Chapter 10

"What did you say her name was again?" Emma asked as her ladies maids escorted her down a long hallway.

"Cruella DeVille."

Emma was again late for another function. It was genuinely way too early in the morning to do a photoshoot. She didn't understand why this Cruella lady couldn't just use actual professionals to model her new wedding line.

Wait.

Wasn't she the same person who made a fool of her on the news? Why should she do anything for this woman?

"Emma please keep up. We're late enough as it is." Elsa instructed and quickened her pace.

Honestly, it wasn't Emma she needed to tell that to. It was Anton, her security in training. He seemed to be lagging behind. Though Emma couldn't really blame him. The four of them were practically running through the halls and he had on his heavy guards outfit today.

Emma heard her before she saw her. Her loud accented voice rang through the halls. Cruella Deville. Her suspicions were confirmed when they rounded the corner. The lanky woman stood tall in 6 inch heals and furs. Her height alone demanded attention. She was in the middle of for room next to Regina and Zelena. She made the other women look like children. Cruella clearly didn't earn enough money as a fashion designer. She had to take another job as a gossip. That Job must not have paid well either. The woman looked like she hadn't eaten in months. It could not be healthy to be that thin. Who was Emma kidding. Cruella had to be pretty wealthy to wear, let alone make those expensive fur coats.

"Regina dear it's so good to finally meet you. I heard and wrote so much about you. Now I finally get you meet in person in the royal castle no less." Cruella kisses the shorter woman on both cheeks. "Your sister and I go way back. She told me so much about you. She the reason I was able to write so much on you with never having to meet you. Though I must say, she left out some vital information. A Princess? Who would imagine?"

No one in the room seemed to notice her arrival. Maybe she still had a chance to escape. Emma locked eyes with Tiny and the both nodded in silent communion. She was only able to look in the direction of the door before the room's attention shifted.

"Emma darling!" Cruella rushed over to her new comer. "Nice of you to finally join us."

Emma smiled politely. "Thank you for having me." The quicker they got started the quicker she could leave. "So.. What crazy stuff are you putting us in?"

"I want all of you to be in wedding gowns for the photo shoot."

"But Emma is the only one getting married. Why would we be in wedding gowns as well?" Regina curiously interrupted.

"Does it matter dear sister? You will do as she wishes." Zelena chided. "Art is art."

"I have three designs and want each of them showcased in my next magazine." Cruella explained. "I mean as long as her majesty doesn't mind sharing the spotlight with her knew best friends." All eyes shifted to Emma.

"S'cool with me." Emma shrugged.

"Fabulous! Shall we begin?"

.

Emma wasn't all too stoked to have to put on another fancy dress and smile for hours, but she had to admit Cruella was a master of fashion. Emma's dress wasn't a dress at all. It was made up of two pieces. The bottom of the dress were actually pants designed to look like a skirt. They were topped with layers of satin ruffles. And they had pockets! The top was a Cinderella inspired half sleeved almost crop top. Her skirt, pants continued where her top ended making it appear to be one seamless dress. Emma pinch herself, she was so impressed with the dress design. It's as if someone came into her subconscious and created Emma's dream wedding dress. If only she could wear this on her actual wedding day.

"My God! I think I've done it!" Cruella clutched her chest. "I think I've actually done it. I've gotten Princess Emma Swan to smile just by wearing on of my dresses."

Emma rolled her eyes. Cruella turned out to be a pretty cool person. She was a bit dramatic and loud for Emma's taste, but she was fun to hang out with.

"I must admit. I do love this dress."

Emma has no time to protect her ears from the high pitched noise that came from the other woman. "I am over the moon. I've been studying you for a while now. All three of you actually. I designed each dress after your own image." Cruella floated around Emma, adjusting the outfit here and there. "I tell you, it was not easy to get your measurements. Fauntleroy keeps all information about her royal highness under lock and key."

"That sounds like Leroy." Emma laughed.

"Oh! No one compares to those to over there." Cruella points to Belle and Elsa chatting to one another off to the side. "Your ladies maids are a force to be recon with, but they did help a great deal. Your dress is a one of a kind."

"And it has pockets." Emma pointed out.

"I know dear. I'm a woman too. I know how functional outfits need to be. Looks as if everyone is dressed. Let's head outside."

There was an amazing view of the countryside of Misthaven. The sun slowly rose above the misty hillsides. Emma never frequented this part of the castle. She had no idea it had this amazing view. All the structure on this side of the palace seemed to hold most of the original French, Romanesque architecture. It was the perfect place for pictures.

"Cruella dear!" Zelena called the two over the moment they stepped out onto the terrace. "I did not receive and footwear."

"Oh yes." The older woman snapped her fingers as of she suddenly remembered something. "For this first round of shots I wanted all of you barefoot."

"You can't be serious."

"Art is art. Remember sister dear." Regina slinked past Zelena with a huge smirk on her face.

Cruella instantly went into work mode, which unsurprisingly wasn't much different than then her usual self. She was quieter, but only slightly. Her crude comments remained as well as her large gestures.

Posing for photos was not as hard as Emma thought it was going to be. Cruella wanted to capture their candid, natural expressions. All she really had to do was smile and have a nice conversation with the other two women. Which wasn't hard. She was used to talking to Regina, however Zelena was surprisingly something close of a pleasant human being, who seemed to be in her element by the way. Maybe that's why she wasn't her usual bitchy self.

Zelena was killing that dress. The mermaid style tulle and lace dress accented her curves beautifully. She still remained a strong level of class. Emma had to give it to her. Zelena was born to be a model. And it looked like she knew it too.

Regina, the more reserved of the sisters, modeled an off the shoulder, lace, quarter sleeve dress. At first glance Emma thought she had the simplest of the three dresses, but the lace roses embedded in the body and sweep train skirt of the dress had Emma internally crying for Cruella and anyone else who had to help with the making of that dress. Emma thought her dress was complex, not actually being a dress and all. But Damn. What was Cruella Deville thinking putting all that detail into a dress she was only going to use for photos.

Cruella offered the women an impromptu break when her editor and co-partner interrupted.

"She used my design." Regina gasped in awe as she took a closer look at the pattern on her dress.

"That's like some kind of fraud right?" Emma frowned. It was a beautiful dress and deserved to be represented by it's rightful designer. "Cause we can do something about it."

"No. No, Emma. Nothing like that." Regina assured. "I sent it to her about a year ago when I thought," the brunette let the sentence die in her throat. Emma understood. Approximately a year or so ago was when she thought she found the love of her life. Emma let out a deep sigh. This was messed up all around.

"It's a great design." Emma smiled in an attempt to turn the conversation around. "It suits you well."

"Thank you." Regina dreamily replied. Her hand gently glided across the fabric or her dress. "Cruella, of course made some adjustments. But other than that she brought my design to life. Honestly, I don't know how she did it."

Cruella's loud voice distracted them from their own conversation. "Shall I get you a step stool so you can look at me in the eye when you talk to me." Cruella snapped at Sydney. "Why are you here?"

Emma couldn't hear the other half of the conversation, but Sydney was nowhere near as loud as Cruella. No one was.

"We're all done hear ladies. We got everything we need." The photographer smiled at the three of them. She could tell English wasn't a language he spoke often. "It was a pleasure working with you. Go get changed. Cruella is um, how do you say préoccupé par?

"We understand." Regina took to man's hands and brought them to her lips. He did the same to her before leaving them.

X SD X

In another part of the castle Leroy was doing his early morning rounds of the hallways. The morning was warm so all of the windows were open to let in a cool breeze. It was a nice contrast to the busy hallways. Leroy being the highly trained guardsman he is, noticed ever so faint light spilling through the crack of the library door.

He liked to think nothing could surprise him, but what was found beyond the library doors did.

"Gentlemen." Leroy kicked the heal of a sleeping Killian Jones. He and Robin were laid across the library floor surrounded by open books and binders. Leroy watched the two men quickly gain consciousness. He cleared his throat earning their attention. "Care to explain what you're doing on the floor in the queen's library?"

"Actually, this is the public library. As public as a library in the royal palace can be." Killian corrected. The men lifted themselves off of the ground. "The queen's personal library is in her chambers. As you well know, I assure."

"Get out."

"Of course." Robin quickly stepped in, not wanting any confrontation with the fiery guard. "We'll take these and be on our way. Good day sir."

"Records stay in the library." Leroy put a hand on Robin's chest, stopping the two from moving any closer to the door.

"Then we'll simply stay here until we've finished our reading." Robin decided..

"Have we done something wrong?" Killian questioned. "And here I thought, having my friend Robin here with me would allot me a get out of jail card. Surely you wouldn't think Robin to sabotage his own fiancé?"

Leroy clicked his jaw unable to find a valid reason to escort the men out of the library. He huffed in annoyance as he moved towards the door. "I'm keeping an eye on you Jones."

"I wouldn't expect anything less." Killian waved as the older man left the room.

"Well now what?" Robin rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

"Now we get back to work. We were close. I can feel it."

The men worked quickly and diligently. The looked Hough records, receipts, transactions, and military documents.

"How about this." Robin began to explain. "Robert Gold, ex-member of Parliament has remained more wealthy than the royal family of Misthaven since 1980 and his wealth continues to grow."

"Robert Gold. Sounds familiar. So what if he's good with is money?"

"He was dismembered on the Royal Council of Spain only a few years before becoming a member of the Misthavian parliament. It is rumored that he was dismembered because he used court money for gambling. Others say he simply retired. Interesting enough, there are no records of either of those occurring. Whether or not he is apart of the Royal Council or not, this man has far more money than he should."

"I have heard this name before." Killian stands. "Is there a picture?" When Robin nods he quickly rounds the table and snatches the files from Robin's unsuspecting hands. "Bloody ell."

Now it's Robin's turn to stand. "What? What is it?" He looks over Killian's scanning the documents to see what he could have possibly missed.

"I do know this man." Killian begins to explain. "He used to come around our house a lot when I was a lad, though I never knew him by name. He and mother only ever met in her study. I never know what were speaking on; I didn't care either. He spoke to my siblings and I personally only twice."

"Ok?" Robin raised his eyebrows, encouraging him to get to the point.

"First he told my siblings and I that we were to key to everything and that we'd bring a new beginning to our countries? Or something of the sort. Can't remember. You know same old stuff the elders tell children. Only when this guy said so, it scared me." Killian shrugged before all of his features darkened. His entire demeanor changed. Robin took a step way the other mad.

"The last time I remember seeing him was when I was about 11." Killian continued. His nails dug into his palms, leaving crescent indents. "He and mother had an argument. A loud argument. Gold became dangerous. I could hear him breaking things in mother's study. She was not harmed that I know of, but my sister…" He trailed off, losing a touch of his anger.

"Killian what happened?"

"He gave her the scar above her lip and told her she had ruined everything. Then left. It was the first time I'd seen my mother cry. No one stopped him. I have not seen the bastard since."

Robin took a much needed seat on the edge of the table. Killian soon joined him and they both sat in the presence of their own thoughts.

"Do you think this man is powerful enough to buy a military strong enough to storm a country and large enough to keep patrols around three of it's neighboring countries?"

"You've seen the documents. You know it's true." Killian paused. Whose to say these goons were only on the borders? They could very well be in the country now without anyone knowing. His face lit with new realization. "Do you think the military could have something to do with the assassination of King Nicolas?"

"Bollocks!" He ran a hand through his hair. The more it sank in the more it seemed like a valid possibility. "This is serious. Do you think it's him?" Robin asked seriously.

"Aye, it's a possibility. But why do this? What would he have to gain?" Killian let the question hang in the air. The two men sat side by side on the library table staring ahead and nothing in particular.

XXX

The photoshoot was over finally. All Regina wanted to do was spend time with her baby boy. Only problem was, she had no idea where he'd gotten off to. She had to constantly tell herself not to worry. Henry was known to wonder and go on adventures. She just hopes he wasn't causing anyone trouble.

"Wait up dear."

Regina kept her slow pace, but turned to see who called down the hall. "Your majesty?" She was surprised to see it was Ruth. She'd never actually had a conversation with the queen. Regina waited for Ruth catch up with her before they continued their slow stroll down the corridors together.

A quiet moment passed between two. "I hope you don't mind that I've interrupted your walk. I hoped that we could speak."

"Is there a problem?" Regina couldn't fathom why the queen would seek her out. They had a week until the wedding. Everything is already in their lap. Perhaps it had something to do with the revealing of her royal lineage.

"Oh no. Nothing of the sort." Ruth quickly dismissed. "I've never gotten the chance to speak with you. On a more personal level. I realized don't know who I have staying in the castle. We're strangers."

"Forgive me for speaking openly," Regina regarded carefully. "However the princess is throwing her bachelorette party in just a couple days. There will be plenty of strangers in the castle."

"I've already had conversations with your brother, I speak with Cora nearly every day, and it is impossible to know nothing of the great Zelena Jones. But Regina Jones however, I knew very little about. And Regina Mills to an even lesser degree."

"Ahh." The younger brunette hummed in understanding. For a second she believed there was a possibility that she wasn't like every other member of parliament who tracked her down earlier that day or the days before. "You discovered you lodged the Spanish Princess in your palace and want to,"

"It's not that." The queen is quick to interrupt. "I've just realized that I truly don't know whom I have living in my home. I simply want to know you better. And I understand you and Emma have formed some kind of a friendship." The older woman shrugged her shoulders, almost in the same manner her granddaughter would have. "I suppose I should as well."

Regina couldn't help the small smirk that formed on her face. She didn't think Ruth even realized what she had done. She and her granddaughter were rubbing off on each other. Regina thought it was cute. It was good for them.

"Well," Regina continued their walk and Ruth quickly joined. "What would you like to know?"

"Anything you you would like to tell me dear."

They walked in a comfortable silence for a moment while Regina thought about intriguing to tell the queen. She didn't think anything about herself was interesting enough to hold a place in the queen's mind. The best thing about her was Henry. He made her want to be a better human being.

"Looks like you found something." Ruth observed. The cheeky old woman had a smirk on her face.

Rolling her eyes in the presence of a queen was something Regina didn't make habit of and would be severely punished if caught. But Ruth was so much like her granddaughter it was hard not to react the same way she would with Emma. Cheeky or not the old woman was right. "Yes." Regina relaxed her stiff posture ever so slightly. "I was thinking of someone I love very dearly. He makes me," Regina paused looking for the right words. "He makes me want to give him the world. I almost feel as if I never truly understood what love meant until I met him."

Ruth smiled knowingly. "Would you by chance be talking about a young boy oh so high and always seems to have a sweet tart in his hands."

Regina briefly smiled at the description of Henry before it frowning. Her heart seized, stopping any movement all together. She stammered. "How,"

"I had children too. And Emma told me who the little boy eating all my fruit in the kitchen was."

"Oh heavens." Regina gasped. "I am so sorry. He wasn't any trouble was he? I didn't mean to impose. I should have made sure it was ok that he stay here with me. I'm a guest." She ran a hand through her hand. "I'm loosing all scene of responsibility."

"No, dear. That child is a breath of fresh air." Ruth held one if Regina's hands in both of hers. "It has been awhile since this castle has heard the laughter of a child. My boys loved running these halls."

"I can't imagine what loosing them must have been like for you." Regina placed her free had on top of their joined ones.

"Having Emma here makes a world of a difference. She keeps me busy. Mom or grandmother my job is never done."

"I don't even know what I'm doing, but it's the only for sure thing I know I supposed to do." She didn't know why she was telling the Queen of Misthaven all of this.

"Can I let you in on a secret?" The women leaned closer to each other. "I didn't either. You'll get the hang of it. He will tell you what you're doing it incorrectly. As long as you love him."

"With all my heart."

"Then you're already doing something right."

Regina and the queen continued their walk through the castle. Rounding corners arms linked, appearing more regal every step the took. Even when Ruth was pulled away from the walk, Regina continued. She didn't really have a destination in mind. She simply wandered. The sunlight filtering through the floor to ceiling windows brought a warmth other parts the stony castle lacked.

She was aware of another presence in the hall. Their eyes connected across the hall.

"Regina."

Robin breathed, unblinking. Almost afraid that if he did she disappear. The last time they saw each other was when his father demanded he stay away from her.

"Hello Robin."

"How have you been?"

I'm well. Thank you for asking." Her replies were short and to the point, almost dismissive.

"It's been awhile." Robin noted.

"Yes." She easily agreed. "A lot can change in a short while."

Robin perked up at that. Maybe her feelings had changed? Of course not she was probably referring to that of the recent changes in government of two of the neighboring countries. But maybe, just maybe she wasn't.

"I'm sorry to hear about your uncle's passing. I know you two were close."

Regina stiffened tremendously. She didn't say a word. She simply nodded once. There was another moment of this awkward starring between the two of them.

Finally Regina spoke. "Yes." She let the word hang alone in the atmosphere before continuing. "He.. it was.." she cleared her throat. "um we were, close."

Realizing there needed to be a subject change Robin moved on. "I can't stop thinking about you." He admitted. "So much so, I could see little Henry wondering the halls just this morning."

"You weren't imagining anything. Henry is here. With me." A small smile inched it's way on to her face as she spoke. "I adopted him."

Robin on the other hand was ecstatic. He was so invested in Regina and Henry's relationship ever since she told her about him in Spain. He fell in love with the boy through Regina and the stories she told about him and her obvious love for him. Then he finally got to meet the sweet boy, until it all came crashing down in their faces. If there was only one thing Regina wanted in this world, it was to love and raise Henry as her son. She'd finally gotten that.

Robin's smile widened. "Regina that's wonderful!" He couldn't stop himself from kissing her cheek before pulling her into a hug and literally sweeping her off her feet. Coming back to his senses, Robin quickly and gently set her down. "My apologies." Clearing his throat he tried and failed to contain his excitement. "You got your son!"

Now Regina's smile was as equally large as Robin's. "Robin." She became serious. Their arms were still locked with the other. But neither minded. "I'm sorry. I've been out of out of character lately. And what I'm about to ask you will only further that."

"Regina whatever it is, I'm here for you."

She still had her doubts. She would rather have Robin as a lover, but neither of them could have that. Could heart take only being allowed to be friends with Robin? Could he? He had kissed her. It was only on the cheek. Robin most likely doesn't even realize he's done it. She wanted him to kiss her properly. But they couldn't. Did that mean they couldn't even be friends? No. She was really tired of pushing potential friends away. She was defining who she was. Her mother could not control her anymore. From now on, she'd be her own person who made her own rules. "Well. Emma is having a bachelorette party at the end of the week. I have no choice. But to attend." Robin nodded, waiting to see where this was going. "Granny has agreed to watch Henry, but she won't able to until a little over an hour after the part has already started."

"I see." Robin hummed. His smile never leaving his face.

"Could you watch Henry until Granny is done in the kitchen? I know it's short notice, but I don't have anyone else I can ask that knows about him. He's a really good kid. He won't be much trouble."

"Regina." Robin interrupts. "I would love to. But may I ask? Why me and not your brother? I'm sure he'd love to spend quality time with his nephew."

"Killian doesn't know about Henry and neither does Zelena." Regina's hands fiddled with the fabric of her dress. "Mother has been lurking around recently. I can't risk her searching for them and finding them with Henry. She'd have him sent away. It make no sense, I know."

"I understand." The Brit smiled. "Does this mean we are friends again?"

"I don't know. Maybe I'd rather not." Regina laughed and walked off. But stopped before she got too far. "Are you coming? You've got a lot of groveling to do if you me to be your friend thief."

"Cheeky minx." Robin laughed to himself before following after her.

XXX

Growing up she was always told she and her siblings were special because they would one day rule over kingdoms and bring prosperity to the lands. While Zelena believed this and assured would make the best monarch if the time arrived, she also discovered that it will never be her title. She was not born a son. It was hard not being jealous of the two from time to time. Her brother inherited everything that came with their father's name, including the throne. Her sister wasn't born a man and yet she still seemed to get everything. Zelena didn't mind it as much now as she did when she was younger. She realized she wanted something else in life. Something with a very high status of course, but something else. Not being invited to the Princesses bridal party hurt more than she thought it would. It was Princess only. She wouldn't be surprised if the American and the kitchen maid were still invited despite lack of royal lineage. They weren't even height ranked nobles. It further proves it only matters who you know.

"Edward."

Zelena recognized her mother's hushed voice echoing from a room not far down the hall.

"Edward this is serious."

Zelena followed in the directions of the whispered voices. It had been a minute since she'd see Cora. Yes, her mother could be irritable at times, but she wasn't terrible company. She only wanted what was best for them. For some reason Cora held her in a regard then her siblings. She confided in her. Her mother didn't keep secrets from her like she did younger siblings. It wasn't her fault she was mother's favorite. Zelena always felt it was because she was Cora's first child. They had a bond that the other two would never have.

"I am being serious Cora. Think about your country. Think about your children."

"That country never did anything for me. I was nothing more than a miller's daughter when we met. You know. I was treated as if my life meant absolutely nothing by the higher ups. Never treated like a human. Never treated with any respect. It's when I realized the only way to truly achieve peace is through war."

Though she couldn't see, Zelena knew her mother was frustrated. Cora hated that part of her life, when she was weak and powerless. Her mother explained what her life was like before she became a noblewoman. Zelena glided into the entryway still unseen. The doors leading to the other room were cracked open. "I've not only seen things. I know what hardships the lower class go through, but of them were smart enough to make something of themselves. Even after they took away the little I had. I did what I had to do. I did not make the sacrifices I made to stop now. I've come too far." Zelena finally got close enough to see inside the main room. The doors were opened ever so slightly.

Her mother was sat regal as ever, arms rested on the armrests beside her. Her back straight as a board. Brown eyes pierce into the soul opposite her.

"You remember my first husband. We were married 5 years before Zelena was born. Brendan always had wondering eyes. People began to talk. What wife couldn't keep her husband entertained? We didn't love each other. Marriage isn't about that." Zelena shifted behind the door to get a better look inside the room. Her mother had a way of captivating her audience. "I thought if I gave him a boy he would save some of my dignity and be with his family. Of course, that didn't work. I hadn't it really expected it to you, but Brandon reminded me of a person I was and who I never wanted to be again. No one would laugh at me again they would fear me. Serve me, beg on their knees for forgiveness. I would rule over all of them. They would obey my every command."

"Cora." Edward stood straighter. There was a shift in his old friend. A wild, untamable glint in her eyes. And it scared him.

"The people of Misthaven were no better than that of Spain. They needed to know what I am truly capable of."

"You killed him didn't you?" It was more of a statement than a question. The disappointment leaked from his features. Who was he to judge her mother like that? Of course she hadn't killed anyone. Zelena balked at the accusation.

"To whom do you refer?" Cora smiled innocently. "Brendan? He and his bastard family died in a vehicle accident. Drunk driving. May they burn in hell."

"Christ Cora! I'm talking about Nicolas!" Edward was gripping the back of a tall chair in an attempt to sooth his anger. "Did you have something to do with his death?"

"I did what needed to be done…"

Zelena staggered from her place behind the door. What kind of answer was that? She placed a had against her throat feeling the pulse escalate. An invisible pressure moving in on her head. Their voices faded into ambiance noise, secondary to her racing thoughts. Her mother was many things. But a murder? She tried her best to keep herself balanced on the revolving floor beneath her feet. She swallowed to keep the bike from escaping her mouth.

Breathe.

They were talking about Uncle Nicholas. He wasn't her uncle, but he always treated her and Killian like family. Why would her mother do something like this. It didn't make sense.

"The death he received was merciful compared to what Robert planned for him. He wanted a manslaughter." Zelena glanced toward the door. Slowly she made her way back to the opening.

"Robert Gold is a leech and coward." Edward swiveled around the chair moved to stand in front of a seated Cora. "He's a thief! He needs you in order to succeed. Stop this insanity."

"You know that won't work. I've tried." Cora stood and placed a hand on the kings arm, only for him rip himself from her grip. "He will kill your entire family simply because Robin agreed to marry Emma. My children will die. Gold will stop at nothing to seen this plan through. He's desperate. Desperate souls go to desperate measures. At least my way, less people die."

"Cora this is insanity."

"Edward. Have I not always been there for you? Why not be there for me? I will protect your family. But I cannot do that if the marriage goes through." Cora grabbed on to his arms once again. There was a desperation leaking through her mother's strong wall. "Please. My oldest friend. End this. People will die. There is no need for more losses than necessary."

"Cora." Edward whined. Tears pooled at the base of his eyes. His face was red with emotion. "You know I can't. It's too late."

"Then your fate is sealed." A single tear fell from her mother's eye.

Zelena backed away from the door. There was going to be a massacre. Innocent people will die. And her mother was mixed in it all. She dragged her self from the room a nod swiftly made her down the hall. She was so focused getting away that she barely missed trampling a small body.

The young boy shrunk back looking up at the pail, red headed woman who seem to stretch on forever. Zelena could only imagine how intimidating she must look to him. She got down on her knees so that she was closer to his eye level.

The boy took a step back to match their newfound closeness. He was studying her. She could tell in the way he scrunched his nose and tilted his head. He didn't know to make of her.

"My name is Zelena. What is your name?" Zelena held her hand out to him.

He simply looked at it, before taking another step away and putting a thumb in his mouth.

"I apologize for nearly tripping over you. Are you lost?" Zelena continued to ask questions. It wasn't common for young children to be wondering about the palace. He appeared to be well dressed, meaning he didn't belong to any of the staff. Maybe a visiting family?

The boy shook his head violently. He pointed behind him, down the hall.

"Is your mother down there?" He nodded. "Would you like me to take her to you?" The boy hesitated before nodding again. Pulling herself from the ground wasn't easy in six inch heels. She wasn't twelve any more. "Ok. Let's go." Zelena was a bit surprised when the young boy put his had in hers. She glanced down to see him smiling back at her. She couldn't help smiling herself.

All too soon the boy dropped her hand and ran off to a woman a few paces down the hall. The woman happily picked up the giggling boy and turned to face her. "Regina! What the hell?!" Zelena shouted down the hallway, successfully scaring her sister.

X.X.X

Days passed quickly. Emma was still reveling in winning over parliament to build the children's home. She recently visited to see what progress had been made if any. There wasn't much that needed to be done. Well it was more cosmetic than anything. They were still waiting for the children's beds to arrive. And they still needed the school supplies and furniture before they could do any real change to the conference rooms. Everyone working on the project was so happy to be there. It made Emma happy.

She and Lily were half walking and half dancing down the hall. Nowadays it seem that the only place anyone was. Belle and Elsa were skipping behind them. Every one was ecstatic for Emma's bachelorette party to begin.

"We're setting up the ramp in the ballroom!" Ingrid excitedly informed as she ran by.

"Ok!" Emma and lily continued to play their little foot game.

"Hello." A recognizable voice approached them in the hall.

Emma quickly looked up to meet the eyes of none other than Killian Jones. His eyes were just as vibrant as they were the first time she'd met him. "Hello." Emma's chest was burning and slowly rising to her neck. The last time they'd seen each other was at the water fountain during the picnic. When they kissed.

"My hello is insignificant." Lily removed herself from the conversation. "Laverne, Shirley. Follow me." She motioned toward Elsa and Belle. They moved within hearing distance off the the side of the hallway.

"So, are you crashing my bridal shower?" Emma began a casual conversation as they walked in slow, lazy circles around each other. It was not predatory or threatening like it had been at the garden party.

"Sadly no." Killian flashed his white teeth. "I wanted to tell you I was very impressed by what you did at the parade."

They stopped walking. "Thank you." She continued their slow circling. "I'm having a slumber party." Emma motioned towards the maids running about the palace. Too nervous to come up with anything else.

"Congratulations. On your children's home."

She swore he was going to congratulate her on her engagement. She was pleasantly surprised. She was very proud of her children's home. "Thank you. Thank you."

"She needs to get ready for the party." Elsa whispered for her spot to the side.

Belle dreamily shrugged. "She's busy."

"Hey. One and two. Zip it." Lily shushed, focusing on her friend once again.

"Emma! Lily! The princesses are arriving!" Ingrid rushed through the hall.

Killian and Emma were snapped out of whatever daze they were in. "Oh. I should probably…"

"Yeah. You should probably get ready." The two smiled goofily before parting ways.

XXX

"Hello! Hello! Cruella Deville here! Days before her Wedding, Princess Emma and a stroke of skill diplomacy has invited princesses from all over the world to her bridal shower slumber party." Cruella and her team of reporters were outside the palace documenting the arrival of Emma's guest.

"Hello Princess Aurora." Ingrid greeted a teenaged Princess on steps of the palace. The younger girl smiled, revealing meatal. "Braces!"

"Yeah. I'm getting two diamonds put in." Aurora giggled before running inside.

"Oh. That must make them comfortable."

"Aurora! Hi!" Two young Princesses stepped out of their car, already dressed in their nightwear. They were probably the youngest of the Princesses to arrive tonight.

"Princess Amber and Princess Sophia of Enchancia!" A guard announced their arrival. This is going to happen a lot during the night.

Just on the inside of palace, Princesses were already gathered and conversing among each other. They all changed into their pajamas. The serving maids and butlers delivered snacks and refreshments while they waited for the host of honor to arrive.

After they got past the boring stuff like eating and opening gifts. Emma figured it was time to kick it up a notch. These women were ready let go of all their royal duties and obligations. It was time for some fun.

"Ladies I hope you've enjoyed your time so far." Emma smiled at the group of Princesses. They all seemed distant from one another, even those who knew each other. Regina in particular appeared to revert in to old habits of frowning at everyone from a distance. "I want to thank you all so much for my fabulous bridal shower gifts. And now I have a special gift for you. It's time for mattress surfing!!" They all cheered. Emma led them to the ballroom. The famous grand staircase was transformed into a golden, waved slide. It had taken them about a week to complete it. There were piles of mattresses on either side of the large structure. With the 'ok' the girls dashed toward the stairs. Others grabbed a pair of roller skates that were provided elsewhere. Some turned on a bubble blower and the stereo. This was the most lively she'd seen the Princesses so far and the night was only beginning.

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Translations: preoccupied by

I wanted to write the sleepover in this part, but there was too much for one chapter. I'll continue it in the next chapter. Can't wait to finish writing! Hope you enjoyed! SD!

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