Chapter 5 The Dinner Party

Three days had gone by, and Emma didn't see or hear from Regina once since their last confrontation. She hasn't even been going to work, and when she questioned Henry, he said she was sick and wasn't feeling good. She knew it was a lie. She knew Henry wasn't lying to her, but she could detect the lie that had been told to him. The poor kid himself wasn't sure of the truth. She even thought about stopping by the mansion and checking on Regina herself, but she was afraid she might cross some boundaries. As painful as it was, she had to force herself to wait till Friday evening. She had created a mental list of possibilities of what could be wrong. Was she sick? Was she dying with some kind of incurable disease like cancer? Was she mentlly ill or did she have depression? Was her illness the reason why Leopold seemed to resent her so much? She had no idea what was going on, but she was determined to find out.

When Friday evening finally came, Emma had absolutely no idea what to wear or even bring. She was pretty sure this was a formal occasion so she decided on a black evening dress. It wasn't totally her but it was better than showing up in jeans and her red leather jacket.

Just as she was heading down the steps of the loft, Mary Margaret approached her from the kitchen.

"You look nice," she commented.

"Thank you, I figured this might be more appropriate. Are you sure you don't want to come with me?" she asked, desperately wishing she'd change her mind. She didn't want to go alone. Her need to see Regina after nearly 3 days of silence was the only thing keeping her from throwing in the towel and staying in and watching netflix.

"I don't go to those things. Especially if my father is hosting."

"Right," she muttered, remembering how Mary Margaret was estranged from her father. "I'm not even sure why I'm still going."

"Are you going because you want to see Henry or are you concerned for Regina?"

"Maybe both," she winced. "I haven't heard from her in days."

"I mean you two didn't exactly get on the right foot," Mary Margaret was deflecting and Emma narrowed her eyes at her in suspicion. She knew her roommate knew something, but she was just too afraid to tell her.

"Is Regina the reason why you won't tell me what's going on?" she asked. "Is she threatening you in some way to keep quiet?"

Mary Margaret shook her head, her blue eyes shining with sudden tears that threatened to fall. In fact, she seemed afraid to even discuss this.

"Emma, I can't tell you what you want to hear. I betrayed her trust once and it cost her dearly. I won't do it again. Not without her consent. I'm sorry."

"Is Henry safe?"

"With Regina, yes."

Emma realized that she wasn't going to get any answers from her. That didn't mean she wouldn't find out though. The apprehension she felt about attending this dinner party turned to determination, because she was sure she would witness more pieces to the puzzle.


Regina was in no mood to host a dinner party. She was in too much pain. Her back was on fire, but she had forced herself to get up and start preparing for the party. Of course it didn't matter that she could barely stand without pain shooting up her back. It didn't matter that she was lashed by her husband until she was bruised and bleeding. It didn't matter that he had locked her in the bedroom since then. He expected her to look like the mayor's wife tonight and put on a show of happiness. The perfect life.

Regina stood in front of the full length mirror standing just outside the walk in closet. She was wearing a midnight blue evening dress that thankfully covered up the lashes on her back and was very modest on her breasts. She was in no mood to draw attention to herself. She just wanted to curl up under the covers of her bed and sleep the evening away.

"People are arriving," Leopold's voice suddenly sounded in the room and she jumped fearfully at his sudden appearance. Her hands started to shake nervously. She tried to calm her breaths as he came up behind her and forced her to turn so he could look at her. By the frown on his face she could already tell he didn't approve of the dress.

She was proven right when he went into the closet and brought out a black one that would show off her breasts and her back.

"Put this on," he ordered, shoving the dress into her hands. She immediately did as she was told, trying not to wince at the pain the movement of slipping the blue dress off caused on her wounds.

She could feel his eyes on her body and she swallowed the sob that threatened to come out. She slipped the black dress on, immediately shifting in discomfort at the tightness. He roughly grabbed her arm and turned her to face the mirror, his eyes hungrily fixated on her pronounced breasts. His other hand splayed across her back, putting a light painful pressure on her wounds as a warning. Her eyes avoided his gaze in the mirror, in fact she couldn't even bear to look at him.

"This is more like it," he sneered. "You know how I like to show off my beautiful wife at events. You know better than to hide your assets."

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to hide the lashes on my back," she explained, afraid that he might become angry at her. His hand pressed firmer against her back and she couldn't help the pained cry from escaping her lips.

"Do you need me to redress your bandages?" he asked as he pulled away and grabbed a wrap from the closet. He draped it over her shoulders, covering the bandages on her back.

"No," she whispered fearfully, remembering his rough hands cleaning and dressing her tender wounds. He nodded and then turned her so she was facing him. He roughly grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him.

"Not a word about your back to anyone," he threatened. "Do not take off your wrap, and do not under any circumstance speak to my colleagues when I'm speaking to them. You are to stay silent on my arm until I allow you to mingle. Understood?"

"Yes," she whispered shakily, staring fearfully into his eyes. He smirked at her submissiveness, and released her chin.

"I invited Emma Swan tonight."

"What?" she snarled, her anger suddenly replacing the fear in her eyes.

"You are to apologize to her tonight for all the trouble you have caused her."

"I was just trying to protect Henry," she tried to defend herself, but snapped her mouth shut at his hardened gaze. He suddenly smacked her hard, her face turning to the side as pain radiated from her cheek. Her anger dissipated and turned to fear once more. She didn't cry. If anything, she fell further behind the emotionless mask she had perfected over the years.

"I don't want to hear excuses!" he snapped. "Do as you're told or there will be consequences tonight."

In response, she buried the pain, she masked the fear, her eyes turned cold as she submissively took Leopold's arm, ready to be the perfect trophy wife. He smirked at her response, his hand gently lifted her chin so she'd look at him.

"It's a shame you'll never be as beautiful as Eva."

Her heart shattered at those words, but she didn't dare show her emotions. She kept her gaze forward as he led her out of the bedroom.

He didn't let go of her for the majority of the evening. She had to stand silently at his side as he conversed with his colleagues. He had her on his arm like a prized possession. After all, that was how she felt since marrying him. She was just a pretty trophy for him to show off. Right when she was growing bored listening to Leopold boast to his colleagues, she spotted her friend Katherine and her husband Fedrick walking in through the foyer. They made eye contact and Leopold turned to see what had gotten her attention. He didn't care for them much. The only reason he let her invite them was because Katherine was a lawyer, often working with City Hall. However, aside from a certain blue bird, Katherine was the only one to know about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband. Frederick approached them as Katherine discreetly slipped into the kitchen.

"Good evening, mister mayor," he nodded. "Thank you for inviting Katherine and I this evening. In fact I would actually like to discuss some legal matters if you have a moment?"

"Yes of course," he nodded.

"You look lovely as always Regina," Frederick politely greeted her. "In fact, Katherine is looking for you." Regina looked up at her husband, knowing he couldn't deny her without causing suspicion.

"Well then, why don't you go find her," he said, letting her go.

"I won't be long," she gave him a fake smile, knowing he expected her back on his arm. She even gave him a kiss on the cheek as a show in front of their guests. If only they knew what went on behind closed doors.

She headed for the kitchen while Frederick distracted Leopold. Upon entering, she was finally able to breathe without her husband looming over her. Her friend was serving herself some punch.

"Gina, how are you doing? It's been a while since we've seen you," Katherine stated, her eyes full of concern. The meaning behind her words were much more meaningful than they should be.

"Henry's birth mother is in town," she blurted out, ignoring the question and avoiding having to tell Katherine about the latest punishment from her husband. Katherine's blue eyes grew wide. "The bastard actually invited her tonight."

"Are you kidding me?" Katherine asked, keeping her voice low. "How's Henry taking this? Is she here?" She walked across the kitchen to look out into the foyer.

"I haven't seen her yet," she said. "But I think I'm losing Henry. He thinks I don't love him. He calls me the Evil Queen from this fantasy in a book and he believes she is his savior."

"He's confused," Katherine concluded.

"I know and I have him in therapy. I've tried talking to him, and nothing I do seems to work," Regina whispered, her heart breaking as she finally talked to someone about it. She has been holding all of this worry and guilt in. "Now this woman is here and making him fall further into his delusions."

"I'm so sorry," Katherine whispered, her blue eyes full of empathy as she gently pulled her into her embrace. She had nearly forgotten all about the wounds on her back until Katherine had obliviously pressed on them and she couldn't help the cry of pain from escaping her lips. Her friend immediately pulled away with a look of discernment, looking around the empty kitchen to make sure no one heard and then silently guided her over to the guest bathroom, making sure Leopold didn't notice them.

She shut the door and gently removed the wrap from Regina's shoulders. She gasped at the white bandages with red and purple bruising welts peeking out around them. She peeled back one of the bandages and cried out in horror at the deep lash that was underneath.

"Oh my god, Regina!" she gasped, pulling the zipper halfway down and revealing the entirety of her injuries.

"I deserved it," she whispered, unable to stop the tears from streaming down her cheeks.

At those words, Katherine made sure the bandage that she had peeled back was firmly in place before zipping up her dress. She gently turned her friend so that she was facing her.

"There's nothing you could have done to deserve this," she urged, gently pulling her into her arms again and being mindful of the wounds this time. Regina let herself melt into the embrace. It's been so long since someone has hugged her. She buried her face into her friend's shoulder and couldn't stop the fresh wave of tears.

"Shh," she soothed her, letting her cry and comforting her the best she could. Regina missed her. They've been friends since high school, and as the years passed, she was being isolated more and more. It's been almost a year since she last saw Katherine. "Come stay with us tonight."

"You know he won't allow that," she said, pulling away and wiping her tears.

"But you can't keep living like this," she argued. "I'm worried about you and Henry."

"You and I both know running away will only make it worse. The last time I tried escaping, I lost a child!"

Her friend looked at her with so much sympathy at the mention of the baby she lost years ago, and Regina turned to face the mirror, unable to look at her anymore. She grabbed a tissue and started fixing her smudged makeup.

"Regina…"

"I could lose Henry and I won't risk that." She cut her off. She didn't want to hear anymore of her sympathies.

"And if he goes too far?" Katherine asked as Regina slid her wrap back over shoulders. "What then?"

"It won't," she whispered, pulling open the door and ending their conversation. She right away spotted Emma talking with Henry. The other woman must have shown up while they were in the bathroom.

"Is that her?" Katherine asked, her eyes on the woman Henry was talking to. Regina didn't even hear her. Leopold had spotted her and was heading over to her with a determined look in his eyes that had her rooted to her spot.

"Ah Katherine, I hope you're enjoying the party," he gave his colleague a fake smile.

"Immensely," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Leopold ignored her and Regina flinched when he was suddenly taking her hand.

"Can you give us a moment?" he asked, although his words almost sounded polite, his eyes challenged the blonde lawyer. Regina knew they often got into it at City Hall, and couldn't work together without getting along. Katherine hesitated, as if she were afraid to walk away.

"I insist," she said to her, nodding and unable to look her in the eye. Katherine sighed heavily, but reluctantly left them alone and rejoined Federick.

"You know what to do," Leopold said quietly into her ear, her gaze falling on Emma and Henry. He placed her hand on her back, making her wince from the added pressure on her wounds, a silent warning.

Without a word of protest, she headed over to Emma who was laughing at something Henry had said. Her son was smiling and her heart broke when she realized she hadn't seen that smile in a long time. She addressed him first, not even looking at Emma as she knelt to his level.

"Henry, can you give us a moment?" she asked, and frowned when he looked up at Emma as if he were unsure.

"Go on kid," Emma nodded and with a heavy reluctance, Henry complied. She watched him disappear among the guests, before standing straight to face Emma. Her wounds on her back ached from the movement, but she tried her best to ignore it.

"Miss Swan, I believe I owe you an apology," she said shortly.

"What?" The blonde looked at her in surprise, her green eyes wide and her mouth hanging open in shock for a moment before her eyes swept over her. The shock turned to concern making Regina feel vulnerable. She probably noticed her tear stricken eyes and smudged make up. She practically snarled in disgust, mostly for herself.

"Don't make me repeat myself," she snarled, quickly becoming defensive.

Emma tilted her head, but didn't back down or cower in fear like most people in town did. Instead, she stepped up to her, her green eyes full of fire and she didn't miss the sudden tension between them.

"Drop the sincere apology act," Emma called her out. "I know your husband put you up to this."

"Well then, I guess I don't have to waste my breath on fake apologies," she sneered, looking Emma up and down with more disdain than she'd have for a bug underneath her shoe.

Emma rolled her eyes.

"You know what Regina, the only reason I came here tonight was because I was worried about you. Seems to me you're just fine," she hissed angrily, her temper flaring and her face hard with anger and frustration.

"I said I was fine!" she snapped, suddenly remembering Emma calling her the other day while she had been in bed with fresh wounds on her back. She had been in so much pain, and she knew Emma must have heard it in her disoriented tone. Somewhere deep down, she was touched that she was worried, but it only scared her. So she pushed back defensively. "I don't need you meddling in my personal affairs. It's enough that you're already confusing Henry. He may think he suddenly needs you in his life, but he doesn't! After tonight, I better not see you near him!"

"We'll see about that," Emma hissed, getting up into her face. Their lips were so close, they could feel each other's breaths and for a moment Regina wondered if they felt as soft as they looked. Emma sparked a fire in her, one that burned so fierce even when they hated each other.

That fleeting thought startled her, and she could have sworn she saw a spark of desire in those bright green eyes as well. She hadn't even noticed the room had become silent. They found themselves furiously holding each other's gaze, until Regina was suddenly being yanked back. Raw fear washed over her as she was suddenly being forced to stand in front of her husband, his grip was tight on her forearm and he was looking at her furiously. The fire within her died, and all that was left was the ice cold fear as she faced her livid husband.

"Regina, I think it's time to serve dinner," he said calmly although she heard the threat in his words. He released her forearm and gently slid his hand down to take her suddenly shaking one. He squeezed it, a silent warning to wipe the fear off her face. She swallowed hard, pushing down the fear and making her face emotionless. She could feel Emma and everyone in the room staring at them, but she only kept her dark gaze on her husband.

"Go on, my Queen. I'll be in to help you shortly," he said softly, putting on a show of fake endearment. He kissed her cheek, and let go of her hand. She immediately walked to the kitchen, not looking at anyone, especially Emma because surely her mask would break.

She could hear the room start to become alive once more, conversations and laughter continuing as if they had been on standstill for a moment. She felt like she was drowning in them, and when she reached the doorway, she turned to see Emma talking to her husband.

He was probably trying to excuse her behavior, but Emma didn't seem to buy it. As if she could sense her watching, green eyes suddenly looked up, meeting her gaze straight across the room over Leopold's shoulder. Regina's mask broke for just a moment, because Emma had a way of tearing down her defenses and seeing right through her. She let her see her fear for just a moment, before she closed herself off once more, sending her a heated glare, and then turning to exit the room.

The minute she entered the kitchen, she shouted at everyone to leave, and no one dared to go against her order. They all scurried out, avoiding her hot temper. She turned the oven off and pulled out the two casserole dishes of lasagna from the oven and angrily placed them on the stove. She was so angry at what had transpired, and so afraid of answering to Leopold, that she flinched and nearly dropped one of the dishes when Katherine had suddenly rushed in behind her.

"Regina? What happened out there?" she asked, standing behind her as she made sure the dishes were secured, before turning to face her worried friend.

"I tried apologizing, like he asked!" she cried out in frustration. "Now he's going to come in here and…" She trailed off, unable to even finish that sentence. Katherine's eyes widened.

"Let's get Henry and go," she pleaded.

"Katherine!" she snapped harshly, making her friend jump in surprise. Her face softened with guilt. She was only trying to help, Regina knew that, but she was starting to feel pressured. She already made it clear she couldn't leave without risking her son. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her fear starting to escalate with each moment. Her eyes kept flickering to the door.

"I know you're afraid, I know the risks, but don't you want to at least try?" Katherine asked, her own voice shaking, and her blue eyes welling up with tears. "I can't just leave you here. We'll figure out a way."

Regina shook her head in defeat, her eyes averting downward, unable to look at her anymore. She was ashamed of giving up. She was ashamed of the suffocating fear that held her back; Of history repeating itself, and her heart shattering once more for another unbearable loss.

The door suddenly opened and Katherine bristled with hostility as Leopold walked in. Regina didn't even look at him. She was too afraid. Her hands shook, and her breaths became a bit labored out of fear.

"Katherine, the guests are being seated in the dining room."

Leopold had no idea Katherine knew about the abuse, and Regina wondered if she was finally going to confront him. She hoped she wouldn't say a word, because she was already in enough trouble as it was.

"Please, give us a moment," Regina insisted, finally looking at her and leveling her with an intense glare that somehow got the message across. The anger dimmed and all she could see in those teary blue eyes was a reluctant acceptance. She knew the last thing Katherine wanted was to leave her alone, but she didn't have much of a choice right now.

The minute Katherine was gone, Leopold grabbed her forearm, tight enough to leave bruises later. He roughly pulled her close.

"What were you thinking?!" he snapped in a hush tone.

"I apologized, like you asked," she growled, her eyes blazing as she stared him down. She was still so angry from her argument with Emma that it was still raging inside her, seeping through her carefully placed mask.

"That's not what I saw!" he snapped, tightening his grip and shaking her. She winced, pain shooting up her arm where his fingers dug into her skin. "You were fighting with that woman and made a scene in front of my guest. You're an embarrassment!"

"You're hurting me," she gasped, trying to pull her arm back, trying to move back from his snarling face and cold furious eyes. She felt like she was suffocating, breathing him in, the smell of whiskey and spice from his cologne. Fear washed over her as his face hardened, and he leaned closer to her.

"Pull yourself together," he threatened, low but dangerous. He let go of her, and she stepped back fearfully, knowing that he was more than angry at her. She knew she would pay for it, the minute they were alone tonight. "Serve dinner, and do not cause another scene."

His words were final, and with a firm glare, he finally left her alone.


Dinner was served, the evening was going as smooth as it could after the little scene in the sitting room. Regina was once again trapped on her husband's arm, unable to mingle or even keep a proper eye on Henry. Leopold was keeping a tight leash on her, not allowing her to leave his side for even a second. She tried keeping up with the conversations between him and whatever colleague they were socializing with, but her eyes kept wandering for her son and for a certain blonde. She hasn't seen Emma or Henry since dinner, and she was growing anxious.

She was out in the back yard with Leopold, standing by the apple tree with several colleagues from town hall, one of them being Sydney Glass. He was the family lawyer who so happened to be part of the newspaper as well. He was going on and on about the latest expose he had covered, and she could care less, her eyes kept drifting to the kitchen door, hoping she would see her son anywhere. She was paranoid about him running off with Emma.

"Regina?" Leopold's voice snapped her attention back to the sleazy lawyer who often looked at her with lustful eyes. He gave her the creeps and she often avoided him if she was able to.

"Yes?"

"Sydney asked you a question."

She completely missed it, too preoccupied with worrying about the whereabouts of her son.

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I didn't catch that," she said, looking at the pathetic little man she despised. She could feel Leopold's livid gaze burning right through her.

"Did you read my article?" he asked.

"No I didn't," she frowned, remembering Emma's mugshot and the headline that read, Stranger Destroyed Town's Historical Sign. She had glanced at it, but she didn't care enough to read it.

"Well, I suggest you do," he continued. "I was able to dig up some information on this Swan woman, but unfortunately couldn't put it in the article. Interesting, how she ended up here after moving around a lot."

"Is she someone we should worry about?" Leopold asked, and Regina suddenly just became interested in this conversation. What did Sydney uncover about Emma Swan?

"Well she got into some trouble as a kid, but before that she bounced around a lot in the foster system. Spent some time in jail and stayed out of trouble since then."

"She was in prison?" Regina asked, her tone dropping at the news.

"A year in Phoenix," he nodded. "Did you know she had Henry there? I wonder how he ended up in Maine."

That was a question, she herself didn't know. Leopold and Mr. Gold had gone through some red tape to adopt Henry with her record. She was sure him ending up all the way in Maine from Phoenix was no coincidence.

"That's not really important," Leopold dismissed him. "Why was she in prison?"

"Stolen watches that she claimed she had been framed for."

"Did she do it?"

"No idea," Sydney shrugged. "What do you think? A second expose on her that delves into her past."

"No," Leopold shook his head, his cold eyes calculating, and Regina knew he was planning on using this information if he had to. "Keep it between us." He then looked at Regina. "Do not repeat a word of this to anyone, do you understand?"

She nodded, too afraid of defying him. Besides, what did she care about what he decided to use the information for. All she cared about was the safety of her son.

The subject was dropped, and Regina once again lost interest as they talked about the politics of City Hall. Her eyes were once again wandering. Her anxiety had increased after hearing about Emma's past.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," she spoke up, unable to stand here for another second. Leopold's gaze fixated on her, and she had to force herself not shy away from the harsh look he was giving her. "I need to go find Henry. It's getting late."

She was not expecting him to accompany her, but she guessed he was making sure that she remained on her best behavior. He politely excused them and then led her into the mansion. The night was still young, but it was late for the ten year old that they had found sitting on the stairs and talking to Emma.

"Henry?" He looked up, the smile falling from his face at the sight of his parents. "It's time to say goodnight." She didn't look at Emma who had stood and was hovering uncomfortably before them.

"Actually, Henry," Leopold spoke over her. "You're going to be spending the weekend with Mary Margaret."

"What?" Regina practically snarled, shooting daggers at her husband which he ignored. Emma was just as surprised, but she can also see a bit of annoyance in those green eyes.

"Really?" Henry's voice shook, not sure if he could believe what he just heard.

"Yes and since Miss Swan just so happened to be her roommate, she can take you." He looked at Emma. "If that's ok, of course."

"Uh yeah... Yes of course," she stammered and then looked at Regina, clearly uncomfortable in the position Leopold had put her in. How could she or Emma say no when Henry was beaming and radiating with excitement? "Go get your things, kid."

Regina watched him go, fear washing over her. He gave away her son despite learning Emma had spent time in prison. What if she takes him out of Storybrooke? Emma must have seen the panic stricken look on her face, because she was looking at her with concern, the fire that flashed in her greens eyes as they fought, dimmed and her expression had softened.

"Regina?" she asked. "Are you ok with this?"

She swallowed, unsure how to even answer. Leopold expected her to say yes, and Emma was looking for the truth. Moments ago she had just threatened Emma to stay away from Henry, and if she gave her the answer Leopold wanted to hear, she knew she'd be lying, but her fear of her husband was far too great to admit the truth.

"Of course she is," Leopold answered for her, stepping closer to her and putting a hand on her back. She had to force herself not to wince in pain. He had pressed on her wounds on purpose as a warning. Emma's searching gaze remained on her, and she hoped she didn't see the momentarily pain flash across her face. She tried to stay as neutral and closed off as possible.

Regina nodded her approval, averting her gaze and unable to look at her.

"But you just yelled at me to stay away…"

Emma didn't get to finish that exclamation when Henry was suddenly racing down the stairs with his coat and backpack.

"Ready!" he said excitedly, oblivious to the sudden tension between all three adults. Regina was grateful for the distraction, preventing Emma from questioning her further.

"Come give your mother a hug goodbye son," Leopold ordered, sounding a little too hasty to get rid of them both. Henry looked at him skeptically, but did as he was told. She took him into her arms, holding him close even as he tensed in her embrace. She kissed his forehead and looked into his eyes.

"I love you, my little prince," she whispered, her heart breaking as he pulled away too quickly and stood beside Emma.

"Ok, well thank you for inviting me," Emma said, her tone a bit tense, as if she were trying to force herself to stay calm. "And um… I'll have Mary Margaret bring him back Sunday night."

"Have a great evening," Leopold replied, which Emma responded to with a nod, barely giving him her attention as she once again focused on Regina. She regarded her with suspicion but also a deep concern that broke through their animosity towards each other. She knew Emma cared despite everything, just like she cared enough to call her when she was in bed and in pain. Maybe she shouldn't be so protective with Henry around her, but she was too afraid to take that chance.

She couldn't say anything as she watched Emma Swan walk away with her son. When they were gone, she turned on her husband, not giving a damn who was watching.

"You just let her take him after what we just found out?" she asked, keeping her voice low.

"Take it as a warning. Next time, she could be taking him permanently. Besides, I very well can't have him around tonight, can I?" He smirked as her rage turned to fear. She knew the meaning behind those words. She knew she would pay for her behavior tonight.


Emma was furious as she and Henry entered the loft. Leopold had put her on the spot where she couldn't say no to Henry coming over this weekend. It's not that she minded, of course she wanted to spend time with him, but not like this. She knew Regina was far from comfortable in allowing this. She practically shouted it at her in front of everyone when they had been arguing, and all of a sudden she was ok with it? She didn't believe it. She had seen the fear and hesitance in her eyes when she had agreed with her husband and then kissed Henry goodbye.

Nothing about this relationship made sense, and instead of gaining more answers that she had expected to gain tonight, she was left more confused than ever. One thing she knew for sure though, was the fear on Regina's face when Leopold had violently pulled her away when they had been fighting. She saw that same fear again when she reluctantly agreed to let Emma take Henry.

Regina was afraid of her husband.

"Henry?" Mary Margaret greeted him in surprise from her spot on the couch where she held a mug of tea in her hands. A book was sprawled open on her lap. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm spending the weekend," he announced excitedly. Mary Margaret raised her eyebrow at Emma, clearly shocked as well.

"Hey, kid," Emma said, hanging her jacket up. "Why don't you go take a shower and get ready for bed?"

Henry groaned, clearly not wanting to miss anything, but he grabbed his bag and headed for the bathroom anyway. Emma tilted her head to the front door, knowing better than to be having this discussion when he was known for being sneaky. She didn't want him eavesdropping.

She and Mary Margaret went out in the hall and she briefly explained what had happened that night. The fight, Regina being violently pulled away from her, the fear in her eyes all through dinner, and the way she was on Leopold's arm all evening. The flashed of pain she had seen when she had knelt to say goodbye to Henry or when Leopold had simply put his hand on her back.

"Leopold told Henry he was spending the weekend without even asking me. He just put me on the spot and I couldn't say no!" she reached the end of her story.

"And Regina just let you take him?"

"Yes… but she didn't want to…"

"What do you mean?" Mary Margaret asked, her eyes widening in concern.

"I could see in her eyes that she didn't want to let Henry go with me, but it was like she was too afraid to say no. It was as if she were… afraid of Leopold? Is that normal?"

"He can be quite intimidating," she answered shakily and even though it wasn't a lie, Emma could tell there was more she wasn't telling her just like in the diner.

"Yeah, anyone could see that," Emma scoffed. "He's the mayor, but is he so intimidating that someone as strong as Regina is afraid of him? She's his wife! She shouldn't be afraid of him. Is he controlling her? Is that it?"

"Emma, I told you I can't tell you," she said, her gaze going uncharacteristically hard. "I can't lose her trust again."

Emma sighed in defeat, knowing she wasn't going to get anything out of her. She was firm with respecting Regina's privacy.

"Henry will be getting out soon," she changed the subject before Emma could question her further. "And I better call Regina and assure her he's home and safe."

Emma followed her inside, accepting the fact that she wasn't getting any more answers. Henry had come out of the shower and Mary Margaret fixed him a mug of hot cocoa with some freshly baked cookies. He sat at the counter with his notebook and furiously wrote down facts from the book before he forgot them, since apparently it was confiscated.

She took a seat next to him and watched him work for a moment.

A dark thought suddenly came to mind as she thought about what happened tonight. She couldn't deny Regina's obvious fear of her husband, or Leopold's cold expression, and the way he had grabbed Regina during their fight. He had been so rough with her and Emma should have said something… she was just too heated in the moment. So many different reasons had popped in her head over the last few days, but this one… She didn't even think it was possible till tonight.

Could Leopold be physically abusing her?

She was disgusted that the thought even came to mind, but now as she thought about it, all the red flags she had been seeing suddenly started to make sense. The fear, the flashes of pain she had seen tonight, and the way she had fearfully pulled her wrist back in the diner three days ago when they had been looking for Henry. The way she seemed to become submissive in his presence, and the disgust in Leopold's eyes when he had talked about her in their meeting. And then the strange phone call and Regina's absence for three days.

It's not just marital problems… She had a feeling that Leopold could be hurting her and that Regina's tight hold and over-protectiveness for Henry stemmed from her fear of her husband hurting him as well. Maybe Henry's delusions came from the way his father was treating his mother, and she wondered if Henry had ever witnessed it or god forbid… If he had been hurt, himself. She would kill him if she found out he laid a finger on her son.

"Henry?" Her voice shook, and no matter how much she fought with the woman, she would never wish for her to be hurt. "Can I ask you something? And I need you to really think about it, ok?"

He looked up at her, no longer moving his pen and giving her his attention.

"Is your dad hurting your mom?" she asked, the words as bitter on her tongue as they felt in her mind. Henry frowned, looked down at the notebook and flipped it open to a really good sketch of Regina as the Evil Queen.

"That's not possible," he said confidently. "Nobody hurts the Evil Queen."