Note: mature content in this chapter. Please scroll down to '*end of mature content' if you do not wish to read this part.

(Regina's POV)

Unfortunately, I was terrible at hiding emotions in front of my true love. I knew he saw right through me when he gently pushed me aside as he walked over to the balcony that overlooked the lands below. I approached him with caution and put my hand gently on his arm. "Daniel, please talk to me. Tell me what you're thinking, my love."

In a quiet voice, he murmured, "And will you tell me truthfully what's going on?"

I breathed heavily and stammered, "Daniel, I'm not trying to hide anything from you. It's just hard and you have to understand that I'm doing this for us. To protect us and our daughter from my sister." I peered into his distant eyes and murmured without breaking eye contact, "You think I was the one who was responsible for the massacre."

After a few seconds of painful silence, he finally turned to look at me with his mesmerising eyes. However, the beauty in them didn't seem to correlate with the disappointment in his voice as he replied, "Regina, I don't want to believe that you did it, because my heart is telling me that you couldn't have possibly done so. But I couldn't help but piece everything together in a way that tells me you've slaughtered those innocent lives."

I felt my heart crumble as he said those words. I diverted my gaze, not daring to affirm or deny what he had said, but I suppose I had given him my answer. Daniel walked away and sat down at the chaise before the fireplace, with his hands through his hair. "Daniel-" I began. He silenced me with a stern stare that shook my core. I wanted to approach him but the denial in his eyes were apparent. I was so taken aback by his actions that within my own body, I was able to feel the pain that must be welling up inside his heart. However, as I forced my breathing to regulate, I unconsciously justified myself.

Much has happened to bring me where I am today. To shape me. I admit that I'm no longer the girl my fiance fell in love with, but it didn't mean that I'm not myself. I still wanted Daniel with all my heart and I cannot afford to lose him. As Daniel sat there, I started taking notice of his shapely arms and gorgeous face. With every step that I took towards him, I could feel my concern for what he was thinking grow a little less. I could make him forget all that too. I can make him love me, I can make him never doubt me again. I can fulfil him, can't I? I can be enough...

I sat down next to him but before he could edge away, I put my hand on his chest and purred, "Hey, I still love you, you know that."

He looked at me with uncertainty which was something that I wanted to crush right now in this present moment. "Regina-"

I murmured, "It's ok. I know everything's different now, but it's also the same isn't it? Look at the stars up there. It's the same sky that watched us as we brought Daniella into the world all those years ago, aren't they?" I focused on my true love's eyes, and indeed, they stared right back into mine. Then, the reflection seemed to soften a bit. This time, as he whispered my name, it came out as a plea. "I've missed you so much, my dear." Then, I used my magic to close the doors of my chambers. Daniel was silent, but I took his exploring eyes to mean otherwise. Slowly, I shrugged off my warm fur cloak and let it pool onto the floor beside us. The cold air immediately seized my chest but I could feel a heat rush up my cheeks as I angled myself to best suit my fiance's gaze. Then, I reached up and took his face in my hands, bringing his soft velvety lips onto mine.

As I tasted the sweetness of his lips, he placed his broad hands on my back. I could feel him fumbling at the tangled laces of my corset so I helped him, brutally tearing at the knots responsible for cinching my waist. A small wave of satisfaction coursed through my body when I felt the strings tear, and seconds later, hear something skitter across the stone tiles. Then, Daniel put his arms around me, allowing me to slide easily underneath him. As my head gently met the pillows on the chaise, darkness settled over me. I breathed in homely scents of wood and hay whilst lifting my hands to tear away the clothing suspended between us. I was growing impatient so I used a little touch of magic to help me. As I flung away the pieces of rain scented cloth, the candles beside us was extinguished. Soon, I was staring at his beautiful golden body, illuminated by the blue moonlight. I traced my finger down. He shuddered, his arms tightening around me.

"You're cold, Regina," he managed to say as he breathed hot air down my neck. I tilted my head a bit, exposing my cleavage. His eyes turned to it, and his hands grabbed at my dress, ripping it apart down the middle. He teased, "You royals wear too much...it takes an entire century to unwrap all the layers."

I tried not to laugh, so I purred, "Is that so? Don't you like it, my dear?"

"Normally I do prefer modesty. However..."Eventually, he got it off, and as I lay naked in front of his twinkling eyes, I breathed heavily. Then, he lowered his head and his nose grazed the exposed bit of neck I arched beneath him. I slid my nail down his back and that made him press his body into me. Something hard pushed against my behind and heat flooded through my blood. I tensed up but relaxed to the feeling that I hadn't felt in a long time. I inched closer to him, allowing him to taste me. I wanted him to consume what he could, to take in everything I could give him. I played to his desires. "Haven't they fed you today?"

"I've been too worried about you," he murmured.

Before I could reply, he put his finger between my eyes, forcing me to loosen up. My lips opened in a moan as his fingers travelled down and stopped at the valley of my breasts. The other hand continued, down, down, down towards what was underneath my panties. Daniel's teeth scraped against my neck lazily. I pleaded at him with a little cry and he answered. I could feel a conflicted tear roll slowly down my cheek as I murmured in between breathless gasps, "Daniel, I'm sorry if you're upset...I'm just so...lost. I-"

He silenced me by whispering, "Well you're the most gorgeous sublime lost creature this kingdom has ever seen." The palm of his hand scraped against my nipple and for the first time, I bowed and willingly submitted myself before someone. Silently, I was begging for his attention because I wanted him to be pleased with what I could offer him. I pivoted, reaching for him, for his satisfaction, his desires, to fulfil my sole wish that I'd be enough for him. As we cuddled, my own hand travelled down his back, I was toying with him. Then, at last, I trailed beneath his pants. I brushed against it, earning me a groan from deep within my fiance. I could feel his perspiration against my skin and like a cat, I played with my toy mouse. I pulled myself into him, he closed his eyes at the satisfaction at the wetness waiting for him. He swore, forcing a grin to tug at the corners of my lips. "That's it," I murmured as my tongue traced his neck. He was staring at me when I saw his mouth widen along with my own. He plunged deeper into me, slow and deliberate. My insides burned scathing hot but I embraced those flames with delight. I relished every advance he made and bent my body in such a way that it was made it easier for him. I heard a soft sweet murmur, "Regina-"

The sweetness of my name being called made me cry out, but his lips covered mine, taking in the pleasure in my body. His tongue explored the roof of my mouth and pulled me in. I shuddered, locking myself into him. Our breaths became one and soon, I was limp and trembling. I couldn't breath but still, I urged him to come and take it all; to take all of me. He came into me, only to withdraw and thrust harder. I moaned at the rhythm he set and felt my hair come undone at each advance. Finally, I met his mesmerized gaze and pulled away, only for his fingers and grab me. I spasmed and let out a shaky breath. His hand came away wet, but he grabbed at my bare skin, sliding his touch across my body. I whimpered and he stopped temporarily. I breathed, "Let's take this somewhere more comfortable, shall we?"

He stroked my breasts and played with them, not to arouse, but to soothe. However, he soon couldn't resist his hunger as he gave my nipple a little bite. I cried out whilst his hands travelled beneath me. As he picked me up, I giggled. Like a child, I bent my head into his body as he carried me to my inner bedchambers. He laid me down gently on the cool linen sheets but before he could continue his tricks, I gained the upper hand. I slid my hands around his shoulders, opening my mouth to him. As my hair brushed down upon his face, he grinned stupidly at me with that soft smile of his. He hardened against me when I deepened our kiss. He pulled back to survey me, but all I could think of was his strong body. I traced the lines down and smirked as he tightened. Like the cat I was, I played with my food. I purred before bringing my tongue down. he growled his approval as I cleansed him, tongue gripping right to the edge. The cat reached it's mouse and gave it a little affection of love. He cried out, just like a little innocent boy. "Darling, you're mine," I murmured. When I came back up, I dragged my fingers through my lover's hair. The scent of our passion transfused into one sweet condensation of affection as I put my hand onto his chest and whispered, "I love you, my dear."

*End of mature content


I blinked lazily as light met my eyes. I was feeling a little cold and when I pulled the bedsheets around me closer to my body, I realized that something was missing. I snapped awake as my hands explored the space on the bed beside me. "Daniel?" I murmured. I sat up groggily, when I realised that he wasn't there. My heart pounded in fear. I repeated a little louder in a higher pitched voice, "Daniel?"

No one replied but as I got off my bed, I heard some shuffling outside. I was barely dressed in anything, courtesy of last night's events so I retrieved a cloak and draped it upon my naked body before walking out of my bed chambers into my private reception room. Luckily I had done that, for my maid had just walked in. I looked at her in surprise, and she did the same towards me. "Oh, I'm so sorry Your Majesty. I didn't know that you were awake."

I pulled the fur around me closer together and asked in a collected voice, "Where's my fiance?"

She gave me a bow and kept her eyes to the ground as she replied, "He left about an hour ago, I believe."

I frowned in confusion. "Left? How was he? Is he alright?"

He had wanted me last night. I hugged myself and almost felt his skin touching mine again. My mind however, was dragged out of these thoughts as the maid replied, "He's fine." I surveyed her expression and frowned. Then, I composed myself and said in my best intimidating voice, "No. He's not. Don't lie to me. Is he alright?"

Her eyes met mine briefly before they looked away. Her mouth opened to speak but there was a bit of hesitation before she finally answered quickly, "My Queen, he seemed confused and a little upset."

I was left speechless. I felt my own voice ascend an octave as I ordered, "Leave. You can tidy up after I've gone down for breakfast."

The maid bowed with her head kept low. I closed the doors to my chambers using magic and stalked over to my vanity. I simply stood in front of the mirror, bent over my chair as I used it to steady myself. My cloak was sliding off me, but I let it fall to the floor. I looked at my naked body, the full breasts, the small waist I had achieved from the tight laces of my corset. I frowned at the woman looking back at me. Am I not good enough? I looked away guiltily at that thought. No, Daniel loves me and I love him.

Suddenly, I felt as if the roles had been reversed. I had tried to ignore him yesterday to avoid having to explain my disappearance...only for him to turn his back on me and walk away this morning. Conflicted, I shook my head. No, that cannot be right. Even though I wanted it so badly, I knew I cannot let myself become weak because of him. I mustn't go and look for him. I snarled in the mirror, feeling anger towards the plan that mother had initiated. I knew it was the right thing to do, in order to defeat my sister. However, I hadn't foreseen its consequence. I continued looking hatefully at the reflection before me, but my thoughts were soon diverted towards those surrounding the pesky Greenie.

Then, a realisation struck me and I stepped back. A puff of breath left my body and I quickly wrapped myself back in the fur cloak I had left on the floor. I glared at the mirror and growled, "Bastard!" as I threw a spell into it. It shattered into fine shards and I turned around to destroy every other mirror in my chambers. I swept towards the chest next to my vanity and opened it frantically, sorting through the potions. I found what I was looking for, after a minute of frustration. I poured a little bit of the airy liquid into my hand and as I willed it into a manageable spell, I repaired the mirrors in my chamber, with my magic. Once the pieces had mended itself, I stroked the surface. I breathed a sigh of relief when I felt the new barrier push back against me. I'd be damned if Zelena ever mentioned to anyone that she had seen snippets of me making love to my fiance.

After that, I stalked away from the vanity angrily. I went into my closet and sifted through my dresses. My hand stopped at a jewelled sleeve. I took out the court dress and smiled, this will remind those worthless scum in my palace of where the true power lies.

I applied a darker shade to my eyelids today, ignoring every inch of me that prophesied my fiance would probably not be happy with this appearance. However, I had to remind myself that I'm no longer the girl he met in the stables. I sighed heavily and decided to visit my daughter first. I made my way to her chambers with a hope that she was still fast asleep. Indeed, I saw her body rise and fall underneath the soft covers of her bed. I sat down gently beside her and smiled at her peaceful face. When I reached to tuck the strand of hair that had fallen across her face, it unfortunately woke her up.

Her eyes blinked open but before I could stand up and leave, she gasped and murmured, "Mama?"

I didn't anticipate that she would sit up from her bed so quickly as she did. I was bombarded with a question before I could even muster a simple 'good morning'. "Mama, where were you yesterday?!"

"I was just taking care of something."

"What?"

I sighed and patted my daughter's leg as I replied quietly, "Just trust your mother. I'm doing what's best for us."

It annoyed me that just like her father, she also brought up the massacre. She exclaimed, "Does this have anything to do with the massacre? Snow, Emma and-"

"Firefly, enough," I silenced. Daniella was taken aback so I softened my eyes and said a little more calmly, "It's not important. Just focus on yourself-"

"I am focusing on myself! Mother, I'm worried about you ever since we've returned to the Enchanted Forest! Yesterday, it was like as if I couldn't approach you!" Daniella replied quickly.

Instead of fleshing out a long reply I muttered, "Mama's sorry," before using my magic to take me down to the dining hall.

I frowned as I thought about Daniella's response for I wanted to say so much more. I wanted to embrace her because of the pain and confusion in her eyes. I couldn't deny the fact that I was troubled with her reaction, but I gritted my teeth and forced myself to believe that what I was doing was correct. As I made my way to the buffet that was spread out on a table on one end of the room, I pondered upon the plan mother had suggested again. The plan involves magic, and surely she wouldn't have made a mistake. Annoyingly enough to admit, she's one of the most powerful magic practitioner in the lands. If she says I have to avoid affection, then I must. After I had collected my breakfast, I walked over to my space at the table. As I strode down the hall, I scanned the room for any sight of my fiance. He wasn't there. I arrived at my place, dejected. As they were accustomed to do, my knights greeted me by standing up. I gave them a nod and we sat down. Sir Richardson, my lawyer in Storybrooke, and knight of honour here, was the first to speak. He complemented, "You look well today, your majesty."

I raised an eyebrow at him to hide my satisfaction as he continued, "Uh, I do think that being back in the Enchanted Forest has returned your power to you wonderfully."

I grinned and took my goblet. There wasn't wine inside, but I swirled it nonetheless and smirked. Sometimes, I liked playing with the knights in ways that made them think I was interested. However, should rationality actually dictate their brains, they would realise that I would never grant their desires. Of course, I'll have their heads if they did anything to Daniel. In the past however, I didn't care whatever methods of intimidation they used on the Huntsman after we've had our fun.

I had come down a little later than usual, and soon I was the only one eating. Frankly, the men's presence was starting to annoy me so I said, "You may leave, I wish to continue alone." They nodded and left quickly. When they had dispersed, I was surprised to see the Charmings walk towards me. Must they really bring their whole family...including Henry?! I gripped my goblet tightly and snarled when they came close enough. Without looking at them, I flashed my teeth and stated, "Thank you for ruining my appetite. What do you want?"

"We know you did it."

My eyes snapped up in anger. "You'd have to be more specific, Miss Swan. Unlike you, I never spent a day of my life as a bails bondsperson. I don't speak code."

David stepped in and said, "The massacre that we were informed of. A whole village, burnt and slaughtered. Now, tell me why this reminds me of someone?"

I immediately despised the fact that he was making this accusation in front of Henry. I avoided my son's gaze as I replied without looking up, "And I was told that whoever was responsible ripped hearts. Now, Charming, I'm sure you'd remember that this was not my signature trait. I don't sign off massacres with crushed hearts."

"If you're talking about Cora, we doubt that it was her. Fire and hearts. That's something you'd do. Besides, we've seen it. Henry tells me that you've been ignoring Daniella. Whatever for? Something that you wish to hide?"

I stood up angrily and seethed, "You stay away from matters that do not concern you." Then, I turned to Henry and softened my gaze only slightly and said, "What did Daniella say to you?"

Emma quickly said, "Henry, don't talk to her-"

I whipped around and said with venom, "Like it or not, I will not let you refrain my son from communicating with his mother." I huffed and prompted, "Henry?"

Snow was clever enough to change to topic as she said, "Whatever. We know it was you, and we just want you to tell us why."

"And what? If I admit it was me, in which it wasn't, you'd get your pathetic little army to come and kill me?"

David glared at me and said, "Regina, we're concerned about the kingdom's safety. As long as there is peace, we won't touch whatever power your trying to hold onto here. If you cross the line, we won't hesitate to bring down your grip on the land."

I laughed but he continued to intimidate me. "Where were you yesterday? Give us a valid explanation or we'll assume that you massacred those innocents. And trust me, we'll find a reason to make you pay."

I rolled my eyes but refused to speak. "My actions are my own, and I'd appreciate it if you'd stay out of my way. I'm sure you wouldn't want to wager war?"

Snow crossed her arms and pointed, "Last time, we defeated you. You were only spared because we recognised that you have a daughter that needs you. We could have kept you locked up. Good-" I have had enough. I pushed angrily past them with a growl. Before I could walk off however, David grabbed me and said sternly, "I'll take this as a confirmation."

"You'll take it as a confirmation either way," I seethed whilst shaking myself free. He let me go and I stalked away, towards the gardens as any direction that took me the furthest away from those idiots would be preferable I was glad that everyone made a path for me as I walked past. At the corner of my eyes however, I saw a tinge of purple follow me. I turned around and sighed as Daniella approached. I didn't want to appear irritable but the Charmings really hit a nerve. "Firefly, go back to breakfast, or your chambers. I don't have time for this right now."

Daniella stubbornly replied, "Mama, I want to know what's going on! You're ignoring me and I want to know why! Did I say something wrong, or-"

"You did nothing wrong," I gritted. "But I don't have to explain everything to you either. Right now, I'd appreciate it if you didn't ask so many questions and simply-"

"Don't you trust me?!" She screamed. Heads turned our way. Unfortunately, there were still some high members of society living in the palace. I growled and stalked towards Daniella. I gripped her shoulder tightly and seethed, "You will not raise your voice at me, young lady."

That unfortunately, didn't stop her from replying. "Why are you telling me to not do this and not do that? What has happened?! It's like you're finding me annoying!"

In a low voice, I said dangerously, "I'm your mother and I can address you however I want. Do you know who you're resembling right now?" I waited for silence and it was given to me. So, I replied with disgust, "Snow White; always wanting to know what's happening even though she knows nothing in the grand scheme of things."

My daughter's eyes glistened as she clamped her mouth shut. I let her go and turned away. However, she shouted, "At least tell me why you killed the entire village! You know I don't judge. I've stood by and watched as you've snapped necks and crushed hearts. Don't you trust me anymore?"

I laughed and as I uttered my next words, "You're a child, dear. You know nothing but you pretend you do, just like that naive princess."

I threw my head around and was disgusted by the fact that my own daughter resembled Snow's whining presence when that bratty child didn't get what she wanted. I could only see my stepdaughter's young self in place of Daniella. That made me spit passionately, "What in the heavens are those tears for? You're a princess, soon to be Queen. You will not shed another tear. I didn't raise you to be a weakling." The girl before me forced herself to stop those insipid waterworks but nonetheless I growled, annoyed that she was reacting in such a way. She was humiliating me as well! I couldn't stand the creature before me any longer. I reached out my hand and lifted her into the air with my magic. I was filled with such vivid memories of Snow as a child that I imagined her being hoisted into the air, with my hand closing in on her throat. "You pathetic child. You should learn that you don't always get what you want."

I was so immersed in my memories that the screams around me became muffled. My eyes saw fire and my dark magic sat comfortably with what I was doing to the child. I smirked as her pupils stared helplessly into mine; I was so close to snuffling out her breath. So much power...so much strength was coursing through my body. Finally...she would be dead. She can annoy me no longer...

I didn't anticipate being knocked over the next second. I fell onto the hard pavement and yelped in shock. I turned to my attacker and roared at the black knight who dared push me over. "How dare you! I'll have you life for that!"

I reached to plunge my hand into his chest but his eyes looked back at me with a desperation that I've never seen elicited from a guard. He exclaimed in utter horror, "Your majesty!" My hand stopped centimetres away from him. Then, he said quickly, "It's your daughter, my Queen. You were trying to kill your own daughter!"

I shuddered and felt a darkness leave my eyes. What the hell had just happened? Breathless, I turned around and saw my little firefly bent over and coughing heavily. I felt as if a stream of icy water was trickling down my neck as I ran over to her in a panic. I knelt down, letting my voluminous dress pool around us. I steadied her, murmuring frantically, "No, no, no, no, no...firefly? Daniella?!"

To my horror, a small patch of blood splattered onto the white marble floor.