tainted love {regina}

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

While this wasn't the most ideal life, it was one filled with love. Love, between a father and daughter. Grace was his heart and since the passing of her mother, he spent every possible moment he could with her. Of course, instances such as this forced his company from her... but he did this for them. Their home was small and quaint, but that was exactly what it was: a home. A place filled with love and a family. He would forever wish that Grace had her mother, hating that because of his work, his daughter was deprived of one... not to mention the fact that Jefferson lost a wife. Yet he could not turn back time. All he could do was focus on the present and the future; a future with Grace. He was in the marketplace, having his assortment of mushrooms on the table in small bunches, ready to be sold. He had went from an infamous portal hopper to a less impressive mushroom vendor... but this new job, unlike his last, allowed him to spend time with his daughter. He didn't have to travel between the realms and be apart from her for so long. The sacrifice was a less lavish lifestyle, but Jefferson could easily accept that. Family was important. Family was everything. He had already sold a few, as the market place was fairly busy today. He would have to collect more tomorrow and find more buyers but for the time being, he was taking advantage of the crowd that filled the market, hoping that he would make a little extra today so that he could buy a gift for his daughter. He often made most of her toys, but he wanted to get her something special... she deserved anything and everything.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

Regina was sick to death of her guards failing her! How was it that Snow always managed to escape her clutches?! Although really..It was less Regina’s clutches and more her ‘elite’ guards’ at this point. The tale was always the same. The guards would find her, be damn confident they had her cornered, some shenanigans would happen and then...Poof! Snow was gone! So no more leaving it up to others! If you wanted something done right, you had to do it yourself apparently! Really..As much as she liked her guards, as much as they were loyal to her because she treated them like people not just numbers, knew their names, family, and basic ambitions...Sometimes like now she felt they were completely worthless!

She knew she was in a temper after this last little Snow fiasco. So yes, she understood that her guards were in fact quite useful at times, providing her with both information and security. But in terms of Snow...It was never enough! Regina would be damned if the girl got to live freely after what she’d stolen from her! Snow would suffer and suffer dearly for her lies and manipulation! Once...once long ago Regina had found her sweet, affectionate, caring, a little angel, someone she would have loved to call sister. Regina hated her all the more for the deception because once upon a time, she’d liked her maybe even loved her.

But now Regina was wise to her tricks! Now she saw the little demon for what she was, a remorseless promise breaker who ignorantly destroyed dreams. Foolish, pampered little princess, cruel in her blindness. Well...At least Snow wasn’t exactly a princess anymore. She had her claim yes. But now she was an outcast, a bandit all thanks to Regina. But still..It infuriated Regina that Snow saw herself as a victim, innocent, blissfully unaware of her crimes!

Regina should have told Snow the truth when she'd had the chance! But she supposed she'd been a slow learner just like the genie. At that point in time she truly believed love was a strength and not a weakness. Daniel had loved her for her kindness so even though her heart had shattered she'd tried to be sympathetic and understanding towards Snow. She refused to see the little girl for what she was, a devil who offered sweet promises, words of comfort and encouragement, to foster trust and belief. But the monster was oh so free with its tongue the moment someone’s back was turned. How easily had her mother persuaded Snow to speak that deadly secret? Did Snow give in right away? She supposed it didn't matter.

Daniel...Daniel had been a weakness. Jefferson too. Both her love lives had ended badly. But at least...Yes, she was still upset with Jefferson, hurt even if she was honest. But at least he was still alive. She’d never admit just how grateful she was for that fact. If something happened to Jefferson...No! She refused to think about that! How...After all this time, after his treachery, how could he continue to tug at her heart like this?! Love was weakness! Hadn’t she learned yet?

She would have shaken her head to clear her thoughts; but, then she’d look visibly troubled. And a queen should be composed! And this was official queen business! She’d heard Snow was in the area. Regina was optimistic that Snow might come to market to buy some supplies for...whatever the hell she planned on doing next. Even a bandit didn’t steal everything. She robbed the queen’s carriages so that she could buy something or multiple somethings. She could be here. It was worth a look anyways.

Despite her anger, Regina brightened slightly as she moved from cart to cart. She loved traveling, exploring. Sadly, being queen kept her rather busy and she could not wander as much as she would have liked. She only left the castle when she had work to carry out. But when she was out, she always did enjoy herself. She loved seeing new places. She’d been too cooped up under her mother’s ‘care’. And then when Leopold married her, he’d locked her in a beautiful little cage. He didn’t like his wife wandering about anymore than Mother had approved of her daughter leaving the estate. Her job had been to sit and look pretty and satisfy Leopold’s other needs when he had them. He’d had them too often. There had been no tenderness or warmth between them, not even the affection of friends. Leopold had been cold to Regina and pushed her away. He’d made it abundantly clear that she was to sit beside him for feasts and come to his bed when he had the urge but otherwise was to stay away. But he was afraid of her affection straying so he would rarely let her leave the castle. Silly man. He had no idea another had already captured her heart. Of if only knew the things that went on under his very roof in Regina’s bed...

Still no sign of Snow; but, Regina wasn’t horribly optimistic she’d find her here to begin with. The fresh air was doing her some good. At least the weather was nice, hardly a cloud in the sky. Not too warm. Not too cold either. There was even a pleasant breeze.

Regina was smiling slightly when she moved to the next cart; but, as soon as her amber orbs rested on the vendor’s face, the smile froze. It......It couldn’t be!

“Jefferson?!” she cried out, aghast. “What on Earth are you doing here?!” She couldn’t understand it! Why in the world would he be selling...mushrooms?! And his clothes...What happened to all his fancy suits?! Being a portal jumper paid good money. And there’d certainly be no need to sell anything at market with his work! So...What was going on here?!

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

Jefferson had been so distracted with setting out his mushrooms in an appealing display, that he had not noticed the woman approach. Had he, perhaps he would have found a way to avoid the confrontation. But he had discovered it too late. He immediately recognized her voice, even though his eyes remained downcast on his products. He was no longer looking at them, merely fixating his gaze anywhere else... but on her. It had been so long since they'd seen each other and their departure had not been a pleasant one. He had confessed the truth about Victor's attempted resurrection on Daniel... and Regina had not taken it well. Which, he could not exactly blame her for. After several failed attempts to see her, he had been forced to move on. But having her in front of him now, hearing her voice, feeling her presence, caused so many emotions to course through him that he couldn't express a single one. He raised his gaze to look at her. She looked so... different. He had begun to see that transformation, mainly after their encounter with Victor. But now, it seemed to be complete. She had truly embraced he role as queen. He was trying to find the words to speak... unsure what he could possibly say in this moment. "Regina," he acknowledged, his words flat and emotionless, betraying all the emotions he felt within him. He was unsure how far the regal role had gotten to her. He never called her queen, nor said her name with title. To him, she had always just been Regina. But he was fully aware that as a peasant, he could be killed for his lack of respect. "Selling mushrooms," he answered, responded to her question of what he was doing here. He knew his answer was not what she had meant... the question was not literal, yet he had answered it as such. Perhaps it was the sudden flustered feeling of seeing her again after so long. He forced himself to remain composed though. Thank god Grace was not here. That was indeed a blessing. He also knew he could not return her question for as a queen, she had the right to be anywhere she pleased and right now, that just so happened to be in the market. He knew he was radically different from the last time they had seen each other. He'd given up everything that could link him to his former job. Except for the hat. One that had been locked away, never to be used again. "You look well," he added on, speaking truthfully... he supposed. She looked as beautiful as ever, but he also knew that neither of them were the same person they were when they'd been together. So much time had passed. So much had changed.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

Jefferson didn’t look at her right away, instead choosing to fix his gaze on his mushrooms. But she could tell he recognized her voice by the way he stiffened. This eye contact avoidance was deliberate.

But eventually he raised his eyes and rested them on her face. She still wasn’t perfectly composed by this point. She was...stunned to say the least. She’d never seen Jefferson so...humbled. He’d traded in his suit for planer clothes, much less fancy and noticeable. They were missing his typical flare. And she couldn’t spy his special hat anywhere. The hat never used to leave his side. Where he went it went. If it wasn’t on his head he’d be fiddling with it. At the very least it would rest beside him on the ground. But...She would notice if it were here. There was no space to hide anything in his tiny cart. He’d taken less time with his hair too. She would never presume to guess what he’d done with it in the past. But it was always neat and presentable. Now...She wouldn’t say it looked bad. It didn’t. But it was certainly...different. Messy in a tamed fashion if that made any sense. It didn’t look at as though he’d just jumped out of bed; but, she doubted his comb had seen all that much use.

As startled as she appeared, she did smile a bit at the use of her name. It was nice to know that some things never changed. At least he was still willing to call her that. Did that mean he still saw her as Regina not just some queen and certainly not an evil one?! And...Why should she care?! She was done with him! He’d betrayed her, left her, never contacted her again, and then got married and even had a kid! He meant nothing to her!

Regina just rolled her eyes at his direct answer. “I can see that. I meant why are you selling mushrooms,” she elaborated.

When Jefferson told her she looked well, her heart did this odd fluttering thing. Well, she must have eaten something disagreeable for lunch. Hopefully she wouldn’t get sick later. She couldn’t afford that now not when Snow was so near.

His words did please her though, as much as they shouldn’t. Her smile brightened to something reminiscent of the smile the young naive queen used to wear for a certain portal jumper.

Regina would like to say he looked well too; but, she was still adjusting to this shift in appearance. “You look different,” she said honestly. Her tone wasn’t cruel or biting. It wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable either.  It wasn’t indifferent.  It had more emotion than one simply stating a fact. Her voice clearly expressed that it was neither a compliment nor an insult. She wasn’t saying he looked bad; but, neither was she saying he looked extraordinary. He just...He was different; and, she wasn’t sure how she felt about it.

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

She rolled her eyes, a reaction that he should have expected considering his literal response... and then questioned why he was selling mushrooms. He remained quiet, allowing her the opportunity to look him over, seeing the surprise in her features and letting it sink in... her comment evidently reflecting her thoughts. The reason for him selling mushrooms and the reason of him looking different were strongly linked, and he knew he would have to explain why. There was no need to lie. Besides, even though he knew this was a chance encounter, that she had not expected to see him... he still wanted to make it clear that if she needed anything from him that his portal hopping days could offer... well, she was out of luck. He gave a slight and brief sarcastic smile at her acknowledgment of how different he looked before verbally responding. "I would hope I look like a mushroom vendor and no longer like a portal hopper. Since I have hung up my hat... so to speak," he explained, a slight jest at the end of his words though not spoken in a jovial manner. The reasons he had given it up were grim. He had lost Lyall. And the loss had not been easy. If it weren't for Grace, her death would have devastated him. But he knew he had to be a father for his beloved daughter. And well, Jefferson was unsure of how much Regina knew. He imagined not a great deal... after all, there was no reason for her to be keeping tabs on him. Either way, he was aware that all would most likely be revealed by the end of their conversation.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

He didn’t answer her question right away, instead giving Regina time to examine him. She was grateful she supposed. The transformation was rather startling; and, she could use a moment to collect herself.

What...What in the world had happened to Jefferson?! There was time a where she’d kept track of him and his activities. She supposed even after Snow...She just couldn’t let him go. Some foolish, naive part of her heart hoped he’d realize his error and return to her, try and fix things. She supposed she was lucky he never had. Did she really want to endure more heartbreak at his hands? Hadn’t she suffered enough? Dealing with the treachery of the ‘failed’ experiment had been horribly painful. Somehow, she’d managed to move past that because she knew she truly loved Jefferson. And Jefferson had made a deal before he’d ever met her, before he understood the kind of person she was. How could she possibly penalize him for that?

Yes, she’d been angry. She’d been hurt. She’d thrown him out of the castle and told him she never wanted to see his face again. Fortunately, he’d understood those words had been said in haste, in a fit of passion. He’d come back to explain himself and apologize. And she had to give him some credit. He’d told her the truth eventually. Yes...She wished it would have been sooner. But there was never a good moment to bring something like that up.

Her nights had been lonely without him, her heart unsettled. How could she not give him a second chance? Their relationship might have originally been founded on deceit; but, his love for her was genuine. That’s why he could tell her the truth. That’s why he could believe in her. And she just hadn’t wished to live a life he wasn’t a part of. She’d welcomed him back and for a time been grateful, happy. But then he’d betrayed her again with Snow. She’d opened her heart to him again just to be brutally shut down, bled dry. He’d chosen Snow White over her, denying Regina her chance at closure!  Daniel was dead while Snow was free to walk this Earth, go wherever she chose.

But still...If she was being honest, Regina had wanted him to come back, to fix things. She’d always wanted to believe in him. But when he’d taken a wife, she’d understood it was over. There was no going back. And so...For the most part she’d try to ignore his existence, think of him as little as possible. That...Didn’t always go so well. But she kept away. And she only wanted to be informed if his life was in danger. That being the case, she’d heard nothing. There’d been no threats on his life as far as she knew.

Still...He didn’t look...At all himself. Was he unwell? What had happened?! Why was he selling mushrooms?! More importantly...Why did she even care?!

He gave a brief sarcastic smile at her comment. Good to see his snark was still working. Otherwise, she’d be really worried. But..she had tried to be tactful. Normally no one elicited such a response for her. But Jefferson had always been an exception. And he’d done her a kindness, calling her Regina like he always had. He hadn’t bowed or referred to her as queen, evil or otherwise. He was respecting her as Regina the person, the individual. Her titles still didn’t matter to him. And she was grateful. He’d even told her she looked well. So yes, she wanted to try and return the favor. But she wouldn’t lie to him. He looked different; and, she wasn’t sure how she felt about it.

“What?!” she asked horrified when he said he’d hung up his hat. “Why?!” She couldn’t understand it. Jefferson was so magnificent! His work was a joy to watch and experience! He commanded powers none other did! He could travel to 17 different worlds! Why?! Why would he give that up?!

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

He could see that she was shocked, and of course had expected such a reaction. He had been defined by his occupation. It had paid well, and he had gained a reputation from it. Had he not had a daughter, he wouldn't have given it up. But he wanted to live for Grace. Not engage in this dangerous work that had cost the life of her mother. An innocent, caught up in his own enemies made over the years. He would forever carry the guilt of Lyall's death but he was not about to let himself be taken from Grace, or vice versa. "I have my reasons," he told her nonchalantly, forcing the emotions away from his words, speaking with complete composure and strength. He knew he couldn't completely evade the reason. Regina knew him all too well. "Grace lost her mother because of what I do," he began to explain, now revealing the death of his wife. "I won't let her lose her father too. Nor will I lose my daughter." The rather cruel and particularly vindictive enemies went after those you loved, so that you would be forced to endure the lifelong suffering that came with their death. Jefferson would not survive the loss of Grace. She had saved him in coping with Lyall's death. He could not . . . WOULD not lose her too. "So from now on, this is what I do," he said without an ounce of hesitation or uncertainty. His decision was final. It would not waver or alter in any way . . . no matter what Regina said.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

He had his reasons?! Well clearly! For as long as Regina had known Jefferson, he’d loved his work to death! He wouldn’t quit on a whim! The question was, what had pushed him so far; and, would he tell her? They hadn’t exactly been close recently. Regina had worked with him a few times after his marriage; but, that was about it. She didn’t seek him out but rather tried to keep her distance especially after she found out about Grace. A child...Jefferson had a child with another woman! Regina...Regina had always wanted to settle down and have a family with someone she loved. Once upon a time she’d thought that person would be Jefferson. But she’d been wrong. But still..It irked her, the thought of Jefferson having a kid with someone who wasn’t her.

Of course she was long past such silly feelings now! Besides, Jefferson had clearly changed! He’d decided to give up his travels so he could forage for fungus! She was being kind here though so she wouldn’t say that. Jefferson looked...Well not really happy. Was that because of her? Or was he regretting his decision to hang up his hat? No...That couldn’t be it. If that was the issue, he’d simply change his mind again.

“And they would be?” she pressed. She wouldn’t be satisfied until she got a real answer.

She stared at Jefferson stunned when he said Grace lost her mother because of his work. So...Lyall? Lyall was dead?! Regina was overwhelmed by a sense of grief not for a woman she’d loathed and deemed unworthy for someone of Jefferson’s caliber but for Jefferson. Her heart might have grown colder since last they spoke; but, she knew this pain all too well. Daniel had chosen Regina. He’d opened up his heart to her and he’d loved her with everything he had. And because of that, because of Regina, he had to die. She’d loved him back and wanted to be with him. She was willing to throw everything away, every advantage to stay by his side. And that Mother couldn’t allow. He’d been innocent; but, he’d suffered, paid the ultimate price because Regina had tried to run away, had attempted to leave Mother and the king behind. He hadn’t done anything wrong. But his story was cut tragically short all because of Regina. That was a burden she still bore to this very day. To think Jefferson would have to endure that agony, that grief! The world was cruel indeed!

Regina was at a loss for words. What...What could she possibly say? Nothing could have prepared her for Daniel’s murder. And if it hadn’t been for Jefferson...She wasn’t sure how she would have originally coped with the sorrow. Father didn’t want to hear about it. It made him uncomfortable. All he wanted was for her to go along with Mother’s plans because it would be easier for him. He couldn’t deal with conflict.

Whatever had happened between her and Jefferson...She’d always be grateful for the support he gave her when she was at her weakest. Regina hoped his daughter Grace could offer that same tender stability.

Regina would never approve of Lyall. But she wouldn’t be so cold as to think Jefferson shouldn’t grieve her loss. Whatever her faults, she had been Jefferson’s wife. Of course he should mourn!

And if his work was responsible for Lyall’s loss..Then it only make sense he quit. Nothing was worth losing a loved one. But...She was still a bit concerned for Jefferson. Enemies didn’t evaporate with time. Whoever had come after Lyall...Would they be content to stop there? Was Grace in danger?!

Although Regina had detested Lyall, the same bitter feelings did not extend to her daughter. Regina had a soft spot for children. Even at her worst, she’d never hurt a child. And she knew she never would. Although she tried to keep that to herself. It was a weakness and she knew it. It wouldn’t do for anyone to capitalize on it.

Regina still didn’t know what to say to Jefferson. I’m sorry...That simply didn’t cover it! And would he even believe her? He had to know she never cared for Lyall.

She simply nodded her head at his words. “A daughter should have a father.” As weak willed as her own father had been, he’d at least wished for her happiness. He wasn’t willing to stand up to Mother for her. But all the same he loved her. And his tenderness saved Regina. Without him and Daniel, perhaps Mother would have broken her spirit. But because of the two of them, because she knew they did like her the way she was, she could be strong and be herself not the doll Mother wished her to be.

Regina paused before hesitantly placing a hand over Jefferson’s own. “I am sorry,” she said softly, wondering if he would believe her or if he’d heard the title ‘Evil Queen’ one too many times to take her words seriously.

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

He remained silent, letting this revelation process in her mind, not entirely sure how she would react to it. What side of her would he see today? He knew that deep down, she was the same Regina that he had fallen in love with... but that was no longer the woman she was projecting herself as. She then spoke, saying that a daughter should have a father. He kept himself composed, despite the strength of his emotions. "She deserves both," he stated. Lyall had been a wonderful mother and if he could, he would easily switch places with her. But he couldn't. "But since that is no longer possible, neither is me resuming my former work." He would not let any harm come to his Grace, or himself, for her sake. The last thing he ever wanted was for her to be orphaned. Regina then placed her hand over his and he was surprised by his own actions of not pulling away from her touch. He kept his eyes locked on hers as she expressed what seemed to be genuine condolences for his and Grace's loss. He remained silent yet again, taking in the sincerity of her words as they did not seem to be feigned or false. He also knew that they were not easy ones for her to say and he had to provide at least some acknowledgment of that. "Thank you," he responded in a low, but equally genuine voice. Despite their past, he could no longer allow himself to indulge in any intimate moments with her and this . . . this felt like an intimate moment. He forced himself to break eye contact, quietly clearing his throat as he casually pulled his hand from her touch. "What brings you to the market today?" He questioned, an attempt to change the topic of conversation. "Surely not mushrooms," he added, his words somewhat joking though his expression nor tone held any amusement or light hearted form that usually was visible and heard when one was making a jest. He just continued to look composed, calm, and serious.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

Jefferson was silent for a while. She wondered if he wouldn’t demand that she leave, say he cared nothing for her type of comfort. They had hardly parted on the kindest note. Perhaps in his grief, he’d rather be left alone. Regina had no idea how he felt about her after all this time.

Didn’t she? He’d first chosen Rumplestiltskin, then Snow, then Lyall. How many times did it take her to get it? She’d never be first. But that hardly mattered anymore! She was under no delusion that the two of them would be together. Yes...Once upon a time she’d loved him with all her heart. But those days were long gone! He’d made his choice! So why...Why was she so worried about him right now?! It didn’t make sense! This had to be some sort of indigestion! Her heart had fluttered earlier. That was proof!

He spoke and she nodded her head at his solemn words. “She did; but, this world is a cruel one Jefferson. Both of us know that all too well. What people deserve, they don’t necessarily get.” Her tone wasn’t harsh but surprisingly gentle for the ‘Evil Queen’. Hadn’t she deserved her happy ending with Daniel? And when her world had been turned upside-down that awful night, hadn’t she at least deserved some peace afterwards? Leopold brought her nothing but despair and misery. The only reason she’d clung to some semblance of sanity, had the briefest taste of hope was because of Jefferson. So..Didn’t she deserve to be happy with him at least? But no. That was not her fate. Every time she thought she held a little happiness in her hand, it was brutally and permanently pried from her fingers.

“But one can be enough, Jefferson,” she said softly. “Mother...I would have been better off without her. We both know that. But because Father was there to wish for my happiness if nothing else, I didn’t break.” She’d say she turned out alright. She thought she had. But she didn’t mention that for fear of Jefferson’s disagreement. And right now, the last thing she wanted to do was fight. He was clearly having a difficult time. She didn’t want to get into Snow or her quest for vengeance or any of Jefferson’s betrayals.

“I think it’s wonderful you want to protect your daughter. She’s lucky to have such a caring father,” she said tenderly. She wondered...Would her own father do this for her, sacrifice something he loved to keep her safe and happy? She wasn’t sure; and, the doubt saddened her. After all, he’d never once stood up for her when it counted, not against Mother or the king. And wishing only went so far. His verbal support had been a great comfort at moments because it was all she had. But that was the only thing he offered, words never action. He was too scared to help. So...She really didn’t know if he’d do the same in Jefferson’s position.

Regina was honestly a bit concerned that Jefferson would draw back from her touch. But he didn’t and so her lips curled into a smile, eyes moistening slightly. It was nice to know that Jefferson didn’t completely hate her touch. And the fact that he didn’t break connection...That had to mean he believed her, at least a little! She really didn’t want Jefferson to suffer like this, as much as she’d disliked Lyall and thought her the poorest of choices, someone unworthy of Jefferson’s affections.

She beamed at his thanks, clearly discerning the sincerity in his words, and that smile that flicked across her face had a type of innocence and purity not seen in her features for some time now. Yes, besides her clothes, for a moment, she was the spitting image of the naive queen Jefferson had first met.

He broke eye contact, cleared his throat, and casually pulled his hand back. The separation stung more than she thought it would, as much as she knew such a gesture couldn’t last forever. But the touch had given birth to a sweet dream, beautiful in its brevity. But it came so quickly and left so suddenly her mind didn’t have time to process exactly what it had been. And still, she felt its loss like a physical blow.  Her lips shifted downward and for a moment, she looked absolutely devastated. But just for a split second. She quickly rearranged her features, donning the composed regal mask of queen.

What brought her to the market? She didn’t want to lie; but, she didn’t care to mention Snow either. Snow was the last straw between them. She didn’t wish to remind either of them of such bitter tidings. But Jefferson was never one she cared to lie to.

“When I lived with Mother...I always wanted to go out and see the market,” she said softly, queen mask melting away like candle wax held up to to a flame, revealing a more tender and fearful expression. Mother had scoffed at Regina’s request time and time again, saying the market was for peasants; and, they had servants to buy their food and whatever else they wished for. Mother didn’t understand...It wasn’t just the market...Regina wanted to venture into the world, leave the estate if only for a short time. She wanted to meet new people.

“But I couldn’t.” Her tone was a little more crushed than she would have liked. So many times she’d tried to sneak away, to get out for a bit. But mother always caught her. She never made it as far as the market.

“Leopold wouldn’t let me either.” He almost never let her leave the castle grounds, only when there was some event she need attend as queen. And Market certainly didn’t qualify.

“No, I’m not specifically here for the mushrooms. But finally..I can see it! I’m out here so I thought I should. Is that so strange?” She supposed he would think it was. She was a queen after all. And Jefferson didn’t know her, not anymore.