(Daniella's POV)

My heart was thumping at the revelation. Who had taken the King's heart, and why did they do it?

I watched my mother's expression very carefully. She was in as much shock as myself. Her scared eyes explored the king's.

It took a minute for the judge to announce a temporary pause to the session. Given by his own concerned face, I assumed that he had never come across a situation in which the accused had no heart. I wished that the break would have lasted for a shorter period of time, since the longer I was away from school, the higher the chance that they'd realize I was missing.

As everyone had left the room, I took my eyes off the mirror.

If the king's heart was missing, is it possible that he was being controlled by someone all along? If so, how much does the culprit know about the king's life before his death?

I sat on one of the trunks in the room, twisting my hands together. Then, I suddenly remembered that I still had Henry's heart in my pocket. I took it out shakily and stared at the glowing organ in my hand. Strangely enough, the slow beat that radiated from it calmed me. A selfish part of me didn't want to return it, knowing that I now had control over my brother. However, I knew I couldn't keep it forever, even though I have no idea how I'd be able to return it to him without anyone seeing. If anyone saw me with the heart, I'd be in hot water. I didn't want to attract any more attention to myself than what's already happening with the court and the broken curse.

It seemed like forever, but eventually, I heard the judge's mallot thud from the mirror. I returned to the looking glass as everyone inside the hall sat down. Now, the witch was holding a dream catcher. The judge started speaking, "Proceeding from what had occurred in the previous session, we will use a dream catcher in an attempt to retrieve Mr Blanchard's memories. This will provide us with an insight into the accuracy of Ms Mill's testimony and perhaps also give us an indication of the culprit who had taken his heart."

I could tell that mother was not aware of this plan. At the mention of the dream catcher, she opened her mouth slightly as if she wanted to say something. After glancing around the room, she cleared her throat and asked, "Perhaps this should be left for a private audience, sir."

The judge looked incredulously at mother. "I do not believe that is necessary. As it has been made clear, the court will only search for the truth. Nothing more."

Although she didn't reply, it was certain that mother objected this. Her uncomfortable expression made me nervous. What was I about to see?!

I turned my focus to the witch, who hovered the dream catcher's net over the king's head. She closed her eyes in concentration. It was evident that the person behind the king's missing heart did not want these memories to be extracted. Nonetheless, a yellow glow started getting brighter and brighter on the dream catcher. As soon as the witch was done, the king's head fell forward. When he lifted it back up, something had changed within him. The witch announced, "As his majesty's memories from the time period surrounding the taking of his heart, Mr Blanchard has been temporarily freed from the connection to the one who owns his heart." She turned to the judge and said, "We have limited time, before this is connection is reformed."

My gaze was now diverted onto the king. Although still frightening to me, his eyes had lost a sense of harshness. In fact, he almost seemed to be giving me an impression of an innocent, yet condemned man. I shook my head immediately at this thought. No! He's ruined my life. I cannot think like this.

The judge spoke to the witch in a loud voice, "Is there any way we could view the memories in a larger frame?"

The witch nodded and laid the dream catcher on the ground. Then, she projected the memories into the air. It started playing with a haze of unclear sounds. However, I was able to make out what was going on...

Flashback

(3rd person POV, the royal wedding day)

Leopold walked away from the dance floor and watched as the rest of the guests continued dancing the following waltz. He had just been dancing with his daughter for almost twenty minutes. After he had caught his breath, he looked around the room for his newly wedded wife. However, he was unable to see Regina. Confused, he moved around the ballroom, looking for her. Eventually, he crossed her father at the refreshments table. "Sir Henry, would you happen to know where Regina is? I must have been caught in the waltz myself, after Duke Ferdinaz offered to dance with her."

Henry smiled and replied, "I think she's outside on the balcony catching some air herself."

"Oh, thank you," Leopold said as he gave a quick nod of thanks. Then, he proceeded to go to the balcony, dodging guests at the same time. Indeed when he got there, his wife was standing with her arms hanging over the railing. "Regina."

She turned around quickly. "Oh, my king. You gave me a fright. What are you doing here?"

"You were missing. Are you alright my dear?"

Regina gave him a small smile before turning back around. "I'm fine, just a little tired that's all."

The king walked over and put his arm around her waist. He felt a tension surge through her body as he did so, but didn't want to scare his young bride either. However, he knew what had to be done later that evening. He said quietly, "Shall I call it a night?"

Regina looked confused, "But the celebrations have only started, my lord."

Leopold chuckled, "I'm not the same as I was, in my youthful days. Balls and celebrations no longer interest me as much as they have in the past. Perhaps you should retire earlier so that you get some rest before..."

The Queen nodded as she blushed awkwardly. Before leaving, Leopold added, "I'm sure I've already mentioned it, but since we're now husband and wife, it'd be more appropriate if you would call me Leopold."

"I-uh...apologies Leopold."

"No, it's quite alright. Come, we'll bid goodbye to the guests. Then, after your ladies in waiting have tended to you, you can make your way to my chambers."

The royal couple went back into the ballroom to end the celebrations and after they did so, they returned to their respective chambers. Whilst Regina was greeted with servants, it was different for the King. When he walked into his rooms, he was surprised to find them empty.

He walked out into the hallway and realized that there was no guard standing out in the moonlight either. Frowning, he walked back into his room and nearly got the fright of his life when he saw a figure in a hood sitting on his bed. He grabbed the sword mounted onto the wall next to the fireplace and pointed it at the man. "Who are you? What do you want?"

The king woke up with a nasty headache. Something wasn't right with his chest either. He put his hand there and gasped at the pain as he pressed down on where his heart should have been. Then, he remembered what had happened...and also what he had been told to do. He whimpered, for he was frightened of what he'll become under the control of the monster who had taken his heart.

However his thoughts were interrupted when there was a knock on the door. Then, a sweet voice called out, "Leopold?"

He didn't answer, scared by how his life would gradually turn out to be. His wife's voice called out again, this time closer. As if controlled by the heart's wishes, he got up and unwillingly walked to the middle of the room.

He watched as Regina entered in a sheer silk nightgown. Eva was fair, but Leopold couldn't deny that seeing his new young bride before him like so made her look irresistible. He temporarily forgot all about what had happened just several minutes before. The King reached to unbuckle his pants.

(Daniella's POV)

"Ms Mills, do you have any idea who was behind the concealed hood?"

Mother shook her head. "No."

The judge nodded and diverted the topic, "Well then, we cannot, for the time being, find the identify the culprit and the person who had taken Mr Blanchard's heart. However, I'd like to address the other issue. As far as this memory presented to us now is concerned, there are no signs of rape-"

"Of course not! A missing heart doesn't change a person immediately." Mother replied quickly.

Before the judge could respond, the witch sitting below him spoke up, "Perhaps sir, we could extract the Queen's own memories regarding this matter."

Mother opened her mouth. "No, no-"

The bang of the mallot silenced her. She jumped a little, before glaring at the judge. Then, he explained, "We need proof, Ms Mills. And this is the only means to obtain it."

"My memories are private. I do not wish for everyone here to see them-"

"Nothing in this court is private. We must obtain our evidence to do anything about this matter."

Mother stood up in defiance. "No, it could be obtained from his memories. Not mine..."

"Are you afraid, Ms Mills?"

There was silence. Then, my mother growled, "No." Eyeing the witch, she sighed and sat down. "Fine. Do what you will."

I stood rooted to the spot as the mirror became cloudy. Before it completely covered the surface, I was able to catch a glimpse of the witch holding the dream catcher over my mother. I squinted as the fog became blurrier. Slowly, the smoke cleared to reveal a ballroom. The next thing I saw was my perspective spinning around. There was a faint joyous music in the background. I was viewing my mother's memories as if I was in her shoes.

At the end of the dance, she quickly walked away from the floor and other dancing couples. She was easily noticed for several people attempted to come to her. There were several smiles in her direction but she didn't pause. When she had successfully weaved through the crowd, she took a breath. Approaching the balcony, I could tell from the foggy surface of the mirror that she must have been feeling dizzy.

There was a voice. It was him.

The memories kept playing nonstop. I started to shake, when mother was getting undressed by the maids for her night with the king. I blamed it on the drafty temperatures of the vault, but I knew it was because of what was to come.

Luckily, just before I witnessed my stepfather and mother naked, smoke started covering the mirror. I wasn't able to make out anything past the dark clouds but it was the screams that unsettled me the most. "Please! No...no...-Your majesty!" I hugged myself and turned away from the mirror, feeling too scared to react in any other way. The cries continued for some time so I covered my ears with my hands.

Just as I felt as if I couldn't bear it any longer, my mother's screams died down in volume. I cautiously peeked at the looking glass and saw that the scene had changed once more. I was curious this time, for there was a bump on my mother's stomach. I smiled a little. It's me.

She was walking down the servants corridor, the one that lead to the kitchens. She paused outside a door. I couldn't hear what was going on exactly, as my mother's memories must have been jumbled as well. However, I could make out some phrases and words. "She's just a girl!" "No, she'll never be a Queen as Eva once was, despite that child she's brewing in her womb!" "That girl does't know how to be Queen!"

There must have been a sudden movement inside the kitchens for mother quickly moved away and ran from the door. She hid behind a suit of armour as the servants filed out. As she rubbed her belly, I could hear sniffles.

Smoke formed again, and this time, I realized that these memories weren't just shown to me. They were presented to the court, which would mean that the public now had access to these moments. I crossed my arms at the thought. However, I didn't have time to be angry over that, since there was a piercing scream from the mirror. I wanted to look away, but felt too drawn towards what was happening as it must have been important. As the smoke cleared, I took a step back. No...

I winced as the king let go of the baby in his hands. My mother dived for me but he kicked her in the stomach. She buckled over. Guards were called and I was roughly handed over to them. A guard was ordered to pin mother down. From her perspective as shown by the mirror, her line of sight from the floor saw the king walking away with the guard who had me in his arms. The doors to her chambers closed. She brought her hand up to her face and wiped away blood. However, it was barely visible on the navy blue velvet dress that she was wearing. After several ragged breaths, she screamed in a hoarse voice, "I love you Daniella! I'm so sorry...Mama's sorry..."

I reached out towards the mirror as the images cleared and changed once more. This time, mother was standing in front of a mirror. A handmaiden was helping her with a light blue dress. "Are you sure you'd like to wear this dress, your majesty?" From the floor length mirror, I saw my mother frown, "Why not? These dresses pleases the king."

"Well then, would you like me to help you cover your..."

That's when I realized that there were bruises on mother's exposed shoulder blades and neck. I covered my mouth in shock.

"No, that won't be necessary."

"What if the princess sees?"

Mother visibly stiffened and replied lifelessly, "Alright. Do what you will."

The scene moved on quickly and now, the maid was applying a pasty version of powder to the bruises. Mother winced.

"Does it sting, your majesty?"

"I'm fine. Just hurry up a bit, or the king will be angry that I'm late for dinner. I hear that he's already in a foul mood today."

"He's probably just anxious about his diplomatic matters."

"You mean the rebellion in the north?"

The maid looked uncomfortable. "I'm sorry, my queen. I shouldn't be involved in matters of politics."

Mother sighed. "Maybe, but perhaps you will be. If the riot goes badly, you'll have to do this more often."

"I'm sorry?"

Mother gestured at the powders on the table before her. The maid nodded and didn't say a word. Then, mother said quietly, "I wish that the peasants in the north would stop their violent revolts. I've been told that they've refused to pay the royal taxes." After a pause, she added, "Maybe if they stopped, he would too."

The scene dissolved, and finally, the mirror returned to the court room. I stood rooted, without moving as I let all those memories sink in. Everyone in the room seemed to be doing the same. There were tears in mother's eyes but she kept them concealed as she sat looking down. As I glanced around the court, I felt as if everyone was seeing right through her. The judge was the first to speak. "It seems like you were telling the truth, Ms Mills."

Mother lifted her head and replied in a quiet voice, "Why would I lie?" Turning to the demoralized king, she harshly whispered, "I don't care if those actions were beyond your control. The fact remains that you hurt my daughter. And I can never forgive you for that."

There was a single tear running down his face. I thought I might have had a shred of sympathy for him but it never came for his expression hardened. His whole demeanour changed. The bond is reforming, his heart must be back in the control of it's master! The judge took notice and called for the court lawyers to give their final say.

During the following break, everyone filed out of the room. I was nervous for the jury's verdict. Although what mother had presented were true, the king's defense was that his heart was taken, and therefore his actions were not enacted upon his intentions.

I watched as the room vacated. However, mother remained in her seat for a while. I frowned when she vanished in purple smoke. Then, my heart felt a pang of panic. Indeed, I felt a magic presence approach me.

"Daniella!"

I jumped, and reluctantly turned around. Mother threw her coat onto one of the trunks in the room and took a glance at the mirror. I backed up against the wall as she approached. "What are you doing?! Shouldn't you be in school?!" She demanded.

"I-"

Gesturing to the mirror, she continued harshly, "And what's this hmm?"

I looked down, "I just wanted to see what was happening-"

"No, you can't! There's a reason why I didn't tell you about this. How much did you see?"

I shrugged, with my eyes still cast onto the tiles of the vault.

"Look at me, Daniella."

I did.

"I won't repeat again. How much did you see?"

"Not much."

"Don't lie to me, firefly. You saw the king's memories didn't you? You saw mine didn't you?"

Under my breath, I whispered a quiet word of confirmation. However, I was immediately met with hands gripping my shoulders.

"That was very inappropriate of you Daniella! What happened between him and myself is my business. You cannot know everything, you're too young for that-"

I shook myself from my mother's firm grip. "No I'm not! If it wasn't for Snow and her father, I'd be nearly an adult by now. And I should know about what had happened between you and them! It's part of my histo-"

"Don't talk back at me!" my mother roared. I stepped back. She continued in a slightly less agitated tone, but still frightening nonetheless, "You're not an adult, and even if you were, you don't have a right to your mother's memories!"

"But I couldn't see any secrets with what I'd seen!"

"Daniella!"

"I didn't-"

"Those were moments I'm not proud of. And certainly, I'd hope that you would never have seen them in such detail!"

"But I wouldn't tell anyone-"

"That's not my point." Then, my mother paused and observed me. "You seem awfully agitated today. What's gotten into you? You know better than to skip school and sneak into my vault! I've told you many times, you are never to come here without me! There are dangerous things here that could have gotten you into trouble! Did you want to harm yourself?!"

"No! Of course not I-"

"Besides, the school won't see this 'running away' behaviour with satisfied lenses either. Should word get out that you've run away, it might give them an excuse to take you away from me again! Do you want that?!"

I shook my head.

"Good. Now make a promise to me that you won't ever run away again."

Under my breath, I mumbled, "I didn't even do it for a bad purpose..."

"What's that?" Mother inquired, as she arched her eyebrow.

"Nothing."

"No. If you've been brave enough to say it, then you must be proud of mentioning whatever you wanted to mention. Come on, say it louder."

I bit my lip.

"We don't have all day, Daniella. I have to go back to the court, and I guess I'll have to take you along with me."

Although I was to an extent glad that I would be at the court room, I was shaking as I replied quietly, but loud enough for her to hear, "I didn't even run away for a bad purpose."

Mother sighed in frustration. Then, she replied, "You better have understood what you've done. I believe that you're just hiding that guilt beneath what you've said. I know this is important to you, but I'm very disappointed that you've seen those memories of myself when I was younger."

I felt my cheeks burn. Although I fought against it, tears had started to form on the edges of my eyes. I wiped them away and looked down. Then, I felt mother pull me into a hug. She sighed and lowered her voice as she said, "I'm upset at your actions, but I love you ok?"

I sniffled as she bent down and wiped the stray tears away with her fingers. "Let's go and see justice served to the king. And wipe those tears away. You're going to be the future queen of the Enchanted Forest. Queens don't cry, or at least, not for the whole world to see, right?"

I gave one last sniffle and mumbled, "Sorry."

"Your actions won't go without punishment but we'll talk about that later. You ready to come into the court room?"

I nodded. Then, after giving me a worried smile, she surrounded us in purple smoke which took us directly to the court room. We appeared in the middle of the walkway. People had started filing into the hall. I caught the glances of some surprised people as we arrived. Mother took my hand and walked with me to the front of the room. The king was already sitting with Snow and Charming behind him. I chose to ignore them but when mother and I sat down, Snow came over to us.

"Regina, shouldn't Daniella be at school right now? Why did you take her out to witness this session?" In a low firm voice, mother replied, "What I do is my business. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not doing anything illegal, so I'd appreciate if you would give my daughter and I some space."

Snow backed off as I leaned my head onto mother's shoulder. The court proceedings began soon after that. The judge however, also asked mother why I was here. She replied more truthfully this time, "Daniella was feeling sick at school and she didn't feel well enough to stay. I picked her up of course, I'm her mother."

The judge gave me a sliver of a smile. "There is no doubt in that. We shall commence then, with the jury's verdict."

A representative was sent out to give the court the answer we've all been anticipating.

From the jury's space, he stood up and read from his piece of paper, "We find the accused..."

I held my breath. Mother took my hand in hers and squeezed hard.