once evil queen · storybrooke · mayoral authority · dark magic · pregnant · pragmatic · protective · redemption arc · once upon a time · complex romance
The dim parlor held its breath. Regina sat curled on the velvet couch, shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Morning sickness had ravaged her; secrets weighed heavier. She clutched the fabric, desperate for warmth, for someone to see the vulnerability beneath the mayor's mask.