Chapter 18

Persistence


(Daniella's POV)

Snow banished us into exile. Well, it was more a threat to keep my mother out of political affairs. A month had passed since Mother and I were stripped of our royal titles. However, Mother was still determined to make Snow suffer.

After coming back into the palace after my riding lesson, I went to my room to change my outfit. When I headed into my walk-in wardrobe, I jumped for I didn't expect Mother to be inside.

"Mama...why are you dressed like that?" I asked awkwardly as I came up to her.

She grinned, "Do you not like it?"

"No, it looks good on you its just...a different style to what you normally wear."

Mother nodded and straightened out her coat. It was dark red in colour adorned with ornate patterns that were stitched out of golden thread. "I know it's a little different but since we're going to a party in a different realm..."

I looked at a dress that mother held in her hands and frowned. "We're going to a party?"

"A masquerade."

I was still confused. "Wait, why? Did we get invited to one?"

Mother held the dress out to me to take as she replied, "No, but hopefully by attending, I will convince someone to help me kill Snow...And that someone happens to be the host."

I took the dress and Mother indicated that I should change right now. As I started changing behind the dressing screen, I asked, "Who is the host?"

"He refers to himself as the Count of Monte Cristo. I have been informed that he is hell-bent on revenge. So, if I were to help him with his vengeance, he may... perhaps help me with mine."

A minute later, I stepped out from behind the screen. "Can you help me with the lacing?"

Mother nodded and tugged at the back of my dress. The dress that I wore is similar to the style that I usually wear except the colours complimented my mother's coat. There was an awful lot of gold stitching on the bodice and on the petticoats.

After my mother used her magic to style my hair, she arranged a tiara onto my head. "Mama, I shouldn't wear this. I'm not a princess anymore."

"Of course you are. You're my princess."

As soon as I was dressed, mother waved her hand over the floor length mirror in front of us. The mirror's surface became watery and mother motioned for me to step through. When I did so, I found myself amidst loud chatters in a ballroom that was gilded with gold.


(Regina's POV)

After Daniella stepped into the portal, I followed her. I was greeted by the sounds of orchestral music and chatter when I entered the ballroom. "Mama, it's beautiful...," Daniella said softly beside me. I looked down and nodded. "I suppose it is. But, my job for this evening is to convince the Count."

"So what should I do?"

I bent down to Daniella's height and shrugged, "Well, I thought that you might want to explore the different realms...I mean, you mentioned yesterday that you were bored; being stuck in our palace."

Daniella nodded and grinned, "Then can I explore the party?"

"Yes you may...but don't leave my side because afterall, I'm unfamiliar with the Count's world."

After saying this, Daniella instantly made her way towards the food table. I rolled my eyes and followed her. The maid standing near the table helped her cut a piece of cake from the tall display of sweets and desserts.

"Mama, do you want some?"

"No dear, I'm fine."

Daniella was eating that piece of cake when the sound of a bell chimed throughout the hall. The room's murmurs died down so that the butler could announce the Count's arrival. I took a glass of champagne from a wandering servant as the doors opened to reveal a tall, well dressed man.

The Count strode into the ballroom confidently and everyone was at ease. However, this soon changed within a minute into his speech. He suddenly unsheathed his sword and pointed it at the Baron. I set down my drink and covered Daniella's eyes just in time, for the Count impaled the Baron in one smooth motion. The Baron slumped onto the floor with a thud and I watched the Count's face carefully. He closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief as people rushed to escape the scene.

I uncovered Daniella's eyes and began to applaud the Count. He looked in my direction and frowned. Before he could speak, I congratulated him and said, "Ah, nothing quite like the first kill."

The Count raised his eyebrow. "Who are you?" he demanded.

"Call me a...fan of your work."

The Count gave a nod of his head towards Daniella and asked, "And her?"

"My daughter. Now..." I strode over to the dead body and questioned, "Did you really spend a decade of your life setting this up?"

"With vengeance in my heart, it went by in the blink of an eye."

I smiled, "Well, its hard to find commitment like that." Then, I prodded the body on the floor with my foot and added, "Hmm, its a pity the Baron didn't name names; I can't imagine how long it would take you to find the next victim deserving of your revenge."

The Count looked at me in the eye and said, "I'm prepared to spend my entire life avenging my love."

Well, finally someone I have something in common with. I smirked and drew out a roll of paper from my sleeve, "But suppose you didn't have to...this contains all the names of the people who have wronged you, and your fiance."

The Count narrowed his eyes at me and replied, "You don't strike me as the benevolent sort, what do you want in return?"

As I opened the fan in my hand with one smooth motion, I uttered, "Just some help in getting revenge of my own."

I rolled the 'r' in revenge dramatically to tempt the Count into accepting my offer. He looked down uncertainly as he pondered the deal. However, Daniella spoke up in a soft voice next to us. "Sir? Please, can you help my mother? You, out of all people should understand how much it means to avenge the love of your life."

The Count couldn't resist a smile, and neither could I actually. Even though I kept my facade up, my heart melted at Daniella's sweet innocent face that she used to convince the Count. Although I would have preferred it, if she hadn't mentioned Daniel.

After the tick of a second, the Count agreed,"Yes, I will."

I grinned. "Well then, shall we sit down and talk through what you need to do?"


(Daniella's POV, a week later)

Mother had given a vial of venom from the Agrabah Viper to the Count. He was supposed to put it into Snow and Charming's drinks; almost a week ago. However, the magic mirror showed that Snow and Charming were both still walking around healthily. Mother didn't understand what could have gone wrong; the Count was so determined!

Because of the Count's failure to do what she asked, I noticed how Mother's temper got shorter and shorter these few days. Eventually, I avoided her altogether, excluding mealtimes. Dinner was quiet and awkward ever since Mother lost the throne to Snow. Seeing her upset though, made me slightly annoyed. I mean, wasn't I good enough for her? Does she really still need to seek revenge?

After dinner, I decided to confront her about that. I walked into her chambers to see her seething into her hand-held mirror. I could only guess that the mirror was showing Snow.

"Mama?"

"Yes, Daniella?"

I took a deep breath before I begun to speak. "Mother, can't you let go of Snow for a moment?"

Mother narrowed her eyes. "Let go? What do you mean?"

"Can't you just, temporarily, give up this quest of yours for vengeance? Snow and Charming have already taken away our kingdom. Also, Rumple has already put a protection spell on Snow's heart...can't you see? It's impossible to hurt them!"

Standing up, my mother frowned and replied, "Nothing is impossible...and I will never stop trying to make Snow suffer. She took away everything from me; from you!"

I raised my voice as I begged, "But Mama...is this really what father would want? Would he want you to be unhappy? Because right now, Snow is making you upset."

"I have to avenge Daniel's death! Because Snow is making me upset, I need to get rid of her!"

I groaned and exhaled loudly. Raising my voice, I shouted, "Is this going to be our life? Trying to kill Snow? And then failing whilst everyone scoffs at us?!"

There was a moment of silence before my mother stalked over to me and said, "Daniella! I have no idea what's gotten into you but you cannot speak to your mother like that."

Tears welled up at the corner of my eyes but I continued with a thumping heart, "I'm just saying; suggesting that maybe you should stop all this. Why do you need to do it anyway? Why do you need to hurt people? Does it make you happier?"

"Why do I hurt people? You should know that answer to that, dear."

"What? Is the answer, 'cos you're evil?"

Mother's eyes dangerously gleamed at me. "Apologize, now."

"What?!"

"Do it. Say that you're sorry because you've disrespected me."

I paused for a second before saying strongly, "No."

After I said that, I felt my mother's hand slap my cheek. I looked down, with one hand over that cheek whilst my mother shouted, "Guards!"

As they rushed in, she commanded, "Take Daniella to her bedchambers and make sure that stays inside."

I glared at my mother as the guards tried to take me into their arms. I shook against them whilst I shouted indignantly, "What?! This isn't fair! I just-"

I was silenced by the wave of my mother's hand. Then, she stalked over to the balcony with her back towards me as the guards took me to my chambers. When I was inside by myself, I ran over to my vanity and with one swipe of my hand, all the bottles of perfume and creams shattered on the floor. Then, I picked up my hand mirror in fury and flung it against the wall. Just when I was about to grab something else into my hand, I paused abruptly. Wait... I had magic don't I? I could have teleported out of here!

When I waved my hands around me however, no smoke came. Frowning, I tried again but my magic didn't work either. I grunted and tried to summon a fireball...except the flames failed to appear in my hand. The groan I let out quickly accentuated into a scream of annoyance.

To my embarrassment, someone must have heard it for the door to my chambers opened immediately. Lynette came to me and asked, "Your Highness, what's the matter? I heard you scream..."

I glared at my maid. "Nothing happened. Now, what are you doing here?"

Lynette answered softly, "Your mother asked me to get you into bed earlier today. Are you feeling sick, Princess?"

I strode to the bathroom whilst stating, "No, I'm not sick. She is sick."

Lynette hurried to follow my footsteps. She inquired, "The Queen's feeling unwell?"

I turned around rapidly, causing Lynette to almost collide into me. Then, I shouted, "No! She's fine. Her brain's not fine but she's fine."

I looked on as Lynette started to prepare my bath. I started fuming silently to myself as I watched bubbles foam on the surface of the water. Lynette tested the warmth of the bath and nodded to me when she was satisfied. Then, she asked quietly, "Do you need help with your dress?"

I turned my back towards her as an answer. After she undid the back of my dress, she said softly, "I'll leave you to it then...but if you want to talk, I'll be waiting in your bedroom."

My eyes looked up and down for a second before I pouted and muttered, "Can you get my grandfather to come to my bedchambers?"

Lynette nodded and walked out of the room.

I must have spent more than half an hour in the bathtub simply thinking, for when I finally got out, my skin was wrinkly and red.


(Regina's POV)

Daniella and I haven't talked for three days ever since she questioned my desire for revenge. Father has talked to me about it but I didn't want to face Daniella. I mean, I know that what I do, what I've done disappoints her. However, I could not get Snow's happy smiling face out of my mind. I need to destroy that smile and bring an end to Snow. It isn't fair that she gets to rule the kingdom with her true love, at the cost of my happiness. Actually, if it wasn't for Snow, I would be with Daniel and I might even have several children including Daniella.

I glared into the mirror as I thought about what my future might have been like. However, I was interrupted by my father's voice. "You have a visitor."

I looked at my father's reflection in the mirror and asked, "Who?"

Then, there was a giggle behind me. I turned around to hear the Dark One say, "You need to ask? What other friends do you have, dearie?"

I narrowed my eyes at the Imp who was sitting on my chaise. I sneered at him saying, "You're no friend. Have you come to relish my suffering?"

Rumple replied, "I thought you'd want someone to help raise your spirits. Especially on a day like today."

I frowned. "What's so special about today?"

"Snow White and Prince Charming's wedding of course...didn't you get an invitation?"

I glared daggers into the imp as he continued, "Me neither. Still, nice to be able to see them declare their true love in front of the entire kingdom...a happy ending after all."

I felt magic surge through my body but I surpressed it and seethed, "And because of you, there's nothing I can do to stop it. No way to harm them in this land ever again."

As I walked away towards my vanity, Rumple mentioned, "Yes, yes, I suppose that's true...in this land."

I turned around. "What?"

"The deal I made was explicit. You can never harm them in this land. Now, were you to bring them to another land...well." The Dark One paused disappeared, saying, "I told you I was your friend."

I grinned but at the same time, my heart sank. The Dark Curse will bring everyone to another land but I don't have it right now. I traded the scroll containing the curse with Maleficent. She has it! Inwardly, I kicked myself. Oh well, I'll just have to pay her a visit.

Excited, I prepared myself for the wedding.


I smirked at the scene in front of me. Looking down at the aisle and straight towards Snow's worried face, I stated loud enough for the hall to hear, "Sorry I'm late."

Then, I strode towards the podium, dispelling the guards who rushed towards me with my magic. As I neared the couple, Snow quickly drew out a sword from Charming's side and pointed it towards me, saying, "She's not a queen anymore. She's nothing more than an evil witch!"

I raised an eyebrow as the Prince added, "You're wasting your time, you've already lost and I will not let you ruin this wedding."

I shrugged, "Oh I haven't come to ruin anything...on the contrary, dear, I've come to give you a gift."

"We want nothing from you," Snow immediately replied.

I raised my head. "But you shall have it. My gift to you is this happy, happy day. For tomorrow, my real work begins. You've made your vows, now I make mine. Soon, everything you love, everything all of you love, will be taken from you. Forever. And out of your suffering will rise my victory."

I paused before snarling, "I shall destroy your happiness, if it is the last thing I do."


(Daniella's POV)

I was sitting on the chaise in front of the fireplace, watching my mother crash Snow's wedding from the mirror. As the Prince threw his sword at her, she disappeared in purple smoke. A moment later, she appeared in front of my grandfather and I. The Genie in the mirror was surprisingly the first one to speak, "Now, that was an awfully big threat. Destroy everyone's happiness? How do you plan on accomplishing that?"

Taking a sip of the wine that grandfather had offered her, my mother mother replied, "The Dark Curse."

The mirror whispered, "Are you sure, your Majesty? You said that you'd never use it, you made a deal when you gave away that curse."

My mother answered harshly, "Since when do I care about anyone else's happiness but mine?" She raised her eyebrows before continuing, "Prepare the carriage. I'm going to the Forbidden Fortress."

The Genie disappeared from the mirror and grandfather walked off to inform the carriage driver. However, I stayed there on the chaise, observing my mother as she touched up her makeup at her vanity.

She glanced at me from the reflection of the mirror and sighed. "Did you want to say something, Daniella?"

Quietly, I muttered, "What will the Dark Curse do?"

"It will take everyone to a faraway land...and land without magic. There, they will have no knowledge of who they were in this land; so in other words, they will lose their memories. ...And I get to give them their new memories."

"Are we going to be happy in this new world?"

Mother turned around. "Of course...after this curse, we'll finally be happy."

I exhaled softly. "Then after the curse can we forget about Snow? Can we...start a new life?"

Mother walked towards me slowly. "Is that what this is all about?"

I lowered my voice and looked down, "It's just...am I not good enough for you? Is making sure that Snow suffer more important than me?"

"Daniella...no. Of course not!" Then, my mother sat down beside me and whispered, "Did I make you feel that way?"

"I don't know..."

I was wrapped into an embrace. "Sorry little firefly, maybe Mama was a little carried away...but I love you, Daniella. And I just want our family to be happy. If we stay here in this land, we won't be happy will we?"

I whispered my reply, "I guess not."

"Exactly. But after this curse, there will be no need for all this plotting and scheming alright?"

"So we won't have to worry about Snow anymore?"

"We won't have to worry about her anymore."

I smiled and parted from my mother's arms. Then, I looked down and quietly mumbled, "Sorry about..."

Mother nodded in understanding and replied, "That's alright Daniella, I forgive you."
She then looked into my eyes and said, "Let's get this curse then, shall we?"

I nodded.


*In Maleficent's Castle

We sat in front of the fireplace which provided the only source of light in the hall. People say that the Dark Palace is unwelcoming, well, I beg to differ. The Forbidden Fortress looks as if its the home of demons or something...

"How are you, dear?" Maleficent said as she sat down.

Mother replied, "I'm doing fine."

Turning her head towards my direction Maleficent said, "So you're the Princess I keep hearing about..."

Before I could reply, mother spoke, "Yes she is. Now, as much as I would like to talk about how wonderful Daniella is, I know that you know why I"m here. I need my curse back."

"It's not yours anymore. A deal's a deal. I traded you for my sleeping curse."

"Which failed. Undone by a simple kiss. Now, please. Return what's mine."

Maleficent took a sip of her drink and scoffed, "The Dark Curse, really? You must know that not even its unholy power can bring your loved one back from the dead...who I'm assuming is Daniella's father."

Mother narrowed her eyes. "I need that curse. I know that you keep it hidden in the orb above your staff."

"Hidden for good of all, old friend. Whoever created that monstrosity makes the two of us look positively...moral. Who did give it to you?"

I could tell that mother has had enough. She stood up and snarled, "Where I got it is none of your concern. Now, hand it back."

Maleficent tilted her head, "Must we do this?"

I stood up whilst my mother reached her arm out towards the flames of the fireplace. Snarling at Maleficent, I answered, "Alas, we must."

Then, Mother used her magic to summon fire into her hands. She launched it at Maleficent who used her staff to deflect the flames. Meanwhile, I also lit fireballs into my own hand. I watched as my mother levitated the weapons that had previously hung on the walls of the room. She pointed them towards Maleficent but since her pet unicorn whinnied, the weapons changed its direction. Before they flew towards Maleficent who had moved in front of the unicorn, I set the arrowheads on fire. Maleficent managed to create a barrier between the flaming weapons and herself but whilst she held it up, I flicked my hand above me. The chandelier fell and my mother used the metal to ensnare Maleficent. She dropped her staff and I quickly rushed over to pick it up.

Then, I flipped it over so that the glass orb faced the ground. Grinning, I smashed it and bent over to retrieve the tiny scroll that contained the curse. I turned around and gave the Dark Curse to my mother. As she took it, Maleficent started speaking, "Don't do this. There are lines that even we should not cross. All power comes with a price and enacting the curse will take a terrible toll. It will leave an emptiness inside you, a void in your heart you will never be able to fill."

I looked up into my mother's eyes with uncertainty. I whispered, "A void? But you said that we would be happy..."

Mother glared at Maleficent and muttered, "So be it."

Then, she began to walk out of the hall. When I caught up with her, mother said softly to me, "Don't listen to what Maleficent has said. They're just empty threats."

I nodded but my heart was still troubled.