A/N: You all keep asking for more as if that's going to make things any better. *Evil Queen laugh* Just you wait.

Just a reminder - Snow is 16 in this story, and the rest of her peer group (David, Red, Belle) is around the same age. Some of them have made and will continue to make absolutely terrible decisions. I know I'm totally setting them up to be hated and I hate them a little myself sometimes, but keep their ages in mind. David and Red have grown up in a really small farming town and are both very naive. Their intentions are selfish and impulsive but not necessarily bad. David is driven by his idealism and Red by her jealousy, but they'll learn.

But you are 100% welcome to continue telling me just how much you hate them. Which I'm sure you will by the end of this chapter.

David led the way, Snow willingly following now that she knew Regina was safe. Red and Belle walked a short distance behind, keeping an eye on the Princess but more concerned with the bright glow of the ring in Belle's hand.

"I wish I knew for sure what happened," Belle was saying softly. "I seem to have misplaced my book."

Red smiled sheepishly. "Sorry about that."

Belle reached for the other girl's hand after tucking the ring into a pocket. "I can only assume what it might mean."

"That we're…"

"Yes." Belle kept her relief to herself. She'd only known this girl for a day, but she already cared for her more than any of the other people who had been in the square when the ring had first glowed for her. "This doesn't have to change anything," she said after a pause, watching the conflict of emotions in Red's expression.

Red didn't say what she wanted, that this changed everything in ways she couldn't even begin to articulate. Just knowing that there was a chance that true love did exist, and that she had one, lessened the jealousy she felt every time David glanced over his shoulder to make sure the Princess was still there.

"I won't try to kiss you awake tomorrow or anything," Belle added, laughing, and Red joined her.

"Not tomorrow," she replied. "But maybe someday."

"So nice to have you back again, dearie."

Regina stiffened at the voice behind her, not turning to look at Rumplestiltskin yet. She was thinking of the last time she'd been in this room full of potions and spun strands of gold. It was when she'd told him that she was done with magic and done with him.

"It seems you broke your vow," he said, and Regina finally turned around. "The last time you were here, you told me all about how you would never touch magic as long as you lived, yet you used a spell just the other day, didn't you?"

Regina glared at him. "It was light magic, and only for healing."

"That's how it always starts," he replied gleefully. "Although I must advise you to keep away from light magic, Regina. Darkness is in your blood. Trying to fight your nature can be so very exhausting."

"You know nothing of my nature."

Rumplestiltskin regarded her for a moment, eyes raking up and down. "No, I suppose I don't. I once saw you becoming the most powerful sorceress this realm has ever seen, but you're weak. Your devotion to the very girl who gave you the life you despise will be your downfall."

Regina closed her eyes at the mention of Snow and the memory of all the hate she'd harbored for so many years. "Things have changed," she said through gritted teeth, finally looking at him again. "I have changed."

He curled a hand slowly over her shoulder, and she forced herself to meet his empty eyes defiantly. "And yet, things stay the same. Why, just now Snow White is on her way back to your husband. Her life will be just the as it was." He grinned wickedly at her. "Or perhaps worse than it was, now that Leopold can't take his frustrations out on you."

Regina pulled away from him violently. "Let me go to her."

"You're not going anywhere, dearie." Rumplestiltskin picked up a quill from the table and flourished it in her direction. "But I will see to it that she's protected if you'll just sign this little contract." A scroll of paper appeared in his free hand.

Regina shuddered at the sight, knowing all too well the trouble the Dark One's deals could bring. Still, she could think of very little that she'd refuse to give for her stepdaughter's safety. "What's your price?" she asked, the false confidence in her voice wavering.

He pointed the quill towards Regina's abdomen and spoke the words she'd been dreading. "Your daughter."

As soon as Snow realized that she and her captors were nearing a town, she stopped short and refused to move farther. "Please," she said, directing her pleas to the girls behind her. Belle had been kind even when detaining her, and while she knew nothing of Red, she was responsible for Regina's safety. "I know that my father is offering a lot of money, but we ran away for a reason. Don't send me back there."

David had turned back as soon as he realized that the rest of the group had stopped. Belle reached out to touch the Princess, smiling sweetly at her. "What is your reason?"

"No," Snow replied, the shame rising in her again. If word got out about the things her father had done to her, she'd be ruined. "I won't tell you."

David frowned as he studied her. If only she hadn't reacted so badly to him from the start, he might suggest that they stay on the run. She could come to love him in her gratitude. But she could also run away from him and be lost forever. If he returned her to the King, if he got into her father's good graces, marriage was almost certain, and maybe love would follow.

Without a moment's further hesitation, he turned and headed into the town.

Snow stopped bothering to beg her captors, dropping her gaze to the ground. "You don't understand," she said softly.

Red and Belle watched as tears began to slip from the Princess's eyes, sharing a look between them. "Are you in danger?" Red asked softly. Snow nodded, and Red pulled out her dagger. David would never forgive her for this, but she cut the rope binding the Princess's wrists.

At the sound of nearby hooves, Belle looked up to see a few riders in the royal livery with David running among them. She gave Snow a gentle push, just enough to start the Princess running, but it was too late. One of the riders cut in front of her and prevented her escape.

Snow froze at the proximity of the horse, too frightened to fight as she was pulled up into the saddle. There was no Regina here to save her this time. The horse took off down the road towards the castle and Snow closed her eyes, terrified.

"Come," one of the other men said to Red, Belle, and David. "The King will reward you richly."

"We've made a terrible mistake," Red whispered as they followed the horses on foot. "She's afraid of something, David."

David just clapped a hand over the hilt of his sword. "Then we'll rescue her again," he said, smiling at the idea of a second chance.