Alright. Time to jump ahead a couple times. If you're still with me, hold on. I'm getting somewhere, promise.

Chapter 12

The days got colder, and the palace got darker. Regina no longer bothered to tell Snow she was feeling ill. She just told her she was too busy to look after her. When she was in councils and meetings, Lorelei would play with her. They would run around the palace and play in the garden together. Regina saw it as entertaining the child, but Lorelei saw it as having someone who wasn't so dark all the time to be around.

Once dinner time came, the siren ate with Regina and then they went to the spot in the forest with Rumple and Regina learned everything he could teach her. He would grind his teeth every time he taught her something, because he knew he was teaching Lorelei too. The siren didn't participate, but he knew she learned just as much, if not more than Regina did.

Cora eventually found out about it and was not happy in the least, but she couldn't stop the dark one, and soon she wouldn't be able to control Regina either. Instead, she became an actual mother figure. She would sit with Regina in her meetings and give polite advice. She would calm her when things went badly and praise her when she did everything correctly.

Everything was falling in to place for Rumple, and out of place for Lorelei. Regina was getting darker, snappier and moodier. Lorelei mostly just watched her and said very little. There wasn't much room for her since Rumple taught her and Cora advised her and Regina could defend herself quite nicely.

By the time Snow had turned 15, the king decided she finally needed to learn how to rule. He demanded she stick to Regina closely throughout the day, learning how to give commands and make decisions. Snow told him however, Regina did not want her around. Not only that, but Snow didn't like the decisions Regina made.

Leopold decided he'd had enough of this faux marriage and Regina playing queen.

Lorelei flashed into the middle of a council Regina was closing up. "Regina! I need to speak with you, now."

Regina considered sending her out and reminding her that she is not to be interrupted, but the siren looked very serious. She dismissed the people, they were all but done anyhow. Once they were alone, Regina asked, "what is so very important?"

Lorelei got close to her so she could speak quietly, "the king is planning to publicly divorce you on Snow's 16th birthday."

Eyes wide with shock, Regina glanced around quickly before speaking to her quietly, "how do you know that?"

"I was finding books for Snow to read to me when he and one of his advisors rushed into the library and slammed the door. I vanished, but didn't leave. They discussed it entirely. The king is afraid of you and Cora so he is waiting until Snow is old enough to take the throne, in case you decide to kill him."

Regina nodded, "go find my mother, bring her to our chamber. Tell her nothing." Regina watched as the siren vanished in a flash. Her blood was boiling. She had done nothing but work for that man and raise his murderous child and this is the thanks she was going to get?! She huffed as she waved her hand and appeared in her room just as Cora and Lorelei did.

Cora tore her arm from the sirens grip, "this had better be damn good Regina. You've no right to send your pet to fetch me."

Regina hushed her and told her what was being planned. She saw Cora start thinking. "Obviously, I intend to surprise him with his own death before he can destroy everything I have actually worked for."

Cora shook her head, "no. You can't be anywhere near him when he dies. We must find a way that will show everyone we did not do it."

Lorelei sighed heavily from the shadows. She gave up arguing the lighter side long ago. Instead, she went to the window and looked out over the forest. She often stared out there when Regina and Cora, or Rumple got like this. Dark and evil. She wouldn't leave her, but she couldn't save her from herself. She had tried…

….

Red was buying spices at the village market when a crier raced to the square and hopped up on the well wall to shout out, "THE KING IS DEAD! THE KING IS DEAD! SNOW WHITE WILL BE QUEEN ON HER SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY! QUEEN REGINA WILL HOLD THE PRINCESS'S THRONE UNTIL THEN!" then he ran to his horse and sped off, presumably to pass the news to the next village.

Red quickly bought her spices and raced back to the cottage her and Granny lived in. She threw open the door and shut it tight, talking quickly to Granny, "king Leopold is dead. Snow White will be crowned when she turns 16 in 4 months. Regina holds the crown til then."

Granny frowned and shook her head, "I'd bet my last copper either Regina or Cora killed him finally. I'm surprised it took them so long. Poor Snow doesn't stand a chance of reaching her birthday…"

Both women jumped when a loud crack sounded in their main room. Red lost her thoughts when she stared into those silver eyes. "Lorelei…"

The siren found her breath again, she had been stunned to see Red after so long. She took a deep breath and looked behind herself, pulling a terrified looking Snow White out from behind her. "I didn't know where else to take her…"

Granny inhaled sharply and reached for the girl, pulling her to sit on a stool and check her over. "Well, she isn't hurt, and I don't smell dark magic on her. What's going on out there Lorelei?"

The sirens face deflated and she closed her eyes tight before staring back into Red's eyes. "Regina is taking the kingdom. She intends to kill Snow within the hour. She has guards outside her door, but I don't need doors."

Snow started crying loudly, mumbling against Granny who was trying to soothe her. "Why is she doing this? I don't understand!"

Granny pulled the girl up and took her to sit on the chair instead, calming her down. "It's not your fault, but Regina has decided it is."

Lorelei looked like she wanted to say something to Red, but couldn't. Red finally took her hand and led her outside and a little ways from the house. Lorelei turned towards her and caught their hands together tightly. "Red… I tried so hard, to save her. But… I can't."

Red smiled at the woman she still loved very much. "I know. I'm just so relieved to see you are still good. You're not soaked in darkness, you're still my Lorelei. You can't save her, you know you can't. But don't you dare let her pull you under with her. You just protect her as best you can, but don't you fall down that pit. Please?"

Lorelei nodded and wrapped her arms around her love, holding her tightly. When she pulled back, Red pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. She stared into her eyes, "keep her safe Red. Keep her safe, and away from Regina. She's really good."

Red nodded and let her go and headed back for the cottage. Snow was watching at the window. "I remember you. You're Red. You came with Regina and Lorelei, but you didn't stay."

Red nodded, "yeah, I had to get out."

Snow smiled sadly, "you love her, don't you?" Red nodded again. "Why did you leave her there alone with Regina?"

Red laughed bitterly and showed Snow around as she told her story. It involved crying, naturally. But in the end, her and Snow were brought closer together.

….

Lorelei was sitting in the library when she heard Regina scream in frustration. She listened to her shouting orders to find Snow. She listened and she waited. She tried reading a book, but she could never pay attention to them unless someone read to her. Eventually, Regina threw open the library doors and stormed towards her. Lorelei stood and looked her right in the eye.

"What the hell did you do?!" Regina shouted at her once they were nose to nose.

"I took her away from you." Lorelei calmly replied.

"You took her away? Do you have any idea how much trouble that child could cause me?"

"She's a child, Regina. I wasn't going to let you kill her."

"Oh, but it was fine that she killed Daniel?"

Lorelei groaned, "she did not kill him. Her father ordered his death, she just pointed and gave the command. According to her, you told her to. I still think Cora set it all up."

Regina spun around and blasted a table to relieve some stress. After a few moments, she collected herself and face Lorelei again. She wasn't getting into this argument again. "Okay. I understand. I do. But you're going to make me a deal, right now." Lorelei frowned at her. "If she does cause me problems someday, if she tries to take this kingdom from me, you will not protect her."

Lorelei sighed, "Regina, you never even wanted to be queen. Why are you doing this?"

Regina smiled darkly, "I didn't choose this, you're right. But now, it's all I have so I might as well make the most of it."

Lorelei shook her head and sighed again, "I will never protect her over you. If she attacks you, then, she can be dealt with as an enemy. But, until then, she is a child."

Regina rolled her eyes, "fine." She then looked the siren up and down, noticing her stained clothes and dirty nails. "When was the last time you bathed?"

Lorelei shrugged, "no idea. When is the last time you bothered to ask me to join you?"

Regina laughed then, a light laugh, an honest laugh. Something she hadn't done much of recently. She held out her hand and when Lorelei took it, she walked her back to their chambers. "Are you saying I have been somewhat too preoccupied lately?"

The siren simply shrugged, "you have been busy. Killing things, killing people, terrorizing children, making potions. You're busy playing the part of an evil queen."

Regina nodded, "well, I believe that's what I am supposed to be dear."

Lorelei handed her a book she had held onto, "you're going to read this to me later."

Regina took the book and frowned, "how do you know I won't be busy?"

The siren smiled at her, "you won't be, I just cancelled your plans for the evening. You know, the whole 'kill Snow White take kingdom' thing."

Regina laughed again, "if you were anyone else I would be furious and likely incinerate you on the spot."

"If you were anyone else, I wouldn't be talking to you."

"nonsense, you talk to other people."

"Not like I talk to you…"

They continued their banter back and forth as if it were a normal day. The guards who were loyal to Regina were quickly replacing the old guard, some had to be killed of course. The staff was trembling in fear of what would come next. Some servants ran off, Regina said to let them. Cora was busy writing proclamations for the other kingdoms letting them know Regina was now the soul queen to the White kingdom. It was all very nice. It was all falling in to place for nearly everyone.

…..

Red spent all day every day trying to make Snow capable of handling the world outside the palace. The girl had been coddled and sheltered. She was a spoiled princess. Fortunately, Red needed a distraction from seeing Lorelei again. She thought she could handle her feelings for the woman. She hadn't ever stopped thinking of her, of course. But she had managed to not think about her all day every day for a few years. But now… Now all she could think of was her lips on the sirens. The heat of their bodies together…

Red grunted as a stick poked her harshly in the ribs. She glared at Snow as the girl dropped the stick and looked both terrified and sorry. "Oh! I hit you! I'm so so so so sorry!"

Red rolled her eyes, "you're supposed to try and hit me Snow. That's the purpose of sparring." Red shook her head and berated herself. She let herself get so distracted by the damn siren that Snow managed to hit her with her insane stick waving. "Let's get some lunch?"

Snow nodded and they walked back into the cottage together. It had been nearly four months now since Lorelei had brought her here. She had learned very little, but considering how she was raised, it was quite an accomplishment.

As Red walked in the cottage, she stopped short as she caught sight of a woman who positively sparkled. Literally. The tiny woman was wearing a funky blue dress that was shaped like a plate around her waist. Red crinkled her nose at her, she smelled odd. Lots of magic, and just something… odd.

Granny waved Snow over and looked happy to shove her towards the odd woman. "Snow! Look! The blue fairy has been waiting for you to come in. Quick, talk to her and do it out of my kitchen."

Red eyed the woman again, "blue fairy? You mean you're Ruel Ghorm?"

Nodding and smiling happily, the blue fairy stuck her hand out to shake hands with Red. "Yes! You're Red, it's a pleasure to finally meet you!"

Red eyed the outstretched hand, but she didn't want that smell on her. "No." Blue withdrew her hand looking mildly offended. "Ah, you're here for Snow, so… go chat."

Granny huffed as they walked outside together, "I wouldn't shake it either. Fairies always have an odd odor to them. It's not light or dark magic, Red. It's grey." At Reds confused look, Granny elaborated, "Cora has dark magic, used for pain and suffering, and self gain. Lorelei has light magic, used for happiness, joy, fun. Fairies, well… It seems every time they use their magic, someone is very happy and someone is very unhappy. It's like they can't accomplish creating happiness without simultaneously creating misery. I don't like them."

Red nodded, "I agree." She helped her Granny make lunch and it was ready by the time the fairy and Snow came back in. Snow looked very focused and somewhat pale. Red immediately pulled her away from the fairy who again, looked mildly offended. "Snow? Did she do something to you? Are you okay?"

Snow gave her friend a weak smile, "I'm fine. We just talked and she has convinced me…" Snow took a deep breath and glanced at Blue who urged her to continue. "She convinced me to take back my kingdom."

Red and Granny stared at her with slack jaws. Granny spoke first, "Snow… you can't even properly lace up your own boots. How the hell are you going to take back the kingdom from Regina?"

Snow pressed her lips together firmly but answered through clenched teeth. "I am getting the hang of lacing boots. I never had boots before and I certainly would never have had to lace them myself. It's very difficult!"

Red contained her laugh, just barely. "Okay. So, Regina, you know the one everyone has dubbed the evil queen? Yeah, how are you going to take back your kingdom from her?"

Blue stepped up then, "the fairy nation will support her, and many people in the kingdom still hope to stand with her. She just has to rouse the kingdom and find support. Maybe the neighboring kingdoms will help also."

Granny and Red shared a doubtful look, but Red shrugged, "if you say so."

Snow beamed happily and hugged Blue, "we can do this! I know we can."

…

Regina groaned loudly as she listened to her soldiers reports. "How is it that one tiny girl can evade an entire regiment of siren trained soldiers?!"

The soldier licked his lips nervously, "my queen… the people support her. They will tell any story to send the men in a hundred different directions."

Growling, Regina was moments away from breaking his neck when Cora cleared her throat, catching Regina's attention. "Regina, darling, di you ever consider asking Lorelei to find her?"

Regina rolled her eyes and waved a hand to dismiss the lucky soldier. "Mother, Lorelei wouldn't find her. She doesn't think the child deserves death. Unless that brat grows a set and comes after me, Lorelei won't help at all."

Cora narrowed her eyes, "How exactly did Snow escape?"

Regina pursed her lips and decided to change the subject, "Lorelei does what she thinks is right mother. Leave her alone. Besides, she is busy training the soldiers. After these ones are trained she will be going to the other stations and forts to train them as well. Peasants flock to fight for her, she has already increased my forces by threefold."

….

Lorelei had been training troops non stop for months. She was trying desperately to take her mind away from the kiss Red had given her. It wasn't working. Every time she taught a man to hold a sword, she remembered learning sword with Red. She remembered sparring with her, and that melted into laying the grass with her. Of course, that only led to pushing her into the grass, which became kissing in the grass and, naturally…

She blinked rapidly as the noise around her stopped suddenly. She followed their eyes down to her stomach and her eyes widened as she took sight of the sword protruding from her mid section. She thought idly that it should hurt more, but she was losing strength rather quickly, she slumped to her knees as she vaguely saw a swirl of purple smoke and heard a shout. Before she knew it, Regina was holding her.

She stared up at her, smiling. "Hi Regina…"

Regina looked frantic with tears in her eyes. She was speaking, but Lorelei couldn't understand what she was saying. She felt herself jump as the sword was pulled out of her. She saw Regina take a deep breath and close her eyes tightly with a hand on her torn stomach. Just before a blackness took her over, life flowed into her. Her eyes opened wide and all the sounds of the world came rushing back to her. She was breathing heavily and Regina was laughing and smiling and holding her very close.

A swirl of purple smoke, and they were on their bed. Lorelei felt tired, but unhurt. She poked at her stomach, amazed that not even a scar remained. "How did you do that?"

Regina lifted her head from the sirens shoulder and shrugged, "I felt the pull, I came to you and then I pulled the sword out and poured my magic into you. I'm not entirely sure how it worked. What I'm more interested in, is how that peasant managed to stab you while sparring."

Lorelei had the grace to blush and squirm a bit before she answered, "my mind was elsewhere."

Regina smiled at her and put her head back down. She knew exactly what could have distracted her so much. "you were thinking about Red."

Lorelei didn't answer, instead she let herself drift off to sleep. Regina laid there for nearly an hour before he eyes opened wide as she realized exactly why the woman would suddenly be completely focused on Red after all this time. She had seen her, not too long ago. Maybe about four months…

…..

Rumple listened to the conversation after the sirens incident. He couldn't see her at all anymore. But he could listen. He had destroyed an entire wing of his castle when he learned she had nearly died. He didn't want her dead, at least not yet. But he wanted a way to kill her if he ever needed to. The problem he had come to find about sirens, they learned and developed immunities. He had made many trips to the siren isle under the guise of making sure the agreed shipments were delivered. He had seen sirens hatched. He had watched as the older sirens taught them magic simply by doing it in front of them. He had also seen them become immune to death by facing it. He had watched a young siren get stabbed in the chest and then healed moments later by another siren. Immediately afterwards, they tried to stab her again, but the blade wouldn't pierce her.

Lorelei might be far behind the sirens who hatched after her, but she learned just the same. No blade would be able to pierce her skin again. Fortunately, she didn't know that yet. He intended to keep her as ignorant as possible for as long as possible.