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Chapter 3 -Into the Black Kingdom

"Ruby please, I have to do this for Henry, and she is willing to help. You're the one who told me to go see her and now you're trying to stop me?" Emma asked as she packed her clothes roughly into rucksacks.

"Yes, I said to go, get a potion and come back, Emma, not to go and then live with her!"

"And how is she supposed to get a potion to help him when she hasn't even seen him? Ruby, honestly! Look, if you don't like it, come with me. She asked that you at least come twice a week to watch over him anyway so we can meet, and she'd pay you as a nursemaid."

"I can't just leave, Emma, and neither should you. Your parents should know where you are."

"They can't! You know they'd rather Henry die than me get help from her." Tears filled Emma's eyes. "I understand if you won't come with me, but please, please don't tell them where I am. This is my son, Ruby, my baby boy. I cannot watch him die knowing I have an option to have him saved."

Ruby saw the tears and let out a breath. "Fine. Fine, but I can't come, Emma. Granny isn't doing well herself."

"I know and it's okay. Go to her, Ruby, and please, don't tell anyone where I am. I will talk to them as soon as I safely can; Regina assured me I'd be able to."

"Be careful, Emma. Please."

"I will be don't worry." Emma hugged Ruby and after she left, she sat down and wrote her parent's a note.

Dearest Father and Mother,

I am sorry I left like this, but I am doing what must be done to save my Henry. Do not worry for we are safe and as soon as he has been assessed, I will be able to contact you. Do not look for us, do not try to find us, just go on with your life as normal and rest assured, we are okay, and he will be getting help.

Love your daughter,

Emma

Emma then looked at the time and put her bags in front of the mirror before going to her son. "Henry? Darling, I know you're tired, but we must go so you can get help. Just let mama hold you, okay?"

Henry groaned but moved so his little four-year-old body was draped over his mother. "Where are we going?"

"Where someone can help you." She said, kissing his warm forehead and praying to the gods she was right. As she stood in front of the mirror, it shimmered and changed so that she could see Regina once again. "We're ready." She said and stepped through.

Regina used her magic to transport the bags to the bedchamber. "Thank you for sticking to your word." She said softly, guiding Emma down the hall. "I take it your friend isn't coming?"

"I asked, but she has to take care of her grandmother. She will not tell my parents where I am though and said she will try to visit later, if she's allowed."

Regina gave a nod. "She is, but I ask she send word first. You can write to her tomorrow to let her know." Regina gestured to the guards. "I've alerted my guards to your and your son being here so you will have no troubles. In the morning, I will have Myranda give you a tour of the palace. The only places I ask that you not go are the dungeons and my bedchambers without my permission. I let you in tonight, but believe me, it will never be that easy again. Oh, and the bedchamber in the West tower are off limits for now as well as a friend of mine is staying there to assist with your son."

Emma stopped and looked at Regina. "A friend? C…can I trust her? Not to be rude, but he's my everything."

Regina continued into the room. "I understand that, princess, and yes, you can trust her. I find it surprising that you'd trust me and question another."

"I'm sorry." Emma said, and followed Regina into the room. "I'm so tired and honestly, frightened with my son's illness. I don't mean to come off as rude or unappreciative, your Majesty."

Regina sighed and lit the fire with magic. "I understand, Emma. Forgive me, I'm not used to someone from your bloodline being so…innocent and kind. My guard is up and I'm sure yours is as well." She walked over to Emma. "May I?" She asked, holding her arms out for the boy.

Emma hesitated but then nodded, handing him to her. "His fever is back."

Regina laid him on the smaller bed in the room and moved it further from the fire and nearer a window that she opened. She then put a cool cloth on his forehead and another around his neck before standing and going to Emma. "I will further assess him in the morning as you both need sleep. For now, those cloths will stay cool and I suggest you keep the window open. If you get cold, there are extra blankets in the wardrobe as I assume you'd like to stay in here with him. If you'd rather your own room, that can be arranged."

Emma shook her head. "I'd like to stay here please." She bit at her lip. "Your majesty, I…"

"Regina, please. In privacy such as this, you can call me Regina."

Emma nodded. "Regina I only know things from one side and I know that my parents aren't always truthful so…I am sorry for anything they've done to you and I thank you from the depth of my being for helping me."

Regina could tell that Emma's words were honest and true, so she nodded. "Yes well…he's a child and an innocent." She said and cleared her throat. "There is a washroom with a chamber pot just through those doors. Would like me to fill the tub before I go?"

"If it's not too much trouble, it would be appreciated."

Regina nodded and flicked her wrist. "Done. In the morning, my friend and I will assess Henry while you're getting a tour." She noticed Emma's worried look. "No harm will come to him, Emma, I promise you that."

Emma nodded. "What is your friends name?"

Regina hesitated. "I think it's best you wait until you meet her. Is there anything else before I retire? Are you hungry?"

"No, you…Regina, thank you. I'll see you in the morning. Thank you for everything."

Regina gave a nod. "Remember, we still have to discuss the price for all of this. Tomorrow." She said and left before Emma could say anything.

Emma went to Henry's bedside and stroked his cheek. "I'd pay anything to save you." She kissed his cheek before grabbing a bag and heading to the bath.