The cobbled road to the market jostled Regina and Maleficent as they rode along on their horse and trap. They carried children's toys, fruits and plants to sell to the villagers. Regina enjoyed going to the market as a way to get out of the house without being recognized. They would both disguise themselves as old women and withhold toys from children; it was wholesome entertainment. Maleficent was currently turned around and feeding another mouse to her carnivorous plant, affectionately named Audrey II. The plant gulped down the mouse, and burped heartily sticky tongue sweeping over its lips.
Maleficent grimaced at it, and faced forward, "I hope I sell that thing today, it never shuts up. At first it was cute, but I can only take so many show tunes. So Regina, you were looking awfully cozy with your little cloaked friend at the gathering. Have you seen any more of your new paramour?"
"Yes, last night actually. Thanks for asking," Regina turned her head so Maleficent couldn't see the way her face lit up when she recalled the memory of Emma's face rapt with passion.
Maleficent's interest was piqued, and she pressed Regina for more, "I see. So who is she?"
"I'd rather not say," Regina straightened her back and focused on the road, but Maleficent could read her as easily as her scrying glass.
"My you do seem smitten, Regina dear. Please tell me more," Maleficent drawled leaning closer.
Regina took a deep breath and against her better judgment, she spoke, "She sought me out. Even with cloaking spells surrounding my cottage, she found me easily. Isn't that odd?"
Maleficent scanned Regina's face, "Yes, interesting. You knew her…back before the curse ended?"
"Yes, of course she was the-" Regina clamped her mouth shut, not sure she could actually trust Maleficent with more. The witch was her friend, but they had a long history of back stabbing and black mail.
She had already said too much, and a flicker of recognition sparked in Maleficent's mind, "The Sheriff! The White knight, breaker of the curse! The Charming's Princess!"
"The mother of my son," Regina added glumly, biting her lip.
"Regina you dangerous dog, you certainly know how to stick your fingers in pie. Wow!" Maleficent arched her eyebrows as the information sunk in.
"Don't get too excited about it, and don't you dare go telling your little spell club. Last thing I need is word getting out," Regina hissed, hunching her shoulders and fearing it was a mistake telling her.
"Lips are sealed, dear. I've heard a few things about your Princess. Isn't she is betrothed to another? You need to be careful, Regina. I've warned you before," Maleficent lowered her voice and shook her head.
"Betrothed? Exactly where did you hear that?" Regina's pulse began to quicken in a mixture of worry and curiosity.
"I heard it the other day, during bewitching hour at the pub, from that ruthless skank: Tinkerbelle. You know her- she gets a drop of wine in her and turns into a regular chatterbox. Couldn't even hold her fairy dust. A real shame if you ask me," Maleficent gossiped freely as Regina's expression slowly darkened.
"And who is she supposedly engaged to?" Regina was now seething, unable to quell the hurt seeping into her voice.
"Why Baelocchio, the Wizard of Neverland it would seem. I heard that the Charming's are ecstatic. It would be quite an alliance between the realms if it pans out. Everyone is already talking about it," Maleficent informed Regina, who doubled over like she had just been stabbed in the chest.
"Baelocchio? But I thought he was-?"
"An avid climber of Jack's beanstalk? So I thought," Maleficent made an obscene motion with her hand.
"But Emma, she-," Regina's head was spinning, tears threatening to pool and spill.
"Prefers the flavor of your pie?" Maleficent smirked callously, "stranger things have happened."
"Will you stop with the euphemisms, please? I'm…not sure what to think about this," Regina attempted to pull herself together, as they drew closer to the market.
"You need to approach this with caution. Last time someone hurt your feelings, I ended up spending 28 years rehabilitating wounded birds at the Storybrooke Raptor rescue. I'm not going back to clean up bird shit, so think wisely," Maleficent's tone turned serious, "What exactly do you hope to gain courting the daughter of the Charming's? Do you still harbor resentment? You need to cut all ties with that family and just live your life, let it go. Let all of it go, Emma and Henry included."
"This isn't some scheme for power. It may have crossed my mind at the beginning when Emma first came to me, but-I actually care for her and she has my son. I need to think. I need to talk to her," Regina tried to push down the unwanted feelings that were overwhelming her, and damning herself for sharing so many of her feelings.
"My advice: cut it off. You don't need to stir the cauldron. Stay away from her and let her marry Baelocchio. He'd make her life a whole lot easier, and be good for the kingdom. You know I'm right, but whether you choose to listen: that's up to you. Now, drink your gypsy tears and get your hag face on, we have shit to sell."