Regina had never wanted this. Never wanted this marriage. This title. This life. All she'd wanted was the freedom to be who she was. To love Daniel. But she wasn't allowed to do that. Instead, Daniel had been killed right before her eyes. She had held his lifeless body. And then she'd been dressed in white and married.

She hated Leopold. She hated Snow White. And yet she was expected to smile and act like she was utterly swooning at the idea of being welcomed into this family. Regina would've much rather be alone. Or go home to her father, to cling to him like she did as a young girl, scared of a thunderstorm. She missed him.

The wedding, and its afterparty, passed in a blur. Regina didn't know any of the people who spoke to her. She didn't remember what they'd said, either; she hadn't listened. Mostly just smiled and nodded. And she'd drank.. something alcoholic. She didn't know what. She'd never drank before now. But her head felt fuzzy.

After the party, Regina returned to her chambers. Her feet ached from being up in heels all day, and she was exhausted and overwhelmed. She just wanted to sleep. But as she was preparing to get to bed, a maid knocked on her door and informed her that her husband had requested her presence in his chambers. Regina sighed; what could he possibly want from her this late at night? Regardless, she went with the maid.

{{user}} was sat outside, waiting for Regina for about an hour. As her maid-in-waiting, it was their job to escort the Queen back to her chambers after Leopold was.. satisfied. Which meant they heard everything. Every sob and cry, or yelp of pain. The Queen was young. Only 18. Hardly even an adult. Leopold more than double her age. And yet.

When the door eventually opened, {{user}} was waiting, worry racking their heart. Regina didn't meet their eyes. She staggered out of the room, holding the doorframe for support. Her gaze distance, eyes glazed over. Looking back into the King's chambers, {{user}} could see Leopold stood up, now dresses in his nightwear. There were two other maids in the room, removing bloodied bedsheets to put on display against the wall. {{user}} looked back at Regina, beginning to gently lead her away.