(Author's Note: Wow! Thank you so much to everyone who has favorited, followed, and left reviews. I'm mostly writing this story for myself because I love writing, but it makes it so much more worth it to know that there are people out there who are enjoying my story, and I appreciate you all so so much. I hope you all enjoy Chapter 2. I will try my hardest to post a chapter once a week, if my schedule allows it. The song featured in this chapter is The Death of Me by City and Colour.)

CHAPTER 2

Noone in Storybrooke had seen hide nor hare of Shae or Regina since the day they threatened the folks at Granny's diner. Emma and her family didn't really have the time to worry about their vampire friend. They were still attempting to keep the peace in Storybrooke. The residents were still scared, confused, and, most of all, angry.

Emma knew that at least one person was posted outside of Regina's house day and night, waiting for Shae to leave so they could finally make their move on The Evil Queen. Emma wasn't too terribly worried about them. She knew that they wouldn't go anywhere near Regina with Shae around, and she was sure that Regina wasn't about to let Shae leave her side.

However, Emma's concern's were about to come to light. It was early in the morning, and she was standing on the sidewalk outside of her apartment, talking with her parents and Leroy, aka Grumpy, when Archie, aka Jiminy Cricket, ran up to them, looking panicked.

"There you are! I need your help." He said in a huff. "Dr. Whale has everyone in a frenzy. Apparently he saw Shae leaving Regina's house, and he's leading a mob over there now. T-They're going to kill her!"

"Great! Let's go watch." Grumpy said excitedly.

"No, we've gotta stop them!" Henry cried out. "Please! She's still my mom!"

Emma nodded in agreement. "Henry's right, come on, let's go."

XX

Regina was seated at her kitchen table, engrossed in an old spell book that she had brought with her from The Enchanted Forest. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. She took the book with her as she walked toward the door, finally glancing up as the door swung open.

"Hello, Your Majesty." Snarled Dr. Whale.

The book fell from Regina's hand as Whale grabbed her by the throat and slammed her against one of the pillars on her front porch. The mob gathered on her lawn cheered and yelled angry threats at her.

"Your little bodyguard isn't here to save you this time, is she?" Whale asked with a triumphant sneer.

"So, what now? You're going to kill me?" Regina rasped out.

"Eventually, but first you need to suffer." Whale replied, tightening his grip on her throat.

Regina choked out a laugh. "Listening to you babble on is suffering enough."

Whale's eyes flashed with rage, and he used his free hand to smack her across the face, causing another rousing cheer from the mob. Regina laughed again as she tasted blood.

"Stop it! Let her go!"

Emma was pushing her way through the crowd, Snow and Charming close behind her. Emma rushed up the steps, shoving Whale away from Regina.

"Why the hell should we listen to you?" Whale asked of Emma.

"Because I'm still the sheriff." Emma answered sternly.

"And because she saved you! She saved all of us." Charming said, stepping up on the bottom step of Regina's porch, turning to the mob.

"And because no matter what Regina has done, it does not justify this." Said Snow, standing next to her husband. "We are NOT murderers here."

"Yeah, well, we're not from this world." Whale retorted.

"You're in it now, pal." Emma snarled at him. "Alright? So back off, you're done."

"So, what, you're protecting The Queen now too?" Granny called out, once again armed with her crossbow.

"Look, all we're trying to do here is make sure this town doesn't go to hell in a handbasket." Charming replied. "We have a lot to figure out, and this just isn't the way."

"Regina's death won't give us any answers." Snow pleaded with the mob. "If anything, she should be locked up, for her own safety, and more importantly, ours."

"I don't think so!"

The mob turned around, and there was a collective gasp when they found Shae standing on the sidewalk behind them, a paper bag filled with various groceries under her arm.

Shae walked slowly forward, a menacing scowl on her face. The members of the mob all parted for her, their eyes filled with fear.

"Hold that for me, will ya? Thanks." Shae said as she shoved the bag of groceries into David's hands.

Shae pushed passed him and Snow, and stepped up onto the porch. When she saw Regina's bloody and already swollen lip, she stood rigid in her spot, her knuckles cracking as she curled her hands into fists.

"Who did this?" She growled, glaring at Emma.

When Emma didn't respond, Shae whirled around, her enraged snarl causing Emma and her parents to back up off the porch.

"Who the FUCK did this?" She shouted furiously, pointing at Regina.

The mob remained dead silent, and Shae turned to Regina, who inclined her head at Whale. Shae pointed at him, stepping toward the man.

"This guy? Oh, ok." She said, turning her back to him with a shrug.

Shae immediately spun back around, hitting Dr. Whale square in the face with her fist. The mob cried out as he hit the ground, and Snow and Charming rushed over to him.

"What the hell, Shae?" Emma exclaimed.

"What? An for an eye, right? I know I feel better now." Shae replied as she adjusted her leather jacket, then turned to Regina. "Don't you feel better?"

"Much." Regina replied with a grin.

"We were just trying to tell everyone that violence is not the answer." Snow snapped as her and Charming helped a woozy Dr. Whale back to his feet.

"See, I disagree. I find that violence is almost always the answer. Especially when an angry mob is involved." Shae replied in the joking and sarcastic way that she almost always did.

As Snow looked upon Shae, her eyes suddenly grew very sad. "What the hell happened to you, Shae?" She asked quietly. "I thought you were good."

Shae barked out a laugh. "Good? Me? Oh, Snow, you think just because I did one good thing almost thirty years ago, that makes me… Good?"

"It was definitely a start." Snow replied.

Shae laughed again, stepping back up onto the porch and turning to the crowd. "Let me let you all in on a little secret." She said loudly. "The world isn't as black and white as you all think it is. There is no good or evil, there is only power."

The members of the mob all began muttering amongst themselves. "That's right, power." Shae went on. "And there are those that have it, and those that don't. And since you all fall under the category of those that don't, I suggest be on your way, before I rip your lungs out and feed them to you."

When nobody moved, Shae took an angry and forceful step toward them. "You heard me! FUCK OFF!" She bellowed.

The mob dispersed quite hastily after that, shoving each other as they retreated. "Yeah, that's right! Run from the scary monster!" Shae shouted after them with a laugh.

"Your damn vampire isn't going to around forever, Regina." Dr. Whale spat furiously through bloody teeth as Charming and Snow led him away from the house, Emma close behind them.

"Sure I will! Don't you know what immortal means? Look it up sometime!" Shae shouted back.

Shae waited on the porch for a few moments, watching the backs of the mob as they hurried away from Regina's house. "Idiots." She muttered as she scooped up her bag that David had left abandoned on the porch.

Regina and Shae retreated inside, and Shae dropped the bag on the kitchen table. "I told you going grocery shopping was a bad idea."

"Yes, well, unlike you, I require food to survive." Regina replied bitterly.

"Right, right." Shae muttered, frowning as Regina wiped blood from her lip. "That looks pretty bad. Are you alright?"

"Oh, so now you're concerned about me?"

"You know, a 'thank you' would be nice. I just saved your sorry ass."

Regina opened her mouth to argue, but then shut it again with a sigh. "You're right, thank you." She relented. "And I'm fine, it's just a scratch."

Shae gave her a nod, then went to the sink, running a clean washcloth under the cold tap. "Still, better get it cleaned up."

The vampire stepped up to Regina, placing her hand gently under her chin and tilting her head up. Regina winced in pain as Shae dabbed at her swollen lip with the rag. They stood in silence for a few moments, Shae continuing to clean Regina's wound. For such a powerful being, Shae had a surprisingly gentle hand.

Regina found herself reminiscing about times long ago, times when she had basked in the delight of Shae's gentle touch. She remembered how, even though Shae didn't actually sleep, she remained by her side all through the night, every night. Every morning Regina would wake up in Shae's arms, and she would always press a tender kiss on her lips. She remembered the first time that Shae had kissed her, and what it felt like to have someone want her again.

XXXXX

Queen Regina pulled her robe tighter around her body, her slippered feet carrying her aimlessly through the castle as her mind wandered. She didn't sleep well anymore, so she often walked the castle halls alone late at night.

Her thoughts were on Shae, as they so often were ever since fate had brought the vampire back into her life. There was something about her that Regina found… Enticing. Perhaps it was her carefree and sarcastic demeanour, or her quirky smile. Or maybe, it was her sharp and witty humor. Shae was the only person that was able to make her laugh in a very long time.

Maybe it was the fact that her and Regina seemed to be kindred souls. They both had dark and troubled childhoods, both had suffered a painful loss, and both their hearts were clouded over and blackened with their lust for revenge.

Regina's silent musings were suddenly brought to a halt as she heard the sound of music being played. She decided to follow the sound, and as it grew louder she realized it was coming from the old and abandoned ballroom.

When she slowly pushed the door to the ballroom open, she found Shae sitting on the steps leading up to the stage, strumming on an old lute. Regina noticed that Shae's feet were bare, and she was garbed in simple black cloth breeches, a matching black shirt, and a black felt vest. She found it strange to see her without her standard black leather armor.

Regina stopped at watched as Shae plucked away at the strings of the lute, her fingers moving deftly up and down the neck of the instrument. It seemed that Shae was quite a skilled musician. Regina's breath then caught in her throat as the vampire started to sing. Her voice was a bit deep and gravely for a woman's, but it was also smooth, silky, and altogether mesmerizing.

"So here's to living life miserable,

And here's to all the lonely stories that I've told.

Maybe drinking wine will validate my sorrow,

Everyone needs a muse and mine could be the bottle.

Maybe then I could sleep at night,

I wouldn't lie awake until the morning light.

This is something that I'll never control.

My nerves will be the death of me, I know.

Finally, I could hope for a better day,

No longer holding on to all the things that cloud my mind.

Maybe then the weight of the world wouldn't seem so heavy,

But then again, I'll probably always feel this way.

At least I know I'll never sleep at night,

I'll always lie awake until the morning light.

This is something that I'll never control,

My nerves will be the death of me, I know."

Shae suddenly stopped, setting the lute down next to her and burying her face in her hands. As Regina drew closer, she heard her sniffling softly.

Shae picked her head up, and leapt to her feet when she noticed Regina. "Your Majesty! W-What are you doing up so late?" Shae asked, hastily wiping her eyes with her sleeve.

"I usually go for a walk around the castle when I can't sleep." The Queen explained. "When I heard music, I followed it here. Is this how you spend your sleepless nights?"

"Uh, yes, for the most part." Shae replied with a shrug. "I'm terribly sorry if I disturbed you."

"Not at all, you're quite talented." Regina told her with a smile. "Where did you learn to play?"

"Oh, here and there." Shae said in reply. "Mostly self taught actually. When you have as much time on your hands as I do, you tend to pick up some skills."

"I imagine that's quite true." Regina said with a nod. "That song you were singing, it was… Beautiful. Was it about-"

"Yes, yes it was." Shae cut in, smiling sadly.

"I see." Regina replied slowly, sensing that Shae didn't want to speak about her song further.

Shae ruffled her already messy black hair and got to her feet. "This is quite a nice hall you've got here." Shae commented with a smile. "I imagine you've thrown some grand balls in here."

"To be honest, I can't remember the last time I attended a ball." Regina muttered in reply.

"Yes, me either. It's been quite a long time."

"You've been to a ball?" Regina asked, eyebrows raised in shock.

"Of course! I told you that I used to serve a Count. He threw lavish parties in his castle fairly often." Shae replied matter-of-factly.

Regina tried to stifle a laugh. "I'm sorry, I'm just having a hard time imagining you waltzing in a ball gown."

"Well you should be, it never happened!" Shae replied indignantly. "I told you before that I've never worn a dress in my life, and I meant it. The Count provided me with the finest breeches and doublets that he could find. And I was taught how to lead a waltz, not be twirled around like some… Some… Frilly little princess in a tiara."

"So you DO know how to waltz?" Regina asked with another amused chuckle. "I was only joking."

"Of course I do! I was quite good, too." Shae replied with one of her cheeky smiles. "Im sure you were taught as well, yes?"

"Well, yes, but it's been ages. I don't even think I remember how."

Shae smiled, glancing around her and spreading her arms wide. "Well, we are in a ballroom. Come on, give it a go."

Shae held her hand out to Regina, who turned away, her face suddenly flushing. "I would rather think not."

"Oh, come on! The world isn't going to end if The Evil Queen dances."

Regina let out a frustrated sigh. "There isn't even any music to dance to."

"I believe I can fix that!" Announced Shae, pointing a finger at the lute sitting on the stage.

Regina turned around and watched as the lute rose into the air, and began to strum out a melody all on its own. When she turned back around, Shae was holding her hand out to her once again, smiling another dazzling smile.

"Fine." Regina relented, rolling her eyes.

"Excellent!"

Regina stepped up to the vampire, taking her hand. Shae cupped her hand in her's, then placed her other hand on her waist, Regina's on her shoulder.

Shae led the dance, as she said she knew how, and Regina tried to follow along, a bit awkwardly. After a few moments of clumsy staggering, the two fell into the rhythm of the music, and were soon gliding gracefully around the dancefloor.

"See? You do remember." Shae said, smiling down at her.

Regina smiled back. "Yes, it appears so."

Shae drew her in closer as their dancing went on, her arm curling around her waist, her hand coming to rest on the small of her back. Regina leaned into her, snaking her arm around her neck. Regina's heart began to flutter as their faces drew closer, almost touching. She breathed in Shae's scent, and it was intoxicating. It was mixture of sage and a hint of mint, her breath sweet, as if she had just bitten into an apple.

Regina gasped audibly as Shae suddenly grabbed her by the hips, lifting her off her feet and spinning her around in a circle. The Queen found herself giggling like a little girl. Shae laughed with her, setting her down gently as the song drew to a close.

They remained where they stood, their arms still wrapped around each other as silence fell over the ballroom. Regina stared into Shae's blood red eyes, and suddenly found herself gently tracing the vampire's strong jawline with her finger. Regina bit her lip, fighting off the immense and powerful urge to kiss her.

Shae somehow knew exactly what she wanted, and she leaned forward, closing the small distance that remained between them. When their lips touched, Regina felt a surge of emotion rush through her body. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before, and the whole rest of world seemed to fade away. Regina sighed, wrapping her arms around Shae's neck, melting in her strong arms.

Shae's lips were cold, but not unpleasantly so, and they were soft, softer than Regina could have even imagined. She drew in a sharp breath as their lips parted and Shae's tongue brushed lightly against her's. A soft moan escaped her lips, and she grabbed fistful of Shae's hair as their embrace deepened, Shae's arm's snaking up her back.

Regina suddenly broke away, shoving Shae roughly away from her. She raised her hand, and a loud smack resonated across the ballroom as Regina's open palm made contact with the vampire's cheek.

"How dare you!" Regina snarled.

Shae's face was plastered with silent shock as she rubbed the cheek that Regina had slapped. Regina straightened out her robe and drew herself up, fixing Shae with an icy glare.

"I am your Queen. Don't ever presume to touch me again." She commanded hotly.

When Shae continued to gape silently at her, Regina stormed off without another word, slamming the ballroom door shut behind her.

XX

The Queen tried to fall back to sleep, but try as she might, she couldn't. Every time she closed her eyes, Shae's face swam before her. She couldn't stop thinking about her, about her eyes, her smile, her intoxicating smell. She kept relieving their embrace over and over again, kept remembering how soft her lips were, how gentle her touch was.

Regina sat up in her bed, drawing her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. She hadn't felt anything like this, anything this intense in a very long time, not since Daniel. She never imagined she would ever again feel something for someone like she did for Shae. It confused and frightened her.

Yet The Queen could not ignore the longing she felt in her heart, longing for Shae to kiss her again. It was such a different feeling than with her Huntsman. Shae had kissed her because she wanted to, not because she was forced to. Regina bit her lip hard, trying to ignore the throbbing ache she felt between her legs.

She let out a frustrated huff, throwing the covers off of her and climbing out of her bed. She donned her robe once again, and went over to her vanity, tousling her long, dark hair in the mirror. She was going to find Shae, apologize for slapping her, and tell her how badly she wanted her.

She marched determinedly over to her door, and when she threw it open, she gasped. Shae was already standing on the other side, her fist raised, about to knock on her door.

"Oh! Uh, I-I was just, um, well…" Shae stammered awkwardly.

Regina stepped up to her, placing a finger on her lips. She took Shae by the hand and drew her into her bedchamber, shutting the door behind her. Regina turned back around, cupped Shae's face in her hands, and kissed her deeply. She felt Shae's lips vibrate against her own as the vampire let out a soft moan.

Shae placed her hands on Regina's hips and slowly drew them up her torso, gently exploring her body. Regina drew back with a gasp when Shae's hands reached the sides of her breasts, gently brushing her thumbs across her already firm nipples. She stared hungrily into the vampire's blood red eyes, eyes that were filled with desire.

Their lips crashed together again, and Regina began to tug urgently at the buttons of Shae's vest. Without breaking their embrace, Regina slid the vest off of Shae's shoulders, letting it drop to the floor. When she started on her shirt, Shae suddenly stopped her, grabbing her hands and pulling away.

"Wait… I-I should warn you…" She whispered, seemingly nervous. "Um… I-I, uh, well, just… Here."

Shae stopped her stammering and pulled her shirt off over her head, dropping it onto the floor with her vest. Regina couldn't help but let out a shocked gasp at the sight of Shae's torso. She had just assumed this whole time that Shae had very small breasts, but that was not the case. Her breasts were completely missing, in their place were dozens of long, deep, knotted scars. The majority of them were centered on the left side of her chest, which was sunken in directly over her heart. The scars looked to be made by claws; long, sharp claws.

Some of the scars stretched all the way down the vampire's stomach, and Regina gently traced one of them with her fingers, following it around to her side. Shae slowly turned around, and Regina placed a hand over her mouth in shock. Shae's entire back was covered in even more scars.

"What happened?" She breathed, lightly touching the scars on her back.

"A werewolf." Shae replied turning back around. "Werewolf attacks are normally fatal for a vampire, and vice versa, but I managed to survive. Not without some, uh… Damage, though."

"And these?" Regina asked, brushing her fingers along the scars on Shae's face.

"From the same attack, yes."

"I'm… So sorry." Regina said quietly.

Shae took Regina's hands in her's with a small smile. "That was a long time ago. I'm more concerned with the here and now."

Shae placed her hands on either side of Regina's face, pulling her in close and kissing her again. Regina sighed, once again melting in her arms. Shae pulled away from her lips, placing a kiss on her cheek, then moved down to her neck. Regina moaned softly as Shae gently nibbled on the tender flesh of her neck. Somehow, Shae knew exactly how to make her squirm.

Regina's robe fell to the ground as Shae swiftly undid the knot of the belt around her waist. Regina drew in a sharp breath through her teeth, then moaned again as Shae switched to the other side of her neck, biting down harder this time.

Shae pulled back as she undid the laces of The Queen's sheer, silk nightgown, and drew back a step as she slipped it off her shoulders. Shae gazed upon Regina's naked body for a moment, her eyes filled with wonder.

"My god, you're beautiful." She whispered.

Regina smiled, her heart fluttering again. It had been so, so long since anyone had called her beautiful. She then let out a sharp gasp as Shae placed her cold hands on her sides, her skin instantly breaking out in goosebumps.

"Oh! Oh no, I-I'm sorry." Shae stammered, removing her hands.

"No, it's alright." Regina told her with a smile.

Regina reached out and took Shae's hands, drawing her back in and pressing her palms onto her breasts. Shae gasped, her eyes filled with longing.

"Oh, Regina." Shae whispered, leaning in to her once again.

Their tongues vigorously explored each others mouths as they kissed with passionate urgency. Regina wound her hands up Shae's back, and Shae's wandered down to her buttocks, which she squeezed firmly. They broke their embrace momentarily as Shae gripped the back of her thighs, lifting her into the air. They kissed again, and Regina wrapped her legs tightly around Shae's waist as the vampire walked her over to the bed.

Shae laid her gently down onto the bed and climbed on top of her, pressing her cold torso against Regina's breasts, kissing her again. Regina suddenly realized that Shae's breeches were still on, and she reached her hands down, fumbling with the laces. Shae broke away momentarily, pulling them off and tossing them roughly aside.

Regina placed her hands on Shae's mangled chest, stopping her from leaning in for another kiss. "Shae, I must confess I… I don't… I'm not really sure how-"

"How to make love to another woman?" Shae finished for her. "Don't worry, I know exactly what I'm doing."

Shae then leaned forward, whispering seductively in The Queen's ear. "Pleasing you will please me."

Regina felt her whole body flush with heat at the vampire's words, and suddenly the coldness of Shae's own body was a welcome comfort. Her back arched as Shae took one of her nipples into her mouth, rolling her tongue around the hard, swollen tip.

"Oh! Oh, Shae." She moaned loudly.

Shae switched to her other breast, sucking the nipple into her mouth roughly. Regina moaned again, digging her nails into Shae's back. Shae let out a moan this time as she let go of Regina's nipple, arching her back against Regina's body as she raked her nails down her back.

Regina smiled, biting her lip as Shae began to press gentle kisses down her torso, stopping just below her belly button. She aquirmed with impatience as Shae kissed along her hip bones. She then placed her hands on the back of Regina's knees, drawing her legs up and gently pushing them apart. Regina shivered with anticipation as the vampire pressed more kisses down the inside of her thigh.

The Queen cried out in delight as Shae plunged her face between her legs, placing a kiss on the center of her womanhood. A wide smile spread across her face, and she ran her fingers through Shae's hair as she slowly and gently licked her from end to end.

Regina couldn't stop herself from moaning louder and louder with pleasure as Shae's tongue worked wonders on her womanhood. She grabbed a fistfull of Shae's hair, pushing her face deeper inside her. She dug her nails into Shae's scalp, her voice raising higher and higher in pitch as the vampire focused her attention on The Queen's clitoris, working it with her tongue faster and harder.

Regina felt the climax coming almost immediately, and her breath caught in her throat. Her back arched, and she gripped her silk bed sheets with one hand, and Shae's hair with the other as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her. Shae pressed her face deeper between her legs as she came, licking it all up happily.

Regina let out the breath that she was holding in with a deep, satisfied moan, and lie still, her heart hammering with exertion. Shae finally surfaced, grinning as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

"God, you taste good." Shae whispered, leaning forward and burying her face in Regina's neck, kissing it gently.

"How did you get so good with your tongue?" Regina asked her breathlessly.

"Years and years of practice." Shae replied, pulling away from her neck and smiling coyly into her eyes. "Not needing to come up for air helps quite a bit too, I think."

Regina laughed, wrapping her arms tightly around the vampire as she kissed her neck again. "Mmm… Oh, Shae, that was… That was wonderful."

"I live to please you, my Queen." Shae whispered lustily in her ear.

Regina grinned as Shae pulled back again. Shae leaned in to kiss her lips, stopping just before they touched. "But I'm not nearly done yet, and neither are you."

Regina gasped as Shae slid her hand down between her legs, snaking her finger between her folds and lightly brushing it along her now hard and swollen clitoris.

Regina moaned into Shae's mouth as they kissed, the taste of her own arousal on her tongue. Shae gently massaged her sensitive womanhood, causing Regina to writhe and squirm beneath her.

Without warning, Shae suddenly rolled onto her back, sitting forward and pulling Regina onto her lap. Regina drew in a sharp breath, and it caught in her throat as Shae's fingers slipped deep inside her. She placed her mouth around one of her nipples, gently rolling it round with her tongue.

"Oh! Oh, Shae! Yes!" Regina gasped as Shae began to thrust her fingers deeper inside her.

Regina gripped another fistful of Shae's hair, digging the nails of her other hand into Shae's back. Shae seemed to like that very much, releasing Regina's nipple and throwing her head back, moaning loudly.

Shae gripped Regina's long black hair with her free hand, and Regina gasped as she tugged her head back. Shae slid her tongue slowly up her throat, gently biting down on her chin. Regina brought her head back down as Shae released her hair, shoving her tongue into the vampire's mouth.

Their tongues battled back and forth as they kissed furiously. Regina began to buck her hips against Shae's fingers, coaxing her on. Shae suddenly pulled back from their kiss, biting her lip and grinning deviously at her.

"What are you- Oh! Oh god!" Regina began to question, then cried out in part shock and part pleasure as Shae inserted a third finger.

Regina moaned into Shae's mouth as their lips crashed furiously together again. The Queen's moans of pleasure grew louder and louder as Shae thrust harder, faster, and deeper inside her. Shae moved her lips to Regina's neck, biting into it and giving Regina some much needed air.

Shae felt the muscles of Regina's womanhood clench around her fingers, and she leaned back, watching as The Queen's head snapped back, her mouth gaping open silently and her back arching as she climaxed again. Shae gasped as Regina dug her nails hard into her shoulders, smiling as she felt an immense, warm, wetness in her hand.

Regina once again let out the breath she was holding, her whole body quivering as she moaned softly, settling back down into Shae's lap. Shae smiled up at her, running her hand through The Queen's long, luxurious hair, her other hand still inside her. Regina smiled back, placing her hands on the vampire's face, kissing her tenderly.

"My god, you're good at this." Regina whispered against her lips.

"Oh, you haven't seen anything yet." Shae whispered back with another devious grin.

Regina gasped in shock as Shae removed her hand from inside her, grabbing her by the hips and flipping her over. Shae grabbed the back of her knees, once again pulling her legs up and spreading them wide. She leaned forward, and Regina moaned, wrapping her arms tightly around her as they kissed.

Shae didn't waste any energy on being gentle this time. She thrust three fingers deep inside her, smiling as the Queen let out a great, shuddering gasp. Shae began to thrust hard into her, and Regina bit down savagely on the skin of Shae's neck. Shae moaned at the pleasure of the pain, and began pumping her fingers vigorously.

"Oh! Oh, god! Yes, Shae! YES!" Regina began to scream with pleasure.

Her screams grew louder and more high pitched as Shae thrust faster and faster, her fingers so gloriously deep inside her. Regina wound her legs tightly around Shae's waist, digging her nails deep into Shae's back, screaming with pleasure around the skin of the vampires shoulder in her mouth.

Regina's back arched high into the air, and she let out one last, long, quavering cry as she came vigorously. Shae wound her arm around Regina's lower back, holding her there as her hand was once again covered in The Queen's sweet, gushing arousal.

Regina collapsed back onto the bed, her breathing hard and ragged, her body flushed and covered in a layer of sweat. Shae laid down beside her, watching silently as her Queen continued to shiver with pleasure.

"You are so stunning, my Queen." Shae whispered to her, smiling as she gently caressed her right breast. "Truly the fairest in all the land."

Regina smiled back, turning on her side and kissing Shae deeply. They remained there for a long while, kissing softly, gently exploring each others bodies. Regina's breathing finally began to even out, and her eyes began to grow heavy. She rolled onto her other side, completely and totally spent.

Shae pulled the blankets up over their naked bodies, and tucked them between them, so Regina didn't have to feel the coldness of her body against her bare skin. Shae laid back down, wrapping an arm around her and pressing a gentle kiss on her shoulder.

"You don't sleep." Regina said, turning slightly to give Shae a puzzled look.

Shae propped herself up on her elbow, smiling down at her. "You're right, I don't." She said in reply. "But I'll stay here with you tonight, if you'll have me."

Regina smiled, placing her hand gently on Shae's cheek. "I'd like that."

Shae nodded, leaning in and placing one last, tender kiss on her lips. Regina rolled back over, and Shae placed her arm back around her, holding her tightly against her body. Regina fell asleep almost instantly, and, for the first time in a long time, she slept peacefully all through the night, no nightmares plaguing her dreams while in the arms of her protector.

XX

A beam of sunlight fell across the bed as the morning sun rose in the sky. Regina woke slowly, her eyes fluttering open when she felt something cold pressed against her cheek. She realised that the something cold was Shae's chest. She tilted her head up and found Shae lying still with her eyes closed. Regina started to panic for a moment when she realized that she wasn't breathing, but then she remembered that Shae didn't ever breathe.

Regina brushed her fingers over the many scars on Shae's mutilated chest. "He was trying to get to my heart." Shae explained quietly, her eyes now open, watching Regina run her hand along the crevice over her heart.

"Why?" Regina asked her.

"He said he was going to tear it out, roast it on a spit, then feed it to me."

Regina grimaced. "That's rather gruesome."

Shae laughed lightly. "Yes, he's a rather gruesome fellow."

"I see. So it was-"

Shae nodded solemnly. "Yes, yes it was, though that was long before he followed me here to this world."

"Well, I'm certainly glad he didn't roast your heart and feed it to you." Regina told her with a smile.

"As am I." Shae agreed, smiling back at her. She rolled onto her side, wrapping her arms around Regina and pulling her in close. "If he had, then I wouldn't be here, lying next to you, kissing you."

Regina's smile widened against Shae's lips as she kissed her. She placed her hand gently on Shae's cheek as the vampire caressed the soft skin of her bare back, gasping audibly as her hand ran down the curve of her backside. Shae grinned, and Regina let out a soft moan as she slipped a finger between her legs, gently stroking her womanhood.

Suddenly, there was a loud clanging noise and they both sat bolt upright in bed. One of Regina's servants was standing in the doorway of her bedchamber, a platter of food lying spilled on the floor.

"Oh! Your Majesty, I-I'm terribly sorry." The woman stammered, staring wide eyed at Shae. "I didn't know, didn't realize that, you… A-And she were, well-"

"OUT." Regina shouted furiously, pointing a commanding finger at the door.

"Y-Yes, Your Majesty. So sorry." The servant woman replied, bowing low and retreating back out the door, closing it carefully behind her.

"Now, where were we?" Shae said with a grin, leaning in for another kiss.

Regina turned her face away, climbing out of bed and once again donning her robe. "You need to leave." She said with her back to Shae.

"What?" Shae asked. "Regina, I… Is there something wrong?"

The Queen whirled around, fixing the vampire with a cold stare. "First of all, you will address me as Your Majesty." She commanded. "Second, this was a one time ordeal. I got what I wanted from you, and it shall never happen again. Do I make myself clear?"

Shae's face fell into a disappointed frown. "Yes, Your Majesty." She replied, a bit sourly.

Regina turned away again as Shae got out of her bed, swiftly pulling on her shirt and breeches. She stopped in the bedchamber doorway, looking back at The Queen with a coy grin.

"Well, should you ever change your mind, you know where to find me." She said, then stepped out the door, swinging it shut behind her.

XX

Regina tossed and turned in her bed that night, once again unable to sleep, once again unable to stop thinking about Shae. Thoughts and memories of the previous night swam in her head. Every part of her longed for her protector, longed for her gentle touch, the scent of her skin, the softness of her lips. She ached for Shae to be by her side, to hold her and pleasure her until she once again fell peacefully asleep in her arms.

She threw the blankets off of her furiously, pulling on her robe and stomping toward the door. She was The Queen, she could do what she wanted, including take a lover, no matter who or what she was. She wanted Shae, and Shae wanted her, that was all that mattered.

Regina threw the door open, and was one again shocked to find Shae standing on the other side, her hand raised, about to knock. Shae didn't speak this time, only smiled a warm and gentle smile. The Queen threw herself into the vampire's arms, kissing her passionately.

"You came back." She breathed, smiling as Shae held her tight.

"I always come back." Shae whispered.

Regina once again wrapped her legs around Shae's waist as she lifted her into the air. They fell onto the bed together, curling their arms around each other as they kissed. Just as they did the night before, they spent the entirety of the night making passionate love. Every night after that, Shae spent by Regina's side, wrapping her Queen in her cold, but lovingly warm embrace.

XXXXX

Regina snapped back to reality, and found her face was flushed with heat. She looked up into Shae's blood red eyes, and found the vampire staring hungrily at her lips.

Regina gasped as Shae placed her hand on the back of her neck, pulling her against her body and kissing her fiercely. A stinging pain shot through Regina's lip, but she didn't care. She wrapped her arms around Shae's neck, tangling her fingers in her black and red hair. Shae's cold but soft lips felt so welcome and familiar against her own. Regina had almost forgotten what it felt like to have someone want her.

Shae broke their embrace momentarily as she spun them both around, lifting Regina up onto the kitchen counter. Regina moaned softly against Shae's lips and wrapped her legs tightly around her waist. Their tongues circled around each other as they continued to kiss ferociously, Regina's breaths coming shorter and quicker with each passing moment.

Shae broke away again, pulling off her leather jacket and tossing it aside. She leaned in again, but this time moved her lips to Regina's neck, who let out a moan as she bit gently into her tender flesh. Regina slipped her hands underneath Shae's shirt as she switched to the other side of her neck. She moaned again, louder this time, digging her nails into Shae's back as she bit down hard.

Shae pulled away from her neck, pressing her forehead to Regina's, listening to her deep and ragged breaths.

"Oh, Shae." Regina whispered softly.

"Regina…" Shae whispered back.

Shae placed her hand on Regina's cheek, leaning in to kiss her again, but stopped when the doorbell rang. They stared wide eyed at each other, staying rigidly still, waiting to see if the unwelcome visitor would go away.

They didn't, and Shae stepped back as the doorbell rang a second time. "Maybe I should see who it is this time?" She said.

Regina nodded silently, trying to even out her breathing. Shae wiped Regina's saliva from her mouth and straightened out her shirt as she walked toward the door. When she opened it, she was shocked to find Rumplestiltskin, aka Mr. Gold, on the other side.

"You… What are you doing-" She started to ask, but stopped when Gold blew a handful of glittering, yellow powder into her face.

"Sleep now, dearie." He said, stepping around her.

Shae turned to follow, to stop him, but found her legs felt like they were suddenly made of jelly. She grabbed on the nearby end table for support as the world spun wildly around her, only to bring it down with her as she crashed to the floor. Her last thoughts were of Regina's lips, then everything went black.

XXXXX

It was well into the early morning hours, the full moon casting a pale light through the windows of The Evil Queen's bedchamber. Shae smiled, pulling Regina's naked body against her own as they kissed.

"I love you." Regina whispered, gently brushing back a stray lock of Shae's hair.

"You're not just saying that because I just made you cum, are you?" Shae asked with a cheeky grin.

"Well, that might have a little something to do with it." Regina admitted, laughing as Shae kissed her again.

The two lovers lie there silently for a long while, kissing softly and tenderly. Shae couldn't remember the last time she had been this happy, this content. She had fallen so deeply in love with Regina, and she finally felt facing eternal life was worth it again, as long as she could spend as much of it as possible with her Queen.

Regina pulled back, her normal fearsome and angry scowl always turning into a smile when they were alone. "I'm so glad you came to this world, into my world." She whispered softly.

"As am I." She replied, smiling back at her.

Shae laughed as Regina rolled on top of her, and her eyes fluttered closed as she kissed her deeply once again. She opened her eyes again as Regina leaned back, then let out a gasp. It was no longer Regina that was in bed with her.

"Emma?"

"I think I'm falling in love with you, Shae." Emma told her, placing her hands on Shae's chest.

"W-What? What's going on?"

Shae cried out as she felt a very intense and familiar white hot pain in her chest. She looked down, and watched in horror as Emma ripped out her heart. When she looked up again, it was no longer Emma, but Regina again, grinning wickedly down at her, holding her glowing red heart in her hand.

"You will never love again." Regina whispered in her ear.

"No… NO!"

XXXXX

"NO!"

Shae let out a great, shuddering gasp, sitting bolt upright. She glanced down and noticed a mostly broken, wooden end table laying in her lap.

"What the fuck?" She muttered, brushing bits of wood off of her pants.

"Are you alright?"

Shae jerked her head to the side, and found Regina kneeling beside her. She let out a yelp, scrambling to her feet, backing away from Regina and into the wall.

"W-What's going on? What happened?" She stammered. "W-Where's Rumplestiltskin?"

Regina sighed, rubbing her forehead. "That is a very long story." She replied. "What did he use on you, some kind of sleeping powder?"

"I-I dunno, it was yellow and all… Sparkly." Shae replied uncertainly.

"Damn that bastard." Regina snarled under her breath.

"What the hell is going on?" Shae asked once again, still very confused.

Regina sighed again. "Come sit down, a lot's happened since you've been out."

Regina led the way into her living room, and once they were both seated, she began to recount the events of the last several hours. Shae listened intently, her eyes growing wider and wider as her story went on.

"Ok, so, basically, Rumplestiltskin summoned a wraith to kill you, and you used Jefferson's hat to send it back to The Enchanted Forest." Shae summarized when Regina had finished. "But Emma and Snow White got sucked in, and now they're in The Enchanted Forest too?"

"Yes, exactly." Regina replied.

Shae nodded silently, her mind spinning with everything Regina had just told her. "Wait, so, The Enchanted Forest... Its still there?"

"Yes, as it so happens, it is." Regina admitted, a little sourly. "I expect you'll want to go back home?"

"Eh." Shae replied with a shrug.

Regina raised her eyebrows in shock. "Really?"

"I mean, The Enchanted Forest wasn't really my home." Shae replied. "I've honestly never even had a home, unless you count the orphanage where I grew up. Which I don't, since it was a rat infested shit hole. I guess the only time I've ever felt at home was when we-"

Shae stopped suddenly, glancing away from Regina, chewing on her lip ring anxiously. She got up from her chair agitatedly and paced over to the fireplace.

"We need to talk." She said, turning back to face Regina. "About, you know, earlier."

"Ah, yes, that." Regina muttered in reply.

"Never do that again. EVER." Shae commanded, pointing an accusing finger at Regina.

Regina gave her a shocked and offended glace. "Excuse me? You're the one who kissed me!"

"I did not!"

"You did so!"

"Alright, well, maybe, I-I just…" Shae stammered. "Look, regardless, it will never happen again. I meant it when I said I'd rather lick a slug than kiss you."

"Really, now? You seemed to enjoy it at the time." Regina replied with a grin.

Shae opened and shut her mouth several times in an attempt to retort, but came up with nothing. She placed her hands over her face, letting out a frustrated sigh.

"Ok, obviously being around each other again has dredged up some… Stuff." She eventually said, dropping her hands and shoving them in her pockets. "But it can NOT happen again, understand? Our deal was my protection for my heart, nothing else."

"Yes, I understand that."

Shae nodded, folding her arms across her chest. "Good, glad we're on the same page." She said with a note of finality. "So, what are we going to do?"

"About what?"

"Emma and Snow. Shouldn't we, you know, try and help them or something?"

"There's nothing we can do, they're gone." Regina replied simply. "Besides, I'm sure Snow White will find a way back to her Prince. Those two always seem to manage to do so."

"Yeah, they're pretty good at that." Shae muttered in agreement.

They sat in silence for a moment as Regina pondered her next move. Shae felt a chill run up her spine as a devious grin suddenly spread across the former Queen's face.

"What you said earlier, about there being no good or evil, only power, do you really think that's true?" Regina asked quietly.

Shae shrugged, leaning casually against the wall. "Well, I didn't actually come up with that by myself. It's a quote from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Shae explained. "Pretty good, right? Kinda pulled it out of my ass in the moment, but, yeah, I think it's pretty damn true."

Regina nodded slowly. "I see… Power…" She mumbled to herself.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Asked Shae.

Regina's grin broadened as she slowly rose to her feet. "I think it's time I regain my full power." She announced, then marched into the kitchen.

"How exactly are you planning on doing that?" Shae asked as she followed along behind her.

"With a little help from my mother." Regina replied, scooping up a small book from off the kitchen table.

"Your mother? But she's dead." Shae said as she continued to follow Regina out into the back yard.

"Yes, I'm well aware of that, but I do have her spell book."

Regina stopped underneath her black and rotted apple tree. She opened the book and began flipping through the pages, Shae watching her silently. Once she found the page she was looking for, she blew on it gently. The words floated off the page, forming a cloud of black dust in the air before her. Regina inhaled deeply, the dust rushing into her nostrils. Her eyes glowed bright for a moment as she felt the power surge through her body.

She placed her hand on the trunk of her apple tree, and watched as the wood began to turn from black to its normal brown. The leaves once again flushed a brilliant green, and the apples hanging from the branches were once again red and ripe as ever.

Shae smiled in wonder, plucking an apple from one of the branches and tossing it lightly into the air, catching it in her other hand.

"Cool." She breathed, grinning at Regina.

Regina snapped her mother's spell book shut. She then summoned a fireball into her hand, grinning back at Shae as she did.

"Now, that's much better." She said with a contented sigh.

"Right, so, now that you're back at full strength again, you don't need me any more." Shae offered. "So, our deals done then?"

Regina smiled, sauntering up to the vampire and placing a hand gently on her cheek. "I don't think so." She whispered.

Shae swatted her hand away irritably. "Why not?"

Regina gave a small shrug. "I still might have some use for you." She replied. "No, I'm not done with you yet."

Shae clenched her fists, her eyes flashing with rage. Before she could do or say anything, several large vines sprouted from the apple tree, shooting at Shae and wrapping around her body. The vines lifted her in the air, then shot her forward, her face only inches away from Regina's.

"I'm sorry, dear, did you say something?" Regina asked sarcastically.

Shae let out a muffled cry from around the vine across her mouth, and Regina laughed in the dark and evil way that she often did.

"Now listen carefully." Regina said, gripping Shae's chin. "Crossing me now is even more dangerous than it was before, so you will continue to do as I say. Our deal isn't over until I say it's over, do I make myself clear?"

Shae didn't, and couldn't, reply. She only silently seethed at Regina, her eyes filled with malice.

"I'll take that as a yes." Regina said, releasing Shae's chin and snapping her fingers.

Shae crashed to the ground as the vines released her, retreating back into the tree. She got to her feet, brushing herself off and adjusting her jacket.

"So what now, 'Your Majesty?'" Shae asked in a mocking tone.

Regina grinned another one of her wicked and devious grins. "Now, I get my son back."

XX

The next morning, almost the entire town of Storybrooke was gathered in the town hall. Charming had called the meeting, and promised the town that he would come up with a way to get them all home to The Enchanted Forest. However, The Prince had yet to show up, and those gathered inside the hall were growing restless.

"Come on, Gramps, pick up." Henry muttered at the cell phone in his hand.

"Everyone just stay calm!" Ruby shouted over the din of the angry and confused townsfolk. "I'm sure he'll be here any minute!"

Ruby then noticed her Granny wandering around among the townsfolk, her crossbow loaded and at the ready. "Granny, do you really need that thing?"

"This is a lawless town now, Ruby. Damn right I need it." Replied Granny with a stern nod.

Ruby heaved an exasperated sigh, and rushed over to Henry. "Anything?" She asked desperately.

"He's not picking up!" Henry replied.

"Just keep trying, ok?"

Suddenly, there was a loud bang as the doors at the back of the hall burst open. The townsfolk all turned, and fell dead silent as Regina sauntered in, Shae close behind her, hands casually in the pockets of her black leather jacket.

"My, my, what a nice turnout." Regina said, sneering at them all. "No need to make a fuss, it's just little old me."

The crowd silently gaped at her, and parted hastily as she walked slowly toward the front of the hall, Shae trailing along behind her, looking a bit sullen.

"Regina, think about what you're doing." Archie pleaded as he stepped forward toward her.

"Silence, bug." Regina snarled.

She flung her hand out in front of her, and the townspeople let out a collective cry of shock as Archie was sent careening across the room.

"Hey!" Shouted Leroy, stomping toward Regina, fists's clenched.

Regina flung her hand out again, and Leroy went flying as well. Granny fired off a bolt from her crossbow at Regina, but Shae stepped in front of her, catching it by the shaft just before it struck.

"Really? Enough with the crossbow already." Shae chided, tossing the bolt aside. "You're really going to hurt somebody with that thing someday."

Granny swiftly loaded up another bolt as Shae was talking, and fired again. Shae was too busy being her normal sarcastic self to catch it this time, and she drew in a sharp breath as it stopped in mid air, inches away from her face.

Shae swallowed hard, taking a step back and turning to find Regina with her arm outstretched at the bolt. "Whew, that was a close one." She breathed.

"You're welcome." Regina said, turning the bolt into a fireball with a flick of her wrist.

The townsfolk all screamed, ducking and falling to the floor as Regina sent the fireball hurtling at them. The fireball then took a sharp turn, flying back around the room, and into the town crest hanging above Regina's head, setting it aflame.

"What do you want, Regina?" Ruby shouted fiercely as she stepped forward.

"Me! She wants me!"

Henry pushed his way to the front of the crowd, and walked right up to Regina, looking scared, but mostly determined.

"I'll come with you, ok?" Henry pleaded with his mother. "Just leave them alone."

Regina smiled down at her son, a warm and loving smile, a smile that Shae hadn't seen on her face in many, many years.

"That's my boy." She said, gently stroking his hair.

Regina placed her arm around Henry's shoulders, and led him toward the doors. "Come, Shae, we're leaving." She called over her shoulder.

Shae shoved her hands back in her pockets and followed after Regina and Henry, shoulders hunched.

"Think she'll give you a biscuit when you get home?" Granny sneered at Shae.

Shae stopped in her tracks, fists clenching inside her pockets. Before she could react, Ruby reached out and grabbed her arm.

"Shae… Just, keep Henry safe, ok?" She said quietly.

"Shae! Now!" Regina commanded irritably from the doorway.

Shae held Ruby's gaze for a moment, then nodded solemnly. She then turned and followed Regina and Henry as they left the hall, the doors slamming shut behind them.

XX

"Now, I don't want you to think things are just going to go back to the way they used to be." Regina was telling her son when they stepped through the front door of her house.

Henry wasn't listening. He immediately ran toward the stairs. "Henry? Henry!" Regina called after him.

The boy ignored her, stomping up the steps, slamming his bedroom door shut. Shae chuckled, folding her arms across her chest.

"That went just about as well as I expected." She said sarcastically. "You can't force him to stay here, you know."

"Of course I can. I have magic now." Regina replied irritably.

"Alright, sure, I guess you CAN force him, but you shouldn't."

"Being here with me where I can protect him is what's best for Henry."

"You might think that, but you know who really knows what's best for Henry?" Shae asked, taking an angry step toward Regina. "Henry."

"Oh, please, he's only a child, he has no idea-"

"Shh!" Shae suddenly said, holding up a finger.

Regina scoffed. "Did you just shush me? How dare you, I am-"

"Your son is escaping out his bedroom window." Shae told her pointedly.

"What?" Regina asked in shock. "Well don't just stand there! Go get him!"

"Regina, I really don't think thats-"

"NOW, Shae." Regina commanded furiously.

Shae glared silently at her a few moments, then heaved a defeated sigh. She stomped out the door, returning a few moments later with Henry slung over her shoulder.

"Stop it! Let me go!" Henry was shouting, pounding his small fists into Shae's back.

Shae was unbothered, and she set him gently back down on the ground. "Sorry, kid." Shae said with a sad smile.

"So how long am I gonna a prisoner here for? Till I grow up?" Henry asked his mother angrily.

"Henry, I rescued you because I love you." Regina said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Henry swatted her hand away. "So I'm a prisoner because you love me? That's not fair!"

"You know where I come from, Henry, what I've been through." Regina continued in the same gentle tone. "That was REALLY not fair. Of all the places I've seen, this is the fairest of them all."

"You ruined lives! You sent Emma and Mary Margaret away!" Henry cried.

Regina drew back a step, looking shocked and hurt. "T-That was an accident."

"The way you treated me wasn't an accident!" Henry said, tears welling up in his eyes. "You made it so nobody would believe me. You made me feel like I was crazy!"

Regina knelt down in front of her son, taking his hands in her's. "But that's all going to change now! You can know all the secrets. You can live in a house with magic. Here, look what I can do!"

Regina then held out her hand, and a large, chocolate cupcake with blue frosting and sprinkles appeared in the palm of her hand. Henry seemed unimpressed.

"I can teach you." Regina went on desperately. "You can do this and so much more."

Henry glared at his mother. "I don't want to be you." He replied scathingly.

Regina let go of him, shock plastered to her face as Henry ran back up the stairs and into his room. Regina stood, shooting a furious glare at Shae, who had been silently leaning against the wall.

"What? No witty remarks from you this time?" Regina spat irritably.

Shae shrugged. "Nothing at the moment, no."

Regina rolled her eyes, stomping into the kitchen, Shae following along behind her. "Whatever. Henry will see that this is what's best for him in time."

"Can I give you a piece of advice, Regina?" Shae asked.

"No." Regina replied.

Shae frowned at her for a moment, then shrugged again. "Well, I'm gonna give it to you anyway."

"Of course you are." Regina muttered under her breath.

"If you hold onto something too tight, you'll either break it, or it'll pop right out of your hand, far, far away from you." Shae went on. "And once it's gone, or broken, there is very little chance that you'll ever get it back."

Regina narrowed her eyes at Shae. "Very insightful, thank you, Shae." She replied with heavy sarcasm.

"What can I say? My insightfulness knows no bounds." Shae replied with a quirky smile.

"Where are you going?" Regina asked when the vampire turned to leave.

"To talk to Henry." Shae replied with a sigh. "He's obviously upset, and maybe I can help."

"What could you possibly do to help him?"

Shae shrugged. "Not sure, but it can't hurt to try."

Shae then left the kitchen, making her way up the stairs to Henry's bedroom. Once there, she knocked lightly on the closed door.

"Go away!" Henry called out in reply.

"Henry, it's Shae, can I come in? Please?" Shae pleaded. "I just want to talk."

There was silence for a moment, but then Shae heard Henry's footsteps. There was a click as Henry unlocked the door. He opened it for her, then went back over to his bed, sitting down on the edge of it, looking miserable. Shae sighed, sitting down next to him.

"Hey, kid, I know everything sucks right now, but it's gonna be ok, I promise." Shae told him gently.

"How? I'm The Evil Queen's prisoner." Henry asked sullenly. "And Emma and Mary Margaret they're… Gone."

"Yeah, but they'll be back, don't you worry." Shae said confidently.

"How do you know?"

"Because Emma and Snow White, they're grade A badasses." Shae replied with a smile. "They'll look out for each other, and they'll be back before you know it."

When Henry remained silent, Shae went on. "As for your mom, well, she's just… She's complicated."

"What do you mean?" Henry asked.

Shae shifted in her spot, turning to face the boy. "Regina, she just, she doesn't know how to love, at least not in the right way." Shae explained. "Look at everything that's happened to her. Her mother was a monster, her father was a good man, but he was a spineless jellyfish. He was powerless to stop her mother from treating Regina like she was nothing but a… A pawn in some stupid game. The only other person she ever loved besides me was Daniel, and her mother killed him."

"And YOU betrayed her." Henry said.

Shae glanced down at her hands folded in her lap. "Yeah, yeah I did." She said quietly. "I guess what I'm trying to say, is that even though she goes about showing it completely the wrong way, she does love you, Henry. Like, a lot."

"So? She's The Evil Queen." Henry replied.

Shae fell silent for a moment, glancing over at the door when her hypersensitive hearing picked up the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs. She heaved another heavy sigh.

"You're right, Henry. Your mom is The Evil Queen." Shae went on. "And she's done a lot of bad stuff in the past, I should know, I helped her do a lot of it. But I know for a fact that there's a lot of good in her too. The proof is right here."

Henry glanced all around him, looking confused. "Where?"

"Here, dummy!" Shae replied with a smile, poking Henry in the center of his forehead.

"Me?" Henry asked.

"Yeah, you! Regina might not have given birth to you, but she did raise you. So if she was truly and totally evil, well, you'd be one evil little twerp. But you're not, you're a good kid, I can tell."

"But my mom, my real mom, Emma, she's good. She's the savior! She's probably the reason I turned out to be good."

Shae nodded slowly. "Alright, well, think about this; What if Emma had been raised by evil parents, and had been taught to do bad things all her life? Do you think she would have still turned out good?"

Henry thought silently for a moment. "I mean… I dunno, I guess not."

"There's your answer, kid." Shae said with another smile. "See, people aren't born good or evil. Babies, toddlers, children, they're all just squishy little balls of clay, molded and changed by the hands of the people and the environment around them. Your mom, she was a lot different when she was young. But a lot of really bad things happened to her, and she was surrounded by a lot of really bad people. She wasn't born The Evil Queen."

"I think I get it." Henry said, finally cracking a hopeful smile. "So, there really is still good left in her."

"Absolutely." Shae agreed with a nod. "She just… Just…"

"Lost it?" Henry offered.

Shae grinned, poking Henry in the shoulder. "Exactly! You're one smart kid, Henry."

Henry smiled again. "So, how do we help her find the good in her again?"

"Well, I doubt there's anything I can do, but you can definitely help."

"How?"

"Love." Shae replied simply. "Love is the most powerful force there is, it can fix anything, even break otherwise unbreakable curses. I know she's done a lot of bad things, and she's a little crazy, but you do still love your mom, right?"

Henry nodded earnestly. "Yeah."

"Good. Then if you really want her to change, to be good, it's up to you to help her."

"But I don't know how." Henry replied with a frown.

Shae smiled, ruffling the boy's hair as she stood up. "You're a smart kid, you'll figure it out."

"Hey, Shae?" Henry said as the vampire made for the door.

"Yeah?" Shae asked, turning back around and shoving her hands in her pockets.

"Did you really love her, you know, before?" Asked Henry.

Shae glanced down at her feet, nodding slowly. "Yeah, I did, a lot."

"Do you think you'll still love her? I mean, once you get your heart back?"

Shae thought silently for a moment, still staring down at the ground. "I don't know." She replied sadly. "Even if I did, you wouldn't want me around her, not if you want her to be good."

"How come? You're good."

Shae laughed sourly. "I'm really not, kid."

"Yes you are! You helped Snow White and Prince Charming. You saved Emma!"

"Henry, that was one good thing I decided to do a long, long time ago." Shae replied. "My story in that book of yours, I read it, and it doesn't mention all the other terrible things I've done in my life."

"So? My mom did a lot of terrible things too, but you still think there's good in HER." Henry replied stubbornly.

"That's… That's different."

"No, it's not." Henry insisted. "I think you're wrong. There is good in you, but you lost it too, just like my mom."

Shae opened her mouth to argue, but shut it again, smiling fondly down at Henry. "Maybe you're right, kid. Maybe I'll work on trying to find it."

Henry smiled, nodding in a satisfied way. Shae smiled back, then turned and left Henry's room, pulling the door shut behind her.

"Eavesdropping is really rude, you know." Shae told Regina, who was standing just to the side of Henry's doorway.

Shae made to go back down the stairs, but when she received no angry retort from Regina, she turned back around. She found Regina still standing in the same spot, a silent tear running down her face. She stepped up to Shae, taking the vampire's cold hand in her's.

"W-What are you-" Shae started to ask.

"Just… Just… " Regina stammered.

She then placed her arms gently around Shae's neck, wrapping her in a tight and grateful hug. Shae hesitated uncertainly for a moment, but then wrapped her arms around Regina. She held her silently for a moment, closing her eyes as she breathed in sweet smell of her perfume. Regina's embrace was warm, welcoming, and familiar.

"Thank you." Regina whispered softly.

Shae cleared her throat, removing Regina's arms and stepping back. "I-I didn't do it for you, I did it for Henry."

The two of them jumped as a loud bang resonated throughout the house. Regina rushed down the stairs to investigate, Shae hurrying along behind her. When they reached the bottom, they found David stomping furiously down the hallway, armed with a sword.

"Where's Henry? I want to see him!" He demanded.

Shae stepped around Regina, and, quicker than anyone could blink, knocked the sword out of David's hands and grabbed it up in her own. She shoved David against the wall, pressing the edge of the sword to his throat.

"Now, that wasn't very smart, was it?" She snarled at him.

"Shae, that's enough." Regina said gently.

Shae shot her a puzzled glance, but then obiediently released David, taking a step back. Regina took the sword out of Shae's hand, and handed it back to its owner.

"You won't be needing that." Regina told him, then called up the stairs. "Henry, can you come down here, please?"

Henry came running down the stairs almost immediately, and his face lit up with joy when he saw his grandfather.

"Henry, you're going to go home with David." Regina told her son once he reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Really?" Henry asked, glancing excitedly up at David, who was eyeing Regina suspiciously.

"Really." Regina replied with a smile. She then knelt down in front of Henry, taking his hands in her's. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought you here. It wasn't fair."

She then glanced over at Shae, who gave her a small smile. "I just… I don't know how to love very well." Regina went on. "And, I've been thinking a lot about something Shae told me earlier. She said that if you hold onto something too tight, you'll either break it, or you'll lose it. I don't want to lose you Henry, and I certainly don't want to break you. I want you to be here because you WANT to be here, not because I forced you, and not because of magic. In fact, I won't even use it if you don't want me to."

"You mean it?" Henry asked his mother.

Regina nodded. "I mean it, I promise. I want to redeem myself."

Henry smiled, throwing his arms around his mother. Regina hugged him tight, a few more tears escaping from her eyes. She looked up at Shae, who was still smiling, nodding silently.

"Now, go get your things." She told Henry.

Henry nodded, then rushed back up the stairs. Regina stood, hastily wiping her eyes with her sleeves.

"You really want to redeem yourself to Henry, then prove it." David said sternly, stepping toward Regina.

"How?" Regina asked him.

"The Enchanted Forest, our land, does it still exist?"

Regina exchanged another glance with Shae, then nodded. "Yes, but I have no idea how to get back there."

A wide smile suddenly spread across David's face. "I see I just launched you on a heroic quest." Regina said, "Just be sure you also take care of my son."

David nodded. "That I can do."

Henry came pounding down the stairs once again, his backpack slung over his shoulder. He ran over to Shae, throwing his arms around her.

"Thanks, Shae." He said, smiling up at her.

Shae smiled back, ruffling his hair again. "Any time, kid."

David took his grandson by the hand, and Regina and Shae watched as they walked out the door. Regina sighed sadly, pulling the door shut behind them.

"So, you're really not going to use magic? You?" Shae asked, folding her arms across her chest.

"I made a promise to my son, didn't I?" Regina said in reply.

"I'll believe that when I see it."

"Believe it, then." Regina said confidently. "Henry is far more important to me than any kind of magic ever will be."

Shae breathed out a laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. "Wow, you've really changed, Regina."

"Yes, I suppose we both have." Regina replied quietly. "What you told Henry, about there still being good in me, do you really believe that?"

Shae leaned her back against the wall, shoving her hands in her pockets. "Yeah, I do." She answered with a small smile.

"Perhaps it's true for the both of us."

"I sure hope so, because one things for sure," Shae replied, her smile fading slightly. "Bad people, evil people, villains…People like us. They don't get happy endings."