Different Worlds

Chapter 19

Regina's POV

Snow is the first to break her binds, much to my surprise. When Cora and Emma disappeared into the world I had banished my mother into, she had left us to die. A long time passes before a thud is heard as Snow falls to the ground. "Finally!" Snow exclaims, exhausted yet relieved.

"You're hurt," I observe, seeing her wrists are raw and bleeding from the struggle.

Snow frees me and then the wolves, obviously in pain but remaining collected, the way one of royal status should. Though Emma's disappearance is my main worry, I can't help but fret about her injuries. They could become infected easily, especially in this damp and moist area.

"Red, Belle, lead us out of here," I command, finding I have not enough strength to use my magic.

The women shift into their wolf forms. Red whines and approaches the hat, sniffing around it and trying to find a way to activate the portal. Belle nuzzles her gently, letting out a whine of her own that is higher pitched. The act of comfort must have reassured Red, for she bows her head at me, her yellow eyes glinting in the darkness, before turning toward the entrance of the cave and leading the way out.

With the wolves tirelessly leading the way, we reach the castle quicker than the time it took to reach the Dark Forest. As expected, the guards and most other staff are in a panic, as they had failed at their attempts to bring my mother to me as I had commanded.

Cedric is first to approach me, worry etched onto his young yet rugged face, making him appear years older. "Your Majesty, I am sorry to report that we have not found the Red Queen as you commanded." The man bows his head while the rest of the guards watch.

I glance at the young woman behind him, very pregnant and trying to soothe the obviously distressed little boy wriggling about in her arms. "You attempted to do what I asked of you. I am proud of all of my guards for serving me with such unwavering loyalty."

Cedric looks up in surprise, then bows his head once more. "Thank you, Your Majesty. But what of the Red Queen? What of Rumplestiltskin?"

I quickly round up the rest of my staff in the throne room to share the news. "Rumplestiltskin is dead. The Red Queen has killed him and tricked me and my wolves into captivity. She revealed her true form and has taken Emma back to the world she was banished to. I expect each of you to keep doing your duties as usual. My daughter, Princess Snow of the Northern Region, will be staying here and she will be treated with the utmost respect."

Robin appears in the crowd, surrounded by his merry men. "So you're suggesting letting Emma go? Putting a halt to the search party?"

"We need magic to find her. I will be calling upon a trusted ally for help. You and your men may stay or go back to the forest as you please. However, I promise you this—I will find her if it is the last thing I do."

The meeting is adjourned, and I lead Snow back to my chamber to attend to her wounds, the wolves and Robin right on my heels. "How can you not know of the land you banished your mother to?" Robin asks in irritation.

"I wasn't thinking. All I wanted was to get rid of her."

"And look what good that did you," Robin snaps. My eyes flick to the man who gently pulls him back, whispering something in his ear that seems to calm him. He must be the one that fell down the rabbit hole.

"What do you suggest we do?" Robin asks in a much calmer tone.

Belle steps forward. "Excuse me for interrupting, Your Majesty, but I would say your first clue to where Emma is, is from your newest prisoner."