Cora led Regina through the house, pointing out the most impressive paintings and ornaments on display. The way she spoke it sounded as though they were her relatives and her possessions, rather than passed down from Henry's side of the family. Regina already knew every item and its history. Her mother had made her memorise them when she was just a little girl and she found it hard to feign interest in the things which made up the backdrop of her unhappiest times.
When they reached the library, Cora smiled and stepped two paces to the left of the door. She reached out and passed her hand through an invisible barrier, turning a hidden key in a hidden door.
"This way my dear."
Regina realised that she had missed an important part of the tour as a child. Her mother had certainly never shown her this part of the house. The room Cora used for magic was closer to her bedroom. Even when Regina had returned here after becoming Queen she had never found this place. She quickly followed Cora through to the magic library.
"Unfortunately this Kingdom is not as understanding about magic as some others. Unless you have wings and are three inches tall you must hide your powers. These books can only be accessed by magic for that reason. You are not to allow anyone to see you enter here, including my family. It is for their own protection."
"I understand."
"Henry knows I still dabble with magic. He loves me and would never betray me. Our servants are loyal but all it would take is one word in the wrong place and we would be banished."
"I didn't realise this land didn't allow magic."
"Just dark creatures….and witches." Cora explained. "For some reason they have become linked to dark magic because of issues experienced by our allies. It is a dark time for us all, but hopefully soon it will pass."
"Thank you for the warning. I will be careful."
"As you can see there are many books. Some are still in boxes because I haven't had time to organise them. Many were given to me for safekeeping when their owners were discovered and banished so I can't be sure there aren't any duplicates. I wish I knew more about your curse so that I could try and point you in the right direction…"
"I guess I will have to go through them one box at a time. Perhaps I could place them on the bookshelves for you as I go, to repay you for showing them to me?"
"What a wonderful suggestion. The lamps on the walls are lit by magic so you won't need to worry about light, and there is a viewing glass on this side of the doorway. Please take care and remember to check it before leaving the room. It will enable you to see if anyone is coming along the corridor. We can't have you frightening the servants by appearing out of thin air."
Regina studied the gold-edged mirror stuck to the back of the door. "That is very clever. Could you teach me the spell for it?"
"Not one of mine I'm afraid. I picked it up on my travels. The seller had no idea what it was but I sensed the magic and brought it anyway."
It certainly explained her mother's absences during her childhood. Regina never dared to ask where her mother went. At the time she had just been glad for the moments of freedom and the extra time alone she could spend with her father.
"Have you travelled far?"
"I try to limit the time I spend away from my family. I miss them when I'm gone, you understand, but I once found my way to the edge of the outer kingdoms. It was a strange place. There are tales of the lands further on, some of which can only be reached by magic or portals, but its hard to know what is rumour and what is fact."
Regina hid a smile thinking of the places she had seen; perhaps she had visited more worlds than her mother.
"It's time for me to leave you. Lunch is informal, just head to the kitchen and ask for whatever you want. Dinner is always formal in this house; we're setting an example for Regina. Please be prompt."