Secrets

The Price

Snow sat on the old sofa right after Regina and the Merry Men went out of the room. She watched Rumple observing everyone quietly before he walked out as well. The princess looked around, examining Maleficent's castle with curiosity. She now knew the witch was one of Regina's best friends and wondered how many times they visited each other without her knowing.

Hook moved to sit next to Emma and Henry, together with David and Elsa, who joined them in a pleasant and funny conversation - at least until a certain topic was approached.

"So, did you meet Maleficent?" Elsa asked the Charmings, lost in her thoughts.

"No, not in person." Emma replied softly.

"Were she and Regina friends since childhood? I guess this witch knew the queen too well." The Snow Queen questioned once more.

"I don't think so." Hook commented.

"Why do you ask?" David asked carefully.

"I was just trying to understand this whole situation." Elsa explained with an apologetic look.

"Regina's backstory is still a little fuzzy. We know about things that got us involved, but that kind of isolated information you'd have to ask her." Snow said, her voice calm and soft just like hers can be.

"What is Maleficent's story? Yours isn't exactly like the movies we have in the real word." Emma questioned playfully.

"This is the real world!" Henry corrected. The savior smiled and nodded slightly. "According to my book, Maleficent was upset with King Stephan and after he had a baby girl, she used her to get back at him." The boy explained.

"Aurora, right? We met her, remember?" Emma murmured.

"Yes, she's my friend." Snow answered with a frown. "Do you think Regina helped her to get even with the King?" She added.

"It's likely, they were friends." Elsa commented.

"Aye. She did." Hook confirmed.

"How can you be so sure?" Emma asked, curious.

"I knew the Evil Queen, love. She would have helped." The pirate said calmly.

"I agree with Hook. Regina is changed, but we all know what she's capable of." David murmured.

"Honestly, if you continue talking about my mom's past, I'll go to sleep. I'm tired anyway." Henry said a bit irritated and left the room.

Emma looked at him with an apologetic look. "We shouldn't talk about Regina in that way. She did change, it's unfair." She whispered.

"He'll be fine, Swan." Hook said with a reassuring smile.

"I can't really picture Regina as the Evil Queen. I mean, I've heard the stories and I've seen her nowadays, but I don't know... Evil? How can the girl I met all those years ago became like this? She looked helpless." Elsa muttered.

"The nickname reflected her behavior. Trust me." David said.

"Well, I know. She casted the Dark Curse, right? Just a heartless person would do it. Literally." The Snow Queen commented, snorting.

"What do you mean?" The savior asked, distrustful.

"It's a curse, Emma. It took away our memories, made our lives a living hell." David said with a frown.

"I know, but why is this Dark Curse so different than the others? They are all awful." The blonde protested.

"The price you have to pay to cast it is too high. I would never do it." Elsa answered.