you're crazy and i'm out of my mind {regina}

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

Now Jefferson knew he could be eccentric at times. That there was a quirkiness to him that sometimes resulted in unpredictability. But in this case, he was not mad. He was not insane. He was just... sneaking into the queen's chambers late at night. To some, that may seem like insanity. To him, it was merely what they had been reduced to. Considering she was married. Considering their, romantic relationship. Jefferson's line of work was so far from being deemed as normal; why expect any normalcy in his life. As he successfully evaded the guards, he climbed through the open window of Regina's chambers. Stepping inside, it was dark, and he immediately noticed that her lacking presence. He supposed he could wait. He had to fight the temptation to start snooping around her room, and instead, seated himself on the lavish chair, taking off his hat and setting it aside. She could very wel be with the king tonight for... reasons that Jefferson preferred not to think on. No man in love with a woman enjoyed thinking of said woman engaging in physical relations with another man. He was no exception to this. But all he could do was wait. And he would do so all night if that was how long it took to see her. He tapped his foot repeatedly, the action increasing in pace as his head turned every which way, looking around while remaining seated. He wasn't one who was often able to remain still, tonight more than ever. He knew there was a risk of someone else entering her chambers and thus, him getting caught. However he knew her footsteps. He could recognize them beyond the door, aware of the way she moved and whether it would be her entering her chambers. That confidence was what kept him in place, perfectly confident in not getting caught... more restless over thoughts of how long it would take to see her.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

Regina could get through this..She could! Jefferson was coming to see her tonight! And not just any Jefferson, her Jefferson! She could call him that now! He was hers and she was his! It didn’t matter that she was married to Leopold! The marriage was in name only. Jefferson was the one that held her heart, captivated her, brought her love and joy and so many things. She was thoroughly convinced he was the only reason she’d lasted this long. Starved of kindness and affection, surely her heart would shatter even if her body kept moving, kept breathing, somehow kept functioning. Without a heart..It would be the same as dying. No..It would be worse. If her heart literally stopped beating, at least then people would acknowledge her death, accept that Regina the sweet if a bit naive noble existed no more. But if only her heart broke...Would people understand the kind, willful dreamer no longer walked this earth?! Would they even care?!

Just a bit longer...A bit longer...It was so hard to push back the tears, to move as Leopold wished. But she had to! She wouldn’t soon forget the last time her weak heart had forced the tears to trickle down her cheek when she was in such a compromising position. It didn’t matter that they were silent. It didn’t matter that she was doing her duty as wife, what was expected of her. Leopold had...Made it quite clear she’d ruined the mood, none too gently. His urges were left unsatisfied and so she too must suffer. So..No...He was rough. He was cold. He was unfeeling. Her emotions meant nothing to him. She understood and would accept, would cope somehow. Just a little bit longer...

When he finally released her, she was sick to her stomach. She hoped her face wasn’t green! But...She could hardly help it! Even moving was a bit strenuous after...No! She wasn’t thinking about it! It was done! For now...But how much longer until he called her to his bedside again? A few days? A week? She doubted it would be longer than that. For an old man who clearly held no love for her, he certainly had quite the appetite. Regina just counted her lucky stars she hadn’t been cursed with child. If she had...She wasn’t sure even Jefferson could stop her from throwing herself over the balcony. To have his seed growing inside her...Her stomach plummeted at the thought. No! If she was having a child it would be Jefferson’s and no one else’s! He was the one her heart longed for, the one she truly wanted to be with!

She hustled back to her room as quickly as she could given her state. If she could just see him..He’d make everything better as he always did! Really, he was a blessing, a gift, the only person she could rely on in this dark, dark world.

Regina finally reached her chambers and threw open the door, eyes darting around like mad, seeking out his face in the somber shadows. If he wasn’t there...She’d collapse in a fit of tears for sure. She needed him after this rough night.

“Jefferson?” she choked out, fingers tripping over themselves to light a candle, tears already brimming in her eyes. She didn’t want to be alone! Not now! Please..Please let him be here!

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

Time seemed to be going by so incredibly slowly. Perhaps it was because Jefferson knew. He knew what was occurring between Regina and the king. He knew he has no place to be jealous. He was fully aware of the fact that she was married to someone when he first met her... and even when his feelings for her had developed. He knew she had conjugal obligations but... despite knowing all of this, it made it no easier to bare. The thought of another man's hands on her, when it was not what she wanted... the thought was infuriating. Though Jefferson could not unleash such anger. If only the two of them could just leave this place, but both were all too aware that the king may tear apart the kingdom looking for her and any blood spilled on their behalf was not something that Jefferson's conscience could allow. But surely, there was another way. A way to free her from this prison she was trapped in. With each passing second, he grew more and more restless and anxious. Until suddenly, he heard the door fly open and Regina rush in, quickly lighting a candle and saying his name. He remained completely still for a moment, watching her through the darkness. He knew he couldn't ask how she was, for they both were aware that the answer was not a pleasant one. So he had to ignore it. Somehow. Push aside these feelings of jealousy and focus on what little time they were granted to be together in this way. So with that in mind, he revealed his presence. "Ask..." He began to say as he rose to his feet, holding out his arms. His tone was as it always was; slightly playful and void of any emotions that would cause the night to be anything but enjoyable. "And you shall receive," he finished, giving a slight bow. It was not a bow made to her because she was queen. He never referred to her as such. It was merely his frequent display of histrionics... a playfulness that he always had. He then walked toward her, leaning forward so that his lips touched her forehead in a lingering embrace. He knew he shouldn't ask. He shouldn't inquire as to what had happened, how she was feeling... even though that was all he cared about. She wasn't happy here and asking such questions was only a vocal reminder and acknowledgment of that. Parting his lips from her forehead, he looked at her, a smile on his lips as he masked the hatred he felt for the man that brought tears to her eyes and damaged her heart in such a way. "Now of only I had the ability to be here as soon as my name was called," he added, only partially kidding. It was something that the Dark One was able to do... something Jefferson wished he could do; be here whenever she wanted him to be. He supposed he did have the convenience of portal traveling but still. That wasn't exactly doing them any favors right now.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

The room was depressingly silent as she fumbled with the candle. Her fingers were shaking too much. It took three matches to get it lit. She supposed with the way things were going, she was lucky she hadn’t set her fingers ablaze. Rumple was teaching her magic; but, she was no where close to his level yet. She could levitate small objects yes and teleport herself and a couple other people under duress. She had managed to get all three of them out of Mother’s vault intact when things went awry! She was so grateful for that! The thought of losing Jefferson before she even really knew him..It killed her. Really...Jefferson was the only good thing in her small, cluttered world.

But she wasn’t even sure she could repeat that feat under calmer circumstances. Now she’d more or less mastered self teleportation. Although...Sometimes it was still a bit finicky. Sometimes...She’d end up somewhere unexpected. She wouldn’t get far enough or would go too far. And sometimes...She’d have to concentrate for an extra minute or so when it didn’t quite work the first time...But she was getting there! Slowly but surely she was getting there. Rumple had high hopes for her! And unlike Mother, he actually did praise her when he felt she’d done well. His criticism was helpful, constructive not just nasty and disagreeable like Mother’s had been. And unlike Mother...He gave her choices. Yes, he told her quite clearly when something couldn’t be done. “Dead is dead.” He’d been adamant about that. But then he’d been right. Jefferson had told her that if Viktor couldn’t do what she wanted, no one could. And..It hadn’t worked out with him.

He’d been the first one besides Daniel to consider her feelings, to ask what she wanted. She’d never forget his first words to her after telling her she wasn’t saying his name right. (Well Rumplestiltskin was a complicated name! She was much happier just calling him Rumple!) “What do you want?” Father...Even Father had never asked that. She was used to having everything scheduled, everything planned. Regina could maybe pull away an hour between tea and lessons but...That was about it. And Father just wanted Regina to go along with whatever scheme Mother had because it would be easier for him. One word from Mother and he’d keep quiet even as she...There was no denying it was there? Mother...Hadn’t mother magically abused her?

Regina hadn’t been content to be Mother’s doll or plaything. She had her own thoughts and opinions and expressed them. And such views were unfavorable in Mother's eyes. She displayed her skill frequently, wishing to reform Regina into an “obedient” daughter. But Regina wasn’t weak willed the way her father was. She’d need to compromise her wishes at times so Mother would stop strangling her; but, she never lost sight of her sense of self. She knew what she wanted. And what she wanted was very different from what her mother wanted.

But yes...She remembered all those times Mother had levitated her to rip the air from her lungs...Apparently choking her on the ground wasn’t flashy or off putting enough. No..Mother wasn’t one for subtlety.

Now...The comparisons between her old and new life were frightening to think about. Both Mother and Leopold were overbearing. Both wanted a pretty little doll to parrot their ideas, their wishes. And neither one of them would accept her heart’s choice. Regina had to sneak around with Daniel because she knew Mother might very well kill him if she found out. And here with Jefferson...Weren't they in the same situation?

Was Regina a horribly selfish person putting Jefferson in danger like this?! If Leopold found out she loved someone else and that someone was Jefferson...Wouldn’t he kill him too?! No! She couldn’t take that! She couldn’t handle losing another love! Not because of her! The only thing Daniel had done wrong was pick Regina, love her. Because he’d cared, because he’d listened to her like she was a person and considered her thoughts and feelings because he’d smiled so sweetly and kissed her and she’d kissed him back...Because Regina loved and cherished and chose him...His heart was ripped out and crushed! What if...What if a similar fate waited Jefferson?! How long could they keep this a secret?! What if King Leopold discovered the truth?! Would Jefferson be put to the torch or would his head wind up on a chopping block?! What?! NO! She couldn’t take that! She wouldn’t!

Regina was trembling slightly thanks to the horrible imagery when Jefferson made his presence known with the sweet and playful, “Ask”. Her eyes swiveled around to drink him in, bathe in the wonder and glory that was her beloved, her Jefferson.

He rose, holding out his arms to her before bowing theatrically as he was apt to do. Her lips couldn’t help but curl into a smile at that. This was her Jefferson, same as ever. He was safe. He was whole. Nothing..Nothing was ever going to hurt him! She wouldn’t let it! It wouldn’t be like it was with Daniel! She didn’t care what she had to do to protect him! She would give up her life to save his! She wouldn’t even think about it! If Leopold tried anything, she’d stand against him with whatever limited magic she’d mastered! He wasn’t touching Jefferson! He was hers and hers alone!

Regina wondered if Jefferson knew how shaky she was. He didn’t make her come to him but instead he came to her, leaning down to rest his lips against her forehead, touch cool and soothing. She wrapped her arms around him, sighing softly. How comforting his presence was. He alone could make the nightmares disappear. For a moment, he could still her quivering soul. With him, she felt safe, wanted, loved. He was her world. She loved nothing so much as his visits and loathed nothing so much as watching him leave.

“You’re here now!” she assured him, smiling warmly. “That’s more than enough!” He was the dream in a world that had been nothing but a hellish nightmare. Her dreams about him sustained her throughout the day, during their time apart which could be quite long depending upon his work. Sometimes he was gone for months. But her heart wouldn’t shatter because she’d picture his face, his tender smile, the way his fingers rubbed her back, the feel of his lips pressed up against her own, the scent just..everything...So long as she could remember him, she’d weather any storm. She’d always wait for him.

She dreamed of running away, escaping with him, starting up a family and bearing his children. But sadly...These were just fantasies. Leopold was a jealous man. And he was extremely possessive of anything he felt he had a claim to. If Regina should run...He’d tear apart the kingdom looking for her. And to save face, he’d say his queen was abducted. People could be charged with kidnapping or potentially murder if she wasn’t found! How many would die?! Her conscience certainly couldn’t bare the weight of such a burden. And if she was found with Jefferson...He’d be put to death for sure! It was a pipe dream and nothing more. Only death would free her, either Leopold’s or her own.

Regina threw her arms around Jefferson again, squeezing him tightly. “Thank you so much for waiting! I’m really sorry! I hope you weren’t waiting too long!” She’d been gone for a while...She had no idea when he’d even gotten here.

“Lay down with me?” she asked innocently, still clinging to Jefferson. She wanted to curl up with him and forget all about Leopold and her awful night. When Jefferson held her close and they cuddled...It was like the world disappeared. There was just the two of them. No jealous king. No work. No worries. Just Jefferson and Regina, two people hopelessly in love.

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

Seeing her reaction to his presence, was of course something he enjoyed... yet at the same time, was also a reminder of how grim her situation here was. He could not dwell on such things. He wanted to enjoy their time together, not sully it by focusing on the reasons that kept them apart. As she had said, he was here now and so was she, and that was all they need concentrate on with whatever time fate saw fit to grant them with. He casually wrapped his own arms around her as she initiated the embrace, his lips curved into a small smile. She apologized for making him wait, when he knew it was nothing under her own control. He forced himself to refrain from saying anything indicative of what she had been doing that kept him waiting. They both were aware of it... she had experienced it, and he thought of it. So neither of them needed to say it. "I would wait until the end of time for you," he told her truthfully, his smile growing a bit more. "Besides," he continued on a lighter note as his gaze casually scanned around her room. "Your chambers are quite comfortable. Can't say I had dismal waiting conditions," he said teasingly. Though really, in truth, he did. Because he knew that another man's hands were upon her and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Still. He wanted to keep the mood light hence the reason he offered a small tease. He next question was one that he needn't even consider for he knew the answer immediately. "That my dear, is something you never need ask." For the answer would always be yes. In one swift motion he lifted her into his arms and carried her toward her bed, gently laying her down on it. He then seated himself on the edge next to her, proceeding to take of his long trench so that he could be more comfortable. He tossed it over to the chair where his hat remained, and kicked off his boots before swinging his legs on the bed, so that he was lying next to her, his back against the head board. He moved one arm casually around her shoulders, holding her to him. "Like I was saying, your chambers are quite comfortable. Even more so now," he said contently.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

OOC: I totally god modded Regina! Let me know if you'd like me to edit!

[regina2]

Jefferson returned her hug, casually wrapping his arms around her. She nestled up inside them, resting her head on his neck. She didn’t ever want him to go. She wished for this moment to last forever. But she was all too aware that far too quickly it would end. But now he was here with her. And she planned on savoring every last second.

Regina beamed when Jefferson told her he’d wait until the end of time for her. “I’d do the same!” she assured him. “For you I’d wait forever!” And then some. She only wished she didn’t have to make him wait on her. But...She couldn’t deny the king his carnal pleasures. Jefferson knew this. She only hoped he understood. But he must! After all, he always came and waited just for her! He wasn’t a stupid man. He knew very well what kings and queens did in bed. She wished it wasn’t so. It felt awful, like a betrayal to her true love, to her heart. But she couldn’t say no even once. It would lead to unwanted questions never mind punishments. And if she was sloppy, she wouldn’t be the only one to suffer. If not Jefferson, the king would assume someone else had captured her heart. And he was far too envious and possessive to take an insult like that lying down.

“They’re much more comfortable with you here!” she replied eagerly to the comment about her chambers. Really...Without him they were lonely, cold. They offered no solace, not the briefest trace of comfort. They only granted grim echoes of what the two had once shared. She’d stumble her way to bed after a particularly gruesome day and think how much warmer it had been with Jefferson there, curled up besides her. When he wasn’t there, the room just seemed cruel and empty, drudging up memories of what had once been and might never be again. Regina...was afraid for Jefferson because of his dangerous work and because he was sleeping with the queen. Whenever he left, she was terrified that she might never see him again. So each and every time before left she told him, “be safe”.

Regina wouldn’t consider herself religious. Once upon a time...She thought she might believe in gods. But...She hadn’t been certain even then. But at her most vulnerable, after Daniel’s demise when she was waiting outside the tent with Jefferson, she prayed. Not out loud. Just in her head. It was...She was powerless. It was simply the only thing she could do. During that long stormy night when Viktor was finally ready to perform the surgery, she wanted to watch. But Jefferson just repeated Viktor’s orders. He insisted they needed to stay back since Viktor’s magic was different. They couldn't hope to understand it so they should just do what he said. Struggling for any glimpse of what was going on, not certain that she believed in any deity, she prayed, asking that if there was a god to please bring Daniel back to her.

Daniel was one of the only good things in her life; and, she needed his stability. She feared that without him, without his kindness and support, she'd become a monster just like Mother. King Leopold didn’t care for her at all. Regina knew that even back then. And feelings of hatred were growing inside of her because of Snow, the little girl who stole absolutely everything from her intentional or otherwise. But she didn’t want to be filled with hate. She wanted to be kind and caring, loving. She knew she could be that person with Daniel. So she begged any gods that would listen to please, please, please return him to her.

Her prayers weren’t answered. Viktor informed her that the operation had failed. The heart wasn’t strong enough. So she came to the conclusion that there are no gods or if they exist they weren't just. They didn’t care about her pain and suffering so she wouldn’t bother with them again, wouldn’t waste her time. If she wanted something, she’d grab it herself.

But what she hadn’t truly appreciated at the time was that when the world came crashing down, Jefferson was there for her. She couldn’t hide the tears from him, couldn’t compose herself quickly enough. He’d held her, gently rubbed her back, been there for her, supported her. He hadn’t really said much. But it was enough just to know that someone cared, that someone was thinking of her.

Jefferson had become her support, her source of stability. He could reinforce her kind heart, breathe life into it, make her believe in the good intentions of others, their sweetness. Without him...She’d truly be lost. So...perhaps the gods were real after all. Perhaps they’d left Jefferson to heal her heart and guide her. She had no idea. But she had no intention on relying on gods when everything about them was suspect.

But still...Every time Jefferson left, she said “be safe” like a prayer. She knew the words alone wouldn’t do any good. They couldn’t offer an real protection. But...It was her prayer. More than anything, she wanted him to be safe, the light of her life, her heart, her soul. Everything good she had, he was the one who gave it to her. She could smile. She could hope and dream because he lived, because he visited, because he loved her! She wondered if she could ever express how very much he meant to her. Did he even have any idea how magnificent he was?! Well, she’d try to show him in any way she could! He was her love; and, more than anyone else, she wanted him to feel special, loved, cherished.

She beamed again when he said she never need ask. And before she knew what was happening, he swept her up in his arms and carried her princess style to her bed, gently laying her down. She couldn’t stop grinning as he seated himself beside her. Although it seemed to take forever for him to get off his trench! She tried to be patient; but, it was hard! She wanted to cuddle!

Finally he tossed his coat to the chair and kicked off his boots. Then he was there laying next to her, quickly moving an arm around her shoulders, holding her to him. She leaned into the touch, nestling her head into the nape of his neck. Her grin widened when Jefferson expressed her chambers were much more comfortable now. She felt the same. Here with him, she was happy. When he was near, she couldn’t not be happy.

“I love you Jefferson,” she said softly, staring up into those gorgeous sapphire pools of his. “The best part of being queen is you. If I wasn’t queen, we’d never have met.”

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

He couldn't help but smile when she told him that she would do the same; that she would wait forever for him. He wished they didn't have to but he couldn't hold it against either of them. He had known full well what the circumstances would be going into this and being with her... it was worth every risk and every second of waiting. It wasn't as if it was one sided, for his work often kept him away for extended periods of time. Perhaps one day, things would be different. But if all they had was now, he wanted to take advantage of it and enjoy it. "Even forever may not be long enough for our love," he told her with a smile. He wished they had an eternity together... a lifetime together. She then told him that her chambers were far more comfortable with him inside. "This is definitely more comfortable," he said in full agreement as he held her. He no longer felt idle just sitting there waiting for her... when she came, he had purpose again. As they lay next to each other, she told him she loved him, and the words never failed to make his heart swell with emotion. He had never said such words to another prior to Regina. She was the first woman he ever loved and he hoped... the last. "and I you," he told her, the words coming with more ease than he ever would have imagined. He tilted his head to the side, tenderly kissing her forehead in a prolonged embrace as he listened to her tell him that the best part of being queen was him... for it was how they met. Though their encounter was not as coincidental as they had all made it seem; Rumple had planned it, hired Jefferson and Viktor to play their roles. But he pushed aside those thoughts for the time being, not wanting them to ruin the mood now that they finally had a chance to be together for this temporary amount of time. "It goes both ways," he began to say, understanding the thoughts in his mind though he realized that perhaps he should articulate them. "Not that I know what it means to be a queen," he said jokingly... though with obvious truth. "I'm just grateful that my work also played a part in us meeting. Who knew that Rumpelstiltskin would unknowingly be playing matchmaker," he added in jest. Either way, truth or lie, they had met because of Rumple as he had been the one common factor between them. It was a bit ironic though. Rumple had wanted Regina to let go of Daniel and not dwell in the past of her broken heart as it was a distraction and would hinder her from fully embracing her potential. And here Jefferson was, proving to be another distraction. Funny how that worked out, but the portal hopper hardly felt any guilt or remorse for it. He was far too selfishly happy being with her than giving her up for any great potential for magic she may have.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

Jefferson’s smile was adorable! Regina wasn’t exactly sure if guys liked being told they were adorable. She expected most wouldn’t. They’d probably want to be described as something..more masculine and tough..Or something. But she couldn’t help herself! Jefferson’s smile right there..It was absolutely adorable! Just looking at it sent her heart fluttering! She wished she could stare at it forever and ever. But she was lucky just to have this special moment between the two of them. She’d content herself with that. Even after Leopold had done...What he’d done....Jefferson always found some way to set her mind at ease just by being himself. He was that sort of amazing person, different and unique. So maybe someone special like him wouldn’t mind being thought of as adorable. But she still wasn’t going to say it! It was more than enough, having him by her side.

The two of them were quite a pair. Leopold kept Regina under lock and key most of the time. And then Jefferson’s work kept him busy. Sometimes he was gone for months. Between the two of them, it was difficult to scrounge up a meeting time. Although the place was always predictable. Where else could it be but the palace, Regina’s gilded cage? She was only ever allowed to venture out if there was some formal event and then only with a royal escort. Typically Leopold would be there but not always. He did do a great deal of traveling with his daughter Snow. And so sometimes Regina had to take care of things while he was gone by herself. But she still didn’t have any choice. Leopold had planned everything from what she would wear to where she would go. Although technically the servants were the ones who picked her dresses, he’d selected those in charge of such decisions himself, to make sure Regina always suited his taste.

Even when he was gone, he left behind strict schedules to detail Regina’s movements. Although she should be in charge when he was away, she was just as trapped as ever. Guards and servants saw to it that the king’s wishes were always carried out. It was easier to sneak around when there was no king to report back to, it was true. And she got a much needed break from her conjugal visits. But besides those few comforts, her life was much the same.

She supposed the one good thing about Jefferson’s busy life was that he could appreciate Regina’s restrictions. Just as his schedule wasn’t entirely his to command but his clients’, she had the king and his army of servants to cater to. And somehow the two of them made it work because their love was strong, the strongest! Leopold cared nothing for Regina’s heart but Jefferson did! He mended it each and every time the king chipped a piece away, cracking it. He was there for her! She’d been sincere! For Jefferson she’d wait forever! Just knowing that he wanted her and would come for her, gave her enough hope to get through the day however miserable. He was the reason she could stumble out of bed in the morning, take that painful first step. Each second that passed brought her closer to his next visit. That’s what she believed. That’s how she lived. Her heart would shatter without that unspoken promise. She refused to contemplate his death. If she lost him...There’d be nothing left. That’s why however powerless her prayers, her fervent hopes were, she always had to say “be safe” before parting. Nothing was more important than his welfare.

Regina chuckled when Jefferson said even forever might not be enough for their love. “Then what would be?!” she asked with levity. “Eternity? Infinity?” But those were just synonyms. Forever..Could a human even wrap their mind around such abstract concepts? Could those who were finite, frail, and fleeting truly comprehend eternity?

When Jefferson told her this was more comfortable she snuggled closer, grin widening. Nothing was as precious as Jefferson’s touch except maybe his smiles! She loved it all, every part of him, everything he was and everything he brought!

Regina beamed at his “And I you”, heart beating furiously in her chest. She reached for Jefferson’s hand and laid it over her heart. “It always beats so fast for you, Jefferson! So please...Please take good care of it!” There was no doubt in her voice. She knew he would. But after everything Leopold put her through, it was nice to hear the words.

He tenderly kissed her forehead; and, she just smiled sweetly up at him, savoring this closeness.

Regina chuckled when he said he didn’t know what it meant to be queen, taking a leaf from his book, trying to tease rather than get depressed. She loathed the word queen now. She held no real power. The title was a death sentence, chaining her to this palace indefinitely. But Jefferson was here; and, he always worked so hard to raise her spirits! She wouldn’t make his task any more difficult!

“It means wearing extravagant dresses that cost more than a house!” Really...She could only imagine how many people could be fed if she’d sell even half her gowns! If it were up to her, she’d put the funds to better use. There were orphan children who suffered and old men and women who couldn’t even afford gruel. She didn’t know much about it or how to help them having been sheltered all her life...But she knew she did want to assist them, give the kingdom not only what it needed but what it deserved! But alas...She had no power, no influence. Leopold controlled everything even her, maybe especially her.

“If you’d like I can slip you into one so you could get the idea!” she teased. She chuckled trying to picture Jefferson in a fancy dress. "I can even brush your hair!" Okay! She was having way too much fun envisioning that! She had a mini giggle fit.

She nodded her head in fervent agreement when he said his work played a part. She adored it because it was magical, amazing, adventurous, and simply magnificent. But even if was the most dull, humdrum job in the world, she’d love it all the same because it brought them together. Regina might be miserable most of the time now; but, if things weren’t the way they were, she’d never have met Jefferson. And she wouldn’t give up her love for anything!

Regina laughed at the mention of Rumplestiltskin playing matchmaker. “He’s like a scaly fairy godmother!” There was more truth to that than the words implied. He’d given Regina her first real choice in her entire life. He was the one to ask what she wanted. So far...Things hadn’t ended well. But he’d given her a chance! And with his magic lessons and Jefferson’s visits..Surely things would get better eventually!

“Jefferson please...Tell me you love me!” she begged with sweet innocence. Words had power; and, to Regina, no one’s words held more power than Jefferson’s. And right now, she really needed to hear him say it. If he did, she wouldn’t doubt. She’d know things would get better with him here by her side supporting her as best he could.