Autumn leaves are falling. The ground is speckled with a vast array of red, yellow, and orange. King and Lady White, Charming, and little Mila have made the journey from their kingdom to meet the new baby, Princess Selena.
After the obligatory ogling over the new baby, Charming decides he would much rather be getting to know Sno. He takes his leave and begins to search for her. He finds her in the kitchen doing her homework and asks to join her.
“Wouldn’t you rather see my new sister?” Sno asks, while hoping his answer will be no.
“Well, perhaps, but my teacher will fail me if I come back and my homework isn’t done.” Charming says, thankful that he could come up with a convincing motive.
“…Are you sure that’s the reason?” Sno asks, laughing.
“What else could it be?” Charming replies, laughing as well.
“My friend, Jade, came over today to do homework with me. She’s not feeling very well and has taken a moment to compose herself. Maybe you could help me with this next problem. I’ve been having difficulty with it.” Sno says.
Soon, both Sno and Charming are bent over their homework. Though they try not to let each other see, they’re more focused on the close proximity between one another. Sneaking glances at each other, while continuously trying to appear deep in thought over the complex problems before them.
Suddenly there is a loud commotion from the hall. It gets louder as the participants grow closer to the kitchen
“Your Highness, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. I beg your forgiveness, Highness. I promise I would not have engaged in this event, had I known.” Jade pleads.
"Bah. I don't believe you! I ought to throw you in the dungeon. You are endangering my little girl with your selfish nonsense!" Regina snarls.
Jade had requested assistance in the lavatory when she became sick. Of course Esther and Marian were there to assist her. When Regina found out, she became furious. She feels personally attacked. As though Jade has purposely jeopardized the health of her young baby. Regina is angry and feels taken advantage of.
"You only came here because Charming was going to be here!" Regina continues on her tirade, as the argument finally makes it to the dining hall where Sno and Charming sit "You don't come here to enjoy my castle, or drink my cider, or sit at my table!" Regina continues.
Sno worryingly looks at Charming. "Please excuse me." she says regretfully.
She moves toward the arguing pair and bravely interrupts,
"Mother, that is quite enough! "Jade did not know she was sick. She did not come here tonight with the intention of harming anyone. Now can we please stop?" Sno implores.
Regina sneers angrily at Jade."Fine! But she leaves! Now!'
"Guards!" she yells.
The knights lead Jade out of the castle while Sno helplessly watches. She fears her stepmother is abusing her power. Maybe she has been given too much power, too quickly.
Regina, satisfied that the threat had been eliminated, retreats to her study in the basement. She prefers the solitary atmosphere down there by the dungeons. She faces the mirror attached to the wall. “There’s one way I can ensure Selena will be safe from harm.” She mutters to herself, “It’s my only hope.” Raising her arms, she says the words to the spell quickly.