They had been travelling for twenty minutes, deep into the forest when Regina though to ask: "Where are we going?"

"You told me the Blue Fairy never granted your wishes, but there may be someone else who will."

"Henry, I ruled this kingdom before you were even born. There's no-one here who can help me. We should take a carriage to another kingdom to start searching."

"And if Cora's spells don't like you leaving the kingdom? What sort of things do you think she will do if you try?"

Regina reached into her hood to brush some hair away from her face. "I don't know."

"How long has it been since you were the Evil Queen? Don't you think some things might have changed in all that time?"

"Of course, but I've been back in this land for nearly fifty years and I…" Regina stared at her son as they walked, keeping her pace slow to match his. "You've got a secret and you're only just willing to share it with me?"

"I'm getting old. I've got lots of secrets mother."

"This secret, is it a good secret or … a bad secret?"

Henry shrugged, knowing that his mother was asking if they were good or evil. "Just a secret. Remember, nothing is simple when it comes to magic."

They were no longer following a path, just a barely worn trail across large boulders and small rock pools.

Regina was curious. "How often do you make this journey?"

"Not as often as I did when I was younger. I wouldn't say we have a friendship, but we've become civil when we meet. Sometimes I go for a walk, just to get out of the house. If we meet, fine, if we don't then I enjoy time with my thoughts."

"You still haven't told me who we're going to see."

"You'll just have to trust me."

It was getting warmer, but Regina didn't want to remove her cloak in case anyone saw her and recognised the Evil Queen.

"Perhaps you should rest? We can find somewhere to stop for a drink and catch our breath."

"Between you and Kaley I'm still treated like a child. Just because I'm getting old doesn't mean I've reverted back to being ten years old. I'm more than capable of continuing on the journey."

"I know. Look at me, I may be back in my younger body but I'm really older than your grandmother, and with this cloak on I'm getting hot."

"Just take it off. I doubt anyone would recognise you now. There's only wild animals between here and… there."

"Not until I know I can trust your acquaintance. This is still my secret Henry."

"Fine. There's a stream a few more minutes away, you can rest there."

"Thank you."

They walked the rest of the way in silence, the forest drawing in closer around them as the trees thickened and grew taller.

Finally they reached their destination.

OK I know this is a short chapter, but I'm 98% sure I know who they're going to see and Regina will have an important choice to make, I just needed a little time to make sure it is the 98% person and not someone else. This story is taking me in a surprising (even to me) direction from what I had originally imagined.