Cora had been surprised at how quickly she had been able to gain the King's attention. As the queen-mother, she was currently being shunned at court, but all she had to do was mention Regina's name and she found herself in the throne room.
"They told me that you had information on the whereabouts of my wife," the King said. He looked at Cora with calm hazel eyes as he stroked his beard. His elbow leaned against his knee and he rested his chin on his palm. He was bored. Cora had seen first-hand how quickly the mellow expression could kindle into a fiery rage. The King could turn from a tranquil ruler to a mad man in a matter of seconds.
She chose her next words carefully.
"I did a spell in my chambers last night," Cora said, "I conjured an image of where she conceals herself in the forest-"
"Is that all?" The King interrupted, "She's in the forest? I couldn't have guessed." He smiled sarcastically but Cora noticed that an irritated spark in his eyes began to grow.
"I saw the vagrants she's cavorting with-"
"The Merry Men?" The King interrupted again. "Yes, I'm aware. My most skillful men are tracking her, milady. If this is all the information that you're determined to waste my time with, you're less competent than I had thought. And I'm surprised at the fearless audacity-"
He sat up higher in his throne, no longer leaning on his elbow. With every word he spoke, his voice grew more powerful.
"-It took for you to leave your chambers knowing that your daughter is under suspicion of betraying the throne and jeopardizing the order of the Kingdom," he finished.
His voice echoed in the immense throne room. Though the space was filled with at least a hundred people, the expanse of the chamber caused it to appear nearly empty. Some of the nobles and guards that lined the walls coughed or mumbled. Since Regina's disappearance, Cora had been made a topic of drama and ridicule in the castle.
Cora swallowed.
"I have other news to share with you, your majesty."
The Kind said nothing but allowed her to continue. He stared at her incredulously.
"The particular spell I used resources a number of symbols to represent certain milestones in a person's life. And I am certain-"
She paused for effect. "Absolutely certain... That Regina is pregnant with your child. With your son. There is no other way to interpret the images I saw. And the incantation I used is strong and unerring. It's infallible magic, your majesty."
The court was silent again as the King considered what Cora had said.
"... Pregnant... With my heir. How am I to know you aren't lying to protect yourself and ensure your family's stability at court following your daughter's blatant treachery?"
"I'd like to perform the spell again, in front of you, my lord. With court sorcerer-" Cora motioned to Vathe, a tall, hollow-looking man who stood in a corner of the throne room, dressed in black robes. "-present to eliminate any doubt about the accuracy of the incantation."
The King contemplated Cora's suggestion as he looked back and forth between her and Vathe.
"You know that if your daughter is pregnant with my heir, and we discover that she is indeed guilty of treachery, that her crimes won't be forgotten? We would wait until the birth of my child before setting a date for her execution."
Cora did know that. But at this point, it wasn't Regina that Cora was trying to save.
"I understand that she won't be spared, my sovereign," Cora said.
The King smirked. "But of course, at this point, we haven't determined the severity of her transgression. I've been hearing rumors that she was kidnapped. For ransom! Can you believe that?"
"I had heard rumors, your majesty," Cora replied truthfully. She knew her daughter well enough to know that the rumors were false, though she wouldn't admit it.
"Well. As long as we have that out of the way. I accept your proposal, Cora, and thank you for bringing this to the attention of my court. I will arrange for an attendant to escort you and Vathe to my study, tonight."
Cora couldn't help but smirk though the situation was intense. Earlier, she hadn't been confident in her ability to convince the King so easily. She bowed to excuse herself.
"Thank you, my lord," she said as she stepped away.
She walked through the hallways and back to her chambers optimistically and began to think of the preparations she would need for the night's spell.
"Oh, Regina," she muttered absent-mindedly to herself. She sighed. "The things you put me through."