Forest of Fireflies

Chapter 28

(Daniella's POV)

Snow banished us into exile. Well, it was more a threat to keep my mother out of political affairs. A month had passed since Mother and I were stripped of our royal titles. However, Mother was still determined to make Snow suffer. 

After coming back into the palace after my riding lesson, I went to my room to change my outfit. When I headed into my walk-in wardrobe, I jumped for I didn't expect Mother to be inside.

"Mama...why are you dressed like that?" I asked awkwardly as I came up to her.

She grinned, "Do you not like it?"

"No, it looks good on you its just...a different style to what you normally wear."

Mother nodded and straightened out her coat. It was dark red in colour adorned with ornate patterns that were stitched out of golden thread. "I know it's a little different but since we're going to a party in a different realm..."

I looked at a dress that mother held in her hands and frowned. "We're going to a party?"

"A masquerade."

I was still confused. "Wait, why? Did we get invited to one?"

Mother held the dress out to me to take as she replied, "No, but hopefully by attending, I will convince someone to help me kill Snow...And that someone happens to be the host."

I took the dress and Mother indicated that I should change right now. As I started changing behind the dressing screen, I asked, "Who is the host?"

"He refers to himself as the Count of Monte Cristo. I have been informed that he is hell-bent on revenge. So, if I were to help him with his vengeance, he may... perhaps help me with mine."

A minute later, I stepped out from behind the screen. "Can you help me with the lacing?"

Mother nodded and tugged at the back of my dress. The dress that I wore is similar to the style that I usually wear except the colours complimented my mother's coat. There was an awful lot of gold stitching on the bodice and on the petticoats. 

After my mother used her magic to style my hair, she arranged a tiara onto my head. "Mama, I shouldn't wear this. I'm not a princess anymore."

"Of course you are. You're my princess."

As soon as I was dressed, mother waved her hand over the floor length mirror in front of us. The mirror's surface became watery and mother motioned for me to step through. When I did so, I found myself amidst loud chatters in a ballroom that was gilded with gold.

.....................................

(Regina's POV)

After Daniella stepped into the portal, I followed her. I was greeted by the sounds of orchestral music and chatter when I entered the ballroom. "Mama, it's beautiful...," Daniella said softly beside me. I looked down and nodded. "I suppose it is. But, my job for this evening is to convince the Count."

"So what should I do?"

I bent down to Daniella's height and shrugged, "Well, I thought that you might want to explore the different realms...I mean, you mentioned yesterday that you were bored; being stuck in our palace."

Daniella nodded and grinned, "Then can I explore the party?"

"Yes you may...but don't leave my side because afterall, I'm unfamiliar with the Count's world."

After saying this, Daniella instantly made her way towards the food table. I rolled my eyes and followed her. The maid standing near the table helped her cut a piece of cake from the tall display of sweets and desserts.