A/N: Hey, this is the oneshot for Episode 18- The Stable Boy. It's about how Daniel and Regina fall in love. I've got to say, after this episode I was definitely Team Regina (still thinks she's a bitch though, she just has a good reason for it)
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) :)
"Regina, come inside at once!" her mother yelled from the entrance to their large house.
Regina, laying out on a grassy hill nearby, yelled back at her mother.
"Just five more minutes, mother! Please?" It really wasn't a matter of what she wanted though, and in a few seconds, Regina yelped as something jerked her up painfully and began to lift her into the air, cruelly jerking her towards the house.
I will not cry, I will not cry, she's not getting anything from me, Regina thought over and over as she finally made her ungraceful tumble at the door, her mother glaring down at her.
"Now look what you have done," her mother fussed, pulling Regina up and dusting off her outfit. Between laying in the grass and falling onto the ground, her dress was not only wrinkled, but stained with grass and dirt.
Her mother then spent the next ten minutes fixing her dress, her hair, and all the while complaining.
"Now what respectable man is going to want someone who won't follow simple orders? I mean really Regina, your hair is a disaster, you need to stay inside like a regular lady and learn something practical, like sewing."
Regina groaned, but was saved by her father entering the room.
"Cora, she's only nine years old, let her have a little fun," he said, nothing but kindness in his eyes, gently plucking her mother's hands from wiping at another spot of dirt on her dress.
Regina gave her father a quick smile as her mother started on her father.
"Henry, when I was her age, I was cleaning my house top to bottom and taking care of all the household chores. I obeyed my parents and did as I was told, not running off chasing butterflies and whatnot."
Henry just gave a lighthearted chuckle and began to move her towards the parlor.
"And that's why I love you, but let Regina have a little fun, she isn't even double digits yet."
Cora continued to grumble as she left with Henry, leaving Regina alone.
Now that the witch is gone. Regina thought, she scurried towards her room. Her bedroom a grand thing for a nine year old, with large oak furnishings and lavish blankets and curtains.
She edged open her window and climbed to the roof, balancing on the edge like she once saw a performer do at one of her father's parties.
She laid down on the smooth roof, letting the summer breeze tickle her nose. Regina often came up here when her evil mother wasn't glaring at her with those empty vulture eyes.
Just thinking about them made her shudder. Even at nine Regina realized she was never going to be good enough for her mother. While she wanted to play and sing and get dirty, her mother was cool and stiff, yelling at her to be quiet and still, to act like a proper lady. Regina snorted.
Who is so say what is proper anyway? Regina never liked her mother, always too commanding, asking for the stars and the moon and then angry when you don't hand over the sun as well. Not to mention her magic.
Regina hated whenever her mother used magic on her, there was something dark and twisted about it, not lovely and happy like a fairy's.
Oh, if only she had a friend that she could talk to about things like this, someone who would laugh at her jokes and enjoy her company.
"Oh please, give me a friend," Regina said to the breeze, hoping a unicorn or a fairy would overhear and grant her wish.
But all was silent, and after a few more minutes her mother yelled for her and Regina leapt down from her perch, going to do her mother's bidding, the wish still on her mind.
Seven years had past from that day on the roof, and Regina had matured more in that time.
She understood the only way to make her mother happy was to do as she was told, and if her mother was pleased, she could do something she actually wanted to do.
The years had been kind to the young girl, making her childish looks into that of a more mature and beautiful young lady. But her insides were still that of her younger self, much preferring to do something crazy, like sword fighting or even something as simple as gardening, but her mother always disapproved.
One day she managed to give her mother the slip, who was arguing too much with the serving girl over something broken to notice. Bad for the servant, good for her.
Leaving the stuffy confines of the house, Regina began to walk around the acres of land her father owned. Regina could never quite understand why her mother preferred to stay locked up inside, outside was an amazing escape, the sounds of birds and insects filling the world with a beautiful chorus that never seemed to end.
"Now where are you?" Regina asked in the wind, a particular place in mind. Her mother never liked having her around it, but Regina never could resist.
Taking a small trek past the extravagant gardens until all that surrounded her was open grass Regina let her feet carry to her destination.
Looking around, Regina found what she was looking for. Making sure no one could see her, Regina rushed over to the small wooden building, opening the door and shutting it quickly, hoping no one had seen her.
Taking a deep breath, Regina gave a small smile as the scent of horses, hay, and sweat filled her nostrils. Yes, the stables were her own secret pleasure. Whenever her mother was too distracted or didn't need her, Regina would rush off to the stables to see the horses, to feed them, brush them, and more importantly, ride them.
Ever since she was eleven, Regina had had a fascination with the horses, but because of her mother, riding them was easier said than done. Now though, Regina was more skilled in riding, and constantly found more time to do it, choosing mostly to ride at night when everyone was asleep.
All the servants were under her mother's thumb, if any of them saw her doing this, her mother would be the first to know and Regina would lose the one thing she really enjoyed.
She walked over to her favorite horse, a black stallion, the pride of their horses, her father had once told her.
He was a beautiful one, black coat shining in the dim sunlight coming from the cracks of the stable. "Hello, Darius, ready for a ride?" Darius whinnied a response, bucking up and down in his stall.
"Okay, let's go."
Regina loved to work with Darius more than the others, they seemed to be connected in some way.
Ever since she had gotten the basics, Regina had always tried new things eager for a challenge, careful to hide her riding injuries from her parents. Today, she was going to go bareback, no saddle.
Regina shook with anticipation as she began to replace her frilly purple dress and corset for the riding outfit she hid in the back, lacing up her riding boots. Pulling back her hair in a braid, she pulled Darius with her into the sunlight, the light warming both of them as Regina pulled him to a more secluded part of her father's estate.
"Okay, let's do this," Regina said, pulling herself up onto an eager Darius. He whinnied in response, and gave a quick gallop.
She hadn't been ready though, tumbling from the horse and falling hard on her hands and knees. Regina let out a gasp of pain, slowly standing up and brushing the dirt off of her. Taking a quick assessment, Regina confirmed nothing was broken, just a few scratches and bruises forming, nothing she couldn't handle.
Clicking her tongue, Darius came trotting back over, head bent down. Lifting her hand, Regina comforted him.
"It's all right, I'm fine," she soothed, brushing her hand along his dark coat, plucking an apple from a nearby tree and holding it out to Darius. After a reluctant second, he gratefully took a bite and they were ready to start over.
After a few grueling hours, Regina was able to stay on the horse without the saddle.
"Okay, boy, one more lap and than it's time to go," Regina said sadly, munching on an apple. Her mother was probably still distracted, but soon she would begin to wonder where she was.
As if sensing her sadness, Darius brushed his head against hers. Regina smiled, brushing back his mane and pulled herself up.
"Giddy up!" Regina yelled, the wind immediately whipping her hair back. Darius was going a little faster than before, making it that much harder for her to keep a hold of him, but Regina liked the challenge.
But Darius bucked off a little too far, heading towards the small wood nearby.
"Whoa, slow down. Stop, boy!" Regina yelled, but he wasn't listening. Branches started to scratch past her, her face stinging. She was so distracted by trying to get Darius to stop that she didn't even notice the tree root blocking their path.
Darius leapt over it, but Regina hadn't anticipated it, flying from the horse and somersaulting to the grown.
As soon as she landed on the ground, her left ankle flared with pain, Regina yelping. Darius was gone, Regina hearing him galloping away. Regina was stranded in the woods, her ankle possibly broken, with no one around.
Struggling to pull herself up, Regina gasped at the pain and fell back.
"Need some help?"
Regina jerked her head around, trying to find the source of the voice. In the shadows, a boy was approaching, rushing to kneel next to her. He was about her age, maybe a few years older, with brown hair and eyes and a large frame suggesting he spent most of his time doing some sort of labor. He went down to put his arms around her when she jerked away.
"What...who are you? How long have you been there?" Regina asked, panic in her voice. She was going to be kidnapped, she would never see her father again, this was her price for being disobedient.
As the boy started to lift her up, Regina began to writhe, kicking at him with her good leg.
"Help! Help! Ruffian, kidnapper, please, someone help me!" she screamed, flailing for all she was worth. The boy was strong, and held her in a steady grasp, grunting with the effort.
"Ma'am, hold still. I'm trying to help you!" he shouted, trying to get her to calm down, but Regina wasn't falling for it.
"Help!" Regina screamed again, than found herself falling onto the ground, careful not to land on her bad leg.
"Regina, control yourself!" he shouted, his eyes growing wide as he realized what he said and tried to correct it. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"Who are you?" Regina commanded. The boy's face began to turn red as he seemed to find an answer.
"Um...I'm the stableman's apprentice," he said, focusing incredibly hard on a clod of dirt near her foot.
"So...you work for my father?" Regina began to relax. He wasn't a ruffian, just a servant who had come to aid her. Wait a second.
"I didn't call out when I fell. How did you know where I was?" Regina demanded, but the stable boy had apparently gained some composure.
"For a lady who's mother says to keep silent, you sure ask quite a lot of questions."
Regina flared up indignantly, but shut her mouth, her eyes boring into the stable boy.
"So, ma'am, are you going to allow me to assist you to your house, or would you rather drag yourself there, either way I'm particularly leaning towards seeing you crawl home and explaining the injury to your mother."
Regina looked at the boy dumbly, too confused for words. Who was this boy, who had enough courage to speak so rudely towards her, his employer. Instead of getting offended, however, Regina rather liked him. He didn't treat her like a porcelain teacup.
"Just for that remark I should have you find and carry my horse as well, stableboy," Regina said, trying very hard not to laugh. The boy seemed to be trying as well.
"Well, ma'am if you so desire, should I go catch a unicorn to keep you company? I am at your service." Both struggled not to laugh, but in a matter of moments they were both laughing so hard tears ran down their faces.
"Ow!" Regina yelped, having rolled onto her ankle. That changed the boy, causing him to fall to her side immediately and checking her ankle, his face a serious mask. Regina took this opportunity to study the boy.
She didn't recognize him, but since he worked in the stables and she only went in there when no one was around, it made sense.
"What's your name?" she asked, blushing when she realized she had asked yet another question. The boy brought his head up from her ankle, a smile beginning to creep up on his face.
"Daniel," he stated, gently putting her leg down.
"Well, Doctor Daniel, what is the damage? Will I walk again?" she said playfully, enjoying it when he smiled back at her.
"Well, it was just a small sprain, in a few days you should be good as new. However, I do ask you to allow this devilishly handsome boy to help you home, doctor's orders."
Regina laughed as he put his arms around her again and lifted her up, his grasp strong and steady. Regina rather liked that, she found herself admitting.
He carried her out of the woods, Regina trying to start a conversation with the strange boy.
She had never really had anyone to talk to, but this boy seemed like he was interested in what she had to say, listening and answering questions when they came up.
"Wait," Regina said, as they got close to the stables. Daniel stopped.
"What is it?" Regina blushed.
"Um...my mother really doesn't know that I come out here to ride. My dress is in the stables. I need to..." Regina let her sentence fall away, her face burning.
Daniel didn't seem to notice, just hefting her up farther in his arms and walked into the stables.
"Can you stand on your own?" Daniel asked, concern, not embarrassment, in his voice. Regina nodded. He gently put her on the ground, turning around so his back was facing her.
"If you need anything, just say it and I'll help."
"Okay," Regina said hesitantly, moving towards her small pile of clothes. What was she doing? Why was he so composed?
Her face continued to burn as she pulled off her jacket and started unbuttoning her shirt. She constantly checked to see if he was looking at her, but Daniel kept right where he was, not moving an inch.
Somehow she managed to get her corset and dress on without incident, hobbling on her one good foot to hide her riding clothes. Regina cleared her throat to signal she was done.
Daniel turned, and Regina noticed his face was a little red too. Somehow, that made her feel better about her burning face.
"Are you sure you can lift me in this?" Regina asked, gesturing to the gown. Luckily it was one of her simpler dresses, not a frilly circus tent or she might have to walk next to him the whole way. Daniel nodded and lifted her up again, leaving the stable and continuing on to the house.
As they made their way to her house, they resumed talking.
Daniel had been brought here two years ago for the apprenticeship, having to leave his parents and three brothers and two sisters. Regina asked him questions about siblings, being an only child herself.
"They do get on your nerves a lot, but their family, so you have to love them," he said, his smile making Regina feel all warm inside.
What was wrong with her? Maybe she had caught a nasty bug out here, she would ask her mother what to treat for it.
Regina told him about her mother and her powers. Daniel listened intently, blanching when she told him how her mother would lift her into the air and pull her like a puppet when she disobeyed.
Regina found herself rather enjoying talking to Daniel, he was the only person she had ever actually talked to, and she realized she had a lot to say. He never tried to interrupt or scold her for something rude she said, but really listened, paying attention and giving his own opinion on some things.
All too soon, though, they were in her foyer and her mother seemed to have smoke trailing in her wake.
"What happened, Regina, who is this, where have you been?" Her mother screeched as she lifted her up with a wave of her hand, glaring at Daniel. He kept his composure, putting on a mask of a servant, not a friend.
"Um...well you see..." Regina spluttered, realizing she had no excuse for how she had gotten this sprain. Daniel stepped in, however.
"The lady was trying to prevent a bee from stinging her," he began, his voice strong but humble, once again a lowly servant.
"While swatting at the insect, she tripped on a tree root and fell down a hill, spraining her ankle. I was just coming back from the stables when I heard her calling for help. I lifted her up and brought her home, knowing that you as her mother would like to know where she was."
Regina just stared at him, this boy again saving her life. The story was was a weak one but considering Regina was deathly allergic to bee stings it seemed believable.
And during the entire explanation he did not sound cocky, didn't have a smile, just seemed to recite it in a blank, respectable manner.
Regina had to remind herself that he was still a servant, someone her mother believed to be lower than her. Her mother walked up to the boy, uncertainty clouding her features. Regina wasn't sure whether she was going to believe him or not, when she turned from the boy and gestured to one of the serving girls.
"Take Regina to her room, make sure her leg is elevated and put a cold cloth on her ankle. I will be there shortly." She snapped her fingers and Regina's bonds fell, floating slowly to the girls, being careful about her bad leg.
"I suppose a thank you is in order, stableboy," her mother said, and that was that. She ended the conversation at that and Daniel bowed respectfully.
"Anything to help, milady, ma'am," he said, leaving out the door.
Regina was in bed, the cold cloth feeling good on her ankle, looking out her window, a smile on her face.
"Daniel," she said, loving the way his name sounded. He was the only person she had ever talked to, ever shared her thoughts with in her seventeen years of living, and even after such a shirt exchange, already she missed him, which was foolish she knew. Not because he was a stable boy, no Regina wasn't petty like her mother. No, it was because she didn't like this feeling, this warmth.
True, she enjoyed the fact that someone could make her laugh and already she really liked him, but she knew whatever she had with Daniel was done now, nothing more than a happy memory, and she should just forget about it. With that thought in mind, Regina ffelt herself begin to doze off, the stableboy's face still fresh in her mind.
Tap, tap, tap.
Regina bolted up, looking for the source of the sound.
Tap tap.
Regina noticed that it was dark out, she had slept the entire afternoon away. Taking a few seconds to adjust to the darkness, Regina discovered the sound was coming from her window.
She stood up gingerly, her ankle still a little sore. Walking over to the window, she lifted it open to find a grinning Daniel there, a soft light from a lamp illuminating his face. Regina forgot herself and smiled, gesturing for him to come inside, shutting the latch behind him.
"What are you doing here?" Regina hissed in the darkness. "If anyone finds you in here, you'll be killed for sure!"
"Still asking questions I see," Daniel remarked, Regina hearing the smile in his voice.
"Well, forgive me, but when a strange boy I hardly know starts coming into my room at the odd hours of the night when my mother is an insane witch, I have the liberty to ask questions!" Regina said, trying not to show that she was pleased to see him. Daniel ignored the comment, a mischievous smirk on his face.
"Here, you really don't need to be walking on that foot, sit down," Daniel said, pulling up a small stool in the dim light. Reluctantly, Regina sat down, feeling a little exposed.
Not a few hours ago she had met this boy, and now here he was crawling into her bedroom. He seemed to understand her awkwardness.
"I'm sorry, I'm making you uncomfortable," he said, Regina barely making out his face in the gloom. "It's just...I wanted to see if you were okay. I mean..." Daniel seemed to be at a loss for words.
"It's fine, I'm fine, thank you for checking up on me," Regina said helpfully. Daniel seemed to nod, edging towards the window.
"Will I see you again?" Regina asked quickly as he began to climb out the window. A pause came from the gloom. Then, a mockingly somber voice came to her in the darkness.
"If you say so, milady, I am here to serve you and your family after all." Regina smiled, the awkwardness gone.
"Well, I do say so, in fact, meet me at the stables whenever you here this." Regina gave a soft, high-pitched four note whistle.
"As you wish," Daniel said, and he was gone.
Regina smiled, walking back to her bed, falling asleep with a smile on her face, looking forward to her next trip to the stables.
This went on for the next two years, Regina meeting up with Daniel at the stables whenever she could manage.
They would spend their time talking, laughing and riding. The two had become quite good friends, but as Regina became older and older, they found themselves having to spend less and less time together.
"I'm almost nineteen, and mother is spending every waking hour trying to make me presentable to my fictional husband," Regina said one day, after having not seen Daniel for weeks.
This always seemed to be a sore subject for Daniel so she proceeded with caution. As she suspected, he stiffened, his jaw becoming hard. Regina grimaced.
"I know, I know, it's horrible, but she won't stop. I just don't think..." Regina faltered, her voice cracking.
Traitor.
"You don't think that we can be together, that this...isn't going to work," Daniel said. It wasn't a question. Regina lowered her head. After only a few years Daniel was the only person that ever got her.
"I...don't think so. Look Daniel, I love spending time with you. You're the only person that keeps me sane but...I can't keep hiding this huge part of my life from everyone. I want to tell people about my riding and how good I am and how I actually have a friend but...my mother would chew you up and spit you out before I even had time to finish the explanation. No one will understand that I'm friends with you."
"Because I'm a servant, a person below you," Daniel scoffed, anger tinting his words. Regina blanched at his remark.
"Now that's not fair, you know I don't care about that-"
"But everyone else does," Daniel interrupted, standing up from their shady little spot under a tree.
"Daniel, wait," Regina pleaded, standing up and moving towards him.
"No, Regina, you made it perfectly clear that this won't work. You rather make your mother happy at the expense of your own joy. When you realize what a mistake that is, I'll be waiting."
Daniel untied his horse from a branch and galloped off, leaving Regina alone, a hole slowly forming in her heart.
She didn't see Daniel again after that, she stopped riding and her mother dominated every spare second to making her representable for who knows who.
In the passing months, Regina had become miserable, missing the adrenaline of riding, the wind whipping her hair, and most importantly, her time with Daniel.
It didn't help that her father was having a huge dance in her honor, a coming of age sort of thing. Her mother didn't forget to constantly mention that the place would be filled with potential suitors.
"Now we will see how well you have listened to me," she said one morning, already bustling Regina hither and thither trying to get her prepared for the festivities. Keeping in a groan, Regina was even more miserable than ever.
"Mother, I have done all that you ask for these last few months, done every little thing you have asked, may I please have some time alone to myself?" Regina knew it was no use, but she needed to try. She was rewarded, of course, with a glare and a curt
"Most certainly not."
Her mother than proceeded to drag Regina into one of the rooms in her home she rarely visited, the dance hall.
"Today you will be learning how to dance around the room like an elegantly lady." This time Regina couldn't keep it in and let out a groan, but luckily her mother hadn't noticed, welcoming in no doubt her dance instructor.
"This is Claudius, he and I will be teaching you the fundamentals of the dancing art." Regina politely smiled at the man, a tall, extravagant man who seemed nice enough. He bowed low, grasping Regina's hand and kissing it.
"Madam, I am at your service," he said in a clipped accent. Regina politely curtsied, and the lessons began.
An hour later, her mother was not at all satisfied.
"Your poise is awful, your movements jerky, what is wrong with you?" she asked, flaring up as Regina again failed to perform a certain sway the precise way. Claudius never once tried to talk over her mother, as afraid of her as everyone else she knew.
"Perhaps it is because she needs a partner more appropriate," Claudius put in, trying to be helpful to the angered woman.
"While I am a great teacher, Regina perhaps may need to dance with someone more fitting for her style, perhaps someone her age, and, I must admit, my size and stature are not very compatible towards hers."
Regina smiled kindly, trying very hard not to bolt from the room.
"Well, where are we going to find someone who is a more suitable partner here?" her mother asked, throwing her hands up in what seemed like defeat.
Regina only dared to hope that this might give her some time alone. Her wish was not granted, however, when her mother glanced out the window and a smile came to her face.
Oh no, Regina inwardly thought. What was her mother thinking?
Her mother glided over towards the window, throwing it open with a flourish of her hand, calling out to someone outside.
"Excuse me, boy! Yes you. Come here, don't just stand there," her mother called out to someone Regina couldn't see.
What is she doing?
Her mother continued to talk to the person. Standing at the other end of the hall, Regina was unable to see who the person was or hear their side of the conversation.
"Boy, how light are you on your feet? What do you know about dancing?" her mother asked the stranger.
He seemed to respond positively, because her mother smiled again and gestured for him to meet her at the front of the room. Regina patiently waited for the man to come in. Who had her mother seen? Was she going to have to dance with whoever walked in?
Regina let out a sigh, wishing more than ever to be outside on Darius, the summer breeze mocking her through the window. A few seconds later her mother came back, and who she was with made Regina gasp.
Standing next to her mother was Daniel, standing at attention, stiff as stone.
"Luckily this stableboy was walking by, he's perfect for her practice. You know my daughter Regina I'm sure," she said, the closest thing to delight she was going to get in her voice, happy at her apparent good fortune.
Daniel just nodded, not meeting her eyes. Regina could already feel her face flushing, the old wound in her heart opening up again.
"Well then, Claudius and I will demonstrate the more simpler moves and then Regina you and the boy will practice, and please dear, at least act like you're trying your best."
Regina nodded meekly, looking away from Daniel and focusing every part of her being on watching her mother and Claudius glide across the dance floor.
Regina had to admit, it was an amazing sight, the two perfectly synchronizing their moves in one brilliant dance. They finished dancing, though, and Regina began to feel her stomach flutter as Daniel obediently walked up to her, grasping her waist and holding her hand in his.
"Now, begin," her mother chimed, and the music began.
Daniel began to guide Regina around the length of the floor, nimbly moving around, more graceful than Regina had ever seen him. As they continued to dance, everything else began to melt away from Regina, until it was just her and him, dancing and floating around, everything lost but the two at this moment.
Daniel was slowly warming up to Regina, the coldness in his eyes waning a little. Whenever Regina tried to focus on her feet or the next move, he would just whisper, "Don't worry about the moves, focus on me."
It seemed an eternity between them, Regina's stomach twisting in knots. They seemed so perfect together, intertwined in perfect unison. Daniel's faced lean in close to hers, his breath tickling her face.
At that moment, Regina wanted nothing more to kiss him. The thought both shocked and terrified her. She had never thought of anything that rash, but as always, Regina was up to the challenge.
Before she had the chance though, Regina's mother clapped her hands and everything came back in a rush. She wasn't alone with Daniel, she was in the ballroom once again with her mother gazing at her with approval.
"Well, it seems that is as good as she's going to get under such short notice," she said.
"Thank, Claudius, you have been a tremendous help. And you, stableboy, be off with you, you're finished here." Daniel had turned to stone once again, stiffly bowing and then leaving.
Regina looked after him, wanting so badly to follow him, but her mother grabbed her in her viselike talons, ushering her on saying something about ball gowns, the moment ruined.
The rest of the week as the ball was getting closer and closer, Regina began to think more and more about Daniel. What was he doing? What did he think about the dance? Was he still angry with her?
Questions and thoughts clouded Regina's mind every second not devoted to etiquette, poise, dance, style and other nonsense of that variety. Her mother mistook her quietness for nervousness.
"Don't worry, darling, I believe that I have trained you well enough to receive a husband worthy of our standing. Just smile and remember what I taught you." Regina just nodded politely, her thoughts resuming once more to the stableboy.
The night of the ball came, and Regina was dreading it. All those wealthy people complaining about their troubles while being served by people they think are below them, and all those men who would surely be sizing her up as a piece of meat.
Her mother made sure she would be the prettiest piece of meat there, though. Wearing a midnight blue ball gown, beautiful designs sewn all around the hem, the sleeves coming off her shoulders made of a lighter silk. Her hair was down, curled to perfection with small pearls strung into it.
"You look beautiful," her father said, gesturing for Regina to twirl. She did so, a small smile on her face. Her father was such a kind man, showing no signs of anger or cruelty, unlike her mother he was a gentle soul, a man who had made his wealth the honorable way, and having her father here made this ball a little bit easier.
"You really think so?" she asked, looking once more into the mirror. She had been so focused on this event for the past few weeks, that she began to feel like her mother, wanting everything to be perfect for this night.
"Of course, Regina, and I believe any man out in that room would be the luckiest man in the world if you even allowed them to dance with you." Regina smiled at her father.
"I love you, Daddy," she said, hugging him for all she was worth. She was stalling, she knew it, but Regina couldn't bear the thought of going out there.
Her mother must have expected something like this to happen, coming in a few seconds later and dragging her father away, leaving Regina alone in the room.
Sooner or later though, Regina had to come out, and as soon as her father called her name, Regina took a deep breath and pushed through the door, stares and whispers greeting her.
After a few kinds words from her father, the music began to swell from the band and the dance began.
Regina politely swerved from guest to guest, thanking them for coming and blushing when they complimented her dress, doing everything her mother instructed she do.
After several minutes of this Regina was ready to explode, walking outside to clear her head. It seemed that someone else had the same idea.
A man walked out after her, a goblet in his hand, his mouth twitching up into a smile when he saw her. He looked the same as everyone else at the party, slicked back hair, sparkling eyes, a devilish grin and very expensive clothes.
"Nice gathering," he remarked, knocking back the contents of his glass in one gulp.
"If you like stuffy rooms with equally stuffy people, then yes, it is quite a party," Regina remarked, begging for the boy to go away and leave her to brood in peace. He obviously didn't take the hint, edging closer towards her, smiling with perfect white teeth.
"Well, those are the best kind," he said sarcastically, causing Regina to smile. Maybe this won't be so bad if she just gave some people a chance.
"So, mystery man, what lordly name are you entitled with?"
"Prince Louis of distant Westchester, at your service madame Regina," he said, bowing so low his hair brushed the ground, coming back up with a grin. Regina gave a small laugh.
"Louis?" she asked teasingly.
"Mother wanted a very regal son, which is what came with the name. May I compliment the guest of honor with a dance?" Giving a smile, Regina nodded. He took her hand in his and went to the dance floor.
The two chatted as they danced, mocking the lords and ladies, occasionally she would dance with another guest, but she would often go back to Louis, laughing and making small talk, Regina finding herself warming up to him.
Regina was actually having a good time with Louis, even though he did drink quite a few glasses of wine. He asked if they could go outside for some fresh air. Regina obliged, noting her mother's watchful eye. Perfect, next thing I know she'll be talking to him about a dowry.
They went out near the gardens, the cool night air refreshing after the warm dance hall. Louis seemed a little bit like her, hating the qualities of regal life.
"I just wish there was a way I could live another life, be someone else for a change," he said, gazing into the fountain in the middle of the garden, the lights casting colors over the rushing water.
Regina sat next to him, amazed at what he had said. This seemed to be the only person at this party who understood her, agreed with her views of the world.
A thought came to Regina, a smile creeping up on her face.
"Then let's be someone else," she said, grabbing a perplexed Louis away from the party, the lights and music fading away. Regina kept pulling Louis forward, Louis giving in as they went farther away from the others.
Regina found what she was looking for, pulling Louis excitedly towards the entrance of the stable, a mischievous grin on her face. Louis smiled too, walking into the stable.
Regina pulled out a small lamp and lit it, illuminating it in a dim glow.
"This is my favorite place to come to, it's where I hide from my parents, where I go when I'm tired of being someone from a wealthy family," Regina said confidentially, absently brushing one of the horses.
"Well, my dear Regina, I wouldn't think an innocent little girl like you would have any secrets from your family," Louis said absently, looking around the large stables and the horses. Regina smiled.
"I'm not that innocent," she said. "I keep secrets just like everyone else. Now, do you want to have some real fun?" Regina asked.
Louis grinned, seeming to look sinister in the gloom.
"I thought you would never ask," he said, approaching her. Regina smiled, moving to open Darius' stall, when Louis grabbed her by the shoulders, whipping her around in a tight grip.
"What are you-" Regina began, put Louis planted his lips on hers, silencing her.
Panic began to fill Regina. What was he doing? Trying to pull away, Louis tightened his grip, leaving Regina powerless.
She tried to struggle, tried to move, but Louis rammed her up against the stall, making it impossible to move. Regina tried to move away from him, trying to get her lips away from his, but this only encouraged his aggressive behavior.
His breath stank of wine and sweat, making Regina want to gag.
"Get away from her!" someone shouted, causing Louis to swing around drunkenly, Regina still could taste him on her lips.
Standing in the gloom, looking as angry and beautiful as an avenging angel, was Daniel. Louis glared at the stableboy, apparently irritated that he had been interrupted.
"Go away, servant boy, we're a little busy," he said gruffly. Regina looked at Daniel, pleading him to help. Daniel gave a harsh smirk.
"Now, I don't think that's a very good idea. Step away from the lady, or we will have a very big problem on our hands." This just caused Louis to laugh, making Regina's skin crawl.
"Or you'll what, boy?" he asked, a cruel smirk on his face. "You lay a finger on me and you'll be dead before you could grovel forgiveness. Now leave, unless you'd like a turn with her," he said, turning back to Regina.
She stared at him, complete horror in her face. What had she gotten herself into? Regina took her chance, opening her mouth and scream for all she was worth, before Louis clamped his hand over her mouth, leering at her.
He had been sloppy to shush her though, letting his grip on her weaken, the stall no longer immobilizing her.
Lifting up her leg, Regina dug the sharp heel of her shoe into Louis' relishing his cry in pain.
As he doubled over, Daniel was there, grabbing him by the shoulders and turning him around until he faced him head on. Before Louis even had time to react, Daniel punched him right in the face, causing the man to reel and fall, gazing around dazed, and angry.
Daniel kicked him squarely in the face, his thick riding boot breaking Louis' nose, blood spurting out and covering his face. Regina went after him to, grabbing a riding crop and slashing Louis across the chest and torso, a cut blooming fresh blood on his fancy coat.
The man struggled to get up, throwing a poor punch at Daniel, but he was ready. Using Louis' momentum against him, Daniel lifted him off the ground, bodily throwing him through the stable doors.
Regina stood there numbly, the riding crop limp in her hands. She watched as Daniel walked out, jerking Louis up, anger causing him to shake.
"You even look at her again, or try to blame me for your injuries, I will tell her parents all about this little scene in the stables, and I believe you know the certain 'power' her mother has. Try that with any other girl or go back and accuse me of even seeing you, I will assure you, I will be the least of your problems. Do you understand?" Daniel asked, causing Louis to shrink back, whimpering. Louis nodded slowly, and Daniel picked him up and pushed him forward, causing him to stumble and fall.
Regina began to slowly approach the doors, numb and faint from what had just happened. But this tremendous ordeal couldn't have lasted but a few minutes, which scared the daylights out of her. Regina had never had anything like this happen to her.
She slowly fell down the length of the stable wall, watching as Daniel helped Louis up and said in a too cheery voice, "My, have a bit to much to drink, sir? Wondering in the stables in this state could cause a lot of accidents couldn't it?" Louis just nodded weakly as Daniel helped him back to the house, Regina staying right where she was, not moving for what seemed like forever.
She was still sitting on the ground when she heard someone walking towards the stables. Regina stiffened, fear in every fiber of her being. She let out a deep breath when she saw that it was Daniel.
As soon as he came close to her, Regina burst into sobs, her body shaking as Daniel knelt down next to her and put his arms around her, holding her as she sobbed, the last few minutes coming back in full force.
"He...I didn't... know..." Regina spluttered between breaths.
"Shh, I know, I know Regina, it wasn't your fault," Daniel said soothingly, brushing her hair out of her face and rocking her gently.
"Please...please don't leave. I'm so sorry for what I said back then, I didn't mean it," Regina blubbered, nothing making sense to her right now.
"I'm not going anywhere, I will not leave you, Regina," Daniel soothed, and as Regina slowly seemed began to fall asleep, she swore she heard him murmur, "I love you."
It had been one week since the incident at the ball, and Regina had moved on regardless of what had happened. Whenever her mother wasn't around, Daniel would appear and they would talk again as if nothing had happened over the past few months.
Everything was back to normal, her mother not devoting every second to having Regina married off, no one ever heard of the incident with Louis, and life was going on fine.
But now, there was something Regina needed to say, needed to tell her parents, something she should have said long ago.
Taking a deep breath, Regina opened up the dining room door where her parents were having breakfast.
"Mother, father, there's something I need to tell. Something I've been doing for awhile now and it's about time you found out about it," Regina said, as she sat down and told her parents about her riding.
When she had finished, her father was smiling admirably at her, while her mother didn't seem to know how she felt about it.
"Well I think riding is an excellent sport, Regina. I am amazed that you managed to teach yourself. Rather remarkable indeed," her father mused, a smile on his face. Regina returned the smile, it faltering when she turned to look at her mother.
After a few moments, her mother spoke.
"I suppose riding isn't a horrible activity to participate in," she said, which was as close to an approval as Regina was going to get.
"So, it's okay of I keep riding?" Regina asked hopefully. Her father and her mother looked at each other for a moment, before her father gave a nod.
"In fact, I will help with your training. Perhaps there are some contests you could participate in," her father said. A huge grin spread across Regina's face, running up to her father, Regina gave him the biggest hug she could.
"Shall we get started?" Henry asked when she let go.
Regina was saddling up Darius when Daniel walked in, a small smile on his face.
"Your father has just informed me that I will help you in anyway I can with your riding," he said. Regina looked up at him, feeling absolutely elated.
"Well then, I suppose we will be seeing a lot of each other, now won't we...," Regina said, looking at him, her eyebrows raising.
"Daniel, ma'am," he said, bowing and kissing her hand. Regina laughed, and as he came back up, Daniel pulled her into a hug. Regina returned it, half afraid of her parents walking in, but that was half the fun.
Looking up at him, Regina made a choice she should have made a long time ago.
Leaning up, Regina kissed him, warmth flooding her chest as their lips connected. Daniel stiffened in surprise but quickly returned the kiss, embracing her tighter.
They both pulled away, taking deep breaths. Regina's face was pink as she looked at her lifelong friend, realizing that she never wanted to be away from him.
"I love you," she said, the words sounding right to her ears. Daniel just smiled, cupping his hand to her face, his lips brushing hers softly.
"I love you too," he murmured, putting his face towards hers. "Ever since that day I saw you ride, I have loved you." Regina let out a nervous giggle, being so close to him while her parents were so nearby.
She wanted to stay here forever, wrapped in his arms, but he broke the embrace, walking towards Darius.
"We should probably get you on this horse, ma'am," he said, a wry grin back on his face. Regina smiled back, pulling herself onto the horse, Darius trotting slowly out of the stable.
Looking back, Regina gazed at the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, galloping away, the smile never leaving her lips.
A/N: Sorry, I couldn't help making this an extra long oneshot, but I just couldn't help it. I loved Regina's character in this episode, it was given so much depth, and I absolutely loved her. I do have newfound respect for the amazing talent of Lana Parilla, and I got this thought in my head for this story and just went with it. If it was too long...tough because I worked hard on this one and really liked how it came out. Hope you enjoyed it, and if you did, please review on this one specifically. I'm hoping that people will give me reviews on which oneshots they liked in particular and please, don't be afraid to give a long review.