We head into the ballroom with all of our guests following behind us. The music shifts as we begin to dance, with Leo looking into my eyes.
"You know Regina, I'd always imagined this for us. When we first met and you made fun of me..."
He stops to chuckle.
"I knew that you were everything that this kingdom needed, everything that I NEED, you give my life a light that it never had before. I'll always protect you and cherish the love we have."
"I never knew what love was until I met you, I'd always thought that it was weak and useless. But it's not, you make me a better person. I never doubted how much you loved me, not once. I've never- not even with my family, I've never felt this way for anyone. I know that I'll never deserve your love but I promise that the rest of my life will be dedicated to you. I'll become the best candidate for it, you'll never look at anyone else." I cry as I recite the words I'd wanted to say in front of everyone. I decided not to because it was a bit too mushy for such an event.
"You are perfect in every way. If anyone is undeserving it's me, but we'll work hard together. No secrets and no lies, we'll put our love first." He wipes my tears as the dance ends and we bow to each other.
"Daddy!!" I stiffen as I recognize the childlike voice.
"Hi Snow, this is your new mommy! You have to take good care of her okay?"
"No! Not my mom! She's ugly and stupid!"
I look at the little girl with a shocked expression as gasps and judgments fly around the room. She stands there definitely looking at Leo as the maids try to calm the situation.
"Your Majesty! I'm sure she's just tired!"
"I'll take her to bed."
As I recover from the shock and adjust to take advantage of the situation.
"No! She's right I'm not her mother... I don't want you to feel as if I'm trying to replace her. I really do love your father and will try everyday to be better so that you and the people will love me too."
I glance over the crowd and bow my head in mock shame.
"I apologize if it seemed that I was trying to replace the late Queen, I- I hope that you all can find it in your hearts to allow me the opportunity to get to know all of you so that you can trust me." I turn to Snow. "I realize that this may be very difficult for you. But I promise to take care of this kingdom, and everyone in it so that they can all be given what's owed to them. I will rule with grace and mercy, I hope that you can allow this of me." I give her a full 90 degree bow, shocking the audience a lot more.
As Queen I now have the most authority after the king, so it would be weird of me to bow to a princess. But I need the crowd to see this as an act of sincerity.
"No! You'll never be my mother I hope you die-"
"SNOW WHITE!"
It seems that Leo has finally gotten over his initial shock at Snow's first outburst.
"I have raised you better than this. Go back to your room at the palace and think about what you were about to say!"
I turn around with a tear stricken face toward the crowd and walk up the steps to sit at the Kings table. As I walk I ignore the sympathetic faces and pity filled stares so that I seem more guilt ridden. It doesn't take long for Leo to notice that I've left though. He follows after me and grabs my hand before I sit down.
"She didn't mean it. She was just tired." He looks away from me as he talks, which is a tell that he's lying or doubtful of his own words.
The few still in earshot and I give him a doubtful stare.
He sighs and wipes my face with his hand.
"Don't mind what she says. Madness runs within her, she's not been herself these past few months. I can't get through to her. One night she wants me to read her stories and the next night she cries at the mention of my name."
I sadly smile up at him and touch his cheek with my palm.
"Okay. I won't take it to heart, I just want her to like me."
"She will. Now, let's dance."
I laugh gleefully as he leads me back toward the dance floor. I think this second chance is the best thing I'll ever receive, because it gave me my Leo back.