The Divine Lament (Swan Queen)

Royals, Witches & Pot Roast

Emma had phoned Regina that afternoon to tell her if it was possible to hold the meeting that evening. Regina was amiable regarding the short notice and had headed out of her office to pick up what she needed for dinner, including two bottles of wine. Regina had no idea in what direction the Charmings were planning to take the seemingly casual conversation tonight and felt that liquor would soothe everyone's nerves.

Emma had mentioned meeting with Neal to ask him if he would take Henry for the night. Although her choice for babysitter would have never leaned towards Henry's father, they had agreed that neither of them had wanted Henry around during Mr. Falleré's visit. Neal was there only logical option.

Regina headed straight home to start cooking and to find something suitable to wear. In the Enchanted Forest, she had to admit, dressing for such an occasion would have called for leather and dark makeup. Interrogations always proceeded smoothly with the Evil Queen in all her glory. However, here she would have to make do with an informal dress and a more natural look. Regina found it amusing that intimidation is more effective when putting on a smile and serving dessert. It was insufferable sometimes.

Azael arrived to Mifflin Street at the appointed hour. He straightened his clothes and pushed on the doorbell. The door opened to reveal Regina, a hesitant smile on her lips.

"Good evening Ms. Mills. On time as you requested."

Regina studied the man standing in front of her. He stood with confidence and an air of nonchalance. Not the common attitude for someone arriving for a dinner with people he hardly knew. She wondered if this had to do with their shared afternoon. Had the easy conversations made him relaxed around her presence? She too must confess feeling far more comfortable with this stranger then she was accustomed to.

"Good evening Mr. Falleré. Yes, right on time. I must apologize, as dinner is not ready. Please make yourself comfortable in the family room." Regina said as she showed him in.

Azael stepped into the room and came face to face with the others. Sheriff Swan was standing off to the side, a bottle in her hand. He nodded a greeting to her, which she returned with raising her drink in his direction. Then there was the man and woman sitting close to one another on the couch. As Azael made his way further into the room, they both stood, and immediately he noted the defensive manner in which the man placed his body in front of the woman.

"Mr. Falleré, I would like to introduce you to our town's regents. Her majesty Snow White and husband Prince Charming."

Azael reached his hand forward to take Mary Margaret's hand and placed a gentle kiss. He then bowed deep at the waist to David. Both royals astonished by the display, remained speechless. It had been a very long time since they last received such a greeting.

"My apologies for not genuflecting, but Ms. Mills informed me it is not a custom practiced here."

"Yes, in this world, we greet each other with a simple hand shake. Please call me David." David came forward to extend his hand, which Azael took with a smile.

Mary Margaret was still a bit surprised. First with Regina's use of their titles and next with the kiss she received. She could not help the blush that rose to her cheeks at the realization that no man, other than David, had extended such pleasantries. Shaking herself from her thoughts, she stepped forward to extend her hand as well.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Falleré. I am Mary Margaret. And David is right. Although we are presently in office, we prefer to keep things casual. Isn't that right Emma?"

"Yeah, that's us, the new age monarchy." Emma huffed as she took a drink from her beer. For some reason this guy rubbed her the wrong way and by no means was she hiding her dislike.