Five years later
...
In his experience from being the leader of the Merry Men, always on the run from some one, you would think that he was very well versed in doing many tasks harder than this. However, he had never experienced anything more difficult than getting his wife and his four children in a carriage at the same time.
Three and a half year old twins, Sebastian and Mitchel, would dart out at any point when eyes weren't watching. And Bennett could only carry one back at a time, making the task more difficult than it needed to be. Finally trapping both dark haired boys and placing them in the carriage for the third time, Robin approached Little John who was waiting at the door. "John, can make sure the boys don't get out of the carriage again? I need to find Regina and Cora."
John smiled, patting him on the back. "Good luck."
He found them in their usual place, out in the gardens. Regina had Cora sitting in front of her as she wove her hair into a french braid. Around them, Cora was creating flowers. Around the two, various patches of flowers sprung up at her will. Many shades of purple, pink, and light blue surrounded them.
In the middle of the garden was Cora's first plant; an apple tree that she had grown for Regina's birthday. He reached out and pulled one of the apples form the lowest branch. The fruit was most certainly the best tasting in all the land. He picked another two to bring over to them. As he walked closer he could hear their conversation more clearly.
"So what do you think the new baby is going to be?" Regina asked as she tied off the ends of Cora's hair.
The little girl turned, placing both of her hands on Regina's stomach. Her eyes shut tightly for a moment and then she removed her hands. "Girl."
"You think?"
Cora shook her head. "No. I don't think. I know."
Robin shook his head patting his daughter on her head. "Cora, dear it is time to go."
She put a finger up and then let her body be covered in white smoke. Once it cleared, she was wearing a pale pink dress, quite formal, fit for a princess. "Why did you just change your outfit?" Robin said placing his hands on his forehead.
"We are going on a trip to the royal palace. I need to look my best!" She said, standing a little straighter.
Robin shook his head. "We are only going to see you Aunt Snow and meet your new baby cousin."
"But, Auntie Snowy's the queen."
"Cora, it is just your Aunt."
Cora shook her head. "No, I want to look nice for the princess."
Regina slowly stood, taking one of the apples from Robin's hand. "I am sure that Emma will love it."
Cora smiled her cheery grin and started to run through the castle, meeting Little John out at the other side. Robin stayed back with his wife, lacing his fingers between her's as they walked. "She is such an adult already. You have taught her well."
Regina looked up a little. "I have only taught her magic. She just imitates, everything I do."
"Good thing you are a good role model." Robin chuckled. "You seem tense, everything alright?"
"It just occurred to me that I am a grandmother."
"And why is that a bad thing? You and Snow are only eight years apart."
Regina shook her head. "I am feeling old."
"Well," Robin stopped placing a hand on her cheek. "if it makes you feel any better, you are the most beautiful grandmother in all the lands."
He reached forward slowly to meet her in a kiss, so close she could feel his breath on her upper lip, but he stopped as she began to speak. "You know, that doesn't make me feel much better, correct?"
"I am just teasing."
Their lips joined together in a quick kiss, followed by a simultaneous "Ewww!" coming from down the halls.
"Bash! Mitch!" Robin scolded, pulling his wife toward their twin boys. "I told you to stay in the carriage. Repeatedly."
Mitchel pointed to Sebastian. "He seaked out first."
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Did-"
"Boys!" Regina interrupted, causing both to jump a little. "Come on," She said bending down to pick up Sebastian, while Robin let Mitchel climb onto his back.
Perhaps, if she had not walked into that tavern (and then promptly walking out, only for him to invite her back), she would not be so happy to see her step daughter. To meet her step grand daughter.
Almost eleven years ago.
It felt so close, she could vividly remember it; most of it before she started drinking but that was beside the point.
From their first kiss, to their first time, to the time she broke the sleeping curse. Saving their son from Pan. The birth of their four children, soon to be five.
Memories she would never want to give up.
Memories born of true love.
And as she looked down as her husband's wrist, seeing that ever present lion tattoo, now faded a bit more, she was reminded about the prophesy.
The man with the lion tattoo.
Her soul mate.
Her true love.
Her life partner.
Her all.
The light in her life.
Her sun, moon, and stars.
Her everything.
A/N Thank you so much for reading!
If you are craving for more, I am still writing my other Outlaw Queen story, Reminders, and working on a new multi chapter AU fic coming by the end of the month.
It has been almost nine months since I began this story, so all I wanted to say is thank you.
Each and every one of you have helped me push through to the end.
With lots of love,
the Regalshipper
