The Queen's Saviour

Chapter One: Use Your Illuson I

BEEP BEEP BEEP!!! The sound of my alarm immediately wakes me from my slumber, I glance over to see the bright red numbers flash 1:00 pm. I move to shut off the annoying sound while letting out a guttural moan into my pillow without ever lifting my face from its cool Egyptian cotton pillow cover. So much for beauty rest. Having only gone to bed at 10:00 am after a very heated discussion turned Witch Fight in the town square, which then led to a small Charming family meeting, which then led to a bigger meeting for "need to know members only" as Henry called it, that was held at granny's earlier this morning to discuss further action. No, one had an ounce of sleep except maybe baby Neal. Once fingers started pointing my way for the charade that went down hours before, I left faster than Leroy could even get his half-sauced insults out, no doubt he was already piss drunk by now. Due to searching for answers on anything that the witch had said, how to defeat her, and the actual fight itself I was exhausted. Rolling over placing my arms under my pillow above my head and stretching my aching body out before even considering getting out of bed. After another ten minutes of pure grace and serenity, I slowly shlep my body out of bed and make my way to the master bathroom stripping away my blue silk pajamas one article of clothing at a time before finally removing my panties. A small shiver runs down my spine as the mixture of warm and cool air from the baseboard heaters and window above it, which I must say are working nicely on this fall afternoon in Maine. Wiping the sleep from my eyes I habitually reach for the hot water knob on the claw-footed bath and shower. Preparing myself for the warmth, a subtle but noticeable difference from the outside air of the master suite. Giving myself an inner pep talk for the day while staring into the large white wooden framed mirror below the four bright fluorescent lights. This became another habit since - well since Ms. Swan interrupted my life, still not sure for better or worse these days... Today was one of my many days off now that caos struck Storybrooke, which I was put to blame once again, and I was determined to enjoy it. Stepping into the tub, the feeling of warm water cascading down my back had become a familiar sanctuary for me in these troubled times. Who am I kidding! Showers have always been my sanctuary!

Slowly letting the water rush down my bed-ridden hair, gliding in between my shoulder blades sending an uncontrollable shiver as water trailed down the curvature of my spine. I finally feel all the stress from the day before, wash away down my body, and into the drain as I scrub away the filth with my bath cloth and Zum Soap Bar. Putting the first round of shampoo on my scalp, lathering it through my roots I can feel the tension release from my skull. Causing a sigh of relief to escape my lips for the first time in days. Running my head under the welcoming water I washed away the Homemade Spiced Apple Rum and Goat Milk shampoo, an old hobby of mine, out of my hair, rubbing my hands over my face before repeating the shampoo routine again. Taking a giant inhale before completely plummeting my face under the water. I set my eyes on the half-empty bottle of the matching scented conditioner and began beating the top of the bottle into the palm of my hand before opening the lid and squeezing the contents into a dollop a size greater than a dollar coin. Running the cream through my wet ends, making sure the contents made it up to my scalp enough to detangle from sleep, again repeating this step before running my fingers through my hair one last time under the water to rinse just enough of it out. Collecting my razor and cream from the corner shelf of the bath wall, I lifted and glazed my left leg with the apple-scented shaving cream before running the razor up and down gracefully on my shin, a habit that may be excessive but a habit nonetheless, one of many I suppose. I run the razor up to my thigh and into the crease of my pelvis. Should I trim it up down here too? It always makes me feel better to have a nice clean patch of curls that most certainly do match the drapes. I decide to do so in the spirit of feminine positivity. After making sure to repeat the earlier steps on the right side of my body I rinse off with my bath cloth and bar soap once more and turn the hot water knob off. Stepping out of the shower into the now warm and steamy ensuite I reach for my plush white and gold-trimmed bath towel before wrapping it around my newborn baby-like flesh to keep in the warmth, unready to let go of the bliss just yet. I wrap a matching hair towel softly but securely around my head to keep the water from running down my forehead any further. Stepping over to the mirror once more I wipe off the remaining evidence of condensation from the glass, revealing a fresh and undeniably stunning woman. I am NOT afraid to admit that I am HOT! I grabbed my toothpaste and began the normal routine of brushing my teeth. Watching as I brush every tooth with enough vigor to get the reminisce of sleep from my teeth, doing the same for my tongue before rinsing and repeating while singing the chorus to Tiny Dancer in my head and humming along out loud. Taking a great long look at myself once I've finished applying my mascara and signature Evil Queen red lip, removing the towel from my hair slowly as I watch the locks fall and get caught on my shoulders. I relish in the bliss of my sanctuary for a moment longer before reality comes back and to slap me in the ass. This is not how I pictured my life would be once Ms. Swan had broken the curse, albeit I imagined more pitchforks and burning at the stake but alas The Saviour had kept her word to Henry to keep ME safe. She always held true to her word. Reaching for the black silk house robe before entering my bedroom once again to collect the clothes I had laid out for myself the night before. A pearl satin blouse with rose gold buttons down the center ending above the naval. Along with a set of matching black panties and bra, accompanied by a pair of knee-high garters. Finally slipping on my slate grey skirt suit, will I need the matching suit jacket? Deciding to just leave it I place the jacket back down on my bed, turning to leave the room. I catch a glimpse of myself in the full body mirror in the corner of my room. My black red bottom heels are neatly placed beside it. I pitter over to the corner and slip one stocking clad foot into a shoe at a time. Checking my reflection one last time before habitually flicking the light switch on the wall, leaving the dark sanctuary behind me. Making my way down the hall I have a lapse of emotion and my breath catches in my throat as I see the door to Henry's room slightly ajar, with an irrational sense of hope I open the door further hoping to see the familiar face sitting upon his bed with his beloved book or comics. With another slap of reality, I quickly turned and shut the door behind me not wanting to be reminded anymore of my son's absence. It had been two weeks since Henry had slept in his room, leaving a child-sized hole in my heart once again that grew each passing night, along with the feeling of abandonment the room gave off. Finally making my way down the stairs I take a deep breath as I see the light come through the windows of the door shining in and cascading a light show onto the floor of the dining room. I wander into the kitchen with a small grumble in my stomach, unsure of what I could possibly want for breakfast or lunch or whatever type of meal it would be at this time of day...brunch maybe? Unable to make a decision I grab the container of popcorn kernels above the fridge and place some into the covered pot on the stove, adding the needed oils and seasonings to give the light snack a little kick, the secret being a pinch of cayenne pepper. My eyes wander to the window catching a glimpse of a family of bluebirds landing on the shrub in my front yard. Normally the sight of such an animal would give my stomach a twist leading me to think about the beloved Snow White, but that time has passed, now I simply try to enjoy the innocent nature of any animal that crosses my path. I've no clue as to where this sense of empathy for such creatures came from. Listening for the final few pops of the kernels on the stove I lower the heat and replace the pot with the back burner. The smell of the treat engulfed the whole kitchen, creating a feeling of warmth and movie theater-esque vibes.