I am SO beyond sorry that this is over due. I had a lot going on this month in my personal life. I also had MAJOR writer's block from this damn hiatus that OUAT has taken. Damn them. So happy it's back on sunday! I hope anyone who has waited for this can forgive me and ENJOY! :) - Jess

Katie

Chapter 5

One Month Later

As soon as she collapsed onto her bed, Regina stared blankly at the ceiling of her new bedroom that she shared with her husband. The events of the past month had felt like a blur. Everything was going fast and certainly not in the way she had planned. She was forced to marry the King only a few days after her argument with her mother. She didn't even get a chance to see Daniel again before she was made someone else's wife.

Regina rolled over onto her side and thought about her wedding to the King. It was a huge celebration in the eyes of her people. They gathered from near and far distances to come see their Princess marry the Great King Leopold. They appeared to be genuinely happy for her, even though the age difference between the newlyweds was quite significant. They all knew of King Leopold's kindness and how he would protect their dear Princess from harm. What they didn't know was that her heart was breaking.

Flashback

Regina smiled nervously at her father as he held out his arm for her to hold. They were just about to walk down the isle. Regina watched as young Snow went first as the flower girl. She walked gracefully towards her father, while gently tossing tiny pink roses into the air. The crowd bowed in respect to the child as she passed them.

Regina sighed inwardly. She wanted no part of this, yet here she was – clad in a beautiful wedding gown holding her father's arm as tightly as she could. The music began to play and Regina knew that it was her turn. As she and her father approached the beginning of the isle, she gulped. Everyone was looking at them. Everyone was looking at her.

As she approached the King, she looked up to meet his gaze. There was such kindness in his eyes that she couldn't help but meet his soft smile with her own. However, it hurt her that she knew she was lying to him. The King wasn't the one she wanted to see at the altar. That would always be Daniel.

She caught sight of her mother standing beside Snow, with a triumphant smile on her face. Her mother was getting exactly what she had always wanted in this moment. She would be able to continue to control her daughter's life, even with someone as powerful and great as King Leopold for a husband. He may be wise, but Cora was manipulative and determined.

The ceremony was long and dragged on for Regina. She awkwardly held the King's old, dry hands within her own as the Priest declared their marriage valid and lawful. To symbolize their union, they needed to kiss. Regina closed her eyes as her new husband placed a gentle kiss upon her lips. Regina pretended as hard as she could that it was Daniel she was kissing, but of course, the warmth from him wasn't there.

The crowd went wild with approval as the Priest officially announced them as husband and wife. Regina noticed that the grin on her mother's face only grew bigger and little Snow was practically crying with joy. The look on her new stepdaughter's face was the only thing that kept Regina moving forward as she and the King walked down the isle together.

As they walked, Regina's eyes wandered into the crowd for a moment. What she saw broke her heart.

Daniel was staring at her. He knew this moment was inevitable, but he still looked as broken as she felt. She caught sight of a tear coming down the side of his face and Regina badly wanted to run into his arms and away from this situation.

What hurt the most was that she knew she couldn't.

End of Flashback

Regina felt a tear slide down her cheek as she thought about her wedding day. Knowing that she would never be able to be Daniel's wife broke her heart. Even if the King passed due to his age and declining health, she would still be Queen of the Kingdom. The people would never accept a stable boy as her new husband. Her mother had truly trapped her.

Although Regina wasn't able to be with Daniel as often as she liked, she was relieved when he was chosen to be among the members of her party to accompany her and live in King Leopold's Kingdom. Regina was pleased to hear that Snow had begged her father and Cora to allow him to be her new horse instructor, as he got alog well with Snow's horse Hero.

Regina was surprised to find out that her mother had allowed the request; but little did she and the King know that they were bringing Regina's true love with them. She had to admit that it was much harder to see Daniel alone, now that she had Snow tagging along as much as she could. Regina knew the child just wanted to be near her, as she was her new stepmother now. Although, there had still been chances and they took each moment when they could to be together.

Regina sat up slowly and took a look around the royal bedroom. She remembered the first night she spent in here… it was the night she and the King consummated their marriage. The memory of the King's hands on her made her shiver. He had been overall gentle with her, as he had assumed that she was an untouched maiden. Regina followed his movements and let him take the lead. She felt no sexual attraction to the man who was her husband, but she knew they had to couple together at least once to prove their union because of their royal status.

She remembered the first time with Daniel she had bled a little. So after the King was asleep, she made a small cut in the palm of her hand and let a few blood drops drip upon the sheets as proof.

Lost in her thoughts, Regina didn't notice that Snow had snuck into the room.

Snow stepped quietly towards the large bed and hid behind the side. She peeked over the edge of the bed and smiled at the back of her new stepmother. Snow loved her long, dark hair and she badly wanted to braid it. She thought Regina would be pretty in braids. Snow grinned mischievously and jumped up fast, trying to surprise her.

"Hi Regina!" Snow squealed. She giggled when her stepmother swiftly leaped off the bed in fright. Regina turned and smiled at her young stepdaughter. She shook her finger at her.

"Snow White! Where are your manners, young lady?" Regina questioned, sitting back on the bed to join Snow. "You scared me half to death!"

Even though she knew she was teasing, Snow bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Regina, I was just playing." Snow appeared apologetic. Regina eyed the small girl, taking her in completely. Snow was dressed in a light purple gown, with a pretty lace tied around her middle. Her beautiful dark hair was French braided down her back. She was indeed a lovely child.

Regina placed her hand softly to Snow's face. "I know, sweetheart. I was just teasing you. What are you doing in here? Are your lessons complete for the day?"

Regina took a strong interest in her new stepdaughter's education and well-being. She wanted to keep a close eye on Snow and her everyday activities, so she could make sure that Cora had no chances to corrupt the young girl's mind.

Snow nodded her head, smiling. "I finished early. My tutor said that I am excelling in every subject."

Regina beamed at the girl. Even though they hadn't known each other for very long, she felt proud of her. Just as Regina pulled Snow into a hug, Cora entered the bedroom. She at first seemed irritated, but as she noticed Snow, Regina saw her put on a fake smile.

"Snow White, my darling new grandchild," Cora said, smiling as Snow let go of Regina to curtsey politely in front of Cora. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you, Madam," Snow replied politely.

Cora touched Snow lightly on the face, which caused Regina to tense a little. She always did whenever Cora made any physical contact with Snow. What Cora said next almost made Regina throw up.

"Call me Grandmama, child. We are family now."

While Snow grinned brightly at Cora, Regina felt horrible for the false sense of security that Cora was giving Snow. Regina knew that she didn't truly care for the child. She was just a pawn in her overall scheme to get her daughter on the throne.

"I believe your father is waiting for you at the stables, my dear. You best be on your way. It is rude to keep him waiting."

Snow's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh no! I forgot about our horse ride that we planned today. I'm sorry Regina, we can play later!"

Snow bowed politely in front of the two adults and left swiftly with her governess, Ashley. As they left, Regina glared at her mother.

"I don't know why you act as if you care about Snow," Regina commented, turning to face her mother. "She is innocent. Please, if you ever cared about me, leave her out of your schemes."

Cora faked a surprise look. "What schemes my dear? You are exactly where you are meant to be. So tell me, dear, are there any signs?"

Regina raised an eyebrow. "Signs, mother? What are you talking about?"

Cora laughed at her confused daughter. "I want to know if you are going to be expecting a child, dear. The King is in need of a son and you are going to give him one. I expect my grandson will rule this land one day, after all, not that pale faced child."

Regina felt a blush creep up her neck. She figured her mother knew about her coupling with the King, most likely due to her sheets after the wedding night, but they hadn't been together since then. She felt like her normal self, although her monthly bleeding was a little off. However this didn't cause her concern, as her bleeding was sometimes late.

"I am not with child, Mother," Regina snapped. "Even if I were to have a child, how do you know that it would be a son? I could have a daughter. You did."

Cora raised an eyebrow at her daughter. "Oh, Regina. You are young yet. There will be many children for you. A son among them, I'm sure."

Regina rolled her eyes. Her "child" wasn't even conceived yet and her mother was already planning on how its life should be. Cora placed her hand on Regina's cheek.

"It's time for our afternoon tea," She stated. "Come."

Cora grabbed Regina's hand roughly. In a haze of purple smoke, Regina's room disappeared as she travelled with her mother to the castle grounds with her magic.

"I hate it when you use magic," Regina whispered, as they approached their table for tea. Cora merely grinned evilly at her remark.

Three days later

Regina sat quietly at the large marble table. The King sat at the head of the table, while Snow sat across from her. It was their morning routine as a 'family' to eat breakfast together and talk about what they had planned for the day. Regina was just happy that she could get away from her mother so early in the morning. A servant placed a tray full of fruit in front of her and Regina reached for her favorite - a red apple.

She took one bite happily but suddenly felt like vomiting. This confused her, as she normally loved red apples. She often couldn't get enough of them. Snow seemed to notice her sour look.

"Are you okay, Regina?" Snow inquired innocently. Her stepmother looked unwell, which concerned her.

Regina put down the apple and shrugged the feeling off. It seemed to disappear within a moment. She smiled over at Snow. "Yes, sweetheart. I'm fine."

Snow beamed with relief, grinning at Regina and then her father.

Later on the day

"Could you please ask my physician to come examine me?" Regina asked her nearest servant, who quickly did as he was asked. The sickness she had been feeling earlier in the day had returned. Although she hadn't actually been sick, she still wanted to make sure that everything was okay and she wasn't coming down with something.

Moments later, her physician Doctor Greene entered the royal bedroom. He bowed to her.

"You called for me, Your Highness? How may I be of service?"

Regina sat down on her bed. "I have been feeling a little ill. I was just wondering if I was coming down with some kind of sickness."

The doctor put down his black bag and stepped towards her. He put his hands to her face and pushed. "Does this hurt, Your Highness?"

Regina shook her head. The doctor felt her neck as well, but when she made the same reaction, he stopped.

"What symptoms have you been having that might indicate a sickness?"

"Well, I have been feeling a little nauseous and now that you mention it my…breasts…have been a little sore, but I'm about to get my monthly bleeding so that's nothing to worry about."

The doctor seemed to understand what was wrong with her.

"When was your last bleeding, Your Highness?" He inquired. Regina blushed, not sure how that was important.

"It sometimes comes late," she explained, "I had my last one almost 5 weeks ago, I believe."

Regina felt her eyebrows rise. Her monthly bleeding was pretty late now that she thought about it. Normally it was only two or three days off, not a whole week…

The doctor asked her to lie down. Once she was flat on her back, he placed a small amount of pressure on her stomach. As he helped her up, she noticed that he was smiling at her.

"Well, without an internal exam I cannot be completely sure, but…" he stated, "I believe that you are with child, Your Highness. Congratulations."

Regina stared at him with disbelief.

"I'm… What?"

With that, Regina fainted onto her bed.

Reviews make me smile!

- Jess