(Daniella's POV)

I pressed my ear against the lacquered wood and listened intently as my gut feeling was telling me that the discussion on the other side of the door was about mother. It was Snow's voice that my ears immediately picked up upon. "Emma, you can't make assumptions. I've learnt over the years that Regina disappears from time to time without a single explanation. And that's normal-"

"Yeah, because she's off killing people."

Another voice stepped in, however I don't believe I've heard it before. "I'm positive that the killings were from the Queen of Hearts. She must have escaped from Wonderland. I was there just a few days ago; the rebellion has risen tremendously."

"But I don't think Cora's someone to run away from a fight, not when she's so hungry for power." Emma's voice said convinced.

"With all due respect, your highness, but perhaps something happened. Her presence would surely be noted, which means that she had left Wonderland."

Emma replied, "So you don't think it's Regina?" Snow added quickly, "We'll have to question her when she gets back, but I think Anastasia is right, it couldn't have been Regina. She has no motive to kill right now, especially as her fiance is back. Besides, I doubt she'd want to disappoint Henry or Daniella."

There was a moment of silence before Emma said, "But Daniella was there, when her mother killed your people, right Mary Margaret?"

I held my breath as Snow answered, "No I don't think Daniella was, nor would she be happy to watch people die. The incidents in Storybrooke were just incidents. I knew her before she was reunited with Regina. She was a shy girl. Certainly not someone you'd imagine to be the daughter of the Evil Queen." I frowned but continued to listen to their conversation. I wonder who Anastasia is, but I guessed that she was probably someone notable from Wonderland.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps from the corridor so I jumped up from my crouched position and rushed over to a large stuffed bear, hoping that his gigantic size would cover me up entirely. I peeked between the bear's outstretched hand and saw Henry walking with David. There were two knights with them, but from their uniform, I could tell that they weren't my mother's men. When they had entered the room, I went over to investigate and was slightly disappointed to see that the door was slightly ajar. I hid behind the gap and listened to their conversation. It was David's voice that I first picked up. "These are Prince Phillip's men. They tell us that the Wicked Witch had come to threaten their monarchs."

I held my hand over my mouth. According to what mother said yesterday, the witch had left the palace by the time she got there...so what could the witch possibly want?

The anonymous voice replied, "Well, what did the witch say to them?"

There was a brief silence. Then, one of the guards replied in a gruff voice, "They've been reminded of the fact that should they not surrender 'her', she'll take their child."

Emma pointed out, "Her? Who were they referring to?"

I too, anticipated an answer. I peeked in the gap and saw an unwilling expression on the guards' faces. Then, one of them said quickly, "The Evil Queen." I stepped back in horror. Why in the heavens would the witch want my mother? Is that why she had disappeared? Unable to withstand the tension in the air, I swallowed and plastered a brave look on my face. When I pushed open the door, everyone's jaw seemed to have dropped. However, I couldn't help but feel as if Anastasia, or the woman dressed in complete white, was the one the least surprised. As I scanned them, Snow exclaimed, "Daniella! Have you been there, listening the whole time?"

I crossed my arms and said, "This meeting has something to do with my mother, right?"

David started, "Well-" However, I cut him off and said, "Why isn't my father here? He should know about this, if it's about her!" Snow answered me with a calm logical tone, "We weren't sure how much he knew about...Regina's past so we thought that until he had a clear idea, we wouldn't talk about it before him. The meeting was actually called upon the report of a massacre. Anastasia's come to tell us about it, as she's part of the resistance herself."

I glanced at the woman and the guards in confusion. "So, right now, mother's still missing?"

"Yes." Snow replied.

"And you think that she's behind these said massacres?" I stated. Given Snow's uncomfortable expression, I turned to the guards but neither of them seemed to be happy that I had interrupted the meeting. They gave me a scowl as I took the liberty to sit down at the round table. Henry also gave me a look but I didn't return his stare. One of the guards immediately resumed, "The Witch threatened our Prince and Princess that should they not find a way to hand over the Queen, she'll kill their unborn child."

Emma slowly said, "Well what does the witch want with Regina?"

"Nobody knows, we're suspecting that the pair have had disagreements in the past. Afterall, the Queen is a witch."

I didn't like the tone of the guard but I was too worried to give him a glare. When I looked up from my twindling hands, everyone had turned to me. Snow asked, "Daniella, you probably know her the best here. Did she have any quarrels with the witch?"

I shook my head. "No, of course not! Mother told you earlier that she hadn't met her, remember?"

David shrugged and replied, "With all due respect, your mother could have been lying."

I bit my lip as Emma cut in and said, "Alright maybe she was, but the question is what we'll do with her..."

Everyone seemed to turn their gaze to me again so I watched intently as the saviour gave David and Mary Margaret a look. My mouth opened as Snow said to me, "I'm sorry, but I think it'd be best if you leave this meeting for now. We'll tell you what happens after we've reached a more decisive verdict."

I frowned and protested, "But Henry gets to stay!"

Emma stood up and replied, "Please, I think this will be easier on everyone-"

Under their strong gazes, I clamped my mouth shut and slowly stood up. They were still looking at me, as if they wanted me out of the room, but before I pushed my seat back, I pleaded, "Let me stay, I won't interfere-"

"Daniella. Please leave."

I gulped but my emotions betrayed my mind. I replied strongly, "No."

David sighed. Then, he turned to the left and seemed to be signalling for something. I turned to his line of sight and saw two of Snow's guards coming towards me. I quickly said in defence, "What's wrong with letting me stay?! I want to be a part of whatever decision you make! You can't just-." One of the guards suddenly grabbed be roughly. Naturally, I was too shocked to respond. Then, I felt the familiar slap of cold leather on my wrist. No...

When I saw the magic-restraining cuff, I panicked and kicked the guards but with no prevail. They were too strong for me and to my embarrassment, they were successfully dragging me out of the room and into the corridor. They hadn't just left me outside; they continued to roughly lead me out of the hallway. It was not until a pair of black knights came by did they stop. When mother's men saw me, they came running over whilst yelling, "Halt!"

The guards by my side did exactly that, and I was nearly pushed onto the floor. As one of the black knights steadied me, the other demanded, "How dare you handle Her Highness like that?!"

"We were under orders."

"From who? What were you instructed to do?"

The guard with a thick accent said sternly, "Our orders were to take your princess outside, after she refused to leave a meeting." The guard who had his hands on my shoulders threatened, "Well, you can be rest assured that the Queen would be notified on how you have treated her daughter-"

"Your Queen and ours have the same standing here. You have no power over us, your threats are simply empty words." Upon hearing this remark, the other black knight drew out his sword, and simultaneously, Snow's guards did the same. Even the one by my side put his hand on the hilt of his. Before the men could quarrel, I quickly said, "Please, just leave them."

After a moment of heavy silence, Snow's knights finally lowered their swords and put them away. My black knights did the same. With a stern glare, they headed back down the hallway towards the meeting room. The knights then turned to me with concern ridden on their faces. "Your highness, are you alright? Did they harm you?"

I huffed and whilst attempting to pry off the cuff on my wrist, I murmured, "No."

Whilst one of the knights spat, "Bastards," under his breath whilst the other put out his hand and offered to help me with the cuff. I shook my head and explained, "No, it can't be taken off, except by someone with magic." The knight nodded and replied, "Don't worry, we'll report this incident to the Queen once she has returned." I looked up from the band of leather as his words reminded me of the meeting. I asked quickly, "You haven't an idea where she could be, right?"

They both shook their heads. "No, but we've noticed that Her Majesty seems to be missing."

"They were discussing that in the meeting that I was kicked out of," I grumbled.

The taller out of the two knights crouched down and inquired with a frown, "Were they discussing your mother?"

"Yeah, and they mentioned something about a massacre, and the Wicked Witch."

The men looked at each other before saying to me, "Please, your highness, tell us what you have been able to gather. Perhaps we can help."

My words came out in fragmented pieces. "Well, originally only Snow, Emma and another lady called Anastasia was at the meeting. They were debating whether mother was responsible for a massacre that had occurred. Anastasia believes that it was the Queen of Hearts but I think they are convinced otherwise. David and Henry came in with two guards from Prince Phillip's kingdom, and they said that Princess Aurora and her prince had been threatened by the Wicked Witch. She threatened that if they don't hand over my mother, she'd kill their unborn child."

The knights stared at me worriedly for a moment before one of them asked, "Do you have any idea where the Queen could be?"

I huffed and with great efforts to hide my contempt, I replied, "I don't know! You were the last to talk to her. You ate with her this morning, didn't you?"

The knight sighed with a nod. Then, he got up and said to the other, "We have to tell the others. You go, I'll take the princess to Yvette." The other knight then started to walk off but when the one left with me attempted to take my hand, I said quickly, "It's fine. I can go find Yvette by myself."

"Are you sure? It's alright, I can accompany you."

I rolled my eyes, "This is my home, I know where I'm going."

"Yes, but as you just witnessed, there are many foreigners here at this current point in time. I think it would be best if you stay away from them. We are unsure of their motives."

I looked at the cuff on my hand and muttered, "Ok."

As we started walking, he gave me a little nudge and said, "Don't worry, I'm sure the Queen will say something to them about that."

When we got to the royal wing, he suggested, "It's best that you stay around here and wait until your mother is back. If you would like, I can ask the kitchen staff to bring your dinner up here. You can eat it in the Queen's private dining room if you would like."

I was pressured into nodding, as I felt powerless to do anything. If I argued, he'd simply keep convincing me that this was the best.

The knight gave me a bow and left. Then, I walked to mother's chambers as her balcony has a view of the grounds below the palace and the land beyond it. I leaned against the railing and twirled the cuff around my wrist. Then, I whispered with a heavy heart, "I hope you're ok, mama."


(Regina's POV)

A few hours prior...

I loved the open-mouthed sheer terror that was plastered on the villager's faces. As I guided my horse closer, I surveyed their ashen expressions with a fleet of power that overcame the feeling in my chest. I was taken out of my thoughts when a young man shouted out, "Hey! What are you doing here?"

I bared a glare at him and growled, "How dare you talk to me with such disrespect? I'd tell you to learn your place, except I fear, you wouldn't have one very soon."

"We're protected by Princess Snow White, your majesty. You cannot harm us," the man replied as he held his arms out to protect his family behind him. I let out a deep throaty laugh, "Oh really? Tell me, why is it that she hasn't sent any of her guards to protect you?"

The man didn't reply so I continued to taunt him as I already knew his answer. "I'll tell you what. I'm going to give you a chance. The existence of your village depends on your answer so choose wisely, peasant. Denounce your support for Snow White and swear your loyalty to myself, and my daughter or...die."

The man looked conflicted as he looked to his family and fellow villagers for support but my patience was running low. "You don't have much longer-"

"We refuse."

There was silence. I snarled but the man continued, "No, we trust that Snow White will find a way to defeat you once and for all. She broke the curse-"

"I BROKE IT!" I roared. The man was taken back so I spat, "I broke the curse and sent all of you ungrateful souls back here!" Then, I adjusted my voice to a low tone and seethed, "So you have chosen. You'd rather death than prosperity. Well then, I don't have a place for lowly street-rats like you in my kingdom either." Then, I took one glance at trees around us and smirked. I channelled my anger into my hands and released it towards the foliage. Fire immediately circled the village in rings of flame, and I worked my magic through the ambers to accelerate the burning process. I swiped my hand at the screaming peasants, snapping dozens of necks under one blow.

In order to make my work look as if my mother had done it, I figured that I would have to rip out a few hearts. I plunged my hand into the first victim, enjoying every scream and grunt he elicited. I went through the lot of them, thinking of the anger and betrayal I felt as a result of the peasant's loyalty to Snow. The realisation dawned on me again. Despite those years spent in Storybrooke, I knew that nothing had really changed. There was nothing I could do to make these people love me. I growled until my voice was hoarse as I pushed through the murders, hating but loving single second of it.

Sooner than I had expected, I had killed every single villager. The last was a young girl, perhaps a few years junior to Daniella. As there was something in that poor thing that reminded me of my daughter, I almost paused at her slaughter. However, upon seeing the doll in her hand that resembled Snow, I snapped her neck immediately. I would later tell myself that what I did was out of mercy, to save her from the pain of a crushed heart.

My horse whinnied behind me and my attention was broken. I turned around to survey the damage I had done. I waved my hand, and the fires subsided to simply smothering ashes. Without a second look, I got onto Equinox and sped back onto the road to the palace. However, I was only riding for ten minutes or so, when mother appeared suddenly in the middle of the road, devoid of her disguise. I rolled my eyes as I approached her, "Why couldn't you just see me normally, and not here out in the open?"

"Trust me, there would be less prying eyes here, in the middle of nowhere. Anyway, did you do it? How does it feel, sweetheart?"

I opened my mouth to speak of the rage I had felt, but seeing mother in front of me made me step back in my thoughts. I fiddled with the reins of my horse and replied, "What had to be done was done."

"Regina-"

"Fine mother. I loved it, but at the same time, I...I cannot bear to imagine what Daniella or Daniel would think if they found out about this."

Mother put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Worry not, I'll keep the situation under control. I found out that those in Snow White's inner circle have been called into a meeting. I will go there, in case any news travels of this massacre. I'll divert them should they begin to suspect your hand."

I nodded and added quietly, "How is my daughter?"

"She will be alright. I believe she's gone riding with her father for the whole afternoon."

I smiled at the sound of that but mother continued in a slightly more serious tone, "You must return to the palace at night darling. That'll save you from answering questions because I'm sure they both have many."

It was instinctive of me to object that. "Night?! Wouldn't that just raise even more questions?!"

Mother gave me a knowing smile and whispered, "Well sweetheart, ask yourself why your stableboy wouldn't consider it abnormal?"

"What?" I breathed. Then, I understood. "Maybe he'll just take it that I am afraid of his reaction once he formally processes what I've told him of my past." Mother nodded so I continued, "But how about Daniella? I doubt she'd think that far..."

"I'll take care of her. Leave that problem to me."

"Well you're awfully helpful. Where am I supposed to go now?" I grunted as I waved my hands in the air.

"Our estate, it's not that far from the palace. I would go with you, but I have to divert the attention of Snow's circle-"

"Yes I understand, mother." I cut in before hopping back onto my horse. Before I left however, she added, "Remember, your lack of time with Daniella is only temporary. You'll soon get to indulge in her every wish alright?" A small lump formed in my throat so I kicked my horse and signalled it to canter. As I rode away from my mother, I gripped the reins tighter. I hoped that whatever I am doing right now, will defeat Zelena. Now that I'm back in the Enchanted Forest, I have a goal once again. To destroy my sister, the rest of Snow's loyal followers and to rebuild the kingdom for Daniel and my little firefly. I smiled at the thought of my family. Perhaps after all the collateral damage has been cleared, we can truly be happy.


(Daniella's POV)

A few hours later...

After dinner, mother still hadn't returned home. I didn't understand why she would be missing right on the day after we got back. Wouldn't she want to oversee the reorganisation of the state or even the work in the palace? Since I was stuck in these quarters, there's nothing much I was able to do. If I disappeared, someone would find out. Besides, I wasn't really in the mood for rebellion. I flopped on the bed for a solid ten minutes, growling in annoyance at the leather cuff that was once more on my wrist. I hope that Mama will do something about this cuff when she returns.

I huffed and walked over to the balcony in the outer room of my chambers which overlooked the inner castle courtyard. I wasn't expecting anyone to be there so I did a double take when I eyed a tiny figure amongst one of the marble pillars. I pressed my hands on the ledge and squinted. Henry?

I soon noticed that he was with another boy and judging by his clothes, his friend was probably a son of a servant. It was Henry's expression that intrigued me. His friend seemed to be doing most of the talking whilst he remained silent, giving the occasional remarks here and there. Their conversation continued that way until Henry said something back which seemed to have a tone of finality. Then, there was shouting between them. Well, that escalated fast. Then, I soon clasped my hand over my mouth. No...that boy isn't bullying him is he?! Once again, I made the mistake of attempting to use magic as it was habitual. I flicked my hand in the air to teleport only to be dawned with the annoying realisation. I growled angrily, quite audibly compared to the time when I plopped on my bed. Unfortunately, that drew attention. The maid who usually runs my bath for me seemed to suddenly appear by my side. I jumped back, scared by her presence.

She blushed and gave a quick curtesy before asking, "Are you alright, your highness?"

I turned back to observe Henry and the boy in the courtyard below us.

"Princess, if they're being too loud, I can tell them to quieten a little-"

"No, it's not that," I murmured with a frown. Then, I pointed to the boy who was still speaking to my brother and asked, "Who is that?" The maid looked over the balcony to where I was pointing and replied, "I'm sorry, I cannot tell from here. Perhaps he's one of the children of Snow's servants?"

I sighed and pulled myself away from the balcony. I wanted to go to Henry later and see if he's ok, but I feared that he would just push me away again.


(Regina's POV)

It was indeed very late when I arrived back at the palace. I certainly didn't expect to be confronted by Rumplestiltskin the minute I set foot in the dark corridors. I jumped when his figure stepped out from one of the tall columns that was lined up against the hallway. I attempted to hide my surprise and warned, "You have to stop appearing from the shadows like that, dear."

"Regina, I need to talk to you."

I rolled my eyes, "Of course you do. Or rather, I'm getting the impression that you want to kill me."

"No."

"No?!" Then, I laughed with such malevolent force that I suddenly grew quite self-conscious of myself. I haven't heard that sound in so long, and it rung strangely familiar to my ears. Rumple addressed my worries when he replied, "Yes, I know what you were up to today. It's a pity that you have to hide it from your Stableboy and daughter."

I seethed, "What I do is my business. Now that we're done, I don't see why you would want to talk to me. Unless of course, you're here to inflict pain because of what I did to your sweet maid."

"Alas, you've hit the target in the bull's eye."

Although my heart fell, I paid no attention to showing that as I threatened, "If you do so much as so touch a single hair on anyone I care about, you-"

"Oh no I'm not here for that. After all, I do not need to lift a single finger to see you suffer this time. All I'm going to do, is sit back and watch."

I growled, "What are you talking about?"

"You see, I know the extent of your sister's furies and I know her powers."

I replied behind gritted teeth, "Of course you do. You trained her behind my back."

"Why risk not having my curse cast when you could select between two determined sorceresses?"

I glared at the imp when I realized that he had just admitted to using me. I stepped towards him and said in a low voice, "Your curse?"

"Oh, yes, that leads me to another point. You see, the point of my curse being cast was that I would be able to find my son in the land without magic. Thanks to you and your little family breaking it, we're now back here in this god forsaken land." I chuckled coldly as an attempt to hide my shaking body. "That dear, is called karma for your cowardice. If you wanted so desperately to find your son, why didn't you cast the curse yourself?" Then, I changed my tone of voice and seethed, "Oh, it's too bad that you were too weak to kill the one you loved most."

"At least I'm not a monster, unlike you," he accused.

I frowned at the irony and roared, "You son of a bitch! You made me like this and now you're accusing me of compiling to your works? Tell me, what was preventing you from finding your son when we were in Storybrooke? I'm sure the great and powerful Dark One would have found a loophole regarding the spell on the town line." Then, I added with a smirk, "What is it? Cowardice?"

"SHUT UP!" he yelled. I stood unfazed by his angry remark as he continued, "You have no idea what you're talking about so I suggest you listen to what I have to say. Mark my words, you'll come to me one day to help you defeat your sister but I will not lift a finger to help you. What you've done to Belle is unforgivable. Although she asked me not to kill you, I will not help you escape from your fate either. We're done, your majesty."

Before I could reply, he disappeared in a puff of crimson red smoke. I regarded the the space where he stood seconds ago for a hot second before storming off to my chambers. How dare he underestimate me?! I've once inflicted misery on a whole realm and I can do it again.

Although it was late in the night, several guards saw me and made an approach but I flicked my hand, sending them flying through the air. I was in no mood to deal with questionings at this hour. The increasing angst from my encounter with Rumple only started to simmer down when I saw Daniel. I decided that he mustn't see me agitated for he could possibly suspect foul play. So, I slowed down my fast paces and walked in as calmly as I could into my chambers. I was not entirely surprised to see the expression of worry etched within the lines on his forehead. "Regina, where were you?! Everyone was looking for you all day, including myself and Daniella! You weren't gone because of the Wicked Witch were you?"

I gave him a kiss and said, "I'm fine, dear. There was simply things I had to take care of."

His reply came quicker than the swing of a sword. "Does that involve burning a village?"

A wave of cold air seized my lungs.