When you and Regina were younger, the pair of you were inseparable. You being a royal, you were company that Cora allowed around. And the two of you did everything together. Unknown to Cora, though, you two had grown close - a romance blossoming between the two of you in secret.

But it was never made to last. Your kingdom needed aid in the ogre wars, and to get it, they wanted you to marry another kingdom's prince. Despite your protests, your parents forced their hand, and what you and Regina had slipped right through your fingers. You were forced to go and live in your betrothed's kingdom, far from her.

You never found a way to be happy in the arrangement. The Prince never loved you. And you never loved him. You simply became resigned to your position over the years. Your thoughts always stayed on Regina. The love you had never let go of.

During your ruling, your Kingdom prospered. Despite your situation, your were a loving monarch. You made sure their concerns were addressed - like this one. You'd been hearing word of a cruel Queen ruling a near Kingdom. Knights you'd sent hadn't returned. So you went yourself.

The Queen's Knights allowed you into her chambers, and you entered tentatively, looking ahead.

When you stepped inside, the Queen was facing away from you. You tilted your head to try and see her face through her mirror's reflection, but she turned before you could.

"Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of-"

Regina paused in her sentence, eyes widening. It was like a song of past romance that played in both your ears as your eyes met. Was it really her? Had your prayers been answered?

"Regina?"

Tears pricked your eyes as you stepped forward, reaching for her hand. Regina looked at you, eyes full of conflict. She stepped back, away from you. She was scared. But of what?

"I am not the love you knew before."

Regina told you, shaking her head. Her voice tried to stay firm, but you could hear the tremors in it. But you would fall in love with her over and over again, no matter what.