A/N: All the characters we know and love from OUAT exist in this story (with exception of Zelena, Neal, Henry and and new season 4 characters) and I will try to explain what they are up to and how their storylines change without Regina's curse. I will devote entire chapters to the backstories of Regina, Cora, Snow and Rumple, as well as the villains. This is basically an ensemble cast story.

It may get a little complicated, so here are the basics: I decided to call the realm within Fairy Tale Land the Charmings live in "Aragon." They live in the White Kingdom in the town of Everton. The Enchanted Forest only refers to the forest itself and lies in Everton as well. The current rulers of Everton are King Leopold and Queen Eva, but they will pass on the crown to Snow White towards the end of the story. If there is ever a second installment to this story, Emma will be Queen.

Chapter I - A Princess is Born

Once Upon a Time in Fairy Tale Land, a world divided up into many realms, in which all fairy tale characters and creatures lived peacefully side by side, there lived a princess whose life was to be cast into tumultuous turmoil when her family would be cursed and separated forever by an evil sorcerer called Rasputin. Until that day would come, however, she lived her life as happily as can be, fearless; never once expecting what was to lie in store for her.

This princess' name was to be Emma. A name that was to stand for courage and resilience. Emma would one day only be known as "the Saviour" throughout the realm of Aragon. This realm was ruled by Emma's mother Snow White and her father Prince Charming, whom Snow merely lovingly referred to as "Charming," something she had done since they had first met. Emma's parents were a happy couple who had finally found their happy ending after many trials and tribulations. The only thing now missing to complete their happiness was a child, a child which was to be born this day and which was to pay a price for her courage in trying to save her family, a price that was to destroy Emma's happiness, possibly never to be restored again...

The Realm of Aragon

October 22, 1983

"She's in labour," Prince Charming heard the midwife call out to him, as she rushed into the library where he had been waiting patiently, trying to read to distract himself from his worry.

Snow was not having any onlookers. As always, she wanted to get through her pain on her own. "You'd better come," the midwife continued. "She needs you there, even if she would never admit it. Come, hurry!" she urged him, panting.

"I'll be there right away," Charming responded in his ever-so-gallant manner. Running up the winding staircase to their bedroom at top speed, he finally came rushing to Snow's aid.

"What are you doing here?" Snow immediately asked him reproachfully. "Didn't I tell you to...," she broke off in an exasperated tone.

"Stay away?" Charming completed her question. "Yes, you did, but I want to be here for you. I want us to go through this together, as we always do."

Snow groaned, in too much pain to respond.

"It's almost here," they heard the midwife say.

"IT?" Snow said menacingly through gritted teeth. "It...? You mean SHE."

"OK, now. Don't let me distract you. Just a few more...push…PUSH!"

And finally, Emma's first wails could be heard, as the midwife carefully held the new born in her arms. "What a beauty!" she exclaimed and handed the baby girl over to Snow to hold for the first time.

"Amazing!" Charming said awe-struck.

Snow's entire face glowed with happiness. "I will never let anything happen to you, my precious girl. My precious Emma. You hear me?" she whispered softly into Emma's ear, kissing her tiny hairless head gently.

"Yes, we will always protect you," Charming agreed, kneeling down by Snow's side. The couple could not be happier at this moment. Little did they know that their happiness would soon come to an abrupt end in but a few years' time.