(Based on the book Regina Rising, this is set back when Regina was 5!)

The rain lashed angrily against the windows of Regina's room, trying to force its way into the interior. Lightning flashed and thunder growled in the grey belly of the sky as the young princess held Isabella close. Isabella didn't like storms. Not at all. And it definitely had nothing to do with Regina being fearful.

The brunette peeked her head out from underneath her blankets, looking out the window at the lingering shadows. She let out a little squeak, then tucked herself back under the blankets, hugging Isabella tightly.

"It's going to be fine, Isabella. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Regina assured the doll, as if it was the one that needed reassurance. Isabella stared back at her, her big, dark eyes glistening and a hint of a smile on her rosebud lips. Regina frowned.

"Fine. Let's go."

She huffed. She hugged the doll closely, then slipped out of bed. She padded her way to her parents' chambers, gently pushing the door open to ask her mother if she could sleep in their bed. Cora, despite Henry's sleepy protests that Regina was only a child, sent her away on account of the fact that she shouldn't be fearful of something like a storm.

Regina turned back, but she didn't go back to her room; another clap of thunder prevented that. Instead, she made her way to the room that belonged to one of the servants. Specifically, the one who was assigned to be her personal maid. They had a parental nature about them. They were always gentle with Regina. Surely they wouldn't mind..?

Regina shuffled up to their bedroom door, Isabella still clutched closely in her hands, then knocked nervously, still jumping at the sounds of thunder and flashes of lightning.