Chapter 2

Regina sighed softly while lying on her back in bed. She thought over what had just occurred over breakfast and couldn't help but wince. If the King ever found out she faked any of that she would pay, she felt the tears prick her eyes but blinked them away. It wasn't long before she heard a tentative knock on the heavy wooden doors that lead into her chambers.

She turned her head to see Niamh slipping into her room and rushing up to her. She immediately pressed her soft pale hand against her forehead, concern painted across her delicate features. She sighed slightly when discovered that Regina had a normal temperature.

"Your Majesty, are you in any pain?" She asked squeezing Regina's hand. They had become close over the past months, Regina considered her as one of her only friends in this castle that held her captive playing happy family with her disgusting husband and spoiled little step daughter.

"No" Regina said quietly. "And how many times have I told you to call me Regina?" She tried to smile but it came out more of a grimace. Niamh smiled sadly at her. She worried for Regina and how unhappy she was; even if she tried to hide it from her Niamh can always see it clearly in her eyes.

"You are my Queen, Regina and you shall be treated as such. Now have you had anything to eat for drink? Princess Snow told me you collapsed at breakfast what happened?"

Regina's face dropped, she looked away from Niamh tears once again welling in her eyes as she thought about what caused her to act that way.

"I'm scared." She confessed, a sob escaping her lips. She looked at back at her desperation and sadness filled her brown eyes. "I didn't know what to do." Niamh wrapped her arms around her friend pulling her into a hug. She rubbed her hand along her back feeling how Regina shook in her arms. Her heart throbbed as she realised Regina was at her breaking point. She has never seen her cry. She always seemed so strong, but someone can only take so much.

"Oh Regina." She sighed, calling her by her name rather than her title. Niamh had suspicions on what Regina had suggested had occurred that morning. As Regina started to calm down Niamh laid her back onto the bed.

"I shall tell the King that you need rest and shall not be disturbed for the rest of the day." She said softly. "If you need anything at all, call for me."

With that Niamh gracefully exited the room leaving Regina alone in silence.

I am so sorry it took so long to update, you would think that during the holidays I would have more time write. I had intended on a longer chapter but I was anxious to update. Thank you to everyone who has favourited or followed this story and please review J