Forest of Fireflies

Chapter 90

(Regina's POV)

I stood at one of the large windows that overlooked the entrance of the palace. Two guards were escorting Daniel, his whore and the creature they had produced out of my home. I had instructed for them to give him a magic bean, so that he could escape this wretched place. My airways constricted as I regarded him from a distance. He walked away so dismally after the guards had made sure that he was on the path that lead away from the palace. I squinted just to see something shift, no doubt his arm draping over his lover to comfort her. Then, they looked back. Even though I was technically peaking from behind an elaborate iron-wrought frame of the window, I could have sworn that he was looking at me. I put my hand on the iron and let the cold stinging feeling of the metal burn my skin. Daniel finally turned back around and disappeared amongst the grassland. I took a deep breath, and let my hand trail back to rest between the folds of my court dress. I wanted to cancel that appointment, but I couldn't be seen as a weak monarch who failed to uphold duties just because of a silly heartbreak. Yet, half of the kingdom were probably already mocking me for being the victim of a cheating scandal. 

Someone coughed behind me so I took a deep breath before turning around and facing the source of the sound. "Your Majesty, forgive me for interrupting, but-"

"Yes I'm well aware that I'm required in court," I replied simply. He gave me a nod so we started to walk in the direction of the throne room. There was animated chatter inside, but when I arrived, everyone hushed and stood up to bow. What I didn't expect however, was Daniella to be seated beside my throne. As I motioned everyone to sit down, I whispered to her, "I didn't require you to come today, firefly."

She murmured quietly, "I wanna be with you."

My heart did melt a little, but I replied by raising an eyebrow and giving her a smile. There were a couple of delegates from various kingdoms who came forth with diplomatic messages but other than that, nothing out of the ordinary came up in the proceedings. During the duration of court however, I felt a sense of unease at the bottom of my stomach. It wasn't anything to do with the messages conveyed to me. Something was just...off. 

Indeed, just before the session ended, the air in the hall grew chilly. I frowned as I glanced at my wrists to see goosebumps on them. I looked over at Daniella subtly and could see that she was shivering. I was about to comment on the condition of the atmosphere when green smoke started to cover the room. 

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(Daniella's POV)

We were suddenly transported to the dining hall, except the tables were cleared. Everyone was there including members of Snow's court, mother's court and even the servants. I looked to my right to see mother observing the situation with a frown on her face. Soon, Zelena appeared in front of us with a confident sneer. Mother put me behind her as she created a fireball in her hand. My aunt began, "Oh, have a little patience, Regina. Afterall, I have to tell you the rules of the game today."

Mother seethed, "We don't need rules. I know as much as you do what the stakes are." She paused and it seemed like everyone was holding their breaths. "The opponent's death."

"Regina, my pretty," the witch began as she started encircling us. "That's your downfall. You've always been too quick to rush into things. No wonder why half of the Enchanted Forest burned under your evil fingertips-"

"If you're here to remind everyone of my past, I suggest you leave," Mother warned.

Unfortunately, the witch turned deliberately to the Charmings and crowd before announcing, "That's right. The one behind the horrible massacres you've recently been hearing about, is standing in front of you now!" Immediately following this remark, there was a sea of murmurs in the room. Grinning at the fear that coursed around the hall, the witch continued, "The monarch you see in front of you hasn't changed. She's always been evil. That's why even her love left her!"