Saved by the bell, she received Emma's text message telling her that she was free, that August was free.
To be sure, she took Belle's heart and gave Rumple a leverage. If Rumple is going to talk to August or Geppetto, she won't hesitate for a second to squeeze Belle's heart until it crushes it. Even though she was no longer the Evil Queen, she was still the kind of chick you shouldn't look for.
She kept her heart and entrusted it to Snow White. Regina told her about her discovery about August's feelings:
« What he says, it's true, she laughed, you shouldn't be feeling nervous, you should rather be flattered, no, I know you miss Robin but maybe it's a chance for you to move on, you know August you spent whole days together, do you like him anyway? »
« Yes, of course, but I didn't necessarily expect our relationship to take this turn. »
« I know you've been worried about him for days. I'm starting to see it in your attitude. You know love is a weird thing when I first met Charming, I punched him in the face. Lovers make each other suffer a lot and it's downright scary. And a few hours later I fell in love with him and wanted to do everything to find him. Try your luck Regina, you have nothing to lose to be happy. »
Regina knocked on the Geppetto's door. August was there. He didn't understand why she had left so abruptly this morning, but preferred not to bring up the subject.
« August you're free, the vilains had their happy ending or been beaten »
« And Gold? »
« I got some leverage on him, that's why I left this morning, sorry I didn't say anything »
« I don't blame you, I know that », he said alluding to Annie's abandonment, « are you okay? »
« Actually, not really ! »
She teleported him with her to a clearing and a bench
« Your dad doesn't have to listen this conversation »
« What is happening ? »
« I read your writing about me »
« I'm sorry, I didn't mean to », he lamented, embarrassed
« You have no reason to be, really, it was inappropriate for me to read it but since I did but I cannot tell you what you want to hear either »
« I know I understand » he said disappointed
« August, let me finish. I'm extremely flattered, no one has given me this kind of compliment and I'm surprised by your writing quality but it's not that I don't feel the same for you, to be honest I don't know , it is possible but it is too early. I'm not ready to start a relationship yet, it has nothing to do with you. I like you very much, I really love to talk to you, spend time with you and I would like to continue for a while. But, I don't want you to force me to choose too quickly. I want things to happen on their own when I'm ready, do you agree? »
« Of course ! So you wanna spend some time together? Tomorrow 8 p.m. in front of your house without discernment »
Regina saw him go and gave a big smile.