thank you for the reviews! I'm going to try to update my other stories this week, but I want to keep up my momentum for this one. I have a lot planned! What are you all thinking so far? Thoughts on the characters? What would you like to see more of? let me know! xoxo

Regina woke up to a dull ache in her head, the light from the window nearly blinding her when she opened her eyes. She wondered for a moment who had opened her curtains to let the morning light in until she heard Granny in the bathroom attached to her chamber and the sound of pouring water. The woman was always in her room in the mornings rustling around, getting her ready for the day and she appreciated her efforts.

Her mouth felt like cotton as she tried to swallow, sitting up slowly and pressing a hand over her face as the pounding in her head increased with the movement. She realized she was still in her gown and frowned that she hadn't even taken the time to undress and hang it up the night before. The memory of coming into her room last night was fuzzy at best and she vaguely remembered managing to get her shoes off before tossing herself on her bed.

She chuckled softly at the memory of she and David helping each other get up the grand staircase. They'd still been quite inebriated when they got home from Midas' ball and tried to sneak back into their home without alerting anyone. For how much they'd had to drink, they'd managed to be quite stealthy before David had ran into a candle holder on the wall, knocking it into the floor and causing Regina to erupt into a fit of laughter.

He'd then playfully scooped her up into his arms and attempted to take on the grand staircase until they both ended up stumbling on the landing between the first and second set of steps. Heat crept up her cheeks at the memory of how she had fell back against the wall and he landed up against her. His body had felt so right pressed up against her as his hand had gripped her hair, pulling her up to kiss him again.

The night slowly began to piece back together for her and all of the feelings came rushing back at once. Her night had been nearly perfect at the ball, besides that obnoxious woman who'd tried hitting on David in front of her. But even that had led to her mustering the courage to dance with her husband to get him away from Midas' daughter.

Then the carriage ride home when she'd allowed herself to be affectionate with him. They'd kissed so intimately it made her want to run and hide today at the thought. How was she going to face him with how complicated things had become between them? They'd both stopped the kiss in the carriage, knowing that they weren't ready. But the one on the landing was of a different nature, more needy and heated.

David had pressed his lips against hers with more force than before, gripping her hair with one hand and running a hand down over her side with his other. Embarrassment coursed through her, remembering the way she'd lifted her leg up his side and moaned into his mouth when she pressed up against him. She'd felt a heat in her abdomen that had never been there before, the wine and David's touch making her want to take it further until a guard had heard the noise and came up the steps, startling them both.

The guard had apologized until he was blue in the face before David dismissed him while he pulled Regina from against the wall. She'd felt the awkward tension between them at how caught up they'd both been. Her husband made quick work of escorting her up the second set of steps near her chambers before mumbling goodnight to her and turning to go to his own.

How was she supposed to face him? He'd all but ran away after they were interrupted and he realized what he was doing. He didn't want her, he was still in love with Snow. She shouldn't want him either, for Daniel had not even been gone a year. Guilt gnawed at her stomach, hating herself for how she'd let herself forget about Daniel last night. How she'd let herself have such a grand time and ended up in the arms of another man, like her fiancé hadn't lost his life because he loved her. She didn't deserve to be as happy as she'd been last night, not when Daniel would never feel anything again.

"You look like you had a good time at the ball," Granny said with a smug grin as she came out of the bathroom with her hands on her hips, seeing Regina sitting in the middle of the bed in her ball gown with bed hair and smudged makeup.

"I feel like I fell off of a horse last night," She groaned pressing a hand to her forehead.

"If you're like this I hate to see the shape the King is in," The older lady came over to her bed, motioning for Regina to scoot over towards the edge where she could reach her before beginning to undo the buttons on the back of her dress. "I drew you up a hot bath. Go have a soak and come down for breakfast, I laid out a gown for you on the chair."

"Thank you, Granny," Regina nodded as she turned, sliding off of the bed and stepping out of the dress when Granny reached down to pick it up, leaving her in her shift.

"You're welcome, girl," Granny smiled at Regina calling her Granny instead of Mrs. Lucas, turning to hang the gown up as Regina shuffled tiredly towards the bathroom.

David had looked everywhere for Emma after he'd managed to bathe and dress and feel someone normal. His hangover was lessening, but his stomach still felt queasy so he decided to skip breakfast and deal with his daughter instead.

He was trying not to think of what happened between he and Regina last night. He'd woken up aroused after dreaming of the stumble on the stairs the night before and had been trying to push it out of his mind ever since.

What a bastard he had been, leading Regina on the night before like either of them were ready for a relationship between them. He knew how much she craved companionship and he'd toyed with it, made her think they could have it, had her worked up and writhing on the landing of the castle only before rejecting her when they came to their senses.

Not to mention how he'd toyed with Regina, he also felt guilty about how quickly he pushed Snow to the back of his mind with the help of alcohol and the new, beautiful Queen on his arm. He was a disgrace. To his daughter, to his late wife, to his new wife, to the kingdom…

So now he found himself roaming the halls of his castle in search of his daughter. He'd at least try to make it right with one person, the one who needed him most. It was probably best if he and Regina keep their distance for a while, she deserved for him to leave her alone.

David came down the hall that led towards Snow chambers, having a feeling he'd find his teenager daughter in their as he often did when she was upset. There were so many memories in that room; their first time, Emma's birth, many nights of intimacy. It was hard for him to go in there, so he'd left the room alone, as it had been when Snow left them.

"May I come in?" He asked when he approached the door that was halfway open, seeing his daughter sitting in the middle of her mother's bed, looking through a box of Snow's belongings. She looked so much like her mother, except with David's hair and complexion.

"What do you want?" Emma asked though her voice lacked the bite it did when she was truly angry. She was more hurt than anything and he understood why. To her he hadn't cared enough that he upset her to go after her last night. It further proved her fear that Regina being in their lives would pull them apart.

"I think we should talk," David smiled weakly, pushing the door shut behind him as he entered Snow's chambers further and came to sit on the edge of the bed. Near Emma, but not close enough to impose on what she was looking at.

"There's nothing to talk about," She shrugged, avoiding looking at him as she picked up one of her mother's pendants and caressed it between her thumb and forefinger.

"I'm sorry I didn't speak to you last night when you were upset," David began, ignoring her protests as he watched her, "I'm not excusing what you did or said, but the reason you did it should have been addressed before I left and I didn't."

"I don't care anymore," She let out a breath, raising her gaze to look at him with a placid expression, "You have a new wife now and you want a new life, I get it. I don't fit into the picture."

"Emma, you never gave anybody a chance to include you in the picture," He frowned, shaking his head once, "Regina and I, we aren't in the place to be truly married right now, if ever. You don't need to feel that she's a threat to our family. I promise."

"So you don't like her in that way?" He saw the hope in his daughter's expression. He didn't want to tell her no and lie to her. He was attracted to Regina and did like her as a person; she was someone that if he was ever ready to move on, he could see himself moving on with. But right now was not the time for either of them and he didn't want to say yes and upset Emma over something that may never happen between he and the Queen.

"We both have much baggage that we have to work through before we could ever give our hearts to each other, I'm afraid," He bit his lip, "So for right now, can we all just focus on getting along?" He asked, running a hand over her head and down to her shoulder.

"I won't be mean to her anymore, if that's what you're asking me to do," Emma replied with a sigh and a roll of her eyes, "It's just you should hear what everyone is saying about her. The rumors are running rampant."

"Maybe you should get to know her yourself so the rumors don't affect you," David shrugged, pulling Emma under his arm and wrapping his around her shoulders. "No one can replace your mom, Emma, but it doesn't mean you're forgetting about her or losing her memory to move on with your life and have that close relationship you had with her with someone else. She wouldn't want you to be lonely."

"It's just hard," Emma gave him a nod and he sensed she truly understood what he was saying. Maybe even part of her already had considered that, but she just needed him to vocalize it and give her his approval. He hated that it had taken him this long.

"I know it is, Emma," He pressed his chin to her hair, "It's gonna be okay."

Regina sat alone at the breakfast table lost in her thoughts. The table was full of food, a feast more than a meal. It was as if perhaps Granny had tipped off the kitchen maids to cook extra today in celebration for what she thought would happen last night. She was sure the old lady was plotting to bring she and David together. While it was a nice enough notion, it was clearly wasted.

She had worried how her husband would act around her the next time they saw each other, but he didn't even show. Her stomach swirled at the thought of him avoiding her again like he had when she first moved here. He was her only friend, and now after a drunken night and being stupidly forward with him, she'd scared him off.

The longer she sat at the grand table alone and pushing her food around her plate, the angrier she got. His brat of a daughter had not even come down for breakfast. They were probably off somewhere together, not worried that she was sitting here like a fool by herself.

She was miserable, maybe even more so than when she had initially came here. For then she was stranger to everyone and knew nothing different of David. But now she'd seen a charming side to him that made her long for his presence and harder to ignore the urges he awakened in her.

Last night had shown her a glimpse of what life could be if both of them could let go of their past. She understood that neither of them were there yet, but she had hoped that what had happened wouldn't have ruined the progress they made, though it clearly had. It made her angry that he wouldn't even face her now.

Vulnerability wasn't something she let herself show often, but she'd allowed David to see that side of her last night. She'd thanked him for being kind to her; she'd told him stories of her childhood and about Daniel. The darkness inside of her swirled about, making her regret opening up. Where had it gotten her? Nowhere but lonelier than she'd already been.

"I thought you were dead," Rumple's shrill voice made her jump as she reached for her wine glass, making her roll her eyes up at him with a tired glare.

"Go away."

"When you didn't show up for your lessons today, I'd assumed you'd went toes up," He sat across from her at the long table, throwing his hands up theatrically, "And yet, here you are."

"I'm not sure about these lessons anymore," Regina grit out. She felt the darkness inside of her growing desperate to get out and knew she had to put a tamper on it before it got out of control. "I don't want my future looking like...you."

"Feeling a little persecuted are we, your majesty?" The slimy Dark One stood and walked slowly down the side of the table.

"Why shouldn't I? I'm Queen, but practically a prisoner. With a husband whose heart is still with his dead wife…and his insipid daughter…it's intolerable," Regina clenched her fists, speaking out loud the thoughts that had been running through her head.

She stood, feeling like she was going to be sick at the thought of her current situation, "I have nothing to do and nowhere to go. I need freedom, I need options."

"Uh, can't be done," Rumple shrugged with a flick of his wrist, "You see, this is how it is. You think you are the diner at the feast, tasting the offerings. A little love…a little darkness. What you don't realize is you are the feast…and the darkness has tasted you.."

"You're vile," Regina grit out from between her teeth at him but he only smiled. "Leave my home!" She'd had enough of his smug attitude and hated how much he was inside of her head.

"The darkness likes how you taste, Deary," He gave a wiggle of his fingers, "It doesn't mind the bitter. And now that it's started the meal, it's going to finish it. You can no more run from your fate than that swan," He pointed to the bird in the middle of the table, "See you tomorrow. Don't be late. And oh, bring that simmering rage. It's all you have."

David was in his study, looking over the blueprints for the renovation plans of nearby villages. He'd been wrapped up in the project for about a month, starting after the night of the ball to give him something to focus on. It had given him reason to get out of the castle as well and avoid awkward run ins with his wife.

He and Emma were getting along better now and she'd often go with him to visit the nearby villages to greet the people and ensure the progress of the new housing. Leopold told him it was something he should be doing with Regina for the reputation of the kingdom, but David had been disregarding his opinion.

"I came in here to clean, boy. Didn't expect you to be home," Granny brought him from his thoughts, giving him a raised eyebrow over the rim of her glasses. He about to get scolded for something. She bustled into the room, setting down a small bucket and rag that were merely props for an excuse to come in here and talk to him.

"Just looking over some plans for the nearby villages," He nodded, "Sorry Granny, I can get out of your way."

"Oh you've been mighty good at that lately," The older lady began and he could tell she was very disapproving of whatever he'd been doing wrong.

"Spit it out, Granny. What are you mad at me for?" He let out a breath, dropping his pen into the ink holder and leaning back in his desk chair.

"Mad at you? Why would I be mad at you?" Granny looked at him mocking innocence as she put her hands on her hips, "It's not as if you've been absent from this castle for practically a month now, ignoring everyone but Emma and leaving your young wife alone for every meal…Oh, wait…"

"I've been busy," His jaw tensed at the accusation.

"What happened the night of that ball to make you ignore Regina like this?" Granny's brows drew down deeply as her lips turned into a frown. He could tell the older woman had come to care about his new wife.

"I don't know what you're talking about," He shrugged and heard her scoff audibly, "We went to the ball, nothing out of the ordinary happened. I've just been busy. We aren't a proper husband and wife, it's not my job to take care of her emotionally."

"Since when did you become such an ass?" The gray haired woman stared him down with disappointment rampant in her expression.

He grumbled, hating the fact that he knew he deserved to be called out. It wasn't that he meant to neglect his wife, but he didn't know how to act around her since they'd shared the connection they did the night of the ball. "I don't know, Granny…"

"Tell me what happened," The older woman's tone softened as she made her way over his desk but she still looked down at him firmly.

"Regina and I…we…we had a really good time the night of the ball…we shared conversation and a kiss in the carriage on the way home and another when we got here…" David frowned, looking down towards his desk, "Both of us knew though that we weren't ready for anything more…but I'd began to have feelings for her and it startled me…so I've been avoiding the situation."

"Typical man," Granny rolled her eyes with a huff, plopping down in the seat in front of his desk, "I'm worried about Regina."

"What do you mean? Why?" He glanced up from his desk at the older lady.

"She's thin as a rail, barely eats, stays in her room all of the time. I can tell she's sad and it's no wonder. Her parents haven't even visited, she has no friends here," She frowned worriedly, "The only time she leaves the castle she disappears into the woods, I'm not sure where she goes or who she is seeing but when she comes back she always seems to be angry and in turmoil."

"Does she speak to you about things?" David frowned to himself, biting his lip at the thought of Regina feeling so lost and lonely.

"No, son. When she does say anything its usually got a bitter or angry twist to it. She's changing; I'm seeing less and less of that sweet girl," Granny looked at him seriously, "She's fighting that same darkness you struggled with when Snow died. Difference was you had Emma, you had someone to live for. Regina doesn't."

"I just don't know that I'm ready to move on…" He looked at Granny honestly, "I'm worried that if I'm not and I follow my feelings for Regina that I'll end up messing it up. And what if she isn't done grieving over her fiancé?"

"You're putting your whole life on hold based on 'what ifs'," Granny shook her head, "I've seen the way you two are with each other, the way you look at each other. You don't have to be completely okay before you grow a relationship with her. You can help each other heal."

"You really think so?" He asked quietly, staring off into space as he processed her words.

"I think if you don't pursue what you have standing in front of you, you may miss out on your opportunity," Granny looked at him seriously, "There's a darkness threatening to consume Regina that makes me fear she'll never be the same if you wait too long."

Regina crept through rear entryway to the castle basement after coming back from her lesson with Rumple after dark. She closed the door behind her before quietly walking through the servant's kitchen and washroom, down the hall leading to the steps up to the main part of the castle.

She wore all black, dressing now more for her moods rather than what was expected of the queen to wear. Rumple's magic lessons were giving her more confidence to do what she felt like, still she did not want to have to answer any questions coming home at this hour. A servant girl appeared out of one of the rooms, her eyes widening at the sight of Regina in their quarters.

Regina merely narrowed her eyes at the girl into a warning glare to which she diverted her eyes quickly to her feet as she passed her. That pathetic mouse of a girl would never say anything about her, she felt sure. She knew because she used to be just like her. And girls like that were ruled by fear.

Her feet were aching as she made it to the top of the stairs, navigating her way down the corridors. It seemed as if everyone was in bed and she was relieved. She didn't see much of them anyways and she especially didn't want to see them now.

"Your majesty," A deep voice made her jump and turn quickly, seeing Leopold's tall frame behind her in the darkness. "Whatever are you doing coming home at this hour?"

Regina stumbled for her words, thoroughly thrown by his presence. "I lost track of time during my evening walk, that's all. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to retire for the night," She said before starting to turn for the grand staircase quickly, feeling a large hand grip her arm.

"A walk in the woods with the Dark One?" His eyes narrowed down at Regina and she glared back at him for the way he was handling her, trying to mask that she was truly frightened. "Do you really think I'm foolish enough to not have you followed when I notice you slipping out two times a week?"

"You've been having me watched?" She grit her teeth in anger, feeling more like a prisoner than she ever had. This bastard who had forced her into a loveless marriage was now treating her like a captive.

"Yes, and I don't know what kind of deal you've made with the Dark One but let me advise you they never end well," Leopold pulled her closer to him despite her resistance. He was much larger than she, making her feel helpless. She wanted to summon her magic, but she was still unsure of her control and it was worse when she was nervous. "What I do know is you've not been fulfilling your duties as Queen."

"Take that up with your dear King," She smiled fakely up at him and he tightened his grip on her wrist to the point that she tried not to outwardly wince.

"The people are beginning to have doubts in their King and Queen," Leopold glared at her, "I worked too hard for you two to run this kingdom into the ground. You will go to the King and you will consummate this marriage and you will produce an heir to show the people that the kingdom and the realm is secure."

"That's absurd," She hissed up at him, "I will do no such thing."

"You'll do it, or I'll tell your King that you've been making deals with the Dark One," He gave her a smug smile, "You'll be out on your ass with nowhere to go. God knows your mother won't take you back if you ruin everything she's done for you here."

"You're disgusting," She glared up at him, her heart beating wildly in her chest. There was no doubt in her mind he meant what he said that he would expose her dalliance in magic to David. "And I hate to disappoint you, but I'd rather be out on my ass then held prisoner here."

"I see, you're the type that has to learn the hard way," Leopold pushed her roughly back against the wall of the hallway and her eyes went wide. He was leaning over her with a menacing expression, bringing a hand up to grab her face, "How about this? If you don't go to the King, and trust me, your chamber maids will tell me when the deed is done, but if you refuse…I may just have to ensure that you produce an heir myself."

Her breath caught in her throat, turning her head as his eyes took a greedy assessment of her body. She felt his own breath near her neck and ear, "Get away from me," She whispered, her body tense and her voice shaky.

"I see we have an understanding," Leopold let go of her face with a caress of her jaw, making her skin crawl. She watched him turn and continue his way down the hall, feeling herself begin to tremble as her back slid down the wall and she sat in the floor, gasping in a deep breath once he was out of sight. He'd always unnerved her but she didn't realize what he was capable of, though she was fully aware now by the look in his eyes that he would do just as he said.