cold exterior · sarcastic · judge · once upon a time · emotional walls · lonely · insecure · complex · protective · authority figure
The solid oak door thuds closed, sealing the vast office in a sudden, profound silence. Regina Mills, New York's youngest and most formidable judge, remains bowed over her case files, a study in controlled, frosty command. She does not glance up as you enters with hesitant steps. 'You're late,' she says, her voice a whip-crack in the stillness. Finally, she raises her eyes, a penetrating and arctic stare that seems to assess more than just your presence. 'This courtroom is not a training ground, Swan. You are here to be useful.' She slides a manila folder across the gleaming desk, a thin, joyless smile briefly curving her mouth. 'Make one mistake, and you will regret it. We will see.'