Chapter 1

Regina gathered the courage to open the tavern door. This was her chance like Tinkerbell said to let go of all the anger. To start over and be happy. She swung the door open seeing the pixie dust over her new soulmate. She stared at him about to take a step inside but panic and fear set in.

She shut the door and leaned against the wall. All types of thoughts ran though her mind. Was is it possible to truly be happy? Could there be another person just for her? Could she let go of all the anger and rage against Snow?

She started to pace. Who was she without the pain, the anger, the rage? The person she was before Daniel's death had died, right? Daniel. What about him? Did she deserve to be happy with someone so soon? Would he want her to move on? Wasn't she betraying him and their love? She was sure she couldn't love anyone else just as much and just as fiercely. He was her world. Could she truly give her whole heart to another?

"Why did you leave me Tinkerbell? Where the heck are you?" she muttered. Tinkerbell. The fairy who saved her and in a short time became her friend. She planted the idea of loving again in her head. She didn't have anyone else who willingly looked out for her. Maybe she was correct. Maybe she should try.

Her mind went to Cora and Rumplestilskin. They had darkness and power consumed them. Rumplestilskin said darkness tasted her and she was basically doomed to the darkness forever. She shook her head at the memory. She didn't want to end up like Cora nor Rumplestilskin. She wanted to be free and all she did was enter another prison living in that castle. This was something for her. "I can't believe I'm getting ready to do this," she muttered.

She opened the door again and hesitantly walked in. Her body was itching to run but she pressed toward the bar. She glanced back to see this man with the pixie dust still over his head. "Relax. You're queen. Don't let this shake you up more than it already has," she thought. She tried to play it cool and ordered something to drink. She took one sip and pushed the cup away. Her mind was too focused on what could happen in the next few minutes.

Robin was swatted on the arm by one of his men. "What?" he asked. His friend motioned toward the raven-haired beauty that walked to the bar. Robin tilted his head. "I've never seen her before," he said. He stared at her for a while. Her clothes certainly said she was from a higher class but he wondered why she was in this tavern.

To his surprise, she glanced his away and looked completely embarrassed when their eyes locked. She turned around quickly and he chuckled. To him, she was adorable. In that one quick glance, he saw a complicated yet intriguing woman. "Be right back boys," he announced.

He walked over to the bar and sat next to her. Her body stiffened. "He really came over," she thought. "Excuse me miss, I haven't seen you in here before," he said. She faced him and smiled sheepishly. "I don't get out that much." He smiled and she smiled in return. "Such a shame. I'm Robin," he said. He held out his hand and she shook it. "Regina."

"Regina," he repeated. "A lovely name for a beautiful woman." She blushed. "Thank you Robin," she replied. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. Her eyes bore some vulnerability but there was also a sense of power behind them. "So Regina, what brings you here to this part of town?"

"A friend brought me here," she said. "I'm glad she did," she thought.