Ten of Hearts

Chapter 22: Love Is...

Yippee it's up earlier than anticipated!  I guess I buckled down today.  I deserve a good girl sticker.  Anyways here's the chapter:

The captain's hook connected with the hatter's face and he screamed in pain. The rope in his mouth muffled his voice though. He kept punching him hard in the face as redness appeared, some of it was blood leaking out of broken skin.

The pirate got in his face, his breath smelling of rum. "You love your dear queen don't you Hatter?"

Jefferson started fight the restraints which chaffed. He tried to speak but it came out muffled.  "Now you see this very sharp hook of mine?  Let's see what I can do your dear Evil Queen, huh?" The pirate taunted, raising an eyebrow.

   Jefferson wanted to kill him and he couldn't which made him even more furious.  "DON'T YOU TOUCH HER!!" He screamed but it was still slightly muffled. 

   Hook just chuckled as he left the room. The hatter continued to scream and the course ropes holding him down dug into his skin, drawing blood.  He was infuriated that he couldn't get to Regina and just hold her, tell her he loved her and that everything was going to be okay.

   But staying in the pirate's ship didn't give him hope.  He didn't know if that damn drunken scoundrel would hurt Regina. And if he even laid a hand on her he swore he would have his revenge.

   The captain came back into the lower room.  He still had that evil smirk on his face.  Jefferson glared at him.  "You know instead of waisting my time finding your dear queen, how about I test this sword on you?  Instead of death she'll have her shriveled little heart broken."

   Fear was painted on the Hatter's face. I'm gonna die.

...

The Mansion

Regina had made it home and her feet were aching due to her uncomfortable yet stylish footwear. She took the hidden key from a plant pot and opened the front door. Upon walking in Grace ran into the door like lightning. 

   "Grace!  What are you doing?!" Regina shouted.

   "I need...to...take that cuff off of you," she said as her breathing was starting to calm.

   "Grace, I love you but you need to get away," she pleaded. 

   The little girl refused and pried the cuff off of Regina's wrist.  She hugged her tightly.  "I love you, mom," Grace said as tears filled her eyes. 

   Regina bent down to her level and held her shoulders.  "Don't cry, sweetheart.  Okay?  I love you with all my heart," she said, holding the little girl's chin.

   Regina braced Grace's head and placed a kiss on her forehead.  "You gotta get out of here.  I'm serious, Grace."

   "Okay.  But where do I go?"

   "I'm sure Sheriff Swan is looking for you.  Don't be alarmed just follow her orders, okay sweetie?  I love you," she said again and planted a kiss on her temple. 

   "Love you too, mom," Grace said sadly and walked out. 

   Tears fell down Regina's face.  She felt a wave of darkness wash over her.  Everything that was happening was severely depressing her and she felt like there was no way to fix her world.  Her hand hovered above her own heart, wanting to rip it out and not feel the pain of loosing everything she worked for.