The Queen's Ruffians
Part X
The Queen's Possession
Leetha sat on the floor with a blank stare on her face. The clouds in the sky were all gray. There was one light black raincloud that hovered over Leetha's head pouring rain directly over her. Thoughts ran so rapid through her mind that she could not move. All she could do was think. My Queen and my stepfather cannot be the same, Leetha thought. How could my brothers take me back now, she thought. Was Snow White lying? Should I have left with her? What is to become of my relationship with my Queen? The thoughts repeated over and over in Leetha's mind. Whenever the thought of ignoring Regina's actions toward Snow White and going on as if nothing had happened passed through Leetha's brain, a bolt of lightning would strike her own body from the raincloud. Leetha was driving herself mad.
Regina remained in her castle trying to find her Princess through her mirrors. Two days time was far too long to have no sign of Leetha. Every time Regina would ask the genie in the mirror, "Show me Leetha," the mirror would show her the rain-filled forest, full of fog and branches. Regina was growing frustrated. Snow White must have captured Leetha. That was the only reason she could think of for Leetha's disappearance. The Queen paced back and forth in her castle as the rain poured nonstop around the kingdom.
"Show me Princess Leetha," Regina said to the mirror, but he could still not find her. "Why? Why must Snow White keep coming after everything I hold dear?" Regina said with a tremor in her voice as though wanting to cry, but she held it in.
Suddenly, the mirror showed Regina her Princess. The image of seeing her Princess suffering so crushed the Queen's heart slightly. What could have happened, Regina thought? She ordered a guard to prepare her carriage. Regina made her way into the forest in search of her Princess. The fog was so thick that they could hardly see where they were. Regina saw a lightning bolt strike one spot of the forest. That is where Leetha must have been. The guards took out a large black umbrella and held it out for the Queen, but she ordered them to leave her while she spoke with her Princess. Regina held her umbrella, shielding herself from the rain and then approached Leetha.
"Princess," Regina said softly. Leetha did not answer. "What is wrong dear? What has happened?" The Queen asked.
Leetha's large hazel eyes remained in that vacant gaze. It was as though Regina was not even there. Regina grabbed Leetha's arm, but it did not phase Leetha's insanity. Oh no, the Queen thought, my princess has lost her mind. Regina stood directly in front of Leetha. She had never seen the Princess so broken. What could Snow White have said?
"Leetha, tell me what she did to you?" Regina stated firmly. When there was still no response from her beloved Princess, Regina grabbed Leetha's arm and shook her. "Tell me what Snow White did to you Leetha?!" Regina shouted as she shook her Princess.
The Princess looked deeply into Regina's eyes with her own eyes looking upset and disturbed. Regina shook Leetha again and Leetha moved her arm away from Regina, taking a few steps back. In seconds, two bolts of lightning struck Leetha's body, revealing skeletons of different animals.
"Leetha stop this! Why is this happening?!" Regina shouted. "What did Snow White do?!"
"She told me the truth!" Leetha shouted as another lightning bolt hit directly behind her. "How could you?" Leetha asked with her face more heartbroken than anything Regina had ever seen.
"What are you talking about?" Regina asked rather baffled at the question.
"How could you do this to me?" Leetha asked falling to her knees, drenched in rain and tears.
Regina took a step closer to her and reached her arm out to place it on her Princess' shoulder, but Leetha pulled away.
"You knew, you knew EVERYTHING about me. I would do whatever it is you asked me to! I trusted you more than the gods themselves, but little did I know I was putting my faith, my hope, and worse, my heart in the hands of someone so horrible as my own stepfather," Leetha said with disgust.
"WHAT?" Regina asked infuriated. "How dare you speak to your Queen that way?"
"Can you deny it? You, Snow White's stepmother, had her father assassinated, just as my stepfather did to my own father AND my mother AND my sister. Why? Why did you lie to me?" Leetha said with a vast amount of pain in her voice.
"I did NOT lie to you Leetha. I told you exactly what happened to Leopold. The genie in the mirror killed him." Regina said bluntly.
"Because you tricked him! My Queen, how could you? I don't understand. You continued to keep me here, knowing everything I had suffered. You made me believe you really wanted to help me get my revenge on my stepfather by killing his only son, but did you ever stop and think what would happen if Snow White took the same actions that I did? What if she had come after you, just as I did to Sir Hamilton? What then? I hated that man with every fiber of my being, so much so that I was cursed with these powers! This is not a blessing! I am angry all of the time! But it has to end somewhere!" Leetha shouted. Then with a slight laugh she continued, "But fate plays a cruel, twisted game. How was I to know that I would be so truly devoted and so blind to follow someone who had committed the same type treachery? I reaped what I sowed indeed."
"Leetha, the reasons behind those murders were completely different." Regina said.
"What is the difference?! Both fathers are dead, no matter what the reason!" Leetha shouted.
"You cannot truly believe me as cruel as Sir Hamilton." Regina stated.
"No, I do not, not towards me, at least, but what about Snow White. Would you not punish her the same way that he punished me? The actions are the same, whether or not the victims are different your Majesty." Leetha replied.
"No Leetha, they are not the same! Snow White took everything away from me. She has given me a reason to do these things to her. You did nothing to deserve that from Sir Hamilton. That is where the difference stands." Regina explained.
Leetha paused for a moment. That did make sense. Perhaps Snow White did deserve what Regina was doing to her. Leetha's feelings towards Snow White had definitely been going back and forth the past two days. She was glad Snow told her, but she would quickly feel resentment towards Snow for destroying the only relationship Leetha had felt happiness in after so many years. Snow White was not good at keeping secrets, particularly Regina's secrets. The Princess remained silent.
"What are you thinking? What do you plan on doing Princess?" Regina asked with a small apprehension gleaming from her eyes. "What are you feeling dear?" Regina continued. She got closer to her Princess and placed her hand on Leetha's cheek.
Leetha looked at Regina in the same loving way as she did when Regina first found her and then placed her hand over Regina's. The Princess looked down towards her feet and closed her eyes.
"I feel all out of hope. I feel broken. I spent all of these years longing for anything remotely close to having family and that was you Regina. I suppose I was quite easy to deceive." Leetha said and then looked back up to her Queen. "All of this time, you have been my Queen, my everything and it was only to keep my dream alive. I remained so blind to anything to you did to me, or Ash, or anyone. I chose my blind faith in you over whatever I saw you do or whatever you asked me to do because I love you Regina. Your grip on my heart is so tight that it is hard to breath sometimes, but I fear that love was one way."
"No, no, Leetha, do not think that. How could you dare to think that? Leetha, after everything, there should be no doubt in your mind how much I truly care for you." Regina replied as her eyes glistened with tears and her voice quivered with sadness.
"I am sorry. The past two days I have felt so lost, so confused and I just wanted to talk to the only person who I confide in, but I couldn't. Do you know what it feels like to fear the one person you think is supposed to protect you?" Leetha asked.
"Yes, I do," Regina replied shortly.
"When I hear Snow White's words running through my mind, I feel so sad. I have to physically close my eyes to stop thinking about them, but all I am left with is wonder. I wonder why I don't despise you, but my heart tells me no. I cannot feel any negative feelings towards you. All I can do now is love how our relationship was once so alive and true. I wish I had never asked Snow; I wish Rumple had not forced me into that deal. Ignorance is bliss and I would rather have never known what you did to her than have to live another day knowing you did the same thing to her, as was done to me." Leetha explained.
"Oh, and you act so innocent. What about the families you tore apart? How many families did YOU destroy?!" Regina asked.
"At YOUR request!" Leetha shouted and another lightning bolt struck behind her.
"Enough! We can argue about alleged injustices done to these innocent subjects for hours! I have endured this long enough. What is it you want to do?" Regina said firmly. Leetha did not answer. "I do not want you to leave. I want you to stay with me in the castle you have lived in for years." Regina said to her Princess, but still, Leetha remained silent. "Leetha, come home. That is your home. Your place is with me in that castle. I will not just let you walk away from me." Regina said putting her hand on Leetha's chin. "At least think about what you would like to do at the castle. I cannot bear to see you standing out here in the rain torturing yourself like this."
Leetha shook her head in agreement. There was a short moment where the Evil Queen looked at her Evil Princess, both thinking the same thing. Snow White ruined everything. Leetha fell onto Regina's shoulder and let out her final tears. As soon as Regina hugged her Princess back, the rain stopped. That must be a good sign, Regina thought.
They made their way back to the castle. The ride the two Royals remained silent for the entire time. They sat next to each other as opposed to across from each other. Regina looked out her window towards the forest. Leetha looked down playing with her necklace. The Queen turned to stare at Leetha. She placed her hand over Leetha's and gave her a soft, sincere, smile. Leetha returned the smirk. The carriage ride made it seem as though everything was going to be alright. They could get through their current situation.
The Queen and her Princess went directly into the wing of the castle where their bed chambers were. Regina told Leetha to change her clothes before she caught a cold. Regina waited for her Princess to be settled and then they went into the dining hall to have dinner. The Queen could not believe that Leetha went two days without eating barely anything at all. She ordered the cooks to make Leetha's favorite foods. The Princess gobbled everything up. They had a glass of wine together and then went back to their bed chambers. Leetha was brushing her long black hair when suddenly Regina entered the room, somewhat startling her Princess.
"Here, let me help you with that," Regina said as she reached for the brush. She sat behind Leetha on the bed and combed her long black hair. "What have you been thinking about my dear Princess," Regina asked.
"I have been trying not to think about anything. That is all I have done for the past two days," Leetha answered.
"Perhaps it is better to not think about it and just continue on," Regina suggested.
"Quite frankly, that thought does keep popping into my mind, but it is not the only thought that is doing that." Leetha replied. She still fully trusted her Queen. Even when they were in the rainy forest, Regina did not lie to Leetha.
"Well, what is the other option you have come up with?" Regina asked. Leetha did not say a word. "Your silence says more than you would think dear. I suppose your other option is to leave here, but go where?" Regina asked.
"What would you do to me if I left?" Leetha asked.
"I do not have enough energy to have that discussion my sweet Princess. Let us both get a good night's rest and we can discuss our little family issues some time tomorrow." Regina said as she stood up.
Leetha put herself into a comfy place on the bed. Regina tucked her into the sheets and held her Princess's hand. Regina leaned in closer to Leetha's face.
"I don't want you to go.Youare MY Princess," Regina whispered. "This will all work out if we do it together. Sleep well my dear Princess Leetha. I will see you in the morning." Regina then kissed Leetha's forehead and went back into her own room.
Suddenly, Leetha was in the middle of the forest where Regina had found her. The trees in that area were so thick and tall. Their branches were full of leaves. The forest was so beautiful Leetha picked a rose from a bush as she walked. The princess wore a red blazer that had a black cape on it, leather pants, and leather boots with her hair up. She had prepared a knapsack with a few belongings and a horse. Leetha walked very slowly, admiring the forest. The Princess really, truly wished she could simply be a part of the forest: a tree tall and brave, or an animal so carefree and happy, but no, Leetha was human or barely human, and she had so many emotions to deal with. The Princess sighed.
"I assume you have come to a decision," Regina said approaching Leetha.
The Queen wore a dark shiny gray gown with a large collar and her hair up. Her lips were blood red and her eyes were dark and beautiful, as they always were. Regina walked directly in front of Leetha.
"Yes, I have," Leetha answered.
"I have the feeling that I am not going to like the choice you have made very much," Regina replied.
"My Queen," the Princess said and then sighed, "I suppose you probably will not like my decision, but what I would like to do is find my brothers and reestablish my relationship with them. I hope they will forgive me for everything I have done in my past. Then I can be the sister Ethan had always wanted and perhaps a good example for little Paxton."
"And if they refuse you, as they did before?" Regina asked.
"I do not foresee that happening, but if it does, my Queen, I will remain isolated. I will not be on any side, bad or good. I will keep to myself and try to earn a living making music. All of this time I had been afraid of changing because the only thing I knew how to do was devote myself to you, but I think I do still am bold enough to change and face what I deserve. Perhaps it is time that I pay for all of the pain I have caused." Leetha said.
"Then your resolve is to leave me? No matter the cost. You are going to give up your title, your home, every luxury in the land, all because you feel guilty. Snow White's words have damaged you child. I feel that this little plan of yours needs to be more thought upon." Regina said with an eyebrow raised.
"No Regina," Leetha answered.
"I do not want you to leave dear. Be reasonable. I know you shall miss me, as I will you. Do not do this Leetha," Regina said with motherly eyes.
It took all of Leetha's might to refuse her Queen, her mother. "I am sorry my Queen," She said as she gave Regina the ruby red rose she had in her hand.
"Very well, my only wish is for you to be happy," Regina said with a strange tone.
Leetha went in for the hug. They embraced each other for a minute or two. Regina held onto her princess for as long as possible with one tear coming down her cheek. Leetha knew she was doing the right thing. It was better to be in no one's way than to choose a side. The Princess released her Queen and picked up her knapsack. She threw it over her horse, but just then, her wolf senses heard a noise far of in the woods. It was an arrow. Her senses further told her that the arrow was aimed at Regina. The Huntsman, Leetha thought. The Princess instantly jumped in front of Regina and took the arrow straight into her heart. The Princess fell to the floor. Regina looked upon her dear Leetha's body. From the middle of the forest came the huntsman running towards Regina. He took off his helmet and fell to his knees when he saw Leetha was the one who had taken the arrow. The huntsman let out a few tears.
"You knew she would take the arrow, this why you had me shoot the arrow towards your heart! Why, your Majesty? All she wanted to do was be happy. She would have done anything for you and now she can do nothing. She will DIE. Oh, Leetha," the huntsman said crying over her body.
"If she was not by my side, then she was to be by NO ONE's side." Regina stated firmly. She looked down at Leetha's body.
The Princess looked at her Queen in bewilderment. She could feel her heart slowing down. Leetha was coughing out blood. She barely had enough strength to say her last words, "My Queen, Regina, I am sorry," Leetha said with a cough.
Regina knelt down and placed the rose Leetha had just given her between Leetha's hands. The Queen could not help it. A few tears fell from her eyes and hit Leetha's bleeding wound.
"Shh, you know why I had to do this," Regina said softly as she pet Leetha's face.
"I, I love you Regina," Leetha said softly. Then gasp for air.
Regina kissed Leetha's forehead and said. "As do I my dear Princess."
The Queen stood up and wiped her tears. The huntsman stood up completely infuriated at Regina's actions.
"All she wanted was to be happy and you could not even let her do that!" the huntsman shouted.
"Since when do I care about anyone's happiness, but my own?!" Regina shouted and then walked away.
As the warmth of the blood ran down from Leetha's mouth, something else happened. She abruptlywoke up. Leetha's body was sweating, there were tears in her eyes, but she was alive. The goodbye, the arrow, the huntsman, all of that was a horrible nightmare. Leetha was breathing in a panic. She touched her heart. There was no wound. She stood up and walked to her balcony. There was a strong feeling inside of her that told her if she wanted to leave that is exactly what would happen to her. There was a cool night's breeze. As much as Leetha loved her Queen, she did not want Regina to be the hand of her death. Leetha did want to find her brothers, but she was sacred that they would reject her. After that horrible nightmare, Leetha was sacred to stay as well. As much as she wanted to believe that Regina truly did love her, she feared that the Queen was selfish enough to see Leetha as nothing more than a simple possession or a pet. With all the thoughts rushing in her mind, Leetha thought it was best to flee in the night, but where would she go.
The Princess packed her things. No one would want to help her after finding out her association with the Evil Queen. Leetha did not want to go with Rumplestiltskin or Snow White. That would enrage Regina to a level where the whole kingdom would suffer. No, Leetha had to think of somewhere to go where Regina would not think to look, perhaps another land, but how? Suddenly, Leetha thought of a place she figured would be perfect: the Forbidden Fortress. Leetha rode off into the night and arrived very rapidly at Maleficent's castle.
The lovely blonde old friend of Regina's allowed the Princess into her home quite willingly. They took a seat by a large fireplace. Leetha explained the whole situation to Maleficent as they had some drinks.
"Well, it seems you do find yourself in quite the predicament," Maleficent said with her girly sensual tone. "I suppose you are right in thinking that wasn't just a simple dream. Dreams have the odd habit of turning into reality, especially when someone of magic is the source of the dream. Tell me dear, you wanted to leave the Enchanted Forest entirely, is that correct?"
"Yes, I know if I stay here Regina will not change and what I fear is that she will not let me change. She will only see me as a pet," Leetha answered.
"I think you will find that Regina is not the worst person of royalty that you could be living with," Maleficent said. "She is an old friend of mine, you know?" she added. "Well then, if another land it is what you want, another land is exactly what you shall get dear." Maleficent said as she started writing a letter. "I have a strong feeling that the Queen of Hearts will take a particular interest in you when she finds out the entire situation." Maleficent said with a peculiar grin.
"What are you doing?" Leetha asked when she saw Maleficent writing the letter.
Maleficent folded the letter, stamped it, and held it in the air. "I am writing to a man about a hat," she answered with a smile and the letter disappeared. "A certain portal jumper, Jefferson, will be able to take you to this land. I am sure he will find someone to bring back with him in trade for you. Now then, you seem completely riled up. Have another glass of wine. In the morning we can start this business of getting you to Wonderland. Calm yourself my dear, all shall be well soon," Maleficent added, placing her hand on Leetha's cheek. They smiled at each other.
In that exact moment, the doors of the castle busted open. There stood the Evil Queen Regina at the doorway. When she caught the glimpse of her Princess having an endearing moment with Maleficent, her fury grew and the castle trembled. Regina wore a black leather blazer and pants with a dark red cape and her hair up in ponytail. Her eyes were dark as night.
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!" Regina shouted.
Maleficent rolled her eyes. "Oh, Regina, you scared your little Princess away, is all," Maleficent said sarcastically.
"Regina, I, I had a dream that you were going to kill me," Leetha pleaded. She had never seen her Queen have her anger at such a high level.
"SILENCE! You chose to come here with this dragon, instead of me after this alleged dream. Tell me why!" Regina shouted.
"I was scared. I feared one day you would kill me if I ever decided to leave. I assumed you would give me no choice,that I HAD to stay with you. Maleficent said she would help me get to another land, to a Wonderland and the Queen of Hearts would," Leetha explained, but was interrupted by Regina.
"You evil little troll!" Regina shouted to Maleficent and then sent her flying against the wall.
"Well, how rude. I was only doing you a favor," Maleficent said.
"Come Leetha! You have no idea what I am doing for you right now!" Regina shouted.
"No," Leetha answered.
"No? You were right dear, you have no choice. You are mine and mine only! Come here Leetha." Regina said, teeth gritted and nostrils flared.
"I am not your pet Regina. I am not your possession!" Leetha shouted.
"Oh," Regina replied a bit surprised and then walked directly in front of Leetha. "Perhaps you are not my possession," The Evil Queen stated, "But this IS," she added as she ripped out Leetha's heart.
Leetha fell to her knees, gasping for air and placing her hands on her chest. She was not dead. Regina took her heart, which sentenced her to the worst prison, the same one the huntsman had: no choice, but to serve the Queen.
"Come dear Princess," Regina said with a smile as she started walking away from Leetha.
The Princess remained on her knees watching the Queen's back walk towards the doors holding her heart in the air and waving it around. Leetha could not process exactly what happened. How could the Queen really do that to her? The Princess gasped for air when the Queen squeezed her heart. A tear fell down her cheek.
"I said, come my little ruffian, my pet, my snake," Regina said with a devious laugh.
The End.