The Chance Encounter

Part fifthteen

Cora’s POV

-Night Prior-

“Your Highness” I hear someone say as the approach me.

“Yes?” I question.

“My name is Katherine. I have some information that I’d like to share with you.”

“Of what significance could this be?” I ask.

“Well, It’s regarding your daughter.”

“Carry on” I say, interested in hearing what this girl has to say.

“Your daughter, Regina, has been sneaking out of the castle unbeknownst to you.”

“How do you know this?” I question.

“I’ve seen her with my own eyes. She leaves the castle to meet up with a girl named Emma. Emma, is my girlfriend. I’ve seen her with Regina multiple times, cheating on me.”

“How does relaying this information to me benefit you?”

“I just thought you should know what your daughter has been up to. I don’t expect to gain anything from this” Katherine says, as she utilizes her powers of manipulation to make Cora believe her.

“If what you say is true, you’ll be rewarded with a seat on my council. If I come to find that what you’re saying is a lie, you will be sent to the dungeon and sentenced to death. You may leave, now.” i spit.

As Katherine bows down to me and leaves the premises, I call upon my most trusted advisor to investigate the matter.

-Next Morning-

My most trusted Advisor reported seeing Regina heading out of the forest after meeting up with a blonde girl. I toss him a bag of gold for his findings and dismiss him. It turns out Katherine was telling the truth. I call out a guard to get Katherine, and another to bring Regina to me.

“Yes, Mother” she says when she approaches the dining hall. “You summoned me?”

“Regina, I know you’ve been meeting Emma in the forest. From this moment on, you will stop seeing this woman, or I will make you.”

“What?” she says shocked at this new found information. “How? Who told you?”

“None of that matters now, Dear. The point is, now I know, and I refuse to allow this to continue. You may leave now.”

With that she storms out of the dining hall.

Regina’s POV

I run over to where Eddy is stationed. “I trusted you” I screamed. “Why, after all this time would you betray me? Why now?” I continue yelling.

“Woah, what are you talking about, Regina?”

“Emma. You told Cora about her! How could you? You are the only one who knows about her or even knew her name.”

“What? Cora knows? Regina, I can promise you I didn’t say anything. You know me. You’re also the only one who knows a secret of mine that can get me fired from this job. I wouldn’t betray your trust like this.”

“So, it wasn’t you?”

“No, I would never do that to you.

“Then who the hell could have told her? I need to leave, Eddy. I have to run away from Cora. I can’t stay here and I need to let Emma know what’s happening. Will you help me?”

“Did you really need to ask?”

“Meet me at the gate tonight.”

“Okay, whatever I can do to help.” he promises.

I begin packing the essentials. I have to travel lightly. There’s only so much Rocinante will be able to carry with me riding him. I begin writing a note to Snow.

My Dearest Snow,

It’s with a heavy heart the I’m writing this letter. Something has come up and now I need to leave immediately. I didn’t want to go without leaving a note, as I would hate if you were to think you were the reason I left. This has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with my own personal situation. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, but I’m hoping I can have this sorted out soon enough. When I do, I promise I will come back to you. Continue to be good, be honest and be kind.

Love Always, Regina

I slide the note under Snow’s chamber doors, and run to meet Eddy. He helps me leave safely with Rocinante. Not too long after I find myself outside of Emma’s door knocking profusely for her to open.

“Regina?” she says shocked by my unexpected visit. “What’s wrong?” she asks as she reads the panic in my face.