A/N: entry number 4.2 for thursday and the OQ prompt party.
74. Enchanted Forest, s3, OQ secret candlelight dinner.


Flickers

Her nerves are fuzzy, her fingers just about to shake as she settles the last white candle on its chandelier. What if he doesn't come. What if…
The sun has just gone to sleep, the last rays filter through the trees. Regina crouches, her newest dress rustling – she has selected it especially for this particular evening. Her hand skim on the pearly, intricate sewing of the gown. It's… white. She hasn't worn anything white in years.

And, she has never been keen of waiting. It's dusk, now, the air is chillier. (Her soul, soul of a mother, has packed a thick blanket – along with the wines and exquisite cheeses, and the red grapes in the wooden basket. That is, if they even approach the possibility of a bit of cuddling under the oak.)

Her palms are sweating. Breaths exit in shallow puffs. To engage herself in activity, she toys with tiny flames sprouting from her fingers, sends them carefully to light her candles. She's just made the last one fly, when there are steps behind her, a branch breaking under a booted foot.

"You're awfully noisy, for a thief," she murmurs in greeting. Her thoughts skate to that time he's had his way with her in her chambers. Why, right at this particular time, she ignores.

"Milady," he bows. She meets his eyes. "I found your – much appreciated – invitation."

"Yes, well," she fidgets. Composure is a memory, as she desperately searches for a subject of conversation. But then, they aren't talkative people. Except for spiteful remarks, yes. "I'm… glad you found the way. This spot can be considered as… particularly hidden, you know."

He sits. Regina is now familiar again with the long forgotten sensation of butterflies in the stomach. Even more, when he takes her hand, laces their fingers. She wonders if he can hear her heart through her veins. It must be loud.

His thumb skims gently on her cheek. "I find myself to be quite skilled with hidden treasures, milady. Especially those which are not… material."

And how she loves when he speaks of her heart.