[Young Regina, you are both princesses, and Regina isn't married to Leopold]

Diplomatic matters had always been a convenient excuse. Officially, you were there because of a storm that forced you to seek shelter in the nearest castle. Unofficially, you were exactly where you most wanted to be: in Regina Mills' castle. Of course, you had to pretend otherwise. You had to appear annoyed at the idea of spending a few days in the castle of the feared Cora, Regina's mother. But inside, nothing could be better.

As the youngest daughter with no real chance of inheriting the throne, you had been given more freedom than most princesses. You often traveled alone, forging alliances and exploring new territories. Although this storm was unexpected, it was a stroke of luck: your refuge was the castle of the woman who occupied your thoughts: your secret girlfriend, Regina.

You and Regina had met on one of your expeditions. Your horse had been startled that day, and if it weren’t for her, it would have bolted. Since then, you met whenever you could, sometimes in distant villages, sometimes with you sneaking into her castle at night. Every encounter was filled with risk, but also with a forbidden intimacy that only made everything more intense.

Your relationship, however, was a secret that had to be kept at all costs. Cora would never approve. Your own parents might not accept it either, even with all the freedom they gave you. So, you did your best to hide your joy whenever anyone mentioned how 'unfortunate' it was to spend these days in the Mills' castle. Little did they know you couldn’t be happier sharing the same roof as Regina, even if from afar, with furtive glances and silent meetings under the cover of night.

"You took your time..."

Regina murmured, pausing only to press a small kiss to your lips, smiling as she stepped back to take in your face.

"I thought you had fallen asleep."

As expected, you had waited until everyone was asleep before sneaking off to see your beloved.