No major TW for this chapter..

Green eyes flutter open, the sunlight peaking through the curtains making Morrigan squint, but she winces when a sharp stabbing pain shoots through her neck and jaw, Yesterdays stunt was fucking stupid! How could I possibly think that brute force would tare a curse from my neck!..Memories rush back, the distinct smell of blood before a blast launched her backwards and she passed out, the Queen was there, she stopped it..

Green eyes take in the white ceiling as the warm body pressed against her stirs momentarily. The hand over her stomach flexes and something brushes the side of her face. Slowly Morrigan turns her head, wincing at the pain and her eyes bulge, she actually stayed with me? All I remember is her saying everything was okay..She looks so peaceful..The creases on Regina's forehead no longer harden her features and the bags under the woman's eyes are gone. Morrigans eyes slip shut and the urge to tug the woman closer pulls at her, Wait! What the hell am I thinking?!..The Evil Queen's threats flood into memory and she shifts uncomfortably.

A small moan escapes smudged red lips as Regina's pulled from her dreams. Something shifts under her, something warm, something human. Brown eyes snap open and her body tenses, how did I fall asleep?!..Regina stares at the frowning face inch's from her own, is she having a nightmare? Probably about me no doubt..Quickly but gently she removes her arm from Morrigans stomach and dislodges herself. She glances at the bedside clock and represses a sigh, 7:13, not too early to grab a shower and start on that list..Silently Regina makes her way over to the door and with one final look at a sleeping Morrigan, she exits the room with a silent click behind her.

Green eyes open slowly, peering over at the closed door, As soon as she woke up I felt her tense and knew she'd be embarrassed if she was caught in such a vulnerable state..The sound of running water can be heard from next door, a shower sounds heavenly right about now but I doubt the gauze is waterproof, best not to mess..Slowly Morrigan slides her legs over the edge of the bed and sits up. A little light headed, she pushes herself to her feet, holding the bedside table for support, Jesus! its like someone cut my head off and stuck it back on with glue! Note to self, stop doing incredibly stupid things..She looks around uncertainly, not knowing what to do with herself now that shes up, perhaps I should make the Queen some coffee, make myself useful. Plus it'll help keep my mind off the pain..She shuffles toward the door until she eventually finds herself in the kitchen. She plucks coffee from the bottom cupboard and hears the water shut off from upstairs, better get a move on, don't want to put her majesty in a foul mood before the days even started..

Quickly Morrigan fills the kettle and sets it to boil before pulling a stylish black mug from the cupboard and setting it on the island top, Black two sugars, right?...It was two sugars wasn't it?!..A second spoon hovers over the mug hesitantly when there's a bang from upstairs and the sugar and spoon clatter into the mug, What the hell was that?!..Morrigan steps forward guarded and ready to charge upstairs and defend her Queen, when said Queen comes frantically racing into the kitchen wearing nothing but a silk dressing gown. Regina takes one look at Morrigan and panic quickly twists into anger.

"What are you doing?!"

Morrigan panics, eyes immediately darting to the floor and head bowing.

"I.." A sharp pain in her neck cuts her off.."I made.."

Again the pain cuts Morrigan off and she starts to get irritated, Fuck sake! My voice sounds pathetic!..She bites her lip in frustration, I cant even explain myself..

Regina softens and lazily scans the kitchen. Brown eyes pick up on a jar of coffee beans, sugar and a black mug on the island top. The sound of the kettle boiling resonates from behind Morrigan and Regina's anger melts away, Coffee..

"You need to be in bed resting. If you wanted coffee dear just ask and I'll bring you some."

Morrigans head darts up and she winces at the sharp pain of the movement, Did the Queen just offer to bring me coffee?!..But..The coffee's not for me..She quickly grabs the kettle and pours hot water into the black cup. Looking up she notes the anger slowly consuming her Queen, Shit! Hurry up Morrigan and make your damn point!..After siring the beverage she gently slides the mug towards Regina and hopes the woman takes two sugars.

"For You.."

Regina stares questionably between the mug and Morrigan.."Why?"

"Because..You have coffee..in the morning.."

Morrigans voice cracks and she places a gentle hand across the gauze, I hope to god that's enough, my throats killing me..Regina softens, reaching for the mug and Morrigan relaxes.

"Thank You."

It was low and gentle and it startled Morrigan somewhat, Ive never had a thank you from the Queen before..But then the woman grimaces and she freezes, Shit! Knew it wasn't two sugars..

Too much sugar and its so bitter..Regina looks up to meet startled green eyes and frowns, is she frightened of my reaction?..Of course she is..A fake smile graces her lips..

"Thank you for the coffee Morrigan.." She watches the woman relax and her smile grows a fraction.."Now go back to bed and I'll bring you breakfast. However due to your injury don't expect anything other than oatmeal.."

The Queens making me breakfast now?!..Morrigan stares momentarily but startles when the woman clears her throat and raises a questionable eyebrow.

"Bed!"

Morrigan bows, quickly making her way out of the kitchen.

"Oh and Morrigan?"

Morrigan pauses, slowly turning to narrow brown eyes.."We'll be having a discussion about your little stunt yesterday after I return from the sheriffs station."

Morrigan frowns.."Station?"

"Ive agreed to help Miss Swan in her investigation. I'll be dropping off a list of suspects who I think were involved."

"I can help.."

Brown eyes narrow.."No, you've done enough."

Morrigan takes a confident step forward.."Names..overlooked.."

"You will note down the names and give them to me."

"Coming with you.."

"No, you will stay here and rest until I return."

Morrigan narrows her eyes equally.."No.."

Regina glares coldly.."No?"

"Coming to protect.."

"I dont need your protection Morrigan."

"You don't know people..some are close..can get to you.." Morrigan's throat cracks and she lifts a hand to her neck in an attempt to ease the growing pain.

Regina purses her lips aggrieved, If she doesn't stop this nonsense she'll tare her stitches!..

"I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

"Please.."

Regina huffs at pleading green eyes.."Fine! But we shan't be there long and you'll say nothing to Miss Swan. I'll not have you popping any of those stitches and bleeding out because you two have a little dispute.."

Morrigans face lights up.

"And if I sense any magic I'll poof you back here do you understand?

Nodding weakly, Morrigan cant help a genuine smile. The Queen has changed so drastically in the past few days that Morrigans not sure if she should be happy or scared, And did Regina just say poof?..

"Go and rest, I'll bring you breakfast and then we can re-dress that wound and head to the station."

Morrigan bows carefully and heads from the kitchen with a foreign smile on her face, even though it feels incredibly foreign for Regina to be taking care of me, I cant help feeling a little content. I haven't had someone care for me like this since I was taken in by Carol from the shop. I actually feel happy and at the same time..a little vulnerable..

Regina had been true to her word, after Morrigan's oatmeal breakfast she carefully got dressed and Regina redressed her wound. She had written a list of people she knew or suspected to be involved with her Queens barbaric imprisonment. Every letter of each of their names had been scratched into paper with implacable rage. Now she stands by Regina's side in front of the sheriffs desk. Emma continues to glance at the gauze at her neck but she brushes off the pitying looks, Regina must have said something because Swan keeps looking at me like my puppies died..Don't want you fucking pity Swan..

"Is this all of them?" Emma uneasily hovers over the piece of paper with a dozen names written in fine scripture.

"There's a few more."

"More?!"

Regina pulls out a folded piece of paper from her coat and places it in front of the blond.."Morrigan believes she knows of several others. I crossed out those who are already on my list."

Emma scans the list, eyes alarmed.."Sister Judi?!" Her gaze darts to a nodding Morrigan.."You cant be serious? She's a nun, and a fairy. Isn't it in their code to do no wrong or something?"

Morrigan frowns deeply, See everything in black and white don't you savior!..

"Wrong!"

Feeling the tension, Regina quickly clears her throat to redirect the conversation.

"I'm sure if its on there its for a good reason. Morrigan doesn't do things without some form of proof to her suspicions."

"If you say so but it still comes down to your word against all of these people without solid evidence. I hope your friend here has some."

Morrigan breathes heavily through her nostrils, stepping dangerously towards the blond, Proof? You'll have your proof when I beat it out of everyone on that list!..

Regina's hand gently touches the angry woman's leg and she feels Morrigan flinch. Brown eyes look sternly into startled green but after a beat, Morrigan reluctantly steps back.

"I believe proving that these people had some involvement will be tricky. But if we can put pressure on the vulnerable perhaps they'll crack and swear statement to others involvement."

Emma nods.."Yeah, and I was thinking we start with Sydney.."

Regina's lips curl in disgust, I always knew the man had an obsession with me but what he did was just..Lets just say taking a beating was paradise compared to the magical mind games he played..

"Regina?"

The mayor snaps from her dark thoughts and refocuses on the worried sheriff.

"Are you okay?"

Regina clears her throat, shifting slightly to cross her legs.."I'm Fine." She feels Morrigan shift uncomfortably behind her and glances up to see the woman scowling at the wall, maybe bringing her was a bad idea..

"Okay so I crack him then hopefully I can move onto the next. Perhaps go after fairy goody two shoes here."

"You will? Don't you mean we will."

"No Regina I will, you will sit back and let me do my job." Emma stands and heads from her office with Regina following closely.

"If you think I'm just going to sit back and play victim you've clearly not been paying attention for the past year sheriff!"

Morrigan follows closely but is stopped quickly by the mayors waving hand. She watch's uselessly as they continue into the back room without her and stands awkwardly listening to the argument though the walls, Swan seems to be getting an ear full..She smiles wickedly, good, bitch deserves to be put in her place..She pauses, the unfamiliar hatred for the savior confusing her a little, must be my protectiveness over the Queen..

Morrigan dawdles, looking around the room and heading back into the sheriffs office. She scans the desk, eyes drawn to the list of suspects and she scowls, some people on there I even thought wouldn't be capable of such horrific actions. It just goes to show that nothing is ever as black and white as it may appear..

"Hey!"

Morrigan whirls, Davids steely eyes burning into her from the office door.

"What the hell are you doing here?! What have you done now?!"

"Nothing.." Davids eyes lock onto the bandage around her neck.

"Oh yeah? Well whats that? You attack someone and they fight back? Or has your master been disciplining her pet!"

Morrigan snarls as he arrogantly leans on the door frame.."What, no snappy remark? Or has Regina finally muzzled you for good?"

Morrigan's familiar darkness edges forward, her anger rising, I'll tear his god damn throat out!..She takes a threatening step forward and David quickly stands on guard.

"Go ahead because you know what'll happen. If that collar doesn't beat you down then I will! "

She pauses feeling the collar heat the vulnerable skin around her neck, Perhaps being shocked while that wound is wide open isn't such a good idea. The fucking farm boy is baiting me! I cant give in..Morrigan relents, taking a step back.

"You know why you pledge loyalty to someone like Regina? Its because you two are just alike.."

She raises a questionable eyebrow.

"Your both evil, villains..You latch onto other peoples happy endings and try to steal them for yourself. You blindly follow orders and don't give a rats ass about the consequences. You know Regina doesn't care about you, no one does, and really why would they when you burn down their homes and destroy their lives. Just because you don't have a family of your own, you think you have the right to strip everyone else of theirs!"

Morrigans face drops, her glassy eyes quickly darting to the floor at the memories of her beautiful daughter. She grits her teeth willing the tears not to fall.

"You should do us all a favor and find that dark hole you crawled out of and drag yourself back in. You don't belong here, and just like back in our land your still a villain, and villains don't live happily ever after."

Emma and Regina emerge from the back room, Emma's hands full of folders.

"Regina you cant, oh..Hey David." Emma looks from David to Morrigan, immediately picking up on the tension, Well something's defiantly gone on here..

Regina doesn't need to ask, she knows instantly that something's amiss, for starters Morrigan hasn't snapped to attention and ran to her side, What the hell has the shepherd done now?!..

"David, what are you doing here?"

"I've come to lend a spare set of hands. I know with this new case and everything that's gone on recently.."

"David its fine, I've got it covered."

Regina frowns, edging into the office.."Morrigan?" She gently places a hand on the woman's arm feeling her flinch.."Morrigan?"

Emma and David stare, the blond occasionally stealing glances at her father who watches the scene passively, What the hell has he done?..

Regina crooks a finger under Morrigans chin, but with some resistance, she finally pulls the woman's head up and almost gasps, are those tears?..Green eyes shimmer with sorrow and it only fuels Regina's anger, What the hell has Charming done?!..

"Whats wrong?"

Green eyes avoid her before she feels Morrigans chin push down to lower her head. Brown eyes harden and Regina spins to glare at the placid prince.

"What the hell have you done to her?!"

"Nothing." David shrugs his shoulders and Regina's eyes blaze.

"Clearly you have so you'll tell me or I'll rip your heart out and make you tell me!" She takes a threatening step forward but Emma quickly rushes in, throwing her papers down on her desk.

"Whoa whoa, lets all calm down, no ones ripping any hearts out.." She looks pointedly at David.."What have you said to her David?"

"I told her the truth."

Regina scowls.."What truth?!" She stalks up to the outstretched arm of the sheriff.

"That evil doesn't get a happy ending."

A deep anger flares within the mayor, How dare the miserable bastard dictate who gets happiness! I should rip that lying tongue from his mouth!..She's just about to rain fury down on the man when Emma quickly speaks up with a nasty frown in place.

"Seriously you said that? Do you know how self righteous you sound David."

David stares a little hurt and confused.."Emma.."

"No, You cant just go around deeming people worthy of happy endings and stomp on the ones you don't think deserve them."

"But you don't know what she's done back in our land, what else she's done here. People like her are dangerous, they're a problem Emma."

"Yes and I'm the sheriff so I'll deal with the problem...Just go David."

"Emma.."

"Go!"

He sighs and with one final glare at the two witch's, he paces out of station.

Morrigan stares after him, out of all the scenarios playing through her mind she didn't think the savior would defend her honor, After everything I've said and done to her she defends me against him? Against her own father? Is there some sort of motive? Something Swan wants from me further down the line?..David's words replay in her mind, I'm Evil, no one will ever love me, never accept me..Maybe hes right, maybe I should wander into the woods and just..Someone touches her face, snapping her back to reality.

Regina's hand cups the woman's cheek, wiping a stray tear away with the pad of her thumb. Startled green eyes land on hers and immediately Morrigan stiffens. Regina smiles weakly, her other hand gently grabbing Morrigans flinching arm.

"Are you alright?" Regina continues to inspect tears shimmering in green eyes as they gradually look down ashamed.

"Don't do that!" Immediately they flick back up alarmed and she sighs.."We're going home.."

Morrigan nods weakly, avoiding eye contact as the hand slips from her cheek. Regina turns to a bewildered sheriff, eyes hard and tone making no room for discussion.

"You'll inform me of any updates sheriff. And tell that dimwitted father of yours to stay the hell away from us and this case. If I ever catch him spilling his filthy lies to Morrigan again, I'll rip out his tongue and feed it to the dogs!"

Emma nods weakly before the two witch's disappear in a cloud of purple smoke. She turns, staring at the mountain of paperwork and simply sighs...