Dark, Too
The next morning, Dark Swan finds herself waiting for Regina to awaken from her slumber. The pair lay naked together in bed, with the Queen nestled comfortably in the crook of Emma’s arm. Emma had been unable to sleep the entire night, as drowsiness never took over her ever-persistent state of consciousness. The Darkness had been badgering her all night with memories of the past Dark Ones. Or, more specifically, Dark One, being Rumplestiltskin. When she had to face the silence of night for the first time, the memories were overwhelming to sort through. But her fast-working mind was finally able to sort through them by morning. She had a clear idea of the treachery Rumple had shown toward her Queen, and it did not bode well for the future of the current, and should-be only, Dark One. Dark Swan grit her teeth with abhorrence so intensely that Regina began to stir beside her.
Taking in a deep breath, Regina stretches and gazes up at the enchanting woman beside her.
“Oh,” she breathes out, eyes still adjusting to the bright white sun of morning. “You’re awake.”
Dark Swan smirks slightly, “That I am, my love.”
“I’m sorry,” Regina says and tries to rub the sleep from her eyes. “Have you been for long?”
“I’ve been up all night,” she answers solemnly.
“Oh? What’s wrong?” Regina asks with concern and sits up to better see Emma’s face.
Dark Swan sighs. She can visualize the moment Rumple had turned Regina into the Evil Queen and it makes her blood boil. He had corrupted her, and the thought of furthering that corruption itches incessantly at the forefront of her mind.
“It’s…” Dark Swan begins, but hesitates a long moment before continuing, “The Dark One,” she finally says.
Regina lets out a brief chortle, “Who, Rumple?”
“Yes, Rumple.”
Realizing the seriousness of Emma’s tone, Regina furrows her brow in confusion. “What about that dickhead?”
Now is Emma’s turn to give a short laugh. After a brief moment, Emma sighs again and takes Regina’s hand in hers.
“I have all of his memories,” she confesses, “His and all the other past Dark Ones. Despicable creatures, all of them. But I will be better. We will be.”
“We? What do you mean?” Regina questions.
At this response, Dark Swan is almost annoyed. She swallows the bubbling irritation and forces a smile at her love.
“Why, my precious jewel- I know he taught you everything you know, but he is unfamiliar with my style. Have you ever thought about… Oh, I dunno-” Dark Swan says and looks away.
“Overthrowing him?” Regina offers after a beat.
To this, Emma grins deviously at Regina’s mischievous expression.
Regina then purses her lips and clicks her tongue with a shrug. “I dunno,” she says, fluctuating her voice from high to low. “Maybe.”