This is the longest chapter yet. I hope you enjoy it :) I know the last one left a few of you devestated.
First year apart
Regina opened her eyes with a groan. The first thing she noticed was the freezing cold temperature of the room. The Queen took in her surroundings and saw that she was completely alone. Letting out a sigh of relief at the newfound realization she then proceeded to stand up. Regina used the bed for support as she tried desperately to find balance on her two shaky legs. When she found that she was strong enough to do just that, the brunette made her way to the chambers next door, in order to take a bath.
It was the exact size of her bedchambers, maybe larger. The young Queen couldn't tell, she didn't really care. All Regina wanted was to wash as soon as possible. She had to remove the feeling of Erland all over her and the Queen doubted water and soap would help much. She then started to remove her already torn gown off her body and in a few frantic moves the dress was lying on the floor.
The brunette took in her naked appearance in the large mirror she was facing. Her hair was sticking out in all directions and she wasn't exactly sure, but the Queen could have sworn that she had even less hair than usual. Maybe Erland tore some of it in his process of violating her body. Her face came next. The Queen's right cheek as well as her eye were covered in dark, purple bruises with an addition of a sickly green colour to them.
The brunette's upper lip had a long cut along it, traces of blood still lingering all over the area. The rest of her body was covered in bruises of all shapes and tones and her legs, along with her private area were completely covered in blood.
Regina tried to block her appearance away and she turned from the mirror abruptly. Making herself busy with filling the large bath. Once she decided that the water was warm enough, the brunette slowly made her way in. She let out a loud groan when the hot water hit her senses, her muscles ached in pain and her skin burned as if she was drowning in fire.
The previously clean water adopted a light shade of red as Regina took the soap in her hands and proceeded to wash the filth away. The young woman was calm at first, cleaning her arms with long, delicate strokes. As she progressed to her legs, she found that some stains just wouldn't disappear.
She started to pull the soap along the surface smoothly, in an attempt to avoid hurting the already bruised skin. The stains, however, refused to go off. Regina's previously calm exterior was gone in a flash and she started to rub at the bloodied skin furiously, grazing the area with her fingernails repeatedly. The newly broken skin, along with the mixture of soap and hot water began to sting painfully.
Regina ignored the feeling and continued to rub the now cleaned patch of skin frantically. Hot tears started to flow freely down her bruised cheeks. The brunette let out a loud sob as she threw the soap across the room. She screamed in frustration.
Emma's face turned into a painful grimace as she tried to open her eyes. Her entire body ached in pain and her scalp was burning like acid. The first thing the blonde noticed was that she was definitely not in her chambers. The room she was in was small and consisted of only one bed and a small toilet hole on the far right.
She tried to stand up but her entire body shook and twitched. Emma opted for staying in bed as she tried to collect her thoughts. The princess couldn't remember exactly what happened the last time she was concious. She remembered how they came for her, how they beated her up as Cora laughed in pure ecstasy. She remembered how they brought her back here and she definitely remembered signing up for some brutal treatment she knew absolutely nothing about.
And she remembered leaving Regina behind. The thought of her True Love, probably married to that monster by now, pained her to no end. She wasn't able to save her, she wasn't able to do anything and now she was trapped here with that Fairy cunt who was doing Gods knew what to her brain. Emma thought some more of the whole process. She had heard Red talking about people who were attracted to the same sex.
That wasn't something that was well accepted in the Enchanted forest and therefore actions like that didn't go without severe consequences. She had heard that people like that, people like her would be burned to death or hanged, in a few, rare cases, locked away for life. The blonde never heard anything about being able to cure it. She didn't want to be cured, why would she?
Regina was the best thing that happened to her in all of her miserable life. Her parents and the Fairy cunt, yes that was the new name Emma invented for Blue, apparently didn't like the idea of her being in love with another woman. Apparently, Cora also hated the idea. The Fairy cunt probably used some magic as punishment for watching that girl. She wanted to train her brain to react badly upon seeing a female body, Emma thought. The blonde wasn't sure, but that must be it. And seeing as her memories were a bit scrambled, they probably wanted her to forget about Regina altogether.
Emma had to suppress a chill. She never wanted to forget Regina. Maybe the universe had worked out of its way just to keep them apart so far. But forgetting someone you love... That was the worst curse imaginable.
Emma heard someone walk into the room. She refused to acknowledge that someone's presence, completely ignoring them. The person fumbled around for a few short moments before they approached Emma.
„I shouldn't be here, Your Highness... but your mother instructed me to bring you a change of clothes."
Emma snorted before she turned to face the wall.
„She wanted to know how you're feeling, Your Highness."
The girl's voice was quiet, frightened. Emma almost pitied her. Almost.
„Tell my mother to go shove it up her ass."
The princess could hear a small gasp leave the girl's mouth but she ignored her once again.
„If that's what you wish ,Your Highness."
Emma heard the girl turn to leave and she sighed in relief.
„Miss?"
The princess groaned. Why couldn't she just be left alone?
„I found something of yours, when I was washing your clothes. I was instructed to rid of the whole attire but... I thought maybe you would like to keep this."
Emma turned to watch the girl. It was the same maid the princess was forced to watch when she was enduring those awfully painful shocks. She flinched at the memory.
„You."
The girl's expression turned worried.
„I'm sorry about that time, Your Highness. I was under strict orders from the Blue Fairy. She just grabbed the first girl she found. Unfortunately, it was me."
„Get out."
„I had no choice, Your Highness. I am deeply sorry that you had to endure that awful pain she inflicted upon you. I never wanted to participate in any of that."
The girl started to explain but Emma would hear none of it.
„I said, get out!"
The said girl nodded and procedeed to leave. Emma turned to face the wall once again. Just as she was about to relax, she heard the girl return and drop something just below her bed. The princess wanted to turn and yell at the redhead's ignorance but stopped abruptly when she noticed the girl gone and the object she had left. It was her ring. The ring Regina gave her. Emma picked it up in a flash and stared at the object wantonly.
When she left it along with her clothes, the princess had hoped to return for it later on, unaware that she would be trapped in this prison. She regretted her decision soon after. When she saw that she was completely stripped of all her belongings and the thought of the Fairy cunt throwing something so precious away made her think that it was probably best if the object was left behind.
Emma kissed the ring, cherishing the still fresh memory of her love. Her poor Regina.
Regina finally pulled out of her bath. Water was still dripping from her naked form when she started to pull on one of the dresses she had found in her wardrobe. Just when she finished, a maid came into view. The girl stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the Queen's appearance. The dress was attached to her wet body like second skin, her hair was soaked and dripping on the floor and her face was beyond damaged.
„I'm sorry, my Queen. I thought that you would still be asleep. I was told to help you wash and dress."
Regina regarded the frightened girl. She was maybe a bit younger than herself with blonde hair cut just below her chin and her eyes were the lightest shade of blue.
„That's completely fine, dear girl."
The said maid gave a slight nod before she turned to collect the sheets from the bed. When she saw how much blood was covering it ,the girl paused. Regina noticed her actions and froze herself.
„Just dispose of those as quickly as possible, please."
The Queen's voice was trembling and her maid showed no hesitation as she proceeded as ordered. She collected the sheets in a frenzy and moved to put them in a small basket she came with. The girl then busied herself with putting new, clean ones instead.
Regina could easily notice the girl's discomfort and made an attempt to lighten the mood.
„What's your name, dear ?"
The maid paused for a moment, not sure why the Queen would want to socialize with someone below her.
„Adria."
„That's a beautiful name, Adria."
The girl gave a shy smile as she continued to clean the bed.
„Thank you, my Queen."
And as Regina regarded Adria, she couldn't help but to feel that maybe having a friend would make everything easier.
Emma almost let herself fall to sleep when a guard burst through the door.
„Get up. It's time for another session."
The princess ignored him completely, not moving a single inch.
„By the orders of the Blue Fairy and The King and Queen, get up."
Emma ignored him again and the guard's patience was already growing thin. He approached her in a flash and pulled her by the arm roughly, forcing the princess to stand on her own two legs before he tied both her arms and proceeded to drag her outside.
Emma tried to pull away but when she saw that the guard wouldn't bulge, the blonde soon gave up. He pushed her in the same dark room from last time where she was met by two cold eyes of the Fairy cunt. A chill made its way down her spine. She stood frozen, waiting for what was to come next.
The Blue Fairy gave an icy smile before she turned to the guard and gave a slight nod. Before Emma knew what was happening, she was thrown violently on the same wooden surface. The princess thrashed and screamed as the guard tried to restrain her once more. She refused to beg. Although her eyes showed great panic and desperation, the princess refused to beg to be let go. Her aggression proved to be effortless and she was soon chained down.
„Calm down, Your Highness. You should be thankful that you're Royalty. If you were a common girl, you would've been dead long ago. „
The Fairy gave one last smile, her eyes shining wickedly before she turned to stand behind Emma again.
„This session will be very useful. Trust me."
The Fairy cunt whispered in Emma's ear and the blonde would have liked nothing more than to chain that hypocrite of a woman herself and beat her to death.
„You can't make someone forget about their most treasured memories. You can't make someone unfall of love. You are the one who needs therapy lady!"
Emma all but spat in her face but the said woman ignored her and turned to face the guard once more.
„Send the boy in."
„You're one sick woman! Do you really think watching naked people and shocking my brain will accomplish anything?"
The princess yelled again when she saw a young man walk in.
„I don't think,I know, Your Highness."
The Fairy cunt said with venom in her voice as she attached her nails on Emma's head, gripping tightly.
„Go on, strip boy."
The young man looked beyond frightened. He recognized the princess and his eyes widened in shock. He stood there frozen for a few moments before the guard roughly shoved him to speed up the process.
„Do as you're told, boy."
There was no hesitation this time as the young man started to take his clothes off in a hurry. Emma refused to watch and she closed her eyes. Blue noticed this and send a large wave of electric bolts through her skull, making the princess flinch at the unbearable pain. Two hands directed the blonde's head to face the now naked young man who was just standing there, fidgeting.
„If you shut your eyes for even a moment, I will be forced to discipline you."
Emma complied without a second thought. The pain she went through the last time and now was something she desperately wanted to avoid. So she watched. The shocks came back soon after and her already burning scalp felt as if it was starting to melt. The blonde screamed as her eyes met the boy's and he continued to stare at her, mouth agape.
Then something strange happened. The shocks started to fade away slowly. The pain lessened before it was gone altogether. Emma just stared at the young man, certain that the pain would return at any moment now. It never did. The blonde could just feel slight aftershocks from the therapy flow through her system. Nothing more, nothing less.
„That's it for today. Send her back."
The young man moved out of their way and started to collect his clothes. Emma was taken by both her hands and guided back to her small cell, leaving Blue behind.
Regina was having breakfast with Erland and her parents, desperately trying to avoid all of their gazes. Especially her husband's. The older man gave her no notice as he ate. The King acted as if nothing happened and that was beyond infuriating for the brunette. They ate in complete silence for a while before Cora decided to speak.
„I have heard some interesting news at the celebration last night."
All eyes shot up in her direction, intrigued.
„And what news is that, dear friend?"
Erland was the one to ask and Regina's face turned into a grimace upon hearing his voice.
„You know of princess Emma?"
Regina's eyes went wide, almost falling out of her skull.
„Ah yes. I heard that she was your previous stable girl. I must say, if I had known, I would've reported her myself. I almost feel bad for sharing that piece of information with you."
Regina listened carefully, making an effort to stay put in her chair.
„And you have my deepest gratitude for that. I would have never known a fugitive princess was under my roof if it wasn't for you."
„I thought the guards found her. You never told me you reported her, mother."
All eyes turned to Regina now. Surprised at the sudden outburst. Cora glared at her for a few moments before she turned back to Erland, dismissing her daughter completely.
„Well, I almost feel sorry I did now." The older Mills chuckled.
„And why is that, dear friend?"
Erland required, intrigued by the whole exchange.
„I heard she snapped at her return. She was so off that her parent's declared her mentally ill. Naturally, they tried their best to help her."
„How does one help a mentally unstable person? There should be no place for them in this world."
Erland voiced his concern and Cora just nodded in agreement.
„Naturally, dear friend. There's no need to worry about this one, however. I heard that after just one treatment, the princess died. Her organism didn't take it well, apparently."
All colour drained from Regina's face at the new information. Emma dead? That can't be true. Her mother was probably lying again.
„One less insect to be bothered with, I suppose."
Erland dismissed the whole conversation, turning back to his meal. Regina's whole being shook with fury and rage. She wanted to jump across the table and strangle both her husband and mother.
„I think I'll return to my chambers. I'm not feeling so well."
„Do you need me to come with, daughter?"
Regina turned to face her mother 's mocking gaze.
„Thank you for the offer mother, I'll be fine."
And with that, the young Queen was gone. She had to sprint back to her chambers so that no one would see the tears threatening to fall down her face. Two guards opened the doors to her quarters, letting her pass through. The brunette gave a sligh nod of appreciation as she walked pass. Just when she was sure the doors were completey shut did Regina let the tears fall freely. The Queen fell to the floor and clung to her dress tightly, screaming Emma's name over and over again.
Emma was lying in her cell, motionless. The princess was toying with the ring in her hand, watching it with great admiration. It was all she had left of Regina. Her brain was completely messed up, her memories tinkered with and she was not sure how much longer she could keep it together. The blonde had already fell apart the moment she saw the guards walk in the stables and she wasn't sure if she'd last another day. The treatments were draining her, physically and emotionally.
Emma wanted nothing more than to run away and track Regina down. If there was only a way she could. After her last departure her parents made it their personal task to upgrade their security regarding the princess. Placing a guard at every corner of the castle, making it impossible for her to go anywhere unnoticed. Emma's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the cell door creaking open. It was her mother. Her brows furrowed and her expression fell. The very presence of this woman disgusted her.
„Emma, dear. I heard the treatments went well?"
Snow asked, her eyes shining with hope. Emma almost laughed in her face. She couldn't believe how this woman, the Queen of the White Kingdom could be so possibly oblivious to her surroundings.
„Please talk to me, daughter. I'm aware that I have made mistakes in the past, but I'm doing all I can to make it better. Please, say something."
„You call this doing your best? Well mother, your best simply isn't good enough."
Emma spat with vigour and Snow flinched.
„Then please. Please tell me what can I do to make it better?"
The older woman all but begged her daughter. Emma saw that her mother was genuinely willing to work for her friendship so she decided to exploit that. She grabbed her mother's arms and pleaded.
„Then send me back. Send me back to Regina Mills!"
Emma watched her mother's expression fall at the mention of the name.
„I can't do that Emma. She is the reason you're here!"
„Why am I here exactly?! What did I ever do wrong? All I ever wanted, mother, was to be happy."
„Weren't you happy here? With your father and I?"
Emma pulled her hands away and took a few steps back.
„I was never happy here. I never wanted to be a princess, I never wanted any of this!"
„It's in your blood honey. You were born to rule this Kingdom one day."
„And is that all I'm for? If that's all you need of me mother then I'm afraid you're in for a great disappointment."
„You were never a disappointment, Emma. All I ever did was love you. All I ever wanted was your love. And it seems to me that you simply refuse to meet me halfway."
„When have you ever done the same for me? When have you ever just let me be the person I am? You've never done it in the past and you are most certainly not doing it now."
Emma was already fuming from their argument.
„I cannot allow you to be with that girl Emma. That's just not right."
„Why!? Why is it not right? Explain it to me because I simply refuse to believe that two people being in love can be anything but right."
„It is not normal and that is final. You shall not leave this place until you show some good will, Emma. Show me that you are willing to cooperate and you shall be released."
A long moment of complete silence passed. Neither of them spoke as the tension grew further.
„No."
Second year apart
Regina and Erland were having dinner. Neither one of them enjoying the other's company. The Queen wanted nothing more than to stab the old man with one of the many forks presented on the table and The King wanted nothing more than to finish his wine and dinner in silence, without women banter.
„I'm leaving in two mornings."
That got Regina's attention. Her head snapped upwards and a curious smirk played around her lips.
„On what occasion, husband dear?"
Erland took another bite before he continued.
„It's of no importance to you. I am just to warn you to look after our Kingdom. Don't do anything I strictly forbade you from doing. Gregory will take care of all political matters in my absence, should they occure of course."
Regina gave in a slight nod.
„I understand."
The Queen had to suppress a laugh of pure joy. This would be the first time she would have some peace from the monster.
That conversation took place days ago and there was no word from the King yet. Regina wasn't complaining. Far from it. The Queen was overjoyed. She hoped the bastard was lying dead somewhere and would never return. Regina had to block all thoughts of Erland from her mind as she placed a single rose on the lake's surface and watched it slowly drift away.
The Queen took the opportunity of her husband's absence to visit her and Emma's special spot. Well, what used to be their special spot atleast. It was a gesture done in memory of their love. It had been over a year since they last saw eachother and Regina missed her blonde princess every single day.
She could only hope that her love was in a better place now and that someday soon, she could join her.
„I miss you Emma. So... so much."
Regina lay down on the soft grass, ignoring the fact that she would probably get her dress dirty and stained.
„I remember when I first met you... I thought that you were breathtakingly beautiful. It scared me Emma. And I couldn't find any other way to speak to you but to be rude and terrible. I'm so sorry for that love."
Regina let out a muffled sob before she forced herself to continue.
„I was angry back then Emma. I hated the world and you... you changed that. And just for a moment I was happy."
Two dark eyes stared at the sky above.
„Thank you for that, my love. Thank you for showing me what happiness means. And I'm so sorry for being a coward. I'm sorry I couldn't face my mother. I'm sorry that I didn't have the courage to leave everything behind and rescue you. I'm sorry that you had to die."
Regina was fully sobbing now.
„I'm afraid again Emma. I'm angry again. I keep having these terrible, dark thoughts, I've never had before. I wish so many people dead, my love. I wish my mother was dead for reporting you, for keeping us apart. I wish Erland was dead because... „
Regina couldn't force herself to finish that sentence.
„And I wish your parents the most... unspeakable of things for treating you the way they did. For forcing you to be someone you're not."
The Queen slowly stood up and faced the lake one more time. She kissed the wind and turned to leave.
„Maybe in another life. My love."
Emma was sitting in the dark cell, her arms wrapped around her small frame while her body shook back and forth. She wasn't sure how much time has passed. Was it a few days? A year? Ten years?
The princess did not know. When she noticed her memories were fading she started to count by the times her mother would come visit. And now... now she wasn't sure when was the last time the older woman came. Emma started to scratch at her burning scalp furiously, hoping to trigger some memories, to remember. Nothing came. The princess only had one clear memory left. Regina. Her face, her eyes, her lips. The only thing she was supposed to forget, the blonde remembered with great clarity.
The door creaked open and Emma's eyes shut closed. The light from the hall hurting her vision.
„Get up. It's time for your session."
And she did. Without complaint.
Third year apart
„Your dress looks lovely, My Queen."
Regina gave the younger girl a slight smile. Her maid was the only person she talked to these days. The only person she considered a friend and an ally.
„It's hideous, Adria."
Adria broke into a fit of laughter before she realized who was standing in front of her. Her expression changed immediately.
„I am so sorry, My Queen. I was out of line."
Regina just smiled, finding the girl beyond amusing.
„That's quite alright. It is quite funny. I look like I'm wearing fishnets."
„I can't argue with that, Your Majesty."
The Queen nodded her agreement before she remembered why she called the girl in the first place. And it was not to help her dress.
„Adria. I've been meaning to ask you."
„Yes, My Queen?"
„You know of my mother? You're her handmaiden as well."
„I am."
„Then I have one simple question for you, dear girl."
„My Queen?"
„With whom do your loyalties lie?"
The girl answered without hesitation.
„With you My Queen, of course."
Regina gave a wicked smile.
„I have a special task for you then."
„You have ruined her completely in my absence! I have been working day and night to forge an alliance with the Dunns, having to explain that our daughter is mentally ill just so that his army would spare us from an unnecessary attack! I was fighting the Dark One's minions to the far east, losing thousands of men and what have you been doing!?"
Snow White turned her eyes, avoiding her husbands murderous glare.
„She won't eat, she won't talk, she won't look at me!"
„It is for her own good Charming."
„Then explain to me, dear wife, what have we accomplished so far?"
Silence.
„I order you to take her out of that place by tomorrow evening and that is final."
„But the Blue Fairy promised only a few more sess..."
Charming turned to face his wife abruptly and all but spat in her face.
„I do not care. You will do as I say or Gods help me Snow...I was stupid enough to listen to you and that Fairy in the first place."
Regina was lying in her bed, reading a rather boring book about ogre wars when she heard a faint knock on her chamber doors. The Queen stood up and approached the source of the noise, creaking the door slightly open.
„Is she gone?"
„She is Your Majesty. Lady Cora said she'd be back by sunrise."
„Did she say where she was going?"
„No, Your Majesty."
Regina gave a faint nod.
„And the King?"
„Sleeping soundly in his chambers, My Queen."
„Come."
Both women began their journey to the other end of the castle. Regina dismissed every guard who tried to approach them with a strict glare. The two of them were facing Cora's chambers soon enough.
„Give me the key."
The girl complied without question, observing the Queen's actions. The door opened in a flash and Regina pulled them both inside before anyone could notice.
„I apologise for asking, but why are we here exactly?"
„I'm looking for a book."
„A book? Couldn't you just ask your mother to borrow it? Your father perhaps? Why all this secrecy?"
Regina silently laughed as she continued to search.
„You're too curious for your own good, girl. First of all this is a very special book. One that my mother would not give away so willingly. And second... my father's a coward and even he would do no such thing for me."
„I understand."
„I can't find it."
Regina fumbled through the drawers and various cabinets but to no avail.
„It's too dark here, Your Majesty. Maybe we could use some more light."
Adria moved to take one of the candles attached to the wall. As she removed it from it's place she was surprised to see The Queen staring at her with her mouth agape.
„What is it?"
The Queen said nothing but pointed a finger in the other direction. Adria turned to see the wall move, revealing a dark passage.
„Oh. That."
„You are brilliant, dear girl! That must be where she keeps it. Come, follow me."
Regina took the candle from her maid's hand and continued through the passage, Adria in suit. The long hallway was full of rats and various insects, making the younger girl yelp in disgust.
„This sucks." Adria pouted and Regina shot her a death glare.
„Or not. This is awesome, spiders and rats and... Maybe we'll find a dragon in here and we'll have to fi... ! „
„Adria!"
„Your Majesty?"
„Shut up."
„Yes, Your Majesty."
Regina, however couldn't help the small smile gracing her lips. The girl did remind her a bit of another certain blonde she knew. She was indeed, a breath of fresh air. The two of them soon found their way to a huge round room. Every inch of it was covered with numerous books and objects.
„I really hope this book is important or else..."
„Yes, Adria?"
„Nothing, Your Majesty."
Emma was staring blankly at the wall opposite in the same crunched position she was in every day. The princess was fumbling with the ring around her neck repeating Regina's name over and over again as the girl's face slowly started to fade from her memories. She was desperate and frightened. Something stirred outside the cell walls and Emma's head shot upwards, listening.
When she heard a loud bang, the girl cautiously stood up and approached the small window on her door. She risked a glimpse outside only to be faced with complete darkness. The usual light from the torches outside was gone. Her heart raced rapidly as complete silence overtook the small room.
„Something on your mind, dearie?"
Emma jumped when she heard the voice behind her. When she turned around however, she was faced with nothing but darkness. That added to the already building anxiety.
„Who's there?"
Her voice was hoarse, trembling. The princess sounded strange to her own ears. It had been such a long time since she let her voice out. There was a flash of purple smoke and Emma was faced with a figure of a man standing to the far corner of the room.
To say he looked odd was an overstatement. The princess never saw anyone like him before. His skin was lizard like, almost like scales. His eyes were a sickly shade of green that Emma had to wonder if he even had pupils. His voice was high pitched and off and the blonde's brows furrowed with suspicion.
„Who are you?"
„Doesn't matter who I am dearie. The question is why I'm here."
The impish man spoke in a overly cheerful tone, moving his hands up and about in the process. His whole appearance was unsettling.
„Why are you here then?"
„I'm here to help you, of course."
Emma snorted.
„And why would you want to help me?"
The imp started to move up and down the room, making Emma nervous.
„I have heard of your unfortunate situation. And I have to say, dearie, I am nothing if not a sucker for True Love."
„What would you know about True Love?"
„I know enough about yours."
Emma's head snapped in his direction.
„You know Regina?"
Her voice was filled with desperate hope.
„Indeed I do, dearie. I can help you reunite with your fair maiden... for a price."
„Anything! I'll do anything!"
Hooked.
The imp smiled with glee.
„Are you sure dearie? The price is quite high."
„I don't care what the price is."
„Mhha. My, my, you're quite trustworthy. Not so interested in who I am anymore, are you dearie?"
Emma's face turned into a hollow grimace as she regarded the man in front of her. Why would she care? He was here, he was the first person to offer any form of help in the last... Emma wasn't sure what. But nevertheless, he was here and willing and the princess didn't have much to live for but hope.
That was the last thing she had left and she was holding to it desperately. She wouldn't last much longer anyway. Even if this man send her to the burning flames of hell that would still beat this prison. Even if he was some fraud who would leave her hanging she would not be there tomorrow to regret it.
„I said I don't care. Now tell me about your deal, imp."
The said man let out a high pitched laugh before he proceeded to explain.
„I shall keep it simple,dearie. For you to be reunited with your one and only, you need to take a little nap."
Emma looked at him completely puzzled.
„Are you mad? A nap... really?"
„Not just any nap, dearie. You can't just wake up from this one."
„What do you mean I can't wake up?"
„I mean to say dearie, that this nap is several years long."
Emma stared him down with two questionable eyes.
„Why would I do that? Won't they think I'm dead and bury me? There's no way I'd ever be able to reunite with Regina."
„Tsk, tsk. There is not a person in this land who can't recognize a sleeping curse when they see one, dearie. I just need you asleep for a few years."
„And why is that?"
„I thought you didn't care,dearie. I just need you safely guarded for the time being."
„And how will I wake up? Don't I need True Love's kiss or something?"
The imp gave a loud laugh at her bemused expression.
„Oh no, dearie. True love's kiss is not the only thing that can break a sleeping curse."
„I thought..."
„Many people have, dearie. Now, let's get back to business. Are you in..."
A potion materialized in the imp's hand.
„Or are you out?"
„Alright. So I just have to drink that and I'll be asleep for a couple of years. But when I wake up... I'll be with Regina?"
The green skinned man gave a slight nod.
„And how do I know you're telling the truth?"
„You don't. Now, if you would just hurry up. I'm on a rather tight schedule."
Emma regarded the glowing potion in the man's hand. She had nothing to lose, the princess reminded herself.
„Deal."
And without another moment of hesitation the blonde drank the potion down in a flash.
„I don't feel any diffe... woah."
And then she fell on the floor with a loud thud, completely motionless.
„I'd tuck you in, dearie, but I'm afraid I have another important call."
„Is that it?"
Adria questioned as they stared at a quite large, dusty, old book.
„It is."
„Ways of the Dark Arts. Are you sure you want to do this?"
„Without a doubt."
And the Queen started to flip through the pages in a frenzy, looking for that one particular spell. A few moments of complete silence passed before she found exactly what she was looking for.
„You found it?"
Regina gave a slight nod, her lips spreading in a cheshire smirk.
„Rumpelstiltskin,I summon thee."