"How does it feel to know you left your family behind, Miss Swan?"

She thought about it, taking in the queen's words. How did she feel?

"I guess I feel fine," Emma admitted. "I just miss my son."

For a moment, Regina felt the pangs of understanding, and maybe even pity. She knew what it was like to love someone just out of reach, someone who'd been taken from her, and she recognized the pain in Emma's eyes as she spoke the words. She thought back to their experience in Neverland and wondered how she could feel so differently. As they'd fought to get their son back, joining forces and sharing magic, Regina had felt a bond of understanding between them. But she wasn't about to give up her son to Emma after fighting so hard to get him back, even if Emma had been the one to help her with the task.

"I know," Regina said. "But I can't let you see him. I can't let you take him from me."

Oddly enough, Emma understood. There would never come a day when they would not fight over their son. Truly, they were both his parents, and they both wanted him in their lives. And it wasn't like they could share, and they certainly weren't about to let Henry choose.

"Regina, please," Emma said.

Emma didn't expect pleading with her to work, but it was certainly worth a try. She was willing to attempt anything to get her son back.

"I can't. I'm sorry, Miss Swan, but you are never going to see Henry again."

A smirk tugged at the corners of the queen's lips, a triumphant expression of having conquered her enemy.

"Emma, you have always tried to take my son from me, but you will never succeed."

Turning her back on the blonde, she opened the great doors to the hallway and motioned for her guards to bind Emma's hands.

"Make her comfortable, but see to it that she doesn't leave the room until I give the order."

The guards nodded and said, in unison, "Yes, your majesty."

THE NEXT DAY

Regina threw the chamber door open and entered the room to find Emma sitting on the bed, staring at the floor.

"I have a proposition for you, Miss Swan."

"Oh, yeah? And what would that be?"

"Gold has taken something of mine. Something of a certain level of importance. And I want it back. If you help my guards track him and get it back - they're all incompetent fools-" she shot the guards a disgusted look "-I will let you leave."

Emma threw her head back and laughed.

"You think I'll give up on my son so easily?"

"This is my final offer, Miss Swan."

Emma thought on this, considering her options. On the one hand, she refused to leave without her son. On the other hand, the longer she engaged the queen, the better her opportunity to get the upper hand and turn the tables in her own favor. Any chance to gain an edge over the other woman would be welcomed.

"Alright. How are we going to do this?"

"You'll travel with my guards, who will be watching your every move in every moment, and report to me as your search develops."

Emma shrugged and said, "Alright."

DAYS LATER

"And how is the search going?" Regina asked.

Emma looked up at her, taking in the expression on her face. The queen was worried. Obviously, it was an object she was emotionally invested in, which intrigued Emma immensely. What could possibly mean so much to her? Regina hadn't told her what the item actually was, and she hadn't asked. 'Just track him down and we'll find it once the bastard is captive and secure,' she'd said.

"Actually, we're hot on the trail. He's not as hard to track as I thought he'd be. He certainly does leave his mark wherever he goes."

"I think you get your skill for tracking form your father."

Emma said nothing to this, not wanting to think of David. She also didn't like the thought of sharing anything with him, including a particular skill or talent. When Regina saw that Emma wasn't going to respond, she realized the the comment had probably been unwanted and actually regretted saying it.

"It was meant to be a compliment," she said matter-of-factly, trying not to show just how genuinely remorseful she was when she knew how much the thought of Emma's father bothered her.

"It wasn't one," Emma retorted, staring down at the floor.

"So, how long before we reach him?"

"I'd say days. He's close."

Regina nodded and said, "Good."

"What is this item I'm supposed to find?"

Regina hesitated.

"Just tell me. I don't care what it is. Just tell me."

The sincerity in Emma's voice made Regina's heart soften, and with a sigh, she decided to disclose the identity of the object they were searching for.

"It's a locket that my father gave me when I turned thirteen."

Emma's expression changed and grew concerned, her brows furrowing.

"I'm sorry he took that from you," Emma said softly.

The queen's heart hardened, and she lifted her head.

"He'll pay for it, I assure you."

Emma raised her head as well, looking into the queen's eyes, saying, "We'll find it, Regina."

Regina nodded weakly but stayed silent.