A/N: Here it is, the penultimate chapter of this story. It scares me, I have no idea how you will welcome the decisions I've made, but they were well thought and not random, and there is a reason for them. I'll explain why when I'll post the epilogue.

About the previous chapter, the Disney movie sentence came from Beauty and the Beast, the "He's no monster Father [Gaston], you are" that Snow tells her father when she confronts him. Told you it was a small thing XD

Alright, I'm going to let you read. Please, even though I'm freaked out, tell me what you think!


After using magic to repair most of the damages caused by the battle, the main hall is turned into a giant banquet.

All the prisoners have been freed; the castle's private physicians have been called to tend to the injuries. Cora used her magic to bring back to the castle the soldiers that were still on the battlefield, and a good amount of them were relieved to hear about the King's death, whose body was brought to the crypt.

Regina watches, in relief, as families are reunited, soldiers dropping their weapons and running to hug their wives and children. She observes her friends, John, Alan and Maleficent, help people around, provide medical care, bring them food. Even Eric, despite his injury, refuses to stay still. It's soothing, really, to see so many people happy, to be surrounded by so much cheerfulness when all of her memories here have been made of nothing other than pain.

Two hands close on her shoulders from behind, and she looks up to meet Robin's bright eyes and warm smile, leans back to press herself against him, her hands covering his.

"Are you feeling alright?"

He moves from behind her to sit next to her, a hand rubbing her back, another one resting on her stomach.

"I am. I'll just need a moment to realize that it's finally over." She closes her eyes while Robin gently kisses her forehead.

"And our baby?" he glances towards her belly. "Did it happen again? What stopped you earlier in the hallway?"

"No." Regina reassures him, shaking her head. "I believe it was the stress, perhaps the effort. But I didn't have any more contractions since, and our little girl has been perfectly quiet and content since I sat down."

Robin chuckles, bumps his nose against her temple. "I believe she tries to send you a message."

"Oh, don't worry, I'm worn out!" Regina admits with a small laugh. "I'd be useless anyway, so I'm going to stay here for a little while." She leans her head against him, finds the crook of his neck. "What about you?" She tilts her chin towards the group of mercenaries celebrating their victory with drinks across the room. "You're their leader now, huh?"

Robin's gaze moves to the sword at his belt, his heart swelling with the loss of his mentor, and the responsibilities that Marcus has put on his shoulders. They may have lost contact years ago, but watching the man die in front of him, and to protect him, has deeply upset him.

"It's complicated. They accept me as their leader, that isn't an issue but... I won't go back to the life I had before." His thumb brushes her stomach tenderly. "I won't leave you and our daughter. Except I'm not certain that they're all ready to change their way of life. But that's something that we'll discuss in time. Right now, we need to find a way to keep the Kingdom stable."

"About that..."

They both look at the voice that came from behind them, and they turn to find Snow White, accompanied by a woman Regina quickly recognizes as Johanna, the princess' caretaker. The young girl's face has been ravaged by the fear she's lived in over the last months, and Regina opens her arms to gather her against her, relieved to see her alive.

"Forgive me for interrupting you, Your Majesty," Johanna resumes once the princess pulls back from Regina's embrace. "But we need to discuss the situation." A few men that were standing behind them walk forward. Regina remembers them being part of the King's court before his madness threw them in jail. They are wise men who have the necessary knowledge to help a leader fairly rule.

"Your Majesty," One of the men bows in front of Regina. "The situation hasn't deprived you from your title as Queen of this Kingdom, and the princess isn't in age to rule yet. The throne, as well as the title of regent Queen is yours."

Regina's jaw falls. She hadn't thought of that. Since the very moment she escaped, she forgot all about her duties as Queen, duties that her husband had never even let her do. She has no experience, no interest in living here, in ruling a kingdom. In facing every day the hell that almost swallowed her and Robin both. She belongs to Nottingham, to her friends. To Robin.

"I..."

"I'm aware that this isn't what you want, Regina." Snow White tells her with a kindness and a maturity Regina doesn't remember. "I don't want you to feel trapped like you were when my father was alive. However, Lord Herbert is right. I cannot rule by myself. Not before a year. And I wouldn't say no to having some help."

"I have no knowledge about ruling, Snow." Regina admits. "Your father never let me in the Kingdom's business, I wouldn't know what to do."

"I do."

They all turn towards Cora, and Regina winces, blowing out an uncomfortable breath.

"I could help you, Princess."

"But you won't, Mother."

Cora's eyes switch from fake kindness to shock, and Regina holds her chin up and her back as straight as she can considering her large stomach stirring her back muscles. She knows what her mother is up to, and she'd rather take the crown than let her follow her agenda. No matter how Cora has changed over the last few days, she's not ready to bet that her mother's interest to take the crown for herself has suddenly vanished into thin air.

"You have your own kingdom to rule, Mother, remember? And I admit that I wouldn't mind having you around a little, especially when this little one will be born." She adds, affectionately rubbing her stomach.

Her gratefulness for Cora's help is beyond limits, and she can't even express how relieved she feels at the prospect of their new relationship. However, she refuses to take the risk of having to fight her mother in a near future when their relationship has finally found a balance.

Luckily, Cora takes the bait, her eyes finding the curve of her stomach, her features smoothening into the one of the caring mother and future grandmother she's become recently.

Regina closes the space between them, grabbing her hand and therefore shushing any of Cora's protests before she can voice them, sensing the change operate within her mother at the physical contact, confirming what she's assumed, that her child's presence is able to soothe even her mother' soul.

"Very well, Regina." The words are spoken with a calmness that doesn't seem to hide any agenda for once, so Regina knows that Cora is sincere. "Who would teach her, then?"

"I might have someone in mind."

All eyes are on Robin, who's standing next to the princess. His face is lit up by a dimpled smile that has Regina completely melting.

"Who?"

"Someone fair and kind." He assures. "A person who has experience in that matter. I'd need to check if she'd agree to come here and help you for such a long period of time, Princess. Would you allow me to go and ask her? It could take a few days."

"Where would you go, Robin?" Regina questions, instinctively going to him and gripping his jacket. She's not certain she's ready to be separated from him again, not with the connection that exists between them now.

He looks down at her, a hand brushing her cheek tenderly. "Somewhere safe. Trust me. If the princess agrees, I'll be back soon. You, stay here, rest, and take care of all this." He says while glancing at the room they're in.

Snow White looks at the man in the eyes, and sees no greed nor hidden goal that could endanger her. On the contrary, she can tell that all he wants is to live in peace with Regina and their child. Feeling confident that he will find the solution to the matter at hand, she nods firmly. "Very well. We'll wait for your return."

xxx

Regina wakes up with a feeling of contentment and happiness that makes her smile and sigh with pleasure as she stretches. Her hands immediately move to her stomach, stroking gently, feeling the movement of her child under her palm. That's when she feels it. Or more exactly: Him.

She gets up swiftly –or at least, as swiftly as her large stomach allows her, hurrying to put on a dress and shoes, and soon, she's rushing through the hallways, heading for the main hall, coming at a stop as she's in front of the open door, her heart swelling with love at the sight.

"Robin..." she breathes.

He's been gone for six days, six long days during which she spent her time dealing with repairing, sending messages to the nearby kingdoms, and discussing political issues she wouldn't have cared about had she found herself in a different situation.

During that time, and despite the presence of her friends, she's missed Robin every single second. She's missed his presence, his caresses, his kisses, the comfort she always feels when tucked in his arms. She's missed their talks, just gazing deep into these blue eyes she was born to gaze into. She's missed sharing with him the special connection they have with their child.

When their eyes meet, their faces break into wide smiles. Ignoring the people in the room, let it be the blonde woman by his side whom Regina doesn't know, Snow White or the council's men, Robin and Regina close the distance separating them, and she wraps her arms around his neck while his link behind her back, feeling their child's happiness echo in their entire beings.

Robin smells like forest, like pines and firs, wildflowers and earth slightly moistened by morning dew. This smell that she loves so much invades her like a cocoon of bliss, and she lets a long sigh of relief and contentment out when she looks up at him, their lips joining in a tender kiss.

Since the battle against Rumpelstiltskin, the connection between them, and with their child, has grown so much that every second away from each other was a torture. Her only consolation was that this time she could feel Robin's emotions not only through their child, but through the repaired soulmate bond between them as well. That's how, despite how much she missed him and the long distance separating them, she knew that he was safe, that everything was alright.

The second their kiss ends, Robin's hand caresses her cheek with infinite tenderness, and he kneels down in front of her, both hands and forehead against the protrusion of her belly where their child is growing up.

"I've missed you, my baby."

After kissing her belly and feeling their daughter energetically kick her father's palm, Robin stands, his eyes of endless blue finding hers.

"I've missed you both."

"We've missed you, too."

When someone clears his throat, Regina realizes the small crowd observing them. Sheepishly looking down, she bites the inside of her cheek to avoid laughing, then casts an amused look behind Robin. "Will you introduce us?"

Coming to his senses, the purity of their reunion shattered by obligation, Robin stands beside her, one hand clasped around her waist while they face everyone. He gestures reverently to the long blonde-haired young woman facing the Princess.

"Regina, I present Elsa, Queen of Arendelle." Regina's eyes widen. "She has many years of experience as Queen, her reign is prosperous and righteous. She has kindly agreed to come and guide Snow White for the coming year."

"Your Majesty." Regina respectfully bows. "I can only thank you for agreeing to help us."

The woman's smile warms Regina's heart. She exudes kindness and confidence, which reassures her immediately as she can sense that she is indeed exactly the person they need.

"After Robin explained to me the situation in your kingdom, and your own situation, which does not allow you to be Regent, I could only offer my help."

"We are infinitely grateful to you." Lord Herbert replies. "I have heard that you are a good Queen, that your people love and respect you. That is the goal our Princess wishes to reach. There's also a lot of rebuilding to do and trust to regain within the kingdom. However, may I ask who will hold power in your own kingdom during this time?"

"Thank you, Lord Herbert." The Queen answers reverently. "I actually wished to discuss this with you. I have put my sister and brother-in-law in power. However, even though I left guidelines and my advisors are here to help them, I'd rather check on them regularly. So, I hoped it would suit you if you, Princess, and I, went back and forth between my kingdom and yours regularly? That would enable me to intervene in my kingdom as well as yours, and you could benefit from the vision of both kingdoms. Would this be possible for you?"

Regina immediately notices Snow's sparkling eyes, as she seems mesmerized by the Queen. Elsa is indeed a natural good-nature and immediately inspires trust to anyone who speaks with her. Her leadership, her stance, her generosity jumps to her eyes and reassures her about the future Snow will be able to build. She might not be able to be there with her, but she will leave her in good hands.

"I- Of course. That would be incredible!" Snow's excitement is hard to miss, her eyes are shining, her smile bright, her fingers flexing.

"But how would you travel between realms?" Regina questions. "I know you wield magic, but I wasn't aware that this was one of your powers."

Elsa sends an amused smirk in the direction of Robin, who looks at Regina proudly.

"It turns out your magic isn't the only one who grew with the baby and the restored bond between us. When I was in Arendelle, I found out that I was able to keep a portal open for as long as I wanted and effortlessly."

Regina beams at him. "Really?" In front of his confident nod, she pecks his cheek. "That's great, Robin!"

"If I may, Your Majesties, Your Royal Highness," Lord Herbert interrupts, refocusing the conversation on the matter at hand. "One problem remains: You can guide our Princess on the path to becoming a Queen, but she still isn't in age to rule. And as a Queen from a different kingdom, you cannot be regent of this kingdom." He turns towards Regina. "This title is still yours, Your Majesty. We've found an answer to yours and your Highness' lack of experience, but not to your regency."

"Is there a way for me to pass my powers to Snow even though she's not in age to rule yet?"

The man turns towards the men behind him who are quietly listening. One of them steps forward, bows respectively. "There might be one, your Majesty."

Regina nods her head, so the man takes one more step in her direction.

"Please, speak."

"My name is Byron Porter. I was one of your husb… the King's counselor. My role was to know the law, and be able to advise him what was allowed and what wasn't."

"Is there a law allowing me to quit from my position?"

"Unfortunately, there isn't, Your Majesty," He bends forward as he admits. "However, the law can be adapted when the situation is too complex or requires a change."

"Which means?"

"Which means that, since the kingdom can't stay without a regent, and the princess can't be allowed to be Queen before her eighteenth birthday, you are allowed to name someone to be regent in your place, if you find yourself in no capacity to perform your duties, as long as this person is a member of this kingdom, and competent for the position."

Hope rises within her, the weight over her shoulders that came back since she was reminded of her duties beginning to fade.

"Really?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Regina half turns towards Snow, half towards Robin. "It'd be perfect!" She walks to the princess, takes her hand. "I hope you understand my decision to leave, Snow. This place isn't my home, it never was."

"I do." Snow White answers while covering her hand. "I will miss you, but you deserve to be happy."

"Do you have a name in mind? A person whom you trust?"

The princess waves in front of her. "Everyone I trust is in this room."

"If I may, Princess," the Queen Elsa speaks gently, drawing their attention. "Perhaps a man who used to work for your father would be a good choice? He'd know the kingdom and its affairs. Someone who also has the kingdom's wellness at heart."

"Regina?"

Regina senses Snow White's hesitation, the fear of making a first decision, the need for recognition from her. Reassuringly, she smiles.

"I do believe that we have our man."

Once the decision has been made that Lord Herbert would receive Regina's power during a ceremony that will take place a week later, the group splits, and Regina, along with Robin, accompany Snow and Elsa for a much-needed breakfast.

When they arrive in the main room, their friends have already gathered, copiously eating enough food to last them a week. John spits out pieces of cake as he tries to welcome them and swallow his food at the same time, but mortification covers his face when he realizes that the Princess and a Queen are standing in front of them.

Regina leans her head against Robin's shoulder, her eyes alternating between the little girl who has become a woman, the worthy Queen who has come from a distant kingdom to lend them a hand and, in a way, free her from her commitments to the kingdom, her friends, definitely enjoying themselves and all the predicaments of royal life, and Maleficent, whose gaze has changed and opened up to a world that had until now been forbidden to her.

All the changes that have taken place in the space of a year are still hard to grasp, but one thing seems certain in her mind now: everything will be alright.

xxx

Regina breathes contently, lulled by Robin's regular heartbeat and his hand carding through her hair tenderly. The castle is getting ready for her to transfer her powers as Queen Regent to Lord Herbert, but she needs to treat herself with a break, to enjoy the man she loves in private, for a little while.

"Are you ready to say goodbye to all of this for good?"

"I already have a long time ago, Robin." she answers lowly, her fingers tracing circles on the skin of his chest. "I'm relieved, actually." She cranes her neck to look at him. "Even more now that I know that Snow will be safe, and guided on the good path by someone kind and qualified."

"Elsa is a very kind person."

"I've noticed. I couldn't have hoped for someone better to take care of Snow. Thank you for convincing her to help."

"I sense a bit of heartbreak in your voice, though."

Regina sighs, props on her elbows and adjusts to keep the physical contact with Robin. "I may have hated her when I became Queen, but neither of us are the same people we were then. We've both changed profoundly. I've grown attached to her, and I worry about her well-being. What she went through... I'm glad that someone wise is taking over to look after her. She deserves it."

Robin smiles, brushes her cheek gently. "And your mother?"

"What about her?"

"Is everything alright between you two, now? She left while I was in Arendelle, so I don't know how it ended."

Regina smiles as she remembers the last moments before her mother went back to her Kingdom. She remembers the satisfaction of a mended relationship. Despite their differences and disagreements, this war, fighting together against common enemies, her child to come, brought them closer than they ever were.

"You take care of you, and of this one too. I want to know when she is born, and if this Robin of yours finally has the guts to ask you to marry him now that he can." Cora had said while pressing a hand over her stomach. This, hearing her mother simply caring, had meant the world to Regina. She had hugged her fiercely, honestly, and the sincerity that she felt as her mother reciprocated the embrace sent a wave of love through her. When Cora vanished in front of her, Regina's heart felt lighter, appeased by their fixed relationship.

"We will always be different, but I don't think I'm mistaken when I say that for the first time, we finally are a mother and a daughter. She respects my choices, and I accept her as she is. I know she will always protect me now." She plays with his stubble as her voice lowers. "She will always protect us. And I'm ready to bet that our little girl has already stolen her heart."

Robin chuckles, leans forward to peck her lips, placing a strand of wild hair back behind her ear.

"Just like her father." he teases, his nose bumping against hers. "I'm glad you have settled things with her, it was important. What about my friends? Did they cause any trouble?"

Regina smirks. "They didn't. Actually, they were quite helpful. Your two friends Guy and William have left to find Guy's fiancé, they promised to visit us in Nottingham. The others have done as I told, just like you asked them to. The gallows have been burnt, the bodies in the pits properly cremated, and families are going back to their houses. I admit that I was wary when you left me in charge, but they really showed a lot of respect towards me."

"They might be ruthless and lack manners, but they have a code of honor. And from what they've told me, they are longing for a new life."

"Do you have an idea of what you want to offer them yet?"

Robin pecks her forehead, his fingertips sliding onto the skin of her bare back. "Not in detail, but I'd like to take the ones ready to follow me back with us in Nottingham, if you don't mind."

Regina arches an eyebrow. "I don't, but there isn't enough space for them to stay over there."

"They're skilled at hand work. Surely, they could help Michael, Eric and I to build more houses. And in the meantime, trust me, simple tents will do. That's what they've had their entire lives."

"We'll see." Leaning her head back against his chest, Regina closes her eyes. "For now, I need you to hold me."

xxx

They're ready.

After more almost three weeks preparing everything in order to leave the Kingdom to Snow, Queen Elsa and Lord Herbert, Regina and Robin are about to go back home.

Standing outside the castle, all the mercenaries that chose to follow them -a few have decided to join the princess' army, along with John, Alan, Eric, and Maleficent, are standing behind Regina and Robin, waiting.

Regina is the first one to step forward, grabbing the Princess' hands, then accepting her embrace as Snow White locks her arms around her waist.

"You take care of yourself, Snow. And you know where to find me." She tilts her chin up using her fingertips, smiles at her. "I may not be Queen anymore, but I will always be here for you."

The girl nods, mirroring her smile. "Thank you for everything, Regina. Thank you for saving us."

Regina can't help but press a warm kiss to her forehead, before releasing her gently. She nods to Johanna, Lord Herbert and the other nobles next to them, and then she faces the Queen of Arendelle. "I cannot express how grateful I am for your help, Your Majesty. I trust you to lead Snow White on the path to become the great leader she's meant to be."

"That, I will. Enjoy your free life."

Once she's done bidding her goodbyes, Robin's hand rises and waves in a circle in front of them, the familiar clearing surrounding the north of Nottingham coming into view. John and Alan are the first ones to cross the portal, eager to go back to their families. They are followed by Eric and Maleficent, and then, the mercenaries.

As he holds the portal open to let so many people pass through, Robin is still amazed by how easy using his magic has become since his soul reconnected with Regina. He first noticed it when he crossed the portal to go to Arendelle, and then became aware of the fact that he could let a portal open for a certain time without focusing on it nor use his magic. The final revelation that hit him, was that for a disposable portal like the one he is creating right now, a drawing isn't required anymore.

It stuns him, the change of use of his powers, the increase of the magic coursing through him and that has become a part of him entirely now, the bound connecting him to Regina and their daughter that followed him even though they were thousand of miles apart.

Regina, who's waiting patiently by his side, smiling at him with those brown orbs he loves so much. He claps his hand in hers, nodding slightly and together, they disappear through the portal.

"It's good to be home!" John exclaims cheerfully the second the portal closes behind them.

"Yeah, I'm ready to bet you're more eager to see a little blondie rather than your parents!" Alan teases him, hissing in pain when John pokes his ribs with his elbow as he sheepishly glances at Maleficent.

Regina notices the discreet smirk on the woman's face, but she doesn't have time to dwell on it as Eric bumps his shoulder into hers playfully.

"So? How does it feel?"

"How does what feel?"

Glancing between her and Robin, Eric shrugs. "To be back as a free woman."

Regina leans against Robin's side, her lips turning into a lopsided grin. "I'm not even sure there's a word to describe how I feel. I hope Hannah and Larry won't be against a party, because I for sure feel in a celebrating mood today."

"Trust me, they'll be eager to celebrate us all coming back in one piece!" John shoots. "There's no way they'll say no."

The group walks towards the village in a cheerful atmosphere, except for the mercenaries. Robin, no matter how happy he is to return to the life he started building with Regina, can't help but sense their hesitation and nervousness. Truth is, even if he assured them that anyone who wanted to settle down would be welcomed, he's conscious that the old habits die hard. Their entire lives, they've been rejected, inspired fear and disgust. Many of them, just like him years ago, found in the pack the family they couldn't find elsewhere. And even if they followed him out of loyalty and hope for a better life, he's well aware than almost all of them are filled with doubt and fear. He understands them too well. His own doubts, his own fears, have almost cost him the woman he loves and their child. Needless to say he's more than ready to show his brothers the path to happiness.

"Alan! John! You're back!"

The two young men recognize their friend immediately. "Will! Man, I'm so happy to see you!"

Once the news of their return has spread, the group is, as expected, welcomed with open arms by their families and friends, and celebrated for the victory over the Mad King.

The reunion is made of claps on the shoulder and hugs, of congratulations and questions about both their well-being and the details of their long journey away.

Regina can't stop smiling the entire time, way too happy to see all the people she loves, her father and Tinkerbell more than anyone else. The satisfaction and relief written in their eyes, the pride as well, make her heart swell with the love she feels for them.

Robin introduces his former brothers, explains the situation to the villagers. Their initial reserve is hard to miss, and he's well aware that a few of his friends have noticed it. However, after John and Eric's insurance that the men helped them not only winning the war, but also repairing the castle and the town around it, that they have been a great help and didn't cause any issue, the wariness was replaced by acceptance.

It didn't take long for the entire village to end up sitting on the outside tables, pints of beer in hand, discussing the recent events.

"The kingdom will slowly recover from the state of agony into which Leopold had plunged it. Between Queen Elsa, Lord Herbert and the council, Snow White is well surrounded."

"She already has a clear idea of what to avoid." Regina adds, clutching Robin's arm and linking their fingers.

"From what we were told, her father locked her up after she tried to protect the people by warning the neighboring Kings of her father's murderous madness." Alan goes on. "She was already trying to do the right thing before he died."

"The changes she will make will do the kingdom a lot of good." Henry admits with a firm nod. "She's young, but she has the strength necessary to do this."

Hannah exchanges a close look with Larry, swallowing her sip of beer before looking up, eyebrows furrowed.

"There have been some changes here, too." She glances towards Tinkerbell, an eyebrow raised expectantly, and the blonde woman sheepishly looks up, facing Regina's sudden frown and questioning eyes.

"I... Blue has contacted me."

"Blue? The fairy?"

"The one who banished you?" Eric adds, a bit confused.

"That one." Gulping uncomfortably, Tinkerbell shrugs, burrowing her head between her shoulders. "She's admitted that at the light of the recent events she's reconsidered her decision. That she might have made a mistake." Maleficent scoffs and rolls her eyes, so Tinkerbell adds "About the two of us." with a pointed look, that has Robin's sister freezing in shock, but also deeply frowning in skepticism. Tinkerbell looks back at her friends with anticipation. "She offered me to go back."

Regina leans towards her. "Back where?"

Tinkerbell tilts her chin up, as if pointing at the sky. "In my world. The fairy's world."

Regina inhales slowly, seized by a sudden anxiety. Surely, Tinkerbell wouldn't go back to a place from which she was banished for doing what was right. "What did you say?"

Fidgeting with an asperity of the wooden table, Tinkerbell finds herself unable to meet her eyes. "I told her that I needed to think about it."

"But…" Unable to hide the sadness filling her, Regina takes a deep breath to try to give herself some confidence and not sound like she's completely shocked by her friends' answer. "Why would you leave? Aren't you happy with us?"

"Oh but I am, Regina! I really am!"

"Then why?" Eric argues. "Why choose to go back with a fairy who banished you for doing something good, while she helped the wrong person twice? He'll, even three times if you count Maleficent's curse, and that's only what we know, so there's probably more!" He adds with annoyance, a hand directed towards Maleficent. "You can't possibly consider going back under her guidance."

"I found that idea foolish too at first," Tinkerbell admits. "But think about it differently: By becoming a fairy again, I could make sure she doesn't make such a mistake a second time. Also, and maybe mostly, I'd be able to help people." She faces a strong silence, one that speaks all the heartbreak she can read in Regina and Eric's eyes, the same one that she feels as well. The months spent with them were a blessing, but she also realized that she was useless, unable to help people the way she used to, the way she feels that she's meant to. "I'd be able to do for others what I did for you, Regina. And now that you're in a better place, you don't need me anymore."

Regina jumps on her seat. "That's not true!"

Pointedly glancing at Robin, at her swollen belly, and then at the people around them, Tinkerbell kindly asks. "Say it again?"

Regina's head falls in realization, when she understands that she, indeed, feels complete and at home in the world, and that she has felt this way even over the last weeks spent apart from her friend.

"You stay my best friend."

"That won't change." Tinkerbell assures, squeezing her hand. "Trust me, you will not get rid of me so easily, I plan on visiting you regularly. Plus, there's no way I won't meet your daughter." They exchange a small chuckle, a sad one though, before the fairy falls serious again. "But this is who I am, Regina. This is what I need. My time here has allowed me to understand that my mission is to help people. That's what I was born to accomplish."

"I'll miss you every single day." Regina says in acceptance.

"And I will, too."

"So, you're really considering it?" Eric questions, with evident reluctance.

"I am. But I want you both to accept my decision." She grabs one of Eric's hands. "You're my closest friends. Your opinion means a lot to me."

Regina wipes away a tear that escaped her eye. "I can't believe we won't live together anymore."

Tinkerbell tilts her head towards Robin, smirking. "You won't be alone."

Regina glances towards Robin, bumping her forehead into his gently before turning back towards Tinkerbell. "When will you leave?"

"I asked Blue to give me a week."

"Does going back make you happy, Tink?" Eric asks, clutching at her hand.

She smiles at him with a watery, but confident smile. "It does."

"Then that's all I need."

After a short moment, one that speaks all the sadness the group felt at Tinkerbell's near departure, Hannah speaks again. "That's not all." She waits until the group's attention is focused on her. "After the news of your victory reached us, King Richard has gone on crusade, and with no heir, his brother Prince John has ascended the throne to assume the regency."

John puts his pint on the table. "Is that a problem?"

"If you consider that his first order was to double taxes, yes, it is." His father confirms.

"Has he even the right to do that?"

Larry turns to Eric. "Whether he has it or not, he took it. And he sends the tax collector with a whole bunch of soldiers who don't hesitate to ransack the houses and lock up the ones who can't pay."

"You're serious?"

"I'm afraid I am."

"But the war ended less than a month ago. Isn't it a bit preposterous to have left while the neighbor kingdoms are still recovering from it?" Maleficent questions.

"From what we heard, the King had been planning this for a little while now, and was about to go on his crusade when King Leopold started war, so he postponed it until the war ended."

"So chevaleresque of him." Eric mutters with a roll of his eyes.

"So we traded a mad King for a mad Prince?" Regina sighs. "I thought it was finally over."

Her father grabs her hand, squeezing it for comfort while Robin runs a hand over her back gently, and lays a kiss on her forehead.

"One problem at a time." Robin reasons. "Tonight, we're celebrating. Tomorrow, we'll figure it out. Maybe it won't be as bad as we think, he might be trying to establish himself as a leader and will calm down in a few weeks."

Hugging Regina against him, feeling her stomach, filled with their child, against his side, Robin looks around him, at his brothers drinking with the villagers, at his friends, safely back with their families, at his sister, whom he loves so very much, finally reunited with her daughter. At his soulmate, his unborn child, his father-in-law, the family he's been longing for even before he even dared hope to have one.

Another battle might be coming, but for tonight, he wishes nothing more than to spend a good time with the people he loves.


Coming next: A couple years later, an insight into what Regina and Robin's lives have become.