Hope everyone recovered from that dancing lesson last night and all the small EvilCharming moments! Here is the next chapter for you! Thank you for the lovely reviews. Yes the identity of the man and his boss will be revealed... just not quite yet.
Chapter 12: GiftThe last four months had been uneventful. Spring had slowly replaced winter and the much needed relief had reached the northern part of the Kingdom. There were no casualties but they desperately needed help to repair their homes and plowing equipment.
David and Regina had grown closer after their intimate kiss under her apple tree. They spent most of their free time together. She had opened up to him about her past with Cora. He had listened to her, supporting her the best he could. She treasured the moments she had spent with him alone. They hadn't been physically intimate since that afternoon on her Father's estate but she felt more connected to him than any men she had known before him.
David had left five days ago to oversee the reconstruction of the road leading to the Northern Province. She had missed him deeply but the missive she had received this morning lifted her spirits. David was coming back today around lunchtime. Her maid had barely had enough time to finish styling her hair before Regina had run toward the kitchen, hoping to catch Granny at the end of the morning rush.
She had found the old woman alone in the large pantry, where she had been doing the inventory. Regina had startled the poor woman when she had come barreling down the room. "I need you help!"
"What's wrong child?" A quick inspection of the Queen had told Granny that she was physically fine.
"David is coming back today. I want to surprise him!"
Granny had never seen Regina this excited before. "Surprise him how?"
"I want to bake him an apple pie."
The apple pie was the reason Granny was currently standing behind the Queen, holding the basket full of fruits. They had spent the last hour selecting the best apples from Regina's tree. Granny was starting to lose patience as all the fruits were essentially alike thanks to the preservation spell but she knew better than to say anything. It would only take longer if Regina got upset.
Regina spent another half hour selecting the apples. Granny hoped they could make the pie before the preparation of the mid-day meal. At that time, the kitchen would be so full of activity than they may not have the space they needed for their special dish.
As soon as they entered the kitchen, Regina set all the ingredients on the counter and started preparing the dough. Granny smiled as the Queen bit her lower lip in concentration. She seemed more relaxed and happier than she had seen her in days. She had been more reserved since the King's departure. She had spent one evening with Red, but had otherwise stayed in her bedchambers. Granny was happy to see her excited once again.
They had just set the pie to cool when a valet came to announce the King's return. Regina was fidgeting in anticipation. Granny put a hand on her arm. "Go. I'll get a picnic basket ready for you". Regina didn't need to be told twice. She was already running through the hallways, the valet desperately trying to keep up with her pace.
David had barely had enough time to dismount before Regina leapt into his arms. He caught her just in time but needed to take a few steps back to steady himself. She was smiling brightly at him. "I've missed you!"
The Huntsman and the guards were trying to suppress their smiles and chuckles. The rumors about the Queen and the King's relationship had been spreading like wildfire through the Palace in the past few months. At first, there were concerns that the Queen had somehow cast a spell on the King to retake the Kingdom. However, the carefree attitudes of both the King and Regina soon told them otherwise. They were happy, or at least as happy as Regina would let herself be. The looks of contempt and hate were soon replaced by smiles and shy acknowledgements. After living with the Queen for over the year, they had been able to appreciate the changes in her. She wasn't the Evil Queen any longer. However, a few had stayed firm on their beliefs that Regina couldn't change. Some had left their post at the Palace. Most were just ignoring her. However, one was still plotting his revenge. The sight of the Queen in the King's arms was enough to twist his stomach into a knot. Soon, he reminded himself. His employer had promised that he would destroy the Queen in the next few days.
David hugged her tight, burying his face into her neck. He had missed the smell of apples on her. It felt like home. "I've missed you too." He set her on her feet and held her against him. Her face was turned up toward him and he moved a few strands of loose hair from her eyes. "I have a surprise for you."
"Oh!"
He kissed her on the cheek. "Come on, it's in the back!" He gently tugged at her hand so she would follow him. He stopped in front of a beautiful stallion. He was entirely black, with no markings. His posture was one of strength and speed. "His name is Darkfire."
She walked slowly toward the stallion. She ran her hand over his forehead and down his neck. "David, I can't accept this gift. It's too much." She had received luxurious gifts from Leopold, mostly extravagant dresses and jewelry. She had been expected to wear them at Royal events and she had despised every single one of them. On the other hand, she had cherished all of David's small gestures: her time with Granny in the kitchen when she was still a prisoner, their walks around the castle's grounds, the care he had put in setting up her bedchambers, the books she had told him were her favorites as a child, the flowers sent with her breakfast tray, and of course her apple tree.
"Too late. I have already accepted on your behalf".
Regina turned around to face the King, surprise written all over her features. "Who would make me such a gift?"
"His name is Soslan." David could tell that the name was meaningless to her. "After the first winter of your reign he came to beg you to help his village. You did. The villagers had been grateful and loyal to you ever since. He came to testify at your trial. Asking to spare your life. He was sorry he couldn't do more." The tears were pooling in her eyes. So someone did try to help her. "This stallion was born shortly… shortly after you were imprisoned the second time. In their culture, when a black foal is born, it represents a re-birth. They are cared for until they can be re-united with the person who had been reborn. When the villagers heard about your… change of heart, they knew the horse belonged to you. By refusing to take him, you would be insulting them. "
Regina was stroking the horse's head. The stallion was standing docilely next to her, his ears pricked forward. This was the calmest David had seen the horse. "They named him Darkfire after your magic spell. When you fertilized the land with your magic, it was as if fire had turned the earth black and fertile." He came to stand next to her, turning her to face him. He wanted to make sure she was listening to him. "The spell you used to fertilize their land is still active. Thanks to you, they could harvest enough food for all the northern villages to survive the winter." Regina gave him a small smile. The few lives that had been spared this winter were nothing in comparison to the thousands she had taken in her fury. David felt the dark thoughts entering her mind. He provided the much needed distraction. "Care for a ride?" She smiled and nodded enthusiastically.
ECECEC
Ther ride to the top of the hill had been short but from there, they could see the entire Palace and most of the Royal Grounds. Darkfire was as fast and powerful as he looked. She had to rein him in on the way so David's filly could keep up. She unsaddled the horses and let them graze as David was setting up the picnic area. He smiled when he reached the apple pie at the bottom of the basket.
They spent the afternoon talking about their days apart. David had never travelled that far before and he was still excited about the different people and customs he had encountered during his journey. Regina was happily nodding along, sharing in the King's excitement. She had never been allowed far outside of the castle when Leopold was alive. However, her duty as Queen and her quest against Snow White had landed her in all parts of the Kingdom by the second year of her reign. Although her heart had already been marked by darkness, she still had felt some of the joy from the same experiences the King was now sharing with her. In contrast, her days had been dull. She told him about the books she had read and the evening she had spent with Red.
The sun was low in the horizon and she knew they would have to get back soon. However, she didn't want to part from him. She had felt lonely and she couldn't get enough of his company. "Care for dinner tonight?"
David snapped his head toward her. He could see the longing in her eyes and his heart broke when he crushed her hopes for companionship this evening. "I'm sorry, Regina. There is a matter I need to attend to." He saw the light leave her eyes. "But I could meet you for breakfast tomorrow."
She gave him a small smile and nodded once. "We should get back. It's getting late."
David couldn't argue with that and started cleaning up. Regina saddled both horses and handed the filly's reins to the King. David wanted to cheer her up. "Race you to the stables?"
She snorted. "That would not be a fair game dear."
"Oh really?" Without another word he jumped on his horse and galloped down the hill.
Regina laughed and screamed "Cheater!" at the top of her lungs. But she wasn't worried. One look at her stallion told her that David would lose this race no matter how much of head start he got. She mounted the horse and started after David. Darkfire's footing was sure on the sloppy hills and he was gaining on the filly. The feeling of the wind in her hair was exhilarating. She had forgotten how much she liked riding for pleasure. The last time was shortly before Daniel's death. She caught up with David at the bottom of the hill. As soon as he was on a flatter terrain, Darkfire accelerated arriving a good minute before the filly. Regina smirked as David dismounted and handed the reins to the stable boy.
He bowed to her. "I surrender".
"You better. There is not a game I can't win."
"Oh, I don't know about that. I remember a tickling game where I had the upper hand." Regina slapped him playfully on the arm. "Ouch. That hurts you know." He started laughing and she soon joined him.
The guard was looking at the pair laughing below them. His heart was filled with hatred for the woman. How could she dare laugh after all she'd done? But soon he would have justice.
EC
Regina was sprawled out on the sofa in her chambers reading one of the books David had brought back for her when someone knocked at the door. "Come in." Regina stood up, ready for her maid to bring her her evening meal. She was pleasantly surprised when she saw Granny pushing a cart with dinner for two.
The old woman started to set the table. "I hope you don't mind the company."
Regina smiled and hurried to help. "Not at all!"
The two women ate dinner over small talk. Regina was talking excitedly about her afternoon with David and the fun they had together. Granny chuckled slightly at the sight in front her: the Evil Queen, giggling about a boy like a teenage girl. But one lesson she had learned with age is that the heart never grows old. And Regina was in love, even though she wouldn't admit it. Granny had tried to get Regina to open up about the nature of her relationship with David but apparently the Queen was as clueless about her own feelings as the King. Regina's brows furrowed as she finished her tale. "But he had other plans for tonight."
Granny had only been half-listening to the Queen but she now gave her her undivided attention. "He didn't tell you what he was doing?"
Regina shook her head. Granny placed her hand on top of Regina's. "Child, do you know what today is?"
Regina looked in-between Granny's eyes, confused. "Thursday I believe."
"No, I mean, the significance of the day." Regina frowned trying to remember. Granny carefully weighed her next words. "Two years ago I was removing an arrow from your shoulder."
Regina gasped in shock and looked down. "Snow's death. No wonder he doesn't want me around." Tears were falling down her cheeks.
Granny lifted her chin. "You're probably the only person he wants with him right now. But you've worked so hard to leave the evil behind and he didn't want to give a painful reminder of who you used to be. "
"Do you know where he went?"
"Last year he spent some time visiting her grave before retiring to his chambers."
Regina nodded and stood. "Please finish the meal." Without another word, she exited her bedchambers. Granny didn't have the time nor the heart to stop her.
ECECEC
Regina walked purposefully toward David's bedchamber. She hadn't been in this part of the castle in a long time. The last time was on her wedding night. She shivered at the thought and her steps faltered. She forced the memories away concentrating on David. She knocked on the heavy oak doors. There was no response. She tried one more time. She was about to give up when she heard David's voice. "Go away."
Regina opened the door and looked at the King. He was sitting up against the headboard on his bed, wearing nothing but loose pajama pants. He was running his fingers over the object he was holding in his other hand. Regina couldn't make out what it was from her position on the other side of the room.
David jumped slightly at the sound of the door opening. He snapped his head, ready to yell at the maid who dared intrude on his private time. His features relaxed when he saw Regina standing in her nightclothes. Her face was free of makeup and her hair was tousled. To him, she had never looked more beautiful. Quickly he slid the object he was holding under his pillow.
"Sorry I didn't mean to intrude." She walked slowly toward his bed and sat down at the foot.
"Not all. But last time I checked breakfast is not for another seven hours." He gave her a forced laugh.
She responded with a small smile. "Why didn't you tell me?"
He lowered his eyes taken by the sudden urge to stare at a spot on his pajama. Anything but the hurt look on her face. "I didn't want to hurt you."
Regina sighed and shifted closer to him on the bed. She took his hand. "I am sorry I caused you so much pain."
His head snapped so his eyes could meet hers. She had never apologized for killing Snow. This wasn't exactly an apology about the act itself but he would take it. Whatever had happened between the two of them had clearly not be resolved by Snow's death. He gave her hand a small squeeze and swallowed hard before asking his next question. "Why?"
Regina raised her eyebrows. "Why did I kill her?"
"No. Why did you hate her so much?" Regina took a deep breath and tried to control the anger flaring at the pit of her stomach. David stopped her before she could answer or throw something at him. "You don't have to tell me today. But one day."
She nodded. "One day." She leaned in closer to deposit a soft kiss on his lips. David knew he should stop where this was going but he didn't have the strength to do so. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him, all the while attacking her mouth with his own. He could feel the heat growing down in his abdomen as their tongues were twirling together, fighting for control over the kiss.
Regina lowered her hand down his bare chest toward the hem of his pants. She could feel his manhood pressing against her abdomen. She gave it a light squeeze that had David moan deep inside her mouth. In one quick motion, she straddled his hips and grinded down on his erection. She started moving her hips, sending shivers of pleasure throughout his body. Her hands were roaming over his chest and stomach, alternating between raking her nails over his skin and soft caresses with the palm of her hand.
David bucked his hips toward her and released a loud moan. Regina moved her hands down and started tugging at his pants. He lifted his hips long enough for her to slide his pants off, exposing him to her eyes. She licked her lips in anticipation and bit her lower lip playfully. She wrapped her hand around his manhood and started pumping slowly, enjoying the feeling of David squirming underneath her. She lowered her hand and played with his balls, earning a moan from the King. She repositioned herself in-between his legs and took him deep inside her mouth.
She bobbed her head up and down his shaft, twirling her tongue against his sensitive tip. Regina's mind wandered back to the first time she had performed this action. She had been kneeling on the floor but she had had all the power. She was now lying on top of him and her only desire was to give him all the pleasure she could put into her movements.
David was squirming and writhing on the bed, fisting the sheets as she was slowly bringing him close to his release. She felt his movements become more erratic but she wanted more, she wanted him inside her. She could feel the fire burning in-between her legs. She released him with one loud pop. David whimpered and grabbed her head. "Regina!"
She smirked. "Oh now who is the one begging dear?" She enjoyed the look of lust on his face and decided she wanted to play with him more. The Queen within her chuckled softly, temporally taming her fire. Regina took David's manhood into her hand and began pumping gently, releasing him at regular intervals to run a finger along his shaft.
David was squirming on the bed. She was putting him through a sweet torture by prolonging his release. "Regina!" His tone was more forceful. She laughed and gave his balls and member one long lick. She took him one more time into his mouth, sucking at the tip until he was close to orgasm. She released him one last time and chuckled as David cursed her name.
Regina leaned over to whisper in his ear. "I still have to pay you back for that first time." He jerked his head toward her with a 'don't you dare' look on his face. She laughed. "Don't worry dear, I have every intentions to make you come inside me." She licked his earlobe and started depositing kisses along his jawline and down his neck. David leaned his head back, giving her better access to his skin. She sucked and nipped at the skin above his pulse point, earning her soft moans from the King. Regina moved her hand down his muscled torso and abdomen to take his member.
David hissed and bucked his hips toward her. "What are you waiting for?" As much as she enjoyed playing this game with him, he was growing impatient and she wanted him inside. With one last squeeze, she moved back to straddle his hips and removed her nightgown and panties. She positioned her entrance over the cusp of the King's hardness and teased both of them by bobbing his erection in and out of her. David was the one to break the game as he entered her with one thrust. Regina screamed in pleasure as she felt the King fill her completely.
Regina began moving her hips up and down slowly. David was matching her rhythm and both were moaning at the sensation. However, he was more than ready to come after the game she had been playing and with one strong thrust, he pushed deeper inside her. Regina moaned and collapsed forward, holding herself up on the headboard. David took her breast in his mouth and sucked on her nipple, kneading the other with his hand. The new position had him rub her clit on every thrust. They picked up the pace and it wasn't long before they went over the edge.
David brought them down slowly and pulled out of her. She was sprawled out on his chest, panting. He kissed the crown of her head, rubbing her back and shoulders. They stay in this position for a long time before Regina motioned to get up. He hold her tight and murmured in her ear. "Please stay."
Against her better judgement, Regina slowly nodded. He hadn't planned to spend the evening with her. She had only been a second choice. But for once, she would allow herself to be held even though she was only a substitute for Snow White. David scooted down on the bed, still holding Regina in his arms. He had said his goodbyes to Snow today. He would always love her but his heart was beating for someone else, for the woman he was currently holding against him. He knew she couldn't love him but tonight he needed to fool himself into believing she did.
EC
The morning sun slowly woke the King. He blinked his eyes open but it took him a minute to remember last night's events. He turned to the sleeping form of the Queen buried deep into his side. He smiled at the beautiful woman. There was no guilt in his heart, only joy at her decision to stay. David slowly rubbed her cheek in an attempt to wake her up. They had a council meeting in a few hours and he knew Regina needed time to get ready. She had cursed him enough at the beginning since she couldn't use magic for her extravagant outfits.
Regina stirred, deeply inhaling the scent of the man lying next to her. She offered him a small smile but didn't open her eyes. "Too early."
He chuckled. "Good morning to you too."
"That remains to be seen."
David laughed. She definitely wasn't a morning person. He rolled toward her and whispered in her ear. "I can make this morning better for you."
She smiled and hummed at the suggestion. David kissed her shoulder softly, warranting him a low moan. He moved to straddle her hips and began massaging her shoulders and back. Her moans were coming in quicker succession and growing louder. Smiling, he moved his hand between her and the mattress. She was already wet. He rubbed her in no particular pattern or rhythm. Soon, he felt her shake as he kept rubbing her through her orgasm.
David brought her down slowly and laid on top of her holding most of his weight on his upper left arm. He kissed the back of her neck, nibbling at the skin. Regina moaned and arched her back. He whispered. "Is the morning getting better?"
"A little". She giggled teasingly. Her giggling stopped as David shifted slightly, his manhood pressing hard on her inner thigh. She shot her eyes open. They were dark from her desire. "I know how you can make it better."
David smiled and started kissing down her spine, finally kneeling in the cradle of her thighs. She lifted her hips toward him, her head still on the pillow. Circling her waist with one arm and holding his weight on his other, David entered her slowly from behind. He picked a slow pace, hitting that particular spot deep inside her. Each of his thrust sent bursts of pleasure throughout her body. They moved in unison toward their respective climax. David lowered the hand around her waist and started rubbing her clit as he felt himself about to release. The added pressure had Regina screaming his name. With one final thrust, he felt her walls fluttering around him and he released deep inside her.
They collapsed onto the bed, breathing hard from this particular round. David slowly eased out of her and lay besides her, tracing patterns on her back. "Good morning"
She smiled. "Good Morning."
EC
He had been placed on duty near the King's bedchamber. Those nights were usually uneventful and he was looking forward to sneaking a nap or two. He couldn't afford to sleep in the following day as his employer had asked for a meeting to discuss their plan.
He heard the footsteps before the Queen came into view. She was walking toward the King's chambers and didn't even spare a glance at him. Her lack of acknowledgement angered him. She still didn't remember him! She had killed his entire village but she didn't remember him. Even though they had actually never met.
He swallowed the bile rising from his stomach. How could he dirty himself with her? She was less than an animal. Eventually the sounds from the bedchamber ceased but he knew he was not going to be able to find sleep. He was finally starting to drift off when he heard the renewed moans and screams coming from the bedchamber. He clenched his jaw and hands, his fingernails digging into his skin. The Queen exited the bedchamber after a while and passed him without another glance. His anger had reached a boiling point but he had to control himself. He unclenched his fist an hour later as he was relieved from duty. His palms were bloody. He smiled as he imagined it was her blood on his hands.
