So many thoughts, feelings and emotions ran wild through Regina at that very moment, not to mention the questions..! Looking away, she asked herself, "What the hell was happening..?"

Emma's eyes quickly blinked the icy-blue glow away, "wha.. what are you saying just now?" She asked The Queen.

"Oh! No.. no, it's nothing My beautiful Swan," Regina reassured her, lowering her face to kiss her. "Come now, I think we've had our fun for tonight.."

The Queen lowered herself off of the mantle, extending her hand to help Emma off as well.

Ohh," Emma pleaded, "Why can't we just stay here for a little longer..?"

"Because, Ms Swan, there are other things that need my attention in this castle.. and this kingdom - believe it or not." The Queen explained as the two women collected themselves and redressed.

"However.." The Queen continued smiling, ".. tomorrow is a new day.."

"Indeed it is!" Emma smiled back, "..also I know I briefly spoke of this earlier, but I was wondering.."

"Yes? Go on Ms Swan.."

"... I was wondering if you would allow me to come to this place more often, even if you can't be here with me. You know, so I could practice some of the spells we have worked on." Emma explained.

The Queen stood silent as she thought for a moment about what Emma was asking.

"I suppose it should be fine, after all, it will only help you grow stronger" Regina replied, "However, I have a few conditions - "

Emma's face lit up, "of course! Anything!"

The Queen took in a deep breath,

"I will need to be informed every time you need access to this room, whether or not I am with you.

You may not always be granted access either.

There are some potions and ingredients that are off limits. You will know what they are as they are enchanted, and you will Not be able to access them.

Lastly, I may decide to revoke this privilege at anytime."

"Understood." Emma replied.

Regina took a few steps closer to Emma, and took a small vile from a shelf in the room, drawing her attention to it; "I want you to take this"

"Ok.." Emma said, carefully taking the tiny vile from The Queen, "What is it for?"

"Do you remember the fairy dust I used to get us into this room from the library Ms Swan?"

"Ah, yes. From The Black Fairy."

"Yes." Regina answered, "there is enough in that vile to get you in this room only once. You will need to come to me each time you want to enter the Spellcasting Room to get more. You will also need to get the Key from me as well. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes," Emma replied looking Regina in the eye, "crystal clear."

"Alright then."

"Thank you Regina, thank you so much" Emma said to The Queen, as the two smiled at each other.

It was quiet for a few moments when Regina turned to Emma to say; "Hey, you know what? Would you mind leaving me for a while? I uh, I think I need some time alone."

"Oh! No, of course" Emma replied, "Did I upset you..?"

"No, no it's nothing at all like that." The Queen insisted, "I just need to think is all."

"Alright then," Emma agreed, "you know where to find me."

***

After Emma left, Regina made her way over to a bench in the far side of the room and sat. Her mind swirling with the thoughts of this evening's events.

"Those eyes..." Regina said to herself.

The way the power seemed to take over Emma's body.. it just, took control.

"... it wasn't supposed to happen that quickly." The Queen thought to herself, "it just doesn't make any sense.. any normal spell caster just learning Light Magic would take weeks, maybe for their power to take hold of them like that.."

As Regina's dark eyes wandered around the room, she caught sight of the soft, white-hooded cloak on the floor that Emma had been wearing during their lesson together. Smiling, Regina stood up, walked over, picked it up and held it to her face; taking in Emma's familiar scent as she felt the softness of the material against her skin. She exhaled deeply, reminiscing of their evening together, already missing her touch.

Suddenly, the temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees, and Regina could feel the tingle of something truly unsettling creep up her spine...

"..." The Queen said through clenched teeth, letting the white cloth fall by her feet.

"Regina." A deep husky voice came from behind the shadows of the room, "I was beginning to think you had forgotten about me... forgotten about our !"

"No, I've not forgotten," The Queen insisted, "Emma Swan needs more time... She.. She's not ready..."

"I see." Chernabog's voice boomed, cutting Regina off mid sentence, "You wouldn't be stalling now, would you?"

The Queen jumped back a little at Chernabog's towering voice as he spoke down to her.

"No, of course you wouldn't." The demon replied, not waiting for her to answer, "You're smarter than that.." Chernabog walked around the room, keeping his eye on The Queen before he spoke again, " wait a minute.."

The winged demon bent down and picked up the white cloak left behind by Emma, and examined it.

With a look of disgust on his face, he threw the cloth at The Queen and snapped; "Don't tell me you're falling in with her?!"

"No, NO! I'm not!" The Queen yelled back.

"Emma Swan is the sacrifice" Chernabog replied, "..and need I remind you, Regina.."

The demon crouched down, getting close to The Queen, it's face merely inches from hers, it's fiery eyes like daggers right into hers,

"Need I remind you, Regina, that wasting your time, energy, compassion, on Emma Swan, means nothing at all?! You know why?? Because SHE WILL NEVER REALLY LOVE YOU. "

The Queen lowered her head to shield herself from the demon's yelling.

Chernabog stood up straight and continued, "There is only ME, Regina. There is only the that is capable of keeping someone as Evil as you, company."

Regina was quiet for a few moments, then, keeping her head down, she spoke, "Do not worry, Chernabog dear, Your Evil Queen is still here!"

As Regina lifted her head, she smiled her wickedly evil smile. Her thoughts now fully collected, Remembering exactly why she captured Emma Swan in the first place.

"Emma Swan the sacrifice.." Regina repeated, "...but that doesn't mean I can't still have my fun, demon."

As She looked on, expressionless, Chernabog smiled, crossing his arms satisfied.

The Queen turned her back to him and said, "Leave me, demon, I have much to do."

And as Chernabog disappeared into a swirl of black smoke, Regina made her way through the door into the library. With Her thoughts all realigned, her emotions and rage were blaring like she were set on fire...

...the purple glow in her eyes had returned once more.