The Dark Princess {OUAT AU}

Chapter 32

"I will get my little prince back. No one will ever cross me like this and get away with it." Valerie vows.

~~~

Valerie plans a rescue mission for her son over the next few days, even going as far to send letters to Emma and Regina for assistance. She doesn't get responses back and tries not to let it hurt her. They haven't spoken since Valerie ruined their engagement party. She still feels left over guilt for hurting her friends in that way, and she sent apologies soon after that fiasco had ended.

"Your Majesty, what do we do while you are gone?" The head maid asks, and Valerie stops, not having thought of that.

"You will continue on with your chores, and not let anyone in or out of this castle that shouldn't. If Mason comes back while I am gone, I want you to take this," Valerie instructs, summoning a special potion from her tower before continuing on. "And dump it into boiling water. The water mixed with the potion will send out a signal to me. I will come home immediately. If someone tries to tell you that I said they could come in here to tell you what to do, do not listen to them. I will send a signed piece of parchment with my insignia on it if I decide to allow someone temporary rule."

"You sound like we're going to war." The maid gulps, her chin wobbling slightly. Valerie lets the statement sit in the air before grimly stating what has been pressing on her mind.

"We are."

"But, against who?"

"The Dark One."

~~~

Valerie gathers her supplies and decides to take her horse just in case her magic is rendered useless. Leaving her beloved castle and servants behind, she gets on her horse and begins the long journey. As she moves through the forest, her mind goes through everything she could have done to cause this. As far as she remembers, she had done nothing wrong to deserve this. Mason is merely a child, and now he has to deal with whatever she had done. She thinks of the last time she saw him, almost a week ago, in the forest. The way the sun made his blue eyes sparkle, how his black hair laid softly against his head in that messy boy-ish way, and how his goofy smile made her heart melt. He is such a gentle, caring boy, with an enthusiastic and optimistic outlook. Now, he has to deal with the Dark One, and she hopes Mason isn't afraid.

The steady hum of bugs, and the rustling in the underbrush calms Valerie's nerves as her horse gallops through the forest. The wind rushes against her body and it's a refreshing feeling. Her whole body is on high alert despite her ability to keep herself collected, and she can feel her magic streaming through her blood. She sends out feelers, trying to be able to sense Mason and call out to him. But her own magic comes back and hits her. She holds onto the reins tightly, and it stops her from falling off the horse. Her magic had hit a barrier, and Valerie assumes it's just for her.

"Damn bastard." She grumbles, continuing to push her horse to keep going.

~~~

Valerie stares up at the looming castle, and walks up to the front door. She grabs the knocker and bangs it against the wooden door. She can hear it echo behind the door and waits for a few moments. When she doesn't get an answer she can't help the anger that bubbles inside her.

"Rumplestiltskin! Open the door!" She screams. The wind whips around her and she looks up at the gloomy grey sky. When she set off on her journey the sky was bright blue and the weather was perfect for an afternoon ride. Now, all she can see is clouds and the cold atmosphere that surrounds her make her shiver. It races up her spine and she pushes away the uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. Valerie lifts her hand to knock again when a voice speaks behind her.