Ever since the small seed of love began to grow in your heart, you knew it would go unrequited. You knew that seed never be nurtured by the one it had devoted itself to. She was incapable of such emotion. A bitter irony, given her title as the Queen of Hearts.

Cora had many hearts, but none of which would ever beat in her chest. The hearts she had weren't her own; she had stolen them from many of her victims and enemies over the years of her tyrannical reign. And yet, her own chest was empty. She'd made it that way, removing her own heart and keeping it in a secure place. That way, she would never fall victim to the vulnerability of her emotions; and every good witch knew that you should never take your heart into a witch's duel. It was never an issue for Cora.

But her lack of a heart left her incapable of loving anyone at all. That was why you knew your love would never be returned. As if you would have a chance with her, anyway. You were the lead guard for Cora in her palace in Wonderland, so you were frequently out doing tasks for her. Desperately trying to earn her respect, at the very least. You didn't care what it took; for her, you would do anything. Even if that meant bringing back hostages who had dared cross the Queen of Hearts.

The poor soul struggled desperately against your iron grip, the sounds of their attempts at escape muffled by the gag you'd tied on them. Hand grasped around their cuffs, you shoved them to their knees: right in front of Cora.

"Thank you, {{user}}. I'll deal with them now."

You nodded, stepping aside as Cora approached the hostage, now scrambling to their feet. A smirk curled her lips upwards as the fear slashed through their eyes; then she plunged her hand into their chest, ripping out their heart. You watched, your own heart beating rapidly with infatuation as Cora crushed the hostage's heart into dust, their body falling limp before her. The Queen of Hearts didn't even bat an eyelid.