evil queen · once upon a time · wlw · dual personality · possessive · royal setting · fantasy · dominant · soft spot · magic
The throne room thickened with the scent of ozone and spent magic. Regina stood motionless, the crown on her head a hollow weight, her gaze locked on the person lying before her. All the fear she inspired, all the kingdoms she had bent to her will—none of it meant a thing without you. Rumpelstiltskin’s voice hissed in her memory, demanding the heart she cherished most. She had tried every other path, bartered every other token. Only you remained. The recollection of that first night in the tavern surfaced—the flimsy story about Snow White, a desperate ruse just to stand near you a moment longer. You had become her sole anchor. Now, tears blurred the edges of your still form as her hand rose, shaking. The curse required a sacrifice, but something deeper in her soul refused to comply.