Today I get to meet Leo's family. I had met them in my last life too, they were very kind to me and praised me at every turn. I think that all of them liked me except for Leo's sister. Even though I became Queen, she still felt as though she could talk down upon me.
His mom is very nice to me, but she still grieves for Snow's mother. I don't mind being compared to her though, I too think that she was a much better Queen than me. It was hurtful but I got over it after a week.
His father is dead, hence Leo taking the throne. I do believe that he was a good man because of how well my parents talked of him, but I can't be sure because no one really spoke of him to me. Not even Leo.
Sometimes I wonder what it's like to have siblings. I was an only child because my mom had complications with giving birth that prevented her from having anymore children. I was really sad at first when I found out. But it's okay because my parents have always supported me.
"Regina, are you ready?"
"Of course! I'm very excited to meet them. I hope they can look upon me kindly."
They will absolutely love you, it's hard not to love you."
"Enough flattery, we can't be late. I want to make a fair impression."
"Fine, let's go."
We walk down the steps toward the dining room and wait for the guards to announce our presence. I'm wearing an off white floral dress that goes to my knees, while Leo is wearing a matching swallowtail jacket. He and I are both wearing matching crowns.
"Presenting, The King and Queen of The Forth Enchanted! Make way!"
We both step into the room and immediately start toward the table.
"You may be seated, I want to welcome you and introduce you to my wife and Queen."
"Hello, I'm Regina. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
I sit down next to Leo to the right while his mother is to the left with Leo at the head of the table. I don't see Leo's sister anywhere but I'm sure that she came with her mother.
"Please excuse Jessica, She went to the bathroom to freshen up. We didn't realize you'd be so early."
"That's fine. We can introduce her later. Mom this is Regina and Regina this is my mother Louis."
"It's nice to meet you Regina. I hope you do great things in this palace and kingdom. Eva was always so graceful with the weight of the crown, I hope her light shines upon you from the heavens."
"Mother. We won't speak of her, she's gone. I'm happy with Regina."
"Am I interrupting?" I turn and see Andrea enter the room and walk toward the seat next to Louis.
I see her glare at me from the corner of my eye, but I ignore it and try to strike up a conversation with Louis.
"How was the trip here?" I look at her with a big smile.
"A lady of this empire shouldn't smile so uncaring-ly. Try to be more like-....the Queens before you."
I smile even brighter at her and look her in the eyes. "I'm a different person, I plan to rule in a way that works best for the kingdom and Leo. I do admire previous rulers but I don't plan on mimicking their styles."
Jessica sets her cup down and openly glares at me.
"Mother was just trying to give you advice as Queen mother. You don't have to be so defensive. But I guess that's to be expected from a commoner." She mumbles the last sentence.
Leo abruptly stands and motions toward his sister.
"You have gone too far. You are speaking to the ruling Queen of this empire, so I expect you to be respectful. You both may leave, I will allow you to return when I feel you both have learned something."
I stand up as he turns toward me, and we both walk out hand in hand.
"I'm sorry about them. They seem a lot more bitter than I remember. I'll be in my office if you need me." with a kiss to my forehead and a nod, he leaves.