"Masha," I appeared beside her on the log when she breathed air out of her mouth. She can't see me anymore because she's not little. Only children could see spirits because it's easy for them to believe in anything even in Santa Clause, which is where 'imagination friends' come from.

Berta's mother and I haven't reached an agreement regarding reincarnation. She kept saying I can't interfere and made a list of excuses. I refuse to hear a word of it. The kids, the never-ending hyper and exhilarating children with so many imaginations. Even so, I love every moment of it.

I didn't want to put Masha in direct danger when they were planning to go through my kingdom to Sherwood Forest. It's pointless and she has the wrong information about the stones and the sword. There is another book, especially for her and it's at the White Kingdom in Emma's old room. I hid in the same fireplace, magically protected with special ink and my rings that were formed from Berta's. Besides, it'll be a perfect opportunity to see James and his family.

"Masha, I know you can hear me."

Masha stood up, looked around the forest wondering who was out there. I know she can feel me. "Masha, go to the White Kingdom," I ordered Athena to put a red mark on Emma's room, so when she walks inside the walls of the White Kingdom to see the mark above the window. It's the same red shape on her ankle. I repeated close to her ears that made her flinch, "White Kingdom."

Berta's mother seems to be waiting for me by the foundation.

"Madam, is there a reason you're hounding me?"

"Berta is playing with Razi and the twins, so I thought I'll use this opportunity to discuss privately."

I gloomily in a superman pose, "out with it, madam."

"Each generation, there's a massacre that Berta was supposed to stop, but failed due to her mistakes and her life was short-lived. It is not that we can't allow you, but she will be chosen to be the King's mistress to prevent a bloodbath in the Enchanted Forest. The King will fall in love with her and leave his wife for her. He will banish the wife out of the White Kingdom for her."

I opened my mouth to say something mean remark, but she held her hands up, "I am not finished, Regina." I inhaled when she continued, "Berta's happiness is vital to live to the fullest, and if you are to interfere then …"

She's worried when there's a time, she'll be with me for a moment and forget the King, but that will not happen because I will not allow it. Her happiness is important to me. I wouldn't be willing to do this unless I believe in my love. "If you think otherwise then you don't know me, madam. You need to ask yourself which is more important to me or Enchanted Forest." This still is not up for discussion and I am not changing my mind.

"Mother!" I didn't see Berta running towards us when she stood in front of me when we were about to start a war.

"You're willing to bet her life over Enchanted Forest, Queen Regina?"

"Mother! Please," in her begging tone not to get into this again.

She's reminding me of my place as a Queen, protecting Enchanted Forest, but when it comes to my family, they come first, "Your daughter is my priority. Take it or leave it."

"Mother, that's enough! Regina is only thinking of my safety."

"May I please talk to my daughter, privately Regina?"

She doesn't like our relationship, the hold we have on each other, so she's requesting to talk privately with Berta to change my mind. I evilly smirked when Berta surprised me, "Mother, we have no secrets. Say you need it in front of her, or I'll tell her myself."

"Berta …," using her motherly warning tone.

"No, Mother. It's our choice and I trust her decision for me. You are my mother, but Regina is my wife. She only wants what's best for me."

I smiled softly when she defended my honor and sided with me against her mother. I'm amazed that she puts me first before her own mother. She looks between both of us then redirects to Berta again, "this is your final decision?"

"Yes, Mother."

"I'll talk to my sisters to reach a compromise," she bows before me then shoots me a look, a motherly mean look that I use with my children that I know so well. Berta stopped her when I pushed forward to challenge and held me back, "Mother."

We waited until she left when she crossed her arms, displeased with me, "why can't you get along with my mother, Regina?!" I felt bad for putting her in the spot, "I will not have this to put you two in separate rooms. Figure this out!" Berta storms out when I protest, "Berta."

"I take that didn't go well," Emma checks on me when she hears Berta yelling at me. No, it did not, obviously. Emma wraps one arm around my back then pecks on my cheek, "babe, what happened?"

I don't want her … the truth is, I don't want her to go. I want to be with her, to make sure she's happy and safe. "Her mother was trying to reason with me, but I …"

"You would throw a fireball and bite her ass," smirks and teases a little to lighten the mood. "Regina." Emma turns me around to grab my attention, "babe, you shouldn't be too hard on her. After all, she is Berta's mother. You know she wouldn't put her in harm's way."

I do not trust her, but Athena is right, you can't change fate anyway or anyhow. Me being there will not help anyway since it wouldn't change a thing. I hate this! I need a moment, "I'll talk to you later." I sat in our bedroom, the same house from Remington Community. I looked through our pictures, the days she's pregnant and the times we were together. Most of them, Berta is so silly, sticking her tongue out at me and others acting like a brat.

"This has been hard on you, hasn't it?"

I look up to the voice I know by heart, a beautiful young woman, long brown-reddish hair. I heavily sigh when she sat next to me, "I'm sorry, my love."

"No, I should be the one to apologize. You never had a chance to live your life, so if you want to do this then you have my blessing."

Berta seems upset when she slaps me, what is with this woman and slapping me?! "What is with you, Regina?!"

"What did I say?" dumbfounded, whispering while I touch my face.

"How many times do I have to tell you for you to believe me?!"

"What, Mrs. Mills?! You said you haven't lived your life and both timelines, it was my fault!"

"I did not say that!"

"Yes, you did, you would be happier if it wasn't for me!"

"Now you listen to me," poking and pushing me back, "let me tell you a story, a story I haven't told a soul."

"Do you remember the prince who was coming onto me at the diner?"

That bastard, of course, I remember, the prince who was flirting and asking out on dates. He could be a man for her, though. Berta continues when I angrily nod without being able to hide my jealousy. "We went out on a couple of dates."

"Now you're giving me the news?"

"I'm not finished!" I angrily shot her a look, "you …," I forced to swallow my throat when she challenged me to be quiet and listen. "I went to his house one night, and you know what happened?"

Did she say she …, "What?! When did this happen?!"

"That is not the point of the story. He invited me inside on our third date, he offered me a glass of wine. I heard a voice; it was your voice. I had a moment to choose between a good man and the Good Queen. I knew you would be hard on me and … I was so in love with you that I couldn't do it with him. I gave back the wine and never saw him again because of a woman on the bed exhausted with a baby in her room."

I slam her hard on the wall, kissing her hard and passionately. She sloppily returns the kiss, touching my face, "I would never know how to live happily until I met you, Regina. You gave me everything, when are you going to believe that?"

For a second, I wish we were human so I can take off her clothes and explore her orgasm, and dive into her wave of scent. I held her tight on the wall, kissing everywhere, loving her. She chose to be with me, that's … oh god. I don't want her to go again. I believe I was afraid to lose her, to the King.

"The King would give you everything you wanted, a family and children. You would grow old with him, good years with him," showing my fears and insecurity of her leaving me to find a better partner.

"That may be true, but you're my home. You're my wife and momma. All I need is a moment when I lay my eyes on you then I'll come running. I love you more than I can say, momma."