Henry begging Regina to rescue Snow White and Emma from the Enchanted Forest in the season 2 premiere sets the formerly evil queen on a quest that takes her from the mountains of the Middle Kingdom to the pirate lair of a serial killer and straight into conflict with her own villain, the Queen of Hearts.

Just after the curse breaks, a powerless Regina is ambushed by Cora, who has unexpectedly showed up in Storybrooke, full of magic and simmering rage, ready and willing to save Regina from the citizens of Storybrooke only to complete her own cruel agenda. Regina is friendless, save for perhaps her white knight in shining.. red leather? Disregarding season 2. Eventual Swan Queen.