(Daniella's POV)

The picnic basket in my hand was a little heavy to carry after a while so I set it down on the marble floor of the inner courtyard. Luckily, it was lunch hour and no one was there to realize that I wasn't in the dining hall like everyone else. Well, there were two guards who stood by in a distance of course. Ever since the incident with Snow's guards, mother has told two of her own guards to closely follow me. I couldn't say that I was comfortable with it, but given her anger at Snow, I didn't dare interfere with her decision.

"Daniella, sweetie."

I jumped at the voice but turned around to see grandma standing there in a lovely dark blue satin dress. I gave her a quick curtsy and greeted her. "Hi, grandma."

"I see you've brought a basket along with you."

"I thought we might be able to have a picnic. There's a nice little pavilion inside the hunting grounds. It's a little walk from the palace, but we'll get there soon."

"Whatever you desire, darling," she replied as she came forward and tucked a piece of stray hair behind my ear. Then, she waved her hand and the basket disappeared. "Oh, I took it to the pavilion, ready for us when we arrive."

"Thanks," I murmured. Then, grandmother put her hand around me and we started to walk. I was nervous that someone would see us so I asked, "What if someone notices us? They'll know that the Queen of Hearts is in the Enchanted Forest. Shouldn't you be disguised as Anastasia right now?"

She chuckled and replied, "No one from the Enchanted Forest recognises me as my Wonderland counterpart. Tell me, prior to the curse, if you walked into a village without any guards, without the royal crest on the tack of your horse, would anyone have recognised you as the princess?"

I shook my head and argued, "But they wouldn't because they only knew I existed one year ago."

"No, it's because they simply wouldn't know unless they've seen you. I wasn't in Storybrooke either, and I...well, I don't exactly look very much like your mother. She has taken more of her father's features. Besides, I don't believe many know that we are related."

I laughed, "I don't think they do. But Snow and her family does. It's annoying really. They think we're some kind of cult whose aim is to destroy everyone." Then, I lowered my voice and grumbled, "Even Henry thinks in that way, it's dumb."

"Don't worry my child, we will deal with that soon enough. Just enjoy this time away from the palace and all those peasants running around. Honestly, I cannot believe Regina is letting the Charmings have their way with who is allowed onto these grounds."

With that, we ended up talking about trivial things as we walked through the hunting grounds. Every now and then, we heard rustle and there would be tiny movement in between the trees. Then, a deer would peek out its head. I personally didn't really understand why people like shooting animals for fun. According to mother, the King used this as a means of boasting to his important officials and generals. It must have been true for he had many heads on display in his chambers. I know I have furs on my bed but at least I'm using it for a purpose. Besides, to have a row of animals heads staring down from the walls...That's when I thought about Accalia. I missed her and I have no idea where she was. "Grandma? Do you know how to track animals?"

She looked at me with wide confused eyes. "Track them?"

I looked down and replied, "I...well, mother's court huntsman had a wolf, and her name is Accalia. She used to be my companion but she's not wild, I swear! I mean, she is wild and all that. She enjoys killing, but she's harmless to us. Mother said that she was in Storybrooke but she never turned up after the curse broke. Would she have been transported back here with us?"

"Possibly. I'm no expert on this matter but if you really wish to be with her again, I'll look into my spellbooks and see if I can find something."

"Really?" I grinned with gratitude.

Grandma nodded with a tiny chuckle. Then, I looked back at the path in front of us and saw the tiny pavilion getting closer. "There!"

(Regina's POV)

Later that night...

Through the mirror of my vanity, I saw Daniel walk into my chambers. Every time I see him, I cannot help but feel as if I'm living through an illusion. Nonetheless, my heart fluttered at the sight of my fiance. I had just taken my hair out, to let it flow freely down my shoulders. Just in the way he likes, I thought to myself as I went over to him.

I hadn't seen Daniel at dinner, even though I had left a spot for him beside me. My heart sank upon seeing the empty space but I didn't blame him for being confused, after our fight over Daniella this morning. However, I decided to make it up with something that would hopefully lift his spirits. He stopped and bent over, allowing me to give him a kiss. I wrapped my arms around him and whispered, "I'm sorry about earlier. I thought about it and maybe you're right. She should be allowed to roam around the palace freely. I'm sorry, Daniel. I shouldn't have shouted at you."

He murmured, "It's ok."

I looked up at him and saw the sadness in his eyes which made me swallow. Then, I bid him to follow me to my vanity. He raised an eyebrow as I pulled out a velvet box. I gave it to him and beamed, "Open it."

"Regina..."

"Oh come on, just open it. I hope you like it."

I watched his expression carefully as he undid the satin ribbon and opened the lid to reveal the crown inside. He gave me a confused look as he stammered, "But, I'm just a stableboy! I, I can't wear this."

I took the box away from him gently and put my hand on his chest. "Of course you can." Then, I added with a wink, "Once I bestow the title of 'prince' to you."

Daniel's flabbergasted face made me swoon. I reached up to give him a kiss and as my lips grazed his after parting, I whispered, "Now, the kingdom will treat you the same way they treat me; with respect." Before bringing him closer to me and kissing him again, I murmured, "I love you."

(3rd person POV)

A week later...

Daniel lay on the bed, feeling used once again. He looked at the little dark brunette mop of hair that was leaning on his chest and sighed. He knew that she did care for him; which is exactly why he was so conflicted. She fell asleep way quicker than he imagined, but he couldn't say that he wasn't surprised. She was happy. She got what she wanted. She's just been too engrossed in her own pleasure to realise the lost of interest on his face. After lying there in the dark for an hour or so, he decided he had to get up to get some fresh air.

He was thankful that Regina liked her privacy, for if she had stationed guards outside her chambers, he would not get away undetected. As a bonus, Lena even told him about the secret servants' passageways in the castle. That allowed him to quickly slip out of the royal wing and into a passageway. Carrying a torch in hand, he walked through the tight stone walls until he reached a little circular room within the tunnel itself. He was sure that was where Lena told him to go. Indeed, he was only waiting for a minute or so when he saw a speck of torchlight come from the opposite direction. He smiled when he saw her. "Hey."

"Daniel, you're early!"

"She took less time with me tonight."

"Oh." Then, Lena gave him a sad smile and whispered, "Are you ready for tomorrow?"

Daniel shook his head, "No! Lena...I don't want to become a prince! I'm not a royal and I know nothing of their world!"

Lena came forth and stroked his face, "You'll be ok. You don't need to do anything, she's not requiring you to rule-"

"But I cannot be who she wants me to be! I don't, I don't want the power she's giving me, nor the status. I was so stupid as a teenager, to think that having a relationship between different social classes would even work out. I know how her knights think of me. They see me as an ignorant, weak boy. Maybe that's just who I am."

"Daniel, you weren't not stupid. You were acting upon your heart's desires."

There was a long silence. Then, he replied, "And yet it's now stopping me from happiness."

Lena looked up at Daniel's troubled face and whispered, "You can choose to be happy, despite whatever situation you're put in. You're acting as if it's the end of your life. You cannot let it bring you down."

"Lena darling, it is the end. I'm bound to her now. I cannot be myself, I wouldn't even be able to work in the stables, I wouldn't be able to see you there! I'll have to rely on these secret meetings. It's ridiculous!"

A tear fell down her cheek but Daniel wiped it away with his thumb. "I'm sorry, Lena." Then, he cautiously bent his head and kissed her on the wet cheek. Slowly, she returned it whilst putting her hands over his back. He deepened it, crying as he poured all the hurt he had been experiencing for the past two weeks. However, he pulled away suddenly.

He looked at his new lover with a distraught frown and muttered, "No, no, no, this is wrong. I have a daughter, I..."

Lena looked down ashamed too. However, Daniel was the one who whispered guiltily, "But...I made a promise to myself that I'll do better. That I'll take care of my heart's desires. And, right now it wants you, Lena."

Daniel then gave her another long kiss. When they parted, they both breathed heavily. Then, Lena laughed away a couple of tears and said, "I know a place where no one would find us. We wouldn't even need to step away from this passageway to get there."

"Where is it?" Daniel murmured, as Lena took his hand. It didn't take them long before they arrived at an elaborately decorated door. She pushed it open and it let Daniel step through first. "Whose room is this?" he murmured in fascination. The walls were painted with beautiful patterns and there were furnishings everywhere. However, he couldn't help but notice a musty smell.

"The King's. No one goes here, not even the servants. Especially not her. No one would find us here. The walls are very thick too. After all, this room belonged to His Majesty."

Daniel set down his torch and eyed the bed in the corner of the room. Then, he lifted Lena up with his arms and carried her over. That night, he thought he had the best sleep he'd ever had. He forgot all about the twinkling stars and fireflies, about the times he made love to Regina. He forgot all about the prince he was going to become. He wasn't even aware that in another lifetime, a young queen had cried out for her deceased stableboy to come down from the heavens and rescue her as the King forced himself upon his wife countless times on this very bed.

(Flashback, 3rd POV)

There was a loud intruding knock on the Queen's chambers. She gave her handmaiden a defeated look and ordered her to open the door. In her vanity, she could see the forms of two large muscular guards standing at the foot of the entrance. One of them gruffly said, "The King requires your presence."

Regina slowly stood up and pushed back the chair she was sitting on. It made an awful sound against the quiet that hung in the air. Before she let the guards take her to his chambers, she cast one last glance at her handmaiden who gave her mistress a soft smile and said quietly, "I'll be here when its all over."

The walk to the King's chambers was too short and before long, Regina stood outside the large guilded doors that brought to mind every nightmare that had been occurring since she wed that man five years ago. She raised her hand and knocked on the door three times. His voice echoed, "Come in."

She pushed open the heavy door and immediately felt nauseous. Knowing that it wouldn't do her good, she swallowed and tried to keep the bile at the bottom of her throat. Leopold put down a dagger and said, "The hunting trip has been successful today. I killed two stags myself.

Regina walked forward and said quietly, "That is great to hear, Leopold."

The side of the King's mouth pulled upwards, "Yes, it would have been great; yet I'm lacking something aren't I?" Regina didn't reply. The King continued, "I would love to have a son, whom I could share this memory with me."

Regina didn't speak. In her mind, she screamed, 'I'll never bear a son for you after what you did to my daughter'! But of course, Leopold remembers nothing thanks to the Dark One's memory potion. Regina didn't dare reveal anything about the other deal she made with Rumple; one that stopped her womb from ever bearing a child of Leopold's. However, that didn't come without consequences. Regina knew that. In fact, she frequently experienced it. As she cast her eyes down, she murmured, "I'm sorry."

"Sorry isn't good enough! I don't care how many times it happens, but you will give me a son!" Leopold spat. Then, he snarled, "Undress."

She gulped and whilst her magic was improving, she was afraid. Whenever they were alone together, her heart pounded and she was unable to do anything other than follow his commands. She started to undo the sash around her nightgown and as she let the dress and undergarments pool at her feet, she took a steadying breath before walking to her husband and reaching for his belt. She took way too long than Leopold anticipated so he threw her onto the bed to do it himself. Once he was done, he moved towards and bed and grabbed her thighs roughly, pulling them apart. Regina turned her head to the side by instinct but he hissed, "Look at me. Say my name."

Her eyes betrayed her emotions and obeyed the King's commands. She tried to blank out the sight of the King's determined face by looking just above his ear. Then, she bit her lip as his nails travelled down her body. Despite how painful it was, she denied Leopold the chance to see his Queen cry as his large hands gripped her breasts and squeezed hard.

The King used one leg to spread hers even further. Then, he thrust his fingers into her, exploring everything that came out. After that, he moved away only to re position himself in a stance that allowed him to thrust into her with his full length. Regina couldn't help but let out a painful moan this time, but it was unnoticed by the King. As her tears soaked the pillow beneath her head, she tried to summon her memories of the wet hay in the stables. The stolen moments of true love's kiss. The gentle touch of her stableboy as they innocently brought the product of their true love into the world.

Regina nearly blanked out from the discomfort and pain riveting through her body. As a last resort, she whispered Daniel's name only ever so slightly. Maybe he would hear her pleas and send an angel down from heaven to rescue her.

Present day

Daniel woke up with a dumb smile on his face but it was wiped away instantaneously when he realized that it was morning already. He looked over and upon seeing Lena sleeping beside him, his heart stopped as a cold wave rushed through his body. He shook her frantically until she stirred and murmured his name with a satisfied little grin. However, she too, sat up straight when she realized that it was no longer night. "Daniel, what time is it?" she cried out.

"I uh, I have no idea! I just woke up!" He went over to the balcony and sighed in relief when he saw that the sun was only just on the horizon. Pinkish blue light flooded into the palace, marking dawn. He turned back to Lena and said quickly, "It's only daybreak. But we have to hurry. You have to go back to your post! If they find you missing-"

"No, it's you they'll care about! When do preparations start?"

"They'll wake me at 7."

"Alright, but whatever you do, make sure that no one knows you've been here."

"Of course, love." Then, Daniel gave Lena a kiss on the forehead, which she swatted away and said frantically, "Just leave. You can't be in trouble!"

Daniel gave her one last look before disappearing past the door to the secret passageway. When he had left, Lena dressed quickly because she didn't want to get caught here by herself, in case anyone did manage to discover that someone had been inside the king's rooms. Her hand was on the door handle when she heart a rustle behind her. She whipped around in fear and standing there, was a woman with green skin. Her blood froze when she realised that it was the witch the Queen had warned them about. "You're the Wicked Witch."

Zelena laughed and replied loudly, "Why yes my pretty. I am."

"What do you want?" Lena quivered, as she attempted to hide her fear.

"You of course. I want you and that wonderful bundle of joy you're brewing inside you-"

"You're wrong, witch. I'm not pregnant," defended Lena in a tone an octave higher than usual.

"Says who? I'm a sorceress darling, I can tell that you're pregnant. All actions have consequences."

Lena looked fearfully at the witch as her hands flew to her stomach. However, she managed to utter strongly, "I will not let you take my child-"

"Ah yes. That. Well, depending on what happens, I might not need to take her. But one thing's for sure, I'm here to help you."

Lena stood her ground and replied, "You want me and my baby in order to help me? You're a psychopath."

Zelena cackled and flicked her wrist. She disappeared and reappeared right next to Lena, making her jump. She held her strongly with magic and uncorked a tiny bottle of green liquid. "Open up, my pretty," she whispered. Lena struggled against Zelena so with the flick of her wrist, the younger woman's mouth was forced open. Lena's limbs flailed as the liquid dropped down her throat. When every last drop had been consumed, Zelena let her go. Lena fell onto the ground and groaned in pain.

"That, will make sure your baby comes out just in time."

"In time for what?!" Lena cried as she clutched her abdomen.

"In time for my witch fight with my little sister of course." Then, she changed her tone and mocked playfully, "You do know who my sister is, don't you?"

Lena breathed out of pain, "Who?"

"Oh I'm suprised that you sweet boyfriend hadn't told you-"

"Who is your sister?!"

Zelena stalked over to Lena and looked down at her in disgust. Then, she answered, "The source of both our problems." She didn't even bother to observe the look of shock on Lena's face for she had flicked her hand, sending the servant back to her quarters. Then, Zelena went over to the mirror on the opposite end of the bed and seethed in a haughty voice, "You should prepare yourself, Regina. I told you that you'll lose everything you hold dear. You'll be just like I want you to be. Broken."

Then, the witch waved her hand over the mirror, making Daniella's face slowly appear. The princess was engaged in an animated conversation with Cora.

Hmm, you seem to be coping well with your grandmother. Yet, my sweet little niece, I wonder if your mother will look at you in the same way after she discovers of your father's betrayal. Oh, and I still have a little surprise for you. You see, I have ears and eyes everywhere. I've nudged some Wonderlanders from your past into your realm, under the illusion that they're helping the Resistance. I'll be delighted to observe how you choose to deal with them, Daniella.

(Daniella's POV)

Two days later...

I had been allowed to attend court today, as it was father's first one as a prince. Two thrones had been commissioned and now, we sat on either side of mother. Before the curse, I wouldn't attend court and during the few times I did, mother didn't mind if I sat on her lap. However, she reckoned that it was time I started to pay more attention at what was occurring in the kingdom. It's still strange that two different kingdoms are inhabiting the same palace. Snow and her inner circle held a separate court for their rule, and mother held her own. Nothing really interested me in the court proceedings except for the address relating to the rumours of a pregnant servant. I had heard whispers of it between my chambermaids but I didn't think that it was really important until mother brought it up in front of everyone.

She tapped her finger against the wooden armrest and decided to put an end to the matter about taxes or whatever it was. "That's enough, Sir Richardson. You will do as per my original orders." The knight bowed and retreated. Then, she continued, "Now, I do hope you are aware that news reaches my ears quickly here. It has come to my attention that a servant is pregnant here in my palace. I'm sure I don't need to remind you that this has always been unacceptable. Gentlemen, if you discover that your wife is with child, you must report it. Ladies, you must do the same. It is imperative that the infant child is born outside of the palace walls. You must go back to your village for the process. I do not allow children under the age of five here."

I held my breath; surely that woman would have notified somebody. The silence was making me nervous for I know mother was going to get annoyed soon. She gestured for a guard to come forth. He bowed before her and she commanded, "Find that woman and bring her to me."

The court topic changed temporarily to something else but soon, the doors to the hall opened to reveal the guard and the servant. As they walked forwards, I frowned in confusion. I turned to mother and whispered, "How is she that heavily pregnant? Wouldn't somebody have realised by now?"

Under her breath, mother replied, "I have no idea, but that's what we're going to find out." The woman was forced onto her knees before the steps of the throne. Mother raised her voice so that everyone could hear. "What's your name hmm?"

The woman kept her face down and replied, "Lena, Your Majesty."

"Lena is it? Well, Lena, it seems to me that you're almost ready to give birth. I assume you returned to the palace after the curse brought us back. Why did you come? You know the rules, don't you?"

Stammering, the woman replied, "I wasn't pregnant when I came back to work, your majesty. It was a witch. She sped up this pregnancy."

I sucked in my breath. Could it have been Zelena? Mother stopped tapping her finger and leaned forward. "A witch, you say?"

"Yes, she...she had green skin."

"Zelena," mother growled. The woman looked up but the guard kicked her in the shins, forcing her to look towards the ground again. Mother told him off for that, "No. Leave her." Then, she added, "Why did she speed up your pregnancy?"

The woman looked between us and replied quickly, "I don't know. She appeared, just two days ago and forced me to drink this potion."

I gripped my seat tightly. Zelena got into the palace undetected. Mother also noticed this detail, for she interrogated, "An enemy got within the palace walls, and you didn't think it was wise to report that?"

"No, it's not that, my Queen...I was...I was so shocked and I was worried that-"

"Enough!" mother yelled. She huffed in anger and spat, "Thanks to you, I'm now two days behind on possibly figuring out that witch's plan. Guards!" Another one came forward and stood on the other side of the woman. "Take this creature back to her village. She shall receive no money to cover the cost for the midwifry."

Normally, no one would dare stand up against mother's orders, but the woman pleaded as the guards held her up, "Please Your Majesty. Don't make me leave. The child will die! The Enchanted Forest is dangerous right now and I don't have a permanent home!"

I held my breath and averted my eyes, to avoid seeing the pain on the woman's face as she pleaded. However, father's voice distracted me from my thoughts. He rebuked mother's decision and said, "Regina, let her stay. The land is indeed unsafe for anybody, let alone a pregnant woman. There's revolutionaries from Wonderland out there, wild beasts and warring kingdoms that haven't settled their dispute ever since our return. Just let the child be born and raised for a few weeks here-"

"Daniel." Mother stated as a warning. However, he only raised his voice and said, "Regina, do what is right. Let the woman stay."

"Right?!" mother exclaimed. Then, she lowered her voice and said, "She ought to be punished for coming back here in the first place!"

"Perhaps she was struggling!"

"Daniel-"

"Regina, listen to me-"

"No!" mother roared. I felt a shiver down my spine. I looked away from my parents and played with my dress as I heard mother warn father, "We cannot afford to be soft. The matter is settled."

At the corner of my eye, I saw her hand gesture for the guards to take the woman away.

The rest of court passed uneventfully, especially since father and I stayed silent. When it had concluded, mother ordered everyone out, instead of the usual tradition of leaving first. When the room had emptied, including the highest ranked knights, she turned to father and said in a slightly softer tone, "What were you doing?"

He stood up and debated, "You were placing an unfair judgement on the woman! She didn't even deserve punishment-"

"Are you saying she did nothing wrong?" Mother questioned with disbelief as she narrowed her eyes.

"Yes."

I bit my lip as mother replied, "I did not make that rule. It had existed prior to my reign and prior to Leopold's, and it will remain because it has sense. We do not want crying babies in the palace, nor servants needing to take care of their children. It's a waste of time and salary-"

"Are you forbidding the birth of children? The affirmation of love?" father replied harshly.

Mother was taken aback but nonetheless, she replied, "Of course not! I'm not unrealistic, hence why they are allowed to return after the child is at the age of five or above; when the mother no longer needs to give full attention to it. Now, I know you think I'm being cruel, but if what she said is true, then Zelena has gotten past our defences undetected. Aren't you concerned about that detail? She could have hurt our daughter, and you and I wouldn't have known it was her!"

Mother glanced at me so I got up and went over to her. She took my hand as father reasoned, "That woman was scared and shocked. She probably went from no child, to being almost ready to give birth. You should have given her a chance instead of throwing her out!" Then, he caught my gaze and added, "I can't believe that's the example you set for our daughter."

"Excuse me?!" Mother roared as she stood up. "I know perfectly what I'm doing and what's best for Daniella. She needs to learn about these rules, which is exactly why I've brought her here today. The Enchanted Forest is unstable and I need her to learn how to rule so that one day, she will not be weakened by other forces."

"This is not about being weakened, Regina. You've completely missed the point!"

"What point?" she huffed in a low voice.

"You...you didn't care about that woman at all! You didn't care about how she was pleading for your mercy and begging for your forgiveness. You're teaching Daniella that she should disregard all facets of humanity!"

Mother seethed dangerously, "You have no idea what you're talking about."

Father replied simply, "No I think I do."

After a long tenuous moment of silence, she replied with a hint of uncertainty that was skilfully masked under a low voice, "Do you know that woman?"