Once Upon A time - season 1

The stable boy

Storybrooke. Present. The Mayor's House.

Mayor Regina Mills stood by a large, ornate window in her office, gazing out with a wistful expression. The setting sun cast a warm, golden light across the room, highlighting the ring she held in her hand. Her eyes, reflecting a mixture of sorrow and nostalgia, traced the intricate design of the jewelry. The soft creak of the door signaled the arrival of Mr. Gold, who entered with a purposeful stride. He stood behind Regina, his voice breaking the silence. "Remembrance of things past?" he inquired, his tone laced with curiosity.

Regina turned abruptly, her face hardening as she met his gaze. "What do you want?"

Mr. Gold, standing comfortably behind her, leaned in slightly. "I need a favor."

Regina's eyebrows arched in disbelief. "You need a favor from me?"

Mr. Gold moved closer to a nearby table, picking up a polished apple with a deliberate, almost theatrical motion. "Well, as you know, there are battery charges pending against me. I don't relish the thought of spending any more time locked up in a cage. Someone with your influence could make the D.A. suddenly realize what a flimsy case they have. Isn't that right... Your Majesty?" He emphasized the title with a smirk.

Regina's eyes narrowed as she took a seat, crossing her arms. "What do I get out of it?"

Mr. Gold's smirk widened. "Help with your Mary Margaret problem. You see, I've noticed that despite your best efforts, she and her charming friend just keep finding ways to be together."

Regina leaned back, contemplating his words. "What are you suggesting?"

Gold set the apple down with deliberate care, taking a seat opposite her. "If you want to inflict pain... then you must inflict pain. If something tragic were to happen to David's wife, and if Mary Margaret were to take the blame—"

Regina's eyes flashed with realization. "She'd be ruined."

Mr. Gold nodded, his gaze steady. "And you'd have your victory at last."

Regina considered the proposal, her face etched with concern. "A trial could be very messy."

Gold stood up, retrieving the apple from the table. "A trial? Now who said anything about a trial? No, once Miss Blanchard is incarcerated, you can plant one of your lovely skeleton keys in her cell. And once she tries to leave Storybrooke, well... we all know what happens to people who attempt to leave town."

Regina leaned forward, her eyes piercing as she assessed Gold. "Give me one good reason why I should trust you."

Gold, holding the apple in his hand, met her gaze with an inscrutable expression. "Because I always honor my agreements. Do we have a deal?" He tossed the apple to Regina, who caught it with a practiced ease.

———————

The Enchanted Forest. Past. Regina's Childhood Home.

A young Regina Mills rode a horse gracefully across a training field near a modest house. Her father, Henry, watched with pride as she completed her routine. "Yes!" Henry exclaimed, chuckling with delight. He clapped as Regina dismounted. "Ah, that's beautiful, sweetheart." He embraced her warmly, planting a kiss on her forehead.

Regina beamed. "Oh, thank you, Daddy." As they shared the moment, Cora and Daniel approached. Cora's eyes narrowed as she observed Regina's performance. "Beautiful?" Cora scoffed. "I'd hardly call that beautiful."

Regina looked at her mother, puzzled. "You didn't like it, Mother?"

Cora's expression was stern. "You ride like a man. A lady should be graceful. You should use a saddle."