(Daniella's POV)

As soon as the bell rung, I approached my brother and demanded to speak to him privately. His friends, obviously a little afraid of me, left us alone. From the front of the classroom, Ms Rogers called out to us before leaving, "Don't take too long, you three. Oh and please close the door behind you, thanks."

I turned around to see that Maria had stayed behind. So, I asked her, "Do you wanna go outside and wait?"

She shrugged and left as well. Then, Henry said to me, "You lied about why you went into the Blind Witch's house."

I shook my head defiantly. "Not really. Mama literally told me to treat her death as an execution. She said that the kingdom needed to be rid of her. I was doing everyone a favour!"

"No you weren't! Well, that wasn't your main purpose. Mom sent you into the house to get the poisoned apple."

I growled, "That part doesn't matter. What matters is that you're...you're turning them against me or something!"

Henry shook his head, "What do you mean?"

I angrily responded, "I wanted to show them that I wasn't evil! That I wasn't what they thought! But you had to mention Hansel and Gretel didn't you? Now they're probably asking them what happened."

"So? You didn't have to lie-"

"That isn't the point!" I shouted.

Henry took a step back as I continued, "The point is that...is that I...I did something good for the kingdom. I crushed the witch's heart so that she wouldn't be a threat to the villager's children."

"Then why are you so worried?"

I stopped in my tracks.

Henry continued, "You're only worried because you know that you've done something wrong there as well and you're ashamed of that. You don't want the others to find out that you've crushed a heart so that you could deliver the poisoned apple to mom. You don't want others to find out either that she hadn't helped Hansel and Gretel find their way back to their father after they have helped you-"

"Henry!"

"What? That's the truth. If you didn't like the question, you shouldn't have answered it! You could have avoided it. Everything you're worried about, is your fault."

I curled my fists. Henry knew what I was thinking. "Dani, I..."

I breathed heavily as I felt my magic course through my body. Then, without another word, I pushed past him. I didn't want to be around Henry. Again, he infuriated me. Why? Why did he have to be so annoying?!

When I stormed out of the classroom, Maria approached me from the lockers. "Daniella! Are you alright? I heard you shouting inside."

I huffed, "I'm fine."

"You're not."

I closed my eyes. "Please, I don't really wanna talk about it..."

Maria put her arms around me, "Ok. But if you want to talk, I'm here."

I gave her a little smile of appreciation. She continued, "Anyway, let's talk about that annoying science fair on Wednesday. I hope that you've finished the poster over the weekend."


(Two days later, at the science fair)

Maria nudged me and as I spun around to listen, she pointed towards somewhere in the distance. "Look. Your brother seems to have invited his whole family."

I glanced in the direction of the entrance and indeed, there was Emma, Snow and the King. I supposed Charming was at work.

"Dani, did you say that your mom is going to come?"

I bit my lip nervously, "Yeah, but now I'm not sure if I want her to be here. I don't want her to be near the King again." I lowered my voice and whispered, "He hit her at the diner when he first revealed himself a few days ago."

Maria put her hand onto my shoulder, "Hey, it's gonna be okay alright? Your mom can handle herself."

I sighed and looked down, wanting to hide behind the volcano model that was displayed on our table. Henry's group was located opposite us so I was able to keep my eye on the group. However, a distraction soon came. Eliza spotted her adoptive parents and as they came over, I was forced to look away from Henry's direction.

It was the first time that I've seen Eliza's parents and they were surprised to see me too. Her mother however was able to hide her shock as she said to us, "Eliza's told us nothing about this project. I suppose she wanted it to be a surprise. So, can you girls tell us about what you've discovered about...volcanoes and geological processes?"

I avoided the oral presentation and let my group do most of the talking. However, I started to present a little more when Maria's parents arrived. It was funny to watch them interact with Eliza's parents as they had all lived in the same village. Of course, that meant that they immediately recognized the mayor and his wife. As they animatedly mingled, I glanced around and saw that everyone's parents had already arrived. In fact, some of them had already walked around and seen the projects of the other groups. I cast my eyes on the entrance again, wondering if Mama will turn up.

Whilst I was glad that she isn't in the same room with the King, I couldn't help but feel a sinking feeling in my chest. Soon, there was an announcement for the finalists. Afterall, the whole event was a competition. Everyone in the grade had to participate. Throughout the viewing session, there was an option for five groups to be nominated to the selected for the final round. Ms Cummings stood in the middle of the room with a microphone in hand. I glanced nervously at the principal. Once the murmurs in the room had quietened, she read out the numbers of the groups that that qualified. "May groups, 3, 9, 10, 15 and 20 please stay behind in breaktime so that they can arrange their projects onto the stage-"

I gave a grin at Maria and Eliza who equally beamed at me. We had made it to the qualifying round. However, Henry's group was also chosen. Unfortunately, that meant that the finalists and their parents lingered behind. Whilst I was helping my group move our display to the stage, I felt the eyes of Snow and her family stare holes into my back. We had nearly moved everything to their final positions when I heard a click of heels come across the hall. I turned around, knowing that it was Mama.

I smiled as she came up to me and gave me a hug.

"I thought you weren't going to come," I murmured.

"Sorry, I must have missed the first half, but by the looks of it, you've qualified for the final round." Mother paused and gave Maria and Elizabeth a smile. Then, she continued quietly to me, "How are you?"

I shrugged and whispered back, "Alright. I feel like Snow's family over there has been staring at me the whole time though..."

Mother breathed, "Where...?" as she turned around and spotted our enemy. Then, she said to me, "Wait here, I've got something to give to Henry."

I crossed my arms as I noticed the paper bag in her hand. Pointing to it, I asked, "What is it?"

"Well, I wanted to get him a gift so he'll remember that-"

"You still love him," I ended flatly. The look that mother threw in my direction made me want to recoil and take back what I said. She mustn't have liked my tone. I watched her as she made her way to Henry confidently. His family continued looking at her like a group of hawks.

Maria came up beside me and whispered, "What is she doing?"

"Giving my brother a gift."

We watched in a distance as Mama approached Henry and started saying something to him with the bag between them. I couldn't hear her exact words but I could make out Henry's hesitant expression. When Emma intervened, I sensed that something was going on. I gave Maria an uneasy look and walked to the group. I flinched at Emma's voice. "Regina, you know that you will soon lose legal custody over Henry. So, you should perhaps try and..."

Mother cut in with a suppressed tone of anger, "What? Try and forget him? He's my son, not matter what you force him to believe-"

I knew this wasn't going to end well when the King stepped in. "I'm warning you, witch. Stay away from my family. We're already letting you live. Touch my great-grandson again and you'll find yourself behind bars."

I shook with anger as he spoke. However, I was surprised to see my mother not even acknowledge his existence. She didn't even turn to reply or indicate that she had seen or heard him. The King raised his voice a little louder and demanded a response, "Regina?"

Snow quickly put herself between them. "Please, father. Not now..."

That's when I lost it. My emotions got the best of me as I used magic to take the paper bag from my mother's hand. Unfortunately, my magic got a little out of control. I set the gift on fire as she exclaimed, "Daniella! What are you doing?"

The king then made a remark, "It looks like someone's inherited their mother's genes of jealousy."

I was quick to defend myself, "No. I don't want to see you hit my mother again just because you're not allowing her to give my brother a gift."

The King grinned, "You should tame that daughter of yours. She's wild, Regina. I'm glad I didn't allow her to stay in my court."

Mother whipped around and growled, "And you should tame that wicked mouth of yours, Leopold."

The King glanced around the room and smirked. "Oh look, we've attracted everyone. Maybe its time for me to tell you again, who's in charge."

I turned around, and indeed, everyone had filed back into the hall whilst our argument was augmenting. My cheeks flushed red in embarrassment but at the same time, I was annoyed at the King for putting us under the spotlight; as if he wanted to shame my mother and I.

Snow was the one who spoke next. She stated strongly at her father, "Daddy, no. Leave her, let's go."

The change in the King's voice scared me. "This won't take long, sweetheart. I just have to talk to your stepmother. What happened? Did she influence you to be rebellious too? When you were younger, you'd leave us alone whenever I asked you to do so."

Snow's expression broke apart as she replied quietly, "I left you because I didn't know of the things that you'd do to Regina."

"I beg your pardon?" The King seethed.

Snow continued with a slight hesitation in her voice, "I can't...I can't believe that you did those things. I don't want to believe them because for all my life, you've been the person who I've looked up to. I thought that you were a strong and kind leader. One who I aspire to be. And-" Snow paused and glanced briefly at my mother who put her arm around me. Then, the princess continued a little louder, "And all this time, you've been living a double life?! You've been living as a completely different man! How? Why?! Did you treat my mother the same way as you've treated Regina?!"

My jaw dropped open. I'm sure the rest of the people in the room shared the same reaction with me. The King however, calmly replied, "I did nothing wrong, sweetheart."

"You did nothing wrong?! I don't even want to imagine why I remember Regina having thick patches of makeup covering bruises on her body! Why do I remember distinctly how immediately after you died, she outlawed rape and decreed the penalty as death?! I-"

"None of that is your concern! If you want legality, I'm her husband. She's my wife-"

"Is that how you treated my mother?"

"Snow White!"

Snow's face streamed with tears as she asked painstakingly, "Why did you make Regina my stepmother?"

"Because of you sweetheart-"

"No! That isn't it! There's something more-"

I nearly threw up as the King looked my mother up and down and replied, "Well, she was a pretty little thing back when I married her."

Snow brushed that aside even though I knew that she grew more revolted at her father after that remark. She pushed on, "No, there's something else."

For the first time in their argument, my mother intervened and replied in a bitter voice, "He wanted a son. A male heir to succeed the throne. At the time, it seemed like an eighteen year old girl would give him that."

Snow turned to her father with tears. "That's all you wanted? Didn't you love me?"

The King glared at my mother before replying to his daughter. "I still love you, but it is true that I wanted a son. You must understand that, Snow-"

"And when Regina couldn't give you that, you took it out on her?!"

"She was fertile! I had the doctors make sure of that. She was resisting me somehow-"

"She was eighteen!"

"She betrayed me." Turning to the crowd, he declared out loud, "The queen wasn't a virgin when she became my wife. A few months later, she gave birth to another man's child and tried to pretend that it was mine." After a brief pause, he pointed at me and exclaimed, "That child's born from deceit and treachery!" I pressed closer to my mother, knowing that the whole room now knew I was illegitimate. I didn't want to think about the consequences.

Snow shook her head as she tried to catch her father's attention. When the king turned around, she continued in a broken voice, "You tried to kill my sister! An innocent baby!"

"Well, it would have been much messier if I killed my wife. Although, Regina seems to have gotten away with killing her husband, the King."

"We're not talking about Regina's actions right now. You told me all this time, that my little sister had died of a fever. You lied to me."

"To protect you from the truth-"

"What truth?! I would have understood the situation. I know who Daniella's father is-"

"Snow!" mother warned. The princess stopped and waited for her father to respond.

He grinned and eyed us as he replied, "Believe me, I know too." I looked up at my mother in confusion. She wouldn't have told him about my father would she? To my relief, she also looked confused.

The King continued, "I met him in the underworld. A sad lonely chap, wondering why his fiancee's name is used around the town like poisonous venom." Mother gripped me tighter. She gritted her teeth and replied, "You're lying. He's dead-"

"I was dead, wasn't I? You'd know, you probably saw to it that the poison sunk into my heart. How is your boyfriend any different?"

Mother didn't reply.

"That's right. He's very much alive in the underworld." The King continued in a taunting tone, "Oh, wouldn't you wish that he was happier, but alas. He couldn't live with the fact that his girlfriend is indeed a witch. A cold-hearted murderer who sent many to their graves."

Mother shook her head, "No, no..."

"Oh yes. Are you regretting everything you've done now?"

Mother replied firmly, "I've seen him! What you're saying is false. Daniel is in the heavens, he was never in the underworld with evil people like you."

"You've seen him? Look, the Evil Queen's spinning a tale to defend her lover-"

"Shut up Leopold. Daniel is in a happy place right now, your words mean nothing."

"I'm sure they don't. Why is it I can still see worry etched in your pretty face? Don't forget that I've known you for quite some time, I am your husband. I can tell when you are troubled, my dear wife."

My mouth dried up as I watched the King came closer after giving the people in the room a glance. "In any case, your secret is out now isn't it? You weren't a virgin when I married you. You played a game of pretend by tricking the kingdom that your daughter is legitimate. Now, you've even admitted to killing your husband." Mother shook her head. "No. The only secret that has been revealed is yours." She continued shakily, "You forced an eighteen year old girl to marry against her will and gave orders for her child to be killed. Afterwards, you'd...you'd abuse me for not giving you a son." Snow whispered something to Emma. The King observed their expressions carefully. Then, he slowly backed away. His demeanour changed completely. Glancing uneasily at the people in the room, he quickly realised that Emma was coming forth. As soon as he eyed the handcuffs in her hands, he started weaving through the people in attempts to get to the exit.

Before he could disappear behind the crowd, I flicked my hand, making him fall over. Emma was there immediately and as they stood up, the King already had chains on his hand.

Behind us, Snow spoke, "Regina, do what you will."

Mother turned around in surprise. "What?"

Snow gave us a small smile. She took a deep breath and replied, "Rip his heart out, do what you do."

The room held it's breath. The only sound was mother's heels as they clicked along the hall. She paused before the King.

He opened his mouth to speak but I silenced him with my magic. As he glared at me, my mother raised her hand to his chest. It stopped in midair. Unsure, no. Scared?

I came over and gave my mother's other hand a squeeze. She looked down at me with a distressed frown. As she turned back, she tried once again to plunge her hand into the King's chest. He snarled at her. I could see that she was concentrating on his expression.

"Mama?"

I watched her chest heave upwards in pain. A tear fell down her face as she stepped back, shaking her head in silence. Then, purple smoke replaced the spot where she was standing.

No one spoke. My own heart pounded as I tried to make sense of the situation.

Then, a voice in the crowd murmured in a quiet reflective tone, "What on earth did he do to her?"


(Regina's POV)

I reappeared in my vault breathing heavily. How had I not been able to take his heart? Hadn't I wanted to do it for so long? Why?!

I screamed angrily at no one but myself. My magic was pulsing dangerously through my veins. When I stalked to my mirror and glanced at my reflection, I glared at myself in contempt. I had not only made a fool of myself in front of those peasants but also him and his god-damned family. I created a fireball and threw it at the mirror, watching as the flames bounced off the clear surface. I did it again and again in irritation, grunting as the flames disappeared into thin air. My magic is more powerful than that man!

I paused to pant in anger. Then, I swiped my hand through the air, bringing shards of the mirror to rain down before my feet. I sat down on top of one of the trunks containing the ingredients of my potions. I refused to let tears fall but as my brain cleared, I remembered Daniella. I had left her at the school. Slapping my hand over my forehead in annoyance, more or less at myself, I pondered over what I should do next.

If I were to return so soon, I'd put myself back into hot water. If I waited longer, I feared that someone will hurt my darling girl. Sighing, I felt around for my phone. My hand still shook as I fished it out of my pocket and started dialling the number of the school office.

I waited whilst biting my lip. The whole school would have no doubt been informed of what had happened at the science fair this afternoon. When the receptionist picked up, I could tell by her voice that she was afraid of me. That made me smirk. At least, I still possess some sort of authority around this town.

"I'm calling to make sure that none of the events that have occurred this afternoon, have affected my daughter's studies."

The other end of the phone responded, "Of course not, Your Majesty. However, I'm afraid your daughter was feeling unwell to attend class. She's been taken to a room where she could be alone in the library."

I frowned. "Is she alright?"

There was a short silence. Then, the voice replied, "We believe that she desired to be alone. She wasn't showing any signs of visible crying but she wasn't feeling comfortable being around everyone. We've asked her if she wanted to see a school psychologist to talk but she denied."

My heart panged with guilt for abandoning my little firefly. "I'm coming now to pick her up from school."

"Of course. Could you pass by reception to sign her out after you've picked Daniella up?"

"Yes. I will see you soon."

I then hung up on the receptionist. After putting my phone away, I stood up and waved my hand over the broken shards of mirror on the floor. Once it had repaired itself onto the silver frame on the wall, I used magic to fix my makeup and hair. Then, I decided to not spend one more moment before my pathetic image.

Emotion takes a toil on magic so I mentally cursed myself for coming here via teleportation. Longer distances generally meant that I had to concentrate more to reach the desired destination. When I arrived at the school gates, I rubbed my head for I felt a small headache pound against my skull as if it was punishing me for my use of magic.

Then, I immediately made my way to the library. Upon seeing me, the librarian got up from her desk and took me to my daughter. She left me alone outside the closed door. In the little glass panel on the wall, I peeked in and saw Daniella curled up on a beanbag in the corner of the room. I knocked and entered, giving her a small smile.

She shifted to a sitting position and said quietly, "Why did you leave?"

I sighed and sat down next to her. Putting my arms around her tiny frame, I replied, "I'm sorry my little firefly."

"I'm not upset about you leaving...I'm just worried about where you went."

I stroked her hair and answered as she leaned her head into my chest, "I'm fine firefly." Then, I sighed heavily. "I shouldn't have abandoned you here. That was absolutely selfish of me. Mama's so weak-"

"No you're not!"

"I should have ripped out his heart and ended him once and for all...but I was-" I paused and muttered, "...scared."

"It's not your fault, Mama."

"Isn't it?" I replied, before realising how angry I sounded. At Daniella's confused gaze, I closed my eyes and whispered, "Sorry. I'm just upset at myself. I made a fool of us in front of everyone. I'm so so sorry."

Daniella shook her head. "You couldn't have done anything. The king just didn't stop speaking."

"I suppose..."

After a pause, I nudged my daughter and suggested, "Would ice cream lift your spirits?"

"Mine? How about yours?"

"I-" Then, I rephrased and replied, "I suppose we could both benefit from some sugary concoction of this land to clear our thoughts from that evil man hmm?"


(Daniella's POV)

By the time we got to the parlour, school must have ended for I recognised some people from my grade in the ice cream shop. They turned away from me when they caught my gaze but I was used to that.

"Choose whatever you want, firefly."

I approached the counter and looked at the selection before me. Several flavours stood out to me. The lady at the register greeted us and asked what I wanted. I pressed my finger against the glass and replied, "One scoop of toffee apple please."

"You can have more than one if you want," mother cut in.

I looked up and grinned. "Really? But you'd never let me have that much ice cream before dinner..."

"Oh, I remember your sugar highs. I quickly learnt to restrict your consumption of dessert, but today doesn't count ok?"

I smiled and turned back to the ice creams. When mother had paid for it, I took my towering three scoop cone to one of the tables by the wall.

As we sat down, mother cleared her throat and began quietly, "You mustn't mention this to your brother, but regarding the method that I've found to take us back to the enchanted forest, I've also discovered a spell in your grandmother's spellbook."

I paused from my ice cream. Before replying, I looked around. "What will it do?"

"Ensure that Henry comes with us."

"Mama...this isn't some kind of love potion is it?"

She shrugged. "More or less." Before I could reply with anything, she quickly added, "I'll tell you more when we're at home."

That however, did not keep my curiosity at bay. "Mama why did you start-"

"Shh!" I was cut off swiftly as mother put her hand on my arm. I frowned. "What?"

She looked out towards the door where I noticed that there was sound of a commotion outside. Behind the blinds, I saw a few flashes, followed by the sound of cameras. Before I could understand what was going on, mother stood up and pulled me up as well. Then, the door opened and a crew of men with cameras came swarming in. They saw us and immediately made their way over. Alarmed, I dropped my half-eaten ice cream. I nearly stepped on it as mother dragged me behind her. The flashes continued. Then, one of the men started speaking, with a microphone pointed towards mother. "Your majesty, what are your hopes in the capture of King Leopold, your former husband?"

Mother looked stunned for a moment. Then, she replied curtly, "I'd appreciate it if you would respect my privacy. I don't know who you are but you have no right to ask me questions for a broadcast. I will not answer."

Another called out a question, followed by another, and another. Then, mother grabbed me and pushed past the men. She turned me so that I'd be shielded by the flashing cameras. To be honest, their clicks were frightening me. They were pressing closer and closer until I felt magic push them back. Looking, up, I saw that mother had sent a strong wave of magic around us. It knocked the men over, as well as a couple of tables and chairs. Then, we quickly exited the shop. Once out onto the street, there were some more cameras but at the corner of my eye, I saw someone sprint towards us. At better glance, I saw that it was Maria's father. His approaching presence caught the cameras' attention. As they turned towards him, he began loudly, "Hey. Stop bothering them. There's no story to be written here-"

As one of the reporters started asking him a question, he gave us a glance. Mother dragged me away before I could even give him a smile to say thank you. I panted once we got back to our car. Mother started it and before I knew it, we were on our way home. I glanced back and watched as Maria's father and the crowd grew smaller. "What the hell was that?"

"Daniella! Language, my firefly. You may be much older than you look right now, but that doesn't exempt you from poor word choices."

My cheeks flushed red as I pushed away the remark and continued, "Sorry...but how did they find us so quickly? Was it because of what happened earlier?"

I caught my mother's frown in the mirror at the front of the car. "I think so. Someone must have tipped them off." After a pause, she continued, "I don't want you to go to school if it means that you have to dodge the media."

"What were they looking for?"

"A story. This world is different from the Enchanted Forest. You've seen the TV; the news. Word spreads much quicker here. Besides, since there is very little social construct here, it seems like people have forgotten to respect the monarchy."


(Two days later)

I was given the day after the incident off from school. When I came into the class, everyone was surprisingly sympathetic. I had avoided community and public noticeboards recently, for I knew that there would be news regarding what had happened. Maria confirmed my thoughts when I saw her today. "Hey Dani."

"Hey." I replied as I eyed the piece of paper in her hand.

Whilst giving me the sheet, she replied, "Have you seen this?"

I scanned the paper and whispered, "The trial of Leopold Blanchard, former king of the Enchanted Forest?"

"Yeah, they're even going to have items of evidence brought into the courtroom."

"Evidence? Like what?"

"My father mentioned a diary, a mirror and a box of snakes?"

I widened my eyes as I exclaimed, "These items are in Storybrooke? How is that possible?"

Maria shrugged. "I'm not sure but I have a feeling that some of them were found in Mr Gold's shop."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course. He might be hiding a dragon, for all I know."

"Well I hope not. I'm not sure what Storybrooke would look like, after an encounter with a dragon."

At that remark, I froze. I had just realized that Maleficent was still trapped under the foundations of this town. However, my friend distracted me as she continued, "Its all happening so quickly. Look, its starting in a couple of hours."

What?! "Mother told me that they were going to take him to court but I didn't know when!"

"Of course she wouldn't tell you the time. You'd-"

"Want to go." I finished. Maria nodded. I huffed and looked towards the classroom door. Maria knew what I was thinking for she quickly cut into my thoughts and said, "No, you can't go during school hours! Besides, if they find out that you're there, they'll take you out. Actually, I asked my father if he could tell me what happened inside that court, but he refused and told me that they were going to deal with mature themes."

"Mature themes?! I know what the king did to my mother. The word has four letters-"

"Calm down! I'm not saying that you didn't. But please don't make the class stare at us again."

I looked around. Indeed, several heads turned away. I sighed. "Alright, so you think that this is the reason why mother doesn't want me there."

"I think its the reason why the court also doesn't want you there. You're underage-"

"I'm technically nearly an adult."

"But you're also not."

I looked away. Maria continued, "We'll find out what happened in the court at the end of the day. Let's just not think about it."

"How am I supposed to not think about this?! It concerns my life as well. I'd like to hear what the King has to say about his motives to my attempted murder."

My friend was about to reply when someone jumped between us. I nearly fell off my chair in fright, until I realized that it was my brother. "Henry! What...?"

He looked at me specifically and began, "I may have been eavesdropping into your conversation and..."

I gave him a look. "Dani, I didn't mean to! But it's because of something my mom said earlier today."

I frowned. "Emma? What did she say?"

"I don't think I was supposed to hear their conversation but she was talking to my grandma and they mentioned the trial."

I crossed my arms, "Even you know about the trial? Everyone seems to have some idea about its time and date, except me."

Henry ignored my comment and continued, "Mom said that maybe Regina didn't want you to find out about everything that were to happen, because of things that she's done."

"What?!"

"The court would have to get your mom's side of the story as well."

"I know, but what more is there?"

"Maybe your mom's hiding secrets."

I shook my head and glared at Henry, "Is this what its about? Accusing our mother of lying to me?"

Henry quickly replied, "No it isn't! I just heard mom and grandma talking, that's it!"

I frowned. I was about to reply but the teacher told us to quieten down. Before Henry could return to his seat, I grabbed his jacket and whispered to him, "Meet me behind the block at recess."


I was paranoid that someone would spot me behind the school building looking just very slightly suspicious but luckily, no one seemed to cross the area except Henry. When he came over, he demanded, "What's going on?" I smirked at my brother. "You've always broken rules when the curse was still in place. So...what do you think? Should we go and spy on what's happening at the court right now?"

Henry hesitated. "But-"

"Oh come one! You never listen to what mother tells you to do. You're normally running off doing something that you're not supposed to."

"Well then why are you telling me to come with you?"

I paused. Why was I asking Henry? In a quiet voice I began, "This concerns the both of us right? I mean, even if you don't think my mother is yours, this is how it all started. The feud between our families."

"Your mom hated Snow White."

"She also hated the king."

"She's hated a lot of people."

I smirked. "I know, but I'm not fond of Snow's father either so will you come with me?"

There was a long silence. "No."

"What?! What happened to you?"

"I just don't want to get into trouble."

I crossed my arms and huffed. "That's dumb. Since when did you become so obedient?"

"Since I started hanging out with the good guys."

That caught my breath. "The good-" Then, I uncrossed my arms. Henry eyed them. I began to see a shift in his eyes as he realized that he said something wrong. I seethed at him, "Stop attributing everything bad to my family." Henry should not have said those words for my magic suddenly pulsed hot in my veins. However, I willingly let my emotions manipulate it as I plunged my hand into Henry's chest. His eyes explored mine frantically as I took our his heart. As he clutched the spot where his heart was, he exclaimed in a raspy voice, "What are you doing Dani?! Put it back!"

"And watch as you tell someone that I've gone to the trial of the man who has ruined my life? No way." Then, I brought the heart up to my lips and whispered, "You will not remember any of this. If anyone asks where I am, tell them that I've gone to the school nurse because of a stomach bug."

Henry remained in a trance as I said these words. When I had finished speaking, I quickly shoved the heart into the pocket of my skirt. In a few seconds, Henry reverted to normal.

"Hey Dani! What did you want to talk to me about?"

I was caught off guard for a second for the last time I took out someone's heart was when I was in a live or die situation. I had crushed the heart of the blind witch but I'd never to it to my brother, even though he is the most annoying sibling in all realms. Once I found my words, I replied, "Umm, it's Maria's birthday next week and I was wondering if you had any ideas for the celebrations?"

"Maria? But I'm not that close with her..."

"I know, but you're the only one I can talk to. Andddd I have to do it here since she'd be near us and within hearing range otherwise."

"Ok..." As Henry talked on about how we should organise a surprise party, I was thinking about how I'd get to the courts unseen. That's when I realized that I had to do it through a mirror. I'm definately not as powerful as my mother when it came to magic so instead of using just any glass surface, I had to use a mirror that has already been laced with magic. The one in the vault!

"So Dani, what do you think?"

"Uhh, yeah that's great. I just wanted to have a short convo about this. I think I have to get back to Maria now or otherwise, she'll think that I've left her."

"Ok sure. I'll see you later."

"You too." As Henry walked away, I pretended to retie my shoelaces so that he'd leave me alone. I looked around. When I saw that no one was in the area, I stood up and let myself take a breath. Then, I touched my pocket to make sure that the heart was still there. At the feel of a bulge, I smiled. However, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at the same time. I closed my eyes. This isn't the time to think about that.

With the magic still pulsing violently within me, I was able to take myself directly to the vault. Mother once told me that it is much easier using dark magic when one is motivated or angry. It makes the witch less tired even though they've been technically using more energy. Well, thanks Henry, I guess...

I appeared in the cemetery. Looking around, I saw that I was quite close to the vault. "Not bad," I breathed to myself as I walked down the pathway. Confidently, I smirked as I opened the doors magically with ease. When I got to the small room where the mirror hung, I started to worry. If I wanted to view anything back in the Enchanted Forest, I simply asked the genie to show me the person or the scene. However, that wasn't possible here in Storybrooke. Magic is unpredictable but nonetheless, I held out my hand towards the surface. I closed my eyes and imagined the court room in front of me. Then, I willed my mind to delve into the atmosphere of the environment; the sounds, the tight air full of anticipation. It was all my imagination of course, but then, I actually started hearing voices. I opened my eyes at the loud beating of my heart.

Oh my-

Displayed on the surface of the mirror, was the large meeting room in Storybrooke townhall. I stepped closer to the mirror. My view was almost that of the judge as his head was at the bottom of the mirror. On the left, my mother was sitting with an unreadable expression on her face. However, I could tell that she had just finished speaking for her cheeks had a hint of red on them. I squinted and I realized that she was also twirling around the ring that my father had given her. On the other side of the room, I saw another space like the place where my mother currently sat. It was vacant. I glanced around. I found the king at the stand beside the judge. It quickly became clear to me that they were interrogating him.

"Answer the question sir. You've sworn to do so, at the beginning of this session."

My gaze turned to the king. He didn't reply. The judge repeated again, "Do you admit to the accusations of rape as Ms Mills described?"

Again, the king refused to give an answer. The judge tried once more to get a reply from him but I was no longer concerned about the words in the question. Rather, by the king's strange expression. He was resisting from a reply, but I couldn't possibly imagine why. The evidence was piled against him, or at least, that's what mother said to me.

Although he neither showed acceptance nor guilt towards whatever he was faced with, his demeanour told a difference story. He didn't look comfortable at all, but I didn't think it was because of the trial. No, his discomfort looked like that of...I gasped. No. Its not possible is it?!

The judge took me out of my thoughts, but at the same time, I was anxious to see what would happen next, for his decision seemed to follow my train of thought.

"Mr Blanchard, under lawful circumstances, we will use your heart to reveal the truth, should you refrain from telling us what happened in your own words."

The king didn't reply. At this point, I saw that my mother seemed to be sitting straighter. She had a strange expression on her face as well. Was she also suspecting that something was not right?

After a few more moments of silence, the judge nodded to someone on his right. A woman sitting before the judge stood up and came around, heading towards the king. In the Enchanted Forest, I've definitely seen this woman before. Although I didn't know who she was, it was certain that she was a witch of some kind since she plunged her hand into the King's chest.

The whole court was silent. No one dared to utter a single thing, nor make any movements. I quickly glanced at mother and saw that her mouth was open slightly. Turning my gaze, I saw that there was a look of confusion on the woman's face.

Then, she took out her hand and remarked to the judge, "Sir, Mr Blanchard does not have a heart. Someone has ripped it out."