The last time Belle entered the former mayor's house they were trying to defeat the Wicked Witch. She was rushing in to tell them information so she didn't really have a chance to take in the décor. As she looked around the illustrious foyer the only thing she could think is how much of Regina she could see in the house. It was elegant, stylish, and like everything in Regina's life she could tell it took a lot more effort than Regina was willing to admit.

"So the guest rooms are up the stairs and down hall." stated Regina walking towards the kitchen. "There are three so you can just pick the one that you're most comfortable with."

She was a bit unsure of how comfortable the bookworm would feel living with her. The least she could do was let her pick out her own room. She was halfway to the kitchen when she heard Belle call her name. She turned to face her unexpected guest. "Yes?"

"Why are you letting me stay here?" asked Belle bluntly. She and Regina had never been close. The woman had locked her up in an asylum for 28 years for crying out loud. She knew that Regina had changed but that didn't mean she didn't have an ulterior motive for letting her stay here.

"I already told you. There was no room for you at the loft and I had the spare room." Answered Regina

"Regina after today I have realized that heard enough lies to last me the rest of my life. Please don't let me hear them from you. Not today at least." Replied Belle. She was truly tired of being lied to. If she was a pawn in some ridiculous chess game between Regina and Rumple the least they could do is tell her.

Regina looked at Belle. She could never understand how a woman with instincts like hers could wind up with someone as treacherous as the Dark One. She supposed if she truly wanted to gain Belle's trust she would have to be honest.

"Belle do you know why I originally wanted to study magic?" she asked folding her arms.

"To get revenge on Snow?"

"No. While that was a big part of it the revenge came later." Corrected Regina. "The real reason I wanted to learn magic was so I could get away from my husband, Leopold. At first I thought I could get away by horse but that proved unfruitful. Even if I did manage to get away Leopold could send hundreds of soldiers to search for me. I wouldn't even make it ten miles. I was trapped in that marriage with no way out and no safe place to go. It was a nightmare. I wouldn't wish that on any woman. Not even Snow. And certainly not you. You might have been able to leave Rumple but that's only half the battle. You still need a safe place to recover and rebuild yourself. I'd like for this house to be that safe place for you. And if you need to you'll always be able to come here."

Belle had to admit she hadn't expected that from Regina. The older woman rarely talked about her marriage to the king. Now Belle could understand that it was too painful for her. "Thank you for your honesty Regina."

"You're welcome Belle." replied Regina. "Now that you've gotten your sentimental minute out of me is there anything else you need?"

"I guess just pajamas for the night."

"I'll conjure some up for you."

"Thanks," Belle said heading for the stairs.

"Oh and Belle? Remind me to make you spare key the next time you go out." smiled Regina. She knew the she and Belle weren't close but she meant what she said. She would do everything in her power to make sure that she felt safe here.

Walking up the stairs Belle suddenly remembered something very important. "Wait! Regina we still have something to discuss."

Regina rolled her eyes. What else could the bookworm possibly want? "And what would that be?"

"What the hell I'm supposed to do with this," she said pulling the out the dagger from her coat.