Secrets

New Threats?

Eventually, the spell keeping the maze up fell. The whole construction disappeared as it was entirely made of smoke, slowly vanishing in the air. The group exchanged relieved looks and laughs, deciding it was best to find some shelter before deciding their next move.

Elsa had spent all her time with Anna and Ingrid - the newest member of her family. It all came to her as a surprise, but the Snow Queen had never been happier. Finally, her sister was safe and sound at her side, secured from any threats.

Ingrid seemed to be a nice person, always too gentle and caring. Elsa was content to know her aunt had the same power as she did, and was already helping her to control and understand it better. With her, the Snow Queen believed she would have no more problems with her magic - which was great.

Naturally, Snow and Emma were talking to the new members of their group, curious to know about their past. The Savior and her mother listened to Anna's talking and in a short time were already laughing at the girl's stories.

Arendelle's princess turned out to be a good person. However, Emma couldn't help but feel intrigued by her mysterious aunt. It wasn't like Ingrid had done something to earn her distrust, but the blonde was amazed by how different she was from Anna.

If the princess could be considered as the most talkative person she had ever met, the aunt would be the quietest one. Ingrid would be always smiling, polite and gentle, but nothing more than a few words would come out of her mouth.

While the girls chatted, there were a few who observed without much excitement. Now and then, Regina would glance at them, frowning in frustration. Beside her, Rumple kept his hand safely around his dagger in his pocket, without letting people know.

Hook walked next to Charming and Henry, responding to their questions and saying a few words when needed. The pirate didn't seem to care much about Arendelle's royal family, and if he was honest with himself, all he cared about was to get to Maleficent's castle as soon as possible. He was exhausted. They all were.

The Merry Men stood close. The younger ones fussing around as the elders walked normally, laughing eventually. It was great to feel like themselves after a hell of a curse.

At the sound of Ingrid and Anna's small laugh, Regina looked at them and sighed inwardly.

"Is there anything you would like to share, your majesty?" Rumple muttered, his tone emotionless.

The queen looked at him and scoffed, her eyebrows lifted. "I could ask you the same thing." She responded, turning her gaze back to the path they were taking.

The Dark One inbreathed and glanced at Elsa. "Our guest seems happy." He murmured, changing the topic.

"Well, she did get her sister back. That and a consolation prize dressed up as an aunt." Regina quipped, her tone careless.

"Yes." Rumple agreed. "At least we'll be at home soon." He added.

"I think we can go back by tomorrow morning, as fast as we can. I don't want to spend another minute in this land." The queen muttered, huffing in annoyance.

The Dark One hummed in agreement and looked at his former student. "It occurred to me I still control your magic." He said, smirking slightly.

Regina clenched her jaw. "It didn't just occur to you." She bitted back.

"No, it didn't." Rumple confessed, letting out a small laugh.

"You think this is funny?" The queen exclaimed, her tone irritated.

"Oh, of course I do." He murmured, lifting eyebrows.

"Shut up." Regina said sharply, closing her hands into a fist.