Villains

Arrow

"You look haggard." The Dark One pointed out, placing his hands on the tablecloth.

Regina held his gaze unflinchly. "Since when do you care about how I'm doing?" She responded in a sharp tone.

Rumpelstiltskin sighed, clenching his jaw. "I am trying to apologize here, dearie, and you are making it very difficult." He confessed, looking away.

The queen lifted her eyebrows in disbelief. With a low chuckle, her frown was quickly replaced by a bitter grin. "I'm sorry. What?" Regina quipped, stepping closer.

"You heard me." He sharply replied.

"Did I?" The queen's voice was now harsh and commanding, but Rumple knew her long enough to notice the hint of satisfaction behind it all.

"I shouldn't have ripped out the thief's heart." The Dark One admitted, holding her gaze.

Regina knew this was the best apology she would get from him. "I see you have talked to the Book Worm." The queen murmured sharply, moving to sit down and continue her meal.

"Why do you assume I talked to her?" Rumple questioned, his expression turning amused.

"There are not many people who can make you apologize. Especially to me." Regina spoke sternly, taking another bite of her bread.

The Dark One gave her a steely glare and tilted his head as examined the woman in front of him. "Indeed." He agreed, letting out a tired sigh. Then, he grew a mischievous grin and turned to face her once again. "I am curious. Why Robin Hood?" The Dark One asked, smirking. Regina snorted and rolled her eyes, but before she could tell Rumple to mind his own business, people entered in the room.

"Regina, you finally woke up!" Snow commented.

"I was starting to get worried about you. It is not everyday someone sleeps for almost twenty-two hours in a roll." Charming teased.

"What?" Regina questioned, incredulous.

"I didn't know you were a heavy sleeper, milady." A raspy accented and incredibly amused Robin made Regina turn her head slightly to face him.

"Heavy sleeper? Hardly, thief." The queen quipped, suppressing a grin of her own.

"Well, you overslept a little." Hook insisted.

"As amusing as this little debate over my sleep quality is, we have more important things to discuss now that I'm awake." Regina declared, raising from her chair.

Robin took a good look at her. The change of wardrobe had been at least interesting. No longer she wore those regal imposing clothes in dark colors with a fancy hairdo. Tinkerbell had settled her a simple cream cotton dress; her dark hair was loose, and she looked surprisedly young but no less beautiful. Truth to be told, the thief could not hide his surprise by this wardrobe change. He had never seen her like this before.

"I am sure you did not come here just to hang out." The queen added to Rumple, making Robin snap out of his thoughts.

"You are quite right. I wanted to let you know that I no longer wish the stone for myself." The Dark One declared.

Regina blinked in surprise. "Why? What are you not telling me?" She spoke.

Rumple frowned. "Why would you think there is anything more into it?" He questioned.

"There is always more with you." The queen pointed out cautiously.

Rumple gave her a yellow grin. "I have already solved my problem. I do not need the stone anymore and, because I am in a good mood, I will answer the question I know you are making to yourself. Yes. The dagger still has power over me." Rumple explained calmly. At Regina's distrusting expression, he added. "The important thing is that I have information you need. You won't be able to cast the curse again without the stone." He spoke.