Regina trudged through the woods, leaves crunched under her feet and twigs broke as she stepped on them. She hiked up her long skirt to avoid it tearing on fallen branches. As she walked, she came across several patches of forest floor that were hidden by what she assumed were Silverbell flowers, as they resembled white foxgloves, only the milky petals glistened like they were sprinkled with fairy dust.
After an hour, she had reached the dirt road her healer had told her about. There was a carriage in the distance, but she had no idea which way the bridge was located. Whilst waiting for the carriage to reach her, she peeked at her wound, gently peeling back the cloth and wincing at how sore it was.
"Are you alright, M'Lady? Are you lost?" the man asked, poking his head through the window, whilst the coachman stopped the horses. Regina continued looking at her wound. "My, I can see you're injured. Where are you headed?"
Without looking up, Regina frowned. I know that voice. She dismissed her thoughts, until she saw the crest on the door. Her eyes widened. It can't be, surely? Whilst using her cloak to subtly cover her face, she peered up to look at the man.
"My God" she exclaimed, dropping her cloak from her face. The man was taken back by her outburst. "I'm sorry, Da-" she paused and quickly corrected herself, "Sir. I was just very surprised to see you. I'm heading to the Enchanted Forest."
"Would you care to join me? It's not safe for a lady to be travelling alone." Regina nodded, not sure how to decline without being seen as rude. He opened the door and the coachman helped her in, then climbed back into his seat.
As the carriage pulled away, it occurred to Regina that she must have gone back in time. It was the only explanation for her current predicament – sharing a carriage with her deceased father.
"What's your name?" he asked.
"Regina." As soon as she said it, she straightened her skirt awkwardly, knowing it was a mistake to reveal her identity. "My name is Regina... Jones." The man smiled.
"Wonderful! I have a small daughter with that lovely name."
"I'm sure you are a kind, supportive father to her."
"She is the apple of my eye. I only hope I can keep her grounded, despite the darker influences in her life." Regina looked at him sympathetically, feeling guilty for the past she knows and the future waiting for him.
"I hope I'm not crossing any boundaries, Sir, but I've battled with my fair share of darkness and I had an incredible father. Please do not blame yourself for decisions your child makes when she is older. You can only do your best to guide her and hope that she will someday make you proud."
"I believe she will. She is an innocent babe with a good heart, who will undoubtedly grow up to be an amazing, generous queen and leader."
A tear rolled down Regina's cheek, which she hid from her father. They continued conversing about various things, from the royal families to the many realms and communities. After two-and-a-half hours, they crossed the cobbled Stone Bridge and entered the Enchanted Forest, also known as Misthaven.
"Where would you like us to take you?"
"I'm not sure. I need to find a man who makes deals, so I can find my friend. Do you know where I can find him?"
"You're not from here, are you?"
"Not yet" she muttered. "Things are just a little different than I remember."
"His castle is rather far from here, but summoning him usually works, as he preys on people who need his help. Are you sure I can't help you find your friend?"
"I appreciate that, Sir, but I can't inconvenience you any further." She politely declined, knowing that spending more time with her father could affect the future and it was painful for her to know she was with him, but he didn't know who she really was. She thanked him one more time, picked up her basket and stepped out of the carriage, in front of the docks. He nodded his head towards her, with a warm smile on his face and wished her luck.