A/N: Okay, episode 9, True North. It talks about Regina's pleasure in retrieving the apple, along with a certain twist at the end. I couldn't come up with much, but hopefully this is okay anyway. Sorry if it's too short.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the epic characters (and David/Charming) in the television series Once Upon a Time, those belong to the creators, writers, and ABC. these characters were brought to life by the amazing actors that play them (and Josh Dallas; just kidding) :)

She had it. The apple was finally hers. Regina was seated in her bedroom, looking at the apple with a devious glint in her eye.

"The plan is almost complete, your Majesty," her mirror commented, looking at the apple as well. Regina grinned at her little prisoner, feeling like she was on top of the world.

"Yes, I suppose it is. It only took a few dozen children, but those two little forest urchins managed to obtain it. Very clever those two. Well, the girl at least," Regina said, her eyes never leaving the apple. Now that it was in her possession, she was not going to let it out of her sight.

"Yes, quite clever. Too bad you banished them into the deep forest, hopeless to find their father."

Regina gave a laugh, relishing the hopelessness the children were in.

"Well, it seems fitting," she said, leaving her chair and standing in front of the mirror.

"How so?" he inquired.

"Because, they had a chance for greatness and didn't take it. Why should they be given anything at all after that?" The mirror seemed to be pondering his next words carefully.

"My dear Queen, what has troubled you so bad that you would cause everyone around you pain?" The question caught Regina by surprise, her mouth open to respond, only to close shut again.

Thoughts started to invade her head, thoughts left forgotten at this point in her plan. Daniel holding her in his arms, strong and warm, never wishing ill on anyone. Snow, with her innocent little child face, admitting that she had told her secret to her mother, that she was the cause her love was dead, the reason that she was who she was now. No, she couldn't think about those things now, she must stay focused on the task at hand.

Smirking at the mirror, she ran her hand over the frame, relishing in how uncomfortable the trapped genie looked.

"That is none of your concern, mirror," she said, walking away from him, only to see his face on the vanity across the room.

Regina gave a small groan, sitting back down on the chair, closing her eyes so she wouldn't have to look at the starstruck phantom.

He was beginning to be a real pain. He usually never asked questions, just quietly followed her around like a lovesick puppy. Why was he so interested in her reasoning now?

"It matters not what my hardships are, mirror, so leave well enough alone," she said, opening her eyes and seeing that he had vanished, for now.

Picking up her precious apple, Regina walked over to a small chest of drawers near her bed, pulling out a small velvet pouch. Putting the apple inside it, she pulled the string closed and hid it in the folds of her dress, refusing to let it ever leave her sight until the task was complete, until Snow White bit into it and she would finally be the one on top.

Looking around, Regina noticed a particular absence.

"Mirror, have you seen my father?" Regina asked, seeing the genie's face once again flood onto the clear glass.

"I'm afraid I have not, your Majesty. I have not seen him in quite some time." Letting out a sigh, Regina picked up her skirts and left her room, looking through the rooms of the castle, her father seeming to be nowhere.

Panic began to quickly rise in Regina's chest, a lump forming in her throat. After what had happened to Daniel, Regina couldn't bear the thought of losing someone else she loved, the only other person she loved. Her searching began to be more frantic.

"Daddy!" she screamed in the archway, running to try and find her father. No matter how many times she shouted, however, it did little good, her father never answered.

She burst into his quarters, hoping beyond hope he would be there. She was disappointed to see he was not, but a small note donned his desk.

Cautiously, Regina approached the desk, her heart thumping in her chest. Picking it up, Regina jumped back when the paper turned into a puff of smoke, a pinched man's face appearing from the smoke.

"Her Majesty, the Queen of Hearts regrets to inform you that your father has been taken into Wonderland, a prisoner in her Majesty's court. Swear your allegiance to her Majesty and she will return him to you safe and sound. Refuse, and he will stay a prisoner in our world inevitably." The smoke vanished, leaving Regina to stare at the empty space, her eyes wide in fear. Her father...was in Wonderland.

"That witch!" Regina shouted, pulling all her energy together for one colossal blow of magic, shattering everything in its path, turning the room into a pile of rubble.

Breathing heavily, Regina turned to see the mirror's face in a sliver of glass.

"Leave me alone, you wretched wall ornament," she spat, running from the room, only to see his disgusting face appear in any possible glass surface as she walked away.

"What is your plan, ma'am?" he asked, his tone even, knowing full well the state she was in. Regina was about to turn on him again, but she thought better of it.

Pausing, Regina took a moment to compose herself, pulling a stray piece of hair back in its place.

"This is...an unfortunate turn of events," she said carefully, resuming her walk at a slower place. "Looks like we have a bit of delay in our plan, mirror. Leave me, I need to plan a rescue."

"But how does your Majesty plan on doing such a thing?" the mirror asked, his questions grating on the queen's last nerve.

"What happened to the silent lovestruck genie who spent his time praising every little thing I did?" Regina asked, taking pleasure in his downcast face, silent.

"Better," she remarked, beginning to leave. "And let's just say...I'm going to visit an old friend."

A/N: Ooh, twisty indeed! I thought that this would be a good a time as any to have her father abducted. Sorry if that doesn't coincide with the story, I actually haven't seen the episodes in awhile, going on what I remember, so sorry if there isn't any continuity. Hope it was okay and that I have captured all the characters pretty well.