A/N – Happy Saturday! This chapter is a mix of fluff, feels and a little angst. Progress between our ladies. Enjoy.

Title:

Deja Vu

Summary:

"That feeling you have already done that… been there… Pay special attention. Maybe there is a lesson or meaning."

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One month.

They had been here one long month. Regina's calendar pinned to the inside of the kitchen pantry door said so. She had also not seen Mother's ghost in a week. No hints of haunting had happened either and she was also no closer to revisiting the memory of the stables she still needed to talk about with Snow. Less and less big Snow was present the last few days. Little one had seemed to settle in and had fully taken over, but child still spoke for the adult side often. Like now.

"But she is asking why not and so I would like to know too Regina."

Queen took out the bread and closed the pantry door of the, returning to the counter to begin fixing Snow's lunch for school. Monday's were usually busy at Town Hall and keeping up with her normal amount of work, looking after Snow, and the house was beginning to catch up to her on top of the last week of nights waiting for Mother to make another midnight appearance. With the lack of haunting and of sleep Regina was beginning to regret telling Mother off, but only just.

"Regina?"

"Snow, I've told you already. Seven year olds cannot volunteer at the hospital. There is no program or supervision for it." Stacking cheese and chicken on bread and cutting it in half to bag. "We may continue visiting if it suits you, but the latter is not an option." Reminding kindly of the prior talk they'd had on this issue.

Thinking as she stirred circles in her oatmeal with fruit, Snow pondered further aloud. "You are the Queen here though. I mean the May-or. May you make a new program?" Some words were still strange to her. "And what about horseback riding? You said you said you would take me."

Sighing, Regina added some grapes and a thermos of milk to Snow's pink lunch bag. "We shall see on the program and I said no such thing about riding just yet." Remembering that conversation, short as it was, clearly. "I do not ride anymore and there has not been time lately. I will look into it though, as I've said." Truth and an excuse for a topic hard to discuss this moment and both did not sit well with the girl staring back.

Back in the Enchanted Forest Regina had turned over the Snow's lessons to a hired riding master of her choosing after Daniella's death. She'd supervised some of the lessons, but had not ridden herself since. Snow had been obsessed with wanting the riding lessons used to the last few weeks and Regina was not in a place to accommodate yet. Not when stitches long closed had been ripped open again so suddenly.

"Why though?" Snow asked. Wincing when a kitchen drawer closed firmly, rattling silverware within.

"I am not ready to discuss it yet. We will, but not right now." Matter of fact. Regina closed the lunch pouch with a patient breath. "Put this in your backpack please and go brush your teeth. It is nearly time to go."

Child frowned, but one pointed look had her scooting out of the room to do as asked, but Snow returned a few minutes later just as Regina was finishing cleaning up the breakfast dishes. "I was wondering something." Snow began and waited until she had the Queen's attention. "Are you still going to the cemetery today?"

"I am." Regina answered quietly folding the dish towel neatly by the sink. She was planning on stopping by the florist on the way to work to pay respects at her Father's grave. A missed routine since being here she needed to do for herself. For the first time she was also planning to see her Mother's. A brow rose when Snow slid over a single folded note. "What's this?"

"Will you give it to Grandfather for me please?" Little Snow asked with a nod to the note. Her adult side had never gotten the chance to pay a visit Henry Senior's grave. In her limited interactions with him she remembered as a child in the Enchanted Forest, he'd always been kind to her. Regina seemed to be considering her request and so she added more slowly, "I'm still writing the other one for…." A shrug as the child bit her lip. Her Grandmother was another matter entirely and she was still processing that death in her young mind as the adult side was in another way completely.

Regina's eyes misted at the sweet gesture and she cleared her throat as she took the note. "I will." Child turned to go and Regina reached out catching Snow by the shoulder. "Perhaps we may visit him together next time and you may tell him what you wish in person."

A little grin. "I'd like that." Snow allowed herself to be drawn into a hug, returning the affection that had been more and more as of late. Something seemed to have shifted in Regina and child was still trying to figure out what. When these quiet moments came she treasured them, but still her two minds crossed over them. "I need to brush my teeth still." An excuse to move away when her confusion over the attention became too great from the adult her mind was currently battling with.

"Of course." Regina gave one more gentle rub to a back and let go, watching as Snow disappeared around the corner. The child's note warm in her hand and heart.

Regina's cell phone beeped with a calendar notification startling her out of her thoughts. Skimming the feed she sighed. Parent teacher conferences were this afternoon and Snow's right at the end of the school day. That would mean making her last meeting of the day at 4:00 tight and she wondered if she should reschedule. Getting the child into the way of doing homework had been its own battle in the beginning, but bright as Snow was a routine had been developed. She checked it occasionally, but not every day and when she did it was always well done and complete. Expecting a quick and good report from the teacher, Regina decided not to move the meeting and went to get her things.

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Regina placed the bouquet of lilies on her Father's coffin. Running her hand along the length of the side, her fingers rested over his name as her eyes closed. Such a tender soul he'd had and a gentle manner. Opening them she reached into her black pea coat pocket and pulled out the folded paper Snow had given her earlier that morning. She took a moment to read the childish scrawl of formal words from another world on the outside before placing the letter under one of the lilies:

To Grandfather.

With Great Affection,

Snow White

"Snow asked me to give this to you." Regina began, tracing the letter's of his name on the gold plaque. "She was quite adamant that I not read the letter." Smiling fondly over the little one's insistence of privacy kept and not bothered in the least at the request. "She is very much still the inquisitive, bright, and impulsive little girl we both knew."

Thinking back on the few times they had all had a private opportunity in the past to enjoy this world's version of 'hanging out' without Mother or the King to impose upon them. Regina walked the length of the coffin, doing what she always did each week as her thoughts lingered and wiped the dust away with a small cloth she kept on the shelf. Dead flowers in hand from last week she stood quietly for a moment gazing at the note as a memory from the past swept her mind away.

It was a rare night when her Mother was on an overnight errand of some magical nature away from the Castle and the King was busy entertaining visiting nobles from a neighboring kingdom in his chamber. Her Father was visiting from her home estate for the Yuletide holiday next week and Regina planned a quiet evening to maximize their rare time together. A small informal dinner was had in her chamber with him and Snow. After, they settled in front of a roaring hearth simply enjoying each other's quiet company.

Her Father was reclining in such a way that her Mother would scoff at with his boots propped up carelessly on a curio table. He was reading a book and sipping a red current wine they both shared a fondness for while perched in the winged chair next to him in a similarly relaxed state. Snow was a different story. Six year old Princess, while under two pairs of soft eyes in the comfort and safety of her private library, lay belly first on a bear rug with a book in hand. Slippers cast aside for two stocking covered feet to sway back and forth. Snow hummed quietly while stroking the head of the bear in a carefree manner.

Regina smiled at the sight and returned eyes to her mending of Mr. Thumper's torn ear that had mysteriously become detached that afternoon in play Snow had not elaborated on. Some imaginative adventure Regina was sure the little one should not have been partaking in, but she could not bring herself to worry over it. Mother away and King occupied they had a wonderful day just being with each other in an easy way. Snow's sigh brought her eyes up to the child's toes drumming on the rug softly a little too close to the grate of the hearth.

"Be careful Snow." Regina began when two green questions came her way. "Mind your skirts and the fire."

"Oh, thank you." Snow got up and came to stand by the arm of her chair with the book in hand. "What's this word Mother?"

Setting the rabbit down for a moment, Regina took the book to look at the word Snow was pointing at. "Mourn. It means to grieve a loss of some kind." Noting the struggle on Snow's face as the girl quietly sounded out the word. Doing it twice more before it came out right. "I'm nearly finished with Mr. Thumper and we may have a special treat before bed tonight if you would like." Smile blooming as Snow leaned into her shoulder and little feet began to bounce happily.

"You will read to me then?"

"Yes, though you need to entertain yourself for a bit longer until I'm through here." Regina indicated the rabbit half stitched and handed the book back to Snow.

Snow began to move back toward the rug, seemingly agreeable to the idea. "I'll look at the pictures then."

Regina saw her Father watching them closely and he pointed to the stallion embossed on the leather cover in Snow's hand. "That is a wonderful book." He began telling Snow. "Your Mother was fond of it when she was your age."

Smiling at him, Snow went over to show him the book and asked. "Did Grandmother ever read to Mother as a little girl?"

Regina winced at the question as her Father glanced her way over Snow's shoulder. He answered. "No, but I did. Would you like me to read a few pages until your Mother is finished?"

Little Princess grinned easily and slipped down to sit on the fur rug again at the man's feet to listen. "Oh yes please!"

Regina watched two of her favorite people fondly from a new perspective; a reverse mirror into a private memory of her childhood past. She'd loved the times her Father used to slip into her chamber when she was a child to read with her at night. Often when her Mother was away they could have that exceptional time together. Seeing Daddy with Snow in a similar state warmed her heart and Regina hoped there would be more special moments like this between all of them to come.

Regina settled back into the present as the past left her wanting for more of that soft unguarded moment she fondly remembered. Rare as they were at the time, she could recall each one vividly. As the coldness of the mausoleum registered with lack of life but her own Regina fingered the lone red rose in her hand opposite the dead lilies.

Red it was like the blood spilled by her Mother's hand in life and red like the blood she wished they did not share. Carefully she moved to push her Father's coffin aside and descended the stairs into her vault for the second reason of her visit today. As she moved underground through the passageways she thought about the complexity of their relationship or lack thereof. So many layers, lies, hurt, and anger between them. Of all her past demons Mother was the Queen of them.

Under that weight of rule Regina gripped the rose tightly as she came to stand next to the copper colored marble her Mother lay within. So much to say and not at the same moment and so, Regina said nothing. She brought the rose to her lips in a quiet kiss she used to long to have reason to lay on a cheek in life and she wondered if her Mother was watching her now.

Regina laid the rose to rest on top of the coffin when her spirit and the one of her Mother was in anything but such a state. She didn't know how to grieve this death. Some days she felt too much. Others nothing at all. She traced her Mother's name as she had her Father's almost in hope of an answer. Such a cold hard woman lay entombed by the twin of hard cold stone.

But her Mother had not always been that way.

She remembered asking her Father how Mother had become cruel. He'd blamed Rumplestiltskin and magic of course. But before that. Before Regina had been born and many years before her Mother had once been a child and she wondered what that experience had been like for Cora. Regina had read enough self help books during the 28 years of the first curse to learn a thing or two about the cycle of abuse.

At one point in time her Mother had been a babe in arms. Someone's little girl before knowing the lure of power and darkness. And in that moment Regina began grieving one thing. She grieved the little girl lost her Mother had once been as she had been and in a way Snow was too. Three generations of girls suffering. The cycle of abuse broken with Regina and ceasing entirely with Snow and Emma.

They were like broken pieces of the same heart searching for wholeness promised in connection. And Regina as the seam between generations knew most of all the wounds of the maternal heart and the scars that forever linger on the mind when the ones on the body fade away in time.

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Snow stood at the main gate of the Storybrooke Stables catching her breath. Hands rested on her knees from her quick sprint all the way from the school. All students had been given an extra recess at the end of the day so that teachers could prepare for conferences that afternoon with parents. With so many kids on the playground it had been easy for her to slip away unnoticed. Getting here had been just as simple. The Benz had driven by the stables enough times in the last month to school for her to know the route by heart.

"Snow?" A strangely familiar gruff voice.

Spinning around startled, Snow's hand flew to her chest and she took a step back. Then recognition. "Master Jefferys."

"Who?" Older gentleman took a step closer looking around the area.

Snow hesitated, little mind crossing with her adult's for this man's name here. "Mr. Jettson. Sorry." He looked the same. Black hair graying at the temples. Riding britches, coat and cap. The royal stable master and her former teacher not in uniform. Then realizing her name had been said. "You remember me, sir?"

The middle aged man took off his hat and scratched his head. "Everyone knows the Mayor's daughter. Where is she by the way? You shouldn't be here on your own."

Snow's boots shifted in gravel at being referred to as such. Sheepish, but sure sounding. "I'm waiting for her. She'll be here soon." Snow wasn't stupid to think that Regina wouldn't find out her whereabouts and she hoped that when the Queen found her and saw the stables and horses that something… Maybe something would change. That had been about as far in her thinking as she had gotten. "I shall just wait for her on that bench then." Moving to the stone one under a colorful tree across from the stable doors.

"You do that." He nodded. "Stay out of the stables while you wait alright?"

Nodding with her fingers crossed Snow agreed readily and waited until he left to go back inside his office. Then she bolted toward the stables. Also, too there was a certain someone she was looking for. If this was indeed the original Storybrooke curse, or like it, then the occupants of the Enchanted Forest would be here. All of them in some form. She hoped she was right. She was also hoping that presence would jar some good memories for Regina. Enough to convince the Queen to allow her lessons again while they were here.

Snow pushed hard on the heavy wood door and looked about the dim shadows. She could see the dust dancing through beams sunlight filtering through. Sweet hay filled her nose and musk of horse. Eyes skimming each stall and there she was. Beaming, her boots darted over to the half door where a white nose hung over and Snow wrapped arms around WinterStar's neck. Horse sniffed and nipped her with lips and neighed shaking a great head.

"Sweet girl. My sweet girl I knew you were here."

Childhood steed in the flesh brought a rush of memories back, too many of them and in them she hugged that white neck once more…

"Lift your chin and straighten your back, your highness."

Snow heeded the those words and mimicked her teacher's actions as she sat side saddle on WinterStar's back cantering in a circle as Master Jefferys looked on. Today was a review about form for the upcoming summer parade she was expected to ride in next week behind her parent's horses. She was looking forward to the change in season and the festivities.

"And wave." He prompted.

Snow gracefully brought her hand up to do so in the carefully cupped manner she'd been taught when a sharp tisking cut the air at her gesture. She cringed readily under the well known noise as her Grandmother approached from within the stables on horseback. Regal bearing in such a manner that evoked authority not to be taken lightly nor ever crossed. Great skirts draped sharply like frozen dark water over one side of a midnight colored horse. Sapphire jeweled bridle flashed harshly in the sunlight as her Grandmother's eyes did.

"Where are your gloves Snow White." Cora's tone more than scolding as the dark horse drew up n sharp contrast alongside WinterStar's white hide.

The pony stepped back and her Grandmother's horse moved with it. Close as the woman was always made Snow's stomach cramp. She swallowed thickly and dipped her chin in deference searching for an acceptable answer, slowly bringing her eyes up as her mouth opened. Then they lifted more over her Grandmother's shoulder seeing a pair of boots most unexpected move to join toward them from the stable gate a ways away. Regina approached with purpose, holding ruby skirts aloft the grassy path with something small and white in hand.

Snow missed the accepting softness looking at her now from amber eyes in the weeks since things had changed between them. Hurt and feelings of betrayal she could not begin to make sense of on her own formed in her gut; the wall growing ever taller between them. Snow watched Regina watching her. Queen owned such a beauty in poise she hoped to one day own for herself along with a quiet strength that seemed to belong to Regina alone.

Then her attention snapped back to the blue eyes unyielding on her. "I—" Snow began to explain what she could not and readily gave pause when her Grandmother reached for her hand, turning it palm up.

Tender skin was examined and Snow rolled her lips in as the dirt under her nails was noted. Displeasing sharp eyes were on her now and Snow faltered as both her hands were yanked forward by her Grandmother. The black leather of reins was raised and whipped a burn across her palms. Face reddened under the public rebuke as a white hot stripe turned into a raised welt on her flesh. She cried out, which only seemed to anger the dark woman before her further. Reins were raised again. Snow closed her eyes tight as her teeth held her lip in place.

"Mother." Regina called. Just as sharp from a red mouth now near and a voice Snow was suddenly grateful for as tears welled in her eyes.

The second blow did not come and Snow breathed through the throbbing pain of the first as Regina came to stand alongside her horse. Right between both white and black mares. WinterStar's reins were taken as directions were given by Regina to the riding master to help her dismount. When Snow's feet hit the ground she stepped several feet back behind Regina as she clutched her hand to chest as the two women simply looked at each other.

"Have it you way then, but mark my words she will never learn if you insist on such cosseting." Her Grandmother affirmed and then gave the horse a good nudge. "I will meet you there Regina."

And for a reason Snow was unsure of Regina nodded once. Grandmother, with a scolding look her way, rode off on the dark steed toward the forest leaving them alone. Master Jefferys took WinterStar's reins from Regina and led her pony away.

Snow wanted to speak. To explain the forgotten gloves she now realized were in Regina's hand. But she had not been spoken to yet and palms burning from Grandmother's punishment she wished to remain out of trouble.

"Let me see." Queen said, soft and coaxing. Snow took a step forward holding out her palms. Held carefully in royal ones they began to hurt less just from the contact. Regina's thumbs gently ran over the raised welts and Snow hissed, eyes snapping shut for a long moment and then she felt a cool tingling and opened her eyes. Red welt now pink and the throbbing a dull ache as if a day had passed.

"How did…?" Snow began and remembered. Then quiet as the Queen gently helped her put on the white leather gloves. But her interrupting question was not scolded.

"That matters not." Regina began, buttoning the glove at a small wrist. "What does matter is being on time for your archery lesson next."

"But my hands…" Again Snow trailed off wondering how she would pull a bow string as the other glove was buttoned in place and she felt fingers lifting her chin as Regina's thumb graced her cheek tenderly.

"They will be completely fine in a few more minutes. Not to worry. Now come along. I have just enough time to walk you to the courtyard."

Snow followed on the Queen's right and a step behind. As they walked her palms indeed began to hurt less and she wondered over how, but more so of another question wanting to come. Unable to help herself in spite of the rule about not speaking until spoken to, she asked. "Why did you come to the stables today?" Wondering over the absence of Regina at her lessons the last several weeks. She did not miss the way the Queen stiffened and the pace of boots she was dutifully following increased.

"Snow."

A gentle warning tone Snow knew meant to cease in questioning in public when she had not been asked one first and yet she did not for the ache hiding in Regina's tone. She wondered over the why of it and of Queen's more and more obvious pain in regards to the stables. They had yet to talk in full about the harsh punishment the day of the storm or about anything of importance since.

Trying again the Princess spoke out of turn once more and louder than she meant to be. "But I want to know why you will not teach me yourself. You simply must. Like before." Her boots froze when the Queen's did and a careful look up at that controlled profile showed the pain she suspected was there but only for a brief moment before Regina's control returned. Her eyes dropped automatically as the Queen turned and she took a step back in respect for the amber eyes she was now under.

"I do not wish to speak of it just now. You would do well to mind your choice of words and when they are spoken with me."

Snow licked her lips as her temper brewed. They used to talk about everything, well most things. The things that mattered and she knew she was partially to blame for the cold shoulder she'd given Regina for as long as she had. But now she didn't want to. She wanted to understand the words about love spoken in her bedroom weeks ago she'd pretended to ignore. Like she'd ignored Regina's attempts on deeper conversation since. But now Snow was ready to talk about what should have been discussed between them and now it seemed Regina was not ready.

Snow dared then when she never had before. "But I just want…" Or started to and deferred to another topic entirely that had been bothering her. "I do not wish to learn archery. I shan't continue." The sport and her teacher she really did not mind, but the lost time with the Queen for these new lessons in place did greatly. Then her chin was caught once again and lifted. Under firm amber she wished her mouth had not run away with her.

"You are eight winters old and still a child. There is much you have yet to understand." The Queen began in such a quiet way that Snow always paid full attention. "What I desire for you to learn you will learn and apply yourself to the best of your ability. I expect your best efforts in each task you are set by your instructors. Your lessons Snow, all of them, are necessary and nonnegotiable. Is that understood?"

"Yes." Long ingrained deference spoke when Snow held back the title rare used since the stables. That did not seem to sit well with the woman who had raised her for the second half of her life. Hurt flashed across the Queen's face for but a moment before it was hidden away. Snow was surprised at the tenderness speaking next, almost as if in understanding.

"Respond properly and with respect due me please."

And Snow's chin was released and she dipped in a curtsy. "Yes Mother."

Regina replied soft in praise Snow longed for more of. "Good girl." Then a nod was given along with it for effort when she wanted a hug, but the public space kept their arms apart. They continued walking as before. Snow eyed the Queen's hand she missed holding mere inches from her wanting one. She wondered if and when she'd ever hold it again in the lighthearted manner she once did.

Snow opened her eyes as she released the mare's neck. She hoped today would bring back good memories for Regina of the lessons they shared at the stables. Like old times she undid the stall gate of her horse, found a brush, and in long practiced strokes began to groom. WinterStar seemed to like that, nuzzling in and shuffling hoofs.

After a few minutes Snow dropped the brush looking around for tack and saddle. Tack she managed to fasten mostly with the help of a stool, but her little fingers we're clumsy and fastenings hard to do in her current state. Saddle was much too heavy for her, so she threw a blanket she'd found in a bucket over a dipped back. Getting up on the horse was harder, but Snow managed to jump up using the stool. Gripping reins with a big smile, she eased the neighing horse out of the back door towards the open meadow.

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Clouds of dust swirled around the wheels of the Benz outside of the Stable gates. Car door slammed and Regina hurried toward the main office. Call from the school that Snow was missing from campus some twenty minutes ago had set her heart racing. At first she had started driving toward the hospital after quickly leaving Town Hall thinking Snow went to visit David after their talk this morning. Then another call had come through her cell from the stable owner, her former Master of the Horse back in the Kingdom and she had nearly run a red light turning the car completely around. Now here, Regina hurried into his office and right over to his desk.

Hands planted and leaning in close, Regina asked. "Where is she?"

"Calm down Madam Mayor. She's just outside on the bench." Mr. Jettson stood and rounded the desk quickly. "Snow said she was going to wait for you there." Leading the way back out the door and around the corner of the building. He started to point to a very empty bench and froze.

Regina squared her jaw, worry back right along with the old anxiety she got whenever she came near the stables since that dark day. "You said she was here. That you had her here with you." Worried heat spoke.

"And she was right here Madam Mayor." He assured and began looking around. Feet moving toward the horses. "The stables. She was eyeing them… let's check in there before we get ahead of ourselves."

Following him quickly they each took a side and looked in all the stalls. With magic Regina would have found Snow in a heartbeat, without she felt helpless and that feeling always set her on edge. "If you value your job, find her. Now." Threatening with her go to Mayor strong arm did nothing and could do nothing she realized. Then more concern spilled. "She's a little girl, how can you lose a little girl." Gone from school, call from them had set her anxiety off and now anticipating that little hand waiting here only further fueled her upset when Snow was lacking. This feeling reminded her too much of all the times Henry had gone running off and when Snow had too from the Castle as a child.

Then they heard a scream that set both their feet in motion and made her blood run cold. Out of the stable's back door they moved and toward the field behind. Running white flashed across the distance. Memories too, a déjà vue so terror filled behind Regina's eyes she nearly lost use of her legs, but her heart ran. Back into the stables. Kicking off her heels, she mounted the first horse she came to in a stall, one that recognized her scent and she the feel of him. Slipped right up onto that dipped bare back like it was yesterday. Fingers wove expertly in a mane to steer as Regina nudged ribs with her heels; gaining a full run out of the stable door.

Gravel flew under hoofs that kicked up grass of field, down the sloping meadow and toward the tree line where the white horse was running. Regina's keen eyes could see the problem of loose tack dangling from the horse's mouth. Snow's grip on a mane slipped further, sliding down and child screaming still. Faster Regina surged forward faster, almost alongside the runaway horse. Brown and white ran hoof and hoof. One reach and Regina just missed as the runaway horse gained ground.

Tree line nearing Regina had one more chance before they hit and digging her heels in once more horses were nose to nose. One more, a long reach, to fist the clothing at the small of the child's back and hauling. Regina hauled Snow belly first onto her steed and tightened her heels for a sharp turn left away from the tree line. She anchored Snow with one hand and her body low and tight against the horses back and slowed her mount with the other. Slower and measured to a canter then still and Regina slipped off, landing on the dying grass and pulling Snow with her into her arms.

Child was shaking like the last autumn leaf holding to the branch it belonged to. Holding her neck too tight and Regina couldn't breathe. Firm she clutched Snow and then her knees found the ground as relief came they the child was safe. Gripping little shoulders she pulled Snow back, eyes and hands raking for any sighs of hurt and finding none worry left the corners of her mouth for a ready scold. But Snow's words began falling between them before she could speak.

"I'm sorry—I didn't mean to—"

Regina promptly interjected. "Didn't mean to what? Get on a horse? Without permission or supervision? Without full and proper tack?" She fought her natural inclination to haul Snow over her knee then and there for scaring her to death. "Run away from school? What part Snow White did you not mean to do?" She stood up then searching for the logic missing behind little words.

White teeth sunk in a little bottom lip. Snow whispered. "Well—well, it was not planned, but I did not…" Then her hand was taken and they were walking quickly back toward the stables. Her boots struggled to keep up with the Queen's bare feet. The grounds keeper rode out to meet them after gathering the horses and offered his saddled mount for them to go the rest of the way. Snow was confused when Regina's head shook.

"Thank you, but I'd rather walk." Dark words full of pain and shadows passed through red lips.

And Snow's hand was pulled again as Mr. Jettson rode slowly beside them. She didn't know what to say or not say so she settled for breathing and trying to keep up.

"That was some ride Madam Mayor." Old man tipped his hat when amber pierced him and he got a single nod for his comment. "I have never seen anyone ride like that. Like they were born on horseback."

"Nor will you again." Firm on that in her current grief. Then Regina spoke softer as his words fully registered. "But thank you." From this talented man she had respected in the Kingdom the compliment meant something bitter sweet.

"You were wonderful." Snow tried to join in, but quieted when a dark brow she knew well rose. Her hand was squeezed once in an affectionately warm hushing manner she recognized and had long missed. Dropping her chin, she focused on feeling and listening.

Sensing upset between woman and child, Horse Master of past tried to help. "Might you consider lessons for your little one Madam Mayor?" Further putting his foot in his mouth in spite of the brown eyes studying him now. "Seems like her curiosity of horses might need to be quelled with focused instruction instead of sneaking a ride in."

Unable to help the opening, Snow bounced on her heels and tugging on Regina's hand again. "Please may I? Oh please?"

They stopped walking and Regina turned fully to regard the man above her. "What my child needs is of no consequence to you. Nor is her bold and reckless behavior something that needs indulging after this display today." Moving again she pulled Snow along at a faster pace. He seemed to get her hint and trotted off ahead leaving them. Regina sighed now regretting telling him off. He was only trying to help. Snow began pouting at her side and she shook her head over it.

Child took in the Queen's use of 'my child' with a small smile before her pout returned. "I did not mean to be reckless." Snow began. Though she had been so much so and was told as much again as they kept walking.

"Your actions were reckless and downright dangerous."

Lips puckering Snow mumbled. "I was only trying to help. If you had only allowed me lessons…" Then suddenly her chin was taken and Regina was eye level with her.

"No. You will not blame me for your choices." Regina countered gently, but firm. "Ones I specifically forbade of you. Remember our rules for the stable. What are they?"

Teary Snow was becoming as her flawed plan registered. She recited known rules from another world. "Before acting, I must await your example or the Horse Master's and not ride unaccompanied or without proper tack."

"Exactly my point young lady. You know better." Standing tall Regina let go of that chin, but not before wiping a falling tear away from a pale cheek with her thumb. Then much softer she added. "We will discuss it further at the house."

Then remembering and little brows knit together. "What about my conference?"

"I'll have to reschedule." Walking again, Queen explained as the stable door neared. "This situation is a priority we need to discuss first and foremost."

Tummy fluttering Snow wondered what that meant, but kept that thought to herself, as Regina bent to pick up heels that had been discarded in haste and moved them to the Benz. She got in quietly and they said nothing more to each other the entire ride to the mansion. Once inside the house Snow's hands began twisting themselves as was her habit when she knew she had done something wrong.

Regina set down her purse on the table by the door, tossing heels into the corner to clean later. Blazer off and tossed as well, she regarded Snow with a heavy eye. "Go get yourself cleaned up, rinsed at least in the tub and into clean clothes. I need to do the same before we discuss the day." In truth she needed more than a shower, but a minute to herself to think. Already heading toward the stairs, little feet followed hers. At the mid landing Regina paused as Snow had stopped walking. Her eyes closed without turning. "What is it Snow?"

"And after?" More twisting of little hands and then the Queen looked over a shoulder. Snow promptly dropped her hands to her sides.

"Afterward I want you to go to your room and wait on your bed. I'll be along when I'm finished." Regina kept walking, but the child remained on the landing and so she turned with a quiet question in her eyes.

Snow rocked on her feet. "You called it my room?" A question wrapped around a small smile hinting at the corners of a pink mouth. Hope filled from her big side asking, sure she misheard.

"That's what it is." Regina answered, looking away as her eyes misted. "Come. I'll help you get started." Extending a hand, she waited for Snow to take it. She saw Snow to the pink bathroom and helped the child to undress and clip long hair up out of the way on top of Snow's head. After she made sure water was running before going to her room.

There and into the en suite Regina shut the door and stripped quickly. Hot water, too hot, Regina turned it on full blast and under it her mask fell away. Washed right down the drain with her makeup. Breathing steam or trying to as her breath came in short gasps. Her skin flushed red and she saw white—flashes of a white horse running and she slumped against the tile wall to the tub floor. Face hidden in knees and arms wrapped tight, Regina gave into the tears falling.

Relief came to visit again and release of the worry of present and pain of past joined in. She sat in it and let herself cry. Feel everything she had been holding so tightly inside the last week. It poured from her eyes and out of her mouth and nose. Right into her hands clasping her legs tightly in anchor. Toes curled in and in Regina had held her heart until now.

More flashes of the stables came tumbling in. Then the impossible smell of hay through the steam of the shower filled her nose. With the past echoing neighs and sound of hoofs running, those felt like blisters bursting in her ears as the water pounded overhead. Snow's screams from long before and then today resounded against tile. They meant more here. Tender here like the tears from her eyes streaming. Like Daniella's eyes had been streaming that dark stormy morning in the stables before death made them close forever.

Regina took a breath in reality, lips making an O as she let it out slowly, slowly calming her heart. Too much that morning of past had cost her. The love of her life and the love of her daughter.

Using the tub edge for support Regina stood. She put her face back under the spraying heat, washing her tears away as she thought about the events of the day, and of what was to come. Daniella fresh in mind. That smile flashed before her eyes. And Daniella's eyes had been so full of hope and promise that day. Then her mind drifted to the saving of Snow that started her life as Queen. And realizing while she had to correct today's misadventure, it was also time to finish their talk about the event at royal stables long ago. The rest of the story of that day Snow needed to know.

Regina stepped out from the shower and turned off the water. Toweling off and dropping it, she swiped her palm across the foggy mirror. Seeing herself bare and bare her heart felt, she took a long look. Time for the bare bones of truth to be spoken, but first they needed to deal with the present.

Perhaps after, it would be the next step in healing a piece of their past. Snow open about telling the why of wanting her at the stables today showed the little one was ready for that conversation and she suspected the adult hiding in the same head was too. Regina wanted her daughter back and was determined to help Snow understand the hidden truth that had kept them apart for far too long.

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A/N- Please consider a review.

Next time – They talk about the present and past. The haunting returns in a new way. Regina and Snow grow closer.