FIC: Retribution ; the Evil Queen {PG13}
Title: Retribution
Author(s): mcc2040 & zephyrmyst
Rating: PG13
Word Count: 1791
Prompt: Revenge
Summary: The Queen reflects on a time when her heart wasn't so black and blue, and the trip down memory lane leads her to the ultimate solution: if she can not have happiness then no one can. Especially not the fair, fair Snow White.
Authors Notes: Written for onceuponaland. El and I didn't have very cooperating schedules but we managed. We may be working this into a longer fic, that is, if we ever find the time x'D. For time sake, we named the Queen Regina.
She hadn't always been so callous with those around her.
Contrary to belief, there was a time when the proclaimed Evil Queen had been something more than a taciturn royal whose resolution was to destroy the lives of others, wiping out the possibility of happily ever after forever. In fact, before the Queen had hardened her heart to the point where it became frozen thick with ice, she remembered being filled to the brim with love. The warmth spread from her heart to her face and exuded from her beautiful visage. To feel that way about another person, to allow them into the inner fortitude of her heart; seemed such a haunting memory.
Gazing into her large, silver-black trimmed mirror, the Queen found herself in the tangled web of reminiscence. She saw the hardness in her eyes, it only took a thought of “her” to shadow the venom behind her eyes.
Her most relived memory was one she both cherished and loathed the most. It was the King’s, her husband’s, sixtieth birthday. They had held an exquisite ball in his honor, inviting only the closest of friends which, to the Queen’s amusement or lack thereof, turned out to be quite the festive amount. To meet and dance with a certain Prince, well it had certainly caught her off guard. She was poised and polished; she was not one to be excitable. But when he bade the King permission to dance with her and waltzed her masterfully around the room, she felt a flutter not only in her heart, but one that warmed throughout.
There was just something about him that made her feel as she could never remember feeling. A sensation so raw and pure, she couldn’t help but steal away with him the night, it was so easy for her to step away unnoticed. The King had eyes for one woman, typically, the Queen had never been sure if it was fair to feel insult with injury, her wounded broken heart now on mend by the chance of some fated union with one charming Prince.
But he made her feel so alive, she could not resist. When his arm encircled her waist, the warmth of his big hand warmed her to her core. He was addicting, she was hooked.
Looking around, they were completely unnoticed, alone. She casually mentioned the moon and he instantly attained two glasses of wine and swept them away to the nearest balcony. She could hardly contain herself, just who exactly was this man, and how could he wisp his way inside her heart so quickly?
“James, my name is James.” His brilliant smile and bright blue eyes brought forth her own radiance; she hadn’t realized she’d even inquired his name. So swept up in the moment was she, her own introduction delayed by the way his hand found hers, bringing it to his lips in a formality she’d never known to be quite so passionate.
“James.” his name stumbled from her lips followed by the giddiest sound of laughter. James.
Eyes sparkling, she imagined this to be the feeling one should get whenever they looked into the eyes of their beloved. Where the King so casually regarded her, this Prince in the span of a few short hours had managed to completely enthrall her. His azure eyes shone brightly for her, and she beamed back.
"Regina....I am most pleased to make your acquaintance..James.", she smiled almost coyly as he placed a searing kiss on her hand, branding her. She felt the heat travel further, and thoughts that flashed in her mind and body crimsoned her cheeks, she was thankful for the cool night and moonlight.
His eyes pierced her, the depth of warmth and understanding she saw in them bore to shake her, to rattle her shell and make her admit what she truly wanted. She longed for that look for the rest of her life, and idly found herself wondering what it would be like to spend eternity with this mysterious Prince.
It had been those very thoughts that tempted her curiosity, as well as her heart. This feeling must be protected at all costs.
Several months had passed since that night; the Queen and her Prince were near inseparable when harmful eyes were not upon them. The King hardly noticed her disappearances, and his failed acknowledgement no longer pained her heart; a heart that was now filled with such an encompassing love for Prince James.
She dared herself moments of freedom, but she knew she was playing with fire. Snow White had become interested in her whereabouts, and had begun requesting much of the Queen's time. Hours that were usually spent in leisurely passion with James were now spent gossiping with her step daughter.
She didn’t quite know how to take the extra attention from Snow; they weren’t that far apart in age but Regina always resented in some small way the fact that the King loved her above all. It seemed she had to compete with her for her own husbands affections, not that she was complaining at the moment, she had James.
But to make matters worse, the King had brought it to her attention one fine afternoon that he had picked the potential suitor for his daughter, Snow White. Regina hadn't been too invested, though she cared for Snow as a Mother would, she knew the King would make a wise choice in this when it concerned his daughter. However, it was to her heard pounded shock that the King revealed this chosen Prince.
Her Prince.
Something within her had snapped then. Some possessive part of her had become enflamed by the idea, and she'd nearly bitten the King's head off with her response."
"She's old enough to choose her own suitor. You should never make a decision for her in regards to her heart. You may be her father, but that does not give you the right to bargain away that which is most precious."
Unable to look upon the King any longer, and in great need of her Prince‘s company, Regina had gone to their secret rendezvous; a cabin deep inside the enchanted forest. James had been there, waiting. He had said he would always be waiting. With a sob caught in her throat, she threw herself into his arms, basking in the security he gave as he wrapped her in his strong embrace.
Allowing herself this moment, she soon had no time for words, her passion was a double edged sword, all the fury and rage she felt channeled into pure passion for this man, and she let him feel the full brunt of it. Long into the night, they entwined in the most sacred of dances. James had obeyed her silent command, making fierce yet gentle love to her long into the night.
So caught up on the edge of such glorification, the Queen had not thought to obscure her tracks. Her frustration and her heartache had dulled her senses, compromised her stealth, and dimmed her wit. Snow White had seen all, mortified by her step mothers betrayal to the King.
After seeing the daughter of her husband standing wide eyed, framed by the door, the Queen had rushed to explain. However, confiding in the girl hadn’t been the wisest decision, for even baring her heart - the pure one of Snow’s had showed it’s true color.
Regina had known her life would never be the same, she just didn’t know in what sense. The days of looking towards the future filled with anxious expectation were over within an instant. Stealing solace in the arms of James that night had been the last time they’d seen each other, secretly. Plans of escaping, running away to live as a normal couple in some far away realm were ruined when word reached the King.
A single tear fell down her cheek at the memory.
Peering into her Mirror, Regina couldn’t help but recall the very last time she’d laid her eyes on her Prince.
He was lying in an unmarked casket, his death to remain exclusive only to his murders.
What she hadn’t expected, was that James had a twin.
A twin to which was now engaged to Snow White.
Anger arced throughout like venom in her veins. It wasn’t enough for the Princess to destroy the only man she’d ever truly loved, no - she had to take it a step further.
She would destroy her, not only her, but all she loved and the world she knew. It was time to fall back on her roots, the magic lay there, she knew what she had to do.
Acquiring the ingredients though was another thing, but. This, broke all rules. The only rules that mattered to her now, that actually applied to her, was her own. Only her happiness was the one that mattered. Her true love, destroyed. Yes, there was definitely a price to pay, and she was going to invoke every power she had, and had access to, to make sure the tables were turned.
None thwarted the Queen, and lived long enough to boast the tale.
After all, if she couldn’t have her happiness, then no one else deserved to have it, either.
“Your Majesty,” the voice drew her from her mirror, and the Queen twirled in her seat, brows set and the corners of her lips turned down.
“You’re late.”
“Well, I have other clients to appease, you know. Other deals that need be made.” His voice lowered dangerously to which Regina rolled her eyes, lifting from her seat gracefully.
“And our deal? Do you have what I asked?”
Rumplestiltskin cackled, and with a twist of his wrist, a vial encasing a wrinkled, yellow tinted piece of paper appeared before her very eyes. His own lit up. Just as the Queen went to reach for it, her eyes slightly widened at the mere prospect of finally extracting her revenge on Snow White, the imp pulled back the vial.
“Are you sure this is what you really want, dearie? Enacting this…curse comes with a hefty price.”
Without blinking, the Queen stilled, her eyes darkening with the memory of her Prince once more.
He had died because of that woman. Her death long over due, the Queen had had enough of torturing the King’s daughter, the fear Snow felt now was nothing compared to the heartache the Queen had endured.
Finally, her eyes moved from the vial, meeting Rumplestiltskin’s without pause. She closed her fingers around the cold glass in his hand, bringing her face in close.
“There is no price in all the lands that I would not pay for this. I’ve already paid the highest there is, and now, so will everyone else.”
Author(s): mcc2040 & zephyrmyst
Rating: PG13
Word Count: 1791
Prompt: Revenge
Summary: The Queen reflects on a time when her heart wasn't so black and blue, and the trip down memory lane leads her to the ultimate solution: if she can not have happiness then no one can. Especially not the fair, fair Snow White.
Authors Notes: Written for onceuponaland. El and I didn't have very cooperating schedules but we managed. We may be working this into a longer fic, that is, if we ever find the time x'D. For time sake, we named the Queen Regina.
She hadn't always been so callous with those around her.
Contrary to belief, there was a time when the proclaimed Evil Queen had been something more than a taciturn royal whose resolution was to destroy the lives of others, wiping out the possibility of happily ever after forever. In fact, before the Queen had hardened her heart to the point where it became frozen thick with ice, she remembered being filled to the brim with love. The warmth spread from her heart to her face and exuded from her beautiful visage. To feel that way about another person, to allow them into the inner fortitude of her heart; seemed such a haunting memory.
Gazing into her large, silver-black trimmed mirror, the Queen found herself in the tangled web of reminiscence. She saw the hardness in her eyes, it only took a thought of “her” to shadow the venom behind her eyes.
Her most relived memory was one she both cherished and loathed the most. It was the King’s, her husband’s, sixtieth birthday. They had held an exquisite ball in his honor, inviting only the closest of friends which, to the Queen’s amusement or lack thereof, turned out to be quite the festive amount. To meet and dance with a certain Prince, well it had certainly caught her off guard. She was poised and polished; she was not one to be excitable. But when he bade the King permission to dance with her and waltzed her masterfully around the room, she felt a flutter not only in her heart, but one that warmed throughout.
There was just something about him that made her feel as she could never remember feeling. A sensation so raw and pure, she couldn’t help but steal away with him the night, it was so easy for her to step away unnoticed. The King had eyes for one woman, typically, the Queen had never been sure if it was fair to feel insult with injury, her wounded broken heart now on mend by the chance of some fated union with one charming Prince.
But he made her feel so alive, she could not resist. When his arm encircled her waist, the warmth of his big hand warmed her to her core. He was addicting, she was hooked.
Looking around, they were completely unnoticed, alone. She casually mentioned the moon and he instantly attained two glasses of wine and swept them away to the nearest balcony. She could hardly contain herself, just who exactly was this man, and how could he wisp his way inside her heart so quickly?
“James, my name is James.” His brilliant smile and bright blue eyes brought forth her own radiance; she hadn’t realized she’d even inquired his name. So swept up in the moment was she, her own introduction delayed by the way his hand found hers, bringing it to his lips in a formality she’d never known to be quite so passionate.
“James.” his name stumbled from her lips followed by the giddiest sound of laughter. James.
Eyes sparkling, she imagined this to be the feeling one should get whenever they looked into the eyes of their beloved. Where the King so casually regarded her, this Prince in the span of a few short hours had managed to completely enthrall her. His azure eyes shone brightly for her, and she beamed back.
"Regina....I am most pleased to make your acquaintance..James.", she smiled almost coyly as he placed a searing kiss on her hand, branding her. She felt the heat travel further, and thoughts that flashed in her mind and body crimsoned her cheeks, she was thankful for the cool night and moonlight.
His eyes pierced her, the depth of warmth and understanding she saw in them bore to shake her, to rattle her shell and make her admit what she truly wanted. She longed for that look for the rest of her life, and idly found herself wondering what it would be like to spend eternity with this mysterious Prince.
It had been those very thoughts that tempted her curiosity, as well as her heart. This feeling must be protected at all costs.
Several months had passed since that night; the Queen and her Prince were near inseparable when harmful eyes were not upon them. The King hardly noticed her disappearances, and his failed acknowledgement no longer pained her heart; a heart that was now filled with such an encompassing love for Prince James.
She dared herself moments of freedom, but she knew she was playing with fire. Snow White had become interested in her whereabouts, and had begun requesting much of the Queen's time. Hours that were usually spent in leisurely passion with James were now spent gossiping with her step daughter.
She didn’t quite know how to take the extra attention from Snow; they weren’t that far apart in age but Regina always resented in some small way the fact that the King loved her above all. It seemed she had to compete with her for her own husbands affections, not that she was complaining at the moment, she had James.
But to make matters worse, the King had brought it to her attention one fine afternoon that he had picked the potential suitor for his daughter, Snow White. Regina hadn't been too invested, though she cared for Snow as a Mother would, she knew the King would make a wise choice in this when it concerned his daughter. However, it was to her heard pounded shock that the King revealed this chosen Prince.
Her Prince.
Something within her had snapped then. Some possessive part of her had become enflamed by the idea, and she'd nearly bitten the King's head off with her response."
"She's old enough to choose her own suitor. You should never make a decision for her in regards to her heart. You may be her father, but that does not give you the right to bargain away that which is most precious."
Unable to look upon the King any longer, and in great need of her Prince‘s company, Regina had gone to their secret rendezvous; a cabin deep inside the enchanted forest. James had been there, waiting. He had said he would always be waiting. With a sob caught in her throat, she threw herself into his arms, basking in the security he gave as he wrapped her in his strong embrace.
Allowing herself this moment, she soon had no time for words, her passion was a double edged sword, all the fury and rage she felt channeled into pure passion for this man, and she let him feel the full brunt of it. Long into the night, they entwined in the most sacred of dances. James had obeyed her silent command, making fierce yet gentle love to her long into the night.
So caught up on the edge of such glorification, the Queen had not thought to obscure her tracks. Her frustration and her heartache had dulled her senses, compromised her stealth, and dimmed her wit. Snow White had seen all, mortified by her step mothers betrayal to the King.
After seeing the daughter of her husband standing wide eyed, framed by the door, the Queen had rushed to explain. However, confiding in the girl hadn’t been the wisest decision, for even baring her heart - the pure one of Snow’s had showed it’s true color.
Regina had known her life would never be the same, she just didn’t know in what sense. The days of looking towards the future filled with anxious expectation were over within an instant. Stealing solace in the arms of James that night had been the last time they’d seen each other, secretly. Plans of escaping, running away to live as a normal couple in some far away realm were ruined when word reached the King.
A single tear fell down her cheek at the memory.
Peering into her Mirror, Regina couldn’t help but recall the very last time she’d laid her eyes on her Prince.
He was lying in an unmarked casket, his death to remain exclusive only to his murders.
What she hadn’t expected, was that James had a twin.
A twin to which was now engaged to Snow White.
Anger arced throughout like venom in her veins. It wasn’t enough for the Princess to destroy the only man she’d ever truly loved, no - she had to take it a step further.
She would destroy her, not only her, but all she loved and the world she knew. It was time to fall back on her roots, the magic lay there, she knew what she had to do.
Acquiring the ingredients though was another thing, but. This, broke all rules. The only rules that mattered to her now, that actually applied to her, was her own. Only her happiness was the one that mattered. Her true love, destroyed. Yes, there was definitely a price to pay, and she was going to invoke every power she had, and had access to, to make sure the tables were turned.
None thwarted the Queen, and lived long enough to boast the tale.
After all, if she couldn’t have her happiness, then no one else deserved to have it, either.
“Your Majesty,” the voice drew her from her mirror, and the Queen twirled in her seat, brows set and the corners of her lips turned down.
“You’re late.”
“Well, I have other clients to appease, you know. Other deals that need be made.” His voice lowered dangerously to which Regina rolled her eyes, lifting from her seat gracefully.
“And our deal? Do you have what I asked?”
Rumplestiltskin cackled, and with a twist of his wrist, a vial encasing a wrinkled, yellow tinted piece of paper appeared before her very eyes. His own lit up. Just as the Queen went to reach for it, her eyes slightly widened at the mere prospect of finally extracting her revenge on Snow White, the imp pulled back the vial.
“Are you sure this is what you really want, dearie? Enacting this…curse comes with a hefty price.”
Without blinking, the Queen stilled, her eyes darkening with the memory of her Prince once more.
He had died because of that woman. Her death long over due, the Queen had had enough of torturing the King’s daughter, the fear Snow felt now was nothing compared to the heartache the Queen had endured.
Finally, her eyes moved from the vial, meeting Rumplestiltskin’s without pause. She closed her fingers around the cold glass in his hand, bringing her face in close.
“There is no price in all the lands that I would not pay for this. I’ve already paid the highest there is, and now, so will everyone else.”