well hello...nearly a year later. Terrible, I know, but as I said I intend to finish all of my stories. I just got finished re-reading this story and had a plot breakthrough by the second chapter and knew the direction I wanted to take it. And this idea is much better than anything i would've forced before. I apologize for the wait, but I hope you'll find it worth it and don't hate the direction too much. After all, if you've read my other stories you know I always make things right. Let me know what you think :) xxx
"She's a strange girl," Cora tilted her head to the side, watching David and Emma sword fighting in the courtyard from the veranda where she sat with Regina. Her statement made Regina laugh softly and give a shake of her head. There was no judgment or disapproval in Cora's statement where there used to be, she simply couldn't figure Emma out as her mother was traditional and not regularly exposed to free spirits like her step-daughter.
"Because she'd rather fight than have tea parties?" Regina smirked to herself, giving a glance to her mother as she ran a hand over her bump when she felt the baby kick. It had been about a month since Cora and Henry arrived and they'd made good progress in their complicated mother-daughter relationship. Though she was being cautious with her expectations of her mother, she could tell Cora was really making an effort. She seemed so different; still a bit reserved but considerably warmer, lacking the coldness and spitefulness she typically wore like armor.
"Well...somewhat. She was born a princess in the greatest kingdom of the realm," Cora raised an eyebrow when Emma fell in the mud and David only laughed at her, "Yet she likes playing in the mud like a young boy."
"She wants to be a knight," Regina smiled to herself proudly, watching her husband and step-daughter sparring. David and Emma were so much alike, the fact becoming more apparent as Emma came into her own. She'd grown so close to her husband's daughter that she felt a strong urge to mother her, despite the small age difference between them.
"But that's unheard of-" Cora looked at Regina as if she'd said Emma had two heads. Cora was from a very different generation and Regina herself had been influenced by Cora's adherence to gender roles in the beginning. She always found it ironic though that her mother claimed to be traditional, yet clearly wore the pants when it came to her marriage.
"Not entirely, Red is a great fighter and there's the legendary warrior, Mulan," Regina replied to her mother. It felt good to be able to have a conversation with Cora without fear of backlash or the manipulation it used to bring. Her mother knew her place here and she knew she had things to work on if she were going to be a part of her grandchild's life. They'd had many conversations already about the past; Cora's abuse, Regina's upbringing, the family dynamic. Everything had been dragged out on the table at one point or another and it felt like a weight had been lifted from Regina's shoulders to get everything out in the open with Cora.
"She's certainly got the spirit for it," Her mother gave a halfhearted compliment.
"Somehow I'm not surprised you don't understand why Emma would want to do anything other than play the role she was born into," Regina rolled her eyes, half in jest but half in calling her mother out. There were still moments when Cora's old habits would surface and she needed reminded why she was here - for a second chance with her family, not to continue the cycle. "Historically speaking you have had a hard time understanding that not everyone has the same ambitions you do."
Her mother turned to look at her then with an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, darling. I didn't mean it in that way, I just find her interesting. Maybe even refreshing," Cora perked a brow in an attempt to compliment Emma again. She had a funny habit of scrambling to compliment or voice her approval if she felt Regina was becoming irritated with her for falling back into her old judgmental ways.
It was amusing to Regina how the tables had turned so quickly. She hadn't expected anything to change when Cora showed up with Henry a month ago, claiming she wanted a second chance. Everyone knew, especially Cora, that she did not deserve the opportunity that Regina granted her to make things right, but so far she had not squandered it. She remained careful around her mother, but still hopeful that their relationship could someday be fully mended. Her mother had slowly started to get to know Regina's new family, finding her place with them in the past few weeks. David tolerated Cora but Regina knew he was still wary of her and would most likely always be, though he never interfered or made it an issue within their relationship.
There were still years of hurt and bad memories she and Cora had to work through together, but she felt they were slowly fading with each new memory they were making to replace them. Regina knew if she were to move forward she had to learn to forgive her mother and let some of the resentment she harbored go. Carrying the burden of her past pain was only weighing her down now and she was ready to be truly happy and free of it. She did not want to raise her baby in any familial dysfunction and she'd made it clear to her mother that she would need to continue to prove herself in order to stay in their lives. Things had been going well so far.
"How are you feeling, daughter?" Cora asked, bringing Regina from her thoughts as she absentmindedly rubbed her belly. The tiny human inside of her had been kicking and stretching, dancing on her bladder and keeping her up all night in the past few weeks. Carrying a child was the most amazing experience she'd ever lived through. It was also one of the most uncomfortable at times. "Is my grandchild still keeping you up at night?"
"Yes," She smiled tiredly at her mother, leaning back in her chair and enjoying the breeze that swept the castle hill, blowing through the covered veranda. The season was slowly turning to summer and the days were growing warmer, making the late days of her pregnancy especially miserable at times. "Granny insists that I stay within a few feet of the castle at all times since I'm so near my due date, but it's not as if I have the energy to go anywhere."
Regina's last outing was with David to the nearby villages a few weeks ago. Though her feet and back ached incessantly during her hours in the tower, she was able to perfect her healing magic for the nearby villages whose land had been destroyed the war. The potion was able to restore the vitality of the soil to even better quality than before. The villages were booming with crops and trade and their economy began to repair itself. When they visited these villages now, the people approached her with great thanks, telling her how she had saved them and their families. It gave her a sense of pride and purpose that she was able to prove herself vital to the kingdom and not just a fill in for David when he was at war. People were beginning to respect her.
"You should listen to Granny Lucas," Cora nodded, "I was put on bedrest for the last few weeks before you were born. Pregnancy and births can be difficult for the women in our family."
"Not you, too," Regina sighed playfully, "Between you and Granny and David I can't do anything."
"David said that Granny was a very knowledgeable midwife and has helped women deliver hundreds of babies," Her mother lectured gently, "You'd be wise to listen to what she has to say. We're only looking out for your best interests."
"I never thought I'd hear that line from you and actually believe it," Regina snorted, earning a disapproving squint from her mother. It was still a thrill to sass her or stand her ground with the woman and have no fear of what came next. The dynamic was entirely different to their previous relationship. She was a woman now, no longer the fearful girl Cora could control. There would be times when she would forget and hesitated to speak or wince after speaking her mind to Cora now, but she soon remembered herself. For so many years she'd walked egg shells around this woman and old habits die hard.
"Believe what?" David smiled breathlessly as he sauntered over towards them, Emma trailing behind, trying to keep up with his long strides. She bit her bottom lip to suppress the wide grin that spread across her face when she saw him approaching. He was in a plain faded grey cotton shirt, some light armor and pants that fit him in a way that made Regina wish she wasn't in the company of their family. Her hormones were all over the place to the point he could smile at her and she'd be a horny mess.
"That she should follow Granny's advise and take it easy until she gives birth," Cora replied, earning a good humored eyeroll from Regina.
David grinned as he took the few steps up to the veranda in one, leaning down and pressing his hands on the arms of Regina's chair as he bent to give her a quick kiss, "I never thought I'd say this, but I'm on Cora's side here," He smiled apologetically as he straightened back up.
"Well today is certainly a day of firsts," Cora replied jokingly with a glance at Regina and a hint of a smile. She and David were cordial around each other but never overly friendly, only interacting when they needed to. Regina knew it would get better in time as long as Cora continued the path she was on. David was protective of her and though he never tried to intervene in their relationship, he was certainly keeping an eye on things as he'd sworn he'd never let Cora hurt her again.
"Hey grandma, got anything good to drink?" Emma smirked as she took the steps up to the sitting area, assuming the usual teasing and terrorizing of Cora. Regina and David found it amusing as it was all in good fun and the banter between the two of them was actually quite entertaining to watch.
"The horse troughs are that way, dear," Cora replied dryly but Regina could see a hint of a smile curling at the corners of her lips. Cora could fuss or make remarks about Emma all she wanted, but the girl had grown on her and there was no denying it.
"Ouch, good one," Emma nodded in approval with a grin, "I'm gonna go put this stuff up," She said to David before grabbing the swords and two shields they were using.
"Dinner should be soon Emma, don't get distracted," Regina called after her but she was already running across the courtyard.
"I think I'm going to take a short walk before dinner," Cora stood and brushed out her gown, glancing out towards the land beyond the castle. Regina failed to notice what had distracted Cora and instead focused on her husband, looking back to him with a smile.
David smiled and leaned against one of the columns, crossing his arms over his chest casually, "What do you think she's plotting?" He smirked jokingly down at her, reaching out to give her his hand and help her up. Her rounded belly made getting out of chairs and bed quite a challenge these days, making her feel like a whale that had been washed upon the shore. "A curse? Emma's disappearance?"
"Hm well, she is supposed to be on her best behavior so no curses," Regina groaned a little as she stood with his help, her hands snaking around his waist when he pulled her gently towards him, "And she's too fond of Emma to get rid of her."
David chuckled and pressed his lips to Regina's forehead in a soft kiss, "What do you say I whisk you away to our room for a nice, relaxing nap?"
"Now you're just talking dirty," Regina grinned up at him as his arms encased her, making them both laugh. Just a few months ago, sneaking to their room midday led to much more exciting activities. Alas, she was heavily pregnant now and when he suggested a nap it sounded almost as good as sex.
"Want me to keep going?" David asked playfully, arms wrapped around her arms and waist, letting her lean into him for support.
"Don't stop," She replied teasingly with a husky tone, looking up at him mischievously.
"I'm gonna lay you down on that bed so gently," David raised an eyebrow, lowering his voice in a sexy way, "And then I'm going to help you take off your shoes-"
"Mmm, that's going to feel nice," She interjected while suppressing a giggle, letting out a small surprised yelp when he scooped her up from the ground and into his arms.
"Then I'm going to open one of the windows to let the breeze in," He elaborated with a mockingly sexy inflection as he walked to the back entrance of the castle, carrying her with ease, "And then I'll take my own shoes and shirt off."
"Keep going-" Regina urged him with a slightly pleading tone, smirking.
"And then I'm going to lay down behind you and spoon you," David made a 'mm' sound under his breath for added humor, "And pull a bed sheet up over us slowly."
"And then?"
"We nap until dinner time," David delivered with a wag of his eyebrows before they both started laughing at how silly they were being, "But only if you're in the mood."
Regina smiled and laid her head against his chest as he started up the back stairs, "Always."
Henry put down his book when Cora came into the reading room, seeing her beginning to look through the collection, "Have you been outside with Regina all of this time?" He smiled and marked his place with his bookmark, happy with the progress his wife and daughter were making.
"For a while and then I took a walk," Cora sighed with a frown and looked over at him, "I saw the green fog again today."
"In the same area?" Henry looked at her with matched concern, "Did you get close?"
Cora shoved a book back into it's place before pacing towards him, brow furrowed with concern, "Only close enough to feel a bit of the fog," She nodded, sitting down across from him. Henry knew it must be serious as she typically only confided with him in this nature when she was worried.
"And?" Henry noticed her hesitance and it made him a bit nervous himself. If his wife was anxious or intimidated by something, it was for good reason.
"And it has magical qualities, I could feel it," Cora looked at him, pressing her lips into a contemplative line, "I first noticed it the other day. Emma said she and David had noticed it as well, luckily they have not thought anything of it."
"A lot of people in this realm have magic," Henry suggested with a frown, "Perhaps it does not mean anything ominous?"
"Maybe, if I hadn't had dreams involving Rumple and that same fog," She admitted and saw Henry's brows furrow in understanding, knowing about her past with Rumple. "Something is happening out there and I need to find out what it is. The magic..it...almost feels familiar to me...like it's a bit of my own brand..."
"Cora, you aren't seriously thinking of going to the source of it, are you?" He shook his head quickly.
"I need to make sure it's not a threat to our daughter and her family," She nodded adamantly, "I have a bad feeling about it and I want to take care of whatever it is before Regina notices it. She doesn't need the stress and she can't handle going up against a threat involving magic right now. Especially not dark magic."
"I don't like this," Henry shook his head and let out a breath, but understanding why, "We should discuss it with David and Regina, they can bring in their council. Maybe David can get a small army together to go."
"Henry I've dealt with this kind of magic my whole life," Cora shook her head, "Whatever it is will flatten the entire army in one swoop and most likely come after the castle for revenge. I can go and see where it's coming from and what we're up against. With my magic I'm better able to protect myself than some mere mortal soldiers are. Not to mention I won't have David and Regina worrying over this. Something could happen to Regina or the baby. I'd never forgive myself."
"Well I know there's no talking you out of it," Henry frowned with a nod, knowing arguing with her when it came to protecting her own would not go anywhere.
Cora gave a small, genuine smile at her husband, "You know me well, Dear."
Regina smiled as she made her way to the room just across the hall from she and David's bed chamber that they'd be converting into a nursery with the help of Granny, Red and Emma. Interior design wasn't of interest to Cora but she did assist in ordering everyone around and telling David when he hung a shelf or painting off center. Almost everyone had had a hand in turning the unused room into a cozy, child friendly bedroom for the castle's impending addition and she couldn't be happier with the end result.
They'd laid fur rugs across the stone floor to warm them and hung off white draperies around the windows that were light enough to let sunshine in but thick enough to dim the room when needed. David had surprised her with beautiful white wooden furniture to fill the room, made specially for them and hand carved by a nearby woodworker he knew. The crib was large and ornate, the four posts on the corners curling in an elegant manner and a matching armoire and dressing table that were equally detailed. Cora had passed along Regina's own crib dressings, soft white sheets and a matching blanket with embroidered edges that accented the furniture perfectly. Emma had even insisted that they take the chandelier form her own childhood nursery and put it in this one, as she remembered how captivated she'd been by the way the light filtered through the intricate glass-work.
She smiled as she glanced around the room that was quickly coming together, running a hand over her bump as excitement rippled through her at the thought of her child being there soon. Her eyes soon found Red who was on a stool near the far wall, working on the mural she had been painting. There was a mixture of nature and mythical creatures in the scenery she created, rolling hills and a large willow tree surrounded by flora and whimsical looking sprites and design. Red looked up from her work, wiping a hand across her brow and smudging it with paint as she held the easel with a smile, "You like it?"
"I love it," Regina shook her head with wide eyes, walking closer to the wall, "I had no idea you were so talented."
"Yeah I may be a dog but I got a few tricks," Ruby smirked with a shrug and looked back over her work, "I still got a lot of finishing work to do but I'll have it done in no time."
"The room is perfect," She smiled and bit her lip at a wave of emotion overcame her with another glance at everyones contributions, "I'm so grateful for everyone's help."
"Everyones help?" The wolf raised a brow as she watched the Queen try to control her emotions, "It's not a favor, everyone's doing their part, Regina. We're family, that's what we do," She smiled with a nod, realizing again how skewed the Queen's idea of family had been during her own upbringing.
"Right, I just," Regina shook her head with a soft smile and tears in her eyes, "I never imagined I'd have so much...love. And to know that my child is coming into the world with so many people who already care for them..." She said with a hard swallow and a nod, "Okay now is the part where you look back to your painting so I can cry in peace."
Red laughed and climbed down from her stool, setting the easel on top of it, "I'd give you a hug but I'm covered in paint and I'm not good at comforting people," She smirked good heartedly, making Regina chuckle through her blurry eyes, "But I know what you mean...I never thought I'd be able to live a normal life because of my shape shifting but...you helped find a way for me to control it with magic."
"I was glad to help," Regina smiled with a shrug, sniffling back her tears as she regained control of her pregnancy induced emotion.
"I'm glad you showed up when you did, I was tired of sleeping in a kennel every night," Red joked, referring to the dungeons, "Should we go find Granny and see what she's cooked up for lunch? I'm starved."
"Me too," She nodded with a smile, walking out of the nursery with her friend. "Emma and David should be in from their post visits soon."
"I bet you miss the freedom to go out on kingdom business," Ruby frowned with a glance towards the Queen who sighed wistfully.
"Kingdom visits...and riding in general," Regina smiled and shrugged, "But I try not to dwell on it. I'll have my freedom soon enough, and it's well worth the price," She added, rubbing a hand over her stomach when she felt a kick.
"They'll be here soon," Ruby nodded as they rounded the corner hall to start down the grand staircase, reaching out to wrap an arm around Regina's as a safety measure, "Wolf instinct, we can tell these things."
"Hmm I believe you, they're getting rather impatient in there," She laughed and moaned softly when she smelled the kitchen as they reached the bottom of the stairs, "Whatever Granny cooked, something smells good."
"Beef tip stew, roasted potatoes and carrots," Ruby grinned with a nod and tapped her nose, "Another wolf instinct."
"I don't want you to go today," Regina pouted as they laid in the middle of the large bed, her thigh still draped over David's as their breathing slowly returned to normal. She drew circles on his chest as his arm served as a pillow for her, bending at the elbow so his hand could play with her hair. Their sex was less athletic and adventurous for the moment but no less satisfying as their connection was stronger than ever. Her body still tingled from the orgasms he'd given her with his slow but deep thrusts and lips on her neck.
"I'll only be gone for a few hours," David smirked as he ran his right hand down the dip of her side and lower back, up over her hip to her thigh, enjoying the feeling of her curvier form, "But I don't want to either," He admitted and rubbed his nose with hers.
"Hm and meanwhile Red and Emma get to go with you and I'm missing all of the action," Regina added, playful edge in her tone as she pushed her finger into his chest.
"We're only going to a kingdom council meeting," He laughed and playfully grabbed her index finger, bringing it up to his mouth to kiss it, "You used to complain that those were so boring you almost fell asleep."
"It's fine," Regina replied with a dramatic flair, playing it up for him while suppressing a laugh, "I'll just be here with Granny and my mother and your child."
"Hmmm," David's grin broadened at the mention of the baby and he immediately rolled onto his stomach, propping up on his elbows as his hands ran over her bump, "Don't mind mommy, she's just being grumpy," He murmured with a smirk as his eyes shifted up to see Regina's expression, laughing against her skin when he pressed a kiss to her tummy.
"Hey!" She laughed and swatted his head playfully as she leaned up on her elbows, "I'm just a little stir crazy, that's all," She smiled and shook her head, "I got used to being able to roam. The freedom was nice."
"I know," David's expression became more serious then, leaning on his side and one elbow to look at her, "I worried when you fell pregnant that it was too soon...You're so young and only really beginning to experience what life had to offer-"
Her heart ached at the worry that marred his perfect features and she shook her head, reaching down to press a finger to his lips, "I wouldn't change a thing. I already love our child so much. Most women already have two or three by now. Besides you are a little older than me," She added with a playful smile, "We can't have our children and you in diapers at the same time."
"Hey!" David's mouth dropped in shock at her snarky comment before bursting into laughter and falling back onto the bed, "God, I love you," He confessed after a few moments, rubbing his hand absentmindedly over her thigh as he came down from his laughter.
"I love you, too," She smiled as she sat up, leaning over to press a kiss to his head, "Have a good day with Red and Emma."
Cora felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up when she poofed herself to the mountain in the horizon, landing at the forest line where the green fog eminated. Something in her gut told her that whatever lingered was a force to be reckoned with. Dark magic was at play, very similar to her own, and the person wielding it was full of rage and vengeance.
She made her way into the woods, keeping her palms up to monitor the energy permeating through the dark area. Whatever this person was doing here was not good, she could taste it in the magic in the air. The part that troubled her the most was the familiarity of it, feeling almost like a flashback to her own rage and bitterness she'd lived through.
"Fancy seeing you here, Dearie," A shrill voice called out in the darkness and she felt a shiver go up her spine at the instant recognition of who it was.
"Rumple," She growled, looking around until she spotted him not far off, leaning against a tree. His skin was sickly in color and oozed, telltale of whatever wicked thing he was partaking in, "I should've known you were involved."
"I'm insulted," He feigned hurt and held a slimy hand to his chest, "No 'hello, Rumple, lovely to see you again' or 'how have you been?'" He giggled at the glare she gave him.
"Let's cut to the chase," Cora squared her shoulders and forced herself not to give into the rage he evoked in her, "What are you doing so close to my daughter's kingdom? What are you up to?"
"Me, up to something?" He pretended to be hurt before drumming his fingers together and straightening up from the tree, "Have you ever known me to be up to something?"
"What do you want with Regina?" She glared at him firmly.
"Me? Oh no no no no," Rumple giggled again, "It's not me who wants anything to do with Regina. No, I already tried that path but her pretty King derailed her rage. She became of no use to me."
"What are you talking about?" Cora grit through clenched teeth as she closed the space between them, her magic practically vibrating as she contained herself from lashing out.
"Well...you see she was going to do a favor for me," Rumple hissed and began pacing the forest floor, "I thought she would do. So angry, so powerful, waiting to be cultivated into something great - just like her mother was, but I overestimated her."
"What have you done?!"
"As luck would have it I was approached by your first born," Rumple grinned wickedly as he watched Cora's confusion, "No Dear, your actual first born. The angry daughter you deserted when she was just a babe."
"...Zelena," Cora gasped, the pieces falling together suddenly as to why she felt a familiarity in the magic brewing. "Where is she? What did you do to her?"
"Calm down Dearie, who do you take me for? I didn't harm the girl," Rumple rolled his eyes and hopped onto his other foot theatrically, "In fact, I like to think I helped her reach her full potential. When your dear Queen Regina failed me, I had to find someone to help me get to the Land Without Magic. Someone with more rage, more determination, more hatred."
"You," Cora screamed in rage as she stepped up to him, "You leave my daughters alone!"
"Why would I do that when this deal is so mutually beneficial?" Rumple smiled sweetly, "I mentor Zelena into casting the Dark Curse so that I can get to the Land Without Magic and she can get revenge on you and her useless sister! Isn't it wonderful how things just fall together?!" He clapped and giggled his sickening laugh.
"If you really had the means to do this then why haven't you done it yet?" She challenged him, fists clenched with rage, "You're bluffing, Rumple."
"Oh if only," He cooed and pressed his palms together, "You see, watching you and Regina mend your relationship has only enraged your wicked firstborn more. She's more powerful than ever."
"That's where your plan is faulty," Cora narrowed her eyes, "If I remember clearly the person who casts the curse has to have the heart of the thing they love most. Zelena is an orphan and an angry, rage filled one at that. How can she take the heart of something that doesn't exist?"
"You see, that's where it comes rather poetic," Rumple raised his index finger with a grin, "Her rage at being orphaned and her jealousy over her sister, it all boils down to one thing. She wants her mother's love," He tilted his head, reaching out to run his pointy claw of a fingernail over the middle of her chest. "Despite how much she wants to hate you she can't. Isn't it sweet? Her love for you is both her power and her undoing."
Cora clenched her fist, channeling her magic to try to dull her rapid heartbeat, "I took my heart out years ago, you know that," She replied, barely finishing before Rumple's hand sunk into her chest. Her barrier spell was no match to his magic and she felt the pain hit her when his cold fingers gripped her organ.
"Nice try, Dearie, but you could never lie to me."
Regina heard the clock strike another hour, looking up from her book of spells as she sat in the middle of her tower. Her desk was a mess, surrounded by the books she was studying and the herbs and ingredients she'd been using. She smiled to herself at the thought of David, Red and Emma being home soon, having lost track of time by immersing herself in her craft.
Her back ached from sitting too long, another wonderful side effect of pregnancy. However, if she stood in front of her desk too long her feet would ache instead. She smiled tiredly and rubbed her lower abdomen, feeling the pressure of an arm or foot as she stood and stretched, "Easy, I know you're impatient," She murmured, often talking to the baby when she was alone, "I am too, but we'll meet one another soon enough, there's no need to kick."
She paused from cleaning up her books when a cool breeze caught her off guard, glancing up to see if she'd left one of the windows open. They weren't, and her confusion grew as to where the change in air came from, especially in the heat of the summer. Her question was answered when she turned to see her mother appearing at the top of the tower staircase. She wasn't sure why but her blood ran cold at the expression her mother wore and the fear she used to instill in her was back in full force.
"Mother, I-I didn't hear you," She forced a slight laugh and turned to face her direction, "You startled me."
"As I should, Darling," Cora gave a playful smirk but the glint in her eyes sent a shiver down Regina's spine. "What are you doing up here all alone? Working on your magic?"
"Yes..." Regina took a deep breath as her mother walked towards the large desk, slowly stalking her way around it.
"It's a shame you didn't put more effort into it when you had an excellent teacher like Rumple," Cora smiled wickedly and Regina's stomach turned, sensing something seriously wrong had happened, "Don't look so alarmed, Regina. You're not the only Mills girl to dabble in the darkness Rumplestiltskin offers."
"Wh-how did you..." Regina watched her, confusion clouding her judgement as fear for herself and her child began to take over.
"Oh I ran into Rumple today and he told me you had taken a few lessons from him," She tilted her head to the side and the darkness in Cora's eyes told Regina that her mother was no longer in control of herself, "He explained that you agreed to help him but fell short. You didn't think he'd honestly let that go, did you Darling?"
"Who are you-" Regina rounded the table in the opposite direction as her mother did, keeping distance between them, "What have you done with my mother?"
"It's still me, foolish girl," Cora smiled in a predatory manner like a cat cornering it's prey, "Well, a version of me, so to speak."
"I know you're behind this Rumple," She glared at her, lighting protective magic in her palm and running it over her abdomen, "If you come near me-"
"Calm now," Cora raised a brow, "You see it's not just Rumple, my dear Regina. It's time you should know about your sister...Yes, that's right," She smiled in an eerily calm manner, "Before you were born I had a child that I..." She sneered and snapped the glass vial she'd picked up from the table, "-carelessly abandoned. And that daughter has grown, watching you over the years, seeing the way you have failed to live up to my standards, failing to appreciate anything I've done for you-"
Regina tensed her shoulders to keep her body from trembling, keeping herself across the table from whoever it was that was inhabiting her mother's body, "What do you want-"
"Such a loaded question," Cora cackled uncharacteristically before her face grew serious once more, "As I was saying, I put so much faith into you after I discarded my firstborn. You were born from a respectable bloodline, you were groomed for greatness," She rolled her eyes, "I went to great lengths for you. Do you know how hard it is to poison a Queen for a year without being caught?"
Regina's eyes widened, "You..." She shook her head, realizing now that David's first wife's death wasn't natural at all, "You poisoned his wife, Emma's mother-"
"So that you could be here, and aren't you glad I did?" Cora asked pointedly, "You have everything you ever wanted after all. Yet you're going to be ungrateful," She grit her teeth and Regina watched in fear as a green rash crept up her mother's neck and her appearance slowly began to shift.
"Whoever you are, leave now!" Regina said firmly as she lit her palms with fireballs, adrenaline coursing through her body as the figure before her transformed into a green skinned redhead, recognizing the woman who had heckled her just months ago in the village, "It's you-"
"That's no way to greet your sister is it?" Her voice changed when the transformation completed and she tilted her head to the side, holding a beating heart in her hands, "You always were a brat from what I've seen, I was hoping that would've changed, but I guess I have to go through with this after all."
"What do you want from me?!" Regina gasped at the sharp pain that hit her lower back, reaching down to grip her belly, "I don't even know you!"
"You got everything!" Zelena screamed in rage, tightening her fist on the heart that Regina then realized was their mothers, "You got a family, a home, our mother's love, a kingdom! And yet you don't appreciate any of it!"
"I never-" Regina's response was cut off by the sharp pain that made her cry out, tight cramping hitting her stomach. She reached down to grip the edge of the desk to steady herself, "I never knew you existed and I-I never asked for any of this - my life w-was hell-"
"Oh please!" Zelena roared and slammed a fist on the desk, leaning across it to get closer to her, "I've been watching you for months, beloved Queen, doting husband," She sneered.
"M-mother made my life hell for years-" Regina tried to explain, breathing heavily at the contractions that came every so often, taking her strength away. Her heart began to pound in her ears when she felt warm liquid rush down her thighs and pool on the stone floor, looking down to see a mixture of fluid and blood.
"At least she kept you!" Zelena grit out, her eyes wide and crazed, "I got discarded like trash! That's okay though, yes, yes..." She mumbled as if she were insane, "You'll both get what you deserve," She held up her hand, marveling at the heart she clenched, "You'll understand the pain of not having family to turn to, of heartbreak - of struggle," She spoke through clenched teeth, "And I'll get to watch."
"What are you talking about-" Regina nearly doubled over as another contraction hit, feeling the wind pick up outside and blow the windows of her tower open. The sunshine seemed to disappear, as if a storm was coming outside, but much to quickly to be natural.
"You'll see soon enough," Zelena smirked as she looked up at her sibling from studying Cora's heart, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a curse to finish."
Regina watched as the woman disappeared in a cloud of green smoke before another wave of pain put her in the floor, her legs crumpling beneath her as her nerve endings caught fire with the contraction. She cried out breathlessly, holding her stomach with one hand and trying to keep herself sitting up with another braced on the floor.
"Oh gods help us," Granny exclaimed when she reached the tower and saw the Queen sitting in a puddle of water that was tinted with some blood, "Come on girl we have to get you downstairs," She shuffled over to the younger woman quickly, yelling back towards the staircase for the other household servants, "Help! We need help!"
"We better get a hurry on and undress these horses," David laughed as they returned from their outing, bringing the horses to a slow trot as they made their way towards the stables, "I promised Regina we'd be back in time for dinner."
"Yeah we better," Emma agreed and nudged her mare in the direction of the barn, "Regina with child and mood swings scares me," She grinned and swung her leg over the horse when it came to a stop outside beside of David's own.
"Regina scares me regardless," Red joked as her mare came up behind theirs, dismounting as they already had and leading her horse into it's space before starting to undo the saddle and dressings.
"Me too. I'm just glad we got home before this storm hit," David replied with a raised eyebrow at how dark the sky had gotten as he took his saddle off of his horse and hung it over the side of the stall. He turned to grab the brush from the side of the wall before his stomach sank slightly and he looked up to glance at Emma and Red.
"What?" Emma frowned with a laugh at his sudden change in behavior and the wind eerily beginning to pick up around them.
"You look like you've just seen a ghost," Red raised an eyebrow with a frown at the way her own senses began to tingle.
"Somethings wrong," David dropped the brush from his hand and quickly swung the gate of the stall open to step out. No sooner than he did a guard rushed to the stable door, nearly falling over himself as he tried to come to a stop.
"It's the Queen, she's in labor!"
David could tell by the panic in the guards voice that there was more to it, instantly taking off in a sprint out of the stables and across the courtyard. He began ripping off his uniform, dropping armor as he ran, taking the front castle steps three at a time. The doors to the castle were already blown open by the wind and he refused to slow down despite his heart pounding and his lungs burning from clearing the distance from the stables so quickly.
"Regina!" He called out, taking the grand staircase in five or six giant leaps, nearly knocking over the guard who stood at the top. Panic gripped him when he heard her screams echo all of the way down their wing. Something was really wrong.
"David," Granny looked up quickly from her position between Regina's legs, her tone expression her relief. He wanted to throw up at the abnormal amount of blood on the sheets already before Granny pulled his focus, "Calm her down - we need to calm her down."
David's heart pounded against his rib cage and he ran to her side, taking Regina's hands quickly, "I'm here, Regina I'm here-" He looked at her panicked face and tried to remain calm and reassuring but he felt like passing out himself.
"My mother-" Regina gasped for breath looking up at David urgently, "They have my mother - they took her, they're going to kill her-"
"Regina, Regina-" He cupped her face with his hand to get her to concentrate on him, "What are you talking about? Sweetheart, breathe, please-"
Another contraction hit her then and she screamed out, back arching from the bed and his blood ran cold at the pain she was in, "Regina please, speak to me, tell me what's wrong," He asked again when it subsided, running a hand over her hair with his free hand as she gripped his other.
"I h-have a sister, she came here," Regina looked up at him breathlessly, seeming to have a moment of clarity from the pain and panic, "She and Rumple took my mothers heart theres-" She winced and cried out at a smaller contraction, "There's a curse coming, they took her heart and-"
David swallowed hard in fear and held her hand as she screamed again, "A curse?" He looked towards the window at the near darkness outside, his stomach sinking with the knowledge that it was much too early for it to be night already.
"They're going to kill my mother to enact the curse-" She cried, her head falling back in physical and emotional pain.
"David, help her," Granny said firmly, bringing him out of his own thoughts and he nodded quickly, not questioning the worried look on the gray haired woman's face. He had to be strong for his wife.
"Whatever it is Regina we'll take it on but first we have to make sure you and the baby are okay," David said in the calmest tone he could muster, sinking to his knees on the floor beside of her so that he was level with her, "You can do this, sweetheart. Block everything else out and just focus on the baby, okay?" He ran a hand over her hair and she nodded silently, her eyes clamped shut in pain.
"You can do this, girl," Granny reassured her, "I know you're tired and you've been at this for a while now but we're getting close."
"Did you hear that?" David bit down on his bottom lip, wishing he could take the pain and turmoil away from her. There were solid tears rolling down her face and he didn't know if it was from the physical pain or the upset of whatever happened in his absence, "We're getting close to meeting our baby, Regina."
"I'm scared, David-" She looked up at him breathlessly when the pain subsided for a moment and she could speak again, "I don't know what's coming, I don't know how to protect us-"
"Whatever happens we're going to get through this, okay?" He nodded firmly, locking his gaze with hers. How could he promise that when he had no clue what they were up against?
"Time to push," Granny ordered firmly yet gently, prompting them both into action.
"You can do this," David nodded at Regina and she swallowed hard in return before bearing down and crying out with the next contraction. Minutes passed like hours as they continued, his hand turning white with how hard she was gripping it each time she would push through a contraction. His heart felt like it was being ripped in two at the torture she seemed to be in yet there was nothing he could do but be there for her.
"I see a head," Granny exclaimed, emotion in her voice, "Keep going, my girl," She nodded up at Regina who let out a sob and nodded in relief at the promise of it being over soon.
"I'm so proud of you," David murmured and pushed the hair back form her face, sticky with her sweat, still holding her other hand though his fingers were numb from her grip, "I love you."
She screamed and pushed, her whole body rigid with pain an determination. With each increasingly strangled cry the dark storm outside seemed to rage harder, thunder rumbling and lightning striking as ominous black clouds approached the castle with rapid speed. David tried to ignore it and focused on his wife before a sudden, smaller cry filled the air and took his breath away.
"You did it," He said, voice choking on emotion when Granny's hands held up their small, screaming child just moments later. Regina's head fell back in exhaustion but her eyes stayed fixed on her baby and she let out a laugh of relief, tears streaming down the side of her face.
"You have a little girl," Granny swaddled a blanket around the crying infant, tears coming down her own face as she rounded the bed and handed the crying child to it's mother.
"She's so beautiful," David's head fell against the side of Regina's in relief, swallowing the knot in this throat as he lifted his head again to look at what they'd made, "You did so good, Regina. Look what you did."
Regina smiled through tears, letting out a soft sob as she held their infant in her arms, still catching her breath, "Hello there," She said tearfully running her thumb over the baby's forehead as her other fingers cupped the back of her head.
"I'm so proud of you," His chest ached with an overwhelming love as he took in the child, reaching his own hand out to grip a balled up fist, "She's perfect, Regina."
"David," Red burst through the door and brought them back to reality, Emma not far behind her, "Somethings going on, the black clouds are destroying everything in it's path-"
"Regina," Emma let out a breath of relief as she came over to see her step-mother was okay, taking her free hand and looking down tearfully at her new sibling, "Oh my god," She shook her head, overcome with emotion as she reached down to touch the small baby.
"It's a curse," Regina said tiredly, clutching the child tighter to her when the wind started blowing furiously through the windows, knocking over decorations and ripping paintings from the wall.
"Whatever happens, we all look for each other," David said firmly over the wailing wind, wrapping his arms around Regina and the child, reaching out for Emma to come to his side. "We never stop looking! Got it?!"
Everyone in the room exchanged desperate looks and nods, each knowing they may be looking at one another for the last time. Red grabbed Granny to her, holding them steady on the bed post as David held onto his small family. The sound of the wind overtook the baby's cried as the black clouds began to filter through the windows. They clung to one another as the room filled with magic before everything became darkness.