I see another carriage pull up and immediately know that that brat is here. I roll my eyes and continue to watch the villagers set up tables and booths for us. The trading day is mostly for the people of the enchanted forest, who don't live in towns or have any real homes. They sought solace in the forest because they became outcasts. Regular people in villages look like humans, while the people of the forest can be anything from a troll, a dwarf, or a changeling.
Snow exits the carriage and walks towards us with a cheerful expression. I put on a fake smile and look over at Leo. To my surprise he's already looking at me, concern and sadness fill his face as Snow walks closer. I reach out for his hand and gently squeeze it as I give him a real smile.
"Hello Queen Regina and King Leon, I hope the rays of love, light, and happiness shine upon you."
"Thank you, Snow."
I stay silent and Snow sits down.
"Leo, I'm gonna go help the people set up. It wasn't too long ago that I was down there with them. I want to be of use." I get up and walk over to the villagers as they carry out a large table.
"Can I help?"
I hear them gasp in shock at my presence.
"Your Majesty, excuse my boldness, but we don't want you to help us."
"Just knowing that you are here to appreciate our work is enough."
"Let us care for you this time."
I smile and nod. I open my arms to hug them, after our warm I head back to my seat.
"Don't worry, they're just taking pride in the kingdom."
"I know..... I'm glad that they are happy."
I sit next to Leo.
"Maybe you should have just stayed a commoner. You can't be a Queen and work like a commoner."
I turn my head to Snow, she stares me in my eyes as she continues to talk.
"Working in things like that is for the lower class. You would know that."
I see Leo immediately stand up and grab Snow by her arm. He leads her back to the carriage and Snow's maid follows. I watch as he throws her into one and instructs her maid. He walks back over to me looking furious.
"It was rude of her to say that to you. She has been sent to the Castle and will be handled accordingly."
He stands in front of me and strokes my face with his hand.
"Your Majesties, the festival is ready to commence."
"Great. Let's begin with the food trades."
As we walk around the food stands I think back on what happened. In my last life Snow had said the same things, but because she was sitting next to me, Leo never heard them. I was shocked that she still said them despite the distance. How did Leo know to move her? Lately he's been a lot more intuitive. Like with his family, in my last life he never said those things because I was acting as if everything was fine.
Does he remember his past life with me? Did he too reincarnate?
That's not possible. Why would he not say anything? I've changed so much since my last life. If anyone could tell, it'd be him.
"Regina? Do you want to buy the rice?"
I look up and blush after realizing that I zoned out.
"Yes. We can trade some pigs or goat's milk."
The trades are based on what you have. If I needed wool I would need to trade a few things to the person who has some. Like herding dogs perhaps.
"I'd say that's a fine trade Your Majesty, I need 2 pigs to feed my family for the next few months."
"Then we have a deal. My wife and I will be moving on as a servant writes out your order."
I look at all the things we've traded and decide that it should be enough to show good faith.
"I want to trade in some jewelry. After that, we can leave."
"I'll sit in the carriage and wait for you."
I sit and wait for Leo's return in silence. Once he comes back I ask him what he traded it in for.
"This."
He hands me a beautiful necklace that has a butterfly on it. The wings have small diamonds embedded in them. He puts it around my neck and kisses my forehead.
"You didn't have to get this. It must have cost quite a bit. Let me find you something to match mine-"
"I love you. Death can't separate us now. We'll forever be bound to each other. In every lifetime, you'll be mine."
I look at him in shock.
"You casted a spell."