AN: Thanks for all the support with this story by way of reviews, follows and favs. Means so much!

Regina sighed as she leant against the trunk of a large tree, pressing the heel of her hand to her eyes in an attempt to release some of the pressure on her skull. Her journey had gone to plan and she had made good time. She had crossed paths with some of her mother's Red Guard but had easily passed by them, none of them any the wiser that they had let her slip through their fingers. But as the sun had fallen lower and lower in the sky her fatigue grew. She became less steady on her feet and the desire to sleep became almost overwhelming. She had even started to wonder if her mother may have placed a spell on the forest and wracked her brain for any potion or curse she knew of that could have had this effect on her.

With the beanstalk now in sight, barely two miles in front of her, she could not stop to rest. She had to get to Anton, to the safety afforded by his castle in the sky. But with each step she became more and more exhausted, and one thought grew in her mind… how in the hell was she going to make that climb? Still she had to, she had come too far to consider turning back and besides, she was Regina Mills, Mayor of Storybrooke, Evil Queen of the Enchanted Forest. She could handle a beanstalk (she had to).

Taking a quick drink she forced herself away from the tree and further along the path to the beanstalk, quickly losing herself in her thoughts. This last week she had begun to feel uneasy about her illness. While she dismissed it to Robin as some kind of virus it had been nearly two months since her symptoms first showed and two months was too long for a virus.

She had paid little attention to her growing fatigue and irritability. It was transient and certainly not anything to concern herself with, but now she was feeling ill more often than not which was only adding to her irritability. Some mornings she had to use all her resolve just to get out of bed and her dizziness was bordering on debilitating. What she wouldn't give for access to Google right now… Putting all her symptoms together and considering the fact she now had to go to the bathroom every five minutes, she could think of only one thing that could possibly be wrong… cancer.

There wasn't a single person who lived in Storybrooke in the last thirty years that hadn't heard of the disease and its symptoms. The town held events where the sisters sold pink ribbons and Regina spoke at the opening of Relay for Life every year. Not to mention the posters in the bathrooms at Grannies advertising different tests people could take or 'self-checks' for various cancers.

Regina had always thought she would go down in a blaze of glory somehow: a show down with Snow in the streets of Storybrooke or even here in the Enchanted Forest following some epic battle with her mother. To die from something as human as cancer just hadn't occurred to her which was why she had resisted admitting she was feeling unwell at all…

As she looked up at the beanstalk now only a few feet in front of her she took a deep, cleansing breath. If she had been given a death sentence she could not waste another minute. She had to make sure that Robin, Roland and the Merry Men would always be safe from her mother. A magic bean would give them a sure fire way to escape if they ever needed to.

She caught her breath for a moment as she stared up to where the beanstalk disappeared into the clouds. The sight made her even less confident in her ability to make it to the top in one piece. Unfortunately she had little choice. Night would be upon her soon and climbing the whole way in the dark was suicidal. Staying on the ground was no better option given her level of fatigue and the depth with which she would slumber if she gave in to the pull of sleep. She would be exposed, weak, just ripe for her mother to find her.

Letting out a breath Regina reached back to her canteen and took a long drink. It was time to regroup. Anton was now her best chance at redemption. She couldn't break his trust or he would never give her a bean. A magic bean that could either take her back to Storybrooke to see her son (for the last time?) or send Robin and his men there, if the need ever arose. She could do this, for Henry, for Robin, for Roland and the Merry Men.

Not allowing herself any more time to think she reached up the beanstalk and moved her feet to the lowest foot hold. Slow and steady would get her to the top, hopefully in one piece. She quickly found a rhythm to her climb; step, step, reach, reach… step, step, reach, reach… and that rhythm allowed her mind to wonder. She allowed her thoughts to move to her son, her Henry. She had been in the Enchanted Forest a year now. Henry was 11… 11! How tall would he be? Would his interests have changed and grown? God! Did he have a crush? A girlfriend? For the first time in his life she had missed his birthday. She wondered if he even thought about her that day. If he even suspected how hard it was for her to know it was his birthday and to be so far away from him.

The day of her adopted son's birthday she had awoken from a dream of him when the camp was still pitch dark. Tears had fallen from her eyes and for the life of her she could not make them stop. For once Robin's embrace and murmured words of hope and comfort had stifled instead of soothed and she had been unable to stay near him. She had pushed her way out of his arms to sit by the fire and stare into the flames until the camp began to wake and stir with the dawn.

She had left the protection of the concealment spell at first light; unable to bear Robin's concerned gaze and Roland's small hands and dimpled smile. She couldn't bear to be around anyone. She had covered her face with her hood and returned to her hollow. It was the one place where she could be alone with her thoughts and just drown herself in the memories of her son until she could no longer breathe.

As much as Robin hadn't liked it, he had understood. He had done a similar thing for years on Marian's birthday and the anniversary of her death. Regina had all but collapsed on the bed in her hollow as she let memories pass through her mind like a movie reel. Thinking of Henry's previous birthdays, of the cakes she had meticulously put together for him each year. Henry blowing out the birthday candles with a small proud grin on his face. The two of them walking to Granny's for hot chocolate after dinner.

She had cried and to her surprise she had laughed. How could she not when memories came unbidden to her mind of a two year old Henry covered in the Devil's Food Cake she had made. Soft pieces of cake had ended up in his ears and nose and all through his hair. The moment in time immortalised in a small photograph she had placed in his baby book: Henry 2nd Birthday written in her neat script beneath the picture.

Step, step, reach, reach… This year she wouldn't have had any of that anyway she conceded. Even if she had been in Storybrooke Henry would have been with his real mother, flanked by Snow and Charming no doubt. She would have been parked across the street like an interloper, watching them from afar as they celebrated at the beach, or at Granny's or in their annoyingly cosy little flat. She would have been forced to watch her son like a stalker instead of being with him as his mother. Step, step, reach, reach…

Would he have let her bake his birthday cake or take him for hot chocolate? Would he have even wanted to see her or accept her gifts? She thought about the autographed Harry Potter book she had ordered online from a rare book dealer months earlier. The damn thing was probably still tucked away in her closet. Regina gave a humourless laugh at her idiocy. She had paid nearly $2000 for the first edition of The Prisoner of Azkaban, Henry's favourite book in the series. That damn book would probably never even be seen. Step, step, reach, reach… It had been a stupidly impulsive purchase she had made when Miss Swan first came to town and Regina couldn't help but wonder how she had ever thought she could buy Henry's affection. He wasn't a child that could be so easily swayed, she hadn't raised him to be but she had been desperate.

She paused for a moment, looping her foot around a vine growing from the beanstalk for stability as she assessed her position and took a quick drink wondering how much she would get for the Harry Potter book on ebay… Regina let out a laugh at the thought that had popped into her head. If she ever got back to Storybrooke getting the money back for her Harry Potter purchase would hardly be a priority.

She was two thirds of the way up the beanstalk and it was nearly nightfall. It would be another hour before she made it to the top and while her limbs ached it was the tiredness she felt that was overwhelming. It was like she could easily sleep for a week. Shaking it off she reminded herself that sleep was hardly an option when she was 2000 miles above the ground. Reaching deep inside herself she pushed on and with strength she didn't feel she began to climb again… Step, step, reach, reach…


Anton paused from inspecting the beans as he heard movement on the beanstalk and couldn't help but give a small smile. He had told himself she couldn't be trusted, even when she had returned with the seeds she had restored from the burned shells in Lake Nostos. Anton didn't fully believe she would continue to prove herself to be true to her word, but hearing her on the beanstalk, once again climbing up to fulfil her promise he had to admit it felt good. It felt as though he could perhaps trust this woman enough to finally have a friend.

He moved towards the stalk and looked down seeing her miles below. His giant ears giving him an advantage that he didn't fully utilise until Jack and Prince James betrayed him by bringing an army to slaughter his family and destroy his home. He could see her climbing up, gracefully but even from this distance he could tell she was fatigued, fighting to hold her weight and grip onto the loose holds she found in the stalk. He was about to call down to her when he heard it. A sound from deep down in her belly and anger bubbled up inside of him, his cheeks turning pink as he tried to control his temper. As soon as she was within arm's reach he lowered his hand to gently pluck her from the beanstalk, his anger quelling momentarily as she gave him a tired smile and all but curled up in his palm in exhaustion.

"What do you think you are doing?" Anton grumbled, holding his hand up at eye level to better see the former Queen, now comfortably seated in his palm.

"I'm keeping my word," Regina bristled a little at the insinuation that she would not have come. "It's time to harvest the beans."

"I know that! But you should not have come! Not like this!" Regina tried to make sense of what he was saying through her tired mind.

"Not like what?" Anton scoffed at her words.

"It is not safe to make such a climb in your condition!"

"My condition?" Regina paled a little. "You can tell what's wrong with me?"

"Of course," Anton's glare was unnerving. "Even one of your human friends could see you were with child!" he scolded, not noticing the colour drain from Regina's face at his words. With child? Impossible. "You are exhausted!" He continued. "And I can hear the little ones heartbeat racing! You will be no help to me with the harvest. You need to rest." He took long strides towards the castle and Regina shook her head as if to clear her spiralling thoughts.

"Wait! Anton! I'm not with child, that is not possible," She called angrily as she got to her feet, trying to balance on his hand as he walked. Anton stopped and looked closely at the Queen. She was beyond confused, her expression going from shock to horror and he could see the question in her eyes. Raising his free hand he gestured to his ears.

"My ears are big," he began. "I can hear much more than you humans," knowing she needed to hear the words though the implication was obvious he finished more gently. "I can hear your baby Regina," he gave a small smile that quickly morphed into a displeased frown. "And your baby is tired!"


Regina lay on a small bed, similar to the one that Anton had prepared for her and Emma when they first climbed up the beanstalk a year earlier. She frowned at the crate the bed sat in, feeling more like a pet than she wanted to admit.

She heard Anton approaching and rolled onto her side so she could watch him as he crossed the dining room to the table she was perched on.

"You need to sleep," he grumbled pulling out a chair from the table so he could sit in front of her. "You need to rest to grow your baby, not toss and turn every night."

"I can't sleep Anton," she moved to sit on the cot, able to force a smile but she couldn't make it reach her eyes.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he looked nervous at the thought and Regina chuckled.

"No," Anton huffed in relief.

"I'm not good at talking either," he grimaced, "but I'm good at listening."

"Have you harvested the beans?" he gave her a displeased frown at her blatant attempt to change the subject.

"Yes," he reached into his pocket and pulled out the bean he had saved for her. "This one is strong. You can have it – even though you didn't help with the harvest," he shrugged.

"You wouldn't let me!" Regina snapped as she got to her feet, her tone indignant even as she held her hand out for the bean.

"You needed to rest before your journey home," her annoyed huff was her only reply though she couldn't really argue. She had needed rest when she arrived; she just hadn't been able to switch off her mind. She had been here three days and was no closer to coming up with a plausible explanation for a pregnancy she could now almost feel. She knew she needed to head back. That Robin would begin to worry but she just couldn't. She was stressed which only added to her exhaustion and she just couldn't face the climb. Nor could she face Robin until she knew just how her pregnancy had happened.

Closing her hand around the precious bean Regina moved her free hand to rest on her stomach. "I cursed myself," she sat down on the end of the bed. Her voice impossibly soft but she was confident that if Anton could hear her baby's heartbeat he could hear her whispers. "It was years ago. I wanted to ensure I could never have a child." She heard Anton's grunt of disapproval and knew she deserved his judgment. What kind of woman poisoned her own womb? "It was because of my mother," she said by way of explanation, her eyes flicking up to his face surprised that in fact there was no judgment there, just concern. Anton knew her mother was the False Queen, that she was manipulative and evil. "I told Robin we didn't need to be," she glanced away as she fought the blush spreading across her cheeks, "careful. That a child wasn't possible," she looked away once more. "What will he make of this?" Tears filled her eyes.

"Robin is a good man," Anton began. "If he is as honourable as you say surely he will –"

"I won't be an obligation," Regina spat the word. "I would rather live out my life here with you than live with his resentment."

"While I would enjoy the company I don't believe it will come to that," Anton smiled. "Give him a chance Regina. If Robin loves you, which you say he does, surely he will love your child just as much?"

Regina pursed her lips, thinking of Robin and Roland and the bond they shared. Robin was a good father, even if he loved their child half as much as he loved Roland they would be ok. Anton was right. She knew Robin and was sure his love for her would extend to their child. It wasn't that that had kept her here these past days.

"He will," she whispered. "He will love this child as fiercely as he loves his first. He will protect this baby with his life. That is what terrifies me."

She gave Anton a tear filled look of utter sadness before she moved back over to lie on her back in the bed. Forcing her eyes closed she let her hand rest over the slight swell of her belly and concentrated on her breathing, trying to get the sleep she desperately needed. She loved knowing she was carrying a life inside of her and she loved the thought of a child, her and Robin's child… she just hated the feeling of dread that enveloped her, the feeling of having sealed the fate of her soul mate.


It had been five days and Regina had yet to return to camp. Each day Robin was growing more and more worried. He should never have let her go on her own You had no choice, she is her own person he reminded himself though it did little to quell the nerves twisting in his gut. She was supposed to have returned days ago and yet he had had no word. He had sent scouts out further and further into the forest along the path to the beanstalk to alert him of her return but so far no one had seen any sign of her in Sherwood. He was tempted to go to the beanstalk himself and find out exactly what had happened but Regina had been right that he was needed at the camp, leading his men. But he could no longer do nothing. A week late was just too long.

There had been no further signs of the dark magic that had swirled through the skies the day she left and sightings of the False Queen's Guards had been less and less which only further fuelled his paranoid mind… had she found Regina? Is that why she had called off her guard? The only new development in Sherwood had been the arrival of a group of strangers. Reports had come from locals of several neighbouring villages that a group (of four or six, the reports differed) had been seen walking through Sherwood Forest. They were strangely dressed and had avoided being seen or approached. As the chatter about the strangers grew Robin knew he had to do something.

"Robin!" John approached with Will, Tuck and Mulan following close behind. "Much said you wanted to see us."

"Is it Regina?" Mulan kept her voice even, the subtle frown on her face the only sign of her concern. "Have you received word?"

Robin shook his head gravely. "No word – no sign at all yet, which is why I asked you here." Mulan gave a curt nod to encourage him to continue. "We have received reports of a group of strangers in the forest." Each of them nodded, they had heard the rumours. "The timing of their arrival lines with the dark magic we saw last week."

"And Regina's disappearance," Mulan filled in and Robin quirked his head in acknowledgment. He too had wondered at their arrival so soon after the False Queens Dark Magic had filled the sky. He could only wonder if this group hadn't somehow hindered Regina's return to him.

"I would ask you, Tuck and Will to intercept these strangers," he said looking at John. "Find out what they want and if they have had anything to do with Regina's disappearance," he looked then to Mulan. "I can't leave the camp, not with so much uncertainty and so much danger." Mulan nodded her agreement. "But nor can I leave Regina out there alone any longer."

"I will go to the beanstalk," Mulan stated simply. "Find out what the Giant knows and track her movements from there." She didn't tell Robin that she had already packed, determined to make the journey with or without his approval. Regina had been gone too long. She was not answering Mulan's calls through the mirror. Her whole disappearance was too reminiscent of when she failed to return from the Dark Castle and Mulan had a feeling that the former Queen was in hiding once more, but from what she could not say.

"Thank you," Robin murmured gratefully, his eyes conveying just how important this mission was to him.

"What of the strangers Robin?" John asked gruffly. "What do you want us to do?"

"Stay out of sight until you are sure of their purpose here. If you hear any mention of Regina or the False Queen and you can safely bring them in – do so. Send word and I will bring men to meet you at the meadow."


Securing the bean in an inner pocket on her vest Regina pulled her bag over her shoulder. It was time to return to Sherwood and her thief. She had been gone a week and she could almost feel Robin's worry increasing every day that passed with no word from her.

She glanced at the full-length mirror Anton had found amongst his treasures. It was beautifully carved from the darkest ebony wood and was decorated with golden accents in exquisite detail. Ordinarily Regina would have been entranced by the craftsmanship of the piece but she saw none of it as she gazed on her reflection.

Now that she knew she was pregnant she wondered how she had could have so misread the signs… she gave a soft scoff, rolling her eyes at her own idiocy. Cancer does not explain this! She thought running her hand over her curvier figure down to her small belly. From her very rough calculations she would be almost 16 weeks now. Sixteen weeks and pregnancy hadn't crossed her mind despite the extra weight, the fatigue and the beginnings of morning sickness she had felt. She was an attentive person; she had learned to be from a young age in order to survive living with Cora and her observation skills had served her well during her time as Leopold's wife and later as Queen. But they seem to have failed her this time.

She looked at her face in the mirror, her cheeks slightly fuller and while there was no 'pregnancy glow' to speak of the nausea that was her almost constant companion did leave her with a sheen of moisture on her face. Her hair had grown thicker and was long enough now that she had managed to twist it into a braid that fell over her shoulder. Her breasts were fuller and her hips more rounded, but it was the curve of her belly that clearly stood out to her now.

Being so sure that pregnancy was not an option she had so easily dismissed her fatigue and nausea as a stomach bug. When her symptoms persisted for so long she had jumped to the conclusion that a more serious ailment was the cause (though she would deny that, to herself and everyone else). Even the absence of her period she had simply put down to stress which was a reasonable assumption given just how much had been on her mind but she felt so foolish now having missed so many signs. The thought that she had possibly endangered her baby, pushing her body by journeying so far, filled her with guilt. She would never knowingly hurt her child. Would Robin be angry with her when he found out? He hadn't wanted her to leave at all, how would he feel now that she had taken so much more time than she had promised and endangered their child with her journey?

She turned sideways to better see her growing belly. In spite of all the dangers this child would bring and the fear she felt at idea of telling Robin she couldn't help but smile. She and Robin were going to have a child. She could picture another little Roland, a son with dark hair and dark eyes, or perhaps with the blue eyes of his father? Or a little girl with Roland's curls and Robin's eyes? Her hand moved instinctively to rest over her bump.

How had she not seen it before? How had she not known she was pregnant?

Pregnant, the word echoed in her mind. She was going to have a baby. Something she had longed for in Storybrooke was now suddenly possible and it terrified her. Cora had wanted her to have a child decades ago and she had taken drastic action to ensure that could never be. During her years in Storybrooke, when she thought Cora was dead, she had often wished for a way to undo her curse but that would never have been possible in the World Without Magic. And yet here she had done nothing yet somehow the curse was reversed?

Regina furrowed her brow as her gaze locked on her own reflection as she wondered… Could Cora have found a way to undo the curse? She shook her head no, she had not seen her mother since their meeting at Lake Nostos – Lake Nostos! Her eyes widened comically as she took two steps back to sit on a small stool that stood by her bed. Her head dropped into her hands as she closed her eyes trying to remember everything she could about what happened at the lake.

She could remember calling for Emma to jump into the portal, and then having to practically push her and Hook through as the blonde completely froze. The next thing she was watching Cora fall to the ground after Mulan's heavy knock to the head. Regina's memory was a blur… she had been so focused on the fact that she was going to lose Henry! She didn't remember sinking to her knees or what happened in the moments after but she could feel the swirling water of Lake Nostos cool on her hand as she crumbled to the floor thinking of Henry and her lost chance to re-join him as the portal closed.

Pulling herself from the memory she stared at her reflection once more. Could that have been enough to restore what once had been and make her poisoned womb whole once more?

Biting her bottom lip she wondered how she could tell her thief. Would she even have to? Robin had a keen gaze and yet he had also been oblivious to the signs of her pregnancy, or at least failed to connect the dots. Perhaps she could conceal it for a bit longer? Keep the knowledge to herself lest Robin put himself in danger to protect this new child?

"You grow bigger by the day," Anton's voice echoed across the room making Regina jump in surprise.

"Really," she snarled getting to her feet and turning to face him. "I hadn't noticed." Anton smiled having become immune to her snark quickly given his own churlish disposition.

"You will be careful on your return journey?" Anton asked, handing her a satchel containing food he had prepared and a water skin that was full to bursting with fresh water.

Regina rolled her eyes at the question but bit back her surly response in favour of a gentler of course. She knew Anton was simply being protective and it warmed her heart just as much as it irritated her.

"You have proven to be a good friend Regina," Anton's voice was unusually soft as he looked anywhere but at her and Regina cocked her head, taking a step towards the giant. "I have been tricked by humans before," his hands formed fists at his side as anger once again took over him. "I trust too easily, but when I look at you, I can't help but see someone who understands me, who understands my pain." He brought his gaze back to her and Regina searched his eyes for a reason for his sudden outburst.

"What is it Anton?" she spoke softly as she approached, allowing him to take her in his hand despite his obvious rage.

He shot her a meaningful glare, as he pursed his lips. The way she trusted him enough to climb into his palm even when he was so angry quelled the rage building inside him. He could crush her with ease and yet she sat in his hand with her brow etched in concern for him, without even a hint of fear.

"Do you always step so easily into the lions den?" he asked instead of answering her question and she smiled in reply. She had a beautiful smile and he couldn't help but calm further at the sight of it.

"You trust me, I trust you… that's how friendship works," Regina's tone was almost shy. They were quite the pair Anton thought. Neither of them experienced with friendship yet somehow theirs just worked.

"Here," he dropped a small satchel onto his palm next to where she sat and Regina could not help but wonder how he managed to easily manoeuvre these objects that were miniscule to him. She loosened the ties and peered inside to see a small collection of tiny seeds.

"What?" Regina's eyes widened as she looked up at him with shock. "Are these – are these seeds for – for beans?" She was incredulous at the thought that he would share such a precious gift with her.

"You will need to choose the place to plant them very carefully. The soil needs to be rich and fertile with not too much rain or sun… the land must drain easily, or the plants will drown. And they take daily care to grow strong enough to produce fruit," Anton looked almost embarrassed as he used his free hand to scratch absentmindedly at the back of his neck.

"Why would you share these with… well, with someone like me?" Regina's voice grew soft as she stared at the valuable bundle in her hands.

"You are my friend Regina," Anton smiled. "And maybe I thought you might come back to the Enchanted Forest someday… Once you get back to your son… If you did, you could come visit me… Maybe he would like to see this place?" Anton gestured to his castle in the sky.

"Henry would love it," Regina beamed with tears in her eyes. "Thank you my friend." She whispered, pressing her lips to his thumb in a kiss full of affection and gratitude.


Tuck, Will and John had been tracking the strangely dressed group for two days and had heard little that would indicate why they were in Sherwood or how they had suddenly appeared. The Merry
Men had heard the group bickering amongst themselves about which way they should travel and about stopping at villages, but more interestingly they had watched as the smallest of the three men worked at getting the blonde woman to perform small feats of magic. Lighting candles and making strange looking satchels rise from the earth. It was certainly nothing like what Regina was capable of but it made the Merry Men all the more suspicious of the travellers.

It was the third day when they heard enough to finally confirm this group as a threat. As they made their way further into the forest towards a stream they heard the blonde and the sorcerer exchanging heated words.

"We've been at this for days Gold. Are you sure this enchanted necklace or whatever is actually working?"

"If the Evil Queen is in this realm Miss Swan, the necklace Henry provided will lead us to her." John exchanged a look with the others, partly relieved that the strangers hadn't found Regina yet but he was also concerned that they were clearly searching for her. He could feel Will and Tuck's eyes on him and he gave a short nod. It was time to make their presence known.

The three men easily manoeuvred their way several feet in front of the group so they could outflank them, knowing to never approach a sorcerer from behind least they roast you before you've had a chance to establish that you come in peace.

"Then why is it taking so long?" The blonde stopped walking and crossed her arms over her chest as she stared down the sorcerer.

"I imagine our dear Queen has placed a few protection spells around to prevent Cora from finding her," Rumple kept his voice light, almost teasing.

"Great! And how are we to break through these protection spells?"

"Regina's little spells are no match for me Miss Swan," Rumple snarled.

"It's amazing David, Sherwood hasn't changed at all," came another voice as one of the party treaded on a stick and gave a distinct crack that was a clear sign the strangers were near enough to engage. Pulling their hoods over their faces the three Merry Men dropped from the trees in front of the group, their bows draw.

"Good morning fellow travellers," Will always enjoyed this part of a job. Engaging with people and sometimes even making they laugh as he took their goods. He scanned the group to take in their number: three men, one rather elderly and somehow familiar to him, and two women. Though they all had weapons none of them drew them in defence which both worried and surprised Will. "Welcome to Sherwood Forest!" He gave a short bow continuing with his routine. "May we ask the purpose of your trespass?"

"Trespass?" Snow took a step forward. "Sherwood Forest is owned by no one," her brow furrowed in confusion.

"On the contrary luv, Sherwood Forest belongs to the people of Sherwood," he stretched his arms out wide. "And you are certainly not of Sherwood. We merely ask your purpose in our forest."

Emma took a step forward, her arm pulling Mary Margaret a step back to conference, "Should we ask them? If Regina has been in these woods like the necklace has shown us perhaps they have seen her?"

"If Reginahas run into Robin Hood and his Merry Men, it could explain a few things," Gold murmured as he approached.

"Wait – Robin Hood?" Emma squeaked turning around to look at the hooded man across from them.

"Like the Robin Hood?" Henry's voice called out from where he had been hiding behind David and Emma groaned.

"Henry!" Emma reprimanded. They had agreed to let Henry come only if he promised to stay out of sight. Emma didn't want to leave him in Storybrooke without her or Gold given Greg Mendell was working for someone trying to rid the world of magic. But if anyone in the Enchanted Forest knew he was the son of the Evil Queen he would be in great danger.

"But they're heroes! They will help us!" He exclaimed. Will's stomach churned as he suddenly put together what he had learned from Regina the past months about her world and the people there. He recognised Snow White even with her short hair and strange clothing. The man with his arm protectively at her back was obviously the Shepherd Prince. Henry was Regina's son which meant the blonde he was talking with was the Saviour. Perhaps it was for the best that Regina wasn't around? To hear that her son was working with her enemies would devastate her.

He chanced a glance at Tuck and John and could see by the sombre look on their faces that they had reached a similar conclusion as to who these strangers were.

"Right you are lad," Will forced a lightness to his tone that he no longer felt as he took a step forward. "What assistance might we offer?"

Emma shot Henry a look and he seemed properly chastised. They had all agreed not to reveal their plan to anyone knowing that if Regina's presence in the Enchanted Forest were known the people would be after her head. No one would want to help them take her back to the World Without Magic if it were merely to free her. "Are you aware that the Evil Queen returned to this land a year ago?"

"Aye," Will nodded.

"You've seen her?" Emma demanded.

"Aye," he said and he heard John take in a sharp breath.

Emma's shoulders dropped in relief, "do you know where she is?" she pressed.

"Aye," he said again, unable to hide his smirk as the blonde bristled at his continued one word answers.

"Well then," Emma spoke through gritted teeth. "Where is she?" Will paused this time, glancing briefly at John and Tuck as his mind started to formulate a plan.

"Everyone knows the Evil Queen is in the custody of Robin Hood and his Merry Men," Will exclaimed and John nearly dropped his bow as he hissed an angry Will!

"Custody?" Snow mused. "You've found a way to contain her?" she looked perplexed, almost as if this was not what she would have wanted.

"You're not the only one knows how to use a bit of squid ink luv," Will chuckled, having heard from Regina the tale of how Snow White and Prince Charming had used the ink to imprison Rumplestiltskin before the Dark Curse. It was one of the ways they had thought to try and contain the False Queen and the Merry Men had been collecting squid ink for months now though it was rare and they still had little.

"You're not Robin Hood," Gold hissed, stepping forward on his cane.

"Never said I was," Will smirked. "You lot want to talk about the Evil Queen you need to speak with Robin."

"We can't take them to camp Will," Tuck murmured and Will nodded.

"Take them to the meadow," John nodded to his brothers. "I'll get Robin."


Mulan moved silently through the dense brush towards the small cave like structure the Merry Men had found years ago. It had been used ever since by the men when patrolling and the need arose to hide from the Evil Queen's Black Knights (and now the False Queen's Red Guard).

The Red Guard had taken Mulan by surprise. They had appeared almost out of nowhere and she quickly found herself trapped between two groups of the Guard. Thankfully something nearby had caught the Red Guards attention and one group of men was called away, enabling Mulan's narrow escape. She was more than half way to the beanstalk but with the way the Red Guard was scouring this area of the forest her trip was bound to be delayed – possibly by hours. With a sigh Mulan moved into the protection of the cave. It was dark as pitch and so narrow at the entrance that she had to walk sideways. The opening was barely a crevice between two large boulders and it was thankfully hidden by the broad trunk of a forest tree.

She kept walking until the narrow mouth of the cave opened into an area roughly ten feed wide. Leaning her shoulder against the wall of the cave she kept her focus on the entrance in case she had been followed, and pulled her canteen from the belt on her hip. Mulan took a deep drink thankful for a moments rest. She had been moving at a quick pace in her rush to get to the beanstalk and speak with the giant. Desperate to learn if Regina had made to him safely or if Cora had somehow discovered here.

She emptied a small amount of water into her cupped hand and moved to let the liquid fall over her upturned face when she simultaneously felt blades being pushed into her back and her throat.

Mulan narrowed her eyes as her mind quickly worked to come up with a plan to get out of her current position. Her assailant was not near enough for Mulan to say with any confidence where she could possibly strike.

"Who are you? " came a disembodied voice that Mulan instantly recognised, her shoulders dropping in relief.

"Has it been that long or have you lost your memory?" Mulan deadpanned and she felt the two blades that were pressed against her skin immediately withdraw.

"Mulan?" Relief flooded Regina at the sound of her friend's voice. "I could only make out a rough shape when you came in. I thought with the way the Red Guard is searching out there they may just have found the opening." Mulan felt Regina move back. "What are you doing all the way out here?"

Something in Regina's voice made Mulan almost sure that the woman knew exactly why Mulan was in this part of Sherwood.

"Looking for you," her voice remained passive. While she had been worried about Regina it really wasn't her place to chastise her. Besides, she had yet to learn what had kept her friend. "It's been more than a week." The unasked question hung between them.

"Yes," Regina began and Mulan pretended she didn't hear the slight tremor in Regina's voice. "Things were more complicated than I had expected."

"Did you have trouble with the Red Guard?" Mulan desperately wished she could see Regina's face, certain she would be able to read much more if she could.

"Not exactly… But I was successful. I have a bean and so much more." This time Mulan didn't have to see Regina's face to read just how excited she was.

"I should warn you," Mulan began quietly. "Robin has been concerned. There has been news of travellers passing through Sherwood who may be working with the False Queen. Their arrival timed perfectly with your disappearance which only added to his worry. He is going to be looking for an explanation."

"Come on then," Regina nodded towards the entrance of the cave even though Mulan could not see her. She stepped in front of her friend and made her way towards the narrow opening. "Let's see if my mother's minions have moved on and we can make our way back to camp while I think of one."


Robin hurried to the training meadow with John, Alan and Much. His heart was racing at the news that Princess Snow and her prince had somehow arrived from the Land Without Magic and were searching for Regina. It now seemed that the boy who had so broken Regina's heart and his biological mother were also with them. He increased the length of his stride so he was almost running as the larger man struggled to keep up with him.

"A boy you say?" Robin asked.

"Henry she called him," John huffed, knowing the significance of the name. "Could it be him Robin?"

Robin shook his head, "From what Regina has told me of Snow White and her prince I wouldn't put it past them to use the boy to ensure Regina goes with them peacefully," he whispered. "Thank the Gods she's not here." And for the first time he was grateful she had yet to return to camp.

"Any word from Mulan?" John asked and Robin shook his head as they approached the meadow, seeing the group already there with Will and Tuck. The men had now revealed their faces and their weapons were no longer drawn as they shared careful small talk with the visitors.

"Welcome to Sherwood," Robin said smiling broadly even as it killed him. His sure eyes swept over the men and women before him, his eyes falling to the older gentleman leaning on a cane as recognition flickered across his face. "Dark One," he calmly nodded at him as Will, John and Tuck suddenly took an offensive stance and Emma sighed.

"Everyone calm down!" David spoke up with his hands raised. "Rumplestiltskin agreed to come here and help us to find the Evil Queen. He has also given his word that he will not hurt anyone in the process. We were made aware that the Queen of Hearts was in the Enchanted Forest and we thought it prudent to engage his assistance in our task." David took a deep breath as he finished his little speech.

"How can you be sure he won't hurt anyone?" John asked, not having lowered his bow.

"He made a deal," Neal spoke up, "with me."

"A deal?" Robin repeated with both eyebrows raised.

"I don't break deals," Rumple offered, his voice steely.

"Right – good enough for me," Robin gave a small smirk. He was in no way comfortable being this close to the Dark One but did not want to create a divide between the Merry Men and the people from Storybrooke. He needed to prove he was to be trusted to learn of Snow White's true motives for being in the Enchanted Forest. "I am Robin Hood, how may I be of service?"

"We were told you have the Evil Queen," Emma stated simply, her hands in her pockets. "That she is in your custody?" Robin flicked his eyes to Will for a moment. John had told him what Will had said and Robin was impressed that the man had thought so quickly.

"It is unusual for people to be searching out the Evil Queen," he began, purposely evading her question. "Why is it that you would come so far to seek her out?"

Snow stepped forward. "The Evil Queen is wanted for crimes against her people," she stated matter of fact. "She cast a terrible curse that was broken last year. She separated us from our families for twenty eight years, not to mention her offenses here in the Enchanted Forest before she cast the Dark Curse. She needs to return to the Land Without Magic and be made to pay for her crimes."

"I can assure you the Queen is being held to account right here in the Enchanted Forest," Robin gave a small smile that Snow noticed didn't quite reach his eyes. "The people here are well aware of the Dark Curse, your Majesty. We suffered its effects just as we suffered under her reign. We were frozen during the curse and have just as much of a right to seek justice as the people in your land."

"That may be so but as the True Queen of the Enchanted Forest surely Snow has authority here?" Charming took a step forward while Will gave a short scoff. Seeing everyone's eyes on him Will raised his hands palms out in apology.

"Sorry," he mumbled with a small nod to Robin, "but we 'av an Evil Queen and a False Queen and now you're saying we 'av a True Queen… think we got enough queens around 'ere, thanks all the same."

David opened his mouth to speak but Robin cut him off, "my friend has a point. Besides, one can hardly lay claim to a throne that no longer exists and you have given no indication of a desire to return here permanently and rule." Snow reluctantly conceded his point with a small quirk of her head.

"I just want to see her – please!" Henry stepped forward from where he had stood between Neal and Emma. "She is my Mom."

"Henry!" Emma scolded and moved to step in front of him as Gold also took a protective stance which Robin could not help but notice.

Raising his hand in surrender Robin placated, "we have no interest in harming a child for the crimes of his mother." He turned to Henry. "The Evil Queen is your mother?" Henry nodded, "and yet you are helping these people to take your mother back to be tried for her crimes." Henry dropped his gaze, more than a little uncomfortable in the lie they had all agreed to tell.

"At least I'll be able to see her if she comes home…" he whispered and Robin's heart swelled with the knowledge that the boy wasn't entirely working against Regina. He gave Henry what he hoped was an encouraging smile as he quickly tried to think. He had no idea where Regina was and yet he also did not want to lose contact with her son before she had a chance to see him. Robin was also concerned about the boy wondering around Sherwood with the False Queen's Guard still searching for the Merry Men's Camp.

"I can arrange for you to see your mother Henry," Robin nodded and Henry smiled through watery eyes. "It might take some time for her to be brought to our camp but it will be arranged. Until she comes you can be our guest." He turned more to address Snow and Emma. "I'm afraid the location of our camp is a well-kept secret. We would be comfortable escorting the boy there –"

"Not alone," Emma said firmly crossing her arms across her chest. "I don't care if you're some hero who robbed the rich to give to the poor, I don't know you."

"Of course," Robin gave a short nod. "I was not about to suggest otherwise. The boy may come with an escort. I can send some provisions down for those who remain here."

"Not necessary Dearie," Gold smirked as with a wave of his hand several tents appeared in the meadow.

"The False Queen patrols through these woods. She is also able to sense magic, it may be prudent to refrain – "

"I'm well aware," Rumple interrupted. "I've already taken precautions." He gave a nod before disappearing into one of the larger tents.

Robin quirked his brow at Rumple's words, that man was nothing if not prepared. "If you would be so kind as to use these to cover your eyes," he said, turning to Henry and Emma as he handed over a blindfold. "This way," he said guiding Henry's shoulder as Will did the same to Emma.


Regina and Mulan had largely made the journey in silence, a fact for which Regina was grateful. But as they neared the Merry Men's camp Mulan began to speak.

"I tried to call you – with the mirror," her voice was stiff but her question clear. "I had thought something may have lead you to disappear once more."

Regina grit her teeth as they trekked uphill towards the camp. The boughs and branches overhead all but blocked the sun making her long for sleep.

"I had no intention of disappearing," she murmured. "I didn't hear the mirror," Regina looked over to Mulan catching her eye briefly. "The giants have their own magic. It may be that the mirror could not work up there."

Mulan gave a short nod before losing the battle in biting her tongue. She was not one to invade another's personal business lightly but nor was she blind and she was sure Regina needed a friend right now.

"What kept you from returning from the harvest Regina?" her tone brooked no argument.

Regina stopped walking and turned to face Mulan who mirrored her actions. Taking a deep breath Regina turned her gaze to the forest as she began to speak. "The journey took more out of me than I anticipated. I was exhausted when I arrived at Anton's castle, completely unable to assist with the harvest."

"Did the giant refuse you a bean?" Mulan frowned at the thought of Regina unwell and up there all alone at the mercy of the giant.

"What?" Regina brought her eyes back to her friend in surprise. "No, I have the bean, Anton even gave me a small number of seeds so that we may start our own crop," Mulan's eyes widened at this news. A crop of magic beans would be an enormous asset for their people. "Anton looked after me," Regina continued, her voice turning soft. "He made me rest. I've been unwell for a while and – well Anton was able to tell me what was making me so ill." Regina's voice trailed off and Mulan narrowed her eyes in askance. She crossed her arms over her chest, unwilling to continue their journey until she knew what was wrong with her friend.

"Robin doesn't know," Regina began, "I need to tell him myself, when I'm ready," the request for Mulan to maintain her confidence was clear in Regina's tone and Mulan gave a quick nod. "I'm pregnant." Regina breathed and Mulan's brow furrowed for a moment before she took in the brightness in Regina's eyes and the small smile that could not be contained. Moving towards Regina, Mulan pulled her into a warm embrace, with a soft congratulations whispered into her neck.


They had barely made it into camp when a female warrior Henry immediately recognised as Mulan rushed toward Robin, calling his name in a firm yet calm manner. She glanced quickly at Henry and Emma before ignoring them to pull the Leader of the Merry Men away with hushed words. Emma saw a mixture of anger and relief flood over Robin's face and couldn't help but be curious as to just what the woman had revealed. Emma watched as the young warrior retreated to a large tent in the middle of the camp as Robin guided her and Henry towards a smaller, open canopy nearby.

"Where's my mom?" Henry's impatience was clear as he bounced up and down on the balls of his feet. He was so close. The closest he'd been in a year and he could almost feel his mom around him.

"I will a take you to her right away," Robin gave a tight smile, his voice strained. He was clearly distracted by whatever news had met him when he arrived. Emma couldn't help but wonder if the warrior woman had brought news of Regina causing some problems in prison. She couldn't imagine her former nemesis being a 'model' prisoner.

"I thought you said it would take time for her to be brought here?" Emma's distrust was clear on her face as she studied the Prince of Thieves, looking for the lie.

"She arrived without my prior knowledge," Robin explained looking tense but Emma could sense no lie. "I have just been informed."

"Is that usual? Moving her around like that?" Emma seemed almost concerned and Robin furrowed his brow, puzzled. Why would the Saviour be worried about how the Evil Queen was treated?

"Actually, no, but with the False Queen's presence here increasing by the day, I'm sure there was good reason," his eyes turned angry as he finished his sentence and Emma thought it best not to press any further.

"Well, lead the way," Emma moved to leave the canopy but Robin's voice called her back.

"I can take Henry, but I'm sorry Emma you will need to wait here. My men inform me you have magic and we can't risk an escape."

"No way," she began and Robin gave a small quirk of his lips.

"Then we have a problem." He crossed his arms over his chest, his stance clearly showing Emma that this was a deal breaker.

"Emma, I'll be fine," Henry whined. "I need to see my mom, please! You know if you don't let me go with him I'll just run away, I'll find a way to see her. You know I will."

Emma rolled her eyes. "I don't like this Henry. This was not the plan. We need to stick together."

Henry chuckled, knowing he had won. "None of this was the plan, mom." He smirked and she couldn't help but smile when he called her mom. It had happened so rarely the last year.

She turned back to Robin, her gaze turning harsher, "if anything happens to him, if he gets so much as a splinter I'll let Gold off his leash," she threatened. Robin easily nodded, giving assurances no harm would come to the boy.

Henry's heart hammered in his chest as he followed Robin towards a larger more permanent looking structure in the centre of the camp. It looked to be a large canopy stretched over huge boulders which served as walls for the structure, with wooden walls and doors complimenting the boulders. It was circular and rather large for a gaol or did they call it a dungeon? He thought and he couldn't help but wonder how many people the Merry Men imprisoned if they needed somewhere this large to house them all. He had never thought of the Merry Men as the 'imprisoning' type.

Robin opened the door and ushered Henry inside with little explanation as he hurriedly closed the door behind him and Henry furrowed his brow at what he saw. There was no cage in sight and he couldn't see his mother anywhere, just a few men leaning against a table. From there urgent murmurings they seemed to be arguing over something spread out in the middle, a drawing or map of some kind.

Robin cleared his throat as he took a few steps forward, his demeanour changing as he locked his jaw and straightened his spine. Henry instinctively stepped backwards until his back pressed into the wall, hoping he could blend into it. He had seen his mother take a similar stance when she was Mayor and it was always right before she ripped into someone over something. While Henry wasn't sure what these Merry Men had done he didn't really want to hear the tongue-lashing they were going to get from their leader.

"Three days," Robin's voice was tight and cold and Henry flinched as one of the 'Merry Men' stood straighter and when they glanced over their shoulder at Robin, a long black braid fell over their shoulder. Henry let out a small gasp as he recognised his mother. She looked so different he almost couldn't believe it. She was dressed like one of the Merry Men only her leather pants were black and her tunic a dark grey, rather than the green and brown of the Merry Men. She had dark charcoal around her eyes, more than he had ever seen her wear in Storybrooke and her hair was longer than he had ever seen it though he guessed they didn't really have hairdressers in the Enchanted Forest. She looked almost like the Evil Queen except her lips weren't red and her expression was more his mom than the murderous glare of the Evil Queen he had seen in his book.

"Thief," her greeting was almost cold and Robin's chest burned with rage as she turned to face him but made no move to approach him, instead leaning slightly against the table behind her. She had felt it when he walked into the tent they used when discussing strategies and plans to defeat her mother or defend the camp and neighbouring villages. She had come to think of it almost like her office back in Storybrooke though without the fine furnishings she loved.

It had taken all of her strength to act as though he wasn't there, to not turn and run to him, bury her face into his neck, to feel his arms around her and let him quell all her fears. But she would not, could not put on such a show of weakness in front of Mulan, Alan and the younger Merry Men. Besides, even after a week with Anton where she regrouped and built up her strength for her journey home she still had no idea how to tell him she was carrying his baby.

"Three. Days!" he repeated taking another step forward. "We agreed you had three days."

"The mission took longer," she began, "and was far more successful for the extra time." Robin could see she was telling the truth and yet he saw there was more to it when her eyes flicked away unable to hold his gaze. It was strange to see her like this. Nothing intimidated his Regina.

"Then you Come. Back. Here!" Robin took a step towards her to punctuate each word. "You do not go off alone, not when –" Regina turned fiery eyes to Robin as all uncertainty left her.

"Careful Thief, it almost sounds like you're telling me what to do," her voice was low but deadly.

"You're damn right I'm telling you what to do!" Regina was on Robin in a flash, clearly having used magic to give her the element of surprise she needed to have his back against one of the cold stone walls. Henry's heart leapt into his throat wondering if he was going to witness his mother rip out the heart of the Prince of Thieves like he had seen her do in his story book time and time again, if she would crush it to dust in front of him. He looked over to the other Merry Men and his brow furrowed in confusion when he realised they were paying Robin and Regina no mind. Perhaps his mother had frozen them in place? He turned back to see his mother with both hands on Robin's chest, her hands gripping tightly at this tunic as she slowly shook her head, taking deep breaths. Robin's hands moved from her biceps down her back to grip at her hips and Henry's head tilted in confusion. It was almost as if… his eyes widened in realisation as Robin's head dropped down, kissing Regina with a hunger that Henry had only see in movies. His cheeks burned as he turned away, looking back to the table of Merry Men and seeing one of them glace over at their leader and roll his eyes.

Regina gripped Robin's shirt in her fists as she pulled him to her, releasing all her frustration and anger into the kiss. She had missed him and she was terrified that he was going to be taken from her soon.

Robin could sense Regina's need to dominate and while he would usually use his practiced tactics to calm her with a soft trail of his hands down her back or a strategically timed suck to her bottom lip this time he let his own anger meet Regina's. He ran one hand up her back from where it gripped her hip to tangle into her hair. Tugging at her braid to better angle her face up to him, he swept his tongue into her mouth, nipping at her bottom lip wanting her to feel the absolute terror that had gripped his heart while she had been gone.

Regina pulled away breathless, Robin's forehead dropping to rest against hers.

"Don't tell me what to do," she murmured.

"Don't ever disappear like that again," Robin replied and she could see in his eyes just how frightened he had been. She gave a curt nod and Robin took that as the apology she would never voice. "I thought I'd lost you," he pulled her back to him, kissing her again. More gently this time, as relief flooded through him. He pulled her into his arms, all thoughts of the visitors from the Land Without Magic gone as soon as he had set eyes on her. She moved further into him, trying to convey with her kiss what she couldn't with words. She needed to talk to him, to tell him what she had learned but she was terrified.

"Mom?" at the sound of a voice she knew almost better than her own she froze against Robin. He stiffened under her briefly before relaxing again with a whispered surprise against her lips. He gave her a small smile as she pulled back from him, her brown eyes wide with surprise and a hint of fear. Regina looked into Robin's eyes, scared to turn around in case her ears had been playing tricks on her. Robin gave her a comforting squeeze as his hands wrapped around her in a loose embrace and he turned her to face her son.

"Henry?" she breathed as Robin moved her forward step after nervous step. Henry gave a small nod and she wanted to run to him and pull him to her, to never let him go. Tears flooded her eyes and rolled down her cheeks as she took two steps forward, her arms reaching out when the harsh words he had spoken to her the last time they had been together had her freezing in her spot. She pulled back still three feet (too far!) away from him and merely smiled through her tears and wiped her eyes. She gave a soft sniff as she took him in, her gaze moving from the top of his head down to his feet before back up to his eyes. "You've grown so much," her voice broke with longing to touch him, hold him. "What are you doing here?"

Henry had never seen his mom smile like that. It was like he had handed her the moon and he just wanted to hold onto that moment. He had missed her so much! He wanted to feel her arms around him and hear her tell him everything would be alright but he wasn't sure she would forgive him for all the things he had said and everything he had done. He went to open his mouth to explain when Robin moved to stand slightly between them and Henry cocked his head, mindful of the almost protective way Robin stood with his mother.

"Henry came with Snow, the Prince, the Saviour and the Dark One. They have asked for you to be returned to Storybrooke to face trial for your crimes," Regina raised a brow at Robin, the silent communication asking him how he obtained that information. "Will found them in the wood, told them you were in our custody." Robin could have laughed at the tale Will had told but the heartbreak that that fell over Regina's face at the realisation that her son was here only to manipulate her into returning to Storybrooke without a fight broke him.

"I see," her tone was defeated as her gaze returned to Henry. While she never really believed that she could have a relationship with her son again, she had kept a small seed of hope alive in her heart and that seed now turned to dust. The devastation in her eyes at his betrayal broke the boy. All fear of rejection was gone in his desire to reassure her of his love and he rushed towards her hugging her fiercely.

"No! Mom!" he sobbed against her and all trepidation left her as she instinctively brought her arms around him to calm him. She ran her hands over his back soothingly as she turned her confused gaze to Robin. Robin shook his head equally perplexed by the boys' behaviour and Regina dropped to her knees so she was better able to comfort her son.

"Henry," she murmured, "Henry what is it?"

"Ts' not that – lie – come with us - home" his sobs were so uncontrollable that neither Robin nor Regina could make sense of his words.

"It's ok Henry. We'll sort it out, it will all be ok," she whispered into his ear as she ran her hands up into his hair. "I've missed you so much," she continued. Hoping that telling him how she felt was the right thing to do. It had been so long since she had held him like this, longer even than she had been in the Enchanted Forest. "I've been trying so hard to make you proud of me," she gave a small smile thinking of the last year. "I'm working with the Merry Men and we're so close to stopping the False Queen," her tactic seemed to be working as Henry's sobs calmed enough that he could hear her. "I've met a giant who lives at the top of a great big beanstalk and he has been helping us – helping me - find a way to get home to Storybrooke, to get back to you." Her voice broke as she instinctively hugged him closer, breathing him in.

Robin moved back to give them some space but stayed within earshot in case she needed him.

Henry sniffed and pulled away just enough that he could see her face. "Really?" he whispered and at her nod he smiled.

"What has you so upset?" her voice was soft and gentle and it reminded Henry of all the times she had asked him that when he was little. His eyes watered again at the memory and just how much he had missed her.

"I've missed you so much," he whispered.

"You have?" Regina's voice broke and the happy surprise in her eyes twisted the knife that had been lodged in Henry's heart since Emma had come back to Storybrooke without his mother even deeper. She should not be surprised that he missed her and loved her. Oblivious to the conflicting thoughts in his mind, Regina hugged him to her and Henry had never felt more relieved that she was there. "I've missed you too Henry."

After a long moment of comfortable silence Henry began to speak. "Mom – we're not bringing you home to go on trial." Henry began.

"It's ok Henry. I know I've done terrible things. If that's what Snow and Charming have decided then –"

"But it's not," Henry pulled back so she could see the truth in his eyes. "That's just a story Grandma and Grandpa made up. We didn't know if the people here would want to let you go. When the Merry Men said you were in custody we just thought they wouldn't let you come home with us if they thought you would be let free. You can come home. People aren't mad at you anymore. I'm not mad at you. Please, just come home! I promise nothing bad will happen to you!"

Regina gave a small smile as she pulled him back into her embrace she thought over what he had said.

It would be so simple to throw the bean she kept in her pocket on the ground and jump through a portal with Henry. There was a time when that was all she wanted. But she was not that person anymore. Her mother was still fighting with everything she had to rule the Enchanted Forest, hurting people all over the land and Regina could not abandon them now. Not when they were so close to finding a way to defeat her. And now she had another child to think of… she had Robin and Roland and the Merry Men… Pressing a soft kiss to Henry's hair she whispered, "it's not that simple Henry."

AN lots in that chapter! Hopefully the flow was right as I know we've jumped a bit through time. The scene where Robin and Regina are reunited was the one that inspired this fic so I hope you liked it! I'm in two minds about how to deal with Cora… Can she be redeemed in this story or is she too determined to rule the Enchanted Forest with her dark magic?