The sun shown through the balcony doors right onto Regina's eyes. Regina woke up and glanced at the clock seeing it was closing on to noon. She sat up with haste and wide eyes on her bed and tried to recollect what happened the day before. She remembered how Henry had disappeared in a cloud of smoke into another land and how her and Emma set out to find him. She remembered that they did find him and how they arrived at the royal palace of Ruby Kingdom. She also remembered how Emma defended her when Jane was criticizing her. As soon as that memory came, she quickly dismissed it. Now why would I care about that? She thought.
Regina decided it was time to get up and headed off to the bathroom to wash up. Hopefully they would find a way to get back to Storybrooke today. She did not feel like staying here any longer. If any one else knew of her history here then it could cause trouble. And she really did not want Henry finding out. She was trying her best to be the person he wants her to be and if he were to find out, it would cause some major set backs. She looked out of the balcony doors and saw the sun high up in the sky shining down on the green fields. There were a few small cottages here and there along with their own beautiful gardens. And to the left there is a small lake. On the right side she saw the stables far off in the distance. It was a beautiful view.
Regina wanted to change back into her own clothes but couldn't find them anywhere. She contemplated about waking up the blonde but doing that would just mean that she would just have to put up with her longer than needed. With that, she decided to just go out in her pajamas. Lucky for her, it was a pajama suit like the one she has back at Storybrooke so it was nothing for her to fuss over about too much. She looked at herself in the mirror before heading out making sure she looked as professional as possible. After a few moments of looking she tried forming a fireball in her hands. She could feel the magic running through her body but she is having much difficulty bringing it out. Its as if theres just a tiny little hole only letting out a small amount of the larger amount of magic out bit by bit. It took out a lot of energy from her so she decided to give up on the matter for now.
Regina wasn't really paying attention to where she was going for she was thinking about Henry. She wondered if he was awake right now. He did go to sleep pretty late and it has been an exhausting day yesterday. She wouldn't be upset with him if he were. He is only eleven, even she knew that kids needed to sleep. As she snapped back from her thoughts she saw she was going down a hallway and decided to keep walking, god only knows where she could end up. She saw different painting of landscapes hanging up on the white marble walls. She realized that this palace has a color scheme of red and white. Regina walked until she saw one of the servants walking towards her.
"Excuse me, but do you know where I can find the kitchen?" Regina asked.
"Oh yes of course, just make a left at the end of the hallway there and go downstairs. It mainly takes up the entire floor. There will be two doors for its entrance. Since you are a personal guest of Jane, go through that kitchen and out through another door, its a smaller kitchen mainly reserved for everyday use." The servant said with a small yet polite smile.
"Thank you" Regina said as she made her way towards the kitchen.
She made her way towards the end of the hallway and saw a large spiral staircase leading towards the kitchen. She went downstairs and saw two cherry wood doors. She opened one of them and the sight nearly took her breath away.
The kitchen it self was absolutely spotless, as if they just had everything installed the other day. Not only was it very clean, but it was very big. All the appliances were along the wall leaving the center of the room free. There were three refrigerators on one wall along its opposite wall. There seemed to be three of each kitchen appliances. Three ovens, three stoves, three microwaves, and three large sinks along with wide counters giving space between each appliance. Blenders and mixers filled these counters. Above these counters were cabinets also made of cherrywood. This was a kitchen like the famous chefs have but much much bigger. She saw another door on the opposite wall from her. She walked towards the door still looking around wondering why there are three of each on both sides of the kitchen. She opened the door and saw a certain someone already sitting there sipping a drink. She slightly grimaced to herself not wanting to see the teen until if possible, much later. But never the less, she put up her walls and put on her regal face and went into mayor mode.
"You're up rather early today" Jane said as she turned around to see Regina. She smirked to herself seeing how prepared the mayor was trying to look. "Coffee?" she asked while pointing to the coffee machine.
"Its nearing noon. How is this early?" Regina asked as she walked towards the machine and began making herself some coffee. She saw that this kitchen is much like her own but somehow, it seemed much simpler. Just like in the bigger kitchen, all the appliances are up to date. The oven was opposite of the refrigerator which was next to the sink. Red granite counters lined against the walls along with cabinets under them and closets next to them with glass doors. All following the same color scheme of red and white. Jane was sitting next to an island which had six bar stools.
"Well judging by your day yesterday, you would be asleep longer. And this is pretty early for me for a Sunday. I usually sleep in until like, 1 or 2, depending on how my Saturday night goes of course." Jane said simply as she continued to sip on her drink.
"Well it may be true that my day was rather exhausting yesterday, I do not like to sleep late" Regina said as she filled her mug with coffee.
Rather exhausting? Shes trying too hard to look strong.. Jane thought to herself. "Afraid you'd get assassinated?" Jane said into her cup with a little smirk.
"Oh trust me dear, not even in my sleep will some one dare and try to kill me" Regina said without missing a beat.
"Ha. Challenge accepted, your Majesty." Jane said. She saw the sudden growth of seriousness in Reginas face. "Oh calm the hell down. Im not going to do anything. Just thought Id put some humor in the morning after a rough day." Jane said with her hands up in defense. "And besides, I promised Emma I wouldn't do anything to you, and I keep my word."
"Oh really? Rather honorable of you Princess" Regina put an extra emphasis on the word princess.
"Ok first of all, if you want to piss me off about calling me something royal, at least get it right. Its Queen. Second of all, don't call me any of that. And third of all, I will respect your decision on redemption by not calling you the Evil Queen only if you just call me Jane. I am willing to be on casual terms with you. Eithan knows nothing of this Kingdoms past so I don't want him to find out that his new friend is the son of the woman that caused this kingdom its suffering for years through us fighting. What happened all those years ago with you and my kingdom will be forgiven and forgotten only if you show your worth here. Only if I see you do not pose a threat to me, my family, or my Kingdom" Jane said with a stern look.
Regina took a sip of her coffee and visibly relaxed as the hot liquid went down her throat. She thought about what Jane just said. She did not want Henry to know either. Even though she promised him no more lies, she just couldn't risk the chances of a set back. "Very well. We will be on good terms. I will not pose a threat to you if you do not pose a threat to me."
"Thats fine with me. Now i'm not saying we have to be best friends because I can tell just by looking at your face that it was hard for you to say that and break through the dozens of layers of stubbornness your personality contains, but we just have to be able to sit down, talk, eat and not break out into a world war." Jane said. Regina slightly frowned at the mention towards her personality but dismissed it.
"Ok" Was all Regina said. She continued to sip her coffee when a certain blonde appeared through the door.
"This place is pretty sick!" Emma said with a smile and relief on her face when she saw Regina standing there in the kitchen.
"Im glad you're enjoying yourself." Jane said as she returned her smile.
"I see you are also quite loud in the morning Miss Swan." Regina said
"Well Good morning to you too. And god Regina, you could wake me up if you're up you know." Emma said.
"Why would I do that? Worried for me Miss Swan?" Regina said with a smirk. Emma just looked at her not really knowing what to say with Jane around. Its not like she hated the teen, but after what she heard, she wouldn't be too surprised by the fact Regina was kidnapped in her sleep and sent off into a dungeon.
"Shes was worried because she thought I kidnapped you or killed you and sent your body to a dump." Jane said with a slight chuckle. "Coffee?" Emma just nodded slightly and got up to make herself some coffee.
"Well don't worry about me Miss Swan, I told you I can very much take care of myself." Regina said.
"Ok ok. Whatever you say. How long have you been here anyways?" Emma asked as she worked the machine.
"Not too long." Regina said as she sat down across from Jane.
"Yeah we were just talking." Jane said as she made a mental note about the fact Regina only sat down when Emma came in.
"Really? Wow, i'm surprised you didn't rip each others throats out" Emma said with a grin.
"Oh I believe I should say that about you two. You were the one with your hand nearly around her throat last night." Regina said.
"Yea well.." Emma muttered to herself as she turned around to pour herself a cup of coffee. Emma sat down next to Regina and sipped on her coffee and released a satisfied sigh.
"God, how can you drink that?" Jane said with a slight scowl.
"Hey, I don't know what Id do without it. You don't like coffee?" Emma asked.
"Nah, more of a tea person myself" Jane said as she raised her glass.
"Not a tea fan" Emma said.
"Do you think Henry is up yet?" Regina asked
"Oh those two have been up for a while now." Jane said as she took another sip of her tea.
"What? Where are they?" Regina asked.
"Eithan took Henry out to the stables. Said something about Henry wanting to learn how to ride a horse." Jane said.
"You sent my son out to the stables in a strange land without my consent to it?" Regina said growing furious.
"You guys have horses here?" Emma asked as if she hadn't heard what Regina just said.
"Miss Swan!" Regina yelled out.
"Calm down Regina. Eithan is a responsible kid. He would never do anything stupid without my permission" Jane said.
"Yea calm down a bit Regina. Henry is a responsible kid too. And don't forget that Eithan saved Henrys life so its not like i'm too worried" Emma said. "And besides, don't forget that Henry went all the way to Boston by himself." Regina looked at Emma.
"Oh Eithan is crazy strong for his age. He may be young but he can protect anyone from nearly anything. And besides, this is a good opportunity for us to talk"
"Talk?" Emma and Regina both said at the same time.
"Well yea," Jane began "I don't know about you but id like to get to know the people that are currently making themselves at home in my palace. Or I could just look in your eyes and get your entire past but that takes up my energy too, so id rather not."
"Uh, fine I guess" Emma said. Regina just sat down without another word.
"Good. Now how about you two lovely ladies start. Any questions?" Jane asked with a playful smile.
"Yea," Emma began. "Why do you three of everything in your kitchen over there on separate sides?"
"Really Miss Swan. That is your first question about this whole ordeal. About her kitchen" Regina said growing more and more annoyed.
"What? Im sure you were wondering too"
"I don't find myself to be able to care enough about her kitchen at the moment"
"Key words are 'at the moment' which means, one day, you'll be curious. Im just trying to find out now. You know, so curiosity doesn't kill you" Emma said with a smirk
"Oh Miss Swan believe me, either you or your family will be the death of me" Regina muttered into her cup as she took another sip of her coffee. Jane just chuckled at the little banter going on between them.
"Hey, its fine. Its not like worrying too much will help out your situation any more than just taking it easy. And if you must know, the left side of the kitchen is for cooking and the right side is for baking." Jane said.
"Oh well I guess that makes sense. You guys host parties or something a lot?" Emma asked.
"Again with the pointless questions" Regina said. Emma just shot her a glare.
"Whenever we get the chance. Don't forget that Main Street is like New York City. So its a party every night out there. But we still hold on to our traditions, such as balls and historic celebrations. Even though it's a city life out there, the people still hold onto our traditions." Jane explained.
Emma was about to speak again when Regina interrupted her.
"Ok, lets get to the more serious questions now. Why isn't my magic working? And where are our clothes?" Regina asked with a stoic face.
"Leave it to Regina to ask about her magic first" Jane mocked. For some unknown reason, Regina hoped Emma would say something to Jane for stating that sentence but Emma remained silent. "As I said last night, we improved and rose our limits. For people that are not adapted to this environment, using magic is like breathing on top of a mountain with no proper gear. Or when you are trying to squeeze out a gallon of honey through a minuscule hole. I take it that you tried out your magic this morning?"
"Yes and it did not work" Regina said.
"Well now you know why" Jane said with a grin. "As for your clothes, Marshall took them to get cleaned. Trekking through the forest all day can leave you with a scuff mark or two."
"Is there any way for me to actually use it here?" Regina asked
"You would have to get used to the environment, which could take at least a year. You're better off just waiting until you return to your home to use your magic again"
"And in how long we will be able to go home?"
"Anytime really. I should have a gem stone that can teleport you guys back" Jane said with a shrug.
Regina and Emma just looked at each other and then back at Jane.
"So lets go now!" Both Emma and Regina said.
"OK, but do you have any more questions? Who knows, you could come back here any time. Unexpectedly." Jane said.
"No we do not have any more questions, please just allow us to go back to our home and we will be out of your way" Regina said. Emma just nodded in agreement.
"Ok then, follow me" Jane said as she got up and started walking towards the door. Emma and Regina followed her in silence as they made their way through the kitchen. Jane then led them up the staircase and past the room where Regina and Emma spent the night. They stopped in front of a wall which is next to what looks like to be Jane's room. Jane put two fingers on the wall and moved them in a certain pattern. Within seconds, the wall moved revealing a brightly lit room with gems lined across the walls.
"No. Way." Emma said. Her eyes and mouth were both wide opened. Along the left wall, there were sapphires lined neatly on shelves, along the right wall were what looked like onyxes and the center of the wall, rubies were lined up. There were thousands of each and each one is about the size of a fist.
"I know right. You cant really tell right now but if you turn off the lights, they all glow their respective colors and its absolutely breathtaking." Jane said with a slight smile on her face.
"Why do you need so many?" Regina asked, curiosity getting the best of her.
"Oh look who's getting curious now" Emma said with teasing grin.
"You know what, forget I even asked!" Regina said as she raised her arms.
"We keep them here just in case theres a war or any sort of battle that needs assistance"
"We?" Regina and Emma asked at the same time
"Yea. Each kingdom has a set of these somewhere in their castles." With that, Jane turned on her heel and walked to the very end of the room towards the wall. "Shit" Emma and Regina heard that and quickly rushed over.
"Whats wrong?" Regina asked
Jane didn't answer. She walked over to a rather large looking ruby and called Marshall's name. "Marshall, where's the Realm Ruby?"
Within seconds, Marshall's face showed on the ruby. Regina automatically thought of her mirror with Sidney in it.
"Oh well it's been a year Jane, Daniel went out again" Marshall stated simply.
"Damn. Already a year?"
"Language, Jane" Marshall reprimanded.
"Yea yea. Thanks though. Continue what you were doing" Jane said as she hung up. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and turned around to face the other two women. "Well it looks like your stuck here."
Let me know what you guys think :)
~J