A/N: This came about while watching The Hobbit (can you guess what line I stole form the desolation of smaug?) I was writing it as an original story at first, but decided to make it a SwanQueen story. I think it's a good fit for these two. You let me know if you agree.

"Enter!" called King Leopold from his place on the throne. As the messenger entered, he felt his wife grip his hand. He tangled his fingers in hers: it was the messenger sent to retrieve his son and banish the woman he had run off with.

"You Highness." The messenger bowed.

"Where is my son? Why have you returned alone?" Regina asked, her voice as strong as her grip on the King's hand.

The messenger swallowed, "I am sorry, your majesty. I pleaded with him but Prince Henry ordered me to relay that if there is no place for Grace, then there is no place for him."

Regina gasped and turned to Leopold, her brown eyes flashing with anger.

"Leave us." The king said and watched silently as the messenger left, leaving only the two royals and a couple of their most trusted guards at the door.

Regina stood, angry and shocked, "My son…you…what have you done?!" She paced in front of the throne and shook her head, "I hope you are happy." She spat. "I'm going after him."

Leopold sighed, "You'll do no such thing. He has made his choice."

Regina glared at him, "Watch me, husband." With that, she marched towards the door.

"Guards." He said and watched the two at the door stand in front of Regina, blocking her exit.

She spun on him and spat, "If you do this, you lose your son and your wife."

Leopold eyed her wearily.

Long ago, he had fallen for her beauty. Her brown eyes always stirring a passion in him, no other could. Her long brown hair and the scar on her lip, gave her the appearance of an angel in his eyes. When she agreed to marry him, he found his hands were full. The woman was all beauty and brains. Brilliant, she had brought about many positive changes for the kingdom, though the people knew not. For some reason, his wife preferred to maintain an icy exterior. The people who were in good health because of her ideas, thought her a cold cruel woman, loving none but her son.

Their son, Henry, was the spitting image of his mother. The boy had grown into a fine young man, the best fighter in his entire army. But he had fallen for a young troublemaker, Grace. The girl was always dragging her son into something, this time convincing Henry to fight with their allies in the west even though Leopold had expressly denied their request for help.

Regina and Henry had both disagreed with him, but Leopold refused to sway on his decision. He would have nothing to do with a war against King George. The man was vicious and if they were unable to help Maleficent, then he would immediately come after them.

He sighed tiredly, "Place her in the dungeon. Perhaps you will feel differently in the morning. Gently." He said.

Regina fumed and considered fighting with them, however that would hinder future plans to get to Henry. So, they walked down to the dungeon, Regina plotting the entire time. When they locked her in a cell, one of the guards that escorted her hesitated.

She raised a brow and bit out, "Well?"

The guard locked eyes with her, "Everything will be fine your highness. Trust me."

Something in the young man's green eyes told her that he had something planned. She considered her options but, they were nonexistent. Try as she might, Regina had seen no way out of the castle without alerting the estimated 50 guards between her and the gates.

"Please."

Regina nodded sharply and the guard relaxed. Bowing, he left and Regina moved to the cot in the cell.

Late at night, Regina's cell door opened and she tensed. Surely no man was foolish enough to try to rape her?

"I can take you to your son, but we have to leave now."

Regina shot up and glared at the guard from earlier, "Why should I trust you?"

She watched him pull out a piece of cloth. "When I was young and at the lowest point of my life, I fell and started crying. Where everyone else had overlooked me, you, my kind queen, helped me up and cleaned my face with this cloth before kissing my head and sending me off. That was the first act of kindness in my life since my family died.

"I serve you, my queen. No one else."

Regina took the cloth, surprised at the strength behind his words, though she didn't remember the incident. However, the conviction and dedication in his words made her believe him.

"Please." He urged, "We have to leave now."

Regina stood warily and nodded. She followed the guard through the halls and what she saw nearly brought tears to her eyes. All of the guards lining the hall way were facing the wall. The guard put a finger to his lips, his eyes promising to explain later. As they quickly moved to the stables, it was the same throughout the castle. The guards were either facing the wall or were staring at something in the sky, all of them mumbling about wishing luck for two travelers.

Once they made it to the stables, a young boy walked up to her shyly with a black horse in tow.

"Good luck, your highness." He said as he handed her the reigns.

She gave a rare, genuine smile, "Thank you." She said and leaned down to press a kiss to his head.

He blushed and moved to hug the guard, "I'm going to miss you."

Regina saw the riding clothes on the saddle and nearly jumped for joy. Riding in a dress was not something she was fond of. Quickly, she changed out of sight.

The guard kneeled down, "I'll miss you too buddy. Here," Strong hands pulled out a necklace, "Wear this. If someone who knows me sees this, they'll offer you whatever you need. Be strong, kid."

The boy nodded and puffed out his chest just as Regina walked back to them. They straddled their horses and the young stable hand waved them off as they raced out into the night. The gate was open and the guards were nowhere to be seen.

Regina looked over at him, "How did you get them to turn their backs?" Regina asked as her horse ran beside his.

"Most of them have sons and daughters of their own, they were sympathetic. The rest? Well," He grinned, "They owe me gambling debts!" He laughed.

Regina rolled her eyes and snapped the reigns ushering the horse on. They ran their horses deep into the forest, the castle slowly disappearing behind them. Regina mentally willed the horse to go faster. She needed to get to Henry. "Please." She whispered to the animal and she felt him run faster, the guard close behind.

After a few hours, they stopped set up camp.

"What is your name, guard?" Regina asked as she watched him clear the area, preparing to start a fire. He turned to her and sighed, "My name is Swan, your highness." He pulled off his helmet and Regina gasped at the golden hair that fell from under the helmet.

"A woman?" Regina's brow rose before she steeled her expression, "Now I remember. You foolish child, why have you risked life and limb to join the castle guard? Surely not because of one act of kindness?"

Swan nodded as she handed Regina her meal for the night, "I was but a beggar, your highness. I had no choice but a life of servitude. After that day, I decided that I would only serve you."

Regina remained silent and ate the food given to her. Swan attempted to converse with her, but Regina only ignored her, shooting glares so cold they threatened to extinguish the fire. Once she was finished eating, the queen yawned.

Swan quickly set about hitching up a tent. When it was finished, she set up the sleeping bag and stood at the flap, her head lowered to the ground. "Your highness."

Regina stood and stopped just before she entered the tent. "Thank you for..." she trailed off. Swan bowed,

"Goodnight, your majesty."

Regina nodded sharply and stepped into her tent.

A/N: What do you think? Admittedly, I haven't watched much of the show. Like...two episodes? However, I definitely enjoy the fandom (Lana is sexy af) so hopefully, that makes up for lack of actual viewing time. Should I continue?

Happy holidays!