A/N: Hi! Sorry for the delay. Thanks for the patience and for sticking around.
Time jump. not that far along but I should give y'all a head up just in case. I still own nothing. Enjoy!
Chapter Six
Four years later
The Dark One settled into her large, black, overstuffed armchair that was crafted from the smoothest of suede. The black ink covered quill swept over the parchment within the large leather book that held most of Dark Swan's tales of her journeys, magical findings, and spells. This book held important documentation and she protected it with everything because in the wrong hands it could be dangerous. That is why it stayed well hidden until it was time to record in it.
She hadn't recorded in it in a very long time given that she had been busy. Between traveling and Regina... time had been scarce. Raising a small child was quite time-consuming. She hadn't even had the time to keep an eye on Alexander. Her sources were informing her that he was no closer to finding the missing key to time travel though. She needed to have a chat with Maleficent. The man was quite young to be a scientist anyway... especially one of such greatness but they shall see. She was in no rush. She had waited this long. What's another few years? She could stand it as long as she knew that it would happen. She had learned not to rush things in order to avoid mistakes so, she will leave the young man to his work. She wouldn't interfere. Besides she was still quite busy.
A high pitched scream echoed throughout the hallway and ripped through the library. Dark Swan looked up and furrowed her brow. That sounded an awful lot like Regina. The sound made her feel uneasy and she felt a bit of panic at the thought of her little girl getting hurt. She set her book down on the table beside her and began to stand so that she could go investigate but a little squeal that turned into a giggle stopped her.
"No, the dragon got me!" She heard the now five-year-old scream. "Slay him, Ruby!"
A small smirk pulled at the corner of her red painted lips and she sighed in relief. The little girl was safe. She was only playing.
The princess had quite the imagination and whenever they played Ruby, Daniel and Regina would go on magnificent adventures from Atlantica with the mermaids to wicked witches' lairs. Her favorite lately were dragons. She was obsessed with the beasts and so was Daniel. He liked playing the Dragon so he could chase Regina all over the castle. The adults in the castle knew that there was more to it than that. Daniel just liked chasing after Regina.
Stella was more than pleased that her son had taken interest in his friend, Granny was indifferent but the Dark One was displeased. She liked Daniel, she did. He was always polite to her even though he feared her just a bit but she really did not like the idea of him falling in love with Regina. In fact, she never felt comfortable with the idea of suitors asking for Regina's hand.
She wouldn't interfere though. Regina never seemed bothered by the little boy. In fact, she always seemed oblivious to or completely disinterested in his blushing and doe eyes. To her, Daniel was not a potential husband. They were five. He was a friend and that was it.
The day would come though just not yet. She was still her little girl even though she was growing so fast.
Regina had become even busier and even more demanding over time. She was everywhere, wanting to do everything at once.
She had also become even more intelligent and bold. She was fearless and challenged just about anyone, including the dark swan. While most shook with fear in the Dark One's presence, Regina never did. If Regina wanted Dark Swan's attention she would barge into her study or her chambers and demand to be cuddled or spoken to. Dark Swan would, of course, give in because she could never say no to her little princess and if anything, it amused her.
And that little smile could get Regina anything she desired.
The little girl was becoming more and more beautiful as the years went on. She also knew how to use it to her advantage already. Poor little Daniel had fallen victim to Regina's charms on more than one occasion. The little boy has gotten into trouble a few times due to his little brunette friend and her big brown eyes.
Dark Swan had fallen victim to Regina's cuteness as well. All Regina had to do was poke out her bottom lip and bat her long eyelashes at her and the Dark One would give her the world if she so wished it. It was both amusing and terrifying. The Dark One was supposed to be the one doing the manipulating not the other way around. But that's the way things were. This was Regina's world and they were all just living in it. She was fine with that though. She liked it and appreciated the company of the little girl. She would never complain.
With a small smile to herself at the thought of her young charge, the Dark One returned the large book to her lap and resumed her writing. The scratching of the quill against the parchment was the only sound inside of the library as the children quieted down. The floating lanterns above her illuminated the small space, surrounding her just enough so that she could see. Her time within the library was usually spent alone and she appreciated the peace and quiet but she also didn't mind the cheerful sound of the giggly squealing children. It was a nice contrast to the lonely silence she had been stuck in before.
The dark eerie castle has never felt so alive.
She worked busily recording her latest thoughts and memories. She remembered everything. That was the curse of the dark one. She knew that it would be a gift to any human to never forget but she on the other hand disagreed. It was an awful thing to store every memory especially when you will outlive everyone you've ever known. People come and go in the blink of an eye. In reality, the time she's had Regina felt like a few hours to her. This certainly is not enough time. There will never be enough time for someone who has all of the time in the world. It's a strange thing but true.
Time is nice to have when you have something to do with it. It's a not so nice thing when you spend most of it missing someone. Regina had helped her with this. Her presence alone had chased away some of the darkness and the demons that linger and torture her mind every waking moment. Her little piece of light, her ray of sunlight in the darkest of nights.
She managed to finish a page and begin another one when she suddenly heard the 'tap, tap, tap' of little shoes as someone ran across the marble floor of the library. The Dark One smirked a bit but said nothing. Instead, she remained focused on her task or pretended to be focused. She listened out for the little brunette though. She heard the shoes grow closer as the little child called herself sneaking up on her. No one could sneak up on the dark one but she liked to humor the child and let her think that she could. The sound stopped as the five-year-old came up behind the armchair.
Dark Swan didn't react, however. Instead, she sat completely still pretending to be oblivious to her young predator. She heard a little giggle which made her smirk grow then there was complete silence.
"Roar!" The tiny voice screamed as Regina popped out from the side of the chair. Dark Swan looked up and feigned a believable look of surprise. Regina's eyes were twinkling with mischief as she held up her tiny hands like paws and her fingers were curled over like claws. Her little nose was wrinkled and her baby teeth were bared.
"Hello, little beastie." Dark Swan greeted in amusement. Regina giggled and her cheeks colored a soft pink. The Dark One watched as the little beast slowly transformed back into her little princess.
"I found you!" The little girl squealed then burst into a fit of giggles. Dark Swan chuckled and shut her book.
"Is that so?" She asked as she eyed the little child who was standing before her in a cute orange dress embroidered with brown and red leaves that matched the incoming fall perfectly. Her hair was done in its signature pigtails with cute yellow bows. "I was unaware that I was missing."
Regina giggled and placed her hands on the arm of the chair. "I was playing with Ruby and Daniel then I felt you. It led me here."
Dark Swan furrowed her brow. Regina was only five. Still almost a toddler so her vocabulary was limited and in turn, she had a hard time expressing herself. She set the quill back into the ink on the little table beside her then turned to the little girl that was looking up at her. "What do you mean, little Princess?"
Regina wrinkled her nose. "I could feel you." She said seriously. Her little face pinched for a moment as if she herself was trying to understand it. "My heart." She said and placed her hand right above her heart. "It made me come here."
Dark Swan didn't know what to make of that. It was an odd thing but she understood what the little brunette was trying to say. She felt her and was drawn to her. Despite the statement making sense, nothing else did. For one thing; how was that even possible? One cannot feel another's heart. Also, it cannot lead one to another. The child must have been mistaken. It was probably their magic counteracting each other and she didn't want to confuse her so, instead, she went for, "That so?"
"Yes." Said the child.
The Dark One had never heard anything like it. "Huh..." She said as she sat back in the chair and crossed one leg over the other. She knew that Regina would present magical abilities. Her mother was magical so it was only a matter of time before Regina's powers began showing itself. "Interesting."
"Interesting indeed." Regina agreed. She rounded the chair.
Dark Swan chuckled softly at the comment. "What?"
"It is quite interesting," Regina explained. She stood in front of her and smiled. The Dark One smirked. Regina certainly needed to be spending less time with Granny and more time with Ruby and Daniel. She was beginning to sound like a little elderly woman. "You have been gone for a very long time." The little girl said as she placed her hand on Dark Swan's leather-clad knee. She tilted her head. "Where did you go?"
Dark Swan stared at Regina for a moment. How does this child always mesmerize and fascinate her? She was just getting used to being missed and cared for. She found that she liked it but Regina still managed to surprise her that way. "I had business that needed tending."
At that moment Regina's eyes grew two sizes and her lip poked out. "Why? Why can't you just stay here with me?"
The Dark One sighed. Regina appeared to be quite upset if the crease in her brow and the way her mouth was poked out was any indication. "What's wrong, Regina?" She asked. Regina used her other hand to reach up and begin playing with her pigtail. She looked down into the sorceress' lap avoiding her eyes. Dark Swan had no idea what was going on in the small child's mind but she seemed distressed. She needed to know why so she could fix it. She hooked her finger under the girl's small chin and lifted until those chocolate eyes met her own.
Those big chocolate eyes held so much wisdom and clarity for someone so young. There was also so much sweetness and innocence there. Not for the first time, the dark one wondered what this little dark-haired angel would have been like had she not grown in her care. She knew that Regina would not have become the beautiful expressive young lady she was already. She would have ended up shallow or broken. Cora would have ripped all of the purity out of her and created a monster. The idea of a Regina that was not her Regina was painful and she didn't like to think about it.
She could only imagine what kind of hell Regina's sister was going through.
"Tell me what's wrong?" Dark Swan pressed. "Is everyone good to you when I'm away?" She asked the question in a bit of a whisper. The idea that someone could hurt her little one while she was gone infuriated her.
"Stop," Regina said softly. "Don't get mad. I'm sorry."
The anger dissipated and gave away to sympathy and an overwhelming need to soothe the little girl. "I'm not angry at you."
Regina was still frowning. "I don't like it when you're angry. It hurts me."
"Where does it hurt you?" She asked gently. Regina placed a hand on her chest again.
"It feels like I can't breathe."
Regina once again was insinuating that she could feel her emotions. Her mind kept going to this being the child's gift and it being an indication of light magic but at the same time, it was odd that she could feel her so deeply though. She knew exactly who to ask about this."I will try not to get angry around you, alright?"
Regina nodded. "Okay."
Dark Swan nodded in return. "My love?" She asked gently and Regina looked up at her. "Is everyone good to you here?"
Regina furrowed her brow at the question as if it confused her. "Yes. Why?" Was her answer.
The Dark One shrugged a shoulder. "I'm not always here to protect you and I need to know that you are safe."
Regina smiled then. "Stay here and take care of me then."
The Dark One frowned that time. She would have liked that but her life and very survival depended on her not being sedentary. She needed to be on the move constantly and she needed to stay busy or she would get bored and boredom for a Dark One meant trouble. "We'll see."
Regina wrinkled her nose at that and shook her head. She stepped away and her hand fell away from Dark Swan's knee. The Dark One watched almost helplessly as Regina fidgeted and appeared to be retreating into herself as she does when she's upset or wants to say something that she knows will earn her time in the little wooden chair in the kitchen facing the corner.
"Speak your mind, Regina." The Dark One prompted. "You know how I appreciate it when you do."
Which was true. She did. She didn't punish Regina for being outspoken as Granny often did. She appreciated that her little girl was outspoken and bold. She was not going to take that away from her.
Regina looked into her eyes as if searching for how much she should say. She then nodded her head and stepped closer, placing her hand back on the bigger person's knee. "You are not telling the truth. I felt it."
The Dark One smirked. Not another soul in any of the realms would even dare to call her a liar. They feared her too much but not Regina. Never Regina. "You're right." Regina huffed then and stepped away. Dark Swan had a hard time not laughing at her little attitude. "Regina, no. Come here, Love."
Regina stopped and looked up at her. She looked so frustrated. "Why can't you stay?" She asked quietly.
Dark Swan shrugged. "It's in my nature. I can't stay in one place for too long. If I could, I would... only for you."
Regina smiled a little and her head cocked to the side curiously. "You would?"
"There is nothing I wouldn't do for you." She confirmed.
Regina's eyes lit up and her smile grew. Before the Dark One could react, Regina began climbing up into her lap. She barely had time to move the book before the girl was settling into her lap. She smoothed down her dress with the help of the dark swan then smiled up at her older friend.
"I miss you so much when you leave," Regina admitted. "I don't like it when you are away."
Dark Swan felt a bit of guilt at that confession. "I'm sorry."
"Granny says you must not be bothered by it."
She stared at the little girl then. She looked ashamed for expressing her feelings so freely. She and Granny needed to have a talk about what she's saying to her. She reached up and brushed some of Regina's bangs out of her eyes. "If you ever miss me, summon me."
"Huh?" Regina's face was twisted with confusion.
The Dark One almost laughed. "Summon me. It's like calling out to me." She shrugged. "If you are missing me find a mirror or even go to one of our favorite places... like here and call my name. Be clear and think of me and I will come to you, wherever you are."
Regina frowned. "How?"
"Magic." Was all she replied. "No matter where you are or what time of day or night, I will come to you." She would never make a promise like that to another living soul. Only Regina got that privilege.
Regina nodded. She trusted her wholeheartedly so she accepted it. "Okay."
Dark Swan smirked. "Okay..." there was a small pause before she asked, "Feel better?"
Regina scrunched her face then let out a soft huff. "No." She pouted.
Dark Swan began rubbing circles on the child's back. "Why?"
"I want you to stay with me... always. Like Granny does but I understand that you can't."
Dark Swan nodded in understanding. "Do me a favor, love. Close your eyes for me, okay?"
That seemed to pique Regina's interest. She looked up and gazed at her from beneath her long eyelashes. She batted them a few times. "Why?"
Dark Swan raised a brow. "Close your eyes and you will find out."
Regina gave her a subtle side glance and poked out her bottom lip. Dark Swan reached up and used her fingers to shut the child's eyes. Regina giggled and squeezed them tight. "Why do I have to close my eyes?"
"No peeking." The Dark One said. Regina lifted her little hands and covered her eyes. She couldn't stop giggling and it was too adorable.
With a flick of her wrist, Dark Swan summoned a plume of silver smoke to the little girl's lap. When it cleared, it left behind a medium-sized, rectangular, white box tied with a blue bow. Regina was going to love this. She was growing up so quickly and it was time that they treated her like a big girl.
Regina squealed happily when she felt the box in her lap. She had no idea what it was but she felt so excited. Every time she played with the Dark One she always showed her interesting things and gave her amazing gifts. She was practically vibrating with anticipation.
"Keep them closed, Regina." She was told.
Regina giggled some more. "May I please see it, Dark Swan?" She asked sweetly.
"Have you been my good girl while I was away?" Dark Swan asked.
Regina nodded. "Oh yes, I've been very good."
"If I ask Granny, will she agree?"
Regina gave her a big nod. "Yes!"
She knew that Regina had been good. She's always so well behaved regardless. She was the perfect little princess. So ladylike and had excellent etiquette and manners. Her behavior was never a concern for her. She just liked to tease her.
"Very well, if you say so." Dark Swan drawled eliciting another squeal from the small child that turned into a silly giggle. She reached up and pulled Regina's little hands away, revealing her adorable face. Her eyes were still squeezed shut though. She chuckled at that. Regina was always so obedient. Dark Swan was not going to get used to it though because she knew in a few years she'll be challenging her at any opportunity she got. "Open."
Regina's eyes opened slowly and she blinked a few times before opening them fully. When her eyes landed on the box, her eyes widened and she gasped. She looked up at her friend. "What is it?"
Dark Swan laughed. "I don't know. Why don't you open it and see?"
Without further prompting, Regina pulled the end of the blue ribbon until it unraveled. She then went on to lift the lid off the box. The Dark One took the lid from her and set it aside.
The contents inside were covered by a sheer blue paper and Regina carefully touched it. It made a strange scratching sound. She examined it a moment longer, clearly never having seen anything like it since they do not have such things in their world.
Dark Swan had actually obtained this item on her journeys. It was a lovely place with such wonderful things that were intriguing and new. She would love to take Regina there when she's older but for now, she just brought her a piece of it.
She remained silent and observed the child carefully moving the paper aside to reveal her gift. It was a doll dressed in a pink dress that was embroidered to the point of resembling that of a princess. She had dark chocolate curls, a lot like Regina's and a pink ribbon tied into a bow held it back from her face. The porcelain face and hands were both a smooth olive just like Regina's skin. The doll's bright brown eyes stared up at them and a red smile was painted on her lips.
Regina gasped and just stared back at it. For a moment Dark Swan thought that Regina hated the doll and she felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach for disappointing her but after a moment, Regina screamed happily and that feeling dissipated and was replaced by excitement once again.
"What do you think?" Dark Swan asked curiously as she watched the little girl take the doll out of the box.
Regina smiled at her new friend as she played with the lace at the bottom of her dress. She looked back up at the Dark One and gave her an even bigger smile. "I love her." She said hugging the doll to her chest, a look of pure joy on her pretty face.
"Good." Dark Swan said pushing a dark pigtail over the child's shoulder. "I told her how sweet you were and she was so excited to meet you. I couldn't say no."
Regina looked back down at the doll. "Well, I think she's sweet, too."
"Good. I just know she's going to take such good care of you, Love." The Dark One said giving Regina's shoulder a squeeze. "She promised to make sure that you never miss me too much when I am away." She will never tell the child that she enchanted the doll to comfort her when she hugged it.
Regina's eyes wandered up to hers again. "Alright." She said with a nod.
"Have I done well?" The Dark One asked. Regina nodded in the affirmative.
"You did. I love my dollie."
Dark Swan chuckled. "Good."
Regina shifted and the box fell to the floor. She then angled herself and threw herself against her older friend. Her little arms came around her neck and she pressed her nose to the crook of her neck. "Thank you." She whispered softly.
Dark Swan was startled by the sudden act of affection but after a moment she placed a hand on the little girl's back. She felt a kiss pressed to her cheek and her eyes widened for a moment as it jolted her black heart. She let Regina sit there for as long as she pleased. Her own eyes fluttered closed.
"Any time, little girl." She whispered back.
She knew that it would be difficult to leave her this time. That she was certain of.
Regina hopped onto her bed with a giggle. Stella chuckled as she ushered the child under the blankets. Regina smiled as she slid down her bed and the woman began tucking her in underneath her dark lavender quilt. She had an eventful day. The Dark One had returned to her after being away for weeks and they spent the entire day together. She was happy about that but the downside was that she knew that she would leave again.
She always leaves.
Regina always disliked when she was away from her. For some odd reason, she always wanted Dark Swan near. It was like she needed to see her at all times.
The little girl loved Granny and Stella. They took very good care of her but she still missed her dark friend deeply. At her young age, she was beginning to understand how difficult it was to be away from the person you love the most for extended periods of time. There was always a tugging in her chest or a painful squeeze when they were apart. Granny told her it was gas but Regina knew better. She knew that it was something else and it certainly was not the beans.
She didn't know what it was though. She hoped she would figure it out someday.
"Good night, Regina. My little beauty." Stella said softly. "You are the fairest of them all."
Regina giggled and hid her face in her hands. She always felt shy whenever someone spoke of her looks. She often heard how beautiful she was and everyone wanted to pinch her all of the time or cuddle her. She didn't particularly mind the attention but it still made her blush.
She removed her hands. "You are the fairest, Stella. I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you are..." she lowered her voice to a whisper. "You may share that title with the Dark Swan though."
One of Stella's eyebrows rose slowly. "That so?"
Regina hummed as she nodded. "I hope I am half as beautiful as the two of you when I get older."
Stella was intrigued by that statement. Dark Swan is the Dark One. Even though she is breathtakingly beautiful, no one is focused on that. Her beauty is often clouded by her darkness. Leave it to Regina to see beyond all of that. "You will be so much more beautiful than any lady in the land, Regina. Your beauty is unmatched."
Regina wrinkled her nose. She didn't know if she believed that. Being the most beautiful in the land seemed like a lot of pressure. She didn't know if she wanted that. "Seems like a lot of work."
Stella laughed. "How so?"
Regina shrugged. "It just does."
Stella laughed again with a shake of her head. "Regina, you are really something special. You are everything I wish my daughter would be."
Regina smiled then. Stella never had another child. In fact, Daniel was her one and only. As far as Regina knew, Daniel's father wasn't in the picture and Stella was not wed nor courting so, it seemed that Daniel wouldn't have any more siblings. "Can I be your daughter?"
"I already feel that you are, my sweet," Stella whispered causing the child to giggle.
"Are you my Momma?" Regina asked curiously. "I've never had one. I've only had a granny and Dark Swan... is my... well, best friend. I always see Daniel with you and I wonder what it is like."
"I would love to be your mother, Regina. But let's just see how Granny and the Dark One feel about that. They seem to wish you to live your life a certain way and I don't want to confuse you."
Regina nodded. She knew that they would agree. Regina shared a special bond with Stella. She was everything that Regina thought a mother would be. She was kind and gentle. She always smelled sweet and she loved to cuddle. She made Regina feel special and loved. Regina loved Stella with all of her heart and she knew that the woman felt the same.
Not having a mother never bothered her before but recently she started longing for a mother's touch. Stella gave it to her but she felt that it would be better with the 'mother' title. "Alright."
Regina sat up messing up Stella's hard work of tucking her in. The woman didn't mind because Regina crashed into her for a hug. She could hear the woman chuckle as Regina snuggled closer to her chest. Stella's arm came around her back and the other hand rested on her cheek and pushed the hair from her face. Regina always felt safe in her arms or Granny's but not as safe as she felt with the Dark One.
Stella hummed and gave Regina a squeeze. Regina could feel the love that Stella felt for her. The only way she could describe the emotions her caregiver was feeling was a burst of soft pinks and purples. It felt soft like sheep or laying on the grass in summer. It was a delightful feeling and Regina just bathed in it for a moment, feeling the same exact colors for the woman who had loved her since she was a baby.
Regina pulled away eventually and looked up at Stella. "I love you, Stella."
The woman's soft eyes were smiling at her. She chuckled. "I love you, too, little bear. Now off to bed with you." She said the last part in a joking tone making Regina giggle.
She laid back again and Stella redid the task of tucking her in. She adjusted the doll so that it was tucked under the child's arm.
"That is a very good likeness." She said admiring how much the doll looked like her young mistress. "What a lovely doll."
Regina smiled. "Dark Swan gave her to me."
"That's nice of her," Stella said brightly.
Regina hummed and rolled her eyes. "I'd rather her stay with me."
Stella's face became sympathetic. "I know, Lovely." She reached down tapped the child's nose with her finger. "The Dark One is a very busy woman."
"She said that she can't sit still," Regina said with a wrinkle of her nose. "I don't know what that means. If I can be still when you or Granny ask then, why can't she?"
Stella laughed then. That made Regina scowl. The woman cleared her throat. "Some people cannot stay in one place. That's the way they are. A being like her who is immortal and so powerful cannot be still. It's not in their nature. They've lived for so long that daily life is boring to them so, they have to go do and she is always so busy." She sighed and stroked Regina's cheek with her knuckles. "She's trying though. I can tell. For you. The only reason she comes back so often is to see you. We've never seen her around so much before you came along. You are what's tethering her to this life. That is a powerful thing, Regina." She leaned closer and lowered her voice. "You are special to her. You'll never know, one day she will realize that she cannot stand to be away from you for too long. Maybe she'll become like Granny and me."
Regina giggled. That was a funny thought. The Dark One making her snacks and kissing her boo-boos. "Maybe..." She shrugged.
Stella nodded. "Well, for now, she always comes back and brings you lovely gifts. That's something." She lowered her voice again and held Regina's eyes. "And no matter what you will always have me and Granny."
Regina smiled and nodded. "I know and you will always have me."
Stella chuckled. "Good because I have no idea what I would do without you."
Regina's smile turned into a grin. "Good."
"Oh." Stella breathed out into a laugh. "My, my, Regina!"
The little girl giggled then began to settle down as she was beginning to feel tired. The excitement of having her best friend home was finally catching up to her.
"Ready for sleep?" Stella asked. Regina's eyes were feeling heavy. She nodded. "Well then off to dreamland you go, little bear."
Regina smiled at the woman that in turn caused Stella to smile as well. She tucked some hair behind Regina's ear and began singing softly. "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream. I know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam, yet I know its true, that visions are seldom all they seem..." The child smiled instantly at her caregiver's lovely voice. The woman's voice reminded Regina of the most beautiful of birds. She hoped when she was older she sounded like her. "...but if I know you, I know what you'll do. You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream..."
Regina's eyes were beginning to grow heavier as the woman continued singing and she felt herself drifting off.
"Is she asleep?" A voice suddenly asked in the soft light of the room causing Regina's eyes to spring open and Stella to stop singing instantly.
Regina and Stella looked over to find Dark Swan leaned up against the door frame with her arms crossed over her chest and her intense eyes locked on Regina's causing the little girl to smile.
"Hello Dark One," Regina said happily.
The dark being smirked. "Hello, beautiful." She looked at the other woman. "I'll take it from here."
Stella who had been quiet during the exchange finally spoke up. "Are you sure? It is really no problem."
"Yes." Dark Swan said abruptly. She wanted to put Regina to sleep. That was one of her favorite parts of her day. "Go tend to your son. Regina is in good hands."
"Indeed." Regina agreed. "Dark Swan tells good stories."
"Oh." Stella sounded absolutely rejected. Dark Swan couldn't care less. She needed to know her place. Regina belonged to the Dark Swan and the woman seemed to be forgetting that. She was grateful that she cared for the child when she was away but when she returned she needed to learn to keep her distance.
Regina was completely oblivious to the awkwardness because Dark Swan hid the emotions that she clearly knew were resentment and jealousy. The child clearly thought the adults were just having a discussion.
Stella nodded and leaned over to Regina. She kissed her forehead and then her nose making the child giggle. "Sleep well, Sweetheart." She whispered with a small smile.
"Good night, Stella," Regina whispered back. The woman stood from the bed then. She gave Regina a smile then began leaving the room.
Dark Swan didn't even glance at the woman as she passed her. "Is there anything I can get you, Dark One?" Stella asked.
Dark Swan shook her head. "That will be all, Stella."
Stella dipped her head. "Good night then." Then just like that, she left the room.
Completely ignoring the woman, Dark Swan kept her eyes on Regina. She looked so adorable and snug, tucked away under layers of blankets with her doll under her arm and her stuffed swan laying on the other side. Regina gave the Dark One a huge smile, pulling a smirk from the older of the two.
"All ready for bed?" She asked.
Regina nodded. "Yes."
Dark Swan sighed and pushed off of the door frame and stepped into the room. She cracked the door.
It was hard to believe that this bedroom was once a nursery. Then again, she couldn't believe that this was that same baby. The one that used to sleep on her chest or scream for her to hold her. Looking at this little girl, she sees how quickly time flies.
She glanced at the wide window on the opposite side of the room. The place where she used to sit and rock the baby to sleep. She looked back at the person that could fit into her arms only a few short years ago. She needed time to slow down just a bit. She needed more time.
She sat on the edge of Regina's bed right beside the child. Regina looked up at her. Her large brown eyes were almost hidden away beneath her long eyelashes. That's something that didn't change about the girl.
"What did you name her?" She asked.
Regina automatically knew who she was speaking of. "Isabella." She answered.
Dark Swan smiled just a bit. "I like that name."
Regina smiled as well. "Thank you. Me too."
Dark One's heart squeezed at the sight of the child's smile as it always does. "Are you ready for your story?"
The little girl nodded. "Yes."
The Dark One shifted so that she was laying beside Regina with her back against the headboard. Regina looked up at her and gave her a grin. The Dark Swan simply shook her head with a fond smile. "What do you want to hear, Love?"
Regina nibbled her lip as she thought. Clearly, she couldn't decide. Dark Swan had told her many stories and she loved all of them. "The Ugly Duckling."
Dark Swan nodded. She half expected that. Ever since she had first told Regina the story when she was smaller, the child loved it and wanted to hear it all of the time. But lately, Regina wanted to hear stories about Princesses who fall in love with princes or other princesses. She was getting older and she's curious about love. Dark Swan thought she was growing up much too fast. She didn't really want her to wonder about falling in love with boys or girls so, she was relieved that the child wanted that particular story.
It was one of her favorites as well. They shared that along with many other things.
"Okay." She said as she relaxed against the headboard. She heard Regina shift and she felt the child's arm come around her waist and her cheek rest against her stomach. To her surprise, she didn't flinch. Anyone else would not be allowed to touch her in such a way.
Only Regina.
"You feel so..." Regina trailed off trying to find the words. "How do you feel?"
Dark Swan chuckled and began rubbing the child's back. "If I had to use a color?"
Regina nodded against her. "Yes."
"Hmm..." Dark Swan hummed as she thought it over. She understood that sometimes Regina saw colors for emotions. For example, she would describe blue for sad or red for angry. "I suppose yellow. Is that how you describe calm or relaxed?"
Regina nodded. "Yes yellow."
The Dark One smirked. "Well, that's it." She couldn't remember the last time she even thought about the color yellow and that was her favorite color at one time.
A completely different time, when she was a completely different person. When she was Emma...
But she wasn't Emma anymore and she didn't have a 'favorite color'.
Regina fell silent as if she was trying to understand or memorize this for later. The little girl sighed and cuddled closer to her side. The doll was smashed between them. "I understand now," Regina mumbled.
"Good. Do you want your story now?"
"Yes please," Regina said sweetly.
The Dark One chuckled. "Very well." She cleared her throat. She heard Regina groan. The girl then moved the doll from between them and handed it to her older friend. The sorceress took the doll from her and placed it on the opposite side of her. Regina sighed and snuggled closer. "Comfortable?"
Regina nodded. "Very much so." She sounded so drowsy and the Dark One knew the child wouldn't make it to the end of the story. She hardly ever did but she was already so sleepy.
"Good. May I begin?"
Regina giggled. "Yes."
Dark Swan nodded with a small smile. "Alright. Once upon a time in a beautiful summer..." She began.
She felt Regina get very still as she listened. She didn't even realize how much she had missed this. Telling stories as a child fell asleep to the sound of her voice. She certainly hadn't felt a peace like this in centuries. She could feel Regina slowly returning feelings to her that she had deemed lost forever. This terrified her but she wouldn't pull away.
She will not reject what Regina makes her feel. It's not fair to the little girl.
She continued the story and Regina managed to make it to the part where the little duckling set off to discover who he was before the Dark One felt the weight increase on her stomach. She smirked to herself and stopped right there. She did better than he did. He never made it that far in that story. Dark Swan was impressed.
She shifted so that she could move Regina without waking her. She laid her down carefully and tucked her doll between her arm and chest. The little girl sighed softly and settled further into the pillow.
The Dark One leaned over the child placing one arm over one side of her little frame. "I know I always tell you how lovely you are but I'm not only talking about the outside. You are growing into a beautiful young lady but that's only part of it. Your loveliness is inside of you as well." She whispered. "I thought my heart was too black to feel anything but anger until I found you. What I feel for you is the closest to love I've ever felt for anyone in a very long time. I always tell you this but I will always protect you and will you never want for anything as long as you live. You are mine, Regina and I always take care of what's mine." She watched as a small smile curled up at the corner of the girl's mouth. She knew that she didn't really hear her but it was nice that the sound of her voice even comforted her in her sleep. "I know I told you I have things to do tomorrow and you probably won't see me but actually I will see you in the morning and I will be here all day." She kissed the girl's forehead. Something that she felt that was new yet familiar. "Now sleep well. I will be here if you need me." She pulled away then.
She began to climb out of the bed and got to her feet. She turned around to find Granny standing in the doorway with a small smile. She sighed and rolled her eyes. Her expression returning to its indifferent state as it does when she's interacting with anyone other than Regina.
"She loves you so much," Granny said eventually.
"Yeah?" Dark Swan asked dryly. The thought made her want to smile though but she just couldn't in the presence of anyone other than Regina.
"She adores you. She dislikes it so when you leave her. She mopes around and worries about you." Granny said. "No child should worry so much."
"Especially about me." The Dark One mumbled to herself. She didn't deserve to have someone as pure and loving as Regina's heart. She didn't deserve the child's love.
If that even was what it was. In her mind she was unlovable. A monster. Regina clearly didn't know any better. She thought the bond they shared was love but the little girl was sadly mistaken. No one can love a Dark One and if they did, it never ended well.
Nothing good comes from having the heart of the Dark One.
"What was that?" Granny asked after a moment.
Dark Swan shook her head. "Nothing." She cleared her throat. "Regina is down."
"By your gentle hand. She never falls asleep as quickly as she does with you."
Dark Swan sighed. "She was tired."
"Stop selling yourself short!" Granny said firmly. "What makes you think that you are undeserving of the love of a five-year-old?"
"Because I am nothing but darkness." The Dark One hissed. "Darkness, evilness, death. That is all I am. Regina is light and purity and all things beauty and if she loves me and gets too close to me, my darkness will eclipse that." She shook her head. "I cannot take that from her. I cannot taint her."
"Showing her love will not taint her," Granny argued.
The Dark One groaned. She pressed her lips into a tight line. "If I bask in her light that would be selfish of me. I am selfish in many ways but I cannot be when it comes to her. I will always put her first."
"And that's what love is," Granny whispered. "Love is putting that one person first."
Dark Swan shook her head. "I can't love. Besides I have to keep her safe."
"That starts here."
"She's safe here. I know what she is doing at all times. There is a protection spell around the land. No one can come here without my permission. Regina and the other children are well-protected, I assure you."
"Emma..." Granny sighed.
The Dark One looked up at her and gave her a sharp look for using her name in opposed to her preferred title. "Don't. This is what is best for her. She will see."
Granny's expression became sympathetic. That just enraged the Dark One. She didn't take well to pity. "You can't believe that."
"I do. Everything I do is for her." She hissed sharply.
"Is it?"
"Yes!"
Granny didn't look convinced. "I'm not too sure about that..."
Dark Swan was furious. She couldn't believe that Granny would even imply that each breath she took wasn't for that child. Regina is the only thing that occupies her mind these days aside from... him. Granny was being unfair and irrational. Keeping her distance was the safest for Regina. It's not about what either of them wanted. It's about what was best.
That's why she only spends small amounts of time with the girl.
She opened her mouth to throw something back but a sound from behind her grabbed her attention. She turned around to see Regina with her eyes squeezed tight and fidgeting under her blankets. She let out a small whine. The Dark One's anger dissipated immediately. She went over to Regina's bed and leaned over slightly.
"I'm sorry." She whispered as she ran her knuckles down the little brunette's olive cheek. She knew that Regina felt her anger. That was what was bothering her. "I will see you in the morning." Regina began to settle down a little and drifted back into a peaceful sleep.
She straightened and that was when Granny tried to pick up the conversation. She raised a hand silencing her.
"I am retiring to my chambers. Do not disturb me." She said as calmly as she could as to not upset Regina. "Good night."
"Good night, Emma. This conversation is not over."
Dark Swan just gave Granny a look as she was engulfed in her signature silver smoke transporting herself from the bedroom. She's had enough of Granny for one night.
The older woman shrugged as the sorceress vanished from the room. She was unfazed by her outburst. Granny knew she was right. Regina cared deeply for the Dark One and vice versa. Once Emma accepted that she would understand. She could be loved. Regina's light could save her. It could bring her back from the darkness that she had submerged herself in. Well, if that was what she wanted. She figured that Dark Swan liked the power the darkness gave her. She couldn't blame her for wanting to keep it.
But Regina was persistent and she had so much love to give. She will get what she wants and that is to love and be loved by the person she loved the most...
The great and terrible Dark Swan...
It was only a matter of time...
Granny walked into Regina's room. She turned down the lantern on her bedside table, darkening the room. She then leaned over and kissed the child's cheek. Regina sighed with a small smile making the older woman chuckle.
"Sweet little thing." She whispered. She then headed over to the window and pulled the curtains closed. She took one last glance around the room. Everything appeared to be in order.
She headed for the door but stopped. "I am confident that you two will find each other someday. You will take away her fears of loving you and you will both get what you need. A happy ending."
At that the woman smiled to herself and slipped out of the room, closing the bedroom door behind her.
Regina was left alone to dream of a world where she and the dark one spent every day together and went on fantastic adventures. A smile graced the little girl's lips and she fell deeper into her dream, becoming lost in her world.
A world where the person she loved was not afraid to love her back.
Two Days later
It has been four years since Cora had seen her oldest child. She had no idea how Regina was doing or what on earth she had been doing. She worried about her constantly. Discovering Regina's fate was both a blessing and a curse. It was nice to put her mind at ease but it was also driving her mad not knowing what her child was enduring every moment of every day.
It irked her greatly that her little girl was being raised by none other than the Dark Swan. That woman was not exactly trustworthy and she was almost positive that she was not teaching the child proper values.
When Cora got her little princess back she knew that she would have her work cut out for her as far as grooming her was concerned. She would likely have to start from scratch with something as simple as etiquette because she was positive that her child did not even know how to spell the word.
The thought of her child having an upbringing that was anything other than regal was upsetting for Cora. Regina being the first heir to the throne meant that she should have been prepped to be Queen from birth. This was definitely going to put a damper in the natural order of things but Cora was more than ready to correct whatever wrongs had been made.
She wanted her child back and she planned to do whatever it took to get her. She had ventured to the Dark Manor multiple times but a protection spell kept her from coming too close. Otherwise, she would have waited for Regina to come out then she would have grabbed her. She had yet to see her little girl on any of her visits. Maybe it's not the right time or maybe the Dark One is keeping Regina away. Either way, Cora is growing frustrated. She needs to come up with a plan to have her child and soon.
Coming up with a plan was easier said than done. The Dark Swan was cunning but Cora was smarter. She just had to concentrate. Her anger obstructed her thoughts, but who would she be without her anger? She just needed to give it time. She will come up with something. She was confident in herself.
This time that she ventured to the Dark Manor, her entire world changed. She observed just outside the barrier as the door to the garden opened and a group of four children came rushing out. None of them looked like her daughter and Cora felt instant disappointment but after a moment, a little brunette came skipping out.
The little girl was in an adorable aqua dress and black shoes. Her dark curly hair was held back with a white bow. She was a vision and so lovely. Cora was in awe. From the child's caramel skin to her chocolate eyes, she knew that was her little girl. She was also about five which is exactly how old Regina was.
Cora kept a far enough distance that was a little way off of the Dark One's land as she watched her daughter play with the other children. The girl had such a lovely smile and her laugh was like music. The Queen's heart squeezed painfully and she longed to hold her child or even speak with her.
She needed to hear her voice.
The Queen eventually lost track of how long she had stayed there watching her baby play. She felt herself falling deeply in love with her.
Regina eventually got tired her and wandered off with her doll to sit under a tree. Cora was pleased to find that the tree the child had chosen was the exact one she had been hiding behind.
Cora watched her daughter play for a little while before surveying the area to find there were no adults around. The other children seemed occupied in their little game so, she decided to take the opportunity and began moving closer, using the tree as cover.
As she drew closer, she saw Regina stand and she feared that she was going to run off but instead the little girl looked up at the apple tree she was sitting underneath. She eyed the apples curiously and began to climb the tree. That was the exact moment that Cora decided to step in because she didn't want her to get hurt.
"Hello." She said softly as to not frighten the little one.
Regina's big brown eyes met Cora's then they wandered over her dress and back up to her face. She then smiled and stepped a bit closer to her. "Hello." She said politely. Her voice was so small and high. Absolutely adorable.
Cora smiled wide. "Is your name Regina by any chance?"
The little girl's eyes grew two sizes and she grinned. "Yes but some people call me Gina."
"That is a lovely name," Cora said sweetly. "It means Queen. Are you going to be queen someday?" She asked curiously, just checking if Regina understood her potential and her place in this world.
Regina wrinkled her nose. "I haven't thought of it much." She tilted her head to the side and regarded Cora carefully. "Are you a queen?"
Cora chuckled and nodded. "Indeed, I am!" She said happily. Regina gasped and began bouncing up and down.
"You are so beautiful! I've never met a queen before." Regina said. "Or any royals."
Cora raised her brows. Regina hadn't a clue as to who she was. That annoyed her but she hid it well. "You are a cute little princess though."
Regina made an adorable little face. "Only Dark Swan calls me Princess."
Cora fought back making a face as well at the mention of the Dark One. "Do you mind it?"
Regina shrugged. "I don't." She blushed. "I like when she calls me that."
That horrified Cora. Her daughter's cheeks visibly flushed when she spoke of the Dark One. She was only five and she was already drawn to her in that way. She had to do something quickly. She had to save her daughter. "That's cute." She muttered then glanced around again. "Where are your parents?"
"I don't have parents," Regina said sadly and Cora's heart broke. She wished that she could tell her who she was but she didn't want to scare her off. "I only have a Granny and Stella and Dark Swan."
Cora looked at her daughter with sympathy. "Do you wish you had a Mother and Father?"
Regina nodded sadly and looked down at her shoes. "Yes."
Cora sighed. What if I told you you had a mother, father and sister, a whole family? She didn't dare verbalize that. Not yet. "I'm sorry." She said instead.
Regina bit her lip and surveyed Cora curiously. "Why are you all the way over there? Come closer."
Cora smiled at her daughter being demanding in such a way. "I'd rather not." She couldn't. The spell the Dark Swan put up on the land kept her away. "Maybe you can..." She knew that once the little girl was within her grasp, she would snatch her up and take her home where she could protect her.
"I can't go past the trees," Regina said softly. She began wringing her small hands. "The Dark One asked me to stay close to home. I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry." Cora giggled waving that off. She hid her irritation at the fact that her daughter obeyed the Dark One. "We can speak like this."
Regina nodded. She fell silent as she looked up at the apples again. Cora observed for a moment before looking up as well. She liked apples as well. She knew that her daughter had gotten that from her. "Would you like an apple?"
Regina gasped and nodded at her. "Yes please." She said as she began bouncing up and down with excitement.
Cora smiled. About half of the tree was on her side of the barrier. She reached up and plucked one from a low hanging branch. She examined it to make sure that it was good. Satisfied with it, she then tossed it to the child softly and Regina caught it. She smiled at the fruit in her little hands then she looked up at Cora. "Thank you!" She said happily.
Cora chuckled. "You're welcome, Honey."
Regina looked at the apple then back at Cora. She cocked her head to the side. "What is your name?"
Oh right. She didn't even properly introduce herself. She had gotten so wrapped up in how lovely her Regina turned out to be that she had forgotten. "I am-"
"Regina?" A voice called across the field. They both glanced over to see an older woman peeking out of the door. She hadn't seen them and she appeared to be looking for Regina. This was good for Cora.
"One moment, Granny," Regina called back politely. She turned back to Cora then. "I should go."
Cora agreed since she didn't want to be seen but she hated to see her baby go. "Yes, you should. And we should keep our meeting between us."
Regina furrowed her brow. "How come?"
Cora shrugged. "Until we get to know each other better. Once we become good friends then you can introduce me to your Dark Swan and you can meet my daughter." Your sister. She gave Regina a wink.
The child didn't look convinced but she knew that Dark Swan wouldn't be too pleased to find that she had been speaking to strangers. Maybe it was in her best interest to keep this meeting to herself after all. "Alright."
"Farewell, for now, Princess," Cora said with a dip of her head.
Regina smiled and curtsied. "Farewell, your Majesty."
Cora smiled and waved. Regina waved back. She then went off and grabbed her doll. She glanced over her shoulder at the women again before skipping away.
She stopped halfway on her trip over to Granny and looked back again just as Cora began to vanish in a cloud of purple smoke. The child's eyes grew and she looked around to see if anyone else had seen but the other children appeared oblivious. She frowned and began heading towards Granny again. It would be rude to keep her waiting.
She was now very curious about her new friend though. She had magic like Dark Swan. She didn't know many practitioners of magic so this was interesting.
Regina could feel something strange about her though. She could only pick up one emotion from her... sadness. She wanted to know why she was so sad and if she could cheer her up. She hoped the beautiful lady came to see her again so that she could learn more about her.
Regina made her way to the door. Granny gave her a smile and lifted her up into her arms and began carrying her into the castle.
Cora reappeared in her chambers. She hated that she had to leave Regina behind but she was pleased with who her daughter had become. She was beautiful, intelligent and polite. Everything a princess should be.
Meeting her made her long for her even more. She wanted her there with her. Sitting with her or playing with her sister.
But first the Dark One needed to be dealt with. After the Dark Swan is out of the picture, then Cora could have her daughter and the life she deserves...
Thanks for reading.
I feel like Dark Swan would be afraid of Regina's fate if she got too close to her because Regina is so young and she doesn't really understand what she is. IDK. *shrug* Anywho... expect more time jumps.