I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
2: Dog Gone
Emma was not sure what to make of the hit-and-run visit by Regina's mother. She picked up her cell phone, ready to call Regina and tell her about it, but that might end with Regina coming home. She did not want to disrupt Regina's day, especially if it was not as serious as she thought it was. Yeah, but she stared at my collar for a minute, like it meant something. That warranted a phone call, but she did not want to disturb or worry Regina.
Emma hummed in thought as she stared at her phone, tapping her chin. Who to call? Opening her contacts, it was a no-brainer the second she saw the name.
"Duckling, is Regina all right? Did you call 911 first?" Maleficent asked, almost frantic already.
Emma jumped, not expecting such an over-the-top reaction. "Uh… Regina's at work."
"Then why the hell are you calling me?" The demand sounded borderline furious, like Emma interrupted something important.
"Nice to know you immediately jump to Regina's in trouble if I happen to call you."
Maleficent sniffed. "Why else would you have reason to call me?"
Emma rubbed the back of her neck. "For chicken stew and buttered bread, duh." She would like some of that once this was all over.
Maleficent sucked her teeth. "I'm going to hang up on you." That was not an empty threat.
"No, no, no!"
"Then, why did you call me? I have a lot to do. The cafe still isn't up to snuff despite the help from you and your friends with the cleanup." Why the hell was that said like they did something wrong?
"First, you're welcome. Second, Regina's mother just popped in. She let herself in." That was weird. Regina was very particular about who had keys to her place. In fact, Maleficent was the only one with keys from what Emma put together.
Maleficent made a weird, unladylike noise, like an injured goat. "Her mother? Duckling, what did her mother say?" This was a hissed demand.
Emma's heart rate increased. Maleficent was pissed. Yeah, she got pissed over a lot of things, but this was different. Something was wrong with Regina's mother showing up, which made sense. Emma had not heard about Regina's mother throughout her stay with Regina. What is up with that? No, focus, answer the question.
"Nothing too bad." As Emma thought back on the interaction and how it lasted probably a minute, she should not feel so unsettled. But, she was still off balance, so it did not matter how she should be. "She wanted to know what I was doing in Regina's house and she stared at my collar in a real judgey way."
"Oh, yes, Cora is quite judgey. Duckling, this is not good, at all. Has Regina told you anything about her mother?" Maleficent asked.
"No." I don't know a lot about Regina despite being here for so long. It had not bothered her since Regina treated her right, but if they were ever going to be closer, she should learn more. She's gotta share more. I can't ask. "I just got a bad vibe from her."
"Your vibe is quite right. This is more than likely about Regina running for reelection. Or not running. It also means no cafe."
Emma scowled. "No cafe? But, that's Regina's dream." She would not let anyone stand in the way of Regina's dream.
"Regina doesn't have dreams according to her mother. Regina's not a person according to her mother. Regina belongs to her mother according to her mother. You'll find out." The way she said it made a shiver go down Emma's spine.
"I don't think I want to." None of Maleficent's words made her want to learn more about Regina's mother. Not to mention the look in Regina's mother's eyes; it reminded her of some of the coldest people she met in prison. If Regina had bodies on her like people claimed, then her mother had to have a full cemetery.
"Yes, steer clear of her mother if you possibly can. If she comes back to the house, you leave immediately. Take any and all things that might identify you with you when you go."
Emma swallowed as anxiety gnawed at her guts. "Is she dangerous?" She probably does have a cemetery. What the hell have I gotten myself into now? How can I help Regina out of it?
"Yes, especially to people Regina cares about. Keep your head down, Duckling. Do not test this woman."
"I don't want her to hurt Regina, though."
"I'll protect Regina."
This sent a shock down Emma's spine and she growled. "I can protect Regina, too."
"Yes, once you have more information about Cora and can come up with a plan of attack. This is not a woman you approach with no information. That's how Daniel died."
"Daniel?" Emma was kind of familiar with the name.
"She hasn't told you about Daniel yet?"
"She's just happy in the moment with me."
"And that's fine. She deserves that. But, she has to eventually believe in the future," Maleficent said. "Anyway, continue to do that for her and it's more than enough. Until you have more information about Cora, you keep your distance. Again, she is dangerous. She'll do anything to put Regina in line, despite the fact history has shown it doesn't work."
"What does that mean?" Emma asked.
"Watch your ass, Duckling. If she finds out how much you mean to Regina, Cora won't hesitate to destroy you."
Emma gulped, knowing Maleficent used the word "destroy" on purpose. It covered so much more than possibly murdering her, staging "an accident," or trying to ruin her life in some manner. It might hinge on how much Regina's mother — Cora — thought she meant to Regina.
Emma was not even sure what she meant to Regina. Yes, Regina loved her, but Emma was not sure in what way. She did not want to find out the way by being murdered or worse, though.
"Do you think she'll be back?" Emma asked.
"If she feels the need to ambush Regina again, yes. But, I'll try to do something before that happens. Now, I have to go. Remember, if she does come back, you leave. Make sure nothing's around that can tell her who you are. Don't hint that you have a space in the house or anything. She won't snoop unless she thinks she needs to do so. Do not give her cause."
"If she's this scary, won't she be able to find out, anyway?" What the hell is this woman about?
"Yeah, but it's better to let her work for it. Gives us time to counter her."
"Okay."
"Good girl."
"Not funny." Although, a warm feeling spread through her when Maleficent said that. It was not the same as when Regina said it, but it was something. Learning a lot about myself these past few months.
The call was disconnected and Emma was more unsettled than before. Was Cora out to hurt Regina? Force her to be mayor again? Why? Regina was so unhappy with her job. What sort of mother would try to force her daughter to stay someplace where she was unhappy, as well as unappreciated? Would Cora hurt Regina to bend Regina to her will? Seemed like she would definitely hurt Emma. This was crazy.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina's focus at work was shot. She did not pretend to try to do work. Instead, she poked around to find out if anyone had seen her mother, paying Rumple close attention. While they did not have a common goal, they would put that aside and try to manipulate the other to control Regina. Her digging paused when Maleficent called.
"Mal, I don't have the time to spare, so whatever the problem is, please handle it," Regina said in a short tone.
"That's a hell of a greeting. I'd love to handle this, but I think you'll want to be in on it," Maleficent replied.
"What's happened now?" When it rains it pours. Her heart sank. What if the shop was burned down yet again? There was no way to rebuild again. This had already taken so much energy and set them back.
"Cora was at your house. She let herself in."
Regina lost all control over the volume of her voice and her heart hammered against her ribs to the point of sheer agony. "She what?" Oh, my god, I hope Duckling wasn't there!
"Yes, let herself in and greeted Duckling."
Regina's heart sank into a bottomless abyss. Her throat burned like she might vomit. "Is Duckling all right?" If Mother hurt Duckling, I will destroy any and everything she's ever desired.
"Unnerved definitely, but all right enough to call me and tell me that Cora let herself in. Duckling was wearing her collar."
"Shit. She's been wearing it since she came back home. Does Mother know who she is?" Regina needed to figure out how to ruin Mother's life if she knew who Duckling was. What if she interrogated Duckling? Sure, Duckling was tough and capable of taking care of herself, but Mother was something wild, untamed, a force of nature.
"I don't think so, but it'll take her no time to find out. What does she want with you? To run for mayor again?"
Regina sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I think she's going to take this opening to try to force me to marry up."
"Well, can't have that, unless, of course, she wants you to accept my proposal." Maleficent chuckled. Technically, Maleficent was marrying up for Regina, even though Mother did not like to acknowledge that for a few reasons.
A light went off in Regina's head. "Now that is an idea."
"You want to get married?" Maleficent could not sound more confused if she tried.
"That'll be the threat. The second she starts up about being the power behind the man nonsense, I'll threaten to elope with you. You're one of the few people she would never dare to cross."
Maleficent's laugh was dark as night. "Oh, I wish she would."
"I'd rather not put you in her path, but again, you're one of the few people she wouldn't mess with."
"Not without a lot of allyship, yes. Not to sound arrogant, I like to think I'd be able to take her, just like I could take Rumple if necessary."
"And yet Rumple tried you." There was no reason he might not try again. I have to put things into place with him as well.
Maleficent grunted. "He will regret it soon enough. My connections aren't just for show. But, we'll handle your mother first. Then, the cafe still needs attention. When that's done, Rumple will regret trying to burn my hopes and dreams."
"We will rise from the ashes."
"Yes, we will. Shall we handle your mother today?"
"As soon as possible, please," Regina replied. She needed to do something to protect Duckling.
"I feel like we should just lie and say we're married. I'm sure you can forge a marriage certificate at this point."
"I'm going to do that as soon as we end this call." Anything to rid her of Mother off and she would able to focus on her final business as mayor and then the cafe. And, of course, make sure Duckling was safe.
Maleficent laughed. "I'm now going to enjoy this."
Regina wished she could say the same, but her mother always twisted her stomach in knots. She was more prepared to tangle with Rumple than she was with her mother. Still, this was necessary to her happiness, and possibly to Duckling's safety since Mother saw her. I won't let anyone hurt or use her again.
The marriage certificate was the easiest part of this scheme. Getting Mother to agree to meet her in public was much more difficult. Mother would not want people to witness them being anything other than perfect, even though they were far from that.
"Regina, we could go to your house. Unless there's something at your home you'd like to keep from me," Mother said into the phone. Her voice was so damn smug.
"No, I think sitting in the warm air would help cooler heads prevail," Regina replied. This was quite true.
Regina needed something to keep her mother from striking her. Mother would never dare do such a thing where people might see. Of course, Mother was known to hurt people out in the open in a way where no one was the wiser. She would rather take that chance, though.
"I have little desire to sit in the hot sun," Mother said with a sneer.
"Yes, well, I have no plans to be home soon. Beyond work, I have errands." She had to make calls at the least.
"And yet you have time to meet me?"
"Yes, I can meet you in between errands. Unless, of course, you desire to be out at night." Her mother had no desire to be out with her at night. Her mother simply had better things to do with her time.
"My time is valuable as well, Regina."
"I'm well aware, Mother. This is why I think we should just meet at Tony's. We could have dinner. We haven't done that in ages." Not that either of them liked to eat with each other. It was hard to stomach food, even outstanding food, when sitting across from a disappointment. At least Zelena won't be there to make this worse.
"Tony's is acceptable."
Of course, it was. It was the most upscale Italian restaurant in the town and was so incredible, that people from surrounding towns would come to Storybrooke to eat there. They would also go out of their way to seat Regina wherever she desired.
"So, would you like six or seven?" Regina asked.
"Six would be preferable. I have other things to do today, like get in touch with your ridiculous sister," her mother answered.
Regina refused to take that bait. She did not care what Zelena had done and would not inquire. "I'll see you there." And, thankfully, the call was ended. Next, she had to call Duckling.
Duckling picked up immediately. "Regina, did Maleficent tell you I called her?"
"She did. I'm going to be out late, dealing with my mother."
"Um…"
"Hold all questions until later. This unexpected lateness means no fresh homemade dinner. Would you like something from Tony's?"
Duckling gasped like the greedy groat she was. "The Italian place all the rich people eat at?"
"I suppose that's one way to describe it." Regina made sure her voice was dry.
"I'll take it. I never dreamed I'd be able to eat from there unless I scammed someone into it."
"I'm almost feeling scammed right now myself."
Duckling snickered. "I'll pay you back in snuggles and kisses, so it's a fair trade."
Regina snorted. "It's funny you would say that as if you don't enjoy those things. Do you want anything in particular?"
"Nah, I trust you to order for me. When you gonna be home?"
"Hopefully by seven." Mother would not suffer her presence for long. The dinner would be shorter still when someone Mother despised showed up. "Don't eat too many snacks."
Duckling snorted. "I already finished the cookie jar. It needs a refill."
"I just baked you cookies two days ago. You better be joking."
"We'll see if you laugh or not when you see the cookie jar."
Regina pinched the bridge of her nose. "Duckling." This girl will eat herself to death if Mother doesn't take her out.
"Not my fault you make tasty stuff. Be careful with your mom. I want mouth kisses when you finally come in."
"Goodbye, Duckling." Regina ended the call. She would give Duckling all of her kisses if this went well.
Before she got to work, she found herself a little curious about her sister. Why did Mother have to track her down? Time to find out.
"Regina!" Zelena's face popped up on the FaceTime call.
Regina squinted, trying to take in the background of Zelena. "Zelena, why is your mother looking for you?"
"Oh, is she making your life hard now?" Zelena had the nerve to laugh.
Regina's gaze narrowed. "What did you do?" It had been far too long between the last time she talked to her sister and now. They did not have the type of relationship that opted for close contact. Too much bad blood from childhood and teenage years competing for Mother's attention and affection, but also trying to throw the other in front of Mother to avoid Mother's wrath.
"I'll let you know soon." Shouting came from behind Zelena and she turned.
"Zelena… are you in London?" Regina asked. The voice calling for Zelena had an accent.
Zelena smiled. "It's home. Ta, darling. Good luck with Mother. Don't tell her where I am." She ended the call.
Regina sighed and put her phone down. Zelena was in the wind as far as Mother was concerned. She had done something. This meant Mother was already wound up. I better start forging that marriage certificate. This was going to be one hell of a fight.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma was unable to sit still. She would be alone at the house until seven and she did not want to chance Cora coming back. So, she threw on some clothes and drove to Granny's to bother Ruby until she was off work. She brought her GED stuff, just in case she got enough focus back that she would be able to read again.
The smell of food and coffee hit Emm as soon as she stepped into Granny's. The familiar scent soothed her. She grabbed an empty small table.
"You better order some actual food if you're going to sit here in my section and not tip," Ruby said with a grin.
Emma scoffed as she placed her things down on the cold, clean table. "So, Granny can come out here and tell me my money ain't no good here?" That was a quick way to be threatened with a wooden spoon.
Ruby laughed. "Do you even have money?"
Emma shrugged. "Not much. Couldn't afford a meal off that menu." She had not done anything to make money in a long time and Regina did not give her an allowance. All she had to do was ask for something and Regina would have it for her by the next day at the latest.
A smile tugged at Ruby's dark red lips. "Sugar momma don't give you walking around money, huh?"
Emma's eyes rolled. "She never expects me to be walking around. She thinks I'm a house cat."
Ruby chuckled. "You like being a house cat, don't you?"
"More than I ever expected." It was more than likely because it was with Regina. There was no way another person would treat her the way Regina did, even as a human pet. She would have been expected to at least put out for everything Regina gave her.
"I'm so glad she took you back in. You look so much better. There's color to your face and you don't look like something's pressing on you. She must be doing something right." Ruby winked.
Emma grabbed a napkin, balled it up, and threw it at Ruby. "You know it's not like that and I don't like you implying otherwise. This is weirdly the most healthy relationship I've ever been in."
"Wow." Ruby blew out a breath. "What's all this you have here?" She nodded toward the textbook and notebook.
"I'm going to try to study. Can I have some lemonade or something?"
"I'll get you some lemonade and fries. Works for you?"
Emma nodded. "Thanks."
Ruby snorted, brushed her off with a wave of her hand, and was off. Emma opened her books again. She read the same sentence three times and still did not know what it said. Her eyebrows knitted close together. What's Regina doing? How's she gonna deal with her mother? What's her mother capable of?
"You okay?" Ruby asked.
Emma blinked and looked up. "Huh?"
"I put your stuff down about five minutes ago and you haven't touched it."
Emma's gaze went to the pile of fries and lemonade in front of her. "Oh, wow. I didn't notice." That's not cool. I used to be way more aware of my surroundings. This never would've happened to me before Regina.
"Yeah, and you're definitely not reading. Everything okay?" Ruby's eyes were moist with concern.
Emma nodded. "Yeah, maybe." She did not know.
"Should I call M&M to come and sit with you?"
"No, no, no. I'm fine." She did not trust herself to sit with Mary Margaret right now. Not a Mary Margaret who knew Regina, had a history with Regina, and would more than likely willingly blab about Regina's life without a second thought if Emma asked. Emma did not want that temptation because she had a million questions about Regina right now. If I wait, Regina might answer them and that's way better than betraying her trust for a quick fix.
"You sure?" Ruby's eyes were soft, but not brimming with worry like a moment ago.
"I'm sure. It's just… something happened with Regina. Not between me and her, but something that upset her today and I want to be able to make things good for her," Emma replied. That was her job as a pet. She was meant to make Regina feel better. You got one job and it's not hard, so don't fuck it up.
Ruby smiled. "From the way you tell it, her coming home to you is more than enough."
Emma blinked hard again. She hoped that was true. Yes, Regina expressed such a thing, but to believe it was against Emma's nature. No one leaned on Emma that much, loved Emma that much. She was never that important to someone.
"You think so?" Emma asked, voice low, small.
Ruby put her hand on Emma's and warmth seeped into Emma. "I haven't had a chance to see you with her beyond when we helped clean up the cafe, but in that short time, yeah, I think so. She always looks at you with such a soft smile, which ain't typical for the mayor. She's always HBIC, but for you, she's definitely a marshmallow. I saw her rub your head at one point and she looked like she might melt for you."
Emma squinted a little, a frown on deck. "You were spying?"
"It was a happy accident. I was coming to get you for something. I backed away as soon as I realized what was happening. It doesn't matter. What does matter is you make her happy. She likes being with you. She likes you. So, coming home to you should be more than enough."
Emma nodded, even though the words would take time to sink in. How could she be more than enough? When was she ever enough? Hey, she let you back in. She gave you a home. And she gives you good kisses, so have some faith in her and yourself. While it was a great thought, just like her being enough, would take some time to sink in. For now, her stomach balled itself up to the point where she might not be able to eat her fries.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina sat down a couple of shopping bags she had as the host placed her at an outside table at Tony's. The weather was perfect for sitting outside. Plus, Mother hated the outdoors, especially when eating. Regina made sure the host understood she did not want to switch tables under any circumstances.
She took a moment to review the menu to find something for Duckling before deciding on what she would order herself. Before anything, she needed a drink. Just a glass of wine would do, easing her jitters. After she put that drink order in, Mother arrived with a sour expression.
"Really, Regina? Outside?" Mother curled her lip.
"It's a beautiful day. And there aren't any suitable tables inside," Regina replied.
"You're the mayor of this forsaken town. I'm sure you'll be able to get a suitable table inside a restaurant. If not, what's the point?" Mother's gaze went inside the restaurant. It milled with activity and appeared close to full.
Regina smiled. "Yes, they are aware I prefer outside dining when the weather permits it, so they were kind enough to seat me here."
Mother frowned and went inside, obviously spoiling for a fight, a compulsion to have her way. Her wrath would be worse if she had not gotten hold of Zelena as she wanted. Regina's wine was delivered and she took a sip as she waited for Mother. Mother's raised, but still calm voice reached her ears. It would not make a difference and Mother would not know how to contain her rage.
"Where is Cora?" Maleficent asked as she walked up.
"Inside, belittling the poor host. Would you?" Regina tilted her chin toward the door.
Maleficent smiled. "With pleasure." It would give her a chance to imply Mother was being childish and throwing a tantrum, which Maleficent thoroughly enjoyed.
Regina took another sip of wine and was not surprised when Mother and Maleficent came back around a minute later. Mother sat across from Regina while Maleficent sat closer to Regina. Maleficent smiled while Mother looked like she swallowed a bug.
"One would think with how popular this place is, they would offer better seating." Mother sniffed, face sour.
Maleficent shrugged. "People reserve tables all the time. Tony's is almost always at capacity. Besides, they're aware this is the Mayor's preferred seating. It wouldn't be wise for them to get on her bad side." She threw a wink Regina's way for good measure.
"I'm sure they'll show their true feelings when you're no longer mayor and trying to cut into their business with your own," Mother said.
"Healthy competition never hurt anyone," Maleficent replied. Not that they would be competing with Tony's.
Mother scowled. "Of course, you would have all the answers. You talked her into this nonsense. You have always ruined her chances to advance."
"Most mothers would be proud that their daughter was the first female mayor of a town," Maleficent said.
"I'd like to point out that it's fun to be talked about as if I were not sitting right here." Regina took another sip of her wine.
"You live your life as if you're not sitting right there," Mother replied.
"I have lived my life trying to find my way, hence my being mayor, making history." Regina gave Maleficent a nod, as she had made history with this single term as mayor. "I'd make history once more with our business."
Mother curled her lip. "You think you've made history? We all know you allowed Rumple to make you. You think he'll let you go with a kiss on the cheek?"
"He's made his move, but he will be dealt with soon enough," Regina replied. She knew how to handle that damnable imp. She needed to put all of this nonsense to bed to make sure Duckling went unharmed and to make sure she and Maleficent did not have to rise from the ashes a second time. Her nerves could not take much more of this ridiculousness.
Before they could get any deeper into that, the waiter came over to take their orders. Regina held off on ordering Duckling's meal. She was not sure how long they might be here and she did not want to risk the food getting cold. But, they all ordered their meals and more wine for everyone.
"Regina, I know you think being with Maleficent is fun and exciting, even though you're about to be thirty years old," Mother started.
Well, this should be interesting. According to Mother, being thirty and unmarried was worse than being dead. Oh, maybe that's why Zelena's in London. After all, Zelena had her by three years. But, Mother did not pressure Zelena for the same things as Regina. Marriage was important, but Mother had no faith Zelena could marry as well as Regina. She still tried, but with men of lesser status. A few years ago, Zelena almost fell for this to please Mother, but came to her senses and fled to London until Mother cooled down.
"But, isn't it time for you to start really considering your future?" Mother asked, though it was not a question. It was an accusation, a condemnation of what Regina did with her time.
"Mother, I have little desire to marry Leopold Blanchard, so no," Regina replied. She held in a shudder as she recalled his cold, wrinkled hands holding her own, looking at her like an object as soon as her mother suggested they get to know each other better.
"You do realize you ruined an amazing opportunity there, being a spoiled brat," Mother said.
Maleficent smirked. "Maybe she was just waiting for me to propose."
Mother glared at both of them. "She would never accept a proposal from you."
"Why not?" Maleficent arched an eyebrow. "Aren't I exactly what you want for her? Sure, I'm not on level with Leopold Blanchard in financial and social status, but if I felt inclined to, I'd be able at least get close enough to poison him."
Regina had to chuckle at that while Mother gnashed her teeth. "We all know your relationship was a joke at best." Those words were spat from Mother's lips as if they were poison themselves.
Regina tilted her head to the side. "I'm sorry, Mother. What part of it was a joke?"
"You wanted an excuse to not see Leopold and Maleficent was convenient," Mother answered.
Maleficent laughed. "Oh, you don't realize we dated after that. We were together almost three years after that dodge."
Mother looked ready to explode. It was a wonder smoke did not come off of her head. Then, their food arrived. Mother did not look any happier, nor did she seem to be paying attention, so Regina put in her takeaway order for Duckling.
"I wish I had told her we were together three years earlier," Maleficent said before digging into her rigatoni with broccoli and sausage. The delight in her eyes was almost tangible.
"Regina, you will not waste your life like this," Mother said with a hiss.
"Like what, Mother? Dating women?" Regina asked, genuinely curious. Most mothers would be proud of their children for what Regina had done with her life and she was not even thirty yet. Beyond being mayor, she had a law degree and two bachelor's degrees, one in chemistry and the other in political science. Of course, Mother never wanted her to get the degrees. She had agreed on Regina going to college with the hopes she would meet a man to marry.
"Oh, what about marrying women?" Maleficent smirked.
Mother speared her penne alla vodka like she meant to murder it. "This whole thing is ridiculous. Regina knows she's not serious about anything with you, which is why she shacked up with some young blond now. Her inclination toward women only happens after she can't make things work with a man."
"Maleficent is well aware of that young woman, Mother," Regina replied.
"Regina's helping her out. She has my blessing." Maleficent pointed her fork at Regina, as if giving her approval.
"This is absolutely ridiculous," Mother repeated with a scowl. She had not expected Maleficent to be aware of Duckling or have a story to explain Duckling being at the house while also placing Duckling under her protection. Mother had nothing to force Regina's hand.
Maleficent looked at Regina and grinned. "Should we tell her something more ridiculous?"
Regina shook her head. She was not pulling the marriage license unless Mother got some bite back. It was a power move and was not necessary yet. Somehow, this was too much for Mother and that was delicious to witness. Regina would savor this more than dinner.
"We're doing this business, Mother," Regina stated.
"It's going to fail," Mother said with certainty.
"You thought that about her run for mayor as well," Maleficent pointed out.
"So true," Regina agreed.
Mother stared at Regina, as if trying to see into her soul. This was a familiar move. Mother wanted to figure out if it was worth it to let Regina fail. If it was not, then Regina might have to pull out the damned marriage certificate.
Mother nibbled her penne. "You're hell-bent on this silly idea. I suppose you need to see it through. It's not like this will last until you're thirty."
Heaven forbid this woman just wish me luck in my endeavors. Regina and Maleficent glanced at each other. That was enough for now. But, this was not the end of things. Mother did not bother to ask about Emma. Still, Regina would take this small victory.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: Regina opens up to Emma.