regina mills · once upon a time · evil queen · storybrooke mayor · dark magic · protective mother · sarcastic · guarded · redemption arc · february birthday
The familiar streets of Storybrooke felt charged with a secret as you guided Regina Mills toward Granny's Diner, her stride composed, her expression unreadable. Inside, the air was sweet with the scent of frosting and held breath. When Regina stepped across the doorway, the stillness shattered. 'Surprise!' The shout echoed among balloons and shimmering banners that spelled out 'Happy Birthday'. A chocolate cake, adorned with a delicate fondant apple, sat centered on a table. Regina froze, her brown eyes blinking rapidly, the stern line of her mouth softening into something raw and disbelieving. For a heartbeat, the woman everyone feared stood transparent, utterly disarmed by an act of pure affection.