A Fine Line

Chapter 4

The Dark One woke to the smell of food in the room. As soon as she opened her eyes, she could feel her stomach roll. Her head felt like it was going to split in two. "Eat." The Queen demanded, setting a platter down in front of her. "I- I don't think I can." The blonde croaked. Normally, she would devour the plate set in front of her like she hadn't eaten in weeks, but today she just felt awful.

"It will help with your nausea." The brunette picked up a steaming mug and held it to her lips. Tentatively, Emma swallowed the warm drink. Surprisingly, it was sweet and chocolatey. "They had hot cocoa in medieval times. Who knew." Emma thought to herself. Next, Regina handed her a bowl of oatmeal with blueberries.

Emma ate the food, finding the nausea slowly subside. "Those sleeping potions have bad side effects, I know." Regina sat down and sipped her own cup, watching her carefully. The Dark One noticed something different about her. Somehow she didn't look so evil today. She was sure dressed like it though.

The black and blue gown she wore swept across the floor, and tightened at the top so her breasts jutted out as if she were begging to be noticed. Her hair was curled loosely, falling in long waves down just past her shoulders. "Look- "The Queen started before cutting herself off. Emma set down her food, waiting patiently and trying not to pull at the collar that was beginning to irritate her skin.

Regina stood and paced around the room, her gown swaying elegantly behind her. "About what happened last night- "The brunette stopped in front of her. "I shouldn't have done that. I was completely out of line I realize, and I regret that."

"Regina- your majesty. I shouldn't have done what I did either." Emma began. "It's just, I have these urges that I can't control and before I know it I'm just acting on them. Even when I attacked you, that wasn't me. I mean it was, but- "

"It was the darkness." Regina finished, nodding in understanding. "I haven't been the Dark One for very long and to be honest I hate having this much power. I just want to go back home and get rid of this darkness once and for all." The blonde admitted. The Queen reached down and unchained her from the bed post.

"I understand hating the darkness within yourself. I admit I've hated my own power. But I may have a way you can channel that darkness and distract yourself." The older woman held out her hand for Emma to take. Emma eyed her warily, not quite sure whether to trust her. But looking into her eyes she saw the Queen had let down her guard and for once, she wasn't angry.

So she let the woman lead her out of the room. As she followed the woman around the castle, the Dark One couldn't help but look around her in awe. The castle was decorated extensively, with gold wallpaper and detailed portraits in every hallway. It was a bit much for Emma Swan's taste, but it was interesting to see where her mother had grown up. She hadn't gotten the chance to look around when she was being dragged in by Regina's guards.

"Maybe you would have grown up here too, if your parents hadn't abandoned you." The voice in her head hissed maliciously. This struck a chord, and Emma slowed down as she felt tears sting her eyes. Regina turned as she felt the tug on her hand indicating that Emma had fallen behind. "Something the matter, dear?" She asked.

The blonde quickly wiped at her eyes and shook her head. "I'm fine." She quickly answered. The Queen turned to face forward again, deciding not to press her on the matter. They neared a heavy set of double doors with two guards standing in front of it. Regina waved her hands, and they respectfully stepped to the side.

"Are you freeing the prisoner?" The guard on the left sneered. Emma noticed he smelt strongly of whiskey, and his eyes were glazed over. The Queen glared at him, and he quickly averted his eyes and opened the door that led to the courtyard. As Emma followed Regina out, the guard knocked her to the ground, smashing her knees with his sword before pinning her arm to the ground with it.