Ida decided to spend some time with Snow before they went to bed. She knew that her cousin likely didn't want to be alone after the funeral earlier in the day. After dressing for bed, Snow allowed Ida to brush her hair for her.
"The Blue Aster was very thoughtful, Ida." Snow said quietly.
"I remember how when we were girls, and I was visiting your kingdom one day. I had found a row of blue asters and that was when Uncle found me and confessed that they were his favorite. Strangely, when we received word of his death, it was the first thing I thought about. Papa always tells me that I've a connection with flowers. Must be why I studied them during my days at the university."
"Flowers don't seem to be your only connection. The Genie couldn't keep his eyes off of you."
"Oh, no. He is kind, but I don't think he's my type. Besides, I wasn't his only interest it seemed."
"You mean Regina?"
"Oh! Oh Snow, I don't mean anything by it. Really."
"It's all right. I know that he's in love with Regina."
"You do?"
"Of course. I know that look all too well."
"Oh, yes. I remember you telling me of young Hercules."
Snow smiled at the memory of her first love. "The look of love is special. I see it every time when The Genie looks at my stepmother. I also happen to know that Regina is aware of his feelings."
"How do you know that?"
"She told me herself. It was only to reassure me that she would never hurt father in such a way. Despite everything, I don't think The Genie was willing to hurt him that way either. Out of gratitude."
"I'm certain of it." Ida said. "Now, enough talk. You've had a long day. If you need anything, I'm just down the hall." Ida kissed the top of Snow's head. "Sleep well."
Ida left Snow's chamber and made her way down the halls. As she rounded a corner, she found The Genie standing in front of her.
"Oh, Master Genie." Ida gave a quick curtsy. "You startled me."
"I apologize, Princess Ida. Allow me to escort you to your chamber as a means to further apologize?"
Ida gave a nervous smile. "Of course."
Ida took The Genie's arm and they continued down the hallway.
"I must thank you. In these past two days, I've seen how loyal and devoted you are to my step-aunt and cousin. You've clearly become a great friend to them."
"Well, they certainly haven't had one like me. A genie that is."
Ida giggled, but quickly regained her composure. "It might sound naïve, this question; but aren't you no longer a genie?"
"You are right."
"Then why do you still call yourself that?"
"I was a genie for over three thousand years. For the first fifty years, I was able to recall my mortal name. By 100 hundred years, I'd nearly forgotten what my mortal life was like. A thousand years? Well, all memories of my mortality and my name had been lost to time."
"How awful. I'm so sorry."
"Don't be. I remember nothing of my past as a mortal, but I'm certain you had nothing to do with it."
Ida smiled. "So, now, that your mortality's been returned and you're no longer tethered to your lamp; your future must seem brighter."
"It did, at first. Now, it's uncertain. A part of me wishes to stay here and find my happiness, another part is frightened of even staying for another day."
"Why?"
"The reason is not important." The Genie snapped.
"I didn't mean to pry."
"No, I'm the one who is sorry. I'd only known His Majesty a short while, but he seemed to be a kind man and I'll forever be grateful for giving me my freedom."
"You're right, he was a kind man. Which is why I know he would want you to be happy. The happiness of all his subjects meant a great deal to him."
"All except one."
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing, nothing. You're absolutely right, and I shall try to be happy from now on."
The two arrived at the door to Ida's bedchamber. She dipped into a curtsy and was about to enter the chamber, when The Genie gently grabbed her by the wrist.
"Princess Ida, why were you so open with me? So friendly?"
Ida smiled gently. "I always show kindness to those that I call my friend. Goodnight, Genie."
Ida stepped into her chamber and leaned against the door; feeling her heart race slightly. She couldn't help but wonder if she really saw The Genie as a friend or something more.
In Storybrooke, Heather pulled up to Game Of Thorns and entered the shop. She smiled upon seeing her boss Moe at the front desk.
"Hey, look who got an all-clear." Heather said.
"Couldn't be happier."
"You just remember to take it easy or I'll make you." Heather said as she put on her apron.
"It's a deal. How did Mary Margaret like the flowers?"
"She loved them. I think they made her feel better."
"I'm glad. Never should've been arrested in the first place, let alone letting Gold be her lawyer."
Heather sighed. "Moe, we both know is a bastard, but he's also a good lawyer. He was her best chance."
"Either way, she's free. That's all that matters, I guess."
Heather made her way to the small greenhouse in the back of the shop; as she turned on the hose to water the flowers. She couldn't help but notice the newspaper laying on the stool. She picked it up and read the front page article.
"Hey Moe! Is it true that Sidney Glass was arrested?"
"Yeah. He went to the Sheriff yesterday morning and confessed to taking Kathryn. Didn't think he was capable of doing something like that. At least the real criminal is behind bars, right?"
"Yeah, right." Ida said quietly, brushing her fingers over the picture of Sidney that was on the front page. She blinked a couple of times, shook her head and sighed. "Come on. Lots to do." She tossed the newspaper into the trash can.