~Regina Returns~

Emma tried to continue her day as best she could. Normally good with a bow, she went to practice archery as she usually did after breakfast. This day, however, she missed the mark every time and finally quit when she nearly hit her trainer. After that fiasco, she didn't even bother with sword practice, instead opting to spend the rest of her morning curled up with a book.

It was a sordid tale of a princess, desperate for adventure, running away from home, and overcoming every obstacle she encountered. Every obstacle, that is, except the man who stole her heart and, surprise, he was a prince. They lived happily ever after.

She felt angry when her mother found her at lunchtime. She felt absurd for feeling angry. She also felt frozen solid to her chair, having to peel herself out of it while getting colder with every movement, and dread filling her being with every step toward the dining room.

She appreciated the soup her mother had asked for, feeling hopeful. Yet that wasn't enough to warm her soul, and she wondered bitterly if she would always feel this way. She could handle the cold, but not the dread that buried itself in the pit of her stomach.

Emma had a feeling all through lunch that Doc was already there. Tucked away somewhere out of sight or just around the corner. Absently awaiting word from her mother. Who was patiently waiting for Emma to admit what Snow already knew: that Emma felt no better.

But Emma was stubborn, waiting until the last second to finally admit it.

And she had been right about Doc. Her mother nodded to one of the staff, who left for a moment, only to return with the Dwarf softly after.

Snow shrugged at her daughter's glare, mouthing the word 'willingly'.

Doc tried everything, but came up with nothing. "You're perfectly healthy." He finally said, exasperated.

Emma gave her mother a pointed look.

"Oh, hush." Snow huffed a bit. "It was worth a try."

An idea started forming in Emma's mind, and she tenitavely looked at her mother with a face Snow instantly didn't like. Something between a don't-be-mad and a plea.

"What if we called on Regina…" Snow's eyes widened to a size Emma was sure was unhealthy, and her face turned to one of fear, and anger, but Emma stopped her before she could speak. "Mom, please, stop... Regina didn't go through with the curse. She completely changed when she saw that Seer the day I was born, you know this. She hasn't caused a lick of trouble since! It's been nearly twenty years! And I know you've heard the rumors, same as me. Remember that family, the father and his children? They claimed she helped reunite them."

"Yes, sweetie, I did hear the rumors. I also heard she's the one who separated them in the first place. But not causing trouble is a far cry from helping to fix whatever it is you're going through, even if those rumors are true. And we don't know if there is anything for her to fix."

"If you ask me," Doc spoke up, "I'd suggest you get some fresh air and stay out in the sun for a while."

A new voice spoke up. "I completely agree."

Three heads snapped up towards the voice. Emma stood up, staring. The stranger was about her height, in a simple blue dress, long dark hair flowing down her back with the top half of it tied in a bun. She appeared young, perhaps a few years older than Emma, but Emma felt this woman was older somehow. Much older.

She glanced at her mother, who was still sitting, skin paler than normal, mouth agape, and eyes not blinking. "Regina?" Snow spoke barely above a whisper.

"Hi, Snow." Regina spoke softly to her mother. Then she turned to Emma, before giving a deep curtsy. "Princess Emma. Pleasure to meet you."

"You're Regina." Emma stated, still staring.

"Last I checked."

Snow stood, slowly, both hands on the table. "What are you doing here?" Her voice was now large, unwavering, and in command.

"I was summoned." The sorceress said simply, her elbows at her sides, her forearms out, palms up in a shrug of her own invention. "I would rather be home. Fixing my past mistakes. Like I've been doing the last two decades. I'd very much like to know why I'm here so I can be on my way."

"We didn't summon-" Snow started.

"You may not have," she pointed to each in turn, "but Emma did."

"Emma?" Snow asked, turning her gaze.

Emma looked wildly from her mother to the sorceress, crossing her arms in an attempt to stay warm. "I didn't-"

"I don't have time to explain." Regina sighed. "Emma, if I hadn't shown up here, what would you be doing?"

She thought a moment. "Likely taking Doc's advice… going outside."

"Then go. And if your mother doesn't mind, I will stick around until you get back. We can talk then." Regina's gaze flicked over from Emma to Snow, who still had that shocked look on her face.

"Only if you promise to be good." Emma said with a half smile, earning a glare from her mother, and what could only be an impressed expression that flashed across Regina's face.

"Haven't you heard? I'm always good." Regina smiled, crossing her own arms.