Hello, Hello

Not dead but is extremely late. Sorry life just got in the way and then i had to write it and found it quite hard so sorry once more... but i do hope the little longer length makes up for it.

Thank you to those that commented, much love and I hope you enjoy this. Before I let you get on with the story I have to give credit to 'Bythedawn' for their unintentional help with some of the names...

Bloody difficult if you don't know them and on happening to chance upon a map 'He/'She' did helped a hell of a lot. So thank you to them and credit for the names and such.

Has anyone seen it? Its a really good map, so detailed and creative so kudos.

Anyhoo don't own OUAT - if I did Emma wouldn't be in it.

The journey to the castle was one of silence as Snow quickly and happily made her way home with Ruby close behind, and Regina lagging at the rear. The last two were now having a lot of mixed feelings on seeing the huge building get closer with every step. Ruby at first was glad to have been able to spend more time with the younger girl but now each step was beginning to grow heavy and filled with trepidation.

She glanced over her shoulder to see the sullen faced Regina following but at a distance. She knew the other girl had wanted to go back home for a while now and she felt a pang of guilt as she realized she had practically forced her to come along. Out of the two of them Regina was the more cantankerous one – the one who wouldn't hesitate to speak or even do what was on her mind.

Which was why she had dragged her back and forth each time she visited, it wasn't that she couldn't fight, could take care of herself if called for it but she really wasn't much of a fighter – if could avoided confrontation as much as she possible taking the advice of her Grandmother and just living a life of peace with her little family where none could find them.

It had caused some discord seeing as Anita wanted her to be able to defend herself. She had raged at the older woman for putting weak ideas into her head. Ruby had stayed silent through all this choosing not to say that she had taken life lessons from her dark-haired friend who would willingly dive head first into a fight if she saw one.

She had watched her interactions and not to mention the fact they had occasionally mock fought that turned into a little something more than play most times and so with all she had taken from Regina she knew quite well how to fight.

She just preferred not to, which was why Regina was with her.

The other girl wouldn't think twice about shying away and could beat pretty much anything that passed their way and so knew that as long as they stuck together, she could stand back and let her friend indulge in what she would call slightly 'psychopathic' tendencies.

But on looking at her unhappy face and tensed posture as she walked. She knew she had been selfish and so vowed to go find the biggest whatever she could on their way back.

She was going to kill Ruby. Each step was a step closer to wrapping her hands around her neck and throttling, what the hell was she thinking? Angrily kicking a rock out her path she glared at the back of her friend… that being said lightly.

Just what did she hope to expect from this trip? She looked back to the ground and mused on the potential possibilities that could happen on getting to the entrance.

The king would be waiting to greet her and on seeing who she was with, ordering his guards to kick them back out promptly, as far as Snow was concerned her and Ruby could be seen as commoners in spite of what she said. She hated people who thought themselves better just because of a stupid title.

She hated royalty by proxy because of that and so was dreading the upcoming confrontation with the king. She also hated this king in particular because of his extra passing 'interests' how could Ruby not see they were walking into a cage.

A fancy cage but a cage nonetheless, it wasn't like he was going to know what they were… most people they met didn't which was why she liked it but just being the presence of a man who thought it exhilarating to go hunt things that could not defend themselves simply because he thought it a 'bloodline right' how she wanted to crush his body into nothing.

Did he think just because he was a man, that the world should fall at his feet? Did he think that the crown on his head made him entitled? Didn't he also know that just because they couldn't stand on two feet and speak that the things he hunted were not also sentient beings, ones that could easily tear him to bits?

She doubted his feeble mind could comprehend the power wildlife had when cornered. A hint of a smirk began when she pictured the self-righteous man being pulled from his horse and clawed so badly his fragile body couldn't even pull himself away to safety as his blood pooled around him.

Ruby looked back once more to see the hint of a smirk and frowned. Along with those slightly angry bout's in which she would go kick the arse of what was nearest she also found the other girl to take pleasure in the weirdest of things, what she found weird and normally morbid she found Regina indifferent to.

She didn't know if it was the Dragon and their naturally bloodthirsty behavior or the person she lived with but she did worry and so pulled back until she was walking next to her.

"What has you so happy?"

Regina turned to look at Ruby who was giving her a quizzical look just as the last image of Leopold getting his arms ripped off faded from her mind and she shook her head.

"Just something Mal told me"

The other girl gives her a harder stare. As if trying to see if she was lying, a pointed look and an arched brow had her rolling her eyes and looking away.

"Sure Regina" Said girl gave her a scowl. "What about you,"

"What about me?" It was her turn to give the questioning look. "What the hell is going on in that head of yours to even think coming here was a good idea."

The wolf girl fell silent. She had thought that the more they walked. Now that it was out in the open she found herself wanting to turn and pull Regina back with her, she sighed and shrugged.

"Honestly? I really have no idea… I just didn't feel like going home yet and the sound of a new place to explore kind of intrigued me."

Regina couldn't say anything to that. After all the mental shouting and raging she was doing a slight part of her did relish the opportunity to do some serious snooping, being a man in charge of his own kingdom the man had to have some secrets and she was eager to try to find them as she nodded.

"I guess… but what about." She didn't finish but gave a meaningful look just as they crossed the drawbridge. Vaguely they could hear Snow speaking as the guards gave the two dubious looks but on the princesses insistence they let them through, not that they noticed and kept on walking.

Ruby sighed and nodded before replying. "I was thinking that the most but then I thought that maybe… having him meet us isn't such a bad idea"

She held up her hand to stop the protest on her lips before carrying on. "Think of it like this, the man hunts creatures for sport right?" Regina nodded unhappily but then remembered the image of his legs being snapped and happily allowed her to continue.

"Well maybe we look at this from a hunter's point of view." At her inquisitive look she knows she had her attention and smiles. "Instead of just going in full charge and make him suspicious, we use what we do best when trying to lure our prey."

"Our teeth" Ruby jeers as Regina laughs. "Funny"

"I thought so" But she shakes her head. "No, our charms… the thrall of our assets and appeal to make them feel welcome… once they think they're not in danger we strike, but seeing as we can't do that here what we have to do is make him think that even though we aren't of noble blood or whatever, we are just as god as them, that we are good enough to be friends with Snow and when we do, we're set."

Regina mused in silence. She was getting the predator metaphor, they didn't have some pretty convincing whiles and so maybe if they could charm the old man into doing what they wanted it would turn out less tedious and more entertaining, that was until she saw Ruby shake her head.

"What?"

"Not like that. We want his compliance as to not know who we are not to amuse us." She adds knowing where Regina's mind is and smiles at the slight grimace she gives back.

""Right now we're the prey" Seeing the curling of her lips in a scathing look of distaste she has to agree. Ever since being caught by the Sheriff she had the sudden urge to prove herself not as weak as she was before. She knows Regina sees her as the one needing the protection in their duo and as much as it annoys her to no end, she also knows that without Regina coming to save them they would have been far from her home now.

She never told her friend this but since being rescued she had felt inferior, angry at herself for being caught and more so at not being able to do a thing. If Regina had thought that she never showed it but she knew just how good her friend was at masking her feels and emotions. Her time in the North and all the ice must have done more than just help her gain control.

But she couldn't help it and that hadn't gone away which was why she was determined to get one over on her friend's father, if she could fool a seasoned hunter than maybe she could regain back some of her lost pride, it was part of the reason for her coming here and dragging Regina with her.

"If we can make him think we just two normal people then what better way than to stay safe then in the home of the hunter itself."

The raven haired girl smiled catching on and turned to give her surprisingly cunning friend a smirk. "That what hunts us also protects us,"

Ruby returned her smirk basking in the praise her friend gave her. "Well look at you, all gleeful with a crafty plan worthy of my approval."

They laughed making Snow look behind her to see them together. "It's what I live for."

Giving her one last smirk they fall silent as soon they are entering the courtyard and their attention falls to the surroundings, it's a widely lavish place filled with ornate figurines placed around the huge square. They both take in the fountain in the middle and have to agree that for all its overly expensive style, it is a nice place.

Snow makes her way up the stairs and is just about to move through the doors when they open and a man dressed in fine fabric swept onto the small landing, he stops in front of her and gazes down. The shine in his eyes brighten on seeing her as he smiles.

"Snow my darling, there you are." His voice brings their gazes around to see them at the top as they both take in the amply titled 'Hunter' in all his glory.

"If this is what wildlife creatures have to fear then I think we'll be just fine." She nudges her side as Regina looks back to the front smirking at the sight of the King who had now swept his daughter up in a hug, the man was middle-aged, with grey hair and a slightly oval face but with a hint of rounded cheeks, his physical form leaves little to their impressions as they can see his expanded waist line.

'Seems like he's never heard the word no' Regina thinks scathingly as she it's her gaze rove up and down. He really wasn't anything to be awed at, nor did he strike any sort of fear into her heart and from the look Ruby was subtly giving she too didn't think he was worthy or the title they had bestowed on him.

All in all he was just like any other man. Weak and helpless to their whiles… his appeared to be gluttony if his stomach was anything to say as Snow finished talking to him and turned, her hand in his as she gazes down a wide smile on her face as she speaks.

"And these father, are my best friends."

Ruby has to smile to cover her embarrassed laugh at the inward wheeze she hears coming from the girl at the side of her, at hearing the proclamation the breath she was taking caught in her lungs forcing her to close her mouth in order to keep it in as his attention turns to them. The pressure causes her eyes to water and she closes her eyes trying to force them away as footsteps tell her they are moving closer.

Breathing through her nose she manages to get her breathing under control and the slight stick in her chest moves down enabling her to breathe more easily as she sigh's and looks up to see the two royals in front of them.

Seeing Ruby smiling prompts her to act as she musters up the fakest smile she could at such short notice as he looks at the two. His gaze is critical and takes in their appearance. They are supposedly his beloved daughters best friends, he had heard about them but now upon seeing them he is a little shocked.

From what he had been told by the others girls endless chatter, he expected them to be royals… or at least someone of his inner circle it was why he allowed her to go out so much, surely being around two upstanding influences would only serve to make her more queenly and possibly gain two ladies in waiting at the same time.

But now coming face to face for the first time his assumptions went out the window. The first thing he saw was the clothes they wore, whilst not entirely scruffy they were in no way fit for anyone of noble birth.

His gaze went to the one Snow had pointed out as Ruby. The taller of the two, the brunette – whilst she seemed overly the happier of the two he could also see she was wearing a dress that was no more fit for a bar wench in the taverns he frequented when he was younger, she was also wearing a grey cloak that fell to the floor which caused it to be frayed at the bottom.

Her face though – her face was warm and her eyes alight with colour. They expressed joyousness and he could tell by the look Snow was giving her she was the closer of them to his daughter as he smiled at her, genuinely pleased to meet her as his eyes than moved to the other.

This one must have been Regina. Whilst Snow went on and on about Ruby he did hear her name being tossed about a few times, she was someone who she had met two years into her friendship with Ruby and was her best friend.

He could see right off that her smile was false. He wasn't just a King but also a politician and could tell when somebody was humoring him. Her appearance was vastly different from that of the Brunette. Whilst both very beautiful, Ruby possessed a nice girl quality – fairness like his darling daughter but nowhere near as potent.

She was modest and it made her charm all the more appealing. Regina however, held an edge that instantly had him captivated. Her eyes, as dark as the night and just as limitless, drew him in and he found himself hard pressed to look away, when he finally did he made his way to the rest of her.

Her face was sharp, cheekbones prominent just like Ruby's but instead of the paleness her friend had hers were olive and tanned giving off the exotic vibe. It was sexy to him. Her hair was a black as her eyes and as glossy as the floor when polished, lips were plump and smirking.

Smirking?

Crap she was watching him. He saw the knowing look in those obsidian eyes and knew just what he was staring at so quickly looked to her clothes, not a dress like Ruby and slightly of better quality, but she dressed like one of the stable boys – a white loose shirt with one half hanging out from the pants she was wearing.

It really did feel like she was one of the help.

A complete juxtaposition in front of him as someone so breathtakingly stunning shouldn't be wearing common clothes but can tell from the uninterested look in her eyes that she doesn't care what he might think or say.

He also noticed that she didn't bow her head in the way all people did when greeting their King, she instead just looked like she would rather be anywhere than in his court or even his presence.

Normally he would have punished those that showed him disrespect and impudence but for some reason he found himself more enamoured by his daughters strong-willed, and mysterious friend.

He smiled at last when his assessment of them was over. He would like to know where she met such people as he was sure that they didn't live anywhere near the Kingdom but nevertheless his Snow was his world and so gave them a little bow of his head.

"It's nice to finally meet the people who have kept my Snow so happy these last few years."

Ruby smiled wider as a small tinge of pink dusted her cheeks making his chuckle. Regina inwardly rolled her eyes but never let the smile drop,

"It's nice to meet you to, your highness"

He looked back to Ruby who spoke and nodded. They fell silent as they all waited for the last remaining person to speak, but who seemingly was also the most oblivious. Finally and with another nudge to her side Regina got the message after glaring at her friend, she turned to the King who looked only amused as the same saccharine smile she gifted Snow graced her lips.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," His heart jumped lightly in his chest on hearing the voice that came from her mouth. It was like the thickest of honey's that slowly dripped over him covering him in a blanket like a rug from the farthest of realms. He licked his lips and gave her a weak smile in return.

"Your highness"

If she was trying to kill him she was doing a wonderful job, he did nothing but shake his head and stepped back feeling out of sorts, he was King he never got tongue-tied like a teenager, nor did he stumbled over his words but he feared doing both if in her presence any longer and so turned to give himself a moment to breathe before holding out his hand.

"Let's go back inside shall we" He stepped away with Snow following as they moved back up the steps leaving the others to join them. Ruby turned to see the smirk Regina wore and rolled her eyes.

"What did I say?" She turned to look at her, "No trying to charm them… not this time."

The Dragon girl held up her hands in offer of her innocence as they made their way after them. "I did nothing of the sort; I was merely showing my niceness. Can I help it if he's just as weak as the rest of the men we meet?"

The taller girl didn't say anything merely shook her head as soon they entered the castle. The inside was even more grander than what lay out; they took in the marble floors to the rich looking rugs that lay spotted about, the vases that stood on pedestals to the heavy curtains by the windows.

"All rather ostentatious don't you think?" Regina said after viewing the sights around them. Ruby nodded she had never been in anything so grand before. She had never even imagined, sure Regina had told her about the large castle that she lived in but it was nowhere near as lavish as this, it wasn't who they were and Regina knew Mal would surely burn the place to the ground rather than surround herself with any of what the King and Snow called furniture.

Speaking off the girl in question came running out of a room to their left. She spied them in the middle and smiled as they turned to look at her,

"Come on" She went back inside as they looked at each other. Before long Regina shrugged and held out her arm as Ruby moved to the room she went in as they entered a hallway which they saw Snow moving through some doors at the other end. They followed her intending on keeping up with the runaway princess.

Halfway down something catches Regina's eye and she stops before backing up a little. Through the crack of an open door she can hear voices, and creeps over and stands just outside listening. From what she can make out it's something of a war room, and whoever was inside was talking about the upcoming war with George.

She focused on the conversation as they went over a plan of sorts as they tried to work out a battle tactic that would stop the oncoming King, she had to say it was a piss-poor excuse of a plan, she closed her eyes and scoffed… she could make a better plan in her sleep, she were pulled away by Ruby who on seeing her not at her side turned to find her standing at the door.

"What are you doing?" She shrugged and nudged her onward as they carried on their way, "Not hearing them successfully winning a war anytime soon."

Ruby looked at her perplexed. "What?" Only to see Regina shaking her head, "Nothing just keep walking."

They made their way through the door and entered a large room. "Oh good god," Regina muttered under her breath as they walked into what could only be described as the white room. Like the namesake the entirety of the furnishing was the neutral color, everything from the table to the curtains – a variety of color out in the halls but here as plain though undoubtedly still nice hung from the windows.

"This is creepy."

"hush"

Snow looked at them from her spot by the table and beckoned them over. Slowly they walked until they got close enough for the princess to pull Ruby down as she sat next to her, leaving Regina standing as she rolled her eyes and moved over to the free bench like chair as she sat down.

Leopold was at the head of the table staring at the three girl/women. He chuckled as Snow cling to Ruby and chattered amiably as he looked to Regina to see her sitting across from them. Her posture was straight and ramrod as she placed her hands in her lap not knowing what to do with them she looked out-of-place yet so familiar at the large table.

Like she were used to sitting at a table so important, ever the regal power just seemed to roll of her in waves that it made him picture for that one fleeting moment of her next to him with the queens crown adorning her head, she was certainly fitting for it.

It was the air about her that gave off the impression she had seen it all before. If it weren't for the clothes he really would think she did come from a family of high stature, he gazed at her a little closer as something else came to mind.

Something almost familiar about her, like he had seen her before but knew it was impossible as this was the very first time and he would have known if he had seen her before as he had no doubt anyone who met her never forgot. But he really couldn't help but think that she was someone he knew.

"I thought we could dine together, get to know who my Snow's been socializing with a little more." His words, though seemingly kind were more of a command. He still had his reservations as he knew that in order to fully become the best queen she could Snow needed to be around people who would become her court one day,

And as much as they seemed nice… even if one was a bit devil-may-care in how they greeted their royals, it was exactly the kind of influence he didn't need around the future monarch. This was his chance to see if they were worthy enough to continue being friends with a person who was rightfully their better.

No matter how beautiful or perfectly at home they seemed.

Soon the doors opened and the meals arrived. No one spoke as the servants moved about placing platters of food on the table. Snow gave her father a wide smile which he returned gladly leaving Ruby to subtly glance at Regina who hadn't moved an inch since sitting down. The other girl gave her a small look both thinking the same thing.

Food had never come so easy to them in their lives and not once did they have to waste energy to get it.

Maybe this plan of Ruby's would be easier to pull off then she thought as Regina looked at what was show. One platter dedicated slowly to Duck another to Beef, Rabbit, Hare something she had never seen before and was looking at curiously before her attention wavered as it always did when food was about.

She looked down the table and had to double back when she saw what she thought looked like a Swan sitting in the middle. She looked at the still bird lying on the plate and had to wonder if this was what they ate every night.

The King smiled as he saw her looking at the Swan – a delicacy he must admit but why not he was the King he could have it if he wanted, and could always appreciate a person with exquisite tastes like himself, just as he could see Regina clearly did.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

From the direction his voice came in she knew he was talking to her and so once more banishing the image of him happily choking to death on the Swan he had so callously killed just for his evening meal she slowly turned her gaze his way, he swallowed the slight urge to look away from her dark eyes as she addressed him.

"At one point it might have been"

He tilted his head at her answer but she had looked away leaving him to stare wordlessly. He had never met a more arrogant and effrontery person then the young woman in front of him. Most her age wouldn't dare make a noise when faced with his presence and yet here she was not only doing so but if he had heard right, then she was making a slight against his lifestyle.

She didn't say anything more after that as he looked back to the other two and smiled before Snow urged Ruby to eat. Both guests were courteous he noticed so he couldn't fault them on their manners, they seemed to use cutlery the right way as well. Small talk was pleasant as he tried to catch them out by asking some questions.

Surprisingly though he could find no fault with their stories either, both lived in the same Village, both grew up knowing each other from an early age, both had families who lived near each other and worked hard within the community though on asking Regina where she had been as Snow had told him that she came into the picture early, he found no trace of nerves or hint of suspicion when she replied.

She told him that she had family who lived in the North and that they were sick and so she and her Mother had gone to look after them. On hearing the story that she had never been told before Snow smiled warmly thinking it nice of her to go and look after family, Leopold saw the look and knew that it was getting harder to decide whether they were worthy of spending time with his daughter.

He had some tough choices to make. On one hand he lived to see his precious Snow happy as she was the only thing of Eva he had left, but on the other if he allowed people from outside the court and those of no notable family, spend time in the castle without them being help, his inner circle of advisers and courtiers would rise up against it.

He knew he shouldn't even have them at the dinner table. He only allowed it because he was determined to catch them out… being of royalty Snow was the perfect target for people to prey on and with her still only being young and viewed the world differently than he did, he knew that others would not hesitate to take advantage.

But so far he could find not a thing wrong. Attitude aside he found them to be quite the conversationalist's… if he initiated first that was, but once they started talking then he was surprised to find dinner a lot more enjoyable. Laughing had him looking over to see Snow and Ruby giggling at something which made his heart lift.

He really did love Snow for all he was worth and it seemed that Ruby made her so happy. Regina as well, though it was come and go with her, seemingly the more pricklier and a lot less welcoming then he found he liked, but somehow she seemed to just fit in well with them.

After dinner was over he stood. As much as he wanted to stay and try deduce them more. He had work to do and so with a smile in their direction and a kiss to Snows head, he left the room. They watched him go before the princess grabbed hold of Ruby's hand as the servants came back to clear the table.

"I have to show you my room."

Ruby looked at the almost blinding smile as she practically bounced with repressed energy as she smiled and weakly conceded before feeling her arm being near yanked from its socket as they took off to the door,

"COME ON REGINA!" Ruby turned to see the gleeful smirk of the other girl as she rounded the table and made to follow them as the glare she sent fell short before being pulled around the corner. Finally free of anyone she allowed the eye roll she had been saving to happen as she was left alone.

How stupid could Snow have been? To just leave a stranger alone in the castle for all she knew she could go and terrorize the help, go steal something of value… go vandalize something on whimsy.

But she wasn't going to as much fun as it sounded it also meant using energy, which after dinner she never had and so sighed before following down the hall they had gone. She would just have to smell them out and follow the scent. Ambling down the hall she sighed heavily feeling the weight of the food lying on her stomach when she went passed the door.

Stopping she turned her head to see it still open halfway and this time there was no one to stop her as she looked up and down the empty corridor, shrugging she let herself in and looked around. From what she could gather from the large table in the middle holding it seemed was a life-like version of the Enchanted Forest, along with the small groups that where dotted about, it was a war room.

She pushes further on the door and looks around the entire room. Its empty just like the hall as she snorts and shakes her head.

"So much for the best security in this place" She mumbles before moving in and uses two fingers to gently push the door closed. She moves over to the table and casts her eye around the large area that indeed is the realm they live in; she looks at the small figurines that she recognizes are mini version of armies.

Some camped under the part written castle, others are laid out around the Whites territory. Clearly they were making plans and trying to come up with tactics as she tilted her head taking in the strategically placed figurines. From her left she can see piles of documents and reports as she leans over to skim the top of the first page.

"Blah, blah… George bad, blah, blah… convoy to Cinderella's kingdom – diplomatic talks to unite… such a such… is boring" She stood back up and sighed, this Kingdom really not know how to prepare itself for a fight. She looked back to the table and pursed her lips. If they had been hoping to meet him halfway and fend him off then they really were going about it the wrong way.

Noticing at least five mishaps already she couldn't not resist the urge to do some shifting around so picks up a few of the little people and moves them across the map never realizing the people coming back from down the hall until the door opens fully and a man dressed in a guards uniform stands in the archway staring in surprise at the girl he had never seen before.

He looks on as she shuffles the toys about still lost in her own world. He had never seen her around the palace so her identity was a mystery but even more was that she had come into a private room without permission and even more worse, was messing with his plans. Finally he was brought back to his senses and barked.

"Who the hell are you?"

If she hadn't have been as well verse in the art of sneaking up on people and scaring the life out of them then she would have jumped like a cat getting a bath, but as it was she merely jolted the slightest before turning her head to see who had shouted at her, she could see his angry face mixed with questioning as he stood at the entrance and rolled her eyes.

"Someone who is helping"

He blinked, taken aback by her answer which was neither helpful nor what he asked as he strode into the room and over to her, he grabbed her wrist and yanked her hand back forcing it to involuntarily clench as the small item in her hand crumbled. He looked down before back to her and saw the unimpressed look she wore.

"I asked you a question. I expect an answer" She gave him the laziest once over he had ever seen making him bristle not that she cared or it bother her as she looked at his hand still holding hers.

"You might want to let go dear, "

The clear condescension in her voice is enough to anger him and without thought. Pulls her from the table but soon regrets it as she takes a hold of his hand with her free one and pulls his fingers away from her wrist. He winces in immediate pain as she grinds his fingers together in a painful hold, before slamming his hand on the table.

The reverberation causes him to muffle his cry but it's enough as he sees her smiling before letting him go as he pulls his injured hand to his chest. Holding it up, he looks to her as she crosses her arms across her own chest.

"Aren't you glad you listened now?" He didn't reply simply looked at her, he glances to his fingers which were red and a little swollen before nodding. He had no idea still of who she is or where she came from but with her having just forcibly negated his anger, he had to tread carefully if he wanted information.

Taking a deep breath he spoke. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to grab you like that. It's just, no one is supposed to be on here it's a private and off – limits to all that are not the Kings royal court,"

"I guess I shouldn't have been in here." She concedes reluctantly earning a nod back In return. Turning to the table she looks down at the map and nudges her head.

"I couldn't help but overhear and then saw afterwards nobody was in, I found this and…" She stops and turns back to him. He looks at her waiting for her to speak more.

"It's just what?"

"It's terrible." He blinks again stupidly at the blunt response. "I beg your pardon?"

"Well look at it." She twists her body so that its facing the large map once more and throws her arm out. "You're trying to stop him from crossing the border, when he eventually strikes I take it?"

In all his life as the Kings general he had only ever had a few talk back to him much less openly complain about the warfare of his plans. But now and here in this room this teenaged girl of all people, was not only back chatting to him but was telling him with no short amusement that his tactics were rubbish.

"Ok – just stop!"

She cut off from what she was saying and turned to look at him. He was getting annoyed she could tell and once more his need to know who she was came back as he glared at her,

"If you're going to start criticizing my ideas then the least you can do is tell me your name, if not get out because by rights I should have thrown you out well before you had the chance to speak."

He finished with another hard stare as she eyed him silently, a small curl of her lip coming up making him further annoyed when his speech fell short and served only to amuse her as she nodded slowly and stood back up,

"Alright – my name is Regina." He didn't move nor return the sentiment with his own as she spoke. "And as far as you throwing me out of here, you might as well change occupations because that's the funniest thing you've said since we've met."

He opens his mouth part in shock but also a protest on his lips. Didn't she know who he was? He was about to send for the guards and have her removed – possibly to the dungeon maybe to the King when she turned away from him and back to his plans – which have now been changed drastically as she starts to talk once more.

"Look here you have the outlining border with Naucratis, which is…" She turned to look at him. She waited for him to speak as she had no idea whose Kingdom it was, he saw her expectant look and hurried to speak.

"Cinderella and Prince Thomas's Kingdom" She nodded and turned back to the map. "Well you have a shared line with them. And from what I've heard are on a mission to try to unite armies?"

He opened his mouth incredulous but before could ask how she knew saw the face up pages of the mission report lying just across from them and her slight knowing smirk before scowling and moving to pick them up.

"These are private. You had no right." She rolled her eyes and waved his admission away. "Well then learn to hide your stuff better, now over this side."

He stared at her completely flummoxed by her abrasive attitude to matters of the state and wondered for the second time where the hell she had come from. It was clear she wasn't going to stop and so sighed before moving back around to stand next to her.

"You two… if you can get them on board that is, untie against the top on the off-chance that he might come from the Northern Line…. What plan did you have in the first place if I might ask?"

He glanced at her not happy with the way she was messing with things but was slightly curious to hear what she had to say and so moved to a drawer and pulled out a folded sheet of paper and spreading it out in front of them. If someone was to ask what he thought he was doing he would honestly say he had no idea was here he was giving away top-secret plans and battle notes.

For all he knew she could have been a spy…

The thought horrified him and so he pulled at her hand once more. The sudden action had her jerking to a halt and turned to look at him. "What now?"

"How do I know you're not a spy for the King himself? How do I know you're not just saying all this to take back to him later, get out ideas and use it against us?"

She eyed him up and down once more but on seeing his serious face. Started laughing, he looked at her confused and startled as she laughed louder and he let go of her hand, she took a step away and shook her head silently, finally after an age, she got enough breath to stop and stood straighter as she wiped the tears away.

"Oh wow… you know that's the second time you've been funny, are you sure you're in the right job?" He stood impassive in spite of her words.

"Well?"

"Well what?"

"Are you a spy or not…" She faced him now all traces of amusement gone save for the teasing curl of her lips which served to aggravate him.

"Who knows… maybe I am, but if you've only just caught on now than I do fear for this Kingdoms safety." She saw his face twitch slightly and knew she was winding him up; a normal person would have stopped by now as he was the Kings general and so feared a night in the cells,

But she was a person who didn't fear many things and so kept at it, in the end he snapped.

"Tell me now or so help me I shall take you to the King for treason!" She stopped her mocking and eyed him before shaking her head and placed her hands on the table.

"Relax, I'm not a spy."

"How can I be so sure… you managed to get in here without detection" Rolling her eyes she sighed and spoke. "Not without lacking on your part I might add, but that doesn't mean I' am a spy, it just means you have serious security issues if you let just anyone wander, it's enough to make anyone think as to where the guards in this place are?"

She turned to rest her hands on the sides. "Close your mouth it's not attractive… besides." Another hint of a smirk crossed her mouth.

"If I indeed was a spy King George in no way would be able to afford me… now back to the planning."

In the end he conceded defeat and just let her stay. It wasn't like he could get rid of her and he would find out at the end who she was when he took her to the King himself, so he stood by her side and talked about what they had come up with the soon to be returning envoy coming back from their trip to the other Kingdoms with their answers.

"No… as we all know the good King doesn't have a lot of friends, his charming disposition ensured that and therefore has very limited allies he can rely on, from what I've heard King Midas is a neutral party when it comes to the royals in this realm – on the side of no one unless it benefits him."

"Hmm some call him a mercenary King," She tilted her head at the title - it was fitting, and looked to where his patch lay. "It would seem that if George wanted him on side which – given the lack of people willing to fight with him. Not only would he have to travel through either Cinder's Kingdom or take a boat from Corona, he would also have to make it worth his while."

He nodded and reached over from the pile at their sides as he plucked another sheet and pulled it out. "We have actually heard is planning to make a journey to his Kingdom soon. We also have word from sources following; he plans to offer the other King to ensure his loyalty."

"Do you know what that something just might be?" She turned to look at him her arms crossed as she sees him nod."

"We think he might be offering to trade." Confused she waits for him to elaborate. "Trade with what"

"The last Dragon"

Feeling her blood freeze, she schools her features to remain indifferent but inside her heart picks up once more. It was like she was back with the Sheriff as he carried on talking.

"According to what we've heard, the Dragon… well isn't really a Dragon, more of a shape shifter witch who before residing in the forbidden mountain lived near King Midas. Something happened, what we don't know but it was enough to make him want his revenge."

"And given that George is trying to recruit people stupid enough to try to steal the Dragon right from her home… he's using that as leverage to gain his word in war and army."

She sees him nod once more and she bit her lip. She hadn't heard anything about herself but she did know that George knew about there being two Dragons now and so spoke.

"What of the second?" He lifted his head to look at her. "The second… you mean the other Dragon that has appeared?" She nodded waiting for his answer.

"Well like everyone else wondering, where it came from is a mystery, but we can only guess that seeing as he's planning a raid on the castle then given he intends to the give great beast to Midas once the war is over, maybe he plans to keep the second for himself."

She didn't say nothing merely nodded slowly, her mind going into overdrive at the thought of the King attacking their home. Maleficent may have insisted she could take care of herself and no doubt could, but she most likely didn't know of the plan he had in mind. Still she really didn't like the fact that this was the second time she was hearing about his so-called attack, and so knew that she had to do something about it.

"I doubt he could find people willing." He gave her a dubious look. "You underestimate the greed some people have… if offered than they do reckless things and going after two Dragons is pretty stupid."

She snorted and pulled her nose up a little. "Doubt he has the money for that… this war must be costing a good penny or two." He chuckled and nodded as they got back to the planning.

"Couldn't you just apprehend him on his way to Midas, arrest him that way… it's probably the easiest thing you can do." He sighed and shook his head.

"We thought of that but he could call an act of diplomacy of his own if invited by the other royal than it's something we have to abide by, we may not like it but we can't do anything about it."

"Well what about if he does take the sea route, why not just…" He turned his head to look at her pondering face. "What"

She tipped her head slightly. "Well… people die all the time in the great outdoors; the man has many enemies and not all of them human. Why not simply just let the good King suffer an unfortunate accident on his way there. That way no one can implicate you having a hand in his death seeing as it was of natural causes."

He looked at her with wide eyes. "You know… one that you've caused."

She can see him thinking it over and smiles when it looks like he's considering it; she turns back to the map and looks to the mountain she calls home. She tries to recall all the paths that lead from the huge mound of rock that led off into the forest. From there it's the paths and trials that go off into the other Kingdoms.

Sometimes she really does hate the fact it's landlocked as the sound of him speaking drags her from her plotting. "Sorry?"

"I said why do you hate George, what has he done to you to make him want his death so badly." She lowers her eyes for a moment taking in what he said and wonders how to answer, she looks back to see him waiting.

"Isn't that what we all want?" He tips his head in agreement but isn't satisfied by her answer. "Not what I asked though, what has he done to you personally, I mean no offense but you don't look lie the type that he would be bothered with. So how did he cross you so badly that you're here in his enemies Kingdom giving us leads to his downfall?"

"Does it matter what he had done to make me mad at him? He's pissed off a lot of people, who would gladly do the same as I right now, the man is a root."

Her last word confuses him as it shows on his face. She turns to look at him and leans on the side. "People like him who get others to do their bidding, are nothing but nasty little roots that have taken hold. The sheriff for example – a man in his employ, was nothing but a weed that stretched from the root that grew."

He stayed silent as he listens to her small rant as neither hear the footsteps that come from outside or the shadow that stops at the door,

"Men like him who take hold - who are allowed to fester until eventually they become too great a problem for the patch they are already in, start to branch out as such was the man who tried to take the wolves and lost. He may have been sticky little thorn but he was only part of the poisonous weed that stems from the Kingdom said roots have grown."

She thinks back to his mangled body and smirks a little. "Soon they encroach and it's up to others to prune the plant so to speak."

He's looking at her in a different light and is nodding his head lightly in agreement. "Both root and the seed it leaves behind." His eyes meet hers as she smiles and nods.

"Prince James also, he may be an incompetent swine who lacks any sort of intelligence needed to govern a Kingdom. But what he's inept at theoretically he makes up in practical. He's handsome, got the looks that most Kings want in a family to carry on their line… talks with honeyed words that can easily capture a woman's heart, if he marries and makes an alliance then that army and his together can cause a nuisance."

She places her hand on the map where the small pile of papers lie. "In order to ensure a complete removal of harmful plants someone has to trim the poison before it spreads so far it becomes toxic to the rose at the top, rip it from the earth and take the remnants it leaves before that to, has a chance to flourish."

He still doesn't speak when she finishes. She has no need for him to make a reply as she knows what she said has stuck, whether he takes up her suggestion is not really her concern. At that moment all she needs to think of is letting Mal know just what she has learnt and make sure that when they come – if they do, then she'll be ready to deal with them.

"Now as enticing as this has all been… I really must be looking for my friend." She pushes off from the table as she shakes his head out from what he was thinking and turns to watch her leave to the door,

"God knows what Snow must have put her through without me to stop her… horrors." She reaches the door and pulls it open but stops on seeing the King outside. She blinks, momentarily stunned as he looks at her. How long had he been there? She didn't hear him and doesn't know what to do.

"Your highness" He looks to the man who lowers his head and smiles "I see you met Jeffery," He looks back to Regina. "He's my official first war general; I hope you have been keeping my guest here entertained."

The other man pales slightly in both shock and surprise at hearing she was there by behest of the King and stutters to reply but Regina cuts in as she turns to him.

"Absolutely… he was even kind enough to tell me a little about what this room is about." She looks back to the royal. "I hope that was alright?"

Normally it wasn't but she was looking at him with such… what he hoped was want that he shook his head in earnest. "No – it's perfectly alright my dear, in fact that is why I'm here… I hope you don't mind if I cut your little tour short."

She shakes her head in return and steps to the side to allow him in, he smiles widely at her before stepping through. Jeffery is watching them both as she smoothly glides to the door and turns to look over her shoulder, hand on the door.

"I do have to thank you for such an invigorating talk Jeffery," He nods stumbling still with the fact she was a royal guest as she smirks. "I know that such subjects are best left to the men of the court but I do hope you take my advice to heart…"

She let the insinuation linger as he nods once again and both men watch her depart around the corner. They remain silent long after she is gone until he looks to the King; the other man has a look of awe in his eyes which are shining brightly with lust.

"My lord"

Leopold eventually turns from looking at the door and to him as he looks at him. "Are you ok?"

The king nods and grins as he thinks of the woman who had just left them. "Never better, how did you find our guest?"

"She was very… brash my lord." He laughed jovially and nodded. "Yes, I had that at dinner." The general blinked.

"At dinner, sire." Leopold nodded. "Snow is friends with her and I thought it would be good to try to get to know them."

"Them my lord" He waits as it seems the older man is thinking about something but nods. "Yes – her and another, they came with Snow when she went out this afternoon… what a woman though."

He goes to speak but stops on hearing his last remark and knew it was about the woman just left. He had to admit she was very aesthetically pleasing to the eye even in clothes not worn by woman. She wasn't a noble or anything of upstanding so why she was dining with the King he had no clue, but the look in his eye meant that if his king had his way, she would be dining with them a lot more often.

"You said you wanted to speak to me sire." Leopold nodded and closed the door before stepping closer. "I couldn't help but overhear some of you conversation from earlier."

Jeffery nodded. "Yes… I found her in here moving some of my sets around… it seemed she had a better view on what we should be doing and took it upon herself to re - correct me."

He were met with a bark of laughter as he nodded. It was just like her if from what he had seen at dinner.

"What was all that about pruning weeds before they grow?" He was intrigued by that metaphor as he waited for the other man to speak as he stood up straighter glad the door was shut as he began to divulge the very interesting and possibly fortune turning conversation.