Hi everyone! I am finally getting the time to work on this story. I'm sorry if this is a bit late, but I made it longer! I hope you enjoy! :)

Katie

Chapter 7

The Next Morning

Regina shoved her hair behind her as she threw up into the silver basin. It was the second time that morning and she hadn't even had breakfast yet. Sighing, she stood and wiped her mouth. Luckily Anna, her personal maid, hadn't come to wake her yet. Regina gingerly made her way to her balcony and looked out the large glass doors. The sky was still quite dark but the sun was starting to come up just below the horizon. Regina put her arms around her body and shivered. The warm nights of the summer were definitely over as the chilly nights of September were beginning.

Regina slowly made her way to her bed and sat down. She automatically placed her hands upon her abdomen as her mind started to wander. She knew that she would have to tell her mother sometime soon as she told both the King and Snow last night. It was only a matter of time before either of them brought it up in conversation. She knew her mother would be extremely pleased. She just hoped that Cora would believe that the child was the King's.

"She's still your grandmother whether I like it or not, baby," Regina whispered, looking down at her stomach. "I suppose she has a right to know about you."

"Know about who, darling?"

Regina quickly snapped her head up at the voice. Standing in front of her was Cora. She was dressed in a dark red gown and her hair was pinned up so it was off her shoulders. Despite the beauty of her hair and outfit, the devious look on her face caused her daughter to frown. Regina didn't reply right away. She wasn't exactly sure how she was going to tell her mother about the baby.

"Well, Mother…I…" Regina stood up gently to face her mother. Cora's dark eyes stared blankly into her own. Regina took a deep breath and decided to use the same approach she had done with the King and Snow. She just had to spit it out.

"I'm pregnant with the King's child," Regina blurted out. "I hope you're happy."

Cora's facial expression changed to one Regina had not seen before. Her mouth grew into a seemingly genuine smile and her eyes sparkled at Regina's words. For a moment, Regina thought her mother was truly happy for her, but her response made her feel cold.

"This is marvelous news, sweetheart. I am so happy to hear that my grandson is on his way!" Cora cried, grasping hold of Regina's hand and squeezing. "You will have a son for the King and we will rule this Kingdom!"

On the inside, Regina sighed with relief. Her mother obviously didn't question the baby's paternity. In response to her mother's words, Regina pulled her hand out of her mother's grasp and she suddenly felt herself growing angry. She could almost feel the scowl on her face.

"Mother, can't you just be excited for me for one second and not think about whether this child will be a boy or a girl?" Regina asked angrily. "As long as the baby is healthy, I know the King will be happy. He adores Snow and I'm sure that he would adore this baby if it were a girl too."

Cora raised her finger and shook it at her only child.

"Never mind that, Regina. You better pray that this child is a boy! He will mean security for us in this Kingdom. We will train him from childhood to learn his role as the future leader of this realm," Cora stated. "The King is old, my child, and he needs a son to succeed him, not another useless Princess. That little girl cannot be his heir. I will not have it."

Regina was a little surprised at her mother's brutal honesty. Was that all she had wanted when she was pregnant with her? Was she not satisfied with the daughter she had borne? Please, please be a girl, little baby… Regina rubbed her belly lightly. She knew that she would never have control over her son's upbringing.

"Well, Mother, we will just have to wait and see," Regina answered as calmly as she could. "I will try to not disappoint you or the King, but this baby will be loved no matter what sex it is."

Cora shrugged her daughter's statement off and titled her head to the side.

"When are we expecting our handsome prince to arrive, darling?"

Although irritated, Regina smiled slightly at her question and looked down at her still flat belly.

"It's going to be a spring baby," Regina replied happily. "Doctor Greene says it's still early to know for sure but the baby should be here sometime in June."

Cora grinned. "Perfect. Then you will be back to your normal self in time for the summer progress."

"Mother, honestly!" Regina yelled. She was becoming really irritated by her mother's responses. All Cora really cared about was that her daughter produced a son, a child she could use as a pawn to rule the Kingdom just as she had used poor Snow. "Can't you just be happy for me?"

Cora smiled lightly at her daughter's outburst and placed a hand to her cheek.

"It's just the hormones talking, sweetheart," Cora said, rubbing her daughter's face. "Take care of my grandson in there. Have Anna get you whatever you require. You will not engage in any rough play with the Princess and you will definitely not be riding. You will do as I say with that regard, young lady."

Regina grumbled. Just as she was about to respond to her mother's orders, her maid Anna came into the room.

"I'm sorry for my tardiness, Your Highness," Anna spoke quietly, as she bowed. She couldn't look the young Queen or her mother in the eyes. Regina could tell by the look on the young woman's face that Cora's presence frightened her. Regina knew it was because her mother was known for her harsh treatment of her attendants. As expected, Cora snapped at her daughter's maid.

"My daughter will be needing your help more than ever now, Mrs. Bates," Cora barked. "You had best make sure she is well taken care of. If I find out that she is displeased with you, I shall see to your termination personally."

Regina could see the lump rising in Anna's throat as she fought to keep her emotions in check. Regina could relate. It was not Cora's responsibility to punish her daughter's personal attendants.

"All right - that's enough, Mother. Anna's here now, I'm sure I will be fine," Regina spoke quickly. "You can go now."

Cora eyed her daughter carefully.

"Remember what I told you, daughter. Take care of that child and absolutely no riding." Satisfied with having the last word, Cora disappeared in a haze of purple smoke. Regina noticed the relief that filled Anna's face as she stepped towards her. She took Anna's hands into her own carefully.

"I'm sorry. You know how my mother is sometimes," Regina whispered. She really enjoyed Anna's company and often thought of her as an older sister as they were only five years apart in age. Regina was happy when Anna had accepted to move to this Kingdom with her.

Anna wiped her eyes with her sleeve. The smile on her face confused Regina a little bit.

"You're pregnant, my lady?" Anna asked, her eyes meeting Regina's.

Regina smiled and nodded.

"I am."

6 Months Later

Regina felt like things might actually be looking up for her. Her pregnancy was going surprising well as she approached the sixth month mark. Her "baby bump", as Anna affectionately called it, began to show slightly around three months. From there it continued to grow and thankfully at the end of her fourth month, the sickness she had endured subsided.

Regina smiled as she smoothed her hand over her always-growing belly. She could feel her baby kicking often and sometimes felt hiccups. The sensation was truly remarkable to her. Suddenly, she felt a hand upon her own. Regina blinked her eyes in surprise, almost forgetting where she was. She was in the baby's nursery with her stepdaughter, trying to organize some of the baby's clothes and toys that had been given to her. Regina lifted her head and met Snow's brightened eyes.

"Is the baby kicking? Can I feel it? Please, stepmother?" Snow asked cheerfully. A few weeks ago Snow had begun to call Regina that, instead of using her name. Regina didn't mind. She saw Snow as her child just as much as this baby was. She was someone that needed to be protected, an innocent who was always going to be caught in the crossfire between her mother and herself.

Regina covered her stepdaughter's hand with her own and smiled.

"Yes, the baby is kicking," Regina answered, pressing Snow's hand a little harder against her stomach. "Right there. Can you feel it, sweetheart?"

Snow didn't need to answer. Regina could see the look of pure joy upon the young girl's face at the feel of her "sibling's" movement. Snow beamed happily.

"I can't wait for my brother to be born!" Snow exclaimed, standing up. She picked up her lavender dress in her hands and began to twirl around the room. She stopped quickly when she noticed the sour look on Regina's face. "Is it a boy right? That's what grandmama and father said…"

Regina sighed loudly. Of course they had said that the child would be a boy. That's what they all wanted it to be. That's what the Kingdom hoped it would be…but Regina secretly prayed that the babe would be a girl. She stood up from her rocking chair and walked over to Snow. She took the young girl's face in her hands.

"I don't know whether the baby is a boy or a girl, Snow," Regina said softly, rubbing her thumbs over Snow's cheeks. "But I know you will love them no matter what and they will love you too."

Snow beamed up at her stepmother. She flung her arms around Regina's large belly and gave it a kiss.

"I don't care if you're a boy or a girl," she whispered to the baby. "I'll always be your big sister. I love you baby."

Regina placed her hand softly on Snow's head, smiling. If only everyone else could feel the same way.

The Next Day

Due to her pregnancy, Regina often stayed in bed later than usual. Normally, Anna would come and wake her if she slept too late, but today she was awoken by the sound of panic. Regina sat up slowly and rubbed her belly absentmindedly, wondering what was going on. As if on cue, Anna appeared in the doorway.

"My lady, your presence is required immediately," her maid stated, clearly looking worried. Regina's interest perked. Anna quickly dressed Regina in her loose fitting day dress and braided her hair so she looked presentable. As they stepped out of Regina's room, they were almost run over by a servant who was carrying a basin of water.

"Excuse me, Your Highness!" He blurted out, swiftly avoiding them and carrying on towards the King's chambers. Regina looked at Anna with a concerned look on her face.

"What's going on?"

Anna frowned at her mistress, not sure if she should be the one to tell her. The look on Regina's face changed her mind.

"The King is very ill. The doctors fear that he may die."

Regina's face went white. If the King died and her child was a boy, he would be the next King once he took his first breath. This was not good news. Regina knew she couldn't be left alone with a baby and her mother to deal with. She needed the King to help her and protect her child. The child he believed was his. He couldn't die, not now. This wasn't happening… Regina knew that she needed to stay calm.

"Take me to him, please."

Anna nodded, "Yes, my lady. The King has been asking for you and the Princess all morning. The doctors finally agreed that what he has isn't contagious to others."

Regina smiled sadly at the King's wish to have her by his side. Although she didn't love him like she loved Daniel, he always treated her kindly. She would be by his side and pray for his recovery.

When the two women entered the King's chambers, doctors and several of his loyal men surrounded him. He was lying on his bed slightly upright against two large pillows. Regina gasped in shock at what she saw. The King's face was white and he was covered in small red spots. His face looked swollen and his eyelids were half closed. He looked like he was in a lot of pain. Regina brushed past the group of doctors that were huddled in front of him. She placed her hand over his and tried to get his attention. He looked up at her for a moment, gave her a small smile and then turned his head once more. Regina felt a tear come to her eye. She could tell he was suffering. Angry, she turned to the doctors.

"What's wrong with him? Why aren't you giving him anything?"

Doctor Hart, the King's physician, stepped forward.

"We're not one hundred percent sure of his diagnosis, Your Highness," the Doctor replied, "He has strange symptoms. He has a high fever, swelling, shortness of breath and those odd red specks on his skin. We aren't positive if we have a treatment that will cure him."

Regina refused to believe what she was hearing.

"But look at him! He's dying! His body can't handle this sickness! And you're all standing here doing nothing!" Regina was panicking. She could tell that the King was very, very ill. What had happened to him? Last night at dinner he had seemed perfectly fine.

"The doctors are doing all they can for the King. Stop being so impolite, darling."

Regina rolled her eyes at the sound of her mother's voice. This was definitely not the time for an argument. The King might be dying…

Unexpectedly, Regina felt pain in her middle. She groaned and grasped her belly with her hands. She frantically reached for Anna as she felt her knees begin to weaken. The doctors and other men in the room reached for their Queen, but she raised a hand to stop them.

"I'm fine," She said slowly. "I just need to rest. Please, do your best for the King. Give him something to ease his pain. If anything changes, tell me immediately."

Anna gently led Regina out of the King's chambers, followed by Dr. Greene. Once she was back in her own room, Regina collapsed onto her bed. She hoped her baby would be okay.

After an examination from Dr. Greene, he cleared her mind.

"The baby seems fine, Your Highness," He said, trying to reassure her. "Just rest for now. I'm sure the child was just feeling your stress. I know it's hard to not worry about the King, but we will do what we can to help him. I give you my word."

Feeling a little better, Regina felt her worry subside. She was sure that the doctors would figure out what was wrong with the King and give him something to get better. For the sake of her child, she tried to relax. Within a few moments, she fell asleep once more.

A Few Hours Later

"My lady, wake up."

Regina stirred at the voice that was calling to her. She was having such a nice dream. Her and Daniel were kissing and holding their baby together. Why was someone waking her? Yawning, Regina rubbed her eyes and gazed sleepily at Anna.

"What's wrong, Anna?" Suddenly Regina noticed the amount of people in the room. She saw Snow being embraced by Cora. The little girl appeared to be crying. There were several servants in the room who were bowing towards her and the doctors' heads were hung with shame. Something clicked in Regina's mind.

"Is the King… is he…?"

A sudden sob emerged from Snow, as she gripped Cora's dress tighter between her fingers. Regina sat up and looked at her mother and the doctors questioningly.

"Your Highness, we did the best we could do," Dr. Greene stated. "The King's illness worsened and his fever rose. His body couldn't fight it off. He died, my lady. We're so sorry."

At the doctor's answer, Snow pulled herself away from Cora and flung herself into Regina's arms. She could feel the little girl's tears against her neck. Regina instinctively comforted the child and brushed her hair away from her face.

"H-He's g-gon-ne," Snow sobbed. Regina tried her best to hush her stepdaughter's cries.

"I'm here, Snow," Regina whispered to her. Despite their audience, she held the small child as close to her as she could. Regina looked up and saw her mother step forward. She wasn't shocked to see a smile on the older woman's face.

"In the absence of a male heir and due to Snow's tender age, you are now the Queen regent of the Kingdom," Cora said, almost proudly. There was an evil look in her mother's eyes that made Regina squirm. Almost as if she had planned the whole thing… Regina was brought out of her thoughts by another sob from Snow. The child was clearly distraught.

"Now both my parents are gone," Snow whispered solemnly. Regina hugged the small girl tighter against her.

"You will always have me," Regina whispered back. "And this baby. I'm so sorry this happened, Snow. We can only think of the good, now. He's in better place. He's not in pain anymore."

Regina felt Snow nod her head. She knew the poor girl must be exhausted. Regina could feel herself getting emotional. The King, the one who was supposed to protect her child, was dead. What would happen now?

"Could we be left alone for a while, please? The Princess and I need time to grieve alone."

The servants and doctors bowed before their Queen and left the room. Cora, on the other hand, stayed behind and ignored her daughter's dissatisfied look. Regina placed Snow slowly on the bed, as the girl had worn herself out from crying. Her eyes fluttered closed and she quickly fell asleep.

"Things are certainly going according to plan," Cora muttered, before turning away from her daughter to exit the room. Regina barely heard what her mother said, but she snapped back at her.

"Plan? What plan, mother?" Suddenly something dawned on Regina. It had been her mother who had caused the King to die. She wanted it to happen. She wanted Regina's potentially male heir to be the next King, who she could rule through. So what better way to ensure that quickly by killing off the present King?

"You killed the King, didn't you mother?"

Regina stood up quickly, shooting her mother an angry look. Cora just smiled and looked at her daughter one last time before leaving the bedroom.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Your Highness."

Regina slammed the door shut as Cora left the room. She leaned her back against it and stared at her sleeping stepdaughter sadly. Her mother had killed the King on purpose and her poor stepdaughter had lost her father for no reason… and now her child would be at risk of her mother's schemes. There was no one to protect them. She could feel the tears running down her cheeks as she got into bed with Snow. Wrapping her arms around the little girl, she closed her eyes, hoping that when she woke up all of this might have been a dream.

But she knew the truth.

The King was dead.

Let me know what you think :)

- Jess