6 months ago
"But my lord-" Regina tried to reason, "Is it wise to leave Snow all by herself?"
"Nonsense Regina," the King stated, "Snow is old enough to take care of things herself."
"Allow me to stay with her then-" Regina tried, "-to help her. Please my lord, I worry."
"Ah wife," Leopold said with that sickening smile. He brought his fingers to graze about her chin and Regina had to hold back not to finch at his touch, "-you are too good for my Snow. You spoil her too much, my dear Regina."
Regina gave him one of her manufactured smiles and responded with the words she knew he wanted to hear; "Of course my lord, as if she were my own."
The King was pensive for a moment, Regina internally rejoiced thinking she would get to escape going on this journey to King George's kingdom. Leopold had rarely taken her on any of his trips, the man clearly preferred the company of his infuriating daughter much more than he did his own wife's. But Regina did not mind in the least; she despised her husband, just as she loathed his daughter. The further away both of them were from her, the better.
But this time Leopold wanted to test Snow, see if she was able to manage the kingdom on her own, if she was ready to rule. The whole notion could not interest Regina in the slightest but when the King had informed her that Regina herself was to accompany him on his trip to the Southern Kingdom, Regina's mood sank to her feet.
She detested the man, managed to find every way possible to avoid being in his company. Precisely one year after Regina had started to learn magic, after being married to the King for the same amount of time, she had managed to teach herself how to wield an illusion spell, which proved to be one of the most useful incantations she had ever learned. It would last for a couple of hours and that was more than enough for her purpose. When Leopold would request her presence in his chambers, she would cast the spell and go about her merry way back into her chambers, letting the magic fulfil her wifely duties.
But now, the prospect of this trip meant that Regina was probably to share sleeping chambers with Leopold, something she had not done in years and was not willing to do at any time in the future. The very idea of having him touch her made Regina want to vomit and cry; she still remembered quite well how he had forced his way into her on their wedding night, despite her drawing back from him and trying to voice her fears.
She hated him more with every time he took her, every time she would close her eyes and wish she were dead, wondering how in the world such an act that had felt so unearthly amazing in Daniel's arms could feel so repulsive now.
"Nonsense Regina," Leopold said, drawing her out from her thoughts. "Snow will be fine. I know you care for her-" he took her hand "- but we have got to help her fly on her own, otherwise she will never learn"
I will help that girl fly all right, Regina mused; fly out of the window.
…
There was no talking the King out of his resolution.
Regina sat in the luxurious carriage facing her much-hated spouse and forced a tight smile his way whenever he regarded her.
Suddenly it hit her. It was so simple, she wanted to kick herself for not doing it whilst she was still in the castle so she could have avoided this trip altogether.
The smallest of grins found its way to Regina expression as the King looked out of the window. She touched, ever so lightly, with the tips of her fingers, the back of her other hand summoning her magic to work in her favor. An almost untraceable green mist appeared on the back of Regina's hand for a moment, and then worked its way through her skin. She watched, pleased, as her hand – along with the rest of her body – grew a shade lighter.
Regina did not feel any different, but found that some of her usual theatrics was in order.
When the spell was done, Regina let out a ragged breath and clenched her middle screwing her eyes closed.
That immediately drew the King's attention.
"Is something the matter Regina?" he asked with concern
"Oh, it's nothing my lord." Regina said, making her voice a light murmur, "I just feel a little light headed."
"But Regina, you've grown too pale!" the King exclaimed, his eyes were wide
"Do not worry, husband," Regina faked. "I'm sure it's but a dizzy spell from the carriage."
"Your face is as white as Snow's, wife! You are not well."
Seriously? Is he really going to compare my complexion to his daughter's?
If Regina had not felt sick before, she most certainly was feeling sick now.
Regina felt like that was her cue and looking at the King with her best show of desperate eyes, she said; "My lord, I would urge you to ask them to stop the carriage."
The King, seemly understanding where this was going, ordered the halt of the carriage and before he could utter another word, Regina was out of the vehicle.
Then she ran, weaving her way through the trees for a good minute before she halted, resting her back on a time worn tree trunk. The entourage was barely visible through the very small gaps between the trees and Regina was glad, she knew nobody would come for her; the whole staff at the castle knew by now that the Queen was not keen on helping hands doing her bidding or lacing her corsets.
And she knew from experience that the King would not follow.
As Regina ran she could not help but feel like that young woman desperately riding her horse. An 18 year old who had just pushed her mother into the unknown and was trying to gain control over her life.
She regretted the decision of marrying the King every day, and regretted having believed Rumpelstiltskin. She had been so naïve back then; she believed that since magic had taken Daniel away from her it could also bring him back, and the power she would have with both a mentor like Rumple and her status as Queen would enable her to do just that.
Fool.
She had been such a fool
Now as she ran, wind touched her cheeks like it had when she rode Rocinante, all she wanted to do was to never stop running and disappear. She could, if she wanted to; she could simply poof herself from this place and never come back. She almost did, but then she remembered why she could not.
Her blood lust rose to her cheeks, warming them and probably bringing back all the color she had vanquished from her face with her magic back in the carriage. She wanted that horrid man, the King, to suffer, she wanted to watch him die as she told him she loathed him and that she was going to kill his precious little girl. She would render in gory detail how she would do it as slowly as she could manage, so that his precious little flake of Snow could feel just a little of the pain Regina had endured through being married to her father. Being abused by him, being used by him, being regarded as nothing but a pretty accessory he could show off to other rulers. She longed to laugh in his face, to watch his eyes grow wide with terror when the King realizes he is finally powerless against the Queen. At that moment, she vowed she would.
So there Regina remained, catching her breath, back against the wood, she closing her eyes. She was wearing a dress that was definitely not fit for her surroundings, nor the weather. As they had made their way south, the heavy, ice-white dress became more and more unfitting, she had abandoned her muff and hat inside the carriage, but still, the tight and thick fabric suffocated Regina to no end.
Releasing a final breath and resolving in going back Regina opened her eyes, but her attention was suddenly drawn to a noise she heard not far away.
Reluctantly – and with much caution – Regina followed the sound; it was dry and poignant, as if something was being flung into a wooden surface in one firm shot.
Regina moved through the narrowly spaced trees and carefully hid herself behind one of the thick oaken trunks. When she looked around the tree, curiosity winning over judgment, the sight did not disappoint.
She was met with the sight of a man; clad only with dark brown trousers and boots, the rest of his body was exposed to Regina. He had his back to her, a back that twitched and turned with perfectly toned muscles as he pulled the string of his bow taut. The muscles of his back popped out and sweat adorned the pale skin which bared a slightly red hue due to Sun exposure. Regina could only stare at in awe as she felt a new feeling invade the pit of her stomach.
He released and the arrow hit the tree trunk with a muffed stinging sound which drew a small gasp from Regina who had been distracted mapping this man's attractive torso.
How long had it been since she had had a young and strong man such as this wrapped in her bed sheets?
Far too long, Regina concluded.
Something suddenly took over Regina's reasoning and if the yelp of 'Your majesty?' had not drawn her from the sight of this mysterious man, she would have stepped into his line of vision and done what she did best.
But the voice yanked her attention back to the road and her head snapped in its direction. She scowled at whoever had interrupted her plans, and murderous thoughts invaded her mind when she turned back to find the clearing was now empty.
She went back to the carriage, careful to repeat the spell on her skin to remove the blush of anger and… other things, as well as reddening her nose a little, walking carefully and slowly.
She was met with a concerned look from the King whilst she closed the carriage door behind her.
"Regina, how are you feeling?"
The Queen shook her head. "Not my best my lord, I must confess"
"Do not worry my dear, we are but a few hours away from George's castle," he assured, placing a hand on Regina's knee. She almost kicked his shin – almost; holding herself back at the last minute. "I will arrange for you to have the most comfortable chambers in the castle so you can rest."
"Thank you my lord." Regina said weakly, measuring her words with precaution, "Although I do not wish for you to catch whatever it is that plagues me, husband."
"Ah Regina, you are but too good hearted," he said with a small smile, squeezing his hand on her knee. Regina felt her stomach twist.
Take your disgusting hands off of me.
"I will let you rest alone wife, if I have any need of you I shall send for you."
Regina let out what felt like her first breath ever since she had discovered she was to come on this wretched trip.
Victory
...
A few hours later, they had arrived at their destination. The castle was a far cry from the one she inhabited; the walls were constructed of a light wash stone, and tower after tower rose above, the symbol of King George's crest painted on each of the flags that stood above each of the tall towers.
Regina was in absolute no mood for any royal curtsies and false compliments that she was sure was expected once they met with this King.
She had met King George at her wedding, but then again she had met half of the whole realm's royalty on the day of her wedding, she could hardly remember any of them, nor did she really care. He was a widower, like Leopold, and Regina had to wonder if she would meet a version of herself on the arm of the King. Another young pretty thing of royal birth, miserable and with absolutely no say in the matter.
But no such thing happened; they were greeted at the doors of their carriage by the royal steward that was trying far too hard to make them feel welcome. He led them to the throne room where King George sat on his heightened seat.
They approached the King but sounds of running footsteps drew their attention back to the doors of the throne room.
Regina heard the King utter – with a not very pleased – tone, "James."
Regina turned around to look at the tardy Prince with annoyance already hovering about her mind, but the sight of the Prince himself had her taking a deep breath through her nose.
He was extremely handsome, the kind of handsome you would expect from a Prince but never truly got. As he walked in their direction, he had a dashing smile on his face, showcasing all his perfectly white teeth, eyes blue but intense, and blond, tousled hair.
The prince could not be a day over thirty years old, but he wore no beard which made him appear even younger. He was tall and strong, taller than his father, and most definitely taller than Leopold.
He was dressed as one would expect a Prince to be dressed, but was out of breath for having had rushed for this royal appointment. Nevertheless, he wore a smirk in his lips as he regarded his father bowing his head.
"Father." He had a baritone voice, just a little dark and strong, Regina could grasp that he had been raised to be King only by the tone of voice he used. "Forgive me, the hunt took more time than I expected."
He strode to where the King stood.
"James, this is King Leopold and Queen Regina from the North," the King said sternly, gesturing to the pair. "I trust you know your manners."
"Yes, of course," he said not having time to really look at the pair before bowing his head to Leopold, he lifted his head and met his eye. "King Leopold," he turned his gaze to Regina and she could see his expression change almost completely upon looking at her, he bowed his head after another moment, "Queen Regina."
He lifted his head and looked Regina deep in the eye for a beat longer than necessary, she could sense awe and curiosity in his blue depths.
Hmm…
Interesting
This could be fun
Regina smiled warmly back at him which earned her a grin from his part, his eyes still not leaving hers.
"This is my son James." King George suddenly interrupted their small exchange as both turned to regard the King. "He was out in the hunting party that was bound to fill our feats' table tonight."
"Oh, and be sure that it will," the Prince said a little smugness in his tone; he looked at Leopold "We even managed to get a wild boar."
"Ah, that is indeed fortunate." Leopold commented in his diplomatic tone; he had never been a great fan of hunting himself. "Although I'm afraid my wife will have to excuse herself from dinner, she's not feeling her best."
"Oh?" Prince James regarded Regina with a puzzled expression, he looked almost disappointed.
"I'm afraid my health has proven to be a little too fragile for long carriage journeys," Regina explained in her usual pleasant tone "I'm not really used to them."
It wasn't a lie; Regina was much more used to riding horseback, preferred it to the tedious monotony of the royal carriage. Although Regina was sure that if she had indeed gotten sick in the carriage, it was due to the company and not the shaking.
Regina gave the Prince a weak smile which he returned; she could see he fisted one of his hands on his side.
"James," King George said, "Why don't you show Queen Regina to her chambers? She must be weary and in need of rest." He then looked to Leopold; "I need to discuss some issues with King Leopold."
"Of course father-" James said as he turned to his father, it escaped Leopold's eye – but not Regina's – when the Prince grinned for a split second back at his father, who gave the young man a roll of eyes. The Prince approached Regina and offered his arm; "Queen Regina?"
She hooked a hand into the crook of his elbow and they both exited the chamber quietly.
They walked, arms entwined, in silence for a few minutes. He was indeed strong; she could feel his heavy, toned biceps through the fabric of his shirt.
The pace he had chosen was far too slow for a lively young person such as himself.
Their hips would occasionally knock together, or their legs would brush against each other's, but neither of them seemed to find it necessary to apologize or comment on it. A fact that made Regina wonder how this charming prince looked underneath his regal clothes and started filling her head with all kinds of ideas in an alarming number of positions.
She blamed her disposition on having seen a half-naked mystery man at the woods earlier; it had awakened something in her that was quite wild. The fact that the Prince kept looking at her with far too much interest, and looked good enough to eat also cooperated in Regina's fantasies.
The Prince broke the silence first.
"So, Queen Regina-" he started, "-how do you like the kingdom?"
"Well, it's quite early for me to have formed a valid opinion yet," Regina said in her gentle tone she knew worked wonders with nobles and gave him a small smile.
"That is true," he chuckled
"But-" Regina turned to look at him, the sunlight beating on his light hair made him look even more handsome, and God, he knew it "-from what I have seen so far I find it quite charming."
"I am glad we've made a good impression so far, your majesty." He smirked at her.
…
Regina popped another blueberry inside her mouth, tasting the bittersweet sting of the fruit and sighing contently after swallowing.
She had shed all her heavy and unconformable clothing as soon as the door had shut behind her. Regina was careful to lock the door behind her, grateful for some privacy at last. If she had been forced to share a room with Leopold, she might have set fire to her expensive light velvety grown. The King adored it, therefore Regina abhorred every inch of it.
She had drawn herself a bath with the assistance of her magic, summoning the water and bringing it to a pleasant temperature – not too hot, not too cold. She basked inside the spacious tub for as long as she wanted, the warm water easing the muscles on her back, easing her foul mood into an almost calm disposition.
The trunks containing Regina's many possessions had been brought to the chambers before her arrival, but she was not at the leisure of even bending down to retrieve her clothing. After stepping out of the tub, shivering at the feel of the cold stone against the soles of her feet, Regina simply waved her hand, and the cool slippery feel of silk hugged her still wet figure.
The fabric clung to her erect nipples and became see through due to the mixture of wet flesh and the light colored silk. She did not care.
Regina thought of this as her own little protest against the customs and laws of royalty, which she had always despised, ever since she could remember, and now was bound to obey more than anybody else. She let her dark curls fall from the knot she had created in order to bathe and sighed.
This was to be her new, little prison for the time being.
Though Regina was accustomed to being trapped, and she rather enjoyed the change in the scenery; anything was better than having to accompany the King.
Regina planned to spend her evening inside that very room, a beautiful, spacious chamber, very clearly decorated to please a young lady. The four-poster bed was made out of a creamy colored wood, the fabrics which adorned it in pastel toned blues and greens fell gracefully. Not much to Regina's liking, but the bed did house several comfortable cushions and pillows which pleased her immensely. Regina was also thankful for the balcony, it was not as large as her own but it would do quite nicely. The double doors that led to them were of the same wood as the bed but shared space with light blue glass, making Regina sigh at the idea of light coming inside her room early in the morning.
Regina watched the sunset, leaning against the secure fence of the balcony, letting the last rays of warmth caress her exposed skin.
Her mind wondered as to the reasoning for her being here, and with whom, and even the peaceful landscape could not stop the tears from pooling in her dark brown orbs.
She thought of Daniel, her sweet stable boy, lost to her forever. She still loved him, so very much, and she hung on to that feeling with a death grip. It was the only good and pure thing in her life, the memories of Daniel, the stolen kisses in the barn, the 'riding lessons' in which they would ride as far and as fast as they could muster, crush their bodies against each other and kiss like it was the last day of the world...
"Oh Daniel…" she closed her eyes and let the tears fall down her cheeks.
Taking a deep breath, Regina reopened her eyes and pushed back the happy but hurtful memories.
When the sun was a bare bright string of light against the horizon, Regina reentered her pastel prison with a sigh.
She would try to get some sleep and then keep her eyes closed for as long as she could manage, hoping slumber would bring her pleasant dreams of a time when a blue-eyed, young man held her tight and whispered he loved her.
A knock on the door snapped Regina out of her daydreams, and remembering her place and station, Regina slipped on her pleasant Queen mask and went to the door unlocking it. A middle-aged maid stood at her door, holding a tray containing various types of fruit and a jar along with a chalice.
"Good evening your majesty," she said, pleasantly smiling at Regina after bowing her head, "I have brought you your dinner."
"Oh, thank you." Regina said in a voice she could hardly recognize herself as she made way for the woman to enter the room.
"Don't you worry your majesty-" the maid said as she walked in and placed the tray on a small circular table "-all these are quite soothing for the stomach, nothing to make you ill."
"Well, thank you-" Regina stated "-then I don't suppose you have brought me any wine?" Regina asked with a laugh, appearing in jest, but truly, right now, wine was sounding like the best idea she had had all day.
"God forbid, no your majesty" the servant replied amused, "I have brought you a special mix of berries made into a juice that treats the uneasy stomach." The woman explained as she made her way back to the door, for which Regina was quite thankful, about a minute of curtsies was all Regina was seeming to be able to manage at the moment.
"How wonderful, I do hope to feel much like myself tomorrow," Regina said as the woman walked out of the door and turned to face her.
"You will your majesty, do not worry." the servant assured, "I bid you goodnight" she bowed again.
"Goodnight" Regina said with a small smile and closed the door, leaning against it instantly after with a huff of irritation.
No wine
Damn
She could fix that.
Regina walked towards the table, placing the tray there, and inspected the content inside the metal jar. The smell was quite pleasant, so Regina poured it into her chalice. She brought it to her lips and tasted the medical miracle of berries and found she rather liked it, there was only one thing missing; alcohol
She placed the goblet upon the table and waved her hand about it. The liquid contents bubbled for a second before easing inside the cup as if nothing had happened. Regina tasted it and sighed happily.
This will do just fine .
Regina laughed at the thought that she herself might have been quite an accomplished cook, had she ever been given the chance.
And so Regina popped blueberry after blueberry inside her mouth lazily, she had brought the plate to the bed and laid there, only thought in her head was the wonder if the next berry was to be bitter or sweet.
Regina was almost dozing off at the tedious act, the wine having made her a tad sleepy when a sharp knock to her wooden door woke her from her small haze.
Her head shot up from the pillows in alert; this knock did not belong to any servant. This knock was firm and incisive. It was not the knock that asked but demanded.
Dread filled Regina's heart.
Leopold.
No .
With her eyes glued to the door, Regina started to summon her magic to cast her illusion spell. She rose from the bed reluctantly and headed for the door in the slowest pace known to men. She took a deep breath as her hand met the handle in order to try to calm her nerves.
Her mask, she had to put on the mask.
Concentrating hard, Regina was able to hide her true colors and plaster a tired but sweet look upon her face. Since she knew her dear husband was not going anywhere, especially when he was in need of what he came to claim from her at night, she opened the door, spell ready to be cast.
The spell, however, laid forgotten, vanishing from the tips of Regina's fingers as soon as she saw to whom exactly the firm knock belonged.
Prince James.
Prince oh-so-handsome, please-ravage-me-now James was at her door, smiling in his best attempt to look earnest. Regina was very good at reading people and knew that if that man had come to see her at night there was only one goal in his mind.
Regina even entertained thoughts for letting him have what he was seeking, but of course, he would have to work for it.
He stood there and to Regina's utter surprise, holding a couple of folded blankets on one of his arms.
"Prince James!" Regina let escape in a startled higher tone that she had not intended on using.
"Queen Regina-" he started, that baritone voice pleasing her ear, "-please forgive my intrusion"
"Oh no,-" Regina started in her sweet pleasant Queen façade "- it's no trouble my lord, please" she stepped aside and gestured for the prince to enter her chambers, which was not the most lady like of attitudes, especially when she was clad in such thin fabric, which had, thankfully, long been dry.
"You were dearly missed at dinner tonight," he said as he strolled inside, Regina closed the door behind him, turning around to meet his eye in a pleasant toothless smile.
What am I doing?
Why did I close the door?
Am I really going to do this?
Excitement bubbled in the pit of Regina's stomach. At last, a fun distraction after such dull months had dragged on.
"Oh, I am sorry about missing dinner." Regina started clutching her robe to her, crossing her arms about her torso, "But I'm afraid I would have been such dull company. I have not yet mustered all my strength back."
"I am sure you could never be anything even resembling dull, your majesty" he said, a small grin on his lips.
He inspected her body from head to toe, the light silk covered most of it, all of her legs, the extension of her arms, but it was tight and hugged her figure, showcasing her curves.
"Well thank you your majesty, you are much too kind-" Regina said, bringing a little crimson to her cheeks.
"I only speak the truth, Queen Regina" Gods she hated when people called her 'Queen' Regina; it was as if she were not herself, not a real person, but a mere title, an institution.
He smiled at her and she reciprocated with the same intensity but brought her eyes quickly to the floor to give the illusion of bashful sincerity.
What was happening?
Regina's eyes darted to every location in the room but the spot where the Prince stood in silence. She could feel his intense gaze on her.
He cleared his throat before confessing; "I have brought you some extra blankets-"
Oh, no he did not...
"-in case you get chilly during the night."
That had to be the most ridiculous excuse she had ever heard.
"This room in particular could get quite cold during the night."
Oh, and let me guess ; you want to assist me in keeping warm?
"Thank you Prince James-" Regina said meekly, pretending to buy his lame excuse to come and see her alone, "-but there was no need, you really needn't have worried-"
"I can assure you it was no trouble at all." his gaze lingered a beat more on her breasts before they returned to her face and Regina had to wonder if he could see her hard nipples through the dry fabric.
"Could I interest you in a glass of wine?" she tried.
This could prove to be a much more enjoyable night than she had previously anticipated.
"Yes!" he practically beamed opening up a smile, and what a killer smile. If Regina had been younger and more naïve, her knees would have definitely have felt weak at this particular show of teeth.
But Regina was no naïve maiden, no gullible young woman, and she knew what that smile was seeking. But the prince did not need to know that, Regina rather liked the idea that he would think she was just a kindhearted, young ruler with a fragile health. So, smiling her kindest smile, Regina gestured to the table where her magically prepared wine rested.
They both approached the table and the Prince set the blankets on the back of the chair before sitting down, his eyes never leaving Regina.
Upon seeing this, Regina smirked inwardly at the possibilities. Her robe might have been long sleeved and ankle length, but she could most certainly work some magic in her favor.
Her empty goblet rested upon the table and she realized they only had one cup. Biting the inside of her cheek Regina bent down to retrieve the jar, Regina lingered and performed the process of filling the cup leisurely, being certain that in her bending down, the V created by the wrap of her robe about her breasts dipped and gave the prince an ample view of her chest.
Needless to say it worked out wonderfully; as soon as Regina was bending down the Prince's smirk dropped along with his gaze that ravaged her newly exposed skin. Regina observed out of the corner of her eye how his light blue eyes grew darker and how he fisted one of his hands hard.
Good, good .
After pouring, Regina took the goblet and looked at him with a kind, bemused expression as she offered it to him.
"Prince James?"
He was snapped out of his haze and offered her a smirk in exchange for the goblet.
"Aren't you drinking?" he asked
"Yes, yes I am" Regina replied with a kind smile, "I just left my goblet by the bed"
She walked towards the bed and bent down just beside it in a spot where the prince could easily see her behind rise with the movement, but he could not see that her hands were working magic in order to manufacture another cup. She looked back at him, still bent over and he had his lower lip trapped between his teeth. He released it as soon as eyes her met his.
Regina stalked back, pretending to be blissfully unaware of the sexual tension in this whole situation and poured herself some wine. Regina took a seat across from him and they toasted to her good health.
"Were you in bed when I knocked?" The prince inquired after he had moved the cup away from his lips.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I was." Regina replied with a small smile.
His half-assed apology was not sincere in the slightest; "I'm terribly sorry to have disturbed you then,"
"Do not be sorry, I'm wide awake now." Her eyes grew just a little and ever so lightly Regina rubbed her bare foot on the Prince's leg once. He grinned.
"I wonder-" he started placing his goblet on the table "-why is it that you have never visited us before?"
"Oh-" Regina looked down at the table taking a small sip from her wine and said in a defeated tone; "- the King has always preferred the company of his daughter on such journeys."
"I cannot fathom why, you are such lovely company," the Prince flirted, but Regina could see that he had a puzzled look on his face, as if he could not quite believe what Regina was saying.
"Thank you, your highness" Regina said with a small smile and placed her goblet on the table, folding her hands about her lap. "But the King only seeks to show Snow everything he can about ruling the kingdom. After all, she'll be in charge one day."
"I take it she's not yours then?" Prince James inquired; this conversation was taking an unexpected turn.
"No, she's not." Regina stated and for a moment let her mask slip whilst she stated. "We are only 8 years apart in age, your highness."
This new information took the Prince by surprise; it always would when she revealed it. Not many people remembered just how young Regina had been when she had been forced into a marriage with a man old enough to be her grandfather.
There was a pause in which they regarded each other, and Regina let slip some of that real pain she felt for being in this miserable marriage. The prince regarded her with a frown adorning his forehead and brought his chalice back to his lips.
"My father wanted me to court her," he confessed, Regina's eyebrows rose in surprise at the new information. "But after spotting her at a ball about a year ago I decided against it."
"Oh?" Regina said truly surprised for a change, "Why?"
"She was-" the Prince started, he gestured with his hand trying to find words to describe Snow, Regina could have fueled him with a few of her own, but they would have hardly been considered polite, "-too vanilla for my taste."
Regina had to let a chuckle slip, the prince spoke truly; the girl was indeed insufferably vanilla. She let herself get slightly more loose and inquired.
"And I pray you tell me Prince James, just for my curiosity sake, what kind of woman would please you then?" Her leg brushed against his again under the table, goblets long forgotten.
He widened his eyes at her question.
"Well-" he started "- I guess someone a little bolder, a little spicier and a little older than her. Definitely somebody more interesting and -" he eyes were on hers now, a grin played on his lips "- much, much more beautiful."
Regina raised one eyebrow. "Oh?" she said slightly amused, their eyes still locked, "Aren't you picky, Prince Charming?"
A strong wind stormed inside the room through the open balcony doors, Regina shot from her seat to shut them, hearing his hearty laugh at her statement.
"Prince Charming? That's new," she heard him reply as she closed the balcony doors. She turned around to face him with a small smile playing on her lips. "I merely know what I want; I see no reason to hide it."
"And have you found anybody who suits your criteria?" she asked walking back to the table. She did not, however, sit, but chose to stand behind her chair leaning her weight on the back of the piece of furniture, a move she knew showcased her breasts nicely.
"I might have, yes," he said, taking his time drinking in the curve of what could be seen of her breasts against the chair, he returned his gaze to her face as he spoke. "But I'm afraid she's already been taken."
Regina smiled back at him pushing her weight from the chair taking a few steps back so her whole figure was in his line of sight.
"Define 'taken'." Regina purred and if the Prince intended to reply to her question, he was muted by her actions.
Regina loosened the strap of silk that secured the robe to her body and let the light garment slide from her shoulders. It slipped over her bare skin and Regina could not help but shiver. She looked the now-dumbstruck Prince square in the eye; he looked at her in awe, his mouth having dropped. His eyes ravaged her body, seeming to catalogue every inch of skin.
"Oh my, I seem to have dropped my robe-" she said in her still friendly tone, his eyes were on hers as soon as she started speaking, complete bewilderment decorated his dark blue pools, "-would you be a dear and pick it up for me?"
The Prince did not move for a beat, his eyes raked her body and Regina felt like a truly powerful Queen. She could see that she had managed to shock the Prince to no end which amused her immensely and gave her a boost of confidence; her make believe 'kind Queen' façade was rather believable after all.
When he did move, he took quick steps in her direction, certain and strong. They were a mere foot apart when the Prince surprised Regina by dropping to his knees, letting a huff escape his parted lips.
Regina did not have much time to register his actions; in no time he was placing open-mouthed kisses her to her stomach and on the top of her thighs nearing her nether parts, hands coming to grab on the back for the thighs holding her close. Regina hummed at the contact and observed as he licked her skin slowly, groaning in between, probably still not quite believing this was really happening.
Regina encouraged him by opening her legs slightly. With a hungry groan he ran his tongue all the way from her right hipbone to her aching clit, which drew a small ragged moan from Regina. He gave it one stingy and nice nip before he removed his mouth from it to trace the other hip bone, one of his hands coming to grab her arse while the other got a hold of the robe she had discarded on the floor.
His mouth made its way up her body along her side, stealing shivers from Regina as the Prince hummed satisfied. His mouth then found its way to one of Regina's nipples which he took fiercely in his mouth, making Regina shoot her hands to grab onto his head and pull him closer, his one free hand sliding sensually along her back. His kisses then traced their way up her neck until he was biting her earlobe.
His voice was dark, much more than usual, when he whispered in her ear; "Your robe."
He drew back from her a little bit so they could make eye contact and lifted the hand that had retrieved her robe from the floor.
Regina regarded the cloth, looking back at him and replying; "I have no need of it anymore."
She brought one of her hands to slither under his shirt, feeling his strong torso against her soft palms "-it's grown rather hot in this room, don't you agree?"
She let her hand drop from beneath his shirt but not before brushing it against his erection. The Prince hissed at the contact.
"I would have to agree with you, your majesty. Plus-" he said, eyes on her lips "-you look much better without it."
He discarded the robe, tossing it away.
"I think it's high time for us to drop the titles, don't you?" Regina started, she took one step forward, almost closing the whole distance between their bodies; "Call me Regina."
With that, Regina's hands found their way to his belt and quickly unfastened it. Prince James grinned and used his own pair of hands to push his trousers down along with his undergarments. He kicked them off quickly, never breaking eye contact with Regina.
"I'm James-" he said snaking his arms about her middle, bringing her body flush against his, the heat of his hard erection hot against her thigh, "-it's nice to meet you Regina."
And with that he claimed her mouth with a hungry open-mouthed kiss.
Regina was only too eager to respond; snaking her own arms around his neck.
She drew back from the kiss and uttered; "Ah James-" she drew a finger about his lips "-the pleasure is all mine."
He gave her a malicious smirk and attacked her neck with his mouth, tracing her heated skin with his tongue, kissing and sucking until Regina was moaning.
Regina felt jittery nerves in her belly when his mouth found her nipple once again, but this time lingering, sucking with fervor.
In the back of Regina's head, however, something warned her there was something wrong. She quickly racked through her thoughts to find out what was amiss and then she remembered.
The door
She had not locked it.
Regina broke the delicious contact and said out of breath, drawing away from him; "The door-"
He claimed her mouth once more, capturing her lower lip with his teeth and Regina moaned.
"James-" his fingers, his hands were everywhere, it was getting harder and harder to concentrate, she broke free with one last string of self-control left. "I have forgotten to lock the door" she said whilst she quickly went to the door and locked it.
He was quickly behind her, pressing his hardened length against her and pushing her body to the door.
"Why worry so, Regina?" he asked between the kisses he was placing along her shoulders.
"Somebody might come in," she responded. "I don't think my lord husband would be too eager to do commerce with your father if he catches you-" she sighed when he bit a spot on her shoulder "-negotiating with me"
"Nonsense" James said firmly as he turned Regina around. She quickly went to work on the buttons of his shirt, removing the useless garb from his shoulders. "My castle, my rules." He grinned at her. "And my rules say I'll make you will scream my name until you-" Regina shut him up with a kiss.
This charming Prince was nice, more than nice, handsome and with an apparent delightful disregard for court rules, but he was also turning rather cocky about all this. Regina would just have to show him that the Queen was the most powerful piece in the chessboard and that the Prince was not even included.
Her mouth started making its way down his front, she never broke eye contact with him; daring him to look at what was she was doing. Her lips kissed past his impressive torso, licked his abs, they were firm and strong against her curious tongue. Finally when she reached her destination, Regina merely gave the very tip a lick, causing the Prince to hiss between clenched teeth.
She took one look at his hard length and smirked.
Big boy.
She drew her tongue from the base of his impressive cock until the very end in a long, smooth stroke. When Regina got to the tip again she could not resist the urge and took everything she could manage into her mouth, sucking with fervor, the Prince moaned quite loudly.
Regina drew back and stood up looking at the Prince with lustful eyes, a small grin on the edge of her lips.
"Now-" Regina started, her hands snaking their way up his torso to tangle behind his neck "-show me what a dragon slaying Prince is capable of doing to a Queen."
His hands found their way to the back of her thighs but not before getting a good squeeze from her arse. His mouth returned to hers in a fiery kiss, teeth clattered and bites stung more than they should have but Regina was not complaining.
Regina was in that state of temporary happiness Jefferson had taught her how to reach long ago. A state where she felt pleasured and beautiful, cherished and wanted. Where she could take as much as she wanted and was willing to give all her body could offer. These were moments when she would rid her head of everything that plagued her, all the things that haunted her. This was a time for Regina to let her most hidden desires rush out of her. The Prince should count himself lucky they were going to rush out all over him.
When James tugged at her legs, she quickly wrapped both of them around his middle, as he lifted her with ease. James did not waste much time and started making his way towards the bed, their mouths still locked with each other in frenzy of kisses and laughter.
Regina had expected him to lay her on the bed, but instead he sat on the edge with Regina's legs still quite tangled about him. Regina broke the kiss and reached out for his erection that rested between their heated bodies.
She stroked his length unhurriedly, looking him deep in the eye and basking in his loud reactions to her touch. His grinning was almost constant, except when she would stroke him a little harder; then he would groan and bite her shoulder. His hands groped her naked arse as she continued the movement, occasionally grinding herself against him.
Regina was burning to feel that sweet friction herself, so she guided his tip to her welcoming and very wet opening. She lowered herself onto him slowly, he was quite big and even though Regina was as wet as she could get, his size made her walls sting in that good but painful sensation of being utterly and completely filled. When she managed to lower herself completely Regina had her eyes closed and a ragged moan escaped her lips.
She opened her eyes to look at the Prince who had a smug smirk on his lips, but the flush on his cheeks betrayed he was also very much affected by the whole exchange.
"I rather like this definition of taken," he said, his voice even lower than before.
Regina moved a little bit, adjusting herself to his size, and he released a small groan at her movements.
"I gather this is the best one there is," she spoke moving her hips a little bit more. This time her movements more certain even though she found herself being a little breathless, she had never taken someone this big before. The size of the Prince made her sting below, but Regina found, not to her utter surprise, that she actually enjoyed it.
Regina started rocking slowly and small whines of pleasure escaped her lips as the stinging became less intense and pleasure filled her core. Regina held onto the Prince's shoulders while his own arms held her middle steadying her as she moved building up a rhythm. The Prince was meeting her every move and had his eyes roaming her body, lingering down below where they were one as they moved according to her rocking.
The Prince brought the attention of his mouth to one of her breasts. His tongue flicked her nipple making Regina tighten her walls even more around his length. She started to arch her back at the sensation, her moments never ceasing as the intensity of his mouth on her increased.
Regina started lean back, her hands on his knees, the Prince's strong arms held her middle firmly as her body made a parallel line with the floor, his mouth tracing downwards in open-mouthed kisses. He tugged her back and she shot back up just in time for him to capture her lips in his once more.
His hands went down to grope Regina's ass as she picked up the pace. There was a memory of that sting she had felt earlier but Regina was far too engrossed in the feeling of their hot bodies against each other to truly care about it.
She was close, so close she could feel it, her nails dug into his shoulder blades as Regina let out a loud scream of ecstasy as she reached her peak. The Prince easily lifted her up rising from his seat at the bed, Regina's wobbly legs touched the ground for a minute before the Prince moved behind her. Regina's legs gave out and she found herself lying on her belly, her hips at the edge of the bed and her legs desperately trying to support her weight.
The Prince was quick to assist her; he took her hips in his hands and lifted her behind so it would meet his hungry sex. He entered her again and Regina's toes strained to reach the floor, she decided to wrap them around his torso, his hands moving to her thighs to keep them at his hips whilst he fucked her from behind.
His pace grew quicker and Regina drew her bottom lip between her teeth at the pleasurable sensation. It gave away to a smile at the thought of this wicked position that made him hit a pleasurable spot again and again.
The Prince was groaning and muttering 'Fuck Regina' and 'You're fucking gorgeous' and Regina could not help but moan, louder and louder. There were three extra hard thrusts before the Prince came, pulling out and emptying his contents on her back. Regina felt the warm seed pour on her skin and sighed contentedly.
Why was I objecting to this trip, again?
He still had his firm grip on her hips, Regina could hear his ragged breathing as well as she see from the corner of her eye that his eyes were still shut. She twitched her hips and the Prince caught the message and released her. Regina crawled up the bed in all fours, her limbs felt like jelly and her sex felt sore but satisfied. She could hear him groan at the sight of her as she made her lazy way towards the head of the bed.
She dropped her weight on her back on one side of the bed, soiled sheets being the last thing on her mind and looked at him. He had hungry eyes for her and quickly climbed into bed, lying down next to her. They remained a few minutes in silence, both of them evening out their heart beats, until the Prince spoke.
"And the King?" he asked
"What about the King?"
"Don't you two-?"
"God no!" Regina scoffed. "I am much grateful that his old age has taken over some of his physical abilities." They shared a hearty laugh, "Plus, I much prefer young, strong specimens such as yourself."
"Is that so?" he prompted, propping his head on his hand and looking at her long and hard.
He brought his free hand to study her body. His touch soft as it followed his gaze, it sent shivers through Regina's body and she was glad - oh so glad - that she had come on this trip after all.
His curious hand found her core and Regina opened her legs a little bit so he could explore her sex further.
He had a strong hand but his skin was rather smooth, which felt rather pleasant against her equally unspoiled flesh. Regina sighed as his fingers found their way inside her opening; it was still slick from her arousal. He twisted two fingers, hooking them, hitting an especially pleasurable spot and Regina arched her back at the delicious sensation that washed through her body. He withdrew his fingers only too quickly and before Regina could register what was happening he was in between her legs.
This is going to be a long night…
…
A long night indeed it had been, and for the remaining days of the trip to the Southern kingdom, Regina's indisposed health seemed to never leave her. It had kept her from attending to most of the royal appointments, she had to restrain herself to be locked inside her room for the majority of the time she spent in King George's kingdom.
Regina was lucky the Prince seemed to take a great interest in taking her extra blankets with skillfully hidden bottles of wine beneath them. They would spend the nights awake drinking and laughing, making fun of the customs and laws of etiquette they were both so annoyed by and yet had to follow to the letter.
Regina would occasionally let her mask slip; show her true colors as they discussed being forced into doing almost everything. She felt light, having somebody who understood a little of what she had been through; the Prince had told her he was not too eager in his prospects of wife his father had selected for him. He had stated they had all been either too stuck up or too sweet, none of them had an edge.
Most of their time, however, was spent not talking, but panting and moaning against the other's skin. The Prince was an exquisite lover; he had a big tool to play with and he sure knew how to use it. He had brought Regina many a screaming orgasm while her body was pressed to the various surfaces, from the comfort of his bed to the biting cold of the stone floor of her washroom. Even though his big length would leave her sore and sensitive she always yearned for more.
So Regina was rather sorry when the week came to an end and her and Leopold had to return to their kingdom, and thus a cold, empty bed every night.
Regina was well advanced in her magic training by now, and could - if she wanted - poof herself to James' rooms anytime she wanted. However, that involved actually telling the Prince of her magical powers which was something Regina was not willing to share with anybody, let alone a Prince.
Sure he had been pleasant and they had had a good laugh at the account of her husband and the meek ladies who went to his court, but she did not trust him with this information. She had trusted very few with it and she preferred to keep it that way. Especially since she knew that King George was going through difficult times and the last thing Regina needed was for him to start asking for favors that did not involve her mouth on his cock.
He had been the one to show, two weeks after their parting, claiming he was on his way north hunting and had injured his horse.
The blind, pathetic King had offered him shelter whilst his horse - which the Prince said he could not possibly hunt without - regained his full strength.
That night Leopold had requested her presence in his chambers and Regina groaned inwardly at her luck. She performed her spell letting her magical clone waltz it's way to the King's chambers whilst she made her own to the Prince's.
The Prince ended up staying for five long days in the castle. When his horse was more than healed - the stable hands had claimed the horse was fit to ride again on the second day but the Prince would not hear of it - he departed.
Six months passed and the Prince continued to make unexpected appearances, sometimes he would announce himself and take up a room at the castle and other times he would simply skip all of the royal pleasantries and sneak inside her rooms in the middle of the night. Regina found it amusing and delicious to wake up to the sound of him undressing at the foot of her bed, leaving his boots and weapons behind to tangle himself in her sheets. On those occasions, they never talked much at the beginning, he would slip underneath the covers and eat her sex with hunger or kiss her senseless pressing the biggest cock she had ever had against her belly.
Those were the best nights.
It had never been anything serious. Regina was unfortunately never in a position of liberty to simply go to him so his visits were most welcome but after the aching in her sex finally ceased she could not say she truly missed him. He was a rather good source of that temporary happiness she had gotten so skilled at getting.
...
Present day
"What?" Regina hissed narrowing her eyes.
"Prince James was killed your majesty," the young man told her, "he had just won a battle against the giant of Numb and was celebrating, when the beast, in its final breath, drew his spear through the Prince's middle," he detailed, "I was there."
Regina's eyes had gone wide with the man's tale.
This cannot not be.