Hello dear readers!

I came up with this story (One shot) about Regina and Snow White in the middle of the night and I just had to get it out of my head. I love their relationship, we miss so many mother/daughter moments between them. So this happened in the Enchanted Forest, shortly after the Queen has sent the huntsman after the princess. There is a storm and the Queen happened to be watching the princess in her mirror. Conflicted about her own feelings, Regina listens to her heart one last time.

Oh and I do NOT own OUAT

There are nights when the Queen is conspiring different ways to kill her step-daughter... In fact, she had so many plots in the cloud that was her head. A fireball could easily grant her wish or crushing her heart might as well do the work but Regina was not satisfied, only a slow death seems more appealing. She remembers the day she has sent the huntsman to bring the princess' heart, a simple task he has miserably failed. Had she done it herself, the princess would be burried six feet under by now.

Or probably not.

Regina knew how many opportunities she had to kill Snow White. How many time she came close to ripping the girl's heart out of her chest. And she knew how all those time, she failed too. Something was pulling on the strings of her own heart, something she couldn't make sense of. She could end it with a snap of fingers if she would just allow herself to do so. But no matter how many time she came close to killing Snow, this dying, yet still surviving part of her was keeping her from doing so. The part of her that still held this tiny sparkle of love for the princess, the same sparkle that kept her from going down the dark path sooner. As tiny as this sparkle was, there is no denying. It is there and this might be the reason why she has sent the huntsman in the first place, she couldn't do it herself... not yet. Another reason why she hates Snow White. Love is weakness and loving results in suffering willingly. Since Daniel's death, Regina decided to never venture there again but how could she not feel love for the girl she has raised longer than Queen Eva herself. There was this gravity about the princess that was simply hard to avoid.

No. Love is not an option.

" I hate you " Regina whispered under her breath, staring at the shivering form of the sleeping princess.

Some nights, when the Queen is not trying to kill her step-daughter, she is watching her. And only the heavens know how often she sits there in front of her mirror to simply watch. The storm was raging outside of the safety of the palace walls and the Queen couldn't refrain herself from summoning the princess in the reflection of her loyal mirror. She was stunned to see that the small shelter roofing the princess still standing, although it did not keep the cold night away. Snow White who seems paler than her namesake was shivering like a small and fragile leaf, her rosy lips unusually pale and her long damped hair sticking to her face. She was whimpering in her sleep and speaking nonsense to emphasize her current state.

The sight was quite entertaining.

" Mother "

The Queen froze and her body stiffened at the single word she has heard. This time it was clear. The princess was probably asking for Queen Eva, that makes sense. Why would she be calling for her? Sure Snow had called her mother since she married King Leopold until that day she ran away. Now she was the Evil Queen, there is no way Snow White would ask for her. Not after what happened between them recently.

" Mother "

But... what if?

" How ironic " A familiar voice pulled the Queen from her thoughts as Snow White faded away, only to be replaced by the former genie in the magic mirror " You've done a poor job at trying to kill the princess and now she might die from a simple cold " He stated humorously.

The Queen gave him a nasty glare, her jaw clenching tightly in disgust " The nerve you have to adress to me in such a disrespectful way "

" I am simply stating the obvious... my Queen " He replied with fake modesty, a thin smile on his face.

" Worry not, the princess will die when I decide and on my own terms " Regina said flatly " But today is not the day she will deliver her last breath "

" It's never the day " The former genie hummed. Something fluttered in the Queen's expression " But if you insist, of course I believe you "

Regina stood up graciously, ignoring the smug look given to her and walked away without giving her mirror a second glance. She was not going to tell him where she was headind to, for he already knew.

The wind was hitting the princess' shelter and the makeshift roof could hold the rain no more. Snow White was cold and soaked to the core, she has been in this state for hours. The fire had died long ago and the wood was too wet to be revived. Not that she had the strenght to do so, she could barely feel her fingers. She was slipping in and out of consciousness more and more, her eyes too heavy to stay awake.

So this is how it's gonna end...

In moment like this, she wished to be in the safe and cosy warmth of her bed. At least what used to be a safe place. The palace... She could remember all the nights spent in the library sitting by the fire at the foot of the Queen's armchair, her head resting against Regina's lap as she listened to the woman's soft voice. The Queen used to read a lot on rainy days and Snow could listen to her all night while slim fingers ran through her long dark hair until Dreamland claims her. She could almost feel it, the warm touch on her forehead... the steady hum. The princess' eyes fluttered open and a few tears slipped down her already damped cheeks. Regina was there and even if she was hallucinating, it gave her the warmth she needed.

" Mother " She whispered before darkness claimed her again.

Mother...

Regina withdrew her hand from her stepdaughter's face as if she has been burnt. Brown eyes stares into green ones and the Queen's breath hitched in her throat at the sights of tears. Time stopped abruptly until green eyes closed again and only this time, Regina sighed in relief. Snow has called her mother. Has she been lucid, she would have surely tried to run away the moment she saw the Queen. After all, it is probably better like this. Tilting her head to the side, she carefully placed her hand back on the girl's forehead, feeling the burning skin underneath her palm.

Shaking her head, the Queen swiftly waved her free hand and they were both engulfed by the purple smoke. When the smoke dissipated, they reappeared in the Queen's chamber and the princess was slowly lowered onto the comfy bed. With another wave, her damped clothes were replaced by a clean white robe as if she had never been in the middle of a storm only a minute ago. Regina then covered the shivering princess with a large fur blanket and summoned a large bowl of icy water with a wet cloth to place on Snow's forehead. The girl moaned at the cold touch and slightly move away but Regina held it there until the princess was still again.

Setting the bowl on the bedside table, she changed into a long midnight black silk robe and let her hair down. Even when she was not dressed formally, she looked regal. Actually with her hair down, she looked more like her old self. Finally, the Queen sat on the chair nearby and stared intensively at her arch nemesis. She had no idea what she was doing, nor why she was doing this. Sometimes she wondered if she hasn't lost her mental faculties. Her head wasn't completely in synchronization with her heart at the moment, more like two opposite poles.

" Foolish girl " Regina muttered, her eyes narrowing. Her face was a mixture of emotions as a wave of thoughts came rushing through her head " What am I going to do with you "

" Kill her? " The Queen fought the urge to roll her eyes at her mirror as soon as the statement left his mouth. It truly annoyed her that he could easily voice her thoughts " You have her served on a silver plate, revenge is only one step away "

At least they could both agree on one thing, as much as she refuses to admit it. The key to happiness was laying right in front of her and within her reach, she can have it. She will eventually...

" I believe I was clear about the fact that Snow White will not die today " She finally spoke, her eyes never leaving the princess. She didn't need to see the smug look on his face.

" You are a mistery my Queen... a beautiful mistery "

Regina leaned back in her seat, thoughtful while her nails drummed on the armrest. Was she considering killing the princess tonight? of course she was, how could she not? She has lost the most important person in her life because of this brat. Snow White took her true love from her, she could not forget that. Never.

Daniel...

" Hmm " The princess mumbled in a shuddering breath, burrying herself deeper under the fluffy blanket until her face was entirely coverd.

" Leave us alone " The Queen ordered, glancing briefly at the mirror over her shoulder.

" As you wish " The genie complied.

Reaching out a hand towards the girl, the Queen pulled the blanket down a little bit, so she could breath. Snow White blinked tiredly as the blanket was pulled down her chin once again and blindly lifted a hand to her forehead to feel the wet cloth. Frowning in confusion, she stopped when she heard someone clearing its' throat.

" Hello dear " Regina spoke calmly. The princess met her eyes and to her astonishment, the girl offered a smile.

" Mother, it's you " Snow whispered softly. The Queen was clearly stunned as this time, it was obvious that the princess has been referring to her the whole time " I'm happy to see you "

That was not expected and the Regina looked back dumbfounded " Are you not scared of me? "

A weak laugh escaped the girl's lips " I'm not scared of you mother, you're not her "

" What do you mean? "

" You visit me in my dreams sometimes, the Regina that I know. If you were her, I would be dead now "

Huh... the brat thinks she is dreaming.

Though a question still remained " Her? May I know who exactly are you reffering to? "

" The Evil Queen " Snow White replied, a new frown gracing a facial features. She failed to noticed how the Queen winced at the word recently added to her title " She... she wants me dead "

Regina took a deep breath and offered a smile of her own " Then I guess it's a good thing that I'm not her " She decided to play along.

Nodding, the girl looked up at the ceiling again " I don't want to wake up because when I do, you'll be gone... again "

When their eyes meet again, Regina realized that Snow was trying to hold back tears. She really tried but failed nonetheless. There it was... the strings pulling on her heart against her will. Only this time, the Queen did not fight it. Standing from her chair, she sat back on the bed next to the feverish princess.

" Shh don't think about it, you have a fever Snow " She said softly, wiping the single tear with her thumb before taking the wet cloth. She dipped it in the icy water, squeezing the cold liquid out in the process and placed it back on her forehead. She didn't retrieve her hand though when Snow caught it to place it on her cheek.

" I'm sure I do if I can see you as if you were real " Snow chuckled, sighing contently into her stepmother's hand " I miss you "

" Do you " Regina asked, genuinely interested.

The princess stared back and Regina was perplexed by what she found in her emerald eyes. They were full of wonder and love for her, it was the same look Snow reserved only for the Queen as a child. She never thought that she would see it again " Yes I do... so much that it hurts "

" Silly girl " Regina snorted but there was a glimpse of a smile ghosting over her face. Barely apparent but there still. Tilting her head slightly, she stroked the soft cheek " Do you think you can eat something? "

" This is definitely a dream " Snow repeated quietly " A meal is a luxury when being on the run... even resting is "

" You don't have to worry about it for now " Regina swallowed sharply, raising to her feet and turned around with her back to the girl " I will fetch you a meal "

" No don't go now "

Looking over her shoulder, the Queen offered a smile when she saw the sad look on the girl's face " I'm not going anywhere dear " She promised.

Not now...

The princess did not argue, still too weak to stay awake any longer. She stared back at the ceiling and slowly allowed herself to fall back into a peaceful slumber.

To say that the royal cook of the palace was shocked to see the Queen walking into the kitchen is an understatement, the man was baffled when she formally requested to be left alone and not to be disturbed at any cost, for there would be consequences. Needless to say, he was gone in the blink of an eye. She subsequently returned to her chamber with a bowl of soup and a glass of milk on a silver tray. She had vaguely considered adding poison to the soup but shook the thought away almost immediately.

" Playing family with the princess, are you not lovely? " The mirror spoke once the door closed behind her and this time, Regina fought really hard to keep herself from throwing a fireball at the offensive guest. If it hadn't been for the princess sleeping peacefully in her bed, she wouldn't deny herself this pleasure. Not that it would cause him any harm but that would certainly be lovely to watch.

" Save it or God helps me, I will find a way to get you out of your shell and kill you with my bare hands "

The mirror actually laughed " Empty threat... you need me " His tone bordered insolence.

" This is the only reason why I tolerate you... until I won't " The Queen smirked back at him and added straightforwardly " You are annoyed that I don't give you that much attention " Clearly the Queen hit a nerve as the mirror didn't have an argument for that. Giving a swift huff, he disappeared again.

That's more like it...

Satisfied with her small victory, Regina closed the gap between her and the sleeping girl and left the tray on the bedside table. She sat down on the bed by the princess and took the wet cloth to wipe her forehead, only to have the girl burrying her face under the cover. Obviously Snow was still burning up but she was less pale than before. Battling on wether she should wake her up or not, Regina decided that the meal was better consumed while it's still warm.

Resting a hand on the girl's hip, the Queen slightly shook her awake " Snow dear, wake up " she spoke softly, not to startle her. A quiet moan could be heard from underneath the blanket and Regina let out an exasperated sigh as she yet again tugged it down to uncover the girl's face " You need to eat, come on now "

Snow eventually opened her glassy eyes to look at her. She looked extremely tired " You came back "

The question was obviously rethorical but Regina still answered it " I told you I wasn't going anywhere. I brought your meal, you need to eat something "

" Sleep "

" It was not a request dear " the Queen's voice was silky but but held a certain firmness. She could see the small fight coming from afar, so she added only for good measure " For me "

Snow sighed but complied as she carefully raised into a sitting position with only a little help from her stepmother " Thank you " She whispered, leaning her head against the headboard.

" Do you need help with that? " Regina asked, placing the tray on the princess' lap.

Snow gave her an incredulous look. This was the weirdest dream ever, this is certainly not real " No? "

" Is it a question or an affirmation? " Regina asked, quirking an eyebrow.

Smiling tiredly, the princess replied " I believe I am more than capable to eat on my own... oh it's hot "

" Careful " Regina warned.

Under the Queen's watch, the princess proceeded to eat her soup and careful, she was. The warm broth in her system did feel good, she took her time and neither of them spoke during this time. To Regina, it felt just like old time. Only according to one of them, this was all a dream. A dream that will eventually come to an end. And with the personal touch she has added to the soup, the Queen made sure that when the princess wakes up the next day, she won't be able to remember this late evening.

For her own reputation.

" I can't eat more " Snow said after a while. She managed to eat half of the bowl which was enough for Regina and the glass of milk was now empty " It was delicious "

The Queen nodded and took the tray from the girl to place it back on the bedside table. Snow wasted no time to slide back under the heavy blanket with a content sigh but kept watching the woman as she flawlessly moved around the room.

" Mother? "

Regina stopped moving at once and turned around to face the girl. Something inside her fluttered at the name, for some reasons she was melancholic. She had a feeling that tonight would be the last time the princess would call her that. Truthfully, she was sad because she knew that the love in Snow's eyes would vanish as well. Nobody will ever look at her the way the princess does and the same eyes will soon look at her differently when she wakes up.

The princess must have seen the torment in her eyes because a small frown appeared on her face as she called again " Mother? "

" Hmm "

" Is something wrong? "

" Nonsense " Regina waved a hand dismissively, taking place on the bed once again next to the girl and tucked the blanket under her chin " Everything is fine, you must rest now. A princess needs her beauty sleep "

" You're not going anywhere right? "

The woman stroked Snow's cheek and smiled when the girl leaned into the touch " I'm never too far "

It wasn't a lie...

The princess seems to be satisfied with her answer and she tried so hard to stay awake but she could feel her eyes growing heavy " I love you mother "

Love

Love is weakness.

Regina could almost hear her mother's voice in her head. She promised herself not to love again, least of all her arch nemesis. Still tonight, she allowed her heart to take the lead and her heart wanted love more than revenge. At least for now.

" So do I " She couldn't voice the words that were only at the tip of her tongue but after what happened tonight, she would be a fool to deny the truth. After all, Snow won't remember or at least, she would think all of this was a dream.

The smile on the girl's face never left even after Wonderland claimed her. She never saw the tears in the Queen's eyes and she never felt the lips that lingered on her forehead as a final goodbye, nor the fingers running through her dark locks.

I love you too my princess.

But the princess was already gone and Regina knew she would eventually have to let go.

So she did.

The next day, Snow White woke up on the hard ground to the hot sun hitting her face. The storm was long gone and the chirping birds echoed in distance. Wincing slightly, she was not surprised to find herself in the forest but truth be told, she was quite impressed to see that her makeshift shelter was still there. Last night was rough, she was lucky that she has managed to sleep through the storm. She remembered having a dream about Regina at the palace. She had a fever and was probably hallucinating since the Queen took care of her all night.

" That was one weird dream " The princess mumbled, shaking the thought out of her head. If she didn't know better, she would believe that it was real. She almost laughed at how ridiculous this dream was, long gone was the woman she once called mother. Only in appearances, they were identical but the Evil Queen only held hatred in her heart for the princess.

That is if she has one.

" I better keep moving before her knights find me " Snow White eventually decided to leave her shelter but not before destroying the evidences of her presence in the area. She must be mad but she had a feeling that she was being watched.

That's what happens when you're on the run for so long.

Though unknown to the princess, somewhere behind her mirror... the Queen was watching.

She is never too far.

Voila!

I hope you liked it. I intend to post more chapters for my other stories. More Regina/Snow centric stories to come. NOT Romantic of course.

Peace lovely readers.