As time has passed, Anastacia has grown, now a full year old. Tonight in honor of her birthday, is a royal ball. Esther is hard at work supervising the other maidens, in preparation for Anastacia's birthday. Invitations went out some time ago and most everyone on the guest list has already confirmed their attendance.
Esther sets out the cake and begins directing the guests to the ball room. Slowly, the present table begins to fill. The other maidens bring the roasted Turkey leg, fruits, veggies, and bread from the kitchen, and readily set them on the table.
...
The night begins well. Royals dance around Charming, as he dances with both his girls one after the other for most of the evening. Esther has set up a bench in the ball room for Sno to rest on and comfort Brody, who, she holds contently on her shoulder. Every now and then, a Royal will come closer to Sno, anxious to sneak a peek at the future Prince.
Then Regina shows up. She strides in carefree, shoving some guests aside. She smiles an evil smile when she sees Sno resting with her new son, and casually strolls over to her
"Well. Has it been a whole year already?" she asks shaking her head.
"Stepmother?!" Sno says angrily."I guess I won't even ask where your invitation is, since I know I did not invite you!"
Sno's guards begin to prepare themselves as Sno's voice rises, but stop and wait, as she raises her hand to stop them.
"Calm yourself Sno." Regina laughs, noticing the guards readying themselves. "Take a look at that little Angel of yours... that little Anastacia.. as you call her..." Regina continues watching as Anastacia sways and moves with the music, losing her balance several times and falling down, only to clap her hands and get right back up again.
"She is an angel, isn't she?" Sno replies kissing Brody's soft hair.
"Kind of reminds me of my own Daughter..." Regina says crossly. "She's getting too old." Regina continues, "Pretty soon, she won't be a little girl anymore, she will be a grown woman, when are you going to give me my Daughter back!?" Regina demands angrily.
Sno rolls her eyes and finally motions her guards."Remove her please." she requests with a wave of her hand.
"Yes your Majesty." they echo in unison, taking Regina's arm and leading her out. "Just you wait, every year, every year I lose, you will pay for.. " Regina calls as she is lead out.
Sno is startled by her threat, but then she remembers a couple years before when she gave empty threats then as well.
"That's all they are." Sno tells herself, empty threats...