Secrets

Reditus Tributum

The time passed and Regina stood still, looking at him as if he was delusional. His proposal was risky to say the least, and she tried to figure what precisely Rumple wished to accomplish. He always wanted more; there was always a second targed just waiting for him to strike.

She refused to let it be her.

"Are you insane?" The queen questioned, walking away with a distrustful glare.

"On the contrary, dearie. This is the way we're going to get our answers." The Dark One insisted, sighing. At the sight of Regina's unimpressed chuckle, he added. "Alright, your majesty, just hear me out."

The brunette turned her heels to face him once more. There was determination in her former teacher's eyes and she knew better than to stop him now. In fact, if she was truthful to herself, a part of her was more than exited to curse him. Regina could't deny it would feel immensely comforting having Rumple pay for all the times he'd hurt her; specialy giving their time spent in the Maze while the Shettered Sight curse was on.

"I'm waiting." She mussed with a secret little smile.

The Dark One smirked. "That's what I'm looking for. I want a partner in crime." He teased.

"Enough of evasive answers. Tell me what exactly I would be in for." The queen snorted, clearly amused.

Rumple stood and started to roam without an objective in mind. "Very well then. You'll be responsible for my temporary demiese. Of course, I won't be actually harmed, but I intend to get into a state of mind where I can access lost memories in my brain." He explained, his tone calm but firm.

"I see. You think someone used a Forgetting Potion on you." Regina reasoned.

"Oh, I'm sure of it. In fact, I bet my money on who did it." The Dark One answered angrily.

The brunette lifted her eyebrow and sighed. "Careful, dear. What you don't know may surprise you." She said coldly.

The thought of Zelena rubbing the truth about their family in her face flashed in her mind and the queen fought the urge to walk away and forget about this mess. Does she really want to know about her mother's past? Usually the answers to Cora's mysteries were painful ones.

"I suppose you'd know." He responded.

"I just have one more question." Regina stated, ignoring Rumple's comment. "How am I supposed to put you into this miraculous state of mind you're referring to?" She added.

The Dark One snorted. "Look around you! Maleficent was known to be quite the alchemist." He exclaimed.

The queen rolled her eyes impatiently. "There are hundreds of formulas in here." She pointed out.

"Well, lucky for us I happen to know just the one." Rumple teased, moving to exit the room. "This way, dearie." He added.

The queen sighed and shook her head. This couldn't possibly end well. Reluctantly, she followed her former teacher and left the room behind.

--- |¥| ---

"Are we really doings this?" Elsa murmured, slightly nervous.

The Savior smiled. "You don't have to be afraid." She said.

"I'm not, I just don't want to hurt anyone." The Snow Queen responded, grinning.

Anna and Ingrid stayed behind, watching them as the two tried to learn new spells.

"Aunt Ingrid?" Anna called, her tone careful. Ingrid turned to face her with a small smile on her face and the girl took a deep breath. "I know I have been locked in the urn for a few years, and I can't possibly know what you've been through." She added, trying not to sound too nosy.