Although the cruise had been fun, it was nice to be home. Judging by the fourteen straight hours Henry slept the first night home he agreed with me. Now that the vacation was over, Henry was starting to pack for college. Over the course of two weeks he poured through everything in his room, throwing some things away and boxing others away in the attic. One weekend Emma took him to the closest town with a mall so they could go shopping. Henry only rolled his eyes when he informed me of Emma's plans. She thought he needed a new "college" wardrobe. Henry disagreed but went along with her plan to make her happy.

They returned with a lot more than just new clothes. Emma had seen fit to buy Henry everything he would need for his dorm room: new linens, matching rugs, posters, lamps and everything.

The weekend away from Henry seemed inordinately long, and as soon as Emma dropped him off and helped him carry all the purchases inside and left I immediately kissed Henry. Since we talked on the cruise, neither of us had even referenced the upcoming break-up. It was a scythe looming above our heads but by mutual agreement we ignored it. Curled against Henry's chest listening to the comforting sound of his heart I wondered how I was going to recover from the inevitable heartbreak of the breakup.

Henry rubbed soft circles on my hand as was his habit and the soothing motion relaxed me. Out of nowhere, Henry asked, "Can I ask you a question?"

I turned my head so I could observe his face. He appeared anxious which was not like him, not while we were alone at any rate. "Anything love," I promised.

Henry sighed deeply and he caught hold of my other hand as well. "I love you so much and you're very beautiful."

"That's not a question," I pointed out. Henry appeared to be diverting from his question and I was honestly curious about what could make him so nervous.

"No. It's not." Henry laughed though it sounded forced. "I just...I've been having this sort of fantasy lately."

Now we were getting somewhere albeit very slowly. "Go on," I prodded.

"About you." Well, that was not the least bit surprising. I bit back my sarcastic retort. Henry was nervous and this was not the time to risk offending him. I waited with more patience than I felt for him to get to his question. "And I want to let you know that I'm satisfied with all aspects of our relationship. You're an amazing woman."

I nodded my head in understanding. He was going to ask me something about our sex life, and I was very curious about his recent fantasy. In truth, I'd been having some fantasies myself lately, but I did not mention that fact. Henry needed to go first.

"I know this might seem strange, but I've been fantasizing about you dressed like you used to."

I thought I knew what Henry was referring to, but I wanted further conformation. "Dressed how?"

Henry's face colored. "As the Evil Queen," he mumbled.

I wanted to laugh. Really, I did. His request was so odd yet simple I immediately knew I would indulge his fantasy, but his anxiety was strangely amusing.

"Henry," I said and tilted his face so he was looking directly at me, "If that is what you want, I can arrange something." After many long years of being simply madam mayor, it would be strange to dress once more in the elaborate gowns from my time as queen, but I would gladly do it if it made Henry happy. I'd once thought that my young son before the curse had broken had me wrapped around his little finger. Back then, he was so cute and his puppy dog eyes could get me to agree to almost anything. Henry my lover held even more sway over me, more that I ever thought was possible. Once of my greatest weaknesses had been love and my desire to do anything for the people I loved, and I'd never loved anyone so deeply as I did Henry, not even Daniel.

We sat in silence for a while longer just savoring the comfort of the other. After as while I decided to broach a similar topic with Henry. "Henry, can I ask you something as well?"

"Anything," Henry repeated my earlier sentiment.

"I've been having this fantasy as well." I tried to sound bold, but I came across as nervous. It was easy to judge Henry for being nervous to confessing a fantasy, but now I was trying to explain one of my own I felt suddenly nervous.

"Go on," Henry encouraged me. He pulled me closer to his side and I snuggled against his warm chest.

I conjured an image of my fantasy in my mind and my face colored at the sight. There was no way I could ask him. He would think me sick or something. There was no way Henry would understand. I inhaled deeply to quell my fears. Of course Henry would understand. He loved me and he assured me of that frequently. I had not judged him for his fantasy and I knew deep down he would not criticize me for mine. "I was wondering if, during sex—" Henry was looking intently at me and his stare made my insides flutter uneasily "—you would, maybe..."

My last two words were so quiet not even I could hear them and I was the one talking. Henry pulled away slightly so he could face me full on. "If I could what?"

"Spank me," I mumbled. I hated coming across as the blushing, inexperienced virgin that I certainly was not. I waited for Henry to recoil, but instead of answering me or pulling away he kissed me.

His kiss was enthusiastic and demanding all at the same time and before I knew what was happening he guided me to lay back on the couch with his weight resting above me. I turned my head to break the kiss as much as my body screamed at me not to. "Henry, love, please say something," I pleaded.

Henry's eyes were dark with desire and the expression made me shiver in equal parts fear and anticipation. "Are you serious? Do you really want that?" he asked.

Despite the lust displayed on his face, his question revealed his true feelings: disgust.

"I'm sorry. I knew you wouldn't want to and I shouldn't have asked. Please, just forget—"

Henry cut me off with another kiss. The second kiss was brief and he pulled away quickly though we were both still panting. He slid his hands under my back and then ran them downwards so they were resting just above the swell my by butt. "—Regina," he silenced me, "I think you have the most amazing ass—" I blushed even more at the praise, "—and I have thought so many times about how much more delightful it would look reddened from my hand." When I tried to speak, no words were able to emerge before Henry preemptively silenced me with a kiss. When he broke the kiss, he said, "I've wanted to spank you but I never thought you would be interested, so my answer is yes."

"Yes?" I looked at him hopefully though I did not understand why a part of me so desperately wanted to feel his hand cracking down on my bottom in what could only cause pain, but the thought of being turned over his lap and spanked was arousing.

"Yes." Henry confirmed.

I smile and leaned up to kiss him. I ran my tongue over his bottom lip and he granted my request for entrance. His kiss was fiery and passionate and I melted into his embrace. I fisted my hands in his shirt to keep him close. Almost of their own accord my fingers worked at undoing the buttons on Henry's shirt and pushing the offending material away to reveal his toned chest.

I shifted my weight to straddle Henry. Heat chorused through my body and I jerked as Henry unexpectedly bucked his hips upwards brushing his hardened member against my core. My clothes were too much. I wanted to feel Henry's skin against mine. I stepped back and Henry moaned at the loss of contact. Looking him straight in the eye, I pulled of my blazer. Slowly I unbuttoned my shirt. Henry's gaze was heated as he stared at the skin I was slowly revealing. Down to my bra and panties, Henry could stand my strip tease no longer. "Need you now," he breathed huskily as he grabbed my wrist and pulled me on top of him again.

And then he was everywhere all at once. His lips were hot on mine before descending to my neck an lighting my skin on fire wherever they touched. His hands were quickly undoing my bra and throwing it to the floor and then his hands were rolling and pinching my nipples. I pulled of his belt and undid the top of his pants, enough to free his member. I rubbed my palm over the velvety skin, admiring, not for the first time, its softness.

"Please, Henry, please. Please," I begged though I was unsure what it was I wanted and only that Henry knew what I needed. "Please baby," I moaned as I ground my heat over his erection. Henry, frustrated at the thin lacy layer that prevented direct skin on skin contact, growled and tore off my panties.

I aligned myself over his erection and was about to sink down to relieve the aching emptiness I was feeling when pain welled on my bottom. My mouth formed an O and my grip on Henry's shoulders kept me upright. Then Henry's hands were guiding me and I keened at the unexpected loss.

I was facing the floor and I could feel Henry's erection straining against my belly as he held my legs down. SMACK.

The blow was sudden and unexpected even though I knew it would be coming. It was harder than I thought, too, but I bit my lip to keep noise from escaping. I was the one who asked for this. I squirmed a bit waiting for the next blow but it did not come. Instead, Henry rubbed soothing circles over my sensitive skin. "Did you like that?" he asked me. His voice was so seductive and I found myself arching my bum upwards to press harder against his hand.

"Mmmm, more," I said though my mind was screaming at me to have him stop so I could avoid the pain. That was all the encouragement Henry needed because suddenly another stinging blow was delivered but this time Henry did not stop. He continued raining blows over my bottom. My skin felt like it was enflamed and I was sure it was red. He alternated between my right and left sides, and each hit landed in a different spot each time. I was panting hard at my attempt to keep from crying out, but a particularly hard strike to my upper thighs broke my concentration and I yelped.

Pain was chorusing through my body radiating from my abused bottom. I meant to wiggle to try to get away but Henry's grip on my legs kept me in place. After more blows than I was able to count, Henry pulled me back up so I was straddling his lap again. "I'm sorry," he whispered as he brushed a tear from my cheek. I had not even realized I was crying. At some point the pain must have become too much for my body. I brushed away the tears but my vision remained blurry.

"Don't be sorry," I said. I pulled his hand, reddened just as my bottom was, and guided it to the spot between my legs so he could feel my arousal. I was positively dripping. Henry's face shifted from apologetic to lustful.

He kept one hand on my hip as his other hand guided his member to my opening. He rubbed the tip over my folds and I squirmed and tried to draw him into my body but his grip on my hip prevented me from sliding downwards to fill the emptiness that was overcoming me.

I kissed him again and that provided me with the distraction I needed. Henry's grip on me loosened so I thrust my body downwards, impaling myself upon his hardness. I felt so gloriously full and I paused a moment to adjust to his length, and then I was riding him. I rolled my hips against him in order to brush my clit against him on each thrust.

Henry alternated pinching and biting my nipples. His ministrations were painful but the pleasure of being filled by him was even stronger. I was on the edge and I could feel he was too.

"Come for me," I said seductively and then I felt his shaft tightening before exploding inside me. The force of his orgasm was enough to stimulate mine and I was coming around him. Then too tired to move I sank forwards until I was resting against him. My cheek laid on his shoulder as we both panted heavily and the smell of sweat and sex filled the living room.

Henry was the first to say something. "That was...just wow," he breathed out.

"Yes, wow," I agreed as I pulled myself off his now flaccid cock. I turned to lay back on the couch beside him but the moment my bottom came into contact with the cushions pain caused me to jerk away.

Henry laughed at my reaction and I glared at him. The mirth died from his eyes and was replaced with love. He pulled me onto his lap, and though it caused my butt to sting I relaxed into the comfort of his arms. He was able to distract me from the pain.

Looking around the living room, I became aware of how exposed we were. Anyone who walked up to the house would be able to see us through the open windows. I jerked myself from his embrace and gathered my clothes from the floor. I pulled them on as quickly and then threw Henry's shirt at him and snapped at him to put it on. Henry laughed against but he did as I said.

The next day I fidgeted as I looked at myself in my full length mirror. The leather leggings and heeled booths seemed normal, though I'd forgotten how painful the corset was. It did wonders for my figure, making my already slender frame skinner while at the same time holding my breasts up and making them appear larger, but the corset was making breathing hard. I would adjust, of course, though I remembered why I preferred this world's clothing. All that was left to complete the outfit was the black feathered cloak that I held in my hands. My hair was curled into an elaborate twist, a feat I was only able to accomplish with the help of magic, and my face had the hard and cruel lines I had never noticed before.

Dressed as the Evil Queen, I felt more like my past self already. I glanced at the clock. Only half an hour remained until I expected Henry to be home. I retreated to read a book in order to pass the time, though I spent an inordinate amount of time checking the clock. I only read a few pages. I heard the sound of the door being opened downstairs.

I hastily set my book aside and rechecked my appearance in the mirror. Not a hair was out of place and I looked ready. No time like the present. I fortified myself with a breath and tried to force myself into character. Although Henry had only asked me to dress like the Evil Queen, I though he expected me to act as my past self as well. Show time.

"Mom! I'm home," I heard Henry shout from downstairs. I heard the thud of something being dropped to the floor.

I swept out of my room and the feeling of my cloak flaring behind me with the sudden movement gave energy to me. I felt power chorus through my veins and I felt invincible. I rapidly descended the stairs and went straight to the living room. Henry was already turning on the tv but as he saw me enter the room and turned to watch, and did a double take once he realized what I was wearing.

"Well," I demanded, and unintentionally my tone was condescending. Perfectly in character without even trying. "What are you staring at?" I snapped.

Henry shut his jaw before standing and turning to face me. "You majesty," he said with an extravagant bow. Regina would have laughed, but I was not just Regina. Instead, my mouth turned up in a small smirk. "You are even more beautiful than I've heard."

Everything about this scenario was silly and corny yet neither of us were laughing. That was, neither of us were laughing until Henry pulled his phone from his pocket and snapped a photo of me. I glared at him. "What was that for?" I demanded once more.

"So I can remember this. Thank you. Now, my queen, if you would follow me—"

"—Silence," I snapped. I must have looked fierce because Henry took a step back. I stared right at him. If his fantasy involved the Evil Queen, then it was she, and not Regina, he would get. "Follow me," I barked as I turned and headed straight back to my bedroom. I did not look to see if Henry was following me. If he wasn't, he would be sorry.

I did not have to wonder long because I heard the sound of his footsteps behind me. I closed the door to my bedroom before turning to face Henry. He was looking around the room in wonder. I had done a bit of redecorating in preparation for tonight. In for a penny in for a pound I had figured.

"Strip," I snapped at him. Henry appeared startled and I wondered if he would call the whole thing off but instead he complied. His was not a graceful strip tease, but I was able to appreciate his nude form as it was revealed to me none the less.

Once he was in his birthday suit, he smirked and look at me expectantly. "Your turn," he pronounced.

He really should not have attempted to be cheeky with me. "Don't be impertinent," I snapped as I pushed him back against the bed. Henry was startled, and as I towered over him I saw real fear in his eyes. I remembered the last time he had looked at me with fear. He had been so little then, and the memories of five-year-old Henry coming to his mother for comfort as he woke terrified from a nightmare almost caused me to call the whole thing off. Almost, but not quite. Then, he looked at me as if he was afraid of something and he wanted me to protect him. I'd seen that same look many times over the years, but this was different. He was not afraid. Even at my darkest times, Henry had known I could never hurt him so he never looked like he was afraid of me. Now, I saw in his eyes that he was afraid of me. Instead of feeling hurt like I should have been, I felt a rush of power chorus through my veins.

Magic raced through my body threatening to break loose as it had not done for so many years. I was powerful. No one could stop me. I was in control. Everyone obeyed me. If they knew what was good for them at least.

Then I was fucking myself on top of Henry as my magic bound his wrists and ankles to the bed so he could not move. I was in control. I was powerful. Adrenaline chorused through my body as I took my pleasure from Henry.

And then I was coming and I felt the rush of power declining. My heart was thudding wildly in my chest even as my body became lethargic and I collapsed, still mostly clothed, on the bed. Its softness and my loss of concentration kept the spell holding Henry still to break and he moved. He was holding me against him and the rush of power I'd felt disappeared completely. Now it was just me and Henry. My son. My lover.

He pulled the pins out of my hair so it fell loose around my shoulders. "Wow," he breathed out, "You are amazing."

It was then I realized he had not come. I'd taken my own pleasure from him but left him wanting. I wrapped my fist around his erection and pumped it a few times but that was all it took before he was moaning my name and coming on my dress.

"Henry, love," I began, needing the broach the subject before I freaked out entirely, "This was amazing, but I don't think I can do this again."

"Why not?" Henry looked concerned and worried.

"It's just this isn't just clothes to me. When I dress like her I begin to feel like her." I took a breath before explaining exactly what I had felt to him but Henry already knew what I was going to say.

"And you have worked so hard to become good you don't want to jeopardize anything. I understand and I know. Thank you for giving this to me but I don't want you to risk loosing yourself."

I felt a smile blossoming on my face at how completely Henry understood me. I did not have to explain to him because he already knew and he understood. He'd known me his entire life. He'd been there for me through everything, and he loved me.

He'd told me he loved me, but it was this connection that transcended words and thoughts that truly let me know how much he loved me. It was the shine in his eyes as he looked at me, the way he looked at me like he looked at no one else. One look from him could freeze me in his thrall, and for a selfish moment I wanted to retract what I'd said before and keep him to myself. I wanted to convince him how foolish I had been to even suggest he experience dating other girls.

There was no need for him to experiment elsewhere. I love him and he loved me and that was all we needed. It was enough for me, to selfishly keep him all to myself.

But then I remembered who I had been and I could not say anything. The Evil Queen was selfish enough to keep a lover exclusively hers, but Regina wanted what was best for Henry, the son she'd raised since infancy. She was selfish and dangerous, but I was Regina and I had to do what was best for him no matter what the selfish part of my consciousness wanted me to do.

"I'll miss you," I murmured as I pressed my nose against his chest and inhaled his comforting scent.

Henry stiffened and I tried to pull away but as I moved he wrapped his arms around my waist and held me tight. "Don't talk about that now," he pleaded.

I nodded and relaxed into his grip. We really needed to talk. This avoidance was unhealthy and it was a constant rain cloud over our heads, but there was nothing I could do to fix it. I was the cause. I wanted to feel guilty about everything, but I loved Henry so much that I could not bring myself to feel regret about all that had passed between us.

Two more weeks. That was all the time we had until summer came to an end and it was time for him to go to college. I wanted to freeze time and keep him forever, but that was out of my control. As I fell asleep in Henry's arms, I felt helpless. My world was spiraling out of control and I was helpless to stop the tides of change that were rapidly approaching.