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Capture and Release	By : TaylorKing Category: M through R > Once Upon A Time Views: 9636 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I own nothing Once Upon a Time related, or its characters, and make no money from it

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
The week’s earlier activities had set Charming into a desire for dominance. So today, he’d convinced Regina it was time for another heavy session in the playroom.
            She lay sprawled naked on her back on the table. One wrist lay on either side of her head. A leather strap had been wrapped twice around each one, and then the ends run over the edge of the table to connect them to eyebolts just under the tabletop. Her ankles had been bound in the same way, with the straps running to the table legs. The straps were not tight enough to cut her skin-unless she pulled on them-which he figured would happen sooner rather than later.
            In truth, his goal tonight was keep her as still as humanly possible. And he had another plan for just how in control he was going to be.
            From the wall, he took three leather straps. Returning to Regina’s side, he laid the first one just over the tops of her breasts. He ran it under her arms and tied each end securely to eyebolts under the tabletop. The second went just under her rib cage but just above her navel. The third went over her hips, and was tied the tightest. It was her hips he didn’t want moving for sure.
            Standing at the far wall, he selected the clamps he’d planned on using. He was using the regular screw-tightening ones, connected by a chain. For a moment, his hand lingered over the sharper, more intense ones. He was dying to try them on her. But they’d done one thing this week that had been a tough act for her, so he decided not to push his luck.
            He held out his hand, showing her what he had as he walked back to her. Regina’s eyes widened with anticipation. He thought about blindfolding her, but he liked watching her reactions too much. He decided he’d try it if she really wanted it. He would never gag her. What was the fun in having sex with someone if you couldn’t hear them scream?
            “Now,” he sat down on the edge of the table beside her, “we’ve determined that you like these. When I dealt with the gypsies, there were some men who used them as punishments. Somehow,” he dragged one of the clamps over her soft skin, “I doubt that would work on you.” He let the clamps rest on her ribs so she could feel the cold metal through her soft skin. “Why do you like this so much?”
            “I don’t know.” Regina answered, watching the clamps.
            “That’s a fair answer.” Charming consented, beginning to pinch her left nipple. “I don’t know why half of what turns me on does-and I really don’t care.”
            His lips brushed hers. His fingers continued their work on her nipple. He pulled back to slip the clamp over her flesh. He made sure it had enough skin to stay in place. Once the left one was on, he moved on to the right.   He knew she could take a bit, so he tightened both clamps just past the normal, all while watching her face for signs of serious discomfort. She made a sound that was either a whimper or a moan, but it was not a sound that wanted him to stop.
            “I think it’s the way the tension and the pressure feel.” He murmured, pulling the chain taunt. Regina’s eyes closed and the sound she made this time was clearly a moan.
            “You know….” His fingers slid between her thighs. They found her clit, his index finger stroking up and down. “There are other clamps I could used. And supposedly, the friction they cause can bring you to orgasm just by playing with them.”
            This time, the sound was a whimper. It was either the thought implied or the motions of his fingers. Either way, he’d gotten his desired reaction.
            Charming let the chain go as he stood up as well as moving his fingers away from her.
            “So here’s the rule for today,” he ran his fingers gently up and down the inside of her right thigh, “you do not come until I say so.”
            “Doesn’t quite seem fair….” Regina murmured.
            “Mm, I disagree.” Charming kept up his actions against the soft skin. “Orgasms can be better when dragged out. And to show you just how serious I am about this, here’s another piece of the puzzle: if you do come, it will be the last one you have for a week. I didn’t say there wouldn’t be sex, but I’ll be the only one coming.” He slid his fingers up, traced his index finger lightly over her clit. “I will spend a week bringing you close to orgasm, but never finishing you. That would be terrible, wouldn’t it?”
            Regina seemed to be debating if he was serious or not. He could almost see her wondering if it was worth the risk.
            “Understood?” He questioned. Regina looked up at him and nodded.
            “Yes.”
            “Excellent.” He applied only a bit more pressure to her clit. “I am going to bring you right on the brink of orgasm…but not all the way until I’m ready for it.”
            He leaned down to flick his tongue against her clit. One hand slipped up to pull the chain taunt. Regina groaned. He felt her squirm against the restraints.
            “Don’t pull.” He raised his head to look at her. “Those straps won’t cut into you unless you do.”
            Regina’s glare was a combination of anger and annoyance. He ignored her to return to her sex. He sucked her clit into his mouth, earning a high-pitched whine from her. His fingers pushed into her gently. She could never deny that this kind of play didn’t turn her on. She was wet from the moment he started.
            His fingers worked gently in and out of her. The strap was holding her hips down so she couldn’t move with him-which was exactly what he wanted.
            Finally, he stopped. He knew she wasn’t that close, but stopping now would still frustrate her.
            Regina’s eyes opened. Her head fell back on the table. Her ribs rose and fell with deep breaths.
            “So far, so good.” He moved to run his fingers through her hair. “Having fun?”
            “You’re terrible.” Regina rolled her head to the side to look up at him. He shrugged.
            “At least I’m amusing myself then.” He brushed his hand over her cheek before turning away. He studied the shelves along the wall. Selecting what he wanted, he turned back to her. Regina drew a deep breath.
            It was a well-carved wooden phallus, smooth, polished and shining. It was large, but not the largest he had. Charming returned to her side. Slowly, he ran the tip of the toy along her side.
            “Want this in you, darling? Want me to use this?” He slipped his hand between her thighs. He began working his thumb against her clit. Regina tugged against the restraints, her eyes falling closed. “Trust me on this.” He whispered.
            Gently, he rubbed the head of the phallus against her entrance. She moaned as he pushed it into her. He leaned back down to resume his work on her clit. His fingers worked the toy in and out of her. It was bringing on the desired reactions. Regina’s cries and squirms were becoming more intense. This time, he knew she was close.
            He stood up, pulling the toy out of her quickly. Regina gasped at the sudden lack of contact.
            “Fuck Charming!”
            “Mm, close?” He intentionally took a step back from her to give her a few minutes to calm down.
            Regina glared at him through half closed eyes. He chuckled softly.
            “Trust me, darling. I know it’s….annoying…now. But it’s going to feel incredible eventually.”
            He slid the toy back inside of her. Regina instantly started attempting to squirm against it. He moved the toy slowly in and out of her. He switched the angle and got exactly the reaction he was expecting.
            “Mmmm, that’s the spot hmmm?” He watched her ignore his warnings and pull uselessly at the bonds. “Right there?”
            Regina’s answer was a gasp. Her abdomen heaved each breath as she grew closer. Charming watched the look on her face for a few more minutes before he once again withdrew the toy. Regina cried out in frustration.
            “Damn it, Charming!”
            “Beg me.” He told her firmly. “I have never made you beg for an orgasm before. But now…if you want it bad enough, beg me for it.”
            “Please, Charming.”
            “Please what?”
            “….please…”
            “Tell me what you want, Regina.”
            “Please make me come.”
            “That’s my girl.” He eased the toy back inside of her. He found the right angle quickly to work it against her. Regina’s eyes fell wide open. He watched her fingers clench into fists.
            “I-. Oh!”
            “Come for me.” He breathed, not able to take his eyes from her beautiful face. Watching her have this type of pleasure was incredible for him.
            She screamed, twisting as best she could against the bonds. Charming’s favorite part was that her hips couldn’t buck up against him. The strap did its work and held her firmly in place.
            Charming withdrew the toy and set it aside. Quickly, he unfastened the bonds holding her down. When she was free, he yanked her to her feet. Grabbing the leather strap that had held her right wrist, he spun her around. He wasted no time in binding her wrists tightly behind her back. Placing his right hand between her shoulder blades, he pushed her face down onto the table. He used that hand to hold her down as he roughly pushed her legs apart. His other hand freed his erection. He positioned himself and pushed hard into her.
            Regina screamed louder than he’d heard her before. Her moans increased with his thrusts. She was tightening around him. His eyes closed, taking in the sensation that had him already borderline.
            “Please…Charming.”
            He gave her credit for sticking to the rules so closely. He hadn’t planned on it this time, but he wasn’t going to tell her to stop.
            “You may come.” He told her, liking the dominance of this position. “Scream for me, love. Let me hear how good it feels.”
            She screamed his name as she came. He was past the point of being close and fell forward over her as he lost himself inside of her.
He didn’t take time for recovery. He immediately reached up and untied the strap around her wrists. Pulling out of her, he gently picked her up to sit on the edge of the table. She made only soft sounds as he removed the clamps for her nipples.
“You ok?” He was rubbing her left breast with one hand. Regina nodded, giving him a faint smile as he leaned in to brush his lips over hers.
“Fine. Just a bit dazed.”
“Two intense orgasms will do that to you.” He nuzzled her throat. Gently he nipped his way up to her ear. “I told you the first one would be worth waiting for.”
“You weren’t kidding.” Regina wrapped one arm around him. Charming pulled away from her. He kissed the back of her right wrist where a red line ran over the white skin.
“You know, I’m all right with not being in control every time we have sex. But sometimes, it’s fucking incredible.”
“I won’t argue that fact with you.” She kissed him. Charming lifted her down from the table and helped her dress.
They made their way back into the bedroom. Regina left him to fix her hair. When she returned, he was sprawled across the fainting couch.
“Don’t tell me you’re tired.” She sat down on the edge beside him.
“Maybe a bit.” He sat up, pulling her onto his lap. Regina wrapped her arms around his neck.
“If any time was worth being tired after, it was that one. I have to say, I never thought you had such a dominant side. It’s always interesting when it comes out.”
“Mm,” Charming wrapped his arms around her waist, “I did have a knack for it once upon a time. It’s good to see I haven’t lost my touch.”
He kissed her. Regina pulled him closer. Her tongue twined with his.
“I mean it though.” He whispered against her lips. “In the event we’re playing that type of game, you cannot come until I tell you. Otherwise, I will spend the next week tormenting you.” His mouth moved along her neck. “I will take time every day to bring you as close as I can, and then stop. And if I find out you’ve done something to take care of it yourself, I will tie you to the bed every night.”
He felt the shudder that went through her. Regina tugged his head back up to hers. Her lips met his in a fierce kiss.
“You know I was thinking,” she said as she pulled back from the kiss, “you’ve had these types of relations with men and women.” Charming raised one finger.
“I’ve had sex with one man. And I’ve never been tied up by one.”
“Regardless,” Regina kissed him quickly, “I think it’s only fair that you give me a chance with you.”
“Mmm, I don’t know about that.” Charming stroked her back gently, feigning a concerned look. “I know you have some experience. But…dominance….are you sure you’re up for that?”
Regina laughed, pressing a kiss against his lips. He smiled against her as he pulled her closer.
“No I’m sure I don’t have a controlling bone in my body.”
“Never you.” He traced his fingers down her back. “But in all seriousness, I’m open for it. It’s been awhile.”
“Then I’ll do my best to make it worth the wait.” Regina nipped his lower lip.
“But….” Charming pulled away from her for a moment, “if this is how you want things, remember I’ll plan on paying you back afterwards.”
“Fair enough.” Regina kissed his cheek. Charming closed his eyes as her lips found his pulse point. He pulled her tighter to him. Regina lifted her head, sought his lips.
The kiss told everything. Despite everything, they were both ready again.
Charming’s hand was reaching for the hem of her skirt just as he heard the door lock click. Both turned towards it as Rose entered.
“Ah. I wasn’t expecting you both to be here.” Charming noticed how the woman’s eyes drifted towards the door in the back of the room. “I was just going to leave lunch for you.”
“It’s fine, Rose.” Regina pulled off of him, rising to her feet. “It’s that time of the day.”
Charming was annoyed, but he didn’t argue as he stood. Rose nodded and left the room. As soon as the door closed behind her, he caught Regina against him and pinned her to the wall beside the fireplace.
“Charming-.” She gasped. He ignored her, pushing her skirt up with one hand and sliding two fingers into her with the other. Hot and wet. Not a surprise. “Rose will be back-.”
“I could care less.” He breathed against her lips, his fingers working inside of her. “That just means you better come quickly.”
“I-. Charming-. We-.”
“I’m not stopping.” He whispered against her ear. “Come for me.”
His thumb pressed against her clit. Regina seemed to fight him for roughly another five seconds before she tensed before coming around him. He pulled his fingers from her, held them to her lips. She sucked them into her mouth, swirling her tongue over them.
Charming let her skirt fall to the floor. Slowly he pulled his fingers back and reached for her. He pulled her in for a long kiss.
The door clicked open. Charming finally pulled back, giving Regina a quick smirk before turning around to feign innocence.
***Scene***
***Plot***
                                    They made small talk over lunch. After awhile, it lapsed into silence. Finally, Regina speared a tomato from her salad before looking over at him.
“I’ve been thinking about something.”
“So have I.” Charming winked. Regina frowned at him, shaking her head in disgust.
“Aside from that.” She made him wait another few minutes as she selected more salad, chewed and swallowed. “I think you need to go visit your mother.”
Charming sighed heavily.
“Why are we discussing this again?”
“Because you still haven’t gone to visit your mother.” Regina informed him. “We discussed this several weeks ago, and you’ve never mentioned it again.”
“I assumed that meant the subject was closed.” Charming picked up a slice of bread.
“I don’t understand you,” Regina laid down her fork in order to rest her elbows on the table and clasp her hands under her chin. “You said you were close to your mother. So why don’t you want to go see her?”
In truth, it had nothing to do with not wanting to see his mother. He did want to go see her and make sure she was all right. What he didn’t want to say was that he didn’t like the idea of leaving Regina while he took the long trip to his mother’s farm. He didn’t want to think it was distrust…but deep inside he knew it was. Leaving her alone for a full day-or longer-gave her the chance to do who knew what. And the fact that she had just brought it up again made him suspicious.
“It’s a six hour ride.” He finally spoke. “I’d have to leave early in the morning just to make it by lunch time. And then I’d get back late at night. In the weather this summer, that could mean riding all day or night in the rain.”
“So stay with your mother.” Regina gave him a bewildered look. “No one says you have to come back the same day.”
He hated that he was lying to her. But he couldn’t very well say that he didn’t trust her alone. That would ruin everything. Not that the fact that he didn’t trust her sat much better with a positive future.
Six hours alone gave her six hours to figure out how to get the blocker out-successfully. It gave her time to leave the castle unescorted. The possibilities were endless.
“I just don’t understand why you’re making excuses.” Regina looked disappointed. “We see my father once a week. What is the difference?”
The difference was that he had to only leave her alone with her father for an afternoon. It didn’t require leaving her for a full day.
“Your father lives a shorter distance.”
“You’re being ridiculous.” Regina told him. For the first time, he caught the annoyance in her tone and glare. Was she genuinely this concerned? “You’re using distance as an excuse not to visit your own mother.”
“All right,” Charming sighed heavily, “all right. We’ll go visit my mother.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Regina raised one hand, “I am not going.”
“Oh yes you are.” Charming leaned back in his chair. “I am not going if you don’t come with me.”
“You are going,” Regina told him firmly, “but I am not.”
“I can’t leave you alone.” He hoped that didn’t come out how he was thinking it.
“I can take care of myself for a day.” Apparently it hadn’t. “Really, Charming. Stop your excuses.”
“It’s not that I think you can’t take care of yourself for a day.” He quickly tried to cover what he was thinking-even if it was just to himself. “I want my mother to meet you.”
Regina rolled her eyes. Clearly meeting his mother did not entice her.
“And how exactly do you think the mother that you haven’t seen in almost a year is going to take you showing up toting the Evil Queen?”
He had thought of that. But he couldn’t imagine his mother would take it poorly. She’d always supported him. Why would she not support this particular decision?
She would support him, right?
“She’s my mother. Mothers are supposed to support their children. It’s just what they do.” He realized how terrible the words sounded the second they were out of his mouth and before Regina’s eyebrows shot up. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean-.”
“No, I know what you meant. It’s what mothers are supposed to do.” She returned to her food, most likely to keep herself from saying anything else.
“I think she’ll see you just as I do.” He quickly tried to cover for himself, but now he wasn’t sure if he was lying to her. Was he? Oh well, if he didn’t know she wouldn’t know.
Regina scoffed at that.
“Charming, no one else sees me the way that you do. You need to understand that.”
He frowned. To be fair, she wasn’t wrong. People hadn’t tried to kill her for no reason. How could he make others see the woman he was finally starting to see on a regular basis? For once since the old queen had died, he wanted the kingdom to love their queen.
The bigger question: if his mother didn’t see her that way, how could he think anyone else would?
And bigger still: how could he demand that others give her a chance when he didn’t truly trust her?
“Charming, really,” Regina continued slightly softer, “I’ll be fine.”
She wasn’t going to let this go. And he did feel bad for not seeing his mother. Not to mention that he did want to see his mother.
“I’ll go tomorrow.” He consented. “I have to get up early and I’ll be back late, but I can do it.”
Regina nodded. He couldn’t tell what the expression meant.
“Good.” She smiled, leaning back in her chair. Her arms moved to fold under her breasts. “Now, do you want to discuss the other matter on the table?”
Charming chuckled. The idea of the new topic actually being on the table sounded even better.
“If you want it,” he pushed his chair back, “it’s all yours. Just come and get it.”
Regina smirked. Rising to her feet, she crossed the few steps to him. Dropping to her knees in front of him, she pulled him down for a kiss. His hand slipped down to cup her breast through the gown. Her hand covered his crotch, squeezing gently. He was immediately offended she could touch him so easily and her breasts were off limits to him.
Regina’s fingers were opening his pants and freeing him. Her hand wrapped around him and stroked before her lips moved from his mouth. He groaned as they closed over his erection. He rubbed the back of her neck gently. She never complained about oral sex. He almost wondered if there was a part of her that liked it.
“Stop.” He whispered. “Come here.”
She wasted no time. She moved onto his lap, straddling him. He managed her skirt while she guided him into her.
“Yes.” He breathed against her throat. She had felt good earlier, she felt better now. Maybe because every time with her was the best. “Mm, yes…Regina.”
He was too close. She felt too good. He caught her hips, stopping her. Carefully, he lifted her. He lowered her onto her back on the rug.
Taking her legs, he moved her ankles to rest on his shoulders. Regina gasped as he leaned forward, balancing on his hands above her.
“Ok?” He knew this position could be uncomfortable. But she only nodded. He began moving slowly inside of her. This felt good. If he moved slow and deep inside of her, it kept him from getting too close while hitting just the right spot inside of her.
“Harder.” She whispered. “God, Charming, harder.”
He didn’t argue. Soon her eyes were closed and her moans were becoming more serious.
“Yes…” she gasped. He watched her dark eyes open, focusing on a point on the ceiling. “Yes…oh….ah!”
He sped up his trusts to bring himself over the edge. The feeling of her muscles contracting from orgasm only added to it and pushed him over the edge.
He didn’t stay on top of her long. He pulled out gently, easing her legs back to the floor.
“I still find it offensive that I can’t have access to your breasts without three layers of fabric.”
Regina chuckled as he settled down beside her.
“I doubt you’ll be seeing society change women’s undergarments any time soon.”
“A man can dream.” He stroked her cheek gently.   “We should get dressed before Rose comes back.”
“Mm, careful, you’re starting to sound like me.” Regina sat up.
“Well we can’t have two of us worrying what the staff is saying about our sex life.” Charming leaned over to kiss her. “You know,” he gave her a slow smile, “I can’t go to my mother’s overnight because I can’t stand the idea of spending a night without you.”
“I’ve clearly let you get spoiled.” Regina rose to her feet.
“You can’t unspoil me.” Charming got up to pull her to him. “The damage has been done.”
Regina shook her head, but didn’t argue with his kisses. As he held her, he reminded himself that his suspicions were unfounded. He had to trust her. Wherever this distrust was coming from, it had to go. And immediately.
*****Scene****
                                    Charming had gotten up long before dawn. He made sure his horse and guards were ready, that the weather had been studied, and that there was nothing additional they needed to transport.
Once all of that was done, he went back upstairs to kiss Regina goodbye. He’d fallen asleep in her bed last night after yet another round of sex. As he dozed off beside her, he wondered just what it was about this woman that he could not get enough of her. He’d never had sex with anyone like this.
It was long before Regina’s typical wake up time. Charming let himself into the room with one fat candle burning in his hand. Regina was buried into her pillow. Softly, he crossed the room, placed his candle on the nightstand and sat beside her.
“Regina.” He murmured, nuzzling her cheek. “Wake up.”
“Mmmmmm,” She turned her head, blinking her eyes to look up at him. “Charming, what’s the matter?”
“Nothing.” He smiled as he stroked her dark hair. “I’m getting ready to leave.”
“Okay.” She lifted her head to kiss him gently. “Be careful.”
“I will be.” He assured her. He nuzzled her for a few more minutes while he pressed kisses along her face. All he really wanted was to be crawling back under the blankets with her. “I love you.” He whispered against her temple.
As usual, Regina didn’t respond. She just placed another kiss on his lips.
“Go.” She whispered. “I’m going back to sleep.”
“Lucky girl.” He kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you tonight. Don’t wait up.”
“I probably will.” She closed her eyes and settled back into the pillow. Charming drew the blanket back up over one creamy shoulder. Taking the candle, he let himself out of the room. In the hallway, he blew it out.
He hoped he was not about to make a huge mistake.
***Scene***
                                    They’d been riding for about four hours when the landscape started to look familiar. He knew these fields, and hills. He remembered his nights under the stars. He’d watched lambs run in the spring grass.
He’d done other…things…as well, but he pushed those thoughts aside. A trip to visit his mother was not the time to relieve his time with gypsies.
His thoughts swept to Regina-as they usually did. He missed her. There was no doubt of that. They spent so much time together that he was accustomed to being around her regularly throughout the day. She’d probably just be considering waking up now. He smiled at how she woke up slowly. If he was with her, she was cuddly and sleepy until she finally decided she was awake.
Those were the thoughts that made him sick-because he couldn’t shake the thoughts of distrust. Had she been playing him this morning? Had she snuck out as soon as he left?
How could he adore someone-and miss them-so much when he couldn’t fully give himself over to trust? He tried to rationalize with himself: he wasn’t overacting. One simply couldn’t trust a woman who had spent so much time murdering. It didn’t matter how much he loved her-trust didn’t come quickly for a person with a history like hers.
If he knew he was right, why did he feel so wrong?
He was surprised that there were no issues along the ride. The peasants he’d seen had simply stared in awe at seeing the King riding through their land. He thought he’d see more displeasure. But it wasn’t there. He felt rather proud that his land actually appreciated their king.
A few hours later, they arrived at the farm. Charming left the guards at the barn with his horse as he headed towards the house.
His mother was in the fields just off to the right. She was feeding a group of young lambs that were undoubtedly from the past spring.
“Mother?”
She stopped in mid-grain handful. She turned slowly. He saw the look of shock and amazement on her face.
“David.”
He met her halfway where he pulled her into his arms. She held him tightly. He had to admit he was glad he came. It was good to see her. It was good to know she was all right. He had mildly worried that he’d show up and find something terrible had happened.
Maybe he was a bigger pessimist than he realized.
“I can’t believe it’s really you.” She laughed as he stepped back. “I just figured that you were gone…..” She shook her head. Tears had formed in her eyes.
“Well, I’m here now. And no one can keep us apart this time.” He kissed her forehead. “Come on.” He took her hand. “Let’s go inside and you can tell me everything.”
****Scene****
                                                In the house, he helped Ruth make tea. He’d almost begun to enjoy being king, but it was nice to get back to simpler roots.
“So, how is it being king?” Ruth sat across the small table from him. Charming shrugged, glancing down at his cup. It wasn’t as fancy or elegant as the ones in the castle, but it felt more natural to him than those.
“It’s ok.” He watched the liquid for a moment. “I mean, for a life I didn’t pick.” Ruth smiled.
“You could come back, you know.”
“I’ve thought of it.” He had. Actually, he’d secretly hoped he could get Regina to eventually decide neither of them wanted to be royalty and they could move away into obscurity. But he wasn’t sure either of them would be safe. Being king came with protections. He needed those.
Ruth was watching him nervously. Charming suspected what the next comment might be.
“Mother? Is something wrong?”
“David,” Ruth wrapped her hands around her cup, “I have to ask: is it true?”
“Is what true?” He knew what was coming.
Ruth hesitated. Finally, he saw her take a deep breath, swallow hard and meet his eyes.
“Is it true about you and the Queen?”
“Yes,” he didn’t look away from her eyes. “That’s all true.”
Ruth’s face fell. Charming was disappointed. He could handle Regina being right, but he didn’t like her being right about his mother’s reaction.
“Mother-.”
“Why, David?” Ruth finally asked. Her expression was desperate and pleading. “Why on earth would you do such a thing? Don’t you know what she’s done?”
“Mother, you don’t know her like I do.” He felt odd defending the woman he was secretly doubting today. But it was true: he and Regina had had genuine moments in the last few weeks. Did he subtly trust her? He wanted to believe he did.
“Mother, really. Regina’s sweet. She’s not evil. She was hurt-badly. And misunderstood. All she needed was someone to give her a chance.”
“All that about the Evil Queen?” Ruth stared at her son as though he’d gone mad. “Son, do you truly understand the extent of her wrath? She has terrorized this kingdom and-.”
“Mother I don’t want to hear it.” Charming stopped her. “You don’t know her like I do.” Ruth gave him a horribly disappointed look.
“David, you are not telling me….” She shook her head. Charming almost couldn’t handle the disappointment on her face. “Are you in love with her?”
Charming nodded. Nervous about leaving Regina alone or not, his heart was aching to be with her. How much he loved her couldn’t be denied.
“I do.” He wanted his mother to see and to understand. In the entire kingdom, her opinion was really the only one that mattered. How could she not at least entertain this idea? “Mother, please don’t give me that look.”
“Well I’m sorry David, but I’m fairly certain you’ve lost your mind. I can’t even blame this on some kind of…political….move. Who would want her alliance?”
“Mother!” He exclaimed. “Would you stop? You obviously don’t understand.”
“Clearly I don’t.” Ruth frowned. “You’ll never make me.”
“I wanted her to come with me.” Charming told her. “I wanted to bring Regina so you could see her and meet her.”
“Well I see she’s not here.” Ruth glanced around dramatically, held up her hands. “Clearly that makes a statement.”
“Oh it does. But not the one you’re hoping for,” Charming glared at his mother. “She didn’t come because she said you wouldn’t like her.”
“In that case, she’s not as bad as I thought. In fact, she’s quite right about that. I don’t like her. I didn’t like her when she was Queen alone, and I don’t like her now when you’re the King. And I certainly don’t like her with my son.”
Charming was suddenly at a lost for words. He wasn’t entirely certain how to pursue this topic. He thought his mother-of all people-would at least pretend to understand. He hadn’t expected to be justifying this to his mother.
Ruth appeared to be as done with the topic as he. She got up from the table.
“Why don’t I make us some lunch? You must be hungry. You had to have left early this morning.” He gave a nod, deciding it was best to let the topic of Regina go for the moment.
“That would be good. I have to head for home before too late. I’m hoping to catch most of the daylight.”
“It’s getting dark earlier. Shame when that starts happening.”
They chatted for a bit about the animals. Ruth filled him in as she fixed ham, eggs and heated up bread.
“How are things with Bo? She isn’t giving you any problems, is she?”
“No, things are quiet. Thankfully.” Ruth smiled at him as she put a plate in front of him.
“Well good. Because you know I can make her disappear now.” He meant it to be a joke, but Ruth’s expression didn’t read she took it as such.
“You’ve clearly been spending too much time with your Queen.” She sighed irritably. “That’s her kind of talk.”
“Mother, I was kidding.”
“Well it’s not funny. It’s the type of thing the Queen wouldn’t joke about.”
“Mother, Regina-.”
“I don’t want to hear your defense of a murderer, David. I thought I’d raised you better than that.”
“You raised me to see the good in people.” David reminded her. “Which is what I’ve done with Regina.”
Ruth did not look impressed. She put food on a plate and laid it on the table at her place. Charming picked up his fork, stabbing a piece of the ham.
“Is this one from last season?” Ruth perked up at the change of season. She nodded.
“Hogs were a getting a good price last year. I sold a few, butchered some just in case this winter gets bad. It’s supposed to, you know. All the rain we had this summer is supposed to turn into snow by the end of October and not stop until April.”
“Great.” Charming grumbled. He was going to have to think about moving to Regina’s castle soon-a topic he’d never breached with her or most anyone. The staff knew they’d have to relocate inland as winter came, but no one had really discussed where.
He’d stayed quiet for too long, because Ruth was looking at him curiously. He shook it off.
“Have you had any issues with the rain this year?”
“No, aside from all the mud. Crops look good everywhere. I doubt you’ve seen any problems.” Charming shook his head as he ate.
“No, everything’s been fine.”
“You’re close to the sea, aren’t you?”
“Not far.” Not that they’d ventured that way at all this summer. Maybe next….. “But we’ll have to move inland for the winter. Which will put me at least a small bit closer to you.”
He’d expected Ruth to be happy with that, but she seemed to be caught up in another part of that statement. The frown on her face deepened.
“What?” He asked. He didn’t really know that he wanted an answer but he was obligated to ask.
“Where-exactly-are you moving?” Charming shrugged, not sure what the issue was.
“Regina’s estate.” That was apparently the wrong answer. Ruth gave him a disappointed sigh that he hadn’t heard since he was a child.
“David, are you really thinking of moving back into that castle with her?”
“Why wouldn’t I? It’s just for the winter. And it’s just a castle.”
“Just a castle?! David, it’s the place where-.”
“Where she lived with the king?”
“I was going to say where she committed her evil crimes, but yours is also true I suppose. I respect you wanting to be a good person. You always have been. But this is entirely too forgiving-even for you.”
Charming sighed. He laid his fork on his plate, folded his hands on the table and looked down.
“If it makes you feel any better, I’m still having trust issues with her.” Ruth shrugged nonchalantly. Apparently this was the only correct thing he’d managed to say.
“As you should be. David, it appears you’ve created some sort of bizarre fantasy world for the two of you. I don’t understand it. But by not trusting her, that’s the best thing you’ve said so far. You are doing the absolute right thing by not trusting this woman.”
None of that was what he wanted to hear. But somehow, deep inside, he was not surprised. He guessed that he hadn’t really expected his mother to understand. But he had hope that she would be the one person who did.
“I hoped you’d understand.” He rested his forehead in his hand. Finally, he looked back up at her. “I was really hoping you’d give this a chance.”
“David, I cannot support this in any way.”
“But she’s been-.” David shrugged. “I don’t know, Mother. We’ve really bonded recently. Which is why I feel so terrible about not trusting her. She’s the one who encouraged me to come today.”
“Then why are you so distrusting?” Ruth leaned across the table to take his hands. “Why, if she’s given you no reason to not trust her?”
“Because she hasn’t given me reason to trust her…not fully.” Charming looked up at her as he took her hands. “She’s….done things. Said things. Not recently though. Not in the last few weeks.”
Not since I saved her life and she decided she didn’t hate me.
“David,” Ruth squeezed his hands, “you need to understand this: this woman that you claim to have feelings for….she didn’t become the most villainous, evil person in our land without manipulating people. That’s what she’s doing to you now. She’s done it to save her life. She’s not stupid. She knows what will happen to her without a protector.”
The words made him angry. He’d heard them before, but from his own mother they came worse. But why did they make him so angry? Because he wasn’t 100% sure she was wrong? Ruth patted his hands as he let go.
“David, you could stay here. You don’t have to go back.”
“I can’t.” He answered simply.
“Can’t or won’t?”
“Can’t because I’m still worried about both of our safety. And won’t because-.”
“You won’t leave the Evil Queen.”
“Regina.” Charming muttered, staring out the window. He hadn’t hoped this visit would put more doubts in his head. He had to focus on the last few weeks-on the Regina he’d been holding recently. She was different-really different. Just the thought of her made his heart swell.
Why, of all the women in the land, did he have to love her so much?
From outside, a far off clap of thunder grumbled low. David sighed.
“Wonderful. Another storm.” He got up from the table.
“Are you leaving?” Ruth looked disappointed.
“No, I was going to see if you had any animals outside to round up.” He took off his jacket and hung it on the back of his chair. Ruth smiled.
“The King wants to go running in the rain for goats and sheep?”
“It’s been awhile.” David laughed, holding out his hand to her. “Let’s go.”
*****Scene*****
                                                It was night now. Rain was coming down in sheets. Overhead, thunder and lightening both cracked in unison. One of the guards stood in the doorway of Ruth’s small house.
“Your Majesty, there’s no way we can travel back tonight. Not in this.”
Charming had known that. It was after 7 now. They wouldn’t get home until after midnight, if not later. This was the type of night it had been when he’d gone out to save Regina. That night he’d had no choice. Tonight he knew he had to stay put.
“Of course not.” He consented. “We’ll leave early in the morning.”
“Very well, your Majesty.” The guard gave a quick wave before returning to the barn with the rest. Ruth closed the door behind him.
“Well, I guess the King will be forced to remain in his mother’s care one night longer.”
Charming laughed.
“He can handle that.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek. Ruth gave him a faint smile.
“But it’s bothering you, isn’t it?”
“On a number of levels,” David had to admit.
And that was true. Another night with his mother was wonderful. Despite their earlier conversation, the rest of the day had been just like it had always been between them. It felt good to get back to his true self. He’d actually missed the animals and all their quirks. He was now going to make it a point to spend more time with the animals on his own estate.
On the other hand, he missed Regina. He’d been hoping he’d get back tonight and be able to crawl into bed with her-if he got back and found out that everything he’d been thinking was ridiculous. He wanted her to curl into his arms, fall asleep for the night and wake up in the morning for kisses…cuddles…and well….
He knew it now that he was being ridiculous.   And he felt bad that he’d wasted so much of this trip worrying about her. Regina was not doing anything disloyal. He was sure of that. He’d find her just as he left her.
As he settled into his simple bed that night, he tried to shake off the last of the fears. Granted, there were still some there, but that was natural right? You didn’t immediately just throw all doubts away when it came to a woman who murdered.
He fell asleep feeling a bit better.
***Scene***
Early the next morning, the rain had stopped. David and Ruth had breakfast together. David assured her he’d be back before summer was out.
“I’m the King. I get to make my decisions.”
“Well I like the sound of that.” Ruth took the dishes from his hands. But she saw the faint look on his face. “Say what you’re thinking, David.”
He truly could hide nothing from his mother.
“Are you ok if I bring Regina?” Ruth sighed. David took that as a no.
“I had hoped to never come face to face with the Evil Queen.”
“Well, I didn’t ask you about the Evil Queen. I asked you if I could bring Regina. They’re two different people-I assure you.” Ruth did not look pleased, but she nodded.
“If you feel it’s the best thing.” David reached for his mother, pulling her into his arms.
“Trust me on this.”
Ruth didn’t get a chance to answer as there was a knock on the door. David pulled away from her to pull it open. One of the guards was on the other side.
“Your Majesty,” he nodded to another rider that was behind him, “Aaron’s brought this from your estate.”
Charming reached out for the folded piece of paper in the guard’s hand. What had happened that they sent a rider to bring him a message?
Dread filled him. Slowly, he unfolded the paper and read:
Your Majesty-there was trouble in the night. Please return today. –Treyburn
Charming crumpled the paper in his hand. There was only one thing he could think of that had caused his Captain of the Guards to send word this quickly.
“Regina.” He muttered angrily.
“Your Majesty?” The guard asked curiously.
“Get my horse ready. We’re leaving.” David slammed the door as he turned back into the house.
“What’s happened?” Ruth reached for him.
“What do you think happened? I’m an idiot.” He was furious with her-with himself-with everyone.
He’d been right the entire time. She’d done everything just to get him out of the house. Now the only question was what exactly had she done? Removed the blocker? Burned down the entire castle? And how exactly had the guards contained her when she had magic? They couldn’t. So they’d gotten word to him in secret.
“What has she done?”
“I don’t know.” David grumbled. “The note just says to return today because something happened during the night. What else could possibly have happened?” Ruth looked hesitant, which surprised him.
“David, perhaps you’re getting ahead of yourself.”
“Are you defending her now?”
“No, of course not.” Ruth squeezed his arm. “But if the note doesn’t specifically say that it was the Queen…perhaps you shouldn’t assume.”
He knew he was angry beyond reason. He knew he was overacting. His mother was right-he had no concrete evidence.
But history didn’t lie. And he’d been uneasy about this trip the entire time. He should have trusted his gut all along.
But what would that have accomplished? So she could keep lying and manipulating him? She would have done this eventually-he’d just given her the chance quickly.
Now he knew. Now he knew that he couldn’t trust her-at all. And he wasn’t going to make that mistake again. He was going to get back to the castle and find out what she had done.
And then he might kill the Evil Queen.
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Capture and Release