till death do us part {regina}

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

Jefferson couldn't say that he ever foresaw this day in his future. But alas. Here it was. He had found the woman that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. While this was the second time he had fallen in love, he felt... happy. He could see them having a life together. He wanted to have a life with her. The first time he had fallen in love... well, it didn't end quite so well. It had taken him time to recover from that, never having loved before and thus never having experienced heartbreak. It had been agonizing but time was the best healer. But now, here was Lyall. Looking as beautiful as ever in her wedding gown. She was a kind, compassionate, caring woman and Jefferson felt all too fortunate to have found someone like her. The wedding ceremony was set in a park, with flowers and fresh greenery surrounding them. The ceremony was not too simple but not overly elaborate. It was filled with her family and friends and those close acquaintances of Jefferson's. He was clad in a suit but with a Jefferson touch as his style was often unique and unlike the attire of another. They had just be named husband and wife and had shared their first dance before another wished to dance with the bride. Jefferson politely stepped aside, content in just watching her, a soft smile on his lips. He was now a husband and he could start to build a life with his wife. He was eager to explore this unfamiliar dynamic... eager to start this new chapter of his life.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

Why...Why in the world had Regina decided to come here? But...She might not have Jefferson’s impressive information network; but, as the queen she still heard things. And she paid extra special attention to Jefferson to begin with. And so a little bird had told her a certain portal jumper was about to be wed. Originally she hadn’t believed it. Jefferson, her Jefferson getting married to someone besides her?! She couldn’t accept it! Yes...Things had...Alright they’d ended poorly. But it was Jefferson’s fault! He was the one who broke it, choosing Snow over her! Regina could have finally had her happy ending, been at peace knowing justice was served. Finally, she could have punished Snow for all she stole, all her lies and deception! But no...Jefferson had freed the little demon! And then...He’d never tried to contact her again! Damn him! Why should she even care who he married or what he did?! He’d made his choice!

And still...Here she was. She hadn’t approached Jefferson beforehand. She’d merely stayed in the background to bare witness. She couldn’t say she thought much of this Lyall or Ly as Jefferson called her. She seemed like a ditzy little air head to Regina. Regina would be very much surprised if the girl had an original thought in her head. And the way she clung to Jefferson...It was enough to make Regina sick to her stomach! Talk about needy! Jefferson was going to have issues with this one! But it wasn’t her problem! She’d only come to see if it was true she supposed. Maybe..No, she wasn’t even going to think like that! Some time had passed with him gone. And Regina was perfectly fine without him! She hadn’t come just to see if he’d actually go through with it! No part of her had hoped that maybe at the last minute he’d change his mind, that something or rather...someone would convince him to break things off! She’d only come out of idle curiosity!

Why was she so irritated?! Jefferson’s chapter in her life was over! Their story had ended! He could do whatever pleased him even if he made the worst choices! And Lyall...She was certainly a bad one! But far be it from Regina to warn Jefferson! She didn’t owe him anything not after two betrayals! She’d forgiven the first one, the way he’d lied to her. Their whole relationship had been built off his deceit! But he’d made the deal before he’d ever met her, before he knew who she was and what she wanted. So as angry as she’d been, she had managed to let it go and forgive him, trust him even. What an idiot she’d been! Because then what had he gone and done but betrayed her trust again?! Really love was weakness! It only lead to heartbreak. Hadn’t Jefferson learned that lesson yet?! Would Lyall be his cruel teacher?! Or would he be the one to shatter her dreams? It didn’t matter! It had absolutely nothing to do with Regina! NOTHING!

Really...She should just head back to her castle now! But...something kept her rooted here. And when Lyall finally disconnected herself from Jefferson to dance with someone else, Regina didn’t miss a beat. Without a thought she approached Jefferson and extended a hand for him to take. “Will you do me the honor of this dance my dear Jefferson?” she asked with a wicked smirk, one that belied her sweet tone.

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

One moment Jefferson was watching the crowd, seeing everyone enjoying themselves in dance, refreshments, and conversation. The next, he noticed everything slow... even the band had stopped playing. Every grew still and then lowered their heads in bows and curtsy. It took him a few moments to catch on and by the time he did, having turned his head to the side, the queen was extending her hand to him, asking for a dance. It took him a few seconds to absorb what was occurring before him. Regina. She was.... here. She was here?! Jefferson showed no sign of surprise or shock. He remained calm. Composed. Though inside, her mere presence caused so many emotions to run through him and so many thoughts to flood his mind. It seemed like a frequent occurrence whenever he saw her. Though, the last time he had indeed seen her... things had not gone too well. Why was she here now, on his wedding day? The thought of her attempting something on Lyall briefly entered his mind. She wouldn't... would she? Jefferson liked to think he knew her, but he no longer was certain what she was capable of. He had tried to save her before she did something he believed she'd regret, but in the end... he had lost her. He supposed that it was a necessary sacrifice, if it meant saving her. Yet he knew the title that surrounded her now. Not just Queen but rather: The Evil Queen. There had to be reason for others to refer to her as such. But Jefferson would not. Even now as everyone curtsied and downcast their gaze, he stood straight and tall, slightly tilting his chin up. He refused to bow to her. Just like he always had. He knew that the question would arise as to how he knew the queen, and he would simply have to answer that he had worked with her in the past. "Oh no. The honor would be all mine," he said, an underlying tone of sarcasm in his voice. One perhaps only she would be able to detect as she knew him better than most others. He took her hand in his, leading her to the designated area for dance. "We don't need an audience," he stated, motioning to the band to resume playing and to the guests to do the same. Once everything began to fall in the similar pattern, Jefferson took hold of the queen's hand, his other gently rested against her waist. He remained still, not overly intimate as he began to lead her in the dance. "I did not expect to see you here," he stated, his voice low so that it would not be so easily overheard by others.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

Sometimes Regina really tired of it all, the attention, the theatrics. The theatrics were something she’d picked up both from Rumple and Jefferson to keep herself sane, to hide her true heart, her genuine intentions. If you gave people something else to fixate on, it wasn’t so simple to slip past the mask. But sometimes...It was a real strain.

Now, she wanted to talk to Jefferson, try to understand his abysmal choice. An audience was unnecessary and unwanted. Regina didn’t wish to be scrutinized. But sadly as queen, she was easily recognized. People bowed and curtseyed; and, she just wanted to wave it all off. But of course she couldn’t. She was queen. This sort of thing was expected. She nodded politely yet curtly at the guests and the band. So long as no one thought to throw around the word evil, she was content to be civil.

In spite of what others might think, she hadn’t come here to disrupt the festivities or cause harm. Honestly...She still wasn’t sure why she was here. Coming was seeming more and more like a dreadful idea all the time.

Regina was grateful that while everyone else averted their gaze out of fear, Jefferson stared directly at her. He stood straight and tall, going so far as to even raise his chin. He was...a bit more stiff than she was used to seeing him. But at least he wasn’t fawning over her or cowering away from her. If he behaved like that...It would have crushed her. She didn’t know why exactly but...It would feel like the death of something important. Breaking glass...Something precious, lost forever. She was being silly and emotional. It wasn’t like her to lose her head like this. Where had her common sense gone?!

At least she appeared as poised as ever, calm and in control. The mask of a regal queen was here to stay.

He told her the honor would be all his; but, she could easily discern his sarcasm. Few others would recognize it. But the two of them had been close once upon a time. She still knew him better than most. And she was willing to bet she understood him better than that ditzy little air head who so desperately clung to him. Could Lyall read the sarcasm or was she entirely clueless? Well, Regina supposed it didn’t matter. This little exchange, this dance of words as well as footsteps was between the two of them. Third parties, particularly frivolous little leeches were unwelcome.

Jefferson took her hand; and, she gracefully followed his lead, waltzing more than walking. She smiled slightly, a softer expression, not a smirk. Jefferson...He looked stunning in a tux and..It had been quite a while since she’d held him like this and...Focus! She didn’t care about him anymore! He was married; and, she was done with him! She was here to sate her idle curiosity! That was it!

She nodded her head in agreement when Jefferson said they didn’t need an audience. Yes, she’d certainly prefer a bit of privacy.

Her heart fluttered when Jefferson casually rested a hand across her waist; and, she wanted to scream. Damn her heart trying to betray her like this! She was done with him! He didn’t mean anything to her! Jefferson wasn’t even being intimate and still...No, it was nothing!

“I was of course surprised not to receive an invitation. I’m certain it got lost in transit.” Her tone was one of forced cheer and levity. Was Jefferson able to so seamlessly cut Regina out of his life? Had she meant so little to him that he couldn’t even be troubled to send word of his marriage?! No...They weren’t together anymore. But...She had a right to know! After all his treachery, he should have told her personally! She shouldn’t have heard second hand like she had!

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

She seemed so different and yet the same. He knew that when they had parted ways, she had started her transformation to the woman she was now. Jefferson couldn't predict what would have happened had they found a way to remain together. But he supposed he shouldn't be thinking along such 'what if' and 'what could have been's. It was not fair to his bride for him to dwell in a past life. One where he had loved the queen and she him. He wasn't sure if his love for her would be entirely erased. What he did know though was that he had committed himself to another woman today and . . . he didn't regret it. He was happy. As happy as he could be under such circumstances. She spoke of how she was surprised to have not gotten an invitation, suggesting that it was lost in transit. "I do travel between many realms after all," he said in relation to her words of it having potentially gotten lost while it was on the way. He was of course being sarcastic; they were both well aware of the reason he didn't send her an invitation. He knew he shouldn't be surprised that she had discovered he was getting married. News traveled. "Besides, I didn't think you would have had any interest nor desire to come," he stated. He didn't know exactly how she felt about him . . . the only indication he had was their last conversation which, wasn't an entirely pleasant one. "Seems this is one of the few times I am proven wrong," he added on, that same slight sarcasm in his voice but his words held truth to them. "And I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not." A way of subtly asking what her intentions here were. Whether she had come out of curiosity or . . . well, any other reason that caused him to think of Lyall and force himself not to break eye contact with Regina as he danced with her.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

“Seventeen to be exact,” she teased at his comment about traveling between realms which was of course sarcastic. He wouldn’t mail a wedding invitation to someone in any other world but this one. Well not unless they lived in another realm. But then he’d likely just personally invite them since they’d need his assistance to attend the wedding anyways.

No they both knew he’d never sent a wedding invitation. And they both knew why. Simply put, he hadn’t wanted her to come. Well tough! Here she was! Although...She really shouldn’t be here. She still couldn’t understand why she’d bothered. The news of his wedding should have been enough. Their story had ended long ago. This..This was some sort of epilogue for Jefferson. He meant nothing to her! It was best that she kept her distance!

But she’d come so she couldn’t very well leave without sharing a dance and perhaps speaking with Lyall. Although just watching the naive little ditz was enough to churn her stomach. So maybe not. She’d see how she felt.

“I’m a woman of mystery!” she replied to his remark about him thinking she’d have no desire to come. She shouldn’t have had any interest in coming! Really, what had she been thinking?! Of course he would have forgotten the promise he’d made to her so long ago by now. It would have been so simple for him to ask someone else the same question! The only solace she had was even if he should use the same words, he couldn’t possibly have used the same ring! That..that still belonged to her, the proof of the time they’d spent together.

Oh goodness! She was being sentimental! The thought was sickening! See?! This was why she shouldn’t have come! Jefferson...Even after all this time, he could still make her head spin, make her emotional. Why should she give him such power over her?! She was done with him! This...This was why she’d come! She’d hammer it into the ground. There was nothing more between them! He’d moved on, made his choice. If she hadn’t done so already, she must now do the same! Love was weakness and he would not, could not be hers!

It wasn’t the first time he’d been proven wrong. He thought he’d stay with her forever, until death due them part. Or...Was that all a lie?! Had he never intended to marry her? Was he always so willing to deceive her?! He’d lied about the experiment and then gone and chosen Snow! Well..It didn’t matter now! He could keep his damn reasons! They like him meant nothing to her!

Even after all this time, Regina knew Jefferson well, better than almost anyone perhaps even his blushing bride. So she could easily discern the question in his statement. He wanted to know if she planned on causing trouble, hurting his wife.

“Relax my dear Jefferson. I won’t spoil your special day. Far from it. I’ve come to give you two a gift!”

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

She teasingly mentioned the number of realms he was able to access due to his unique object of travel. "Right. Seventeen. Ample opportunity for things to get lost," he added, going back to the reason they speaking of this... though of course they both knew that her invitation had not gotten lost. She then told him that she was a woman of mystery. "I think unpredictability is more fitting," he said with teasing sarcasm, though it did not come out with the same ease or lightheartedness as it once had when they were together. Oddly enough, everything had felt simpler then... because they had been together. And despite all the circumstances, they were determined to remain that way. It was after Leopold's death that things became complicated and eventually... led to this. Him wedding another woman and sharing a dance with Regina on his wedding day to another. She the provided him the relief to his unspoken concern, saying that she was not here to spoil his special day. Though this relief was short lived as she then went on to say that she had come to offer a gift. He knew that it was incredibly rude to reject a gift, but he couldn't help to say the words that came to mind. "That's not necessary," he told her calmly, a slight politeness in his tone... but also, assurance that they didn't need a gift. "Your presence here is gift enough." To one overhearing their conversation, it sounded like a proper compliment, due to a queen. However there was an underlying tone of sarcasm... one only recognized by those who knew him well enough. In this case, Regina.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

“So then which world did you send it in?” she teased. He wanted to play games, she’d play games. But...It was always fun to think about all the places he traveled. Regina had been privy to all 17 of them when they were together. She’d even risked a very quick visit to Wonderland, just to say they’d been there. If memory served, they’d spent all of two minutes there before Regina’s nerves caught up to her and she squeezed Jefferson’s hand, begging him to take her back before Mother found them. Such a scared little sentimental thing she’d been back then. She was much stronger now and had no need of someone like Jefferson any longer. She could take care of herself, look after her own heart!

But back then...Yes, she’d been a little fool in love. Jefferson loved his work; and, she adored his travels. She found him and the magic he worked with magnificent. The hat was something clearly near and dear to his heart. Regina had loved it in its own right and because it was so precious to Jefferson. So she’d been bound and determined to go through all the doors at least once, touch the other side.  She wanted to share that intimacy with Jefferson.

And there was that teasing sarcasm Regina had always cherished. But now it was different. The words weren’t as smooth and light hearted. She supposed both of them had grown up. It didn’t do to dwell on dreams. And that’s all the two of them had ever shared, nothing tangible, nothing real. It was best that he’d made that final break. Regina had been weak. She couldn’t have done it on her own. But he’d left and never come back after that last argument. But that was fine with her! No, that was better than fine! That was wonderful! Because she didn’t need someone like him, someone who would always betray her trust and let her down! He was the one who’d taught her to trust no one! And she was grateful for the lesson!

“If I’m unpredictable what does that make you?” Her tone was cheerful; but, there was a slightly bitter undercurrent that someone like Jefferson should be able to hear, knowing her all too well. He was the type that could just keep running. Run so far and run so fast. If there was a plan, Regina never quite got it. He was the sort to more..respond to things. And he was the one she couldn’t rely on. He’d told her he loved her! He promised to protect her, always be there for her! But he’d chosen Snow and now Lyall! His heart was the one that had strayed! She was an idiot for ever believing in him, for ever caring and..No! She hadn’t ever wished for things to be different for Jefferson to change his mind! His wedding was something to celebrate! There would be no more wondering, no more questions! This was his final answer! And she couldn’t be happier! Whatever naive part of her heart still beat for him, still cared, still craved his touch, she could smother it today! It should have been buried long ago! Jefferson was doing her a favor!

And here he was trying to reject her gift! Not that wouldn’t do at all! And yes, she could hear the sarcasm quite clearly! Her presence was gift enough! A woman less composed than her would have squeezed his hand too tightly or perhaps missed a step. But Regina’s smile was fixed firmly in place; and, she gracefully moved in time with the waltz, never missing a beat.

“Come now my dear Jefferson, surely you won’t deny a queen her pleasures!” Her tone was light and warm. But those who knew her well, Jefferson in this case, would easily discern the underlying threat. She wasn’t taking no for an answer! He would accept her gift if she had to rip out his wife’s heart to make him!

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

She continued to call him on his teasing bluff, trapping him in a corner though they both knew that he didn't actually attempt to send her an invitation to his wedding. "If I knew that, it wouldn't be lost now would it," he responded, evading the required blunt answer of stating that he did not send it. The initial comment that prompted this entire conversation had in itself been a tease... he was merely encouraging it to carry on. She then asked that if she was unpredictable, what did that make him. He paused for a brief moment in thought, formulating a suitable response to the question. "Someone who should have expected the unexpected when it comes to you." He should have known she would come... but he didn't. Perhaps it was because he didn't know her as well as he thought he did. Or perhaps it was because of how she changed. Regardless, her arrival was not something he could have predicted nor anticipated. She told him that surely he would not deny a queen her pleasures. Queen. That was indeed what she was, yet he had never regarded her as such. Of course he had used her status to get his royal passport so that he could travel... but he had not loved her because she was a queen. He loved her because she was Regina. He supposed the use of her title was accurate now, considering they no longer shared an intimate relationship as they once had. "No," he answered, emotionless. "I would not deny a queen her pleasures," he added on, ensuring to emphasize the word that gave her status and rank. "So what would Your Majesty be gracious enough to bestow on my wife and I?" He purposely referred to her using formal title... maybe out of spite. Or maybe to remind himself that she was no longer his Regina. She was a queen, and he was a married man. His words held reminder to both those facts.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

“Oh come now, Jefferson! You can know the world you mailed it from and not what became of it!” She continued to tease. The words themselves held true as much as she knew Jefferson had never bothered to inform her about this very special day. Clearly, she wasn’t important to him anymore. They had parted on a sour note true. But she still would have thought that given everything they’d shared before, she’d have deserved if not an invitation at least a warning notice! But oh no! She’d had to find out on her own! And given that the affair was so small and quiet, if she hadn’t had people paying special attention to Jefferson, she wouldn’t have known until after the fact!

But she wasn’t bitter! It was wonderful that she was of no significance to him, that she occupied not the tiniest portion of his mind or heart! She so hated people that clung like this detestable Lyall. She’d thrown him out and that was that! It was wise of him to realize that things were over! If he’d come crawling back, that would have just made things that much worse for both of them! The foolish naive girl she’d once been might have forgiven him after all. And where would that have gotten them? No doubt he would have betrayed her yet again later down the line and broken her heart. Just how many beatings could one fragile organ take? But he’d left and Regina was stronger for the separation. And that was the reason she’d come besides her idle curiosity! She was here to remind herself that love was weakness! This thing...Whatever Jefferson thought he had with Lyall. It wouldn’t last! He’d see! One of them or potentially both would ruin it!

He paused at her question, perhaps acknowledging his faults or perhaps trying to come up with a witty response. Likely both knowing Jefferson.

She nodded her head, remotely pleased with his answer. She did value herself as not just whimsical but creative. (Of course she was also a schemer; but, there was no rule that professed schemers couldn’t have moments of whimsy.) It was always best to expect the unexpected when it came to her.

The emotionless "no" cut her, as much as she hid it. But that was nothing compared to his next statement, the cold and cruel emphasis of queen. She’d only brought up her title in jest, the way she used to. The one thing she’d always loved about Jefferson was that he could see past her title. To him, she wasn’t merely another soulless royal but...It didn’t matter! Apparently he’d lost sight of who she was! Did he even recognize her at all anymore?!

She was so upset and startled by his words that for a split second her eyes became moist; and, it looked very much like she was about to cry. No matter what came between them, she’d always assumed he’d be the one person she could count on to see her as Regina. Not a queen. Not a noble. Not a ruler. Just Regina.

She’d been wrong it would seem. And this misunderstanding hurt her more than she would have thought possible. This..This felt like another betrayal, one worse than even the Snow incident. At least there, he’d called her Regina up until the bitter end. And now..It was as though she’d been completely cut lose, everything they were, everything they’d shared, everything he’d thought of her...Gone in an instant, buried in that callous word queen.

But he wasn’t content to let her mourn her loss. Oh no! He had to keep asserting just how little she meant to him, using yet another title. Your majesty..She’d never thought she’d live to see the day he’d utter those words seriously, a heartless uncaring title.

As devastated as she looked, as soulless and dejected and utterly broken as her eyes appeared, glistening with tears she only just barely kept in check, she somehow managed to move in time with the music. She had to keep up appearances after all! Her steps were a bit stiffer, a touch less graceful. But unless people were paying apt attention, they wouldn’t realize the difference. The only telling feature was her eyes.

Love..Love was weakness. If she ever doubted that now she had legitimate proof! She’d loved Jefferson once and look what he’d done to her, what even a pale imitation of his affections were doing to her now!

His words bit and stung and bled her heart dry because of the warmth they’d once shared. His love, if she’d ever had it, had given her false hope and sweet promises. But now everything was bitter and ruined, twisted and tainted! She was in pain, her heart aching because once upon a time, she’d loved him with everything she had! She hadn’t come here to rekindle old feelings, or relight old flames but...Seeing him again..Something inside her had stirred......No! There was no point in thinking like that! All she had to do was remind herself that love was weakness! She was in agony now because of him, because of what she’d once felt for him! She would coil her despair into wrath, braid that sorrow into hate! Jefferson had found someone else and she no longer had any use or need for him! He had no place in her mind or heart! She was done!

She sucked in a breath as thought to affirm her stance and to permanently lock the tears behind her eyes. Amber orbs hardened and then there wasn’t the briefest trace of anguish or melancholy. She looked like the spitting image of a proper queen, graceful, elegant, composed.

“Now, now, Jefferson! If I told you that, it’d spoil the surprise! You’ll have to wait until you open it!” Her tone was light and teasing with no indication that anything had ever been the matter. She sounded just like any other excited partygoer. Her heart was breaking, Regina herself trying to strangle any stray pieces so that nothing was left but numbness.  But now she betrayed no sign of her struggle or her grief. She danced and smiled, an eager warm smile befitting a queen.

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

She continued to tease with idea of a lost invitation. "Well doesn't seem to matter whether it was lost or not, as you still managed to come." She had figured out the date, time, and location. He supposed as queen, she had eyes and ears everywhere. So long as she was here to truly congratulate him and not for any other reason. He wasn't even sure he could offer his portal hopping services any more considering their past. He knew that his words affected her, but he too remained in his composed state, unapologetic for them. He was about to be married to another woman and thus, had let go of the past. To address Regina as anything less than queen would imply that they had a personal relationship and he couldn't do that. Not at his own wedding. Not anymore. She didn't verbally -- or physically really -- react to his words. Instead, she spoke of how he would have to open the present in order to see what it was. "I don't think I can handle another surprise," he commented, her presence being the first surprise of today.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

“I'm quite the resourceful woman,” she said with a playful smirk. All too true. People underestimated her in many ways. But there was a reason she was queen even if people had coined her evil. There was a reason that she made just as much gold as Midas’ kingdom without the magic. Well she had magic but not his golden touch curse. No she simply knew how to handle finances, nudge the economy in the right direction. That was part of the reason why people tolerated her even as they tarnished her name with the undeserved title evil. Snow White had blinded them all! One day, they’d see! Snow was the wicked one! Snow was the devil with the angelic face! One day she’d show them all! But not today. She wasn’t here for all that. Snow was...Regina wasn’t quite sure at the moment. She’d put all other activities on hold for now. This wedding deserved her full attention.

She’d come with a purpose. Perhaps she’d been mistaken originally. But now Jefferson had set her straight with his cold and callous words, his emphasis of titles that once meant nothing to him. Well, if he wanted a queen, she’d give him a queen. She understood now. Regina had thought that maybe he still cared for her, that perhaps there was still some tenderness despite all the betrayals. How many times would she let his charming smile fool her?! No more! She clearly meant nothing to him. And if it wasn’t the same in her mind and heart now, she’d make it so! Love was weakness. Mother had been right all along.

Regina had given her heart freely to two men. And where had that landed her?! Daniel’s death had left her in a loveless marriage, heart growing colder and colder all the time with how wretchedly Leopold treated her. But at least Daniel himself had never betrayed her! He’d loved her with everything he had. More than anything, he wanted to be with her! No, it wasn’t Daniel that broke her trust multiple times, turned against her when Regina had thought he was the one person she could believe in!

Love was pain and suffering and lots of it! Love was sleepless nights and dreary mornings. Love was a sickness that took root in your mind and heart, made it so you could think of nothing but someone else. You could never be happy unless they were right next to you, touching you, holding you, kissing you. But she was wise to all that now! She was an independent woman much better off without someone as treacherous as Jefferson by her side! She didn’t need him! She didn’t need anyone! She was the queen!

It was infuriating how damn composed Jefferson remained! As much as she’d steeled herself, it was too little too late. Her eyes had moistened and with Jefferson staring directly into them as they danced..He couldn’t have missed it! And still he did nothing to try and comfort her! But then..Why should she expect anything from the man who had broken her heart twice already?! It was lunacy to believe in him, to trust him with anything.

“Well you shall have it, my dear Jefferson,” she replied, voice smooth as silk. The dance ended and she pulled back from Jefferson but not too quickly so as to seem upset. The pace was natural, the smile never leaving her crimson colored lips. But now, his touch was like poison to her. She didn’t want to be near him.

She snapped her fingers a box approximately the size of a large book appeared in arms in a cloud of purple smoke, delicately wrapped in red velvet, topped off with a gorgeous satin bow. Regina had not only prepared the present herself but gone through the trouble of personally wrapping it. It was almost like she wanted to impress Jefferson. But of course that couldn’t be the case. She’d consider this a parting gift to someone who had once meant something to her. This was the end of their era. The previous coffin had just been a decoy. The final nail would be hammered home now, as soon as he accepted it, as soon as he opened it.

With grace and poise, she extended an arm to hand him the package, smile widening in anticipation. It was not a delightful smile but a devious and slightly malicious one, the smile a cat would wear when eying a helpless canary trapped in a cage. “For you and the lovely bride.”