Forest of Fireflies

Chapter 23

(Regina's POV)

*Flashback, 15 years ago

I shivered in my thin dress as I sat at the dining table. I was facing Snow since Leopold sat at the end of the table. Snow and I were on either side of him as usual. Despite my wishes, Leopold insisted that I was to wear this dress as it showed off my curves. However, it was definitely not designed for the cold weather. I hugged my body and looked down, trying to avoid Snow's gaze even though I wanted her to see the pain that was surging through me. She suddenly looked up from her meal and asked her father innocently, "surely magic could have saved Daniella?"

My back stiffened as I held in a tear. She never died to begin with, you brat! Your father ordered for her to be taken away!

I pretended to keep eating as Leopold answered softly to his spoiled daughter, "I'm sorry my dear Snow but Daniella is gone. You mustn't feel sad though; its normal for young children to fail to make it over the age of five."

I inhaled sharply and Snow must have heard me for she turned towards me. I looked down onto my meal, feeling Snow's gaze waver over me. Then, she asked rather rudely, "Regina, what's wrong with your face?"

I desperately wanted to glare at the girl but catching Leopold's gaze, I managed to suppress my emotions as I lied, "must have overdone my makeup a little."

In reality, I've gotten a bruise on my face two days ago when Leopold slapped me after finding out that he wasn't the father of Daniella. Despite my efforts to cover the patch of purple, there was still a glimmer of it under the thick layer of powder on my face.

Thankfully, Snow was satisfied with my answer since she nodded and continued to eat her dinner. After she finished, Leopold decided to excuse her from the table. "Snow, you may leave now. Go and play with your maids."

Immediately, Johanna came to the Princess and pushed back her chair. Then, she lead Snow off to her chambers. Although I hated that girl, I didn't feel comfortable with her absence either. I was left alone in the room with Leopold and I already felt him observing me as if I was prey. I set down my half eaten pudding when the King stood up and walked over towards me. Holding my breath, I forced my body to not flinch when he creeped up behind me. His hand brushed my exposed chest as he bent down and whispered, "I've given you two days to grieve for your daughter but now its time for you to learn who you belong to, little whore."

My mind screamed with fury at the accusation but at the same time, I nervously nodded. 

Then, Leopold commanded, "go to my bedchambers now. I'll see you there."

Shakily, I got up and nearly ran out of the room just to get away from the king. However, I soon slowed down my pace for I was walking closer to his chambers. The guards at his bedroom parted, letting me into the room when I got to the doorway. After shuffling hesitantly across the carpet, I sat on the bed and rested my palms on my face. Tears streamed down my cheek as I thought about Daniel and our daughter. As the time ticked by, my body started to shake on its own accord for I knew what was to happen when the King arrived. To my horror, Leopold's footsteps were already padding towards the doorway. 

The King waltzed into the room and headed towards me. "It's time you learn to be obedient, Regina." 

Without a second thought, his lips started exploring the nape of my bare neck. Whilst he did so, his hands tugged at the back of my dress. I whimpered as he untied my corset. Pulling it off, he ripped down my dress and I immediately felt the cold winter air seize my naked breasts. My heart froze inside my body.

Leopold looked at me with lust and he grinned, pushing me down onto the bed.

*End of flashback