Prejudice. That's the word Regina was looking for as she skimmed the pages of the fairytale book. The people of this time were so judgmental. The Evil Queen? Well yes, even she considered herself as the Evil Queen, but something bothered her. They didn't explain the whole story. They didn't know the treachery in Snow like she did. They didn't know why she had turned to the dark arts. People were so completely biased. Regina felt a pang of sadness as she summarized people's thoughts. The villains are villains just because. Villains didn't need a reason to lose. They just did. They could be judged and ridiculed just because the writers felt like it.
Regina was still figuring out the book piece by piece. The whole concept of the curse was confusing to her. Sometimes, Regina found herself reminiscing of her past life. She missed all her servants and subjects. She missed her father the most. Regina would wonder what had caused her to make such a sacrifice. Over and over again, she would debate with herself, lusting in what could've been. It didn't matter for the first couple of years. Everyone feared her, everyone obeyed her. She was the mayor and the people actually listened. Snow was cast as a nun-like goody-two-shoes teacher. Plus she was scared as hell of Regina. And when Mr. Gold came to her door, bearing a 3 month old baby boy, it seemed everything was in its place. Regina had finally found her happy ending.
That was, until Henry turned 9. He was no longer the adorable little kid who loved his mother. He no longer clung to his mother's side or held her hand. He wouldn't hug her, he wouldn't laugh. Hell, he didn't even direct so much as a genuine smile at her. All he ever did was read that stupid book she always saw him with. That, and gaze out the window at the clock tower. Regina wonders what had gone wrong. She doesn't remember the last time Henry or herself said "I love you" to each other. Every time they talked, it was under 20 words. And he scowled whenever he looked at her. It broke her heart.
So Regina buried herself in her work. And Graham. She used Graham all the time. He didn't necessarily listen, but he distracted her. Just for a while. Then she would bring him back. Things seemed to be under control, until Henry brought that woman back with him. The blonde looked so innocent when they met. She was so oblivious to everything that went on in Storybrooke. Who knew such a small town held such big secrets?
Regina had even invited her in for some alcohol when she brought Henry back. Regina thought Emma would leave. After all, it was a closed adoption. She had no right getting in contact with herself or Henry. And when the blonde refused to leave, something in Regina snapped. Emma was the first person to ever refuse the mayor. And though Regina's initial thoughts were fury, she couldn't help the fact that it was kind of attractive. Especially when Emma cut her apple tree.
Emma Swan. Even her name sent chills up her spine. They weren't the bad kind of chills, though. In fact, Regina sort of took a liking to them. She couldn't soften up, though. She couldn't let Emma, or anyone in Storybrooke think she would let a minor setback control her. But Regina couldn't help but wonder late at night. What if...