Lucifer looked at Gabriel who continued to avoid his gaze before he shifted his gaze to the Winchesters finally making a decision he called out into the void of the room.
"Atropos I know how much you enjoy your little games I really do however I need to have a little discussion with my little brother and if the peanut gallery." He motioned to Sam and Dean. "Weren't allowed in on my one on one sess with Dad I sure as hell don't want them around for this!"
There was a moments pause before both brothers disappeared from the room. Castiel looked very uncomfortable.
Michael spoke next a his hand resting lazily on his head he spoke calmly. "As long as your taking requests when this is over I need a private moment with the Winchesters." He then tapped his head. "Adam has some unfinished business."
It was almost as if the oldest archangel could sense where she was which wouldn't surprise the others considering how close they were when planning out the apocalypse.
"I'm sorry Gabriel." Lucifer said wringing his hand a bit before throwing them in the air dramatically it had been almost eons since he'd ever uttered those two words.
"Sorry for what?" Gabriel prompted looking at him disinterestedly although Lucifer could spot a glimmer of something else in his eyes,
"I'm sorry that I killed you." He said sincerely. "I went over it again and again back in the cage that's my biggest regret."
He stepped closer to Gabriel. "If you never forgive me I understand. If you never want anything to do with me after this I understand that too."
"I did this." He gestured between them. "So whatever happens next I deserve it."
Gabriel looked at him before saying. "You didn't really kill me."
"What." Lucifer said taken aback by the turn the conversation just took.
"It was an illusion you killed fake me." Gabriel said looking at him head on this time. "You did teach me all my tricks you knew that and so did I, I switched it up."
"You were alive this entire time." Lucifer asked a bit hurt but understanding the reasons behind it he winced.
Gabriel took on a defensive stance pointing a finger at him. "Hey you were going to kill me sue me for not giving a damn what happened next."
"I am sorry." Lucifer repeated still searching his brothers eyes. When Gabriel refused to meet them his head dropped a bit.
"I know." Gabriel said looking at Lucifer before looking elsewhere.
That seemed to be as good as things were going to get between them for the time being. At that exact moment Michael diapered. Only to reappear with the Winchesters who looked thoroughly uncomfortable.
Michael cleared his throat looking at Lucifer and Gabriel who looked at him with amusement in their eyes. "What?" He barked at them.
"Nothing." They chorused. Some things will never change. Castiel pointed toward the screen causing their attention to shift.
SCENE: A mill in the kingdom of King Xavier in the Enchanted Forest. Past. The miller is fast asleep when his daughter approaches.
Cora: Father. Father! (Very reluctantly, her father wakes up.)
Father: What? I'm resting.
Cora: You're always resting. The flour was due to be delivered this morning. I, for one, would like to be able to eat this week.
(She proceeds to deliver the flour.)
"Who is this and why is she important." Lucifer thought into the void. The snickering voice of fate filled his head causing him to scowl. "You don't want to know anything about the woman who will raise your daughter?"
His eyes widened before he growled at the still snickering voice in his head. "If you did something to her I will hold you and your little group of sorority sisters personally responsible you might think your strong dad might have slightly favored you once, too bad he's now left off gallivanting into the galaxy with aunty Amara so I wouldn't put to much stock in the protection he used to afford you and your abomination of a family."
"Name calling now are we?" Humor still in her tone "Interesting choice of words, you know most of heaven would call your daughter the same." She taunted in his head. He clenched his fists. "What did you do?" His voice ground out. All his brothers looked at him when he said all but Michael a little unnerved by his tone.
"My job." She curtly spoke in his head echoing a bit. "She was destined for a fate not unlike your own."
He froze he was naturally cold however the ice moving through his veins at that moment were apparent even to him, The room began to drop into a bone chilling temperature. Rage was lit up his eyes glowing red. "What exactly does that mean?" He darkly asked into their mind link. He already knew she was labeled as the Evil queen that enough was cause for concern for him that she had cast a curse but why? What happened to her and that sent a pit in his stomach that he wanted to go away. He never had the chance to raise her and he already felt like he failed her.
"Watch and find out." Was her clipped and only response. He was shaking at this point.
"Uh bro.." Gabriel called out looking at the Winchesters whose forms were shaking from the severe cold that had taken over the room. "Might want to calm down or Cas's pets are going to freeze."
Both Winchesters glared at him and he held his hands up.
Lucifer finally let up enough that ice stopped appearing on the walls not enough though that his eyes returned to their vessels usual blue.
SCENE: The market, Enchanted Forest. Past. Cora crosses paths with King Xavier, his son, and a princess. For her own amusement, the princess trips the miller's daughter and flour falls everywhere.Cora: You stupid, foolish girl!
King Xavier: What happened here?
Princess: Oh, the peasant fell... As they do.
King Xavier: Are you all right?
Cora: I'm fine!
King Xavier: Not you. Eva. Are you all right, Eva?
Princess Eva: Well, she ruined my slippers.
Prince Henry: I don't think the girl meant any harm.
King Xavier: You shall receive no money for the flour. And you will apologise to Eva.
Cora: Apologize? The wench tripped me.
King Xavier: Curb your tongue! This is Princess Eva from the Northern Kingdom. Our honored guest. She's a very important woman.
Cora: She's a girl.
King Xavier: And who are you, miller's daughter? What's your name?
Cora: Cora.
King Xavier: Then kneel, Cora. (Reluctantly, Cora does.) Now apologize. Apologize or this will be the last bit of flour we will take from you. There are other millers out there.
Cora: (Gritting her teeth) I beg your pardon, Princess Eva.
King Xavier: Stay down until we have passed. You are where you belong.
SCENE: The Enchanted Forest. Past. A masquerade ball ensues at King Xavier's Castle. Cora wears an expensive ball gown. She puts on a mask and places a rose into her hair. Then, Cora walks up to the prince.
Gabriels eyes followed the royals oh how much fun he would have had with these snobs. "What a bunch of spoiled brats." He said shaking his head at them.
Castiel tilted his head eyes watching the scene sadly weren't they supposed to be fair toward their subjects?
Lucifer had a bad feeling in his gut he couldn't shake it when he looked into the eyes of the woman who would raise his daughter.
Cora: Has the King really brought all these wealthy women here to vie to purchase his son? Hmm. Poor Prince Henry.
Prince Henry: You're very frank.
Cora: Well, I... Oh, my! You're him. You're the prince. I'm very, very... I'm a goose, aren't I?
Prince Henry: I don't know. Let's find out. Can a goose waltz? (They start dancing.)
Cora: But I wouldn't want to stand in the way of someone purchasing you.
Prince Henry: Then what are you doing here?
Cora: I just came for the free food. Exquisite mutton, by the way.
Prince Henry: Thank you.
King Xavier: Excuse me, my boy. May I cut in?
Prince Henry: Of course, Father.
Cora: Your Majesty. I didn't expect this honour.
King Xavier: Tis no honour. Did you think a stolen gown and pilfered mask would keep me from recognising you? There's straw on your dress. You carry the mill with you, miller's daughter.
Cora: You've got some nerve disparaging me, you're selling off your own flesh and blood.
King Xavier: You're an insolent girl. The kingdom has been strained by righteous wars, we need our gold, yes. We are still miles above your kind. So now go. There's nothing you can offer us other than errant strands of straw.)
"Excuse me?" Gabriel snorted out. "Your kind?"
"He realizes these are his people right?" Gabriel said. "The only thing is separating them from being overthrown right now are the people's good will which he just admitted. I doubt it will last if he keeps that attitude up."
"Humans." Michael shook his head. "So arrogant."
Dean snorted. "Oh yeah cause angels have shown to be sooo humble." Sam Snorted.
Michael glared at them silencing them both with a stare.
Gabriel shrugged. "He's not wrong." When Michael tuned his glare on him he refused to back down not noticing Lucifers glare on Michael until Michael turned to him they stood off for a minute before they both looked back at the screen.
Cora: That is nothing but delusion.
King Xavier: What could you possibly have to offer us?
Cora: I can turn straw into gold and solve all your woes.
King Xavier: (Laughs.) Really?
Cora: (Music stops.) But, as you've insulted me, you shall not reap the benefits. Good luck whoring your son. (Cora leaves but the king grabs her by the arm, and drags her in front of the ballroom.)
King Xavier: My loyal subjects. We have a very special personage with us. This woman tells me that she can spin straw into gold! (Everyone laughes.) And she's going to demonstrate it for us! Fetch a spinning wheel.
Cora: It takes time to gather my thoughts.
King Xavier: Oh, I tell you what, my dear. Spend the night here, locked in a tower full of straw. Spin it into gold tomorrow, and you can marry the Prince. Fail, and you die.
SCENE: The Enchanted Forest. Past. Cora is locked in the palace. She looks out the window and sees a moat.
Rumplestiltskin: (Giggles) That's never gonna work. I mean, you'll escape. But you'll be dead. Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?
Cora: Who are you?
Rumplestiltskin: Who are you?
Cora: Cora.
Rumplestiltskin: Not a very pretty name, is it? Sounds like something breaking.
Cora: How did you get in here? I you got in, I can get out.
Rumplestiltskin: If I understand your situation, (Points at the spinning wheel.) this is your way out. And what a marvellous coincidence that spinning straw into gold just so happens to be something that I like to do. Yeah, it's almost like... Like... Like... Like fate.
Cora: No one can spin straw into anything. And no one can make...
Rumplestiltskin: Oh, well, would you look at that?
Cora: (Cora sees the straw spun directly into gold.) You want to help me?
Rumplestiltskin: (Giggles) No, I want you to help me. And you will. Because the future is my gift. Well, in a manner of speaking.
Cora: What could you possibly get from me?
Rumplestiltskin: Funny you should ask. (Summons up a contract.) Can you read?
Cora: My firstborn child?
"She's bartering my childs life." Lucifer chuckled out almost like he was on the verge of a mental breakdown. Before throwing his hands up in the air. "What a great start, perfect!"
Gabriel looked at him wearily as his laughter died and all that was left were cold blue eyes staring at the screen intensely.
Castiel was fidgeting too, was this Rumplestiltskin a demon of some kind? What would he do with the child? He shuddered to think of the possibilities.
Rumplestiltskin: She is quite important.
Cora: She?
Rumplestiltskin: Yes, I see the future, weren't you listening? Anyway, I only get my payment if you live past tomorrow.
Cora: You can turn all of this straw into gold by morning?
Rumplestiltskin: And you can parade in front of the royals and demand the hand of dimly-lit prince and have them kneel before you. That's what you want, eh? You want them to kneel...
Cora: No!
Rumplestiltskin: I... No. What?
Cora: Teach me. Don't just do it. Teach me. Make it part of our deal.
Rumplestiltskin: (Giggles) You are a spicy one, aren't you? Oh, well. Rumplestiltskin.
Cora: What?
Rumplestiltskin: My name. Do believe you just earned it. (He magically changes the contract.) Now, let's begin.
"Does he remind you of..." Dean trailed off turning to Sam who finished his thought. ""Crowley?"
Gabriel was starting to feel uneasy power could corrupt and if Cora was angry and bloodthirsty without any magic...
Lucifer tensed at the demons name if Crowley hadn't done what he did he might have made it in time to stop this from happening.
SCENE: The Enchanted Forest. Past. In a tower of King Xavier's castle. Cora tries to spin the straw into gold, to no avail.
Cora: Ugh! It's not happening.
Rumplestiltskin: You just need to stop thinking about it. Magic is about emotion. Summon up that moment that made you so angry, you would have killed if you could.
Cora: You do that?
Rumplestiltskin: I do.
Cora: What's your moment?
Rumplestiltskin: Once, a man made me kiss his boots in front of my son. Now, in my mind, I go back and I rip out his throat, and I crunch his veins with my teeth, and that, dearie, is how magic is made.
Cora: Bloodlust.
"Oh dear dad." Gabriel sighed in his head, Turning around he noticed Lucifer still seemed to be in a world of his own.
"Definitely like Crowley." Dean said nodding his head before Sam whispered. "That can't be good."
Rumplestiltskin: I like the phrase. Let me help you.
Cora: They made me kneel. I didn't do anything wrong, but they made me apologise. To a child. I realized, no matter how good I was, or how hard I worked, I was never going to be more than I am now.
Rumplestiltskin: What do you want to do to them?
Cora: I want to make them bow. I want their kneecaps to crack and freeze on the stones. I want their necks to break from bending.
Rumplestiltskin: Look.
Cora: (Cora sees that the straw she has just spun turned into gold.) I did it! I'm going to live.
Rumplestiltskin: You're going to do much more than that, dearie. Don't stop until they are on their knees.
Cora: Let's keep going. (She continues to spin.)
SCENE: The Enchanted Forest. Past. King Xavier's castle. Cora spins straw into gold in front of the king. Rumplestiltskin, carefully covered in a cloak, looks anxiously with the other attendees.
Cora: Here. Here's your gold.
King Xavier: This... Did you really do it?
Cora: You saw it with your own eyes.
King Xavier: You're just a miller's daughter.
Cora: I am so much more.
King Xavier: You have earned him.
Prince Henry: Cora, if you will do me the honour of accepting my hand in marriage?
Cora: Yes.
SCENE: The Enchanted Forest. Past, one day before her marriage to Prince Henry. King Xavier's castle. Rumplestiltskin appears.
Rumplestiltskin: Enjoying the view as much as I am? (They kiss.)
Cora: How dare you! I'm a married woman.
Rumplestiltskin: Not yet. Wedding's tomorrow.
Cora: Hmm. Well, then it's all right.
Rumplestiltskin: Mmm. (They kiss again.) Love the dress.
Cora: Royal brides have to be snow white.
Rumplestiltskin: (giggles) Well, when you see the future, there is irony everywhere.
Cora: You know, I thought I wanted this. White and bright, all the admiration. But then I look at it. Fifth in line to be queen? That won't happen without an awful lot of bloodshed. And what you give me.
Rumplestiltskin: I can give you nothing but darkness and isolation.
"Oh yes how romantic." Gabriel cut in sarcastically, "Great." He thought. "She's already planning on wiping out entire generations.
Cora: And love.
Rumplestiltskin: Yeah. And love.
Cora: I want that.
Rumplestiltskin: What if I, um... What if I, uh... amended our contract? Instead of you owing me some random firstborn child, you owe me my child?
Cora: I can make that deal.
Rumplestiltskin: As can I.
Cora: Rumple, can we really do this? Can we really have this?
Rumplestiltskin: If you truly wish it.
Cora: There is one...
Rumplestiltskin: What?
Cora: It's the King. He humiliated me. He made me feel the way you've shown me I never have to feel. I want to kill him. I want to show him his heart before I do it. So he can see it and know what I'm doing, as I crush it.
Rumplestiltskin: That is why I love you.
Cora: Show me.
Rumplestiltskin: I will show you everything.
Cora: Then I'll do it tonight.
Rumplestiltskin: Let's seal that promise. (They kiss.)
SCENE: The Enchanted Forest. Past. King Xavier sits at his desk with piles of gold when Cora approaches him.
Cora: They told me I'd find you counting your treasure.
King Xavier: Well... You've made us a rich kingdom again. How can I help you?
Cora: I don't love your son.
King Xavier: I didn't expect you to. Not much there to love, frankly. But this is not about love. It's about alliances. Love is weakness. It isn't for hard women like you. That should make your choice easier.
Cora: My choice?
King Xavier: Run off with the evil imp you don't think anyone knows about, in the name of "love", or stand next to my son with a crown on your head and citizens at your feet.
Cora: If the choice is love or power, then even having a heart is a liability... (Cora touches Xavier's chest.) Don't you think? (She leaves the king's chambers holding a box with a human heart inside it.)
SCENE: Enchanted Forest. Past. Standing near a tree, Rumplestiltskin waits for Cora's return. When she returns, she is carrying the box containing a human heart.
Rumplestiltskin: I was starting to grow concerned.
Cora: Well, here I am. (The two share a kiss.)
Rumplestiltskin: Something's not right.
Cora: Yes, you're correct.
Rumplestiltskin: What happened? Couldn't you take the King's heart?
Cora: No, I was able to do it. I chose not to.
Rumplestiltskin: Ah.
Cora: I'm sorry, my dear Rumple. I'm not going with you. You see, I have a wedding to go to. My own.
Rumplestiltskin: Whose heart is in the box?
Cora: Don't make this harder...
Rumplestiltskin: You lied to me. Whose heart?
Cora: Mine. I had to. You told me not to let anything stop me until they're on their knees. My heart was stopping me.
Rumplestiltskin: You never loved me. Never! You're not getting away with this. We had a contract! I'll take your baby!
Cora: You changed the contract, Rumple. You only get your own child. And any baby I have, it won't be yours.
"So now she has no conscience." Lucifer mused out lazily. To anyone else it would seem like he didn't care but to those who knew him they could see the panic in his eyes."
Gabriel drew in a deep breath. "Looks like it."
"At least your child is no longer on the table Lucifer." Michael stated flippantly,
Lucifer didn't rise to the bait no matter much he wanted too he just stared forward
"Not sure this is any better Mikey," Gabriel cut in rolling his eyes at his older brothers,
Cora was pacing around her in room in front of another woman who looked at her nervously.
Cora: "What do you mean I can't get pregnant?"
Midwife: "These things sometimes happen and there's nothing we can do. You've been trying for a year now I'm sorry your highness."
Cora: "Get out of my sight." Once the midwife leaves she dashes over to her nightstand and pulls out a book. "There might not be anything they can do but there has to be something I can do."
She begins to read before ripping out a particular page and making a goblet appear in a puff of red smoke. She places her hand over the goblet concentrates it glows for a second before going back to normal. She opens her eyes looking at the still empty goblet growls in frustration and crumples up the page. Standing up the second she turns around as soon as her back is to the goblet a golden light starts to form above before shooting into the open cup. Cora notices something off and turns around gasping as she watches the golden light drift into the cup. Once it is completely full she swallows the cup of golden liquid.
Lucifer was now beyond livid not only was he not there in time to stop this from happening his daughter was now in the hands of a woman who literally had no heart,
"So that's how that happened. " Sam commented. Dean decided to make the next mistake. "I think she's better off."
Whirling on them with his arms crossed Lucifer raised his eyebrows at them. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me." He said. "One heartless monster raising her versus you?" He asked. "I don't see the difference at least we don't have to worry about her being a problem for us in this world."
"Do you know what my big plan was for her idiot?" Lucifer asked. "I was going to take her and travel across the galaxies leaving you and your little pinprick marble planet alone take a page right out of dads old playbook and and abandon ship."
Sam scoffed. "You expect us to buy that."
"Buy what you want Sammy boy but I did promise I would never lie to you." Lucifer said.
Michael looked up. "He's telling the truth right now."
"You don't have to believe him but you can believe me I did raise him." He added on before crossing his arms.
Lucifer turned toward Michael a little taken aback.
SCENE: Enchanted Forest. Past. Cora, King Xavier, and Henry stand before a crowd of people at the castle. Cora is holding her newborn in her arms.
King Xavier: Princess Cora. Please. Tell me, daughter, what's her name?
Cora: Her name is Regina. For, one day, she will be Queen. (Cora holds up baby Regina up to the crowd before they kneel)No one seems to notice when for a second the babies iris's glow purple for a split second.
Gabriel held his head in his hands before peeking out then smiling a bit at his baby niece she looked so happy. He squinted a bit when he noticed her little light show with her eyes. "Does she still have her powers?" He asked out into the void.
"Not completely they've been bound to the point where they only show up when she feels life and death situations even then they can't do anything." Atropos voice answered.
Lucifer didn't even seem to care about that just focused on the little baby on the screen entranced.
Michael corked his lips a bit at the baby before going back to his stoic expression.
SCENE: The Enchanted Forest. Past. The Regina's Childhood Home. A young Regina rides a horse on a training field by a small house. Her father Henry watches.
Henry: Yes! (He chuckles once, then again. Regina finishes and dismounts) Ahh, that's beautiful, sweetheart. (They share a hug and a kiss)
Watching his daughter all grown up again made a bitter lump form in his throat, She looked so happy, free riding her horse though, isn't that what he should want most? Her happiness? Lucifer mused as he watched her embrace Henry.
Maybe the Winchesters were right and she was better off where she was? Sure she made a bad name for herself but in the end could he have stopped it? Could he have really offered anything different? Maybe she just inherited his bad traits and that's what she became?
Gabriel smiled at the scene before noticing who was approaching and quickly began to frown.
Regina: Oh, thank you, Daddy. (Cora and Daniel approach)
Cora: Beautiful? (Scoffs) I'd hardly call that beautiful.
Regina: You didn't like it, mother?
Cora: You ride like a man. A lady should be graceful. You should use a saddle.
Regina: (Chuckles) I was just having fun.
Cora: You're getting a little old for fun. Who's going to want to marry you when you behave like a commoner?
Henry: (Advances a step) Honey, please leave her alone.
Cora: Stop coddling her. She's becoming an old maid. All the other girls her age are married. (Sighs) I had such high hopes.
Daniel: (Steps forward) Milady, perhaps this saddle might-
Regina: I'm done riding for the day. (Leads her horse past Daniel) And don't ever interrupt me and my mother again. (Cora smirks. Daniel takes the reins from Regina and leads the horse away with just one look back) (To Cora) Why do you always have to criticize me?
Cora: I'm not criticizing you. I'm helping you.
"Oh sure you are." Gabriel said rolling his eyes mood having been spoiled.
Abandoning his previous trail of thought immediately Lucifer glared at the screen surprisingly Castiel joining him doing so.
(Regina starts to walk away) Don't you walk away from me. (She levitates Regina with her magic)
Regina: Oh! Mother! You know I don't like it when you use magic.
Cora: And I don't like insolence. I'll stop using magic when you start being an obedient daughter.
Regina: (Frustrated gasp) Why can't I just be myself?
Cora: Oh, because you can be so much more—if you'd just let me help you.
Regina: I don't care about status, I just want to be—Oh! (Cora chokes her off with her magic)
A dark cold chill swept throughout the room. And a growl ripped out of someone's throat. Red eyes blazed at the screen and a vase next to one of the sofa's shattered causing the shards to fly in all directions and the plants to fall lifelessly on the ground,
'I don't care how long it takes or what I have to do I will find my daughter." Lucifer spoke into the void. "And I will kill Mommy dearest that's a promise." He added. No she wasn't going to live the life of a heartless woman's puppet not on his watch.
"Want some help?" Gabriel threw in Lucifer looking at him with veiled surprise. "What? she's my niece too." He explained. "She deserves her best chance." Gabriel thought to himself even if he was still unsure if that was with his older brother. Clearly it wasn't with this woman either.
Castiel looked between them. "Whatever you need I offer my assistance as well." Ignoring the looks the Winchester brothers threw his way.
Henry: Cora, please.
Regina: (Lifted higher, some straps from the riding equipment encircling her) Please. I'll be good.
Cora: (Smirks) Excellent. That's all I wanted to hear. (Regina flees)
Michael was paying attention to the screen now, His father did have a bad temper but never did he do something that drastic to one of his children well until the whole thing with the darkness.
Gabriel shuddered that seemed all too normal for Regina like being choked for disagreeing with her mother was normal but what was worse Cora manipulated her into thinking this was okay that there was something wrong with Regina and if she stopped or fixed this part of herself Cora would stop abusing her she literally just told her she'd stop hurting her if Regina would do as she said. "That's not love Regina." He thought to himself sadly.
Lucifer was looking at Henry in disbelief? Why wasn't he grabbing Cora's hand to knock off her concentration or running after Regina he didn't even check to see if she was okay? A new panic started in his chest Regina looked terrified that was not something he wanted to witness ever again.
SCENE: Enchanted Forest. Past. Regina's Childhood Home, Stable. Daniel cares for Regina's horse as she enters.
Regina: Daniel? I'm sorry I snapped at you.
Daniel: That's all right. (Closes the distance, until the two are almost touching) You'll just have to find some way to make it up to me. (They kiss)
Lucifer scrunches up his face talk about things he didn't want to see again.
Gabriel tilted his head curiously at the screen. "Wonder how long they've been sneaking around behind Cora's back." He mused.
SCENE: Enchanted Forest. Past. Regina's Childhood home, Field. Regina rides out to meet Daniel by a tree. They embrace.
Daniel: I thought we could take a ride to Firefly Hill. We can make it by sundown, have a picnic.
Regina: I can't. I have to be back in an hour. Tea time. A lady never misses her tea time.
Gabriel snorts and rolls his eyes. "Yes you seem so thrilled about that Regina I can feel the enthusiasm from here."
Daniel: (Breaking away) This is absurd. Stealing kisses between lunch and tea? When are you gonna tell your parents about us?
Regina: It's not my parents. It's her.
Daniel: I don't understand. So I work in the stables. She started out as the daughter of a miller. Wouldn't she, of all people, understand?
Regina: She does. But—but she thinks one's trajectory needs to keep moving up, and-
Daniel: And I'm down.
Regina: She believes that. Daniel... I know better.
Daniel: Regina, tell her. She'll get over it. What can she do?
Regina: Have you not seen her magic? It w-the real question is what can't she do?
And there it was again for all to see the terror on Regina's face whenever she talked about her mother.
Daniel: Who cares about magic? (Strokes her face) True love is the most powerful magic of all. It can overcome anything.
Gabriel smacks a palm to his face he understood they were young and in love and more importantly very naive but come on! They needed an escape plan or at the very least a way around Cora that wasn't going to end in disaster. Regina had it right when she told him Cora was powerful enough not to mention dangerous and controlling enough for something to go seriously wrong.
Young Snow White: Help!
Regina: Shh! Someone's here!
Snow White: Somebody, help me! (Snow White rides by on a runaway horse. Regina mounts and chases down the horse, with Snow White screaming for help all the while)
Snow White: Come on, please, stop! Help me! Oh! (Grunts) Help! Help me! Please help me!
Regina: Give me your hand! (Pulls Snow White onto her horse and stops, Snow White falls to the ground and Regina dismounts, running to her) It's okay, dear, you're safe!
Snow White: You saved my life!
Regina: Are you all right?
Snow White: Yes. But I'll never ride again.
Regina: (Scoffs) Nonsense. The only way to overcome fear is to face it. To get back on that horse as soon as possible.
Snow White: Thank you.
Regina: Regina.
Snow White: I'm Snow. Snow White. (They hug.)
"You have a right to be afraid of her Regina." Gabriel muttered his brothers gave him quizzical looks that he ignored.
Lucifer was looking at Snow white with a critical eye didn't the demented little imp mention her as somehow being important? He continued to look at the screen with suspicion.
SCENE: Enchanted Forest. ast. Regina's Childhood Home. Regina, wearing riding clothes, admires herself in front of a mirror. Enter Cora.
Cora: No, this won't do. (Casts spell, causing purple smoke to engulf Regina.)
Regina: What are you doing? (Smoke clears, revealing Regina in a ball gown.)
Cora: We have a guest. He'll be here any moment.
Regina: I can't: I have a riding lesson with Daniel.
Cora: Well, that's been canceled. Now smile. We don't want to disappoint him.
Regina: Disappoint who?
Cora: The King.
Regina: (Giggles) The King? Why is the King coming?
Cora: Because you've finally done something right! That little girl you saved? Is the king's daughter. (Regina gasps.)
"And just how many things have you done right in your life Cora?" Gabriel snarked.
To say Lucifer was angry was too kind knowing what Cora wanted to achieve with Regina he knew where this was headed and by the looks of his brothers so did they.
Enter The King, Henry, and two retainers.
King Leopold: Is that her?
Henry: Yes. (Cora curtsies.) Regina, honey? This is Snow White's father. (Regina curtsies as well.)
King Leopold: No. It is I who should bow to you. You saved my daughter's life. There is no way to repay that debt. It is an honor, to meet you. (Bows)
Cora: Regina. Dear. The—King's honored to meet you; say something.
Regina: Oh. The honor is mine.
King Leopold: You're quite lucky to have a mother who looks out for you. My dear Snow has many things, but a mother is not one of them. We lost her years ago.
Regina: I'm so sorry.
King Leopold: Since then I have scoured the land, looking for a wife. I've yet to find a woman with an interest in my daughter, until now. (Takes a box from a pillow that one of his retainers offers him. Kneels with ring.) Will you marry me, Regina? (Henry nods.)
Cora: Yes. Yes.
Lucifer ground his teeth together his daughter was in her early twenties and how old was the King? Not to mention this would be a decision that would effect her entire future. Becoming a stepmom responsible for an entire kingdom she has no knowledge of stuck in a marriage with someone who was marrying her just on principal? She would have no life of her own. She'd have no chance she'd be stuck... Trapped.
SCENE: Enchanted Forest. Past. Regina's Childhood Home, Stable. Regina throws open the doors.
Regina: Daniel? Daniel!
Daniel: (Leaves stall, where he was caring for a horse.) What is it?
Regina: (Hugs Daniel.) Marry me.
Daniel: Regina, what are you doing? What's happened? Did you tell your mother?
Regina: No. And now I can never tell her, she won't understand. That girl I saved—was the king's daughter. And now he's proposed, to me!
Daniel: What?
Regina: (In tears) My mother accepted! The only way out is to run. For us to leave this place, for us to be married, for us to never come back.
Daniel: Regina. Do you understand what that would mean? Life with a stable boy is a far cry from a life as Queen.
Regina: Being Queen means nothing. Daniel. (Strokes his face.) All I care about is you.
Daniel: (Kisses her thumb.) And if I am to marry you, let's do this properly. (Fetches a ring from a nearby saddle. Slips it on Regina's finger.) Here. (They kiss. Door opens. Enter Snow White.)
Regina: Snow! Do you r-what are you doing?
Snow White: You said to get back on the horse, and—what are you doing with him?
Regina: Snow, I can explain. (Snow flees.) No, Snow—Snow! (Scene transitions; Regina is still running after Snow.) Snow? Snow! Wait! Snow! (Snow White trips, Regina overtakes her.) Snow! Are you okay?
Snow White: No. No. Why were you kissing that man in the stable? You're to marry my father, you're to be my mother!
Regina: Snow, please, listen to me. He—your father, King Leopold, he's a kind and fair man. But I don't love him!
Snow White: I don't understand. Why not?
Regina: Love doesn't work that way. Love—true love—is magic. And not just any magic. The most powerful magic of all. It creates happiness.
Snow White: And that man in the stables. You love him?
Regina: With all my heart.
Snow White: Then you must marry him. (They giggle.) I will go tell Father right away!
Regina: Nih, nih, n-n-n-no! You can't.
Snow White: Why not? Surely he'll understand.
Regina: Perhaps, but not everyone will. My mother for one, she'll—stand in the way.
Snow White: That's why you're running.
Regina: It's the only way our love can survive. Snow. Do you know what a secret is? If you really, truly want to help me-
Snow White: I do.
Regina: Then what you saw, what I told you, you must keep it a secret. Can you do that?
Snow White: I think so.
Regina: I need you to be certain. You can never speak of this. And above all, you mustn't tell my mother. Will you do that for me?
Snow White: Yes. I promise. (They hug.)
And just like that Gabriel was on edge, Crossing his fingers he hoped what he felt was going to happen didn't that this was all some elaborate prank and Atropos was not this cruel.
Lucifer sighed dejectedly if getting Eve to listen to a talking snake was easy getting a ten year old to spill a secret wouldn't even be comparable. He wished he could hope she got out of that home ran off with Daniel and lived a long and happy life but if fate was involved then she was screwed and nothing infuriated him more.
SCENE: Enchanted Forest. Past. Regina's Childhood Home. Snow White admires a flower, touches it.
Enter Cora.Cora: Careful, sweetheart. A flower's a delicate thing. Be gentle. You want it to grow, and not pluck it before its time. (Admires her own flower.)
Snow White: I'm sorry.
Cora: (Good-natured chuckle.) It's all right. You needn't fear me, I'm only trying to help. Perhaps you can be the flower girl at the wedding! I can already see how close you and Regina have become. (Leads Snow White to a couch; they sit down.) She's going to make a fine mother for you.
Snow White: She is kind to me.
Cora: (Chuckling) Indeed. It warms my heart how you two share everything. Already. Perhaps you could share something with me. Why has she pulled away from me?
Snow White: What do you mean?
Cora: A mother knows her daughter, Regina's pulled away. I love her so much, but she's not letting me help her and I-I know she's unhappy. Has she said something? I'd do anything to make her happy.
Snow White: You'd do anything?
"Snow." Gabriel drawled out warningly.
Cora: Ah, of course, dear. You know, I talked to the King about your mother, he told me how much she loved you. Losing her must have been so hard.
Snow White: It was.
Cora: Hearing him I realized he might as well have been talking about me and Regina. I don't want us to lose each other. If only I could show her, how I feel. That no matter what, all I want is her happiness.
Snow White: (Rises) Then don't make her get married.
Cora: I'm sorry?
Snow White: She doesn't love my father. She loves someone else. She made me promise not to tell. But she'll lose you. She can't lose her mother. No one should.
"She's not a mother." Lucifer ground out.
Cora: Oh. Sweet Snow, it's all right. She won't lose me. You can tell me. You must tell me.
SCENE: Enchanted Forest. Past. Regina's Childhood Home, Stable. Daniel is there. Enter Regina.
Daniel: Are you ready?
Regina: Let's go.
Cora: (Appearing suddenly out of the gloom) You could've at least left a note. (Knocks the two back with a blue spell. She appears inside the stable without appearing to walk there, and the doors close behind her.)
Regina: Mother, I-
Cora: Don't. You sneak out of my house in the dead of night and think I won't notice? How dare you.
Regina: You're impossible to talk to. Stop with the magic and listen to me. I want to be with Daniel.
Cora: Uh! You don't know what you want. But I do. I didn't make the sacrifices I did in life to get you to the cusp of greatness so that you could end up the wife of a stable boy.
Regina: It's my life!
"You tell her Regina." Gabriel encouraged.
Michael looked down. Ever since being in the cage he didn't know what his life was supposed to look like. He thought the apocalypse was what his father wanted only to be locked in the cage with the brother he was sworn to kill. He was in the middle of an existential crisis. His father never got him out of the cage never even tried he didn't know what to think anymore.
Lucifer flinched back knowing what was coming. Cora didn't see Regina as an actual person with her own life or wants or needs just a pawn to get her where wanted to be and to do what she wanted to do. He couldn't help but relate to that situation all too well.
He knew his father cared but that didn't stop him from letting him go down the path he did. Did he want him to go down that path or was that just his first time letting his kids "Stand on their own." He apologized then promptly left without so much as an explanation. Didn't even look for him to make sure he was alive.
Cora: (Laughs) You foolish girl. It's mine. After what I had to do, the deals I had to make to get us out of poverty, to get us this life, and you just want to toss it away?
Daniel: (Aside, to Regina:) Stay strong, Regina.
Regina: Your magic can't keep us apart. I love him.
Daniel: (To Cora:) And I love her.
Cora: And I love her too.
Regina: If you loved me you wouldn't try to keep us apart!
Cora: And if you loved me you wouldn't try to run away.
"And if you really loved her she'd feel safe enough not to want to run in the first place." Gabriel spat out. Great more psychological manipulation just what his niece needed.
Regina: I'm sorry, but this is my happiness. We're going.
Gabriel felt pride fill his heart when she held her ground. Lucifer let out a small smile the scene.
Cora: No. (Lifts a magic-tinged hand.) You're not.
Regina: So what's your plan? You're going to—keep us here, forever? Because that's what you'll have to do.
Cora: So this is—your decision. This will make you, happy?
Regina: It already has.
Cora: Then who am I to stop you.
Regina: (Hugs Cora.) Thank you, mother.
Cora: Daniel. (Takes him aside.) If you want to have a life together, a family, then there's one important lesson I can impart on you. It's what it means to be a parent. You always have to do what's best for your children.
Daniel: Thank you. I understand. Because that's what you're doing now.
Cora: Yes. It is. (Plunges her hand into Daniel's chest. He gasps.)
Regina: Mother! (Cora pulls out her hand, clutching his heart. He collapses.) Noooo! (Regina rushes over to his fallen body.) Noo! (Cora crushes his heart in her fist, and sand trickles out from between her fingers.) Mother, why have you done this?
Cora: Because this is your happy ending.
Lucifer bowed his head hearing Regina's grief stricken sobs. Gabriel and Castiel had a look of horror on their faces.
Right in front of their eyes her entire world crumbled like ashes to the ground.
Regina: What?
Cora: I know you'll have to trust me, Regina. I know best. Love is weakness, Regina. It feels real now; at the start it always does. But it's an illusion. It fades, and then you're left with nothing. But power—true power—endures. And then you don't have to rely on anyone to get what you want. I've saved you, my love.
Regina: You've ruined everything. I loved him. I loved him!
Cora: Enough! I've endured this long enough. Now clean yourself up. Wipe away your tears. Because now? You're going to be queen.
"No you broke her Cora." Lucifer thought. Cora might as well have ripped Regina's own heart out. The thought of repaying her the favor once he found his way out of this little pocket dimension brought him some small comfort. He wanted a to have a child because he wanted something to love something to care for he wanted a family again. Gabriel by all accounts was dead Michael was a complete mess angels were almost extinct.
SCENE: Enchanted Forest. Past. Regina's Childhood Home, Dressing Room. Snow White watches three attendants dress Regina in a wedding gown.
Snow White: Wow. You really are the fairest of them all!
Regina: Hmm. Thank you, dear.
Snow White: I hope for my wedding day I'll be as beautiful.
Regina: I'm sure you will be.
Snow White: I know you and Daniel will be so happy together.
Regina: (Turns to look at Snow White.) What?
Snow White: Well, I just knew your mother would let you marry him once she knew how happy it'd make you! Once she knew how much you love him. You have such a wonderful mother. She would do anything for your happiness.
Regina: Snow? Did—did you--tell her? About me and Daniel?
Snow White: Yes!
Regina: But I told you, very specifically, not to.
Snow White: I'm sorry. I just didn't want you to lose your mother. Like I've lost mine. (Regina turns away, distraught.) Are you mad?
Regina: No. I'm not mad at all. You were just trying to help me. However, I'm not marrying Daniel. This dress is for your father.
Snow White: But, I thought you were in love.
Regina: So did I, but I was wrong. Daniel has run away. What I had with Daniel wasn't real; it was an infatuation. See, that's the thing about love. It can come in the most unexpected of places: your father and I had something even more special. Because it's not just about the two of us. It's about all of us. We're going to be a family.
Snow White: We are?
This scene was hard to watch for everyone. You could see the mask Regina was starting to put on as she lied about Daniel and you could also see something dark and twisted starting to take root in her eyes.
Gabriel flinched a bit that look was one a little too familiar...
Regina: That's right. I'm going to be your stepmother, and I couldn't be happier.
Snow White: Me too. (Both laugh and hug. Enter Cora, who simply appears.)
Cora: Snow. You need to go to your room, help with the packing. Your father wants you ready for the journey and we're heading to your castle first thing in the morning.
Snow White: You're both going to love it there.
Cora: I know we will. (Exit Snow White.) Well played, dear. You're learning.
Regina: I should change. Don't want to ruin the dress before my big day.
Cora: I am so proud of you.
Regina: You knew the king was traveling through our land, didn't you. That steed with Snow didn't go wild on its own. Did it?
Cora: (Unconvincingly) I have no idea what you're saying.
Regina: I should have let her die on that horse.
Lucifer rocked back on his feet at this, so Cora had been planning the entire thing that manipulative little... Wait the music that played at the end of Regina's sentence. "Oh no..."
SCENE: The Enchanted Forest. Past. Young Regina is riding her horse, Rocinante, trying to leave her family's manor.
Queen Regina: Come on, Rocinante! Go! We're almost free. (The branches on the trees suddenly animate and grab Regina. Cora enters.)
Cora: And I thought we were done with all this nonsense.
Regina: Hello, mother. What evil have you conjured?
Cora: (Chuckles) Not evil, darling. A barrier spell. Designed to keep you where you belong.
Regina: I can't leave?
Cora: Not alone. Not without the king. We've been through this. In two days, you'll be married. You'll be queen. After that, you're free to go, whenever you're with him.
Regina: Mama, I don't want to marry the king. I don't want this life.
Cora: You're just frightened of having all that power.
Regina: I don't want power. (Exhales) I want to be free.
Cora: Power is freedom. Don't worry. I'm here to show you.
"Oh good." Lucifer said sarcastically. "A barrier spell plucked right out of nightmares." He was watching as his daughter was locked in her own version of a cage.
Gabriel looked down. Hadn't Regina said it herself? She just wanted a life of her own? He promised himself he'd help her get that whatever that entailed for her. Now she had to marry a man she had no interest in and help raise his daughter who inadvertently caused her fiances death. Her entire life decided for her. When was she ever allowed to make a choice of her own not influenced by Cora? She didn't want the life that was being decided for her now and who could blame her? At this point was it even ever her own?
SCENE: King Leopold's castle,the Enchanted Forest. Past. Regina is adorning young Snow White's hair with flowers.
Regina: What do you think, Snow?
Snow: It looks beautiful.
Regina: (Chuckles) No, dear, you look beautiful.
Snow: (Eyes a necklace with the ring from Daniel on it.) What's this?
Regina: What? That's mine.
Snow: It's pretty. Where did you get it?
Regina: Daniel gave it to me.
Snow: The stable boy. The one who left you.
Regina: He didn't leave me.
Snow: (Whispers) What?
Regina: He was killed.
Snow: Oh, no.
Regina: He was killed because you couldn't keep a secret from my mother. (Regina begins to choke Snow)
Snow: (Gasps) But... But she said... She told me she was going to help you.
Regina: My mother corrupts young souls. If you were stronger, none of this would've happened.
Snow: It's pretty. Where did you get it?
Regina: I don't remember.
Deja Vu was taking over Lucifer when he had taken the mark their were many moments he could feel Amara egging him on. Everything he felt before was pushed to the surface until he couldn't ignore it anymore. Regina was teetering on a very thin very slippery edge and he didn't know if he could watch her take the fall. This feeling of helplessness made him feel vulnerable a feeling he hadn't had in very long time.
"Come on Regina you're better then this." Thought Gabriel. Although he could see where it was coming from she wasn't even allowed to grieve Daniel before she had to put on a smile and fake her way through her "Happy ending."
Castiel looked down upset.
Regina: Daddy, you don't know what mother's doing to me . It's like she's turning me into her. I have to get away.
Valet: Get away? But tomorrow's the wedding, child.
Regina: (Voice breaking) I don't want to marry the king. I've told you that.
Valet: Are you certain it isn't just cold feet?
"What!" Lucifer exclaimed. "Cold feet?" He knew what happened with Daniel right? How could he even suggest that? Like any of what's happened to her is normal or okay. Not only has he stood by and watched probably countless times as Cora pulled things like this and then when Regina turns to him for comfort he tries to get her to follow Cora's plan?
"Yes I'm sure that's all it is." Michael said with clear sarcasm in his voice rolling his eyes at the man on screen ignoring the looks everyone sent him.
Gabriel shook his head really? This is his way of comforting her?
Regina: Daddy, this is not cold feet. This... this is...this is insanity. I'm angry all the time. She's making me crazy.
Lucifer looked down in sorrow at hearing that, he remembered that feeling too. rage turned inward burying itself and twisting until it finally it burst outward and the aftermath was never pretty it wasn't for him and now it looked like it wouldn't be for her either. And there was nothing he could do but watch as it ate her from the inside out. He felt a fear he didn't even know he had circle in his chest.
Gabriel watched sadly, he understood she was angry she had no choice since she was born her life was Cora's not to mention while it looked they were clearly materially wealthy they were extremely emotionally poor. It was hard to think Cora ever met any of Regina's actual needs she might as well have been a doll.
Valet: She wants to give you everything she never got for herself.
"Okay." Gabriel thought angrily. "Now your just straight up enabling her."
Lucifer snorted at the irony Cora had already failed at doing just that.
Regina: (Crying) I don't want her life. I want a life of my own. How did she get like this?
Valet: There was a man. Well, not quite a man. Someone Cora knew before I met her. He brought magic to her. Gave her that book of spells. He made her like she is.
"Henry!" Gabriel barked out. What was he thinking?
Regina: What was his name?
Valet: I don't know. Cora won't even say it.
Regina: But the book is his.
Lucifer crossed his arms he didn't want that twisted imp anywhere near Regina. "You have got to be kidding me." He said shaking his head as Henry spilled the beans to Regina on how to find him.
Suddenly a blue wind blew in and swished the Winchesters away. Castiel watched on with alarm. "Where did they go?" He asked into the void.
"Back home I'm bringing others in their place." Atropos said.
Lucifer smirked before saying. "Anyone is better then those two."
The blue wind picked up again revealing two very confused deities. Amara and Chuck stood next to the sofa the Winchesters once sat on his father looked around before spotting them and widened his eyes many emotions going through them at once. Amara just seemed baffled and slightly irked.
"I take it back." Lucifer said slowly. "The Winchesters are fine."
A/N Sorry if thing got a little messed up my copy and paste is a little funky right now.