(3rd person POV)
Flashback
"How can this be acceptable, girl?! Look at the stitching! It's missing in places!" Lyra bellowed as she walked over to retrieve a worn down wooden spatula that hung from the cupboard. The young girl cowered away, behind the chair of the small dining table as her eyes trailed the older woman with fear. Her little body shook as the spinster retrieved the spoon and made her way slowly across the cottage, closer to her. She shakily stammered, "I'm sorry! I wasn't meaning to rush it-I swear!"
"You foolish girl! Now you've wasting some of our precious thread! How will we be able to sell your work at the fair this weekend? Do you realise how hard Linota, Irene and I work to earn the materials that will allow us to sell our items?"
The girl shuddered as she eyed the wooden spatula in Lyra's hand. "Please! I didn't mean to, I, I had to work quickly or else I couldn't finish it before-"
"HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU? QUANTITY AS WELL AS QUALITY! Who would buy from us if we don't produce the best in the market? Do you want to know why Madam Barns earns more than us? It's because her daughter does a better job than you!"
The girl whimpered and just before Lyra brought the spoon down on her, she screamed, "I'll do better! I'll-"
"SILENCE!"
With that, wood met flesh and the girl bit her lip hard, as she tried to not give her caretaker the satisfaction of hearing a cry. Of course, nothing could stop the utter agony that seized her tiny body. The pain was almost unbearable for the young 6 year old girl. After Lyra had finished with her, she kicked the girl and roared, "Now back to work! And this time, make the stitching straight, or you would be sent to bed without supper!"
The girl did as she was told and went back into her corner of the cottage, with tears in her eyes. The blurred vision made it harder for her to concentrate but as her fingers shook over the piece of fabric in her hand, she thought about Linota and Irena. Where were they? Why weren't they back? Maybe they could have stopped Lyra from hitting her.
The girl looked cautiously up at the spinster who sat at the spindle wheel in the middle of the cottage, with her back turned and spinning vigoriously. She didn't dare ask her when they would return. The other two spinsters knew that Lyra would abuse her, but they didn't do anything. At least, they would show a little bit of sympathy. Yet, it would never really last long. Soon, they would bring up short remarks about how the girl's mother had not wanted her. And that, would forever be ingrained into the mind of the young girl. For years, she would wonder why her mother and father could have possibly abandoned her to live with these horrible women. However, she completely blocked away the thought at the age of ten, when she was ready to take part in the impossible; escape.
(Daniella's POV)
I woke up and panted as I tried to shake off the image of Lyra before me with the familiar wooden spatula in hand. My hands immediately flew to my back and pressed down with paranoia. There were no bruises; good. I looked around my room and had to mentally remind myself that I was no longer in Wonderland and that the spinsters had no control of my life. Then, I pulled my sticky sheets closer to me and curled up, still shaken by the nightmare. I wouldn't ever dare explain all the details of growing up in Wonderland to my parents for they would certainly hunt the spinsters down and kill them. Well, father might not, but mother will. No matter how much the thought of them still made me shiver, I couldn't help but feel as if I cannot do anything back to hurt them. It's absurd, considering that I know mother has, well, killed many. Surely adding a few more dead people won't matter. Yet, I can't imagine that ever happening to the spinsters.
I sighed and decided to hopefully not think of the topic any further. That was when I noticed a shiny red apple sitting on the bedside table next to me. It had certainly not been there when I fell asleep so I wondered who could have put it there. Because of this mystery, the first thing I did after getting changed was walk over to mother's chambers. There wasn't any guards in sight but I could hear a distant chatter. The others in the castle must be awake. When I entered her rooms, she was no where to be seen. I went over to her bed but she wasn't there either, nor was father. I crossed my arms and grumbled to myself after realising that everyone must have gone to breakfast without waking me up.
I used my magic to take me down to the grand dining hall and indeed, everyone who had joined us on the journey to the castle was there. As there wasn't enough places at the table, many seem to be filling their plates before migrating outside. I peered out of one of the windows and saw them eating in the gardens, or sitting between the stone arches of the hallways. I grimaced immediately. This was supposed to be my home, but I cannot even eat with privacy?! Besides, everyone is so noisy.
I spotted father sitting at the table but surprisingly, he wasn't next to mother. I went over to him first and when he saw me, he gave me a tired smile. He looked concerned so I asked him, "What's wrong?"
He pushed back the chair next to him and allowed me to sit down. Then, he glanced in mother's direction briefly before turning back to me and saying, "Nothing. I'm just worried for your mother. She seems to be quite stressed."
"Stressed?" I mouthed as someone placed my breakfast in front of me. I gave that lady a smile before continuing, "Yeah, why aren't you sitting with her?"
"She said she needed to take care of some things. Anyway, I must ask you something. Who are those men eating with her right now?"
I squinted down to the end of the table and whispered back, "Her black knights; the senior, important ones." I spotted the lawyer who was supposed to have taken care of the case back in Storybrooke. Then, I changed the topic as I thought about the apple. "Daddy, did mother put an apple on my bedside table last night?"
"I uh, I'm not sure. You should ask."
I nodded and quickly finished my breakfast so that I can go over to her. Father soon engaged himself in a conversation with the person sitting on the other side of him so once I had finished, I was able to leave without anyone pulling me back. I didn't suspect that anything was wrong, until I actually stood beside mother. She didn't turn towards me, which made me very uncomfortable as the knights have also noticed my presence. Mother was speaking so I didn't dare interrupt her, but I silently wondered to myself why she wasn't acknowledging me. Before the curse had struck, she'd always turn to me, even if she was in the middle of talking to a guard. I bit my lip and that's when one of the knights coughed at the brief pause in my mother's sentence. He inclined his head towards me and said quietly, "Your majesty, I think her highness wishes to speak to you."
Mother finally turned to me and when she did, she didn't greet me like she normally would. Her eyes were cold and piercing as she said sternly, "Daniella, don't interrupt me whilst I'm in a meeting. Go to your father, I'm sure he can entertain you for now." I closed my open mouth and gulped. Then, I averted my gaze from her harsh stare and said quietly, "Sorry, mother." Then I quickly turned away and left. My chest felt hollow as I departed. When I looked back from a distance, I paused in confusion. Mother was wearing her crown; something she wouldn't do unless there was a particular reason. As I was caught in my thoughts, I nearly bumped into father when I turned around. He questioned, "What did she say to you?"
I shook my head and shakily replied, "Uh, nothing."
"Daniella, are you alright?"
I crossed my arms and said simply, "Yeah." However, father must have known that something was wrong for he crouched down and pushed, "What did Regina say to you? You seem upset."
My cheeks flared red as I replied, "She seems to be angry with me, but I don't see why. I haven't done anything!"
Father sighed and put his hand on my shoulder, "I'm sure its nothing. I'll go talk to her-"
"No! Do it when she's done meeting with the knights!" I quickly suggested.
He nodded with a frown. "Alright. Well then, I'll catch her after I tend to the horses. I've been given the role of the stablemaster here. Do you have anything to do?"
"Uh, not really but I'll find something."
"Alright, I'll see you soon then, my girl." With that, he left with the majority of the people in the room. I heard Charming's voice from one end of the hall, trying to usher people out. It seems like they've organised 'trips' for the peasants to return back to the villages. I gave mother's direction a glance before surrounding myself with smoke that took me back to my room. I appeared next to my bed so when I glanced at my bedside table, I was surprised to see the apple gone. A voice however, made me jump. "Where did you get this from?"
I turned around to see my handmaiden and companion standing there. "Yvette!" I exclaimed, as I rushed over to give her a hug. She laughed in response, "Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to say hi after the curse broke in Storybrooke."
As we parted, I asked, "How are you? How was Storybrooke for you?"
"Not too bad actually. I lived with my sister in the same apartment block as Snow White. But I'm not that interesting, let's talk about you. These few weeks must have been quite a ride," she replied as she set down the apple in her hand.
I sat down on my bed and shrugged, "It's kinda crazy as usual."
Yvette's brown eyes glistened as she chuckled, "I've heard some things. The, well...the return of the king must have been difficult."
I nodded, "It's ridiculous to imagine...but it's also unbelievable that now he's dead and my father's alive."
She nodded and whispered, "I'm happy for you."
I twisted my hands together and grinned, "Thanks." Then, I changed to a more solemn expression and asked, "So do you know what's happening? Are the people taking refuge here departing soon?"
She nodded and I breathed a sigh of relief, which earned me an expression with raised eyebrows. "Yes, Snow and David are helping them settle back into their villages. I've been told that Prince Phillip has sent many resources into helping the kingdom."
I frowned, "So everyone's helping? What...what should I be doing then?"
"Perhaps that's something you should ask your mother."
"No, she's busy at the moment," I answered definitively, not bothering to hide the disappointment in my voice.
"Oh, I'm sure she's never too busy for you, Daniella," Yvette chuckled. Then, she gave me a smile and said, "Sorry, but I have to help clear the rooms that some of the guests have been residing in. I'll see you later."
I nodded with a frown as she gave me a quick curtsy and left. I picked up the apple Yvette had placed onto the chaise and thought about what she had just said. Maybe she's right. Maybe mother is just busy and stressed over our return to the Enchanted Forest. She surely wouldn't be upset at me...
I spent the day in the stables and out on the showgrounds with father as I couldn't find mother anywhere. Its so strange that no one seems to know where she had gone. I even plucked up my courage to ask the black knights but they had no clue either. As I led Hwin back to her stall, I couldn't help but feel convinced as if something was amiss. However, I didn't want to worry father as he was still new to everything. I disappeared before he could ask me what was wrong. When I used magic to take me back into the castle, I unfortunately appeared right in front of Henry who was taken back with surprise. "Whoops, sorry-" I began.
He shrugged and walked past me. I looked down for a second before asking him, "Hey, where are you going?"
He turned around and waved up a sword in hand. It had a little stub at the end of it. "Gramps is going to give me another lesson."
I tilted my head and after a long consideration, asked whether I could join him. He looked surprise so he asked, "Why? Don't you have...something else to do?"
I sighed. "No, there's no one here in the palace our age except you and I."
"Yeah there is! Go to the kitchens, some of our classmates are down there because of their parents."
I crossed my arms and retorted, "Do you really think they'll be happy that I'm there?"
Henry looked like he wanted to say something nasty to me but instead, he murmured simply, "So you're lonely? Where's your mom?"
With gritted teeth, I answered, "I'm not sure. She hasn't been seen the whole day. But even if she's around, she'd be busy with her black knights-"
"Probably plotting to overthrow the kingdom again," Henry commented. I curled my hands into fists and fumed, "No, she wouldn't do that anymore. Just as long as Snow plans something to return back to her palace." I watched Henry's disapproving expression before narrowing my eyes and saying, "This is my home, not yours, especially since you no longer think you're a part of my family."
Henry growled at me and stalked off, with his blunt sword in hand. I crossed my arms, fuming at his stuck-up attitude. Every single time I wanted to make amends, he ends up tangling the threads even more. Angrily, I walked off towards the castle but as soon as I saw father come up the flight of stairs from the gardens, I paused. If I bothered him, he would be suspicious that something wasn't right so I hid behind a pole and waited as he walked past. As I stood there, I furrowed my brow in worry. Why isn't mother happy that he is finally here with us? Why has she disappeared for the whole day?
When father was no where in sight, I came out from behind the pole and made my way into the interior of the palace. When I was walking down a corridor, I heard noises from one of the rooms jutting to the left. I frowned for no one normally inhabited those rooms. I approached to investigate and when I pressed my ears to the doors, I could make out the voices of Snow, Emma and someone else.
(Regina's POV) In the morning, 8 hours prior...
I was the only one left in the dining room after I had dismissed the knights. The servants had already cleared away everything except for our plates so as I watched one approach, I stood up and walked towards the gardens. It seemed like Snow and David had already taken the peasants to return back to their villages. The castle was much quieter now. Thank goodness. However, that was the reason why I jumped when mother spoke up behind me, "Well played, sweetheart."
I turned around and glared at her, "Will you stop scaring me like that?"
She came closer to me and said, "Oh, I'm sorry darling, I just wanted to congratulate you on how you handled the situation."
I looked around to make sure no one was in sight before replying quietly with my eyes downcast, "I didn't like that."
"You were doing what was necessary."
"But Daniella looked so broken. I have never spoken to her in a tone like that-"
"Darling, she'll get over it. Besides, this is only for a short while. The quicker you become the Evil Queen again, the quicker you'll regain your powers and the faster you can interact with your daughter."
I looked away with crossed arms and murmured, "And Daniel too."
Mother sighed. "He'll understand-"
"I made a promise to him! I said that I'll...that I'll try to make amends with Snow White for his sake. What you're telling me to do now, is to go back to everything that I cannot bear to mention in front of him," I argued as I held a glare with my mother.
She replied softly, "Yes, I understand you might not like to do this, but remember that it's for their benefit. You cannot let Zelena defeat you and the only way to prevent that-"
"Is to regain my powers. Yes I know mother." I snapped whilst I rolled my eyes. There was a moment of silence before she said quietly with her hand on my arm, "Follow me. I can perhaps help you speed up this process."
I frowned but before I could reply, she used magic to take us to someplace else. As the fog started to clear away, I realised that we were in the courtyard that stood above the dungeons. It had been used for criminal executions and I now know why mother had taken us here. Tied to the metal rings positioned around the floor, were ten prisoners. I looked towards mother for some explanation. "These," she began as she kicked one of the men, "are members of a rebellion that started in Wonderland. They call themselves members of the Wonderland Revolutionary Force. Or rather, the liberators."
I looked at the criminals in disgust and murmured, "So they have been threatening you, mother?"
Her gaze was all the confirmation I needed. I felt magic itch beneath my skin. What I saw in front of me was something similar to my past. In fact, I was so used to this scenario that I didn't feel as if a curse had ever brought me to another land where I hadn't been able to use magic for 28 years. I felt the edges of my mouth curl into a smirk. Then, I held my head up and said in a silky tone, "You vermin think you could get away with treason, did you?"
None of the prisoners dared look at me so I barked, "You will look at me when I'm talking to you, peasants."
Their heads snapped up to show me grey ashen faces. Then, I snarled at the man closest to me and roared, "All of you, stand up. You will witness what will happen to your acquaintances as I kill them, one by one. Starting with...him." Immediately after I finished my sentence, I snapped the neck of the man in front of me. He fell onto the cobblestone floor with a thud. I turned to the next criminal. He looked at me with wide eyes and since he shook so hard, I laughed and taunted, "You're afraid that the same fate would meet you hmm?" I waited for a moment before I gave a low chuckle and said, "Alright. Let's change it up a bit, shall we." With that, I plunged my hand into his chest. As I started to crush his heart, I said, "You should be honoured, that I'm personally killing you. I'm sure you'd die a much more painful death in the hands of my mother."
Once he was on the ground dead, I proceeded to the next criminal, and the next, and the next. The final prisoner was unfortunately a little more reactive. She spat at my feet and even I, was a little shocked. Then I growled, "Do you not know who I am?"
"The Evil Queen, of course," she croaked with a vocal range that resembled a toad. I glared at her as she continued, "Evil won't reign forever, usurper."
I held my hand up towards her throat and she immediately started to choke as I levitated her. I closed her airway slowly so that her face went red slowly. I laughed at her bulging eyes that showed every inch of regret. When I was no longer entertained by the notion, I closed my hand and she fell onto the floor, dead. I breathed heavily, looking at the line of people I had just killed. Mother's footsteps took me out of my daze. She whispered to me, "Well done, sweetheart. How are you feeling?"
Powerful. Yet, the egoistic feelings in my chest were suddenly replaced when I saw Daniel and Daniella in my mind. However, a thought came rushing back to me as I considered the bodies on the floor. "These people were all part of a rebellion, you say?"
"Why yes. It still exists in Wonderland, but you needn't worry about that. I'll crush them all, after I've helped you deal with your sister."
I frowned and whispered quietly, "If there are people like this in the Enchanted Forest, Daniella won't be safe, especially as she's the heir to my throne." The conclusion sat in my mind comfortably as I concluded, "I'll have to eliminate them..."
"Oh, sweetheart, you know what you have to do."
I looked into mother's eyes intently as I drawed out slowly, "If I am to re-establish my kingdom, I cannot have opposition, can I?"
She smiled at my revelation, "No you cannot. I'll leave you to it then. I'm sure you know who to get rid of."
I rolled my eyes as I thought about the unCharmings. However, it seemed like she was able to read my line of thought as she said, "Start with their followers. Once you've regained your power, you can target Snow White and her family."
Mother turned to leave but I said quickly, "They'll find out, if villagers start vanishing. I don't want them to bother my fiance or Daniella, should they suspect my involvement."
Mother chuckled. Then, she waved her hand over herself and there now stood a young woman, from typical Wonderlander clothes. I put my hand over my mouth in shock. "What the-"
Her voice was disguised as well, and it sounded nothing like my mother's. "I'll distract them and tell them that the killings was because the...Queen of the Hearts has escaped Wonderland. I'll make up something, to take the attention off you. If they were to recognise me in this disguise, it'd be for the better."
My mind quickly scanned the appearances of all the monarchs of Wonderland known to me. Then, I said slowly, "But isn't the White Queen dead? That's what I've been told..." Mother's mouth sneered as she replied, "No, not yet. However, I'll integrate myself into Snow's circle and make sure that they welcome me here. Then, I'll tell them that I've escaped from Wonderland and are looking for ways to defeat the Queen of Hearts. Hence, I can gain their trust and therefore convince them that whatever you do, are not your acts."
I grinned and hesitantly approached her for an embrace as she had reverted to her normal self.
"Oh, sweetheart, come here." I fell into her arms I finally let out what I had intended to say ever since she appeared before me, alive. I sobbed quietly, "I'm sorry, mama." As she rubbed my back, she whispered, "It's alright darling. I forgive you. All that matters is that now we work together hmm? I'm going to see to it, that you get your happy ending with whomever you wish. I'll make sure that Daniella will inherit the thrones of both the Enchanted Forest and Wonderland."
"Oh mama...thank you mama," I whispered as I cried harder.
"Anything for you, Regina."
After a moment of silence, I whispered, "Mother?"
"Yes?"
"Please look after Daniella for me. Gain her trust, do whatever you can to comfort her. I don't want her to feel alone."
When we parted, I gave mother a solemn stare. She nodded and said, "Leave it to me." With a smile, she disappeared in a cloud of thick smoke.
The Wicked Witch waved her hand over the reflection in her cauldron and laughed. "Oh mother dear, don't you realise? This is exactly what I wanted you to do!"
As she strode to her vanity, she seethed, "I will destroy every single thing you hold dear, Regina. I'm just going to sit back as our mother incidentally tears your little family apart. Soon, the kingdom, your boyfriend and your sweet daughter will turn away from you when they've realized that you're nothing but the Evil Queen."
Then, Zelena picked up a green necklace from the box and whispered, "You might be evil, but you can't defeat your superior. I'm wicked, and wicked always wins."
