The Princess and The Hatter

Chapter Twenty

Once Upon a Time in the Enchanted Forest . . . .

*Reference Chapter Eleven - After your rescue from Wonderland by Regina*

"Sister, you're home?" You spin round from looking out the window of the tower. Your dress, a plain and simple but regal white.

"And you are up and about?" She smiles happily, walking in.

"The medication makes me so tired, but alas, I felt strong enough to sit by the window today. . . ." You smile.

"I promise, you'll soon feel much better and be out of this room. . ." Regina walks to you and you both look out the window over the kingdom. "I have news to, for once you're better."

"Oh?" You look at her, her excitement strong.

"I have planned a welcome home ball in your honour, and your husband to be shall escort you."

"My what?" You look at her confused.

"You do not remember?" Regina fakes astonishment as you shake your head "you poor thing, your accident must truly have altered your memory." She grabs your hands.

"You were to be married to King Arthur . . ."

"Of Camelot? His his father Uther not King?"

"Alas, Uther died, leaving a legacy of destruction, with this marriage, you will bring the two kingdoms together, and people with Magic will once again be free.

"I see. . ." You nod.

"Are you not excited?" Regina looks concerned.

"I think perhaps, too much so. . ." you lie "I should sleep again." Regina nods and lets you go, smiling once more as you sleep. She leaves the room, a small tear dropping from your eyes but you're not sure why. 

. . . . WITH REGINA . . . .

"She's a shell of a woman Regina, are you sure you brought back the right sister?" The mirror appears as she walks down the corridors of the castle.

"Its just the memory charms. . . she'll be fine once she's consumed enough to forget and I can stop."

"Is there not an easier way to gain Excalibur?" The mirror sighs but Regina stops once she reachers her office.

"No, and once I have it and something tragic happens to Arthur, I have the last two Kingdoms in my possession."

"What of the little girl?"

"Regina looks in the mirror, part shame washes over her briefly."

"The people she is with will take care of her . . . I need not worry myself."

"But. . ."

"My sister took her happy ending and left me to suffer because of that man and his baby. . . I will give her the life Father wanted for her."

"You want her to suffer? You want them all to suffer?" The mirror asks.

"Yes, why should she get her happy ending when mine was so cruelly ripped from me?" Regina turns to glare out the window. 

. . . . BACK WITH YOU. . . .

You're in your room in the castle, deciding between dresses for tonights ball, when you hear the voice of a man behind you.