Chapter 5

The Palace

(3rd POV)

Daniella watched the Queen's face become streaked with tears that ran black, due to dark eye makeup. No. It wasn't the Queen. It was Daniella's mother. Slowly, Regina's hands raised up and cupped her daughter's own teary face. Regina then whispered in a soft voice full of staggering tears, "My little firefly, I've found you. Your mama's got you now. I promise, I'll never ever leave you again. I swear. This time, no one can ever take you away from me."

Daniella sniffed but couldn't manage to speak as she was still shocked from seeing the 'Evil' Queen, kneeling in front of her, with tears streaming from her eyes. Instead, the young girl shivered and swallowed as her mother embraced her in a tight hug. Daniella initially felt uncomfortable but slowly, she melted into the warmth of Regina's body. As she sniffed again, she could smell the sweet, sharp perfume of crisp autumn apples. Frowning her face, Daniella thought of where she had smelt this scent before...it was too familiar. Finally, Daniella realised...the scent came from her own subconscious memory. Its from my past, from when I was still in the arms of my mother as a child.

The embrace lasted for a long time since neither daughter nor mother wanted to let go. However, Regina made the first move and gently tugged away from her daughter. She quickly undid the clasp of her own cloak and put it around Daniella, watching as the young girl slowly ceased her shivering. Regina had nearly forgot about the couple who stood rooted on their spot, confused about the whole ordeal as they could only see Regina's back. However, as soon as the woman saw Regina's figure without the cloak, she gasped and tugged at her partner to see if he had the same suspicions as her. Their doubts were soon confirmed as Regina cleared her throat and spoke in the notorious voice that everyone in the kingdom recognised all too well.

"Go, and do not speak of this when you arrive back into the village; have you understood?"

In a shaky voice, a male voice answered, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Then, almost immediately Daniella and Regina heard the quick pattering of footsteps, running away from the spot. When neither of them heard the running anymore, Daniella decided to speak up. In a wavering voice, she looked into her mother's red puffy eyes and flatly stated, "You're the Queen."

There was a moment of silence before Regina answered in slightly guilty tone, contrasting the one she used to speak to the couple, "I am."

Daniella looked down. She had so many questions but didn't know where to start. The silence was awkward for the pair but Regina lifted up Daniella's head and whispered. "Let's go home first, you're tired...we can talk in the morning."

Daniella was filled with many thoughts; she was about to return home after so many years but her mother is royalty! And not just that, she's the Evil Queen! Teagan, Snow and everyone else have said so many things about what the Queen could do...will I be safe? What if I'm going to a worse place than Wonderland? That place was so horrible!

However, Daniella was too tired to act according to her doubtful thoughts. She let Regina take her hand as they both stood up and started walking. After a few minutes, they both approached a chestnut coloured horse, grazing on a small patch of grass. "Daniella, this is Rocinante. She was a present from my father when I was around the same age as you. You don't need to be afraid of her, she's very gentle." Regina explained.

Daniella only nodded and before she knew it, she was hoisted up onto the horse's back. In surprise, she flared her legs a little but Regina spoke, "don't worry, you'll get used to being on horseback. You can lean on me as we ride." With that, Regina hopped onto Rocinante's back and tugged at the reins. At the gentle clop of hooves and the bounce of the horse itself, Daniella closed her eyes. The midnight breeze blew onto mother and daughter as they approached the road that connected directly to the palace. The last thing that Daniella heard before she slipped into slumber was a deep muffled sound of a man against the clink of armour, shouting out in surprise, "Your Majesty!?"

(Daniella's POV)

The sound of crackling fire and shuffles of footsteps woke me up. The first thing I noticed was the lush bed sheets that I was surrounded in. They were so soft, silky to touch compared to the feeling of waking up on a hard bed on usual mornings. I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling. A beautiful arrangement of purple sheets and cloth looked back onto me. I followed the direction that they were tied in and soon glanced at a set of elaborately sculpted bed posts. It finally hit me. I must be in the Queen's palace!

Then, I looked in the direction of the fire and saw a young girl dressed in a simple white and black lace dress, tending to the fireplace. Her back was turned towards me so feeling a little awkward that she hasn't noticed me yet, I let out a small cough. The girl jumped and turned around to face me. She must be around 18 years of age, judging by the juvenile look on her face. She glanced at me for a second before curtsying and saying, "Oh, you're awake...Your Highness. I'll fetch your maids to tend to you."

I opened my mouth to say something but felt foolish in doing so, as I didn't know how to reply. Sensing the silence, the girl quickly made her way out of the room and left me alone. After she left, I grinned a little. She called me 'your highness'!

But then, that just reminded me of another fact. The Queen is my mother and she's somewhere in this castle right now. I still didn't know what to make of my new motherly figure. My memory of last night gave me memories of warmth and love but my memories of Snow and Teagan told me that I should avoid the Queen. Trying not the think about the subject however, I pushed back the covers of the bed and stepped down onto a soft fuzzy flooring.This must be carpet. The orphanage certainly wasn't able to afford this!

As soon as I looked around, I gaped in awe. The room was so spacious! The walls were painted lavender with a pattern of intricate designs. Opposite to the bed, there was a plush dark velvet couch and next to that, stood a beautiful array of flowers. I walked over to the bouquet and touched its soft petals. These flowers were much prettier than even the most expensive bouquets at the festival! Beside the couch area, there was a high book shelf that towered over my short height. It wasn't full yet, but I glanced at some of the titles of the novels. There was a particularly interesting cover that caught my attention so I slipped it out and flicked to a page. I tried to read the passage out loud but sighed at my stuttering voice. I haven't exactly received the best education in my life...this is such an embarrassment!

Deciding that this wasn't going anywhere, I put the book back onto the shelf. Anticipating what I would find next, I immediately walked away and came towards a white vanity with a large mirror that hung above it. Unlike the single mirror we had at the cabin, the surface of this mirror was so clear! As I came closer, I was a little surprised. Is this what I really look like?

The mirror showed my dark chocolate hair, high cheekbones and brown eyes. I shuddered, thinking of the Queen's face replacing my own reflection. No wonder why Snow had been so suspicious of me.

I grew a little creeped out by the mirror and chose to look away and into the various colourful glass bottles that stood lined up on the vanity instead. I randomly picked one up and uncapped its stopper and smelled its contents. I smiled at the scent, I wasn't sure what the liquid was, but it had a very pleasant and fresh scent. Then, I continued to open the other bottles in curiosity. Just as I was uncorking the final bottle, a shuffle of steps coming from behind my back startled me. I put down the bottle just in time to turn my head and see a duo of maids come into my room. They curtsied in unison and then, one of them spoke, "Good morning, Your Highness. I'm Yvette" and gesturing to the other maid, she continued, "and this is Olivia. The Queen has assigned us to be your personal maids. We'll just be helping you prepare for the day, dress and other things of of that matter. In the future, if you need anything, we can always help."

I only managed a weak smile as Yvette continued, "So, how about let's get you dressed for breakfast?"

I nodded, still unsure how to respond, or whether or not I will make a fool of myself if I immediately start asking questions. Yvette then made a gesture to Olivia who made her way to take care of the bed. Next, Yvette guided me out of the room and just before the small arched passageway lead out into an open area, she turned me to the left and pushed open a set of doors. We entered a room, similarly decorated to the bedroom but instead, along the walls there hung a gold rod in which many dresses hung. I failed to hide my amazement and gasped at the sight of the exquisite coloured fabric that lay before me. Yvette chuckled and said, "You'll have more tailor-made for you. But first, the seamstress must take your actual measurement. These dresses were procured by the Queen yesterday, she hopes that you could find one to your liking."

I glanced at Yvette inquiringly and she continued, "Yes, go ahead. Choose one to wear today."

I felt the crease of my mouth being pulled upwards as I brushed my hand against the soft silky texture of some of the dresses, compared to the light gauzy fabric of others. Eventually, I settled for a light purple dress with long decorative sleeves. I pulled it off its hanger and Yvette took it from me. She walked towards a floor length mirror and gestured for me to follow her. Behind the mirror, there stood a privacy screen with painted flowers on its surface. Yvette said, "There, change out of your nightgown and then I'll pass you your undergarments."

I went behind the screen and awkwardly took off my white nightdress. The cold air immediately got to me. I shivered and said, "I'm done."

Seconds later, I saw some fabric being draped on top of the screen. I pulled it down and put it on, not entirely sure if I was doing the right thing. After all, back in the orphanage our dresses were all so simple. I looked up again and saw that Yvette had slung my dress over the top of the screen as well. I took it down and slipped it on. The fabric felt so comfortable against my skin. It wasn't itchy at all...it was warm as well! Holding up the back of the dress, I came out and turned towards Yvette so that she could help me with the hooks on the dress. I wasn't familiar with how the hooks worked but surprisingly, Yvette worked very quickly and in a few seconds, she already started walking away from me. Then, I looked at myself in the mirror. A beautiful rich girl of nobility looked back into my eyes. I blinked twice before coming closer to the mirror and examining my new appearance. Before I got too immersed however, Yvette called, "Your Highness, come and choose a pair of shoes. I can't have you padding around the palace barefoot right?"

I turned away and went towards Yvette, who was waiting. She gestured to the line of shoes that lay beneath the dresses and seeing so many to choose from, I reached down for a pair randomly. Yvette immediately pulled me over to a stool so that I could sit. Then, she waited as if wanting me to stick out my foot. I shook my head, "its fine. I can do it." I was clearly not used to having people do things for me.

"No, no, don't be silly. Of course not," Yvette said as she waved away my outstretched hand. I already felt so awkward by this point that I didn't dare refuse again. However, seeing the uncomfortable look on my face, Yvette sighed and left the shoes so that I could put them on myself. Inwardly, I breathed out in relief. After getting dressed, Yvette took me back to my bedroom so that Olivia could do my hair. Olivia originally wanted to create something elaborate but I shook my head at the idea. So instead, she brushed my hair back and plaited it into a side braid.

"There, you're done. Normally, you'll have breakfast with your mother but considering that you've slept in today, the Queen has already had her meal. Her majesty has requested for your presence in her chambers after you eat your breakfast. I assume she didn't want to overwhelm you with everything at once so...would you like to eat in your chambers just for today?"

"Yeah...alright," I answered simply. Olivia nodded and took my hand as we walked out of the arched passageway again. As soon as we came into a larger room, I exclaimed, "Wait, there's more?"

Laughing, Olivia answered, "Yes, well this is your lounge room and study room. If any visitors were to see you, they will come here instead of your actual bedchambers. If you exit these large doors right here, you'll come out into a passage of mirrors. That'll lead you to the Queen's chambers."

"Oh, I understand now. Thanks."

Olivia curtly inclined her head before telling me to sit down at a small table that stood at the corner of the room. "Your breakfast will arrive shortly. After you finish, I'll come back and take you to see the Queen."

With that, Olivia left me alone to wait for my food to arrive. Being all by myself again, I finally let out a breath that I didn't know I had been holding.

(Regina's POV)

After shakily putting on my makeup, I begun to pace the room. I felt the Genie's eyes roam across the floor, watching the swishing voluminous movement of my dress in concern but I ignored him. My daughter was supposed to come here to my chambers at any minute but I don't know how she'll respond to me; I don't even know anything about her! Letting out an exasperated breath, I waved my hand over the face on my mirror and it disappeared in a puff of dark blue smoke. I didn't need the Genie overhearing the conversation that I would have.

Now, I began to contemplate my decisions even further. Should I have woken Daniella this morning instead of letting her sleep in? Does she even want to stay here with me? Is she afraid of me?

The latter question worried me. I had already decided to put on softer makeup and a simpler dress but I wasn't sure how Daniella would see me. My hopes are that she hasn't physically seen me murder or kill but what if she has? Ugh, calm yourself down Regina. Your overthinking.

I tried to push these thoughts to the back of my head so I walked over to my vanity and picked up the ring that Daniel had given me. I slipped it on, wishing that he was here to help me be a parent once again to my own child. Seconds after putting the accessory onto my finger, there was a knock on my door. I took a breath and called out, "Come in."

I heard some whispers outside and from the mirror of my vanity, I saw the door open with Daniella coming in by herself. She looked so beautiful, my heart leapt at seeing her just a few feet away from me. Finally, I turned around and said, "Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?"

Daniella only nodded. Sensing her shy unwillingness to speak, I continued, "You don't have to be afraid...come. Let's talk shall we?"

I saw her nod again and this time, I motioned for her to follow me. I walked over to the couch that sat by the fireplace and invited her to sit down next to me. When she did, there was a slight distance between us. I knew that it would make her uncomfortable to immediately close that gap so I asked, "Did you...know about all this?"

I watched my daughter intently as she muttered, "Well, sort of."

I frowned. "How?"

She looked up at me with large glassy eyes and without answering my question, asked me, "Why did you leave me? Was it Princess Snow White's fault that we were separated?"

I immediately felt fire return to my heart as soon as heard the wretched girl's name. "DON'T mention that girl in front of me without my permission, understood?" I said sternly. I saw Daniella recoil a bit and I sighed. I didn't need her to be afraid of me; we haven't even had a proper conversation yet! Bowing my head a little, I whispered, "Sorry, I shouldn't have burst out at you."

Daniella eyed me warily but I continued, "But yes, it was her fault. I'm going to tell you a story. You mustn't repeat this to anyone without my permission alright? You can promise me that...right?"

My daughter nodded in understanding and waited for me to tell her the story. Fearing that I would become too emotional, I twisted the ring around my finger and hoped that Daniel would help me say the right thing. Hesitantly, I began. "Well, when I was 18 years old, I met Daniel. He was the stable boy of my family estate and...I fell in love with him."

I watched Daniella's eyes grow round. She quietly whispered, "Was I named after him?"

I nodded with a smile on my face. "Yes, you were. Anyway, we loved each other but I knew that my mother would be against our relationship as he was of lesser class than me. One day whilst I was meeting him under my favourite apple tree, a runaway horse darted down the hill. Someone was on the horse and she was screaming for help. I should have never helped her...but my first instinct at the time was to jump onto Rocinante and go after the struggling rider. I did, and I saved the girl...but at a cost."

Daniella frowned and she asked, "who was the girl?"

I spat out the name and watched Daniella's shocked open mouth. "Snow White."

I inhaled and continued, "So the next day, the King visited and due to the lack of a motherly figure for his spoiled daughter, he proposed to me. I was surprised and didn't know how to respond but my mother accepted for me. After that, I ran down to the stables to tell Daniel what had happened. That's when we got engaged; he gave me this ring," I paused to slip off the ring that had been on my finger. I reached out for Daniella's hand and opened it, putting the ring into her palm. "After that, Daniel and I devised a plan to escape and be with each other forever. So as soon as the sun set, I met up with him at the stables and we were about to run off until Snow saw us kissing. The girl was upset initially but I made her promise to not tell anyone, especially my mother and the King about my true love, Daniel. The next evening, I was down at the stables again with Daniel but our worst nightmare was fulfilled. Cora, my mother, found out about us and in response, she took out Daniel's heart...and...and she crushed it right in front of me."

My voice had begun to shake by now but I kept going, "So I was forced to marry a man I did not love, actually...resented due to his brat of a daughter. The same girl who did not manage to keep a secret! Snow told my mother about Daniel and I. She killed him. She was the one who killed Daniel!"

Cautiously, Daniella asked, "He was my father wasn't he? Daniel?"

I smiled sadly, "Yes. He was...I wish that you would have met him. He really was the most kind, caring and handsome man in all of the realms."

I felt hot tears run down my face now. I looked away from Daniella and into the fire, trying to concentrate on the flames so that I may be soothed by its movement. However, I felt a small pair of arms slowly close around my waist. A little surprised, I shuddered slightly at first but then I looked down at Daniella's body which was snuggled against my own. I moved my arms so that my hands could rub Daniella's back in circling motions. I drew her closer to me, feeling a comfortable warmth which felt strange after years of not coming in contact with anyone...in this manner at least. I smiled and kissed the top of my daughter's head as she mumbled into me, "And what happens next?"

With her body pressed into mine, I continued, "Well, after marrying the King I soon found out that I was pregnant with you. Of course, I had to pretend that your father was the King...even after your birth. I remember every moment that I have spent with you in my life because it had brought me so much joy. Not only were you Daniel's child, you reminded me that I had something to live for. Without you, the castle was cold and empty towards me. The King only cared for his daughter and Snow was too spoiled to recognise the look on people when they are deeply hurt. Anyway, it was the night of that girl's 12th birthday when the King found out that you weren't his blood related daughter. He was furious and at the time, I didn't have magic to defend you or myself for that matter. He ordered the guards to take you away from me, and leave you at a village. You were only a year old at the time so they snatched you away from my arms despite my protests. I was so distraught after they took you. My only connection to true love was lost. To make it worse, I had to pretend to the kingdom that you had died when in reality, you were cruelly taken away from me. Daniella, our separation was the end of my happiness."

At this statement, Daniella looked up at me and asked desperately, "but how did the King find out?"

I pursed my lips and spat, "Who are we familiar with, who has the inability to keep secrets or keep her mouth shut at the right time?"

Daniella answered, "Snow? What did she say?"

"Actually, I'm not quite sure myself. However, I was told by Rumpelstiltskin that the girl mentioned some crucial information to her father. She must have told him that I was in a relationship with someone else...which meant that the King would have realised that you weren't his daughter. I mean, it was confirmed because you were never close to the King." I chuckled when I said this. "Apart from the wetnurse, I was the only one who you let to hold you."

Daniella breathed out a soft, "Really?"

I nodded. "Yes...so how about your story hmm? Judging by your appearance, you look 10 years old but you're technically 16 years of age."

Daniella unwound herself from my arms and then spoke, "A portal took me to Wonderland when I was abandoned."

"Wonderland?!"

Daniella looked at me strangely. "Yes, why? Does it mean anything to you?"

"Its just...I banished my mother there. You didn't happen to come across the Queen of Hearts did you?"

"No. But her guards found me and took me into a village where seamstresses 'adopted' me." Then, Daniella looked at me a little fearfully. She continued however, "They were horrid. I was forced to work for them as a servant. I wanted to play with the children in the village but they handed me a needle and thread and told me to get to work every..."

No they didn't! They forced my daughter to do lowly jobs of a peasant?! I didn't bother to control my anger. "They what?! Were you harmed Daniella? Oh, I'm so sorry darling! I didn't know that you were in Wonderland. I would have rescued you from there. I'm so so so sorry...you will forgive me right?"

I watched Daniella's chest rise and fall before she answered quietly, "Well, you didn't know...but I was alone for almost a decade in that dreadful place."

I wrapped my arms around Daniella, crying into her hair. "My little firefly, I don't know how I'll ever be able to make it up to you. I didn't know that you were suffering in a different realm. After looking for you everywhere in this land, I thought that you had died. I love you, I would have never let that happen to you."

After a long moment of silence, Daniella's muffled voice replied, "I know."

I breathed out a sigh of relief before asking, "So how did you manage to come back to the Enchanted Forest?"

"The Cheshire cat helped me. So did fireflies... for some reason."

I smiled when Daniella mentioned the fireflies. "Fireflies were the symbol of true love for Daniel and I. We used to meet each other at Firefly Hill...the place that we were at yesterday?"

Daniella looked up, "We were at Firefly Hill? No wonder there were so many fireflies in that area."

I nodded. "Yes, since you are the product of the true love between your father and I, fireflies become an important symbol for your magic and for yourself...have you noticed that?"

My daughter frowned as if considering before answering, "Fireflies have always seemed to follow me whenever I go. They are beautiful creatures though. I find their light comforting, especially if I have had a sad day."

"That's because for you, fireflies contain the love of your father and I...it's magic Daniella. Magic that comes from true love. I'm so glad that you've already seen it."

"Do you have a symbol for love and your magic too?"

I shook my head. I wished that my own parents gave me magic from combined love but it had never existed. Mother married for power, not because she loved Daddy. "No I don't. Not all people are a product of true love. This kind of magic is rare...the child born out of true love has light magic. I assume that you've noticed your magic already?"

"I have...the first time I used it, I think I made a tree branch fall on top of some boys who were bullying me," Daniella said as she grinned.

"What were you thinking when this happened? What was your emotions like?"

Daniella scrunched her face and tried to remember. "I was pretty angry when that happened...Its funny though because when I was practising control of my magic, I could only make a fireball if I thought of a certain dream that I had."

I gasped. Daniella could already control her magic...without anyone teaching her! Also, she can cast both light and dark magic! Sensing Daniella's inquiring look, I asked, "What was the dream? It was a happy one wasn't it?"

Daniella nodded, "Yes. It was. I'm beginning to think that it was a combination of a memory and a dream. In the dream, I was in a beautiful room...it looks really similar to this one but the walls were a lighter shade of colour instead. I was sitting right here on this couch and someone was stroking through my hair. Now, I assume that the figure touching me was you. The dream was very comforting and it made me happy."

I smiled at Daniella. "Well it seems like you have the ability to cast both light and dark magic. Of course, your light magic comes from you being the product of true love. Your dark magic however is inherited..."

"So that means you only have dark magic? Because you weren't the product of tru...," Daniella immediately covered her mouth as her cheeks turned red. She looked down and muttered, "sorry, that was quite rude."

I patted Daniella's back and answered, "No that's fine. I wasn't offended. I can see that you're very careful with your language though. That's something very important. Especially since you're a Princess now."

My daughter sighed and looked away. "But I know nothing about being royalty."

I lifted Daniella's head and said, "You've always been my little Princess but for now, you don't need to worry. I'll keep the knowledge of my heir secret from the kingdom until you are ready, alright?"

Daniella looked at me blankly. "Heir?"

I smiled. "Of course. You're my daughter so you'll inherit the throne when the time comes..."
Seeing the scared look on Daniella's face, I reached out and took her hand and assured her, "but meanwhile, you can just focus on settling back into this life. It takes some time but you should be fine." Then softly, I added, "that is, if you want to stay."

There was a slight moment of hesitation but Daniella replied, "Yes of course I want to stay..."

This was followed by an awkward silence. Daniella looked away but I had already understood what she was thinking. "You're afraid of me."

Daniella immediately shook her head. Too vigorously.

I inhaled sharply but answered, "I understand. The things they say...just ignore them. They judge according to what they have seen on the outside. No one is able to know a person unless they actually sit down and listen. You'll learn this soon enough. People are too quick to label who is good or evil."

Daniella's mouth formed a little pout as she thought. Then, in a quiet voice she asked, "but is it true? The things they say about you crushing hearts, burning villages and killing innocents?"

In an equally quiet voice, I sighed before answering simply, "No one is innocent."

I looked at Daniella to see her body inch away from mine. My heart dropped so I spluttered, "I don't take pride in doing so, Daniella. I don't. Well, maybe I do...sort of. But it tortures me. They say that I kill without thought. The thing is, the deeds that I have committed during the day always haunt me at night."

With my voice dropping even lower, I whispered, "The nightmares. They always come. Telling me that I'm becoming my mother. Ruthless. A monster. Evil."

I watched Daniella finally look up at me. Her expression was unreadable so I exhaled and stood up. Walking away, I spoke, "I hope that you won't have to feel the pain like I do. It causes you to do unspeakable things. Everyday, I am reminded of being alone, without my true love, or my daughter. All because of a girl that the Kingdom worships. All because of a girl who has broken a promise. To see that same girl living and breathing every day; it kills all the goodness in my soul. That is, if I even have any left."