of Leetha, shielding her from anymore arrows. She turned to Granny and snapped her fingers. The bow turned into a snake and slithered away. She threw a flame ball at the dwarfs and they struggled to put it out.
"And just what exactly happened Princess?" The Queen asked.
"I came to look for those three little kids over there, but one of the houses was enchanted. When I hit the door, I fell unconscious." Leetha explained pointing in the direction of the three little kids that stood hiding behind a tree observing the action.
Regina waved her hand and the kids were transformed. "You mean three little pigs," Regina added. "We are leaving." The Queen stated firmly a she held Leetha's hand and they disappeared together.
They appeared inside the castle in Leetha's bed chambers. Regina helped Leetha into the bed and healed her wounds with magic. The wounds were not scrapes that Leetha could heal with her own powers. The arrows actually pierced her skin. Regina had to use magic seal flesh. Still, Leetha lost a lot of blood. She remained weak and in bed. Regina ordered her to rest. The masterful plan was only missing the apple and she did not need Leetha's injury slowing her down. No, the Queen was going to find some children to enter the Gingerbread house in order for the plan to commence.
A few days later, Regina entered the castle very pleased with herself. She informed her Princess that she found a young girl and boy to do her sticky sweet work. Regina changed out of her leather outfit and into a gown. Then she sat in front of her mirror and watched the children proceed to steal back the satchel. Leetha watched from a mirror in her bed chambers. Her arm was wrapped with bandaging on her shoulder. She was almost fully healed, but Regina ordered her to bed rest for the entire week. There was a great sadness in the eyes of the Princess as she watched the children push the blind witch into the oven. Leetha wanted to be the one to do that. The jealousy inside Leetha's body spread like wildfire. The Princess walked over to the hall where Regina waited for Hansel and Gretel. She overheard Regina say to little Gretel similar words that had been said to her. A fire grew in Leetha's belly. The fire grew much larger when the Queen offered them a place in the castle. Needless to say, when the children refused Leetha's Royal Highness, she was enraged. Regina sent the kids into the infinite forest. They would most definitely never find their father. Leetha marched into the hall as her Queen gazed upon the blood red apple.
"I see the children were successful in their task." Leetha replied from the entrance of the room
Regina did not say anything. She was too busy admiring the apple. The Queen's mind was processing too many thoughts for her to even hear Leetha's words. Finally, the apple, Regina thought. Those foolish, ungrateful children, she thought. What a careless, unworthy father, her thoughts continued. Regina heard a muffled voice and looked into the mirror seeing the Princess standing at the doorway. She raised an eyebrow. As much as she had grown to care for her bittersweet Leetha, she was in no mood to hear her whine. Regina was immediately snapped out of her thoughtful daze when the entire castle trembled as an earthquake shook it. The Queen looked towards the direction of the source of the earthquake and there stood Princess Leetha with her arms crossed. Regina rolled her eyes as Leetha shrugged her shoulders. Leetha could not entirely control how some of her emotions would affect the weather.
"Do you care to repeat whatever it is that you just said dear? I was lost in my thoughts and did not hear you come in. Or perhaps what you said was of no importance to me and because of this I simply blocked it out." Regina stated with her deep voice as she put the apple away.
Leetha looked at her Queen disappointed. "Well, quite frankly, I was asking why in the world you would offer those peasants a place in this castle. They called you horrible. Had I been in this room when those two idiots said that, I would have turned them into mice and fed them to my snake," Leetha replied with a tone as fierce as Regina's and tremble in her voice.
Regina turned around to face Leetha rather surprised at her comment. The remark made her realize the extent of Leetha's devotion. The Queen expected her Princess to barge into the room in a jealous rant over Regina inviting the kids to live in the castle. Little did she know that was exactly what Leetha intended to do until Leetha saw how much the rejection had affected Regina.
"Careful dear, your evil is showing," Regina replied cynically with a grin of pride towards her Evil Princess when she saw Leetha's eyes turn snakelike. "Well, it is of no matter any longer. We must move onto this next phase of the plan delicately. Do we know where this "Charming" young man is, Princess?"
"King George was after him. He was on the trail to the Winter Palace." Leetha replied.
"He was on his way here?" Regina asked rather surprised. "Why would he be coming here?"
"I do not know Your Highness. I do not think like peasant Sheppard." The Princess answered.
"Indeed, you do not." Regina replied. "None the less, he must have a reason. The only other person who knows the path we take to the Winter Palace is the wretched Snow White, but why would she be coming here?" Regina asked, thinking to herself. "Show me Snow White," she said to the mirror.
The mirror before her revealed Snow White and her gang of friends in the forest near King George's castle. They were plotting a way to rescue Charming from King George. Regina smiled deviously. A plan immediately rushed into her mind.
"When is the execution of this false Prince?" Regina asked the mirror. He told her it was the following day. "Guard, have our carriage ready for the morning. We are paying a visit to King George."
Regina said as she paced down the hall towards the dining chamber. Leetha followed her Queen like a lost puppy. They were in need of some celebration. Regina's smirk did not leave her face for one second as she thought of her soon to be triumph over Snow White. She explained to Leetha that they would leave the mirror in Charming's cell and then call Snow for a parlay, where she would have no choice but to eat the apple. Regina called for the Huntsman to be taken to her room. Leetha made a disapproving face.
"And just what is that look I see upon your face Princess? It is interrupting my celebration." Regina said bluntly.
"I just do not understand how you can still let that weak Huntsman stay in this castle. How can you trust him when he has already let Snow White free once before?" Leetha answered.
"I have his heart!"Regina exclaimed. "You should know by now my dear Leetha that when you hold a heart, you control it. He knows if he betrays me again, that heart of his will become dust. Now, go to your room and rest. You will be of no use to me if you are tired. Tomorrow, you shall wait here until we bring this Sheppard back." Regina added in a strict, punishing tone.
"Very well," Leetha replied and then said, "Good night my Queen."
Regina took her glass of wine and walked into her courtyard. The fresh breeze blew against her body as she rejoiced alone for a moment. The moment did not last long as an eerie voice was heard, breaking the silence.
"Beautiful night, isn't it?" Rumplestiltskin asked. Regina puckered her lips and sighed. "I see you are having a little celebration. The only thing is, why are you celebrating, if you are nowhere near being ready to enact the dark curse?"
"I am not enacting the curse Rumple. Now, what is it you want?" Regina said firmly.
"Not enacting the curse? And why not your Majesty?" Rumple asked.
"That is NONE of your concern." Regina replied.
"Why, dearie, as much as you try, you still remain so transparent. Could it, perhaps, have anything to do with the remaining prodigy?"
Regina's nostrils flared at his question. "I DO NOT answer to you Rumple. Now then, unless there is something you would like to discuss that does not have to do with this alleged prodigy, I suggest you leave."
"Oh, anxious are we? Does it finally feel like you are going to triumph over Snow White? We shall see how loyal your servants are in helping you with this matter." Rumple stated.
"And just what do you mean by that?" Regina asked aggressively
"The plan is full proof dearie, that is, if everyone plays their part in helping you. The only thing that will secure the sleeping curse is if this charming young man is completely out of the way. I would make sure all of these minions are truly devoted before trusting any of them." Rumple riddled, little did Regina know that he was referring to the huntsman with that comment.
"Leetha would never betray me, if that is who you speak of. As for the rest of the guards, they all know their fates if they go up against me." Regina said in an ice cold tone. Just as she spoke those words, Rumple disappeared.
The day of Prince Charming's execution, Regina rode off to King George's castle to retrieve Snow White's true love. Leetha went for a walk near the palace. It was a beautiful day for revenge. She admired the tall trees in all of their might, reaching her arm out and letting a snake slither onto it. The Princess grinned and pet its scales. She released it and kept pacing slowly forward.
"Lovely day for revenge, ey dearie?" a peculiar voice said to Leetha.
She turned around to face the nymph who stood before her and remained silent. Her face could not hide her bewilderment. Leetha squinted her eyes and tilted her head slightly as she looked him up and down.
"What sort of manners are those for a Princess? It is rude to stare my dear. Has Regina taught you nothing?" he asked.
The instant the nymph referred to the Queen by her first name Leetha's blood boiled and her eyes turned snakelike.
"When you are speaking of the Queen, you shall refer to her as Royalty, you nymph." Leetha hissed. "What are you anyway?"
"What, what, I am not a what. I will give her credit for that The Queen has done quite well at keeping us apart dearie. Allow me to introduce myself," he said as he bowed, "Rumplestiltskin or, as others know me, the Dark One." Rumple said as he took a few steps towards Leetha. "How intriguing your eyes are Princess."
"You are Rumplestiltskin?" Leetha asked with a bit of disgust in her voice. He took another step closer to her. "Not as step closer Sir. I am not allowed to speak to strangers, particularly you."
"So obedient, much more obedient than the Queen was to her own mother," Rumple observed.
Leetha's anger grew again, but she simply took a deep breath and gritted her teeth at the comment.
"Tell me dearie, how was the young Musician's funeral?" Rumplestiltskin asked.
"I have heard enough. Good day to you Sir," Leetha said and started away.
"I only ask because it is I who enchanted his metallic guitar. The boy and I had somewhat of a bond." Rumple added.
Princess Leetha turned around wide eyed and said, "You are the gypsy who foretold his future?"
"Indeed I am, but that is not why I come to you today Princess. I have appeared before you with a question. What would you do if you ever encountered Snow White?" Rumplestiltskin asked with a smile on the same blood curdling level as Regina's.
"Why I would rip her heart out, of course," Leetha answered.
"So quick to act without reason?" Rumple continued.
"I need no reason more than a simple request of my Queen and there is nothing that would bring her more joy than the heart of Snow White," Leetha replied.
"Such devotion. And have you ever asked your almighty Queen why it is that she hates Snow White?" Rumple inquired.
"Snow White took away my Queen's only chance for true and pure happiness," Leetha answered.
"What about Snow White? What are her feelings towards the Queen?" Rumpled asked.
"Why would I care to know that?" Leetha replied rather annoyed and then turned her back to take only one step away from Rumplestiltskin.
Rumple bound her with magic and held her in the air. Once she was restrained, he said, "Because you will find you and Snow have more in common than you would think." Leetha struggled to free herself, but she could not move.
"Regina! Regina!" The Princess shouted as Rumplestiltskin walked closer to her. "What are you going to do to me?!"
"I am going to make you a deal. I will let you free, if you promise to ask Snow White what the Queen did to her before you are so quick to act."
"Regina!" Leetha shouted with pure fear in her voice.
"She is not going to hear you dearie." Rumple said with a small smirk. "Well?" Leetha nodded. "Very well, the deal is struck." Rumple shouted and snapped his fingers.
Leetha fell out of the sky and hit the ground hard. Rumple bowed again and then disappeared. The Princess dusted her pants off and marched back to the castle. She wanted to tell Regina everything that happened as soon as the Queen returned.
Regina returned from King George's palace. She had retained the false prince successfully. The Queen asked the guards to take Prince Charming downstairs to the dungeon. The Princess watched the four guards bring Charming in, the entire time thinking four guards was an exaggerated amount for one man; she grew curious. Was he really that much of a threat. Regina asked her Princess to sit and have a drink with her as they waited for Snow to break into King George's castle. Leetha agreed, but asked to be excused for a moment.
Charming had a black sack over his face, shielding him from seeing exactly where he was going. As the four knights escorted him down the first set of stairs, he fell to his knees. When the two guards tried to lift him up he elbowed one in the face and put his restraints around the neck of the other guard. Charming removed his chains and picked up one of the dropped swords. Charming took out the other two guards with not much of a hassle. He looked at his surroundings and made his way to the stairs. He stopped when he saw a black hooded figure standing at the top of the stairway.
"Well, either our knights need to be better trained, or you are possibly a good swordsman," Leetha said with a small laugh. She pulled off her hood. Her silky long black hair was up in a ponytail. She wore a mustard colored blazer, corset that had a black leather cape hanging from the end, black leather pants, and black leather boots. She raised an eyebrow, trying to imitate her Queen. "I suppose you thought your escape was going to be easy. Well guess again Sheppard."
Charming remained confused. "What are you, like eighteen? I will not fight you."
"Not that it is any of your concern, but I am 21 and I can guarantee you, yes, you will fight." Leetha said as she drew her sword.
Charming paced away from Leetha slowly. Her eyes had not changed yet. He had no idea who or what she was. They positioned themselves to fight. He took the first swing. They dueled for a good couple of rounds until Leetha was able to get her foot on his sword. Then, she punched him so hard his mouth started bleeding immediately. She kicked his weapon away and then punched him again so hard that he remained barely standing. Leetha pushed him against the wall and kept her arm tightly against his neck. His face started turning red. Leetha pulled up her sword directly to his neck.
"Wait, Leetha, what are you doing," a knight shouted.
"I am doing us all a favor," she replied with a deep, evil tone.
"But the Queen still needs him. Snow White does not know we have him yet," he replied.
"Be still huntsman! I have had enough of your ramblings," Leetha shouted as she turned around to face the fully armored knight. "The Queen may still trust you, but I do not. I won't kill, but wound him a little, well that is a horse of a different color." As the words left her mouth charming punched her right in the eye causing her to take two steps back. "Why, you little peasant!" Leetha shouted as she lifted her sword.
"What is going on here," Regina said from the top of stairs.
"He, he tried to escape your Majesty." Leetha replied, as though caught red handed.
"And just what is the explanation for you using a sword? I told you I want you practicing your dark magic, not fooling around with these ridiculous weapons." Regina said to her young prodigy in a stern mother-like voice.
"I merely wanted to see if he was THAT good of a swordsman or if our men need to be better trained." Leetha answered as a child would answer their mother.
"Well Princess, which of the two was it?" Regina asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Our men need better training. I was able to defeat him until this foolish huntsman stopped me." Leetha replied bluntly as she looked at Charming disgusted.
"Huntsman, see to it that the men go through more sword training," Regina said. "Leetha dear, use your magic, not the sword."
"As you wish," Leetha said.
She lifted her left hand above it appeared a snowball. She blew at the snow and the prince was instantly pushed against the wall and frozen with ice cuffs. Leetha walked up to him with her nose looking like a bear and her ears looking like a bear and then punched prince charming in the face so hard that he went unconscious. Leetha turned up to look at her Queen.
"That is much better my dear. Guards, take him to the dungeon; now that our dear Princess as rendered him unconscious you should have no problem with him trying to escape. Come along dear. Let us have a drink while we wait for Snow to break into the dungeon at King George's palace."
Just as the Queen had planned, Snow broke into the dungeon and agreed to meet with the Regina for the parlay. Regina and Leetha both grew overjoyed. Leetha immediately went to her room to change for the outing.
"Just a minute dear, where do you think you are going?" Regina asked.
"I was going to change so I can go with you." Leetha replied.
"I am going alone dear." Regina replied shortly.
"What? But, but I am your royal guard. You could be in danger….. and I wanted to see you give the apple," Leetha replied with a whiney voice. Regina did not respond. "Well, can I at least steer the carriage to the stables?" Leetha asked.
"I suppose that would be alright." Regina answered.
The Evil Queen and her young Ruffian rode off towards the stables where Regina's beloved Daniel was murdered. Regina told her dear apprentice to wait at the carriage somewhat of a distance from the the meeting. The Queen went to the stables alone and waited only a few minutes until Snow White arrived. Leetha remained at the carriage. She knew if the Queen encountered any issues that her animal instincts would kick in and she would be able to go to her Queen's rescue. Alas, Regina's plan went smoothly. Of course Snow White would eat the apple if it meant saving the prince's life. Regina walked slowly towards the carriage with an ear to ear smile. Leetha waved at her Queen and then helped her into the carriage. Regina instructed Leetha to drive forward.
"We are not bringing her body?" Leetha asked, slightly confused.
"She does not deserve a proper resting ground dear," Regina replied.
"I did not mean for her to rest comfortably my Queen; I meant to keep her away from that flea filled wolf and those seven hobbits. What if they try to save her?" Leetha said.
"The only thing that will save Snow White is true love's kiss and we are taking care of that when we get back to the castle," Regina answered with a deep victorious tone.
The Evil duo rode back to the castle overjoyed by the successful plan. They went into the palace and had some drinks to celebrate. Regina watched in her mirrors as the irritating group of Snow's friends mourned their loss. At that moment, King George arrived wanting to collect the remainder of gold Regina had promised him. She ordered Leetha to fetch what he asked for. Leetha did as she was told.
Just then, Regina remembered she still hadn't executed the Prince. She called the guards to retrieve him and the plan went downhill from there. Charming escaped with the help of the huntsman. Rumplestiltskin was helping the wretched pair and Regina was in a rut. Leetha came back to the hall where her Queen awaited.
"Where have you been?! I have been calling your name!" Regina shouted.
"I was giving King George the gold, as you told me to," Leetha replied confused.
"That false prince has escaped! Rumplestiltskin helped him out of the infinite forest! They made a deal! Bring me Snow White!" Regina shouted to her Princess.
Leetha headed to the forest in search of their devious enemy, but no luck. A day later, Leetha roamed the forest in search of Snow White and Prince Charming. She found herself in the area that she was when Regina first discovered her. The Princess grinned at the thought of the memory. She sat on a log on the floor. A few seconds later, Leetha heard a rustle in the trees and then a gasp. The Princess turned around and there stood the one and only Snow White before her. Snow looked relieved.
"I am sorry if I startled you, but I thought you were the Queen," Snow stated. "You have your hair like hers and all of that leather is something she would most definitely wear."
The Princess remained frozen. She could have ended Snow White's life right in that instant, but something held her back. Of course, she thought. The deal she made with Rumple. With all of the thoughts rushing to her mind, Leetha did not realize that she remained silent.
"Who are you?" Snow asked.
"I am no one." Leetha paused, and thought how strange that must have sounded and added, "I mean you do not know me, but I know you. I have seen many posters of you around the forest."
Snow looked bothered, but did not back away from Leetha.
Without any hesitation, Leetha blurted, "Why does the Queen hate you?"
Snow closed her eyes and sighed, as though she had been asked the question a million and one times. She then answered, "Because when I was a young girl I did not keep her secret and she lost her only chance at true love and happiness because of me."
"And what did she do to you?" Leetha asked.
"She murdered my father," Snow replied. The words left her mouth as though she had been longing to say them to someone, as though she had been longing for someone to ask the question.
"I thought a genie murdered the King." Leetha replied.
"My stepmother seduced him into falling in love with her and then persuaded him into killing my father for her, but it was her doing, even if it was not by her own hand." Snow said and took a seat next to Leetha. "She then asked a huntsman to kill me. She created these false allegations of treachery, murder, and theft, and I am now a criminal in my own kingdom." Snow said with light tears flocking down the sides of her eyes and down her cheek.
Snow looked down into her own hands and sniffled. Her new companion remained silent. She turned to see Leetha. Leetha's jaw was dropped. Tears were coming down her cheeks as well; her chest was moving up and down heavily. Leetha was speechless.
"Are you okay?" Snow asked the Princess.
"Y-y-your stepmother, the Queen, killed your father? The Queen tried killing you?" Leetha asked Snow with a tremor in her question and her eyes sparkling with tears. The Princess was in complete shock. "And she has shunned you from YOUR kingdom?" Leetha put her face into her hands.
The only person who she truly trusted, the only person who knew her story, her heroin, her almighty Evil Queen Regina had done the same injustice to Snow White that had been done to Leetha herself. That realization that everything she believed in may have been built on false pretenses broke Princess Leetha, even more so than Ash's death.
"Those same things happened to me as well," Leetha added in a very low tone, still covering her own face.
"You are a Princess?" Snow asked. Leetha did not respond or even flinch. "Princess, are you okay?" Snow added placing her hand over Leetha's. "You feel cold."
"Don't touch me!" Leetha shouted as she immediately stood up. With a heavy breath, Leetha added, "You need to leave." Snow said nothing. "I said LEAVE! Get out of here before I change my mind!"
"I don't understand." Snow answered.
"I work for the Queen you foolish girl!" Leetha paused and caught her breath. She turned back and looked at Snow White face to face to study her eyes then softly said, "You are indeed a victim of great tragedy," her eyes instantly turned snakelike and she said, "But your Stepmother is right to hate you. You DO ruin lives."
Snow White looked baffled by Leetha's comment. "I don't understand," she said.
"Of course you don't understand you senseless flake of snow! None the less there is nothing to understand, except the fact that I am letting you go, just this once," Leetha said with her nostrils flared and teeth gritted. Her face could have been the mirror image of Regina's.
Snow stood bravely with her chin up towards Leetha. "You are NOT as evil as Regina, if you are letting me go just this once. I can see good in those yellow eyes. Who are you? What is your name?"
Leetha's heart raced rapidly from either happiness that someone still saw good in her or anger that Snow White dared to stand up to her. How was it possible for such a simple question to be so difficult to answer? If she answered the name Leetha, the Princess was pure evil. If she answered the name Gwen, there was still a chance for her to change. Leetha looked away from Snow. Her eyes turned normal.
"My name is of no importance. The question you are asking me may sound very simple to you, but you have no idea what my answer would mean to the universe. Leave here Snow White," Leetha answered.
"So you are giving me two chances?" Snow asked. "Please, Princess, come with me. You are not as evil as Regina; I can see that clearly. We could use you on our side. I am asking you, as a stranger, but as a friend as well, please, come with me."
"You may trust me Snow, but I do not trust myself. Leave this forest. Stay away from here. The next time you see me I will surely not be alone and your fate is decided in my eyes for our next encounter and there will definitely be a next encounter." Leetha replied.
"But why?" Snow White asked.
"BECAUSE I LOVE REGINA," Leetha replied firmly.
"Well, then I thank you for sparing me. Goodbye my unknown friend," Snow White said.
Snow White left that part of the forest, but Leetha did not go back to Regina. She remained in the forest where she had taken homage so long ago. The Princess could not bear the thought of facing her almighty Queen with this new knowledge of her past. It had been two days since Leetha had last been at Regina's castle. The rain poured, as did Leetha's tears.
Regina knew something was wrong. It wasn't like Princess Leetha to not come home or not answer the mirror necklace. There were no words to describe the anxiety Regina was going through. Snow White and Prince Charming were together. Leetha was gone. The Kingdom would soon be against her and she felt so alone. As Regina paced back and forth, thinking of a plan, her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden appearance in her mirror.
"My, my, so worried, so, so worried," Rumplestiltskin said.
"You! What have you done?! Where is Leetha?! What did you tell her about Snow White?!" Regina shouted into the mirror.
"Oh, is about the girl I met on the road?" Rumple asked in a very mocking tone.
"You bastard!" Regina shouted. "Where is she?" Regina asked with so much anger in her voice that random objects behind her shook.
"What a simple question you ask, your majesty. Where else would she hide? What is the only other spot she knows in this land?' Rumple asked and then disappeared from the mirror.
"The forest," Regina whispered to herself.
Part X (the final part) coming soon…..
