Hook didn't say anything further; he didn't need to. Emma knew that she'd already completely changed the past by even allowing Regina to see her in the first place. It could have been fine if she'd stayed away but being in her presence was just too tempting.

She sighed and looked back up at Hook. "I will figure out a way for us to get home," she said quietly.

Surprisingly, Hook slipped down the wall too and rested his hand on the blonde's knee. She cringed but didn't remove it.

"I believe in you, Swan," he said. "I know you can do this. I just don't want you to get hurt along the way. I know what she can be like."

Emma smiled sadly. She knew the pirate had feelings for her and at one point, she thought she could reciprocate them, especially now that Regina was dating Robin, but she knew it wasn't fair to string him along.

"I'll try. Where have you been?" She asked, trying to stem the conversation away from her and get her thoughts off Regina and the forest man.

"Hiding on the Jolly Roger actually," he replied. "In a room that was rumoured to be haunted. Now I think about it, I must be the reason for the legend." He chuckled quietly. "Perhaps we were always destined to come back." He shrugged. "What's it like working for the Queen?"

"I don't actually. I work for her father," Emma revealed. "He's so sweet and I'm already so fond of him after only three days. I'm even happier now that Regina named Henry after him. I'd have done the same."

Hook didn't know how to reply to that. He didn't want Emma to be getting fond of the people around her. She needed to get on with her plan to get them home. He didn't say any of that though, he'd faced her temper before and knew it wouldn't be best to spark it now.

"I should get going," he murmured as he began to stand up. "Now that I know you're okay."

"I have every other Sunday off, so we can meet again and I can let you know how I'm getting on." Emma stood up too and brushed the dirt off her dress. "I'll meet you in the village down the road if I have any news. If I don't turn up, it's because I don't have anything yet. Is that okay?"

The pirate nodded. "Aye, love, that'll do."

The two made their way back to the now empty kitchen and Emma watched the pirate leave. She could sense that he wanted to give her a parting hug, but she stayed just out of his reach.

Once the door was shut behind him, she let out a frustrated groan.

"I take it that was an ex then?" Said a voice from behind her. Emma spun round and saw Laverne standing in the doorframe, arms crossed, with an eyebrow raised , wearing a smirk that Regina would be proud of.

"He wishes," Emma muttered in return.

Laverne didn't reply at first, but simply raised her eyebrow even higher. She made her way into the room and motioned for Emma to take a seat before she started boiling some water for tea.

"That sounds intriguing," she said as she set the tea in front of Emma. She pulled up a chair and sat beside her.

Emma laughed and took a sip of her tea, humming in content at the taste. "There's nothing to say really. He's been trying to, well, court me for a while and…"

"You're far too good for him," Laverne said, cutting Emma off and waved her hand, scoffing. "Anyone stupid enough to get their hand removed isn't worth your time."

Emma thought it was best not to reveal the true story to how Hook got his moniker. Instead, she shrugged and changed the subject.

"I actually came in earlier to tell you to not make me any dinner tonight."

"Oh? Where are you eating?" The cook asked. It was rare that she didn't make dinner for the two maids that worked along side her. "Sir Henry also said not to make him anything tonight as he's dining with the Queen."

"So am I," Emma whispered in reply. She thought she'd said it too quietly and Laverne hadn't heard at first as the cook didn't say anything. Emma then looked up and saw the look of shock on her face. "What?"

"You're dining with the Queen?" She repeated. "No maid has ever, ever, dined with the Queen."

Emma shrugged. "It's for saving her father apparently. I mean I didn't really do anything." She finished her tea and went to stand up. "Either way, I can't really be late."

She quickly hurried out of the kitchen, leaving the cook to sit in shock in silence. Emma couldn't take her silent surprise any longer. She had to get out of there.

She checked her watch, thankful that it still worked despite being back in time, and saw that it was coming up to four. She had three hours until she had to meet the Queen. She decided to make use of the time and go take a long bath.

Sighing, she picked up what she needed. Already she was missing central heating and indoor plumbing. She also missed her phone as she realised she must have dropped it before falling into the portal. Though really, what good would it do to have it? It wouldn't make calls through time and space and she'd have no way of charging it.

The bathroom was easy to find and she quickly started heating the water on the nearby fire while she got the homemade herbal shampoo ready. She wished once more that she had her magic back and could fill the bathtub with hot bubbly water where she could sit and relax, but alas no, she had to do it, quite literally, the old-fashioned way.

Once all the water was ready, she quickly undressed and slipped into the bathtub. She allowed the water to sooth her body and she shut her eyes to relax. She tried not to think because she knew she'd start thinking about her family and how much she missed them. Instead, she let herself go numb and blank. She concentrated on the water flowing around her body and imagined she was in her bathtub in Storybrooke, surrounded by bubbles and scented candles. She'd most likely have some soothing piano music on in the background.

When she was finally relaxed and clean, she stepped out of the bath and headed back to her bedroom. She looked in the draws in her desk and saw there was a little bit of makeup. She used what she could to blacken her eyelashes and coat her lips before going through the wardrobe, hoping to find something suitable.

It took a while as most dresses were too plain, but she found a light blue dress at the back. It still wasn't special, but it was nicer than her work dresses. It had short sleeves and dipped slightly at her chest, flowing out and ending just above her knees. Once dressed, she headed towards the sitting room and sat before the blazing fire to see if that would dry her hair quicker. She kept running her fingers through it, so it wouldn't get knotty. It took a while, but her hair was finally dry enough to seem decent. She returned once more to her room to check her watch which she'd left on her bedside table. It was coming up to six forty-five. As she wanted to make a good impression, and the fact she didn't actually know where she was meant to be going, she decided to leave.

She followed endless corridors and had to ask a couple of guards for directions, but she soon found where she was meant to be. The final guards opened the door and she was met with a long marble table. It was set with three places. One at the end, where Emma presumed Regina would sit, and one either side. There were two large candles in the centre but there was nothing else there. The table just sat waiting to be filled.

Looking around the room, Emma realised that she was alone as the guards had left the room. Unsure of what to do, she stepped out to the balcony and gazed at the vast land. She couldn't recognise much but she thought she could vaguely see her parents' castle that was yet to be theirs in the distance. She wasn't sure who lived there at the moment, but part of her wished to visit while she was there, to see the place she would be born.

"It's unusual for the guest to arrive first," remarked a husky voice from behind.

Emma span around and was met with the teasing brown eyes of the Queen. As usual, Regina was dressed to perfection. She wore a burgundy dress that fit her like a second skin. It was high at the front but was backless aside from the golden threads that weaved like a corset fastening. Emma felt her face flush as she took in the Queen and knew her eyes were subconsciously darkening.

"I didn't want to be late, your Majesty," Emma replied before curtsying deeply. "May I say, you look absolutely beautiful."

She looked up and saw Regina look shocked, so unused to receive such a compliment. The corner of the Queen's mouth quivered as if she was fighting a smile and Emma smiled, knowing that she was actually getting through the evil and just see the Queen. She opened to her mouth to reply but was cut off as Henry entered the room.

"Sorry, I'm late!" He called as he walked in. "I lost track of time while reading my book." He crossed the room and took his daughter's hand and kissed it. "You look wonderful, your Majesty." He then turned to Emma and the blonde was surprised when he repeated his actions. "As do you, Emma."

Emma blushed. "Thank you."

Henry smiled brightly. "Tonight, you are not my maid. You are my saviour."

It took all of Emma's control not to laugh at the term. Fortunately, Regina and her father didn't seem to notice as they walked over to the table.

As predicted, Regina sat at the top of the table and Henry automatically took the seat to her left, leaving the right to be taken by Emma. She quickly walked over and sat beside the Queen. She tried her best not to stare at her beauty but found herself slipping at odd moments.

Soon the food was brought out, there were three platters, one of chicken, one of potatoes and a final one full of vegetables.

"This looks wonderful," Henry commented.

Another server then brought out a bottle of wine, splitting it between their three glasses.

"A toast!" Henry called as he picked up his glass. Regina rolled her eyes and Emma giggled quietly at the scene. "To Emma, for saving me!"

Emma blushed once again but held her glass up too. Regina picked up her glass and brought it to the middle, but she didn't take her eyes off Emma as she repeated, "to Emma," and Emma thought her heart was going to burst with happiness.

The meal was going down well, the food was delicious. The wine was replenished quickly whenever she was halfway through and she was starting to feel a slight buzz.

"Have you had any more luck regaining your magic?" Regina asked Emma.

The blonde shook her head. "I don't really know much about it, I'm still learning, so I don't know what to try to bring it back."

"What were you thinking when it came back last time? Perhaps that's the best place to start?" Henry suggested.

At this, Emma didn't know how to respond. She couldn't exactly tell the truth that she was thinking about how much she cared for the woman sat in front of her, either version, or the fact that she wanted to wipe the smugness off the man that would become her future partner because she was jealous that he got her.

"I just wanted to do what I could to help you, Sir," she settled on. It was partially the truth and it seemed to be a good answer as Regina smiled softly.

"You know, Regina, I was thinking that perhaps you should be the one to work with Emma to get it back," Henry murmured.

Regina looked at her father, her brow furrowed, not quite sure what he was playing at. This was the first time that he'd ever invited one of his maids to dine with them, as it had been his idea. Now he was suggesting the two spend time with each other. He was up to something, she just couldn't figure out what it was.

"I wouldn't want to disrupt her Majesty's day!" Emma said quickly, not wanting to get between the Queen and her father.

"Nonsense, I don't have much to do at the moment," Regina replied, surprising herself at how quickly she agreed. "We start tomorrow."

"I'm not free until Sunday, your Majesty," Emma said regretfully.

"I'm sure Esmeralda can spare you for an hour," Henry said. "In fact, I'll tell her myself, but I'll say that you're working on something for me. It's probably best your magic isn't announced until it's back."

Emma looked up at her boss in surprise but smiled and nodded. "Thank you."

The servers then came over and took away their plates, before replacing them with dessert which was something in chocolate. Emma wasn't sure what it was, but it was just as delicious as the main. The conversation got lighter, discussing what each had done during the day, but Emma stayed quiet, not wanting to join in.

Instead, she watched how Regina and her father interacted. It reminded how Emma of how Regina interacted with their Henry. Her eyes were full of love and her smile was genuine. She seemed so relaxed in his presence and she laughed at his jokes. She looked so much younger than when she was in Storybrooke and just so at ease despite ruling and searching for Snow. Emma felt her breath catch and she tried to ignore it. It could not be possible. She was definitely not allowed to be falling in love with the Evil Queen because if she did, she'd never want to get home and she needed to. She had to get back to her family and she desperately wanted to get back to her son.

"Emma?"

The blonde blinked a few times and shook her head. She saw both Henry and Regina were looking at her. The latter looked confused but the former just smiled. "Sorry, I mused have zoned out. Is everything okay?"

"I was saying I'm going to retire for the evening," Henry said softly.

Emma nodded. "I'll walk with you."

"No, don't leave on my account," he said hurriedly. "I'm sure Regina wouldn't mind the company."

Regina looked at her father in shock before rearranging her features and smiling. "Of course not."

The three stood from the table and Henry hugged his daughter. "Goodnight."

Henry left the room, leaving Emma and Regina alone. Neither knew what to say as they stood there.

"I can go if you prefer?" Emma said softly. "I won't tell your father if you don't want."

To the blonde's surprise, the Queen laughed. It was her melodic laugh that warmed Emma's core. "You're refreshing. Most people are terrified of me or want one thing from me," Regina admitted.

"I want whatever you wish to give me, your Majesty." Emma paused at her words, realising what they could mean and she could have sworn Regina's breath hitched at the comment, but she didn't want to believe that was true.

"Would you care for a glass of cider?" Regina asked to get the conversation away from the dangerous track it was taking.

"I'd love one," Emma replied and she was reminded of the first night that the two met. When Emma brought Henry back and Regina offered her a glass of cider.

"Come, we'll go to the sitting room."

Emma followed the Queen's lead. They walked for a few moments down a corridor until Regina stepped into a smaller room that only consisted of a sofa and a rug in front of a coal fire. The Queen waved her hand and the fire was lit, the flames dancing and illuminating the room. She waved her hand once more and a decanter of cider along with two glasses landed on the small table in front of the sofa.

"Take a seat," Regina offered, motioning to the sofa.

Emma didn't hesitate and sat down quickly. Surprisingly, when Regina sat down, she sat beside her and not at the other end. The blonde was so temped to reach out and rest her hand on her knee, but she knew she couldn't. Instead, she squeezed her own knee as to keep it under control.

Regina didn't seem to notice as she poured out two small glasses of cider. Emma sat back and watched, enjoying the reflection of the fire in the Queen's eyes, brightening them and making her eyelashes look longer.

Before she knew it, Regina was holding out a glass for Emma to take. She took it quickly and clinked it gently against the Queens before taking a sip. Her eyes shut and she moaned quietly at the familiar taste coating her tongue. She felt a drip start to fall on her lip and quickly flicked out her tongue to lick it off. She only looked up when she heard Regina's breath hitch for definite this time. She saw the already deep brown eyes darken a fraction more.

She knew this could get dangerous, so she decided to say something to stem her thoughts. "You don't need to help me with my magic," she said quietly. "I can try and figure it out myself."

"Nonsense," Regina repeated and waved her off. "If I don't help, you'll have to go to the imp and I don't trust him with something as pure as you." Emma didn't know how to reply, so she didn't. "In fact," she leant forward and placed her glass back on to the table and took Emma's out of her hands and placed it beside it, "I'll try to see what's blocking it now."

Emma presumed the Queen would just waved her hand over her to assess the matter, but she didn't. Instead, she instructed Emma to stand up before she stood in front of her. She stepped close, just like they had the night before. Emma could hear and feel her heart start to hammer in anticipation.

Then Regina took Emma's hands in hers, running her thumbs over her knuckles, as she concentrated on them as if trying to find the answer there. Before the blonde knew it, she'd taken a step closer and there was barely a breath between them. At the closer contact, Regina's head snapped up and brown eyes met the dazzling green of the blonde's and Emma heard her breath hitch once more.

Emma licked her lips in anticipation as she made eye contact with the Queen. She swore she could see the desire reflected in the chocolate brown. She shut her eyes and held her breath as she gathered all her nerve and slowly leant forward, closing the gap between them. Just as she was convinced she was about to feel Regina's lips press against hers, she suddenly felt herself be thrown across the room and into the wall. She hit it with a bang and cried out in pain.

Within seconds, Regina was in her face once more, but she looked livid. "What the hell are you playing at!? Don't you dare try that again!" She hissed, venom dripping in her voice. "I am the Queen!" She waved her hand and a fireball lit in her palm. "Be fortunate that my father likes you otherwise you'd be ash."

Emma tried to speak but when she opened her mouth, all she could taste was salt and she realised she was crying. Before she could utter her apology, the Queen waved her hand once more and the next thing Emma knew was she was lying fully dressed on her bed.

Without even bothering to undress, she rolled over and buried her head into the pillow and cried into the night.