A/N: I wanted to make this chapter longer but could not include everything I wanted to and get it up before I went away on vacation for a couple weeks and didn't want to make you all wait any longer! I hope you still enjoy this shorter chapter!

Regina was ambushed by Snow and Emma as soon as she walked back into the main hall.

The princess shouted her name frantically, appearing seemingly out of nowhere from the crowd.

Regina jumped and placed a hand over her heart and then shot a soft glare at her. "Must you do that? I have had enough surprises for one day."

Snow's eyes lit up, a smile threatening to break across her face. "You've seen him then?"

"Seen who?" Regina feigned innocence though she wasn't sure why. She had enough confirmation that Robin was real.

Snow took a breath and her face grew serious. "Robin."

The smile that formed her lips at the sound of his name could not be stopped even if she wanted it to. "Yes, I've seen him." She confirmed. "He is currently spending some much needed time with Roland."

Snow bit her lip, suppressing a squeal of delight and her eyes filled with tears as if she was the one who had been reunited with a lost love. Regina then realized it was because of her and her curse that Snow had indeed spent a long time separated from her true love and knew exactly how she felt.

"Oh, Regina." She gasped happily and covered her mouth for a moment. "That is so wonderful! I mean I heard the rumors that he was here but I couldn't believe…how is it even possible?"

"Rumplestiltskin apparently."

Both Snow and Emma frowned in confusion. "Rumplestiltskin? But he's…"

"Dead? Yes apparently he met Robin in this afterlife and somehow sent him back. Robin doesn't know how, Robin doesn't remember much of anything from his time there, and quite frankly, I am so grateful for his return I haven't thought to question it. Although," she sighed with a frown, "Perhaps I should. Perhaps this is all too good to be true."

"Regina." Snow rested her hand kindly on her arm. "Stranger things have happened to us. To have someone return from the dead is…"

"So far impossible." Regina cut her off, her tone a little sharp. "Do you know how long I spent trying to bring back Daniel? And what Whale did to him…" She closed her eyes tightly and shuddered. It had been a very long time since she thought about Daniel, and though she had finally accepted the finality of his death after the Whale incident, and let her heart move on to loving Robin, Daniel's death would always be a sore spot.

"And all my mother did was rip out his heart. Robin was…." she shook her head and sighed, "erased from existence." She whispered distantly, the memory flashing clear as day before her eyes.

"Maybe he wasn't." Emma offered with a shrug.

Regina looked up at her and raised an eyebrow. "No offense, Emma, but you weren't there, you didn't see what happened to him. You didn't see him dissolve into nothing before your eyes."

"True but he is here isn't he?" Emma countered.

"Maybe he was just sent elsewhere." Snow piped in with a gentle shrug. "He was sent to this after world. A place that no mortal could reach but Rumplestiltskin having given his life, was able to save him. Sometimes, Regina, good things do happen."

"Not to me they dont." Regina muttered bitterly with a sigh. "Not usually."

"Look where you are now, Regina. The Queen of the realms with a family that loves you. I think it was about time you got your happily ever after and Robin is apart of that."

"She's right, Regina." Emma nodded in agreement with her mother. "Believe me, I was not the kind of woman who believed in happily ever afters until I got one."

Regina resisted an eyeroll. "You are a Charming. You were destined for happiness since birth."

Emma lifted her eyebrows. "First of all, it was you who made sure that didn't happen. Secondly, because of that, I wasn't raised by them and I made my own decisions, destiny as the savior or not. I found my happiness in Hook, who also was brought back from the dead. No one's destiny is set in stone, you make your own life. The decisions we all made led us here. If Rumplestiltskin brought Robin back to life somehow then it was you who did something that made him want to do something for you in return."

"I suppose." Regina muttered thoughtfully. "I am just waiting for this all to be a dream, to have it taken away from me just like everything else."

"Just like everything else?" Snow furrowed her brow but gave a small smile. "Regina, you've got Henry…"

"You've got two of them." Emma interjected. " And you were the one to bring the Wish Henry back to a sane mind."

"And," Snow continued, nodding to her daughter before looking back to Regina, "You've got your crown and hundreds of people who adore you. It seems to me that you've won. You have your happy-"

"Don't say it," Regina said holding up her hand to silence her and gave her a look, "...there are no happy endings."

"Just happy beginnings." Emma finished with a small smile. "I got mine and you've got yours." She reached out and gently touched her arm. "Accept it and embrace it. Believe me, Regina, chances like this don't come along every day and you can't let it slip through your fingers because of fear."

"Well it appears motherhood has done you well." Regina noted in admiration.

"I've learned a lot over the years." Emma shrugged. "And not just from being a mother - though that helped. Speaking of...I better go find Hook. Hope was getting a little cranky and I handed her off to him."

"Oh, let him take care of her, the pirate could use a little bit of humility an infant provides…"

Emma shot her a look. "Believe me, you don't want Hope getting too cranky. Killian is a great father but there's no stopping her when she's in a mood. I think I should find them both and head home or else she'll be disturbing your entire party."

Regina's mouth twitched up in a small smile. She remembered well how Henry behaved as an infant, it seemed Hope had inherited the same trait. "Well then go, fetch your daughter and husband and most importantly, get some rest. I know you need it."

"Ain't that the truth." Emma muttered but gave a small, tired smile. "I am very happy for you, Regina."

Regina blinked in surprise as Emma suddenly hugged her but then relaxed into her friend's embraced with a small smile.

They shared a smile as Emma pulled away and then Emma then hugged her mother, wished them both goodnight, and headed off to find her family.

Regina watched her until her blonde head disappeared into the crowd and then turned to find Snow still beaming at her.

"What?"

"True love always wins."

Regina groaned and rolled her eyes. "Don't you ever get tired of being optimistic?"

Snow raised her brow and gave her a pointed look. "Don't you ever get tired of being pessimistic?"

"I get tired of being disappointed after I get my hopes up." Regina countered.

"Karma, Regina. Good things tend to happen to good people."

"Not in my experience. I am sure I don't need to remind you of what happened in my early years."

Snow's smile faltered slightly. "Unfortunately your misery was a result of your mother, sometimes we are victims of other people but in the end good always wins. For you, good has won. Accept it, Regina. Frankly, I think this proves Robin is your true love. You always find your way back to each other."

Regina resisted another eye roll as Snow quoted her famed phrase that she shared with her husband, but she turned her head off in the direction where she had left Robin with Roland with a hint of a smile. She thought maybe Snow was actually right this time.

The party crowds slowly dwindled though it's enthusiasm did not. Those that stayed were more than content to feast, drink and dance to their heart's content.

Regina herself was starting to feel exhausted, having mingled her way through each different room. She didn't mind socializing in the political world, in fact she enjoyed it, but it was the small talk about nothing for hours on end that started to grate at her nerves.

Part of her, most of her, wanted to go find Robin, to be with him, catch up on the time they had missed. She knew she couldn't do that, however, because Robin was with Roland and that is where he needed to be.

After excusing herself from the group she was talking to, she headed into the throne room which had also been turned into a dance hall for the party.

There were people dancing but she weaved her way through them and plopped herself down into Snow's throne. She knew the princess wouldn't mind and she was queen after all.

She closed her eyes for a moment as she relaxed into the chair. She made a quick mental note to ask Snow about the material used to cushion, but it's comfort only served to allow her to drift off.

She was only pulled back to reality by a low cough in front of her.

She blinked opened her eyes to find her adult son smiling at her.

She smiled weakly at him and straightened up in the chair with a groan. Her previous position hadn't done well for her back.

"Henry." She greeted him warmly.

"Grandma said you disappeared in this direction. I thought you'd be with Robin."

"He is with Roland…" She flinched as another twinge of pain shot through her back. She definitely wasn't as young as she used to be. "What time is it?"

Henry looked to the watch on his right wrist. "Uh, just past ten."

Regina blinked in surprise. "Well, I did take quite the nap." The sun had just set when she left Robin. She must have been out for at least an hour.

Henry laughed. "You did have a big day full of surprises. Speaking of which…"

He cleared his throat and straightened up, folding one arm behind his back as he held the other out towards her. "My Queen, may I have this dance?"

Refina was then aware of the quiet, slow melody that was filling the room from the speakers.

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Henry." She said in exasperation.

"Mom," he replied in the same tone, "I have not seen you dance once this whole evening. I think, on your coronation day and as your son, I should dance with you. I won't take no for an answer."

"Very well." She sighed but smiled as she slipped her hand into his and let him pull her to her feet.

Henry grinned as he led her down to the floor, which had cleared out some from when she first entered the room.

She smiled as Henry guided her to him and she held onto one of his hands, the other arm wrapping around his back.

She closed her eyes and let her son guide her movements in time to the music. She soon felt herself relaxing once again, feeling safe and content in the arms of her son, the sweet melody of the music lulling her into peace.

She was reminded of what Snow said earlier and knew that even without Robin, she was finally happy, in large part due to Henry.

It was only a little while later that they were interrupted by a gentle tap on her shoulder.

She lifted her head, opened her eyes and Henry stopped his movements, pausing them on the dance floor. She turned her head and smiled as the other Henry stood before them.

Regina almost laughed as the younger Henry almost mimicked exactly his older counterparts moves from before, extending his hand out to her.

"May I cut in?"

"Be my guest," said the elder Henry, pulling out of Regina's arms. "I should check on Lucy and get her to bed anyway." Regina looked back at him and he gave her a loving smile, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "You look beautiful, Mom and I am so proud of you."

Her eyes watered and she brought her hand to his cheek. "I love you, Henry."

"I love you too. Now go have fun with the other me." He smirked at the younger Henry and the younger returned the same expression.

It was always odd when the two were in the same room together. Despite having been raised differently and by separate people, their similarities were striking.

Henry gave another smile to his mother before turning to walk out of the room.

Regina watched him go with a small, loving smile and then turned it to the other Henry.

She accepted his outstretched hands and they fell into a slow dance.

It was still a little awkward with this Henry. It took some time for him to fully grasp that she was not the Evil Queen of his realm. He easily connected to Emma, Snow and Charming, even though they were not the versions he knew, they were close enough.

She was not 'Mom' to this Henry. She had to stop herself from correcting him everytime he called her by her name.

For that reason, despite his identical looks to her son, she was also not as comfortable with him. She loved him, she knew she would always love every version of Henry, but he was not the son she raised. It was a unique and complicated relationship and one they were both still getting used to.

One thing she noticed was that this Henry was a lot more confident than her Henry was at his age. He was raised as a prince and became King for even that short while in the Wish Realm.

His dance movements were precise and controlled, no doubt having been to countless balls in his lifetime. Unlike the other Henry who never really learned how to dance and clumsily swayed her around the dance floor.

His expression was soft and full of admiration, a warm smile on his face.

"Are you having a good time tonight, Henry?"

"I am." Henry confirmed, his smile widening. "I've never been to a celebration quite like this before. Grandma and Grandpa used to throw extravagant balls all the time and invite the whole kingdom but New Storybrooke is quite larger. There are so many people here." He laughed but there was a certain sadness in his eyes and she knew he missed the family that he knew.

"Good," she smiled kindly, "I'm so glad to hear that. I worry about you, you know."

His smile faltered only slightly. "I know and it's still an adjustment, getting used to this new life but I'm okay. The real question is are you having a good time?"

Her face softened at his concern. "I am, surprisingly. I never felt comfortable in large groups of people but I feel wanted for once which is a nice change."

Henry smiled at her kindly. "You are wanted, I've heard nothing but good words spoken about you tonight."

She couldn't help it, her eyes stung with tears. It was all she had ever wanted. She swallowed thickly over the sudden lump in her throat and smiled.

Then Henry's eyes narrowed curiously. "I also heard a lot of talk about someone named Robin?"

Her smile widened at the mention of his name and she felt her cheeks flush and Henry's brow shot up.

"So many people said it was unbelievable that he was here and that you must be thrilled about it. Who is he?" He implored eagerly, spurred on by her reaction.

She cleared her throat and took a breath. "Well, many years ago I was in a relationship with a man named Robin. We were in love," she smiled wistfully, and for once thinking of Robin didn't hurt because she knew he was around, "...he was my soulmate if you believe in such things...but," Her smile faded and her face grew serious, ".. he was killed."

"What?" Henry's eyes widened in shock.

"By the God of the underworld, Hades." She sighed quietly. "I thought him lost to me forever but tonight.." A smile slowly spread across her lips. "He showed up here, completely and miraculously alive." She laughed at Henry's dubious expression.

"I know it sounds crazy but it's true and yes, I am...thrilled, as you say. Still trying to wonder if I am dreaming but...I don't think I am."

"Your soulmate has returned from the dead." Henry echoed for confirmation.

"He has."

"Well that is….wonderful." He broke out in a smile and laughed and she laughed with him.

"It is so very wonderful."

They once again fell into silence, one more comfortable but as they drifted across the dance floor, Henry's smile slowly fell and he grew pensive.

"What is it?" She wondered and grew even more curious as Henry's cheeks flushed.

"I just wonder...what fate holds for me….." He sighed quietly, looking down to avoid her gaze, "In regards to love."

She couldn't help but laugh but quited herself immediately as Henry snapped his head up.

"I'm sorry, Henry, I don't mean to laugh at you. It's just, oh," She brought her hand gently to his cheek, "You are so young, you have your entire life to worry about such things and you never know where you'll find it."

Henry's cheeks continued to flush but he nodded quietly.

"So, how did you and Robin meet?"

"Well," she let out a small laugh, "that is a very complicated question and a very long story…" she answered and Henry raised an eyebrow.

"I'm all ears and we've got all night."

She told him their story, from her desperation for love after Daniel's death, to Tinkerbell's revelation about the man with the lion tattoo as her soulmate, to meeting him unawares in the Enchanted Forest, and then again in the cursed Storybrooke, their short lived romance before the return of the Marian, to finally his death and resurrection.

By the time she finished the tale, her emotions had started to get the better of her. She realized how much they had actually been through, how it seemed they were destined to be constantly torn apart only to be brought back together. She could only hope death would be the last of it. After all, what was more final than death? Yet, Robin was still returned to her.

Henry stared wide-eyed through her tale, enraptured by their story.

"That is...incredible. I always thought my grandparents' love story was romantic but yours and Robin, I hope to find something like that one day."

Regina scoffed lightly. "My love story, my entire life, has been riddled with tragedy. It's not something I would hope for, Henry. The outcome, certainly but all that it took to get here…"

"But that's the beauty of it!" Henry said, his eyes lit up and Regina was momentarily taken aback and then overcome with an overwhelming love for this boy. He was Henry, no matter his differences, his spirit, his heart was still the same and she knew he'd be fine wherever life led him.

"That is exactly what I'm looking for in life, well not exactly, but everyone has hardships, I know I've had mine…" His eyes grew darker. "It's the journey that makes life worth living."

She smiled in warm affection. "You will have your own journey, Henry, I know it. You have too much...you in you to stay still."

Henry raised an eyebrow and she laughed. "You know what I mean. I've seen this all before, in my Henry. At your age he didn't know what life had in store for him so he went looking for it and eventually he found Ella."

Henry got a distance, thoughtful look in his eyes and Regina felt her heart drop, recognizing that look. Henry was adventurous, especially this Prince, and she had a feeling he soon would be leaving her to find his story.

She wanted that for him, she saw a lot of herself in this Henry, having lost so much at such a young age, and he had a chance to be happy where she didn't but he was still very much like a son to her and her heart broke a little at having to lose him.

She shifted herself closer to him, holding onto him a little tighter and Henry looked back at her with a smile. For tonight he was still with her and she would enjoy every moment.

"Regina?" Henry asked a few moments later, his voice soft and slightly curious.

"Yes, Henry?" She asked, her eyes closed as she leaned against him in peace.

"Your Robin...does he have brown hair and a beard?"

Her brow pressed together and she laughed a little, "Yes, why?"

"He's headed our way."

Regina's eyes opened and she turned her body and her heart leapt into her throat once more at the sight of him.

He looked tired but happy, which she hoped meant his talk with Roland had gone well. He wore a warm smile as he approached but as he drew closer, he froze, his face fell and his eyes widened as he stared at Henry.

"Henry?" He finally gawked.

Henry raised his brow, cocking his head. "You know me?"

"Well," Robin blinked in confusion, glancing between them, "Yes, I... I do but you were…"

Regina left Henry's arms and crossed the distance between her and Robin, placing a hand on his arm. "There's two of them, remember? The Henry you remember is the adult you met earlier, this," She smiled back to the younger Henry, "Is the Henry from the Wish Realm."

Robin's face softened and he nodded. "Yes, of course, I do remember you saying that. I apologize it's been rather a long evening."

Regina squeezed his arm sympathetically and offered him a small smile.

"Henry," Robin turned back to him and held out his hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you, my name is Robin. I am an, er, old friend of Regina's."

Henry's lips twitched up in an amused smile and he politely, warmly shook his hand. "I think old friend is putting it very lightly. Regina told me all about you."

"Ah, did she?" Robin turned to her with a raised brow and a knowing smile and she replied with a smirk of her own.

"Yes and I must say your return could not have come at a better time. I am so happy for you both."

"Well thank you," Robin laughed, eyes dancing in amusement, "Blimey, you look and sound like Henry but you certainly don't talk like the boy I remember."

"Henry is a prince." Regina explained. "As is my Henry, of course, but he doesn't acknowledge that part of him. He," she nodded to Henry, "grew up as a prince in the Enchanted Forest and was even King for a while."

Henry held his head high, a small proud smirk on his lips and Robin's eyes widened.

"King?"

Henry cleared his throat and nodded seriously. "My father died before I was born, a brave knight who died in battle."

"Neal." Regina said, reminding Robin. "Though in that land he was known as Baelfire."

Henry nodded, confirming her words. "My mother, Emma, that is," He glanced to Regina with a slight frown, "never really existed...she was this world's Emma with a different set of memories. When Regina came to my realm and woke her up, the mother I knew disappeared. My grandparents were killed by the Evil Queen, so that left me to be King."

"My dear boy," Robin shook his head with a frown, "what a life you've had."

Henry's lips twitched up at the corners. "I was unhappy for a time but Regina saved me." His face softened as he met Regina's eyes with a smile.

"I've left that life behind me and plan to start anew here. I won't ever forget my family as I knew them and I still feel the sting of their loss but I have a new family here and as strange as it is I know they care for me just as I care for them."

"Henry, you are a brave and intelligent young man. Your family would be very proud of you."

"That is very kind of you to say." Henry smiled. "I appreciate it, thank you."

"I mean every word." Robin answered honestly with a smile and Regina smiled tenderly up at him, sliding her hand onto his chest.

Henry glanced between them, observing the way they leaned in close to one another and smiled knowingly.

"Now, I think it's time I take my leave and leave you two alone." He shot Regina a slightly suggestive look and her eyes widened in slight reprimand. He laughed quietly as he bowed politely at the waist and Regina shook her head but then bowed her head in return and they shared a smile.

"You two have a great night."

"Henry…"

"Goodnight, Henry." Robin said politely, stifling a laugh as Regina sighed quietly.

"Robin, it was a pleasure meeting you. I'm so glad you're back in Regina's life. I can see how happy you make her."

Robin and Regina turned to look at one another, smiles blossoming on both of their faces.

"Thank you, Henry. I am also glad to be back, to see this smile once more," he brought his hand to her cheek, brushing over the flushed skin at the corner of her lips.

What was it about Robin that always made her feel like a young girl again?

Their small intimate moment was broken as Henry cleared his throat, his brow raised, a smirk on his lips.

"Henry," They shook hands once more, "you seem to bring much joy to her as well and I could not be more grateful for it in my absence."

Henry and Regina shared another smile and Henry nodded. "She's family." He said simply and her smile widened.

"Goodnight." Henry said once more and gave them one more knowing look over and laughed to himself before he took his leave.