Magic Touch
Queen Regina and her princess companion walk slowly toward her carriage with their arms linked. They don’t notice those around them, as their heads are bent together, engaged in conversation.
“Your castle is much grander than mine,” Leia observes without taking her eyes off Regina, privately amusing herself with comparing the castle to her family’s loft in Storybrooke.
“You think so? I suppose it’s alright,” she replies, then sighs. “My mother would have liked it.”
“Oh…” Leia says quietly and searches Regina’s morose expression. “I’m sure she would be proud of you, too, Your Majesty.”
Regina smiles sadly. They continue in silence, comforted by the ease of it.
Once they’re outside, Regina glances around the courtyard and notices only her own carriage in sight. “How did you arrive here?” she inquires.
Leia smiles shyly. “I… Well, I was hoping to show you a little later on when the timing was right, but-“ she stops walking and brings her left hand up to draw it down through the air.
Out of nowhere, she conjures a bouquet of black and red roses for the Queen.
Regina gasps and gingerly accepts the gift. “You- Have magic?!”
“Light magic, to be exact. I was born with it,” Leia smiles and laughs. “It took a long time to realize that I could wield magic, but- someone close to me helped show me the potential I had.” Leia stares deeply at the Evil Queen, remembering her and Regina’s adventure in Neverland to find their son. Her heart breaks at the missing memories and the knowledge that she is so far from her beloved friend. She inhales sharply and suppresses hot tears.
“I can’t believe you have magic,” Regina says giddily. Then she laughs, “I’ve never met anyone like you, Princess.”
“Nor I, you, Your Highness,” Leia replies with a heavy heart.
~
Regina refused to allow more than two guards accompany them to King Midas’ castle, which was unusual. She is in rare form, with her companion constantly awakening a mood in her that she thought to be dead. For once since the night Snow White caught her and Daniel in the stables all those years ago, her smile is sincere enough to reach her eyes. They arrive at the castle of King Midas’ fashionably late. The footman holds open the door and Leia allows the Queen to exit first.
They enter the castle, talking and laughing. Both, though, are more than a little anxious.
King Midas notices them immediately and is pleased to see Regina already enjoying herself.
“Your Excellency!” he calls with an enormous smile and walks over to receive them. “You look ravishing, how are you?”
“I’m well, thank you. Midas, I’d like to introduce you to my friend, Princess Leia,” Regina says and gestures to her.
“Princess Leia,” King Midas says and bows to her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you and have you join us this evening.”
“Thank you, King Midas, it’s an honor to be here,” Leia replies with a curtsy.
“Please, join in the festivities, I must receive those who have arrived behind you,” he smiles.
“Of course, Your Grace,” Regina says and her and Leia inch from the cusp to the edge of the party.
For a few minutes they just stand there, arms still linked, watching the people watching them.
“You’re going to think I’m ridiculous,” Leia says after awhile, looking around at the skilled dancers on the floor.
“I doubt I ever could, Princess,” Regina says soothingly.
“Well- to be honest with you-“ Leia pauses and blushes. “I don’t know how to dance.”
To this, Regina bursts out laughing. It’s music to Leia’s ears.
“You don’t know, either?” Regina says, “Well, this is a disaster, isn’t it? I haven’t the slightest clue how to dance.”
Leia smiles brightly at her, “If you don’t either, then, why don’t we get a drink and study the poor fools that do? Wait here, I’ll be right back with two goblets of wine for us.”
Leia turns to go, and although Regina knows she won’t even be leaving the room, she finds the thought of being without her unbearable.
“Wait-“ Regina says and catches Leia’s elbow.
“What is it, Your Grace?”
Regina can't find words so she searches every millimeter of Leia’s face with her eyes and ends focusing on her lips.
Leia draws nearer to her, and brings a hand up to the side of Regina’s head. She gazes lovingly into her eyes, and both dare not to breathe. Leia leans in and kisses Regina’s soft lips. A spark of intense longing shoots through their connection, and they pull each other close. The kiss seems to last an eternity, and Regina reluctantly pulls away when she feels lightheaded.
“You needn’t worry, My Majesty,” Leia says quietly. “I will always find you.”