Well here it is,
Little later as its a long one so I hope everyone likes. Thank to those that reviewed, this one's for you. We have the addition of a newcomer in this chapter and so It all starts to fit together... but I still have the option open of changing as the story goes on.
If you thinks it's right then I hope you like it, if not then tell me and I can change it.
Happy reading, and I don't own OUAT. :)
To her surprise on making her way up to the Princesses royal chambers - she resumed following their scent until she reached the door, that Snow could actually restrain that inner child of hers that clearly had free reign as she pushed on the large door and went inside.
Not one for manners didn't bother to knock as she heard the sound of their voices coming from the other side of the large room, they were in the clothes closest – somehow she wasn't shocked and moved to sit down as Snows excited voice sounded from inside the other room one by one she watched as dress after dress was flung from the closet and out on to the floor.
She sighed and leant back in the chair, knowing it would take a while as giggles came next before the Princess finally found a dress she made Ruby try on, she groaned under her breath and let her head fall back against the top of the chair, vaguely wondering if she could get away with fleeing the castle and going home.
If she lied and said she got lost then Ruby really couldn't fault her for going. She had been itching to get home for ages and now with what she had learnt, she was dying to go and tell the blonde before making the future security checks around the castle and mountain, she was in her own head that she never saw the two of them exit the closet until Snow spoke.
"Regina! Oh good, you made it."
Hearing her name she lifted her head. Her brow arched on seeing the green dress clutched in Ruby's hands who gave her a defying stare back and she smirked before moving on to the other girl. "Well you were being so quiet I didn't realize this was your room. Had to double back when a doubtful helper told me I was going the wrong way."
Ruby glared not that she paid any heed and smiled in jest when Snow giggled and nodded "Well you made it… and just in time – don't you think Ruby would look so great in this dress."
She moved over to the fair-skinned girl and held the material in her hands as Regina's lip curled, she took in the dress and then her friend who was silently brooding and nodded enjoying the look of disdain sent her way.
"Simply a delight" Chuckling under her breath at the mouthing threats sent her way which stopped on the princess turning to face her other friend.
"I know right… so go on" She shooed her away and behind the screen. "Try it on I want to see what you look like." The wolf girl grumbled but moved away to get dressed as Snow took the seat next to Regina who eyed her silently before looking back to the front - a few minutes later Ruby returned making Snow gasp.
"Oh Ruby, you look amazing." She clapped her hands as the tall girl moved out from behind the cover, her hands holding up the many folds of the dress that would have fallen to the floor if she hadn't, she stood in front of them her face impassive but her eyes could tell her displeasure which made the agonizing trip worth it in Regina's case as she smiled sweetly from her chair.
"Oh doesn't she suit it so well, Regina, doesn't she." Giving the overly chipper girl a look of irritation before turning to back to an unhappy Ruby who stood looking like an idiot,
"She looks like a tree."
Even Snow – for all her overly exuberance couldn't deny the marring frown that crossed her face as she looked at the other girl who was slouching and not at all interested in the fashion show in front of her, looking at her before glancing back to the life manikin standing in front of them and frowned some more.
"Don't be a grouch, she looks amazing." Regina nodded not necessarily agreeing but not replying either as Snow returned her efforts back to Ruby who was silently preying to whoever was listening that this was the only dress she had to wear.
"Turn around – give us a twirl." She sat up and clapped her hands together again before she placed them on her lap, across from her Regina smiled mockingly and spoke.
"Yeah Rubes, dazzle us with your dress twirling skills." She smiled wider as a muffled curse left her lips unknown to Snow but she heard it clearly which made her laugh. Once the wolf girl had done as instructed she heard the slight delighted squeal from the princess earning yet another dark glare from Regina which went unseen as she giggled and stood.
"That dress is just perfect for you," Ruby sighed quietly relieved that it was the end. Or so she thought as Snow rushed back over to the closet and after some rummaging, came back out with another, once more unheard to the young royal but both girls who had been watching her groaned – one for the fact that her nightmare wasn't over and the other at the prospect of becoming a dress up doll.
Just as they feared Snow had them both trapped in her room for hours, she pushed dress after dress into her protesting friend's arms who was trying to put up a resistance but was failing miserably. Regina had long since closed her eyes and zoned out as the impromptu fashion show went on, by the eleventh dress she was almost out of her seat when the door sounded.
Snow was in her element. Ruby really was the perfect model to show off all her clothes. The other girl was both the perfect height and size, something she envied but used to her advantage in the form of having her parade up and down. She cast a disproving look in the snoozing girl's direction.
Regina to was a worthy enough model, though not as tall as Ruby – nor as… how could she put it? As thin as her to an extent, she was more curvier but still just as lovely looking, she would have looked great in silver or white… maybe blue.
Black even, that seemed like a nice color, but alas it wasn't to be, as model material as she was Snow could practically feel her heart wasn't in it… hell not even her attention had been captured by the masses of pretty gowns on show. She sighed and looked at the sleeping girl who was lying splayed out in the long chair.
So much potential, such a waste
Which left her with only Ruby as she turned back to her other friend – another dress ready to be worn when the knocking at the door had them both turning to the source Snow with a slight glare at being interrupted, Ruby with hopeful eyes at the fact they had been disturbed.
"Yes?"
The door opened as one of the guards stepped in and looked around. His brows rose a bit on seeing the princess standing at the other end, hands on hips looking as stern as she could but really, who could actually ever say Snow white was scary when she was mad. The other dressed in finely rich clothes and looking utterly relieved.
The third of the group he saw spread out over the princesses' divan conked out not a care in the world as a coughing brought him back to the young royal.
"Is there something you needed?"
He nodded and stood to attention. "Forgive my intrusion princess, you father wanted a word with you before you retire to bed tonight." His words though simple left a message in the lines as she looked to her friends before nodding.
"Thank you," He nodded and left the room. Once he had gone she turned to Ruby a frown adorning her face. "It must be late…"
She didn't finish but for the other girl it was enough as she nodded. Secretly ecstatic to be getting out of the clothes she had been trussed up in and into her own familiar dress as she smiled in understanding before darting back behind the screen.
She got dressed in record time and moved back around, taking care to hold the dress with care as she handed it back to Snow with another smile.
"They all are really nice." Snow nodded and moved to put it on her bed, someone would come in to put them all back when she was out as Ruby moved over to Regina who was comatose and looked down at her,
"She looks so peaceful" Snow said on coming to stand next to her, Ruby smiled and nodded as they watched on like proud parents to a new-born baby.
"You got a quill? I feel like this is an opportune moment we can't miss." Snow chided her affronted at such a thought as Ruby laughed before bending down to shake her awake.
"Regina, wake up." They got nothing from the raven haired girl who carried on sleeping like nobody had tried to rouse her, "Regina wake up."
Finally after much coaxing it took a sharp prod in the stomach from the other girl to get her moving as she muffled something before squirming a little and batted the hand away,
"No I didn't plait his mane." That earned two quizzical looks before she gave her another poke this time with more success as Regina finally opened her eyes.
"Well hello there sleeping beauty," She blinked groggily before looking around. She saw them both staring down at her which creeped her out before pushing herself up.
"What happened" She sat up as Ruby stood back to full height. "You fell asleep,"
She stared at her for a few seconds in silence before nodding, turning to Snow who had been smiling and spoke. "Sorry I missed the show"
Ruby rolled her eyes at the lack of care in her tone as the other girl smiled wider accepting the apology and replying. "We can always have another"
The hollow smile she got in return made her smile brighter as she though Regina on board for the next show as she turned away leaving the two to look at each other as Ruby mouthed at her to behave as she helped her to her feet.
"As much as I wish you could stay, I have to go visit father." Her tone sad as she addressed them Ruby nodded though glad to be going as Regina smiled in false sympathy.
"Us to… so much" The elbow to the stomach was worth it.
In time they left Snows chambers as she walked them back down to the entrance where they stopped on finally being able to leave. Snow looked to the door to the library where the King was waiting and looked back to her friends as Ruby waited and smiled with Regina looking longingly at the door.
"I had a really good time today," She smiled widely at them and took her hands as the wolf girl nodded. Fashion show aside she too did have a good day.
"I hope you get home ok."
"I'm sure we will. No need to worry, right Regina?" She nudged the other girl who fleetingly looked around before nodding. "Oh yeah – we'll be fine."
She nodded lightly still a little wary. The forest surrounding the Kingdom were quiet dark and though they said they could take care of themselves she still feared them being attacked. But upon their insistence she gave up and bade them farewell, she cling to Ruby tightly and muttered in her ear that she would try to see them again soon.
She made to hug Regina but on seeing the look she got thought better and simply waved meekly, it was time to leave and having been there far too long it didn't take long for Regina to turn but not before grabbing the back of Ruby's shirt as she still continued to wave goodbye and over to the door as they left the castle under the eyes of Snow who turned and went to the library.
Once out and into the courtyard Regina sighed happily as the cool nights air hit her before they walked to the end and the drawbridge as they nodded to the guard who watched them before dubiously waving them on their way.
"Well that was fun." Ruby grinned as Regina slowly turned to look at her like she was crazy. "What part? All of that was hell."
"Oh come on it wasn't all bad…" A snort had her rolling her eyes as Regina replied. "Ruby, she made you her own little dress doll… a toy to use as she pleased for the last two hours, of course it wasn't all bad it was all horrific."
Well she couldn't argue with that… as much as she liked the dresses they really did suit Snow better and so nodded much to the amusement of the other girl as they moved down the path, passed the small houses before taking the trail that led out of the Kingdom and into the forest she looked at the large overbearing darkness and sighed.
"Maybe we did spend to long there… Going to take forever to get home" Regina turned away from her to look at the path they were going to have to take. She was right it was dark and she wasn't in any mood to waste more time then she already had. Looking around she glanced back to the stone wall to see if there were any guards.
Finding none she took hold of Rubies arm and dragged her a few feet into the woods as she moved them behind a large tree hiding them from view.
"Regina what are you doing."
"We're not walking through here." She nodded to the dark trail. "Granted we might be the scariest things to do so but it's going to take too long and I'm bored."
She peered into the darkness before looking back to her friend." So what are we going to do, you're not going to fly are you?" She looked horrified at the thought as Regina shook her head laughing.
"No, but we are going by the express route." Wondering what she meant Ruby was about to ask but found herself in a tight embrace as a purple cloud entwined around their bodies taking hold transporting them far from the White Kingdom and leaving nothing behind when it vanished.
Their trips to and from Snows home continued as the weeks went by, ever since the happy royal told them that her father had allowed them to still be friends despite the status between them. Ruby was too happy with the news as she really had come to love her time with Snow as they met up.
Regina had mixed feelings as by proxy she had to endure the young princesses' overabundance of peppiness which left her feeling both nauseous and irritated, there were some up sides to having a friend who lived and was heir to a large Kingdom – they got free food that they didn't have to chase after when they visited.
Sometimes she didn't know whether to thank Leopold for his kind act of permission or strangle him. Of course when she sat down to a plate full of roasted duck, she felt she could always let the slight against her person pass as it really was excellent food.
She also spent time with Jeffery, the guard had seen her on passing when she had lost Snow and Ruby to the maze that was the castle and had sat down in the grand entrance. She didn't care if people walking by stared - let them… she was annoyed and bored and she let it show.
Smiling the man walked up to the brooding girl who had her arms crossed and an expression of disinterested on her face. Seeing someone move closer to her from the side she turned to see him approach she regarded his presence with a slight smile but still didn't look happy.
"Come to throw me in the dungeons?" He stopped and looked at her with some confusion but on seeing the mirth in her dark eyes, chuckled and shook his head before taking the seat next to her.
"No, my lady, I was walking and happened to catch sight of you out here on your own." He looked around to see passers-by still glancing at them.
"Are you on your own?" She sighed and exhaled heavily before replying. "Yes and no. I was with Ruby, but then I lost them like an hour ago and couldn't find them again, like two giggling fairies, just… gone… flittering about lost to everyone but themselves."
She sighed again miserably making him laugh though he should have said something against the name she had called the royal. They fell silent for a few moments as she contented herself to go back to her pass time of people watching like she had been doing before when he turned to look at her again.
"I have to thank you," She looked at him her own confusion evident. "Thank me? For what"
"Your advice a few weeks back. In the war room, when you left the king and I… we discussed what you had said and on doing some scouting patrols of the Kingdom - found a few groups of his men making camp at the farthest end of the Northern border. They had been waiting there until he was ready to make his trip to Midas, and if any trouble should happen to him whilst doing so – ergo us, he would have signaled them to overpower us from the inside."
She nodded not really knowing what to say. Of course any advice she did was always right but she didn't think for a moment they would take her up on it, Kings being Kings they believed themselves to have all the answers, know the right moves and strikes to make on their enemies. But to hear that they set aside their Ego's to actually listen to someone else's advice was new to her.
Maybe they weren't as simple-minded as she pegged them to be.
"So… what does being the Kings Guard entail in equations to fun around here?" He gave her a slightly quizzical look but on seeing her serious look he started chuckling, she stared at him confused at what was so amusing as he continued to laugh. She waited but soon her patience – something she was known for having little off – started to dwindle as her expression darkened.
He opened his eyes to see the stormy glare she was giving him and knew that the time for laughing was over as he tried his best to hold back the laughs. Eventually he got himself under control and took a few heaving breathes as to calm himself all the while under her non impressed look.
"Something funny, dear"
He shook his head and waved his hand before finding his voice as he replied. "No… no I am sorry for laughing, forgive me, it's just that there isn't a lot of time for anything much these days… much less entertainment."
She stayed silent still not happy at having been laughed at as he carried on speaking. "It's all plans and meetings with Councillors, other generals and the King – this war is taking a lot of happiness out the place."
He finished on a tense note as she kept her gaze on him. They didn't talk just let the time pass as he turned to look up the corridor before looking back to her,
"But there is one thing I was on my way to see to. If you'd like to join me" She nodded, anything to pass the time in this god forsaken place as he stood and held out his hand. She looked and saw it was the one she had squeezed the other day and felt bad when two of his fingers was wrapped up as she took it and used it to get to her feet.
"Sorry about your hand." He glanced at his fingers and back at her, a brow arched as he replied. "What makes you think it was you that caused this?"
She stood in front of him her own brow arched as she gazed at him pointedly, they faced off for a couple of seconds before he gave in – nodding, he smiled tightly and glanced back down to them again.
"No harm done… much ."
He grinned at her telling her he didn't mind as she returned the gesture. He turned to face the way he was originally going. "Come on this way."
They set off down the hall as people they passed didn't so much stare anymore but rather nod their hello's and smiled pleasantly as they saw him in his uniform. They kept on walking until they got to the end and on through a large set of double doors which led them to a stairwell as they descended and on down another hall.
They moved through another door before the walked down another single flight of steps before turning left which took them outside. She blinked in the sunlight before taking a look at her new surroundings – it seemed he had taken her to the royal stables if the amount of horses walking about was anything to go by as they moved on through the court.
"What are you doing here?" She asked as he looked over his shoulder, "We had a new shipment of horses come in an as first general, it's my duty to inspect them – make sure their ride worthy, you looked like a woman who appreciates a fine horse or two and so thought you might like to observe them as well."
She looked on in silence at that. What on earth had given him that impression? She had never so much as ridden a horse never mind be near one. The only thing she could say she had been near was Seraphim and even he was a tiny little shit… walking about all… unicorny- eating everything insight and not even getting a scalding for it.
"Err… yeah, I like them." He threw her an amused look. "Don't sound to enthusiastic will you,"
She grinned and rolled her eyes as they came to a large outbuilding as a few others around were busy tending to the horses – some feeding, others cleaning and grooming them as he came to a stop next to a portly man who was waiting at the doors.
"Ah – Jeffery, there you are."
He nodded to him and looked past his shoulder to the inside of the barn. "They arrived?"
He nodded. "Just in before, got some real beauties for ye here – follow me." He turned but stopped on seeing the young woman behind as he smiled and stepped out the way.
"Harold, this is Regina – Regina meet Harold, the royal horse master." She looked to the other man who was eyeing her scrupulously. She cocked her brow and tilted her head to the side as he daring him to find a problem as he pursed his lips and smiled wide.
"Pleasure to meet ye miss." She didn't reply merely smiled and acknowledged his remark as he nodded happily and moved further in as they followed.
"Think some of these will be our best yet." He said as they walked, she took in all around them. She really had never been this up close to a horse before and now she was surrounded by them as they resided in their pens looking out over the tops – eating or simply looking as they came to the end before coming to a stop, Harold pushed on a large sliding door as it moved to the end to reveal another larger section before moving through.
They walked on for a few more minutes until the loud and multiple sounds of neighing, snorts and whinnies could be heard before they stopped once more.
"Well… here they are." He stopped and stood hands on hips staring at the large mass of horses in his view, staring proudly as the others moved a little closer. Jeffery moved a few steps forwards – his brow furrowed in thought as he hummed and mused before slowly starting his inspection – he took the clipboard from the stable master as one by one each horse was brought forwards by a hand that had stood at the corner.
Regina stayed quiet as she watched him work. Occasionally she would glance to the stable hand that seemed to notice her and would be subtly looking over in her direction. Their eyes caught once before quickly looking away as she smiled a little to herself and he looking to the ground.
He was rather cute looking. With brown hair that was swept neatly back so that it didn't fall into his eyes, a nice strong jaw that led to high cheekbones covered nicely by smooth looking skin. Most of all she noticed about him – his eyes they were the color blue, a bright blue that rivaled the clearest of river water.
She found herself admiring him and was confused as to why. She had never bothered with others before but now on looking at him she felt something tingly that had never happened before. Frowning she silently mused in consternation at what it could be and mean as Jeffery turned back to her.
"What do you think?" She didn't hear lost in her own thoughts as he called out to her again. "Regina?" That time hearing him she looks up to see the slight smirk he was giving her.
"What"
He rolled his eyes at the lack of tact in her response before nodding to the horses. "What do you think?" Turning to look past him she stared at the row of horses that had already passed his inspection and really had lost focus, so just nodded.
"Yeah… all good"
Chuckling he shook his head before turning back to Harold. "Good thing I had already made the inspections. Otherwise the poor things would have waited for high and mighty's approval forever."
Hearing his last words she scowls at him making him laugh as he returned back to his inspections ready or the next lot as they carry on like that for the next half hour. Soon all the horses had been passed as he steps back to admire the steeds before muttering to Harold for a moment leaving her to look around.
She turns her head both left and right looking at the large animals in front of her before flicking her gaze to the right. She sees another pen in the far back, a single and confined one which makes her curious before she nods to it and speaks.
"So what's that one over there?"
Jeffery and Harold stop their conversation on hearing her and follow her line of sight before stopping at the pen as the stable master shakes his head.
"Best leave that one miss, nothing right with it." Frowning she turns to him. "What do you mean?"
He steps away from the general as he moves over to her before nodding in the direction of the pen. "It's a horse miss, but its nasty piece of work – won't let anyone get close to it, bites those that do and has the attitude of one of the Kings entitled hounds."
He sniffed and wiped his nose before standing with his hands on his hips. "Overall, it's a temperamental little bastard."
She turned to look back at the horse that was inside the coup. "What's its name?" He glanced at her and shrugged. Doesn't have one - on seeing just how nasty he was, we just left him in there… couldn't think of anything."
"So you mean he's just kept in there all the time?" She looked at him wide-eyed on hearing him as he held up his hands. "He gets food and water, we let him out when he needs to but as we can't train him or get him to do anything we figured he was a lost cause… no point."
She felt angry at his words that they had for all intents just left him to rot. She turned back to him feeling a sense of sorrow for the poor horse that was trapped. Soon the two men had moved off busy with other things as she said she was just looking around, they made their way back to the front part leaving her to stare at the solitary horse.
"I don't think he's a lost cause." The sound of another's voice had her jolting a little as she spun around only to find the stable hand, he lifted his hands up on seeing her move as quick as she did and smiled apologetically.
"I'm sorry, I thought you knew I was here." He waited for her to speak as she eyed him still jumpy at hearing him so close. In the end she nodded tightly and gave him a stiff, thin-lipped smile back as he ran his hands through his hair.
"I am truly sorry again. But I couldn't help but notice that you were looking at him." He glanced over to the horse that he had come to like from afar as she followed his gaze. She turned back to see his slightly wistful smile.
"So have you been working here long?" He looked back to her and nodded. "Almost my whole life, my father was the stable master before he retired and he used to bring me along - it's how I got this job and I haven't left since."
"I take it you like horses?" He nodded more vehemently at that. "I think there one of the best creatures this realm has to offer, there's something just so… Majestic about them - the way they hold themselves, so proud and tall… like any noble human could but far more graceful."
She smiled on hearing his passionate speech. The tingles that had lain low in her stomach kicked back up this time harder as she stood next to him… dam it what was happening to her?
"I'm Daniel by the way." He said holding out his hand as she looked at the offered appendage for a few seconds before very slowly taking it in hers and it shocked her at how smooth his skin was, she had been right as he shook it slightly bemused at the confusion she had on the simple handshake.
"Regina right" She nodded. "It's a nice name."
It was like she had swallowed a hive of firefly's the way her body was buzzing. She looked into his kind azure colored irises and smiled weakly. Determined to change the way her body was betraying her, she turned back to the horse stuck in the holdings.
"So… it won't allow anyone to go near it?" He sighed and shook his head regretfully, idly she wondered how many tries he had before giving up,
"He's one of the most stubborn we've ever had here… just isn't a people person at all."
Something in his voice had set off the competitive streak that had reared its devious little head. That laced with the other strong emotions she felt at seeing such a proud horse locked away like he was. She turned back biting her lip, maybe… it wasn't a human he needed.
"Can we try?" He lowered his head eyes wide at her request as she turned to him. "You want to try to… get near him." She nodded.
He didn't reply for a few minutes simply looked at her before glancing to the horse. "Please… What harm will lit do if we try?"
He looked torn between doing his duty and allowing it as he nibbled on his bottom lip making him look all the more cuter, something she was beginning to hate as he glanced over his shoulder, the door had been closed three-quarters of the way leaving them alone as the other two had long since left.
Sighing he turned back to her hopeful face, it was time for his feeding anyway and so conceded reluctantly as she smiled brightly, "But I must insist on being near… just in case."
She bounced on her heels feeling the girliest she had ever been in her life. She was just thanking Snow wasn't around as he moved to the side and gathered up some oats and an apple ready to give to him, along with the equipment that had been reserved for his use but was left abandoned.
"Uh-uh" He turned to see her displeased look as she shook her head. "What."
"This… get rid of it." She moved over and plucked the saddle and bridle out of his hands much to his disbelief before throwing them down and swiping the feed bag from his hands.
"First off – no entrapment's… makes it all far to stuffy and cagey." She turned to make her way over to the stall as he followed protesting. "But – the reigns… you need to be safe."
Much to his chagrin she ignored him and carried on her way, she wasn't a horse by any means but she could relate, she wouldn't like it at all if someone tried to stick a saddle on her back and a chew stick in her mouth. Anyone dared she would take them to the highest point she could find and happily let them go.
She slowed her strides as she neared as the horse nickered and lifted his ears on hearing commotion. He looked up to see them arrive and almost instantly his eyes became suspicious. It kind of freaked her out, she knew horses to be smart and just like any other sentient creature but to actually see it looking the way it did was something else.
"I really must implore you to—" She held up her hand cutting him off as she gazed at him. "Would you like it if someone forced you to wear this fancy crap and try to ride you all day?" She asked dryly as he opened his mouth but shook his head - no, not in the slightest as she smirked.
"Well then… that's one step we have already on the others who've tried." She turned back to see the horse staring at them intently as she waited. A stare off ensued as she let it get a good look at her with Daniel waiting on tenterhooks behind her, eventually the horse nickered and shook his head from side to side a little.
She didn't know what that meant but it wasn't fussing at least so went with that as she proceeded, still under the watchful eyes of the horse. She moved very carefully one step at a time making sure he could see each step. He hadn't kicked off so far so she was counting it so far so good as Daniel looked on with more trepidation.
"Make sure you give him the oats… food always puts him in a good mood." She inwardly snorted as Maleficent had said something similar to her once as she nodded and lifted the bag, the horse nickered louder making her stop for a second before carrying on she finally made it to the door as she stood outside.
She looked at the animal inside as he shuffled about for a few minutes. He seemed to be a little nervous, she could hear the heartbeat rapidly pacing and the slight worry she could smell on him. She stood still letting him get used to her, it wasn't her he was sensing it was her Dragon though he couldn't see it which made him jittery.
Daniel eyed the pair with slightly hitched breath. The horse hadn't done anything so far which was what only a few people could claim to get out of him. But she had yet to open the door… that was where he really went for it as she lifted the bag and eased it over the door. The horse turned to look at the feed bag on offer and despite his nerves he stood to attention at the food.
"Oh I like you," She muttered as he craned his neck, never letting go of the bag she waited patiently as he very carefully took steps over, he sniffed the contents before lifting his head to look at her as they stared each other in the eyes. Both sets seeming to pierce the other, the stable hand watched as they had a silent conversation with just their eyes as she tried to gain his trust.
She reached in and took a handful of oats pulling them out and flattening her hand. She held it out as he skittered back a little but she never retreated, she was determined to win him over as he sniffed the air gently… just when it seemed he was going to walk off he moved back and sniffed her hand and oats before leaning in and chomping a few off her outstretched hand.
Daniel watched slightly stunned as the horse ate from her hand. He could safely say no one had thought to try that or if they had then none had ever attempted it, he was a biter after all but now seeing him so calm it made him wonder if she had horses of her own.
"That's a good boy, there we go…" She spoke to him softly as he nibbled and chewed. She smiled as he lifted his head once the oats were gone and looked at her, before looking to the apple in her other hand as she laughed.
"Oh I so like you." She lifted the treat up to him as he stood to attention and watched as she peeled the fruit in front of him she couldn't use magic to cut it in half for him as Daniel was still standing near and she didn't want to scare the horse with whom she seemed to be building a tentative trust with.
She pulled it apart the best she could and held it out as he reached out before plucking it from her hand. She watched as he munched the apple before looking down. The latch was in front of her so she decided to take it further as she undid the bolt and opened the door. All at once he stopped chewing which made her halt her progress as she looked at him.
Daniel was still holding his breath as he watched them. Only taking in air when he needed as she very gently moved inside the stall, this was the furthest anyone had got before they were either run out of injured. The horse was slowly watching her but still eating as she kept her eyes trained on his and shut the door so she was in with him.
"Regina what are you!—" She angrily waved her hand. "SHHH!"
He fell quiet and just resigned to watch as inch by inch she got ever closer until at last she was standing next to him. He was speechless, no one had ever been able to get that far without a kick for their efforts as she smiled and looked the horse from head to tail before looking back to his face.
"Hello there."
He turned his head so that they were facing once more as she decided to try something that would either work well in her favor or earn her a harsh bite as she looked him in his eyes and very gently started to life her hand. His gaze darted down to see her hand moving as she slowed it to a crawl but didn't stop as he carefully watched her.
She soothed and whispered quietly to him as she did as ever so slowly she managed to get her hand to her chest and in the middle of them as she stopped. This was the moment she was waiting for as she silently asked permission, it was a heavy moment as he looked at her with beady eyes.
She was starting to regret her venture and was about to make a slow retreat when a feat that shocked even her, Daniel gasped from outside the pen as he watched what could only have been described as seeing a blue moon. The horse had stared at her seemingly not interested but out of nowhere lowered his head, until very gently he leaned over and touched her hand.
She looked on wide-eyed but quickly got her senses as she smiled and ever so gently ran her hand up and down his head as he closed his eyes, reveling in the feel. He was amazed at what he was seeing and slowly moved until he could lean on the side as he watched them interact.
"That's incredible" He muttered as she looked at him and smiled. His grin soon faded as the horse lifted his head to stare at him as he gulped nervously, they looked at each other for a few minutes before the horse whinnied before turning back to her as she held out her hand and he took the rest of the apple from her.
"I never truly thought this day would happen" She turned back to him – one hand on the horse's side the other running up and down his body soothingly.
"Here I was thinking nothing was a lost cause." He turned to her and grinned at the teasing tone she used as he laughed and nodded. "Yes but even then there are exceptions to the rules." He glanced back to the munching horse.
"Not here though it seems."
Soon enough the food was gone and in another act that further shocked the stable hand into disbelief. He watched as Regina soon went from stroking him calmly without fear, to sitting atop the creature who hadn't even tried to buck her off. She leaned over and rubbed his side gently as she looked up to his amazed face.
"Open the door."
It took a few seconds but he did manage to make his feet work and hurried to undo the latch as the door swung open. She leaned over more and muttered something to the horse in his ear as he watched them before backing up as the horse continued to shock him by calmly walking out of the stall.
He walked until he was in the middle of the room as Daniel made his way over just watching. He had no idea what to say but when he saw the happy and serene look she had as she awarded him another apple from the bag she had snagged, he spoke.
"You are amazing." She looked over and down from her seat on his back and laughed lightly before shaking her head. "Trust me – I' am anything but"
He went to argue as she held up her hand. "Anyone could have done this," She held out her hand in show.
"All he needed was the right encouragement and the freedom without those silly reigns…. Isn't that right, my good boy" The horse whinnied in reply making her chuckle and Daniel to stare on in awe.
"Holy hell"
The sound of another voice had them both snapping their heads to the door to see both Harold and Jeffery standing in the doorway staring with a face pretty much like Daniels as they stared at the young woman on the horse that had been deemed 'untamable' said horse had grown nervous at the sudden newcomers and had started to back up.
They watched with slight horror as the horse jerked making her move a little as Daniel went to help but was stopped by her hand as she shook her head.
"Don't… you'll scare him more." She turned back to him and leant down watched by all as she started muttering in his ear again. She kept her hand on his side rubbing, stroking and soothing as he shuffled from foot to foot but soon and after a few minutes calmed until he stopped once more.
She smiled as he settled and kept on making sure he felt safe as she sat up and let out a small relieved sigh under her breath as Daniel did the same behind her, after a few minutes he was calm enough to turn and start walking again as if he knew where to go, Jeffery and Harold leapt out-of-the-way as he made his way out of the door and they followed in stupor as both horse and his rider moved out of the building and came to as top outside in the court.
They followed suit as she jumped from his back and patted him gently on the side before tickling under his chin. All three stood looking confused, awed, befuddled, as she leaned up and kissed his nose before turning back to them.
It took him a while but in the end Harold broke the silence as he glanced from one to the other before speaking. "What… how… did you,… what?"
They all looked at her waiting for an explanation as she refrained from rolling her eyes. "It was rather very easy. You just had to get someone who understood him."
"You speak to horses often?" She glanced at Jeffery and shook her head. "Not at all, in fact this is the first I've ever sat on a horse much less get him to comply."
"Then how—"
"Well as I said to Daniel. Would you like it if someone trussed you up in a saddle and shoved a bridle in your mouth with the expectation to cart you from one place to the other?"
She waited as Harold went to speak but knew she had a point and so shook his head. He glanced to the other horses that were scattered about.
"But the rest seem to have no issue with it." She laughed at his statement a little too sharply making him blink a few times in response.
"Oh dear, no horse… no creature anywhere – providing they don't do it naturally, likes to carry things around… they also don't like it when they have to do it every day as part of a routine not usually their norm."
"So you speak for every animal in the Kingdom do you?" His tone wasn't harsh or accusatory but curious as she shrugged. "Maybe I do, who knows… but even if I didn't or did – I bet they'd agree with me."
They didn't have much to say after that as Harold took a look at the horse and saw the opportunity to try to fix shoes on him as he called for the horseshoe smith as he came over and after looking stunned as the rest on seeing which horse needed shoes, he set about making two sets as he went to attach them only to nearly get kicked in the face for his effort.
They all jumped startled at the sudden action as the horse reared up, not liking being touched as they tried to get him to calm only to have him more spooked. In the end she had to step in front of him so that he were focused on her before he thought about settling down as she rubbed his nose in comfort.
"I think it's all in agreement that the horse will only go to you from now one Regina." She didn't stop her ministrations but she did look to the one that spoke as all three men were looking at her, she snorted and shook her head.
"Don't be silly, he was just nervous that's all." And stepped away only to have him follow. Daniel and Jeffery laughed as Harold scratched his head as she looked on in dismay.
"He doesn't see it that way." She turned back to them. "It's not funny, how I'm I going to get him to stop? I don't live here."
The general looked on at the pair. It was clear that the animal trusted her and her alone. It was hard pressed to get the shoes on him if she hadn't been in front making sure he was soothed, he also doubted that he would still be compliant when she left. If anything he would go back to being nasty and they hadn't the time nor the energy to try set him any other way.
He was taking up space as well and so an idea came to him as he hummed lowly. "I might be a while… but wait here." He smiled at them before nodding and moving off back to the castle leaving them to watch him go as he butted his nose against her cheek. She turned to see him staring expectantly and smiled weakly before lifting her hand and began tickling his chin once more.
When Jeffery returned sometime later. He was amazed and stunned at the progress that had happened in his absence. He watched as the horse had gone from being anti-social to actually trotting around the courtyard – Regina was atop him but without a harness or reigns she merely had her hands loosely in his mane as he went.
"Is that safe?" He asked Harold who was watching with Daniel as they too couldn't comprehend the fact that the horse was doing what they had failed to get it to do for so long as he shrugged.
"She said he wouldn't wear a saddle – and she wouldn't make him either, it's what made him go to her in the first place." He pulled his head back at the answer and directed his gaze back to the pair as she looked like a natural though she had never been on a horse in her life so she said,
"Regina!"
She looked to see Jeffery had come back and smiled as she clicked he tongue and the horse slowed to a walk as he ambled over to them. She stopped him in front of them as he shook his head. It would never fail to amaze him at what she had done and so looked up to her.
"Found a solution to your problem." She sat up anxious to hear, "Oh really?"
He nodded and smiled. "Congratulations Regina, the horse is yours"
She nearly choked on hearing that as her mouth fell open and she stared at him wide eyes and uncharacteristically slack-jawed as he chuckled. Both Harold and Daniel had to turned their heads on hearing him say that as the stable master spoke.
"What do you mean."
"Well I went to the King and asked him. He knows all about the horse and how he was untrainable and so as a way to solve all our problems he said you can have him…. He clearly likes you beyond all of us and it would save us having to house and feed him."
She stared at him in silence and shock. It wasn't until she heard him say the King had granted her the horse that she replied. "Wait- so the King just gave me the horse."
He nodded. "No… he wants nothing for it." She snorted with haughtiness at his reply as he blinked up at her. "No seriously, this horse I can tell is one of your best."
Harold nodded silently looking at the steed in front of them. "To have the King just willingly give me something that must have cost a hell of a lot - I don't buy it and if he thinks for a moment that I'll be in his debt – then I don't want him either… even if he does trust me and me only."
She narrowed her eyes at him angry at the insinuation that she could be so easily bought by admittedly the best horse she had seen all day. He looked up into her dark eyes and saw the slight hardness in them as she stared back angrily and shook his head.
"No seriously – its fine… the horse… the horse was just being wasted and it was costing him more money that what he put in, he also said that he wanted you to have it as a thank you, for your help with what you did for us regarding the camps in the North."
She went to speak but he held up his hand. "You may not think it but it's true. You may have saved a lot of lives if we just ignored that and it's his way of saying that he's grateful…"
He lifted his hand to the horse as it nickered in warning making him shuffle his stance a little but never moved "Really, the horse is yours – it's you or no one to be honest… if you don't believe me you can come with me to his highness and ask him."
She didn't reply as she looked on at him. He seemed to be honest, his face was a mixture of sincerity and pleading as he looked at her, her gaze narrowed as she still found it a little hard to just imagine someone giving away a prized horse. She glanced down at said creature that was busy staring off into the yard and pursed her lips.
It would be good to have a horse. She didn't know why exactly and couldn't imagine what she would do with one but if it really was the only two options then she would rather he lived with them and roamed then be cooped up once more. She looked back to the waiting man and finally smiled she tilted her head as she replied.
"If that really is the case, then I thank him." Jeffery sighed under his breath glad to have the angry woman off his back as the horse whinnied a little in his own response. She smiled wider and slid from his back keeping her hand on his body as she slid it up to stroke his neck.
"You like that?" He turned to look at her. "Fancy living with me? Can't promise that I'll be a reliable roommate but the house is good… no rent either,"
His answer was to push his face into hers making her laugh. Daniel chuckled as he looked on happy that the horse would finally be going to a good home… he also looked at her and knew that he would be well cared for.
They ended their trip to the courtyard as Harold who was still baffled by it all, promised to have the horse fitted up by the time she left. She had to make sure he stayed and behaved as he got his makeover before waving goodbye to Daniel who waved in return and wished her a good day as he got back to work leaving her to look back at him once more before returning to the castle.
She still couldn't quiet believe that she had just been given a horse for nothing as she walked with the other man through the halls before they split – him needing to go and do official general business and she needing to go find where the others had gotten to as she wandered off up the stairs following the faint scent of where they had been last.
She found them back in Snows chambers – this time on finding them the princess had coerced the other girl into playing with make up as they sat by the large mirror. Ruby smiled brightly on seeing her.
"Regina – there you are!" Both turned to see the other girl as she smiled, not actually realizing it was willingly as she nodded and sat. She took to watching, and fending off Snows advances as she tried to approach with lipstick but in the end stuck to Ruby who didn't put up a fight.
There was to be a somewhat of a royal ball – the King had invited others from the different Kingdoms so they could gather and discuss on what to further with the King that was troubling them all. He informed Snow of this who nodded and asked if her friends could attend. He hesitated at that but in the end told her no.
As much as he knew they would scrub up well in a fine dress – he had been the spectator on having his daughter barrel through the doors dragging Ruby with her and proclaiming how nice she looked. But this was an important meeting and he still didn't know all that much about them to have them talking upfront of other royalty.
He grimaced at her unhappy expression and promised that they could come back whenever they wanted – just that tonight was important to them all as she conceded, Regina wasn't all that bothered on hearing this and Ruby wasn't either, being in the castle was one thing – having the King seemingly say it was alright for lower people to be friends with his only heir was another, but having to potentially play pretend nobility was something neither could stomach and so thanked Leopold silently for his rules of old.
Soon it was time for them to leave as they left her room and made their way down to the entrance. They needed to leave before it got too dark as she knew if she really was taking a horse with her – it wouldn't be prudent to use magic to take them home and didn't fancy walking at night through a wood.
She had yet to tell Ruby about her new gift and on Snows insistence that they say goodbye to her father stood in the middle of the study that he had been in as he spoke that he hoped the horse would better behave for her then it ever did for them. She smiled slightly uncomfortable as both Snow and Ruby looked at them on hearing that as he proceeded to tell them about the horse that allowed her near him.
She chuckled weakly feeling the burn of Ruby's gaze on her as the princess looked at her with an unreadable expression before smiling and saying that it was good that he did as she feared he would never be happy and without warning, sprung a sneak hug on her.
The conversation ended as she thanked him for the gift and when Snow had to go get ready for the ball as they left the study. She waved them goodbye before flying back up the stairs leaving them to leave through the large double doors.
"You got a horse?" She sighed and turned to her friend who was looking at her with the same unreadable expression as she slowly nodded.
"Not by choice. But it seemed that he liked me… not that I did anything, if truth be told I think he just realized there was another with a bigger attitude then he…" She trailed off shaking her head slightly as the taller girl looked on silent.
In all honesty she wasn't even going to wait but the sound of someone calling her that them both turning to see Daniel with the horse. He was catching them up and smiling as he held the reins making her blink as the fact he had reigns was something she never thought he would take to as he stopped in front on them.
"You were leaving?" She turned to him and wrinkled her nose a little as he nodded knowing that she half didn't expect the horse to actually go and half not really wanting to accept something so lavish. He looked at the horse that was standing and looking far more nicer now that he had a groom and wash.
"Well, here he is… ready and waiting." She smiled at him as she turned her attention back to the large creature. He really did look nice – a pure black coat that gleamed and shined in the sun's rays, amber liquid eyes that shone bright and his shoes all clean and trimmed.
"Do you have a name for him yet?" That made her pause. No she didn't, she hadn't thought of one truth be told and he saw her expression and laughed lightly,
"It's fine – you don't need one just yet… a horse as fine as him needs one that's fitting, it may take a while." He smiled and handed over the reins which she took hesitantly. He smiled charmingly at her before turning to Ruby.
"Hello, I am Daniel." The brunette turned to him from looking at the horse. "Ruby."
"It's nice to meet you, you're the friend Regina was talking about I take it?" She looked at him in silence for a few seconds before nodding. He tilted his head a little before turning back to the raven haired girl who had tried hard not to look at his nice face.
"It really was a pleasure to meet you today." She stared into his deep blue eyes and struggled to think of something as Ruby smirked from the side of them.
"…Same."
'Smooth move, dipstick'
He gave her one of his lop–sided smiles which almost made her melt as he looked to the horse. "I hope he fits in better with you then he did here."
She finally found her voice and nodded. "I'm sure he will." She patted his coat making him snort and Daniel chuckle. Something she could listen to all day if she could as he faced them once more.
"I hope you get home safe… are you coming back here anytime soon, or is your business done?" He waited for her answer. It dawned on her that she never actually told him why she was at the castle – and that they were friends with the princess but one could never tell with the clothes they wore as she nodded.
"I'm sure we could always find a reason." They stared at each other in silence content just like that if she had her way, but Ruby – who had been forgotten about coughed,
"We really should be heading back now, before it gets to dark." Regina managed to break her gaze away and turn to her, she could see the extreme amusement in her eyes and just knew teasing was to be expected. Something she wasn't looking forward to but in all fair's she was acting unlike herself.
Not that she could help it, he was very handsome after all… and he made her feel pretty things as she gladly turned back to him but nodded unhappily, they did have to leave and so with one final goodbye to them both. With the request that if they ever did come back they pay him a visit if not too busy, he left giving them one last look back as he vanished around the corner.
They waited until he had gone before Ruby turned to her friend, this was the best news she had all day and on seeing Regina's face knew she had it bad.
"You like him"
Regina had focused on watching him go but turned when she heard her and looked into a knowing face and eyes that danced with glee.
"No I don't… silly thing to say." She turned around and began leading the horse down the path that took them out the Kingdom as she hurried along after them. If she thought she was going to let it lie then she clearly didn't know who she had spent time with.
"You so do… and he does you can tell with his face… didn't you see."
"Your deluded."
"Oh are you going to get married." Regina nearly spluttered and turned to give her a look of disgust.
"Have you hit your head?"
"Oh please let me be maid of honor."
"Will you desist with this nonsense" They moved off the path and into the opening of the woods as they began their journey home.
"Can you imagine what the babies will look like?"
"DAM IT I' AM NOT ABOVE DISOWNING YOU!"
Ruby threw her head back and laughed as it echoed around the trees. Maleficent had to double take when she saw Regina return later that day – horse in tow as she stood in front of them with a mixture of curiosity, Mirth, mild confusion before it vanished as she took them both in.
"It's not a pissing contest dear" Regina turned to look at her, hand resting lightly on his nose as she nodded. "Never said it was"
"Just because I have mine didn't mean you had to get one decidedly…" Her eyes flickered to the large steed before back to her, amusement lacing her tone.
"Bigger."
That had the younger woman snorting as she turned her gaze back to her horse as he shuffled from foot to foot and smiled wolfishly before looking back at her.
"But you have to admit that he's impressive" Her remark had the blonde chuckling airily as she moved to stand in front of the horse, by her feet Seraphim was busy nosing the newcomer – Regina glanced down to the unicorn and was surprised to see the look on his face as she had never seen the small annoyance do anything other than eat.
He didn't look happy – she smirked inward at the look of displeasure across his horsy features… also the look of slight apprehension at something that was a whole body and half taller as he inched closer to inspect only to flee in terror at the loud neighing he received. Regina laughed heartily as the older woman glared at her before clucking her tongue and turning back to the horse.
He faced her and just like Regina he looked right into her eyes. The Faerie did her best to look menacing and was rewarded with a thoroughly disinterested whinny as he lowered his head and sniffed the dirt.
"Great" She stepped back and rolled her eyes in irritation. "Another insolent gremlin around here, one was bad enough." She looked pointedly in Regina's direction before turning and sweeping back into the castle.
"Just tell him to stay away from the rose bushes and he won't end up on the menu!" Regina watched her retreat as she turned and kissed him lightly on the nose.
"I think she likes you." He threw his head up slightly as she nodded.
"Yeah just step over him… really pisses him off when you make a height joke." Before she turned and led him around the back to what would be his new home.