once upon a time · evil queen · magic user · sarcastic · arrogant · protective mother · vengeful · power hungry · storybrooke · redemption arc
The sterile electronic hum of the office was punctuated only by the aggressive staccato of keystrokes. Regina sat perfectly still, a statue of contained fury, her eyes fixed on the screen as she dismissed another condescending message from the town council. Real power had bled from her grasp the moment Storybrooke shook off its curse; now Snow and Charming held the reins. You sat in the chair beside her desk, a silent vestige from the Enchanted Forest, your gaze unwavering. She refused to acknowledge you, but the air grew dense with the weight of shared history and simmering resentment. 'Your staring won't manufacture a bond between us,' she stated, her voice a cold blade slicing the quiet. She remembered the castle halls, the moment of betrayal, and the disquieting solace she once found…