Hello readers! We've come to the last installment of my 'With a Queen' series. It's bittersweet, but needs to be done. That being said, there will be both minor and major character deaths through out this installment. Let me say this again; this is the end, there will be deaths. If you'd prefer to have the ending of Raising Royals With a Queen be your ending, that's fine. Please, if you do decide to read this, please don't leave negative comments about the deaths because I have warned you.
Thank you so much for taking this journey with me. Working For A Queen was technically my second story, but the first one I was proud of lol. As far as I remember offhand, it also has the largest followers, favorites, and reviews. I am sad on one had to be ending this series, but on the other, I know it's time. This has gone far beyond what I imagined seven years ago when I started the series and a lot of that is because of all of you.
This first chapter may be a bit long, but because of the large time jump, I wanted to catch everyone up with all the characters.
Read~Enjoy~Review
Chapter 1
Emma sighed as she sat down on the bench as the sun was coming up over the hill. They had moved Henry's mausoleum and Cora's rose bush along with a stone plaque for her into the family plot to join the others now there. "There's too many of you here now." Emma said softly as she looked over the graves. "You should all be here today because I feel wrong celebrating without all of you. I'm sixty today. God, that sounds so old outloud, but I should be and am thankful for still being here. My kids all insisted they come for dinner since Regina and I really don't feel like doing a big party. Our house will be full and I just hope Regina isn't lying when she says she can handle it. Besides, Henry, Eva, Ry will be there to keep the others in line." Emma smiled softly. "They're all adults now; even the Quads…well, the remaining Quads." She said sadly, looking over to Christopher's headstone. "I'm so sorry, Chris." She said softly.
When Emma had turned fifty, she went out and bought herself a motorcycle. Call it a midlife crisis, call it crazy, but Emma was excited that Regina's heart was still going strong after a surgery, and she wanted some fun. She and Regina did have fun a few times, but then the thing sat in the garage. When Christopher graduated and turned eighteen, he'd asked his moms if he could take his boyfriend out for a ride on it. Emma had looked it over and hesitated. It hadn't been ridden for at least a year, so she asked him to take it to the mechanic before they went out. He, unfortunately, didn't see the point in it and while they were out, a belt came off and caused them to crash, killing the two boys instantly, even with helmets. Emma was overcome with guilt when they got the news and went to a dark place that only Regina and Mal could bring her out of.
"Addie misses you like crazy, Christopher. We all do. You were taken far too soon." Adelaide hadn't been the same once Chris died and both Emma and Regina gave her so much support. Finally one day, she came home and said she and Chris's old high school friend were dating. She still missed her twin, but life went on and she and Adam ended up getting married. They still lived at the Swan-Mills homestead. "She named her daughter Christina, just for you." Emma said, wiping a tear. "I'm sure you know that though since she's three now. I know they come visit you and I'm glad for that."
Emma sighed and looked at her parent's headstone. "I miss you so much, mom. I still don't think Ry will ever be over your death…neither will I." Snow had been happy with her kids once David was dead and never looked for anyone else. One day, she'd had a stroke which left her unable to walk or talk. Though Emma, D.J, and Ben each said they'd take care of her, Malory insisted she would do it.
"Ry, you have Kathryn and Mason Jr. to worry about." Emma stated.
"Ma, I have time. Now that Oliver is Mayor, all I do is sit at home and Mas just started school. Look, I don't want to take her from any of you." She said, looking at her uncles as well. "I just would really love to take care of my Grandma."
D.J. gave a nod. "If you want to, I understand Ry. Just don't take on more than you can handle. Hudson and I both work from home so if you need time off, just call us."
"Same here." Ben stated. "I mean, with Lucas going to school as well, Tori will have extra time too until Eva gives her more clients, but any weekend, I am free."
Emma looked at her. "You know we're here baby. Take good care of her."
Four months later, Emma was sitting with her mom after her brothers left, when she felt Snow's hand on hers. The look in her face told her everything. Emma instantly teared up but tried to stay strong. "I love you, mom." She kissed her hand and then curled up in the bed next to her. "One of the best days of my life was when I found out you were my mom. I loved you as Mary Margaret and I loved you more as my mom. You've been the most amazing mother I could ask for and I want you to go with no regrets." She looked at her mom and smiled softly as Snow kissed her cheek. "Be at peace, mom."
"I hope you're free and out of pain, mom. I just picture you and dad back together and watching over all of us with Cora, Zelena, Chris, Lacey, and Ruby." She then sighed as she looked at the other gravestones. Lacey had passed from a heart attack the previous year and not three months later, Ruby was in a car accident and passed. "Lacey, you should know that Lillian and Henry are doing well. Henry Jr. is already 23 and exploring the world. He said he'd try to come back for my birthday, but I told him not to worry. Layla misses you like crazy, but she knows you're with her. She said she can see it in her kids. Cora is ten now and is a spitfire, Lydia is eight and looks so much like you, which I know you'd tell me isn't possible because Layla was adopted, but I swear, she looks like you. Jeffery is four and is cute as a button and has Gramma Mal in the palm of his hand. Alex is two and I swear he's the smartest two year old I've ever met. Layla and Eva are happier than ever, other than missing loved ones. I still can't believe Owen ended up with our Gabby, but they're so good together. Their little Jason is two now. I swear to you Lacey, we tell them about you every time we see him. They live in Boston now, but we talk almost every night. They will always know their Nana Lacey."
She then looked at Ruby's gravestone. "Ruby, I am sorry but I don't hear from Rose or Amber very often. They do call Henry and he said they're both doing well in California. I know Rose met someone but Amber is still just happy on her own. I know they miss you and find it easier away from here and I get that; I hope you do too."
"I still can't believe the Quads are 26 and the twins are 38. I'm sorry, Chris, but I can't stop referring to you all as the Quads. You're still my son, no matter what. You guys wouldn't believe how amazing they all are. Well, no, you probably would. Cora, Eva still misses you so much. Her little one Cora is now ten if you can believe it, and she looks just like you. Eva's doing great in my place as a child therapist and Tori has now joined her. Oliver is now 33 and is Mayor – he refuses to be called the king. He started seeing a girl from town…well woman I guess." She chuckled. "He's quiet though and doesn't say much about it. I get it, he's got a lot of siblings to pester him about it. Let's see, I already talked about Gabby, Addie is still here. Her, Adam and their daughter Christina have an adorable house here and are quite often with us. Little Lottie has moved to Boston to be closer to Owen and Gabby. She and her wife Mia just adopted an adorable little four-year-old named Miles. He had been homeless with his mother when his mother met Mia. Mia volunteers at a soup kitchen and apparently made an impact on this very young mother. She came into volunteer one day and there was Miles with a note saying she wanted Mia and Lottie to have him. Of course, it all had to go through the legal system, but as of two days ago, it's official. I'm glad too because if it wouldn't have been, they wouldn't be coming here today. I understand, of course, but Lottie was beside herself thinking she'd miss my big birthday." Emma sighed. "Honestly, I am glad they're coming though. Not for me but for Regina."
Emma's eyes went to the apple tree that Regina insisted they move over to the family plot. Her eyes filled with tears. "I think she'll be joining you soon." She said, sniffing. "The surgery she had five years ago was the last one she could have, and her heart just isn't doing well. She won't admit it, but I think she's scared. I'm scared. I'm terrified. I don't know how I'm going to survive when she goes. I know I have Mama Mal and Ingrid and the kids, but I won't have her. I just really hope that she won't be in pain and I also hope she'll have all of you. I have no idea what happens when we die, but I really hope you're all there to greet her when it's her time. I hope you're all together now, taking care of each other and watching over us."
Eva looked out her window and smiled as she saw the two vehicles come in the drive. "Layla, they're here. I'm going to go greet them quick."
"Okay baby, take your time. I just put Alex down for his nap."
"Thank you, love." She said and headed out, meeting Addie along the way. "I'm so excited to see them."
Addie smiled. "Me too. I miss them so much, but I'm glad to still live here."
"Thanks again for helping with the guest cottages. I think they'll like them. I'm glad they're staying longer than a day."
"Eva! Addie!" Lottie called out and ran over to them, hugging first Addie and then Eva. "Oh, I've missed you guys so much!"
"We've missed you too!" Eva said. "Let me see my new nephew." She said and smiled at Mia. "Hey sis in law. It's great to see you too." She said hugging her.
Addie and Lottie walked hand in hand to the car. "He's a bit shy at first, but I'm hoping he'll break out into his adorable self soon. Miles buddy, this is Auntie Addie and Auntie Eva." She chuckled. "Poor kid, he's never going to remember everyone's name."
"There's so many of us, but you'd be surprised how fast they catch on." Eva said, smiling at the little guy and then looking at the other car. "What's taking them so long?"
Addie chuckled. "That's Gabby for you; she always takes longer to get ready." She then smiled wide as her sister opened the car door. "Gabby! Owen! I'm so happy to see you."
After a round of greetings, Gabby looked around. "Not much has changed."
"No, not really. Layla and I live in that bigger cottage with our brood, Ry and Mason are in that blue one. The one connected in the middle of ours is Mom and Ma's. Over there, Ben and Tori have Gram and Gramps old place, Corey and Jacob and their two kids live over there with Anslie's attached to theirs. Addie and Adam's place is over there by the guest cottages you guys will be in and D.J and Hudson actually live out in an old RV in the woods. Ma's old office is now mine and Tori's. D.J. took over Archies office for adults. Sorry, you'll catch up with everyone." Eva said as she carried some bags. "Oh, Ollie should be home soon. He took a half day off today and a long weekend and Ry is helping mom with her physical therapy."
Lottie looked down and took a breath. "How is mom doing? Honestly, Eva."
Eva blinked her tears. "She's okay. She's not in pain, she eats with Ma most nights. But…" She let out a breath. "It reminds me so much from when Gramma Cora was sick. I know you don't remember, but I remember her getting slower, weaker, and she's tired a lot. She puts on a brave face, but Lottie, I don't know how much longer we have. The doctors said less than a year and I know that killed Ma, but I think Mom is ready."
Lottie wiped her eyes and hugged Eva. "Then we have to be ready. We have to be ready to take care of Ma. I know that's easy for me to say, but Mia and I were talking and if it's okay, we're going to move back here. Mia can work anywhere and I can find something out here."
"Oh Lottie, if you're serious, I could really use a secretary. I'd hire you in a heartbeat."
"Great! Hey Mia, I've got a job already!" She chuckled.
"How will you get your stuff here?" Addie asked.
"Well, maybe if one of you guys don't mind watching Mason, we can go back next weekend and pack up."
"Or, we can do mirror magic." Gabby said. "That's what Owen and I planned on doing tonight actually."
"Wait, you're moving home too?" Addie said, excitedly.
"Yep. Everyone else is here and Owen knows how badly I want to be here when…when mom…" She shook her head, unable to finish her sentence.
Eva smiled softly. "She'll love having you both here; so will Ma. If you want changes done to the cottage, just let me know."
"Sorry to butt in but I'm going to go see my ma." Owen said.
"She's in her spot in the woods. Feel free to take a four-wheeler if you want."
"Is she okay?"
"Yeah, of course. She just really likes being in the woods these days. I mean, she's older, but she's doing really well."
"Great. I'm going to take Jason and Miles if that's okay."
"That's fine, love."
"Go for it. Miles loves his uncle Owen."
"Oh, my gods! Are those my sisters?" Henry asked, coming over from the sheriff cruiser. "No way these beautiful women are my sisters."
As they were all greeting each other, Eva looked over and saw her blonde mother sitting on the bench by the family plot. She had been doing that a lot lately and it worried her. Before she could head over, however, Henry looked at her. "Give her some time, Eva. It is her birthday, and she misses them."
Eva nodded and checked the time. "Okay, well we have six hours before dinner. I'm going to start getting the tent ready."
"Let us help you." Lottie said. "I haven't used magic in so long!"
"I kinda want to watch." Mia admitted. Sure, she'd seen magic when they'd visited in the past, but she always found it fascinating."
Over the next hour, the four of them worked on the tent – decorating it and making sure there were enough seats. "Just make sure there's nothing blocking from the house to where moms will sit in case Mom has to use her cane."
Ry came out just then. "She said she will not use her cane, but she will lean on Ma." She said with a chuckle. "Girls, she's ready to see you when you are." She said, hugging her sisters. "Where's Ma?"
Eva gestured towards the family cemetery and sighed. "Henry said to give her time, but it's been over an hour."
"Mind if I go?"
"Please do."
Malory made her way out and sat next to Emma on the bench. "You okay?" She asked taking her mom's hand. "Gabby, Owen, Lottie, Mia, and the kids are here."
Emma smiled softly. "I'm okay. I've just been catching them up on everything." She turned to Malory and smiled, running her fingers through her hair. "When did you grow up so much? I always turn to you and expect to see that adorable little five year old with missing teeth and unruly curls. It's always a bit of a shock to see this beautiful young woman looking back at me."
She chuckled. "I'm almost forty, mom, I'm no young woman."
"Oh yes you are. Wait until it's your sixtieth birthday and your kids and grandkids come…and you have a grandson old enough to give you a great grandkid."
"Ma, I hope I look as good as you do when I'm sixty. Seriously, you and mom are still rocking it. Sure, your hair is grayer, but you both make it look good."
Emma smiled and put her arm around Malory. "Thank you for saying that honeybee." She sighed. "How was your mom's therapy? She won't let me stay because she thinks I'll hurt my back."
"That's because you have hurt your back." Ry chuckled. "It went well. She's doing…well she's doing good, Ma."
Emma sighed. "You can be honest. She's getting weaker all the time. It reminds me of Cora."
"Me too." Ry said, wiping a tear. "Ma, we're all going to be here for you. When…when it happens, you don't have to be strong; we'll hold you up."
Emma wrapped both arms around her baby girl. "You don't have to be strong either. So long as we're all honest and open with each other, we can all break and hold each other at the same time." She sighed. "Maybe this is wrong to talk to you about but…I don't know how I'm going to go on, Ry." Her voice broke. "I don't want her to suffer, but I have no idea how to live without her."
"Oh Ma." Ry said, holding her mother. "I'm so sorry, I don't know what to say to help you. I can't imagine being in your position because I'd feel the same if it were Mason. All I can tell you is that you're never alone. I know it's not the same, but we're all here."
"I know, baby. I know. I'm sorry I just…talking to everyone here and stuff just has me feeling down."
"Well come back home. The girls are here and it's your birthday."
"Girls, please make sure your Mama has a good birthday. I'm doing my best, but I need your help. She's been down lately and I know it's because of my last appointment. I'm at peace with everything, but I'm not going to be the one left here, so I understand why she feels like she does. Just be there for her." Regina said softly. "And know how much I love each and every one of you. Lottie and Gabby, you don't have to move back, but I'm not going to stop you."
"We'll be here, Mom." Gabby said. "We'll be sad, but we'll be here for Mama." She held Regina's hand. "I love you so much. I've been beyond blessed to have you as my mother. I've heard that Gramma Cora did these little goodbye meetings, but she didn't have eight…seven kids and so many grandkids. If you don't have time or energy, please know that I love you so much and Jason will always know his Gramma Gina. Mom, you've been amazing and I never want you to think otherwise."
Regina smiled and pulled Gabby into a hug. "I honestly don't know if I'll have energy for everyone, but as the time comes closer, I'm hoping to get all you kids in. Thank you for your words though, it means a lot."
Lilly came in and cleared her throat. "I don't mean to interrupt, but Henry, Owen, Mia, Eva and Mason have all the kids and we thought it would be nice if all the grandkids could say happy birthday to Emma since it'll be hard to get them all together like this again."
"Yes, that's a good idea." Regina said with a smile. "Will you girls help me up?"
They helped Regina up and she held Lottie's hand, refusing to use her cane as they stepped out back. Henry and Eva were working on getting the grandkids lined up and Regina smiled with pride at her family. "All of you line up; I want a huge picture."
"We need Ry." Eva said. "She's with Ma."
"Okay, well can I at least get all the grandkids?"
"Yes, of course."
They took a few pictures and soon, Emma and Ry were coming back to the house. "Happy Birthday Meemaw Emma!" They all called out.
Emma chuckled and stopped, looking at the smiling faces of her ten grandkids. "Thank you so much, my little Monkeys." She said, coming over and hugging each of them, so happy when Miles hugged her back for the first time.
"Oh, you all need to get together and let me get a picture of this." Mal said, coming outside with Anslie, Tori, Corey and Jacob.
They took one with all the Swan-Mills, and then added the in-laws. "How about siblings?" Ben called out.
"Get over here." Emma said with a smile. They took pictures of just Emma, D.J., and Ben, then again, everyone.
"Henry, can you set yours on a timer so we can get Mal and Anslie in here with us?" Regina asked and they took a few pictures like that.
"Can we get in on these pictures?" Came a voice from the drive.
"Rose? Amber?" Henry was smiling and went to greet his sisters. "I didn't know you were coming."
"It's Emma's sixtieth. Of course, we came." Amber said.
Emma hugged them tightly. "I've missed you girls. I hope we've never given you the impression that you're not wanted."
Rose shook her head. "You never did, Emma. You all took us in as if we were your own and we will never forget that. It's just hard here with mom not being here and Amber shifting on full moons. But we're here for a few weeks."
After pictures, Eva and Ry added seats to the tent and then started cooking for the night. Maleficent, Regina, Anslie, and Emma all sat in the tent sipping iced tea and watching the kids. "It's so nice to have everyone here." Mal said, sitting back. "And Owen is moving home. I'm so happy about that."
"Me too. I'm glad the girls will be here and I'm glad it was their choice." Regina said, holding Emma's hand. "Honey, are you okay?"
Emma looked over and nodded. "Sorry, I was just thinking." She said, looking back out at the three remaining Quads. "He should be here. I'm so sorry he's not here."
Regina sighed and kissed Emma's hand. "Emma love, it's not your fault. I've tried telling you that over and over. Please stop blaming yourself."
"I'm sorry. I know you're right, it's just hard."
"It's your birthday, sweet girl, good thoughts only." Mal said. "Besides, he's here. He's here with Cora, your parents, Lacey, Zelena, Ruby, and even Henry. They're all here, Emma; I can feel it."
Emma smiled softly. "I honestly don't know what to believe, but I do feel like he's here sometimes. I feel him, I feel my parents, and I feel Cora all the time. It's never a bad feeling; it's more of a comfort."
"I like to think they're watching us." Anslie said. "One day we'll find out what happens."
Emma squeezed Regina's hand before letting go and standing, folding her arms and looking out at everyone. "I don't want that day to be soon for any of us."
Regina was about to say something but Mal gave her a look. "It's her birthday; don't talk about it today." She said quietly and Regina gave a nod. "Emma, how the hell are you sixty years old? Seriously, where the hell did the time go?"
Emma chuckled. "Some days I feel like it was just yesterday that I came here, other days I feel like it's been eighty years."
"You still look hot." Mal said and Regina chuckled.
"Yeah, she does. Even with that shorter hair, she still is my smoking hot wife."
Emma smiled and came over kissing Regina's cheek. "And you are more beautiful than ever." She looked over at Mal. "You're okay too." She winked.
Anslie laughed at that and Mal looked at her. "How are you anyway? You stay to your cottage a lot."
"I'm okay." She said and then looked at everyone. "I've really been missing Zelena lately. I know it's been about fifteen years but after retiring, I have nothing else to think about. Also, I've been watching Corey and Jacob's little ones. They at least give me purpose."
Mal put her hand on Anslie's. "Greif has no timeline, sweet one. Just remember, you're not alone."
Dinner that night went off without a hitch and fun was had by all. They had a makeshift dance floor with Henry Jr. controlling the music. Emma went to him and made a request before turning. "Thank you all for being here tonight. It means so much to me to have all my family here. Regina, my love, will you please join me for one dance?"
The music started and Emma helped Regina to stand. Alan Jackson's Remember When was playing and the two held each other as they danced. At the end, everyone applauded, and Emma helped Regina to sit. After a bit, Mal went home followed by Anslie and Emma looked over at Regina. "Honey, are you ready for bed?"
"I don't want to be, but I think I need to go in."
"Then we go in."
"Emma, stay out here with the kids and grandkids."
"No. It's my birthday and I want to spend the rest of the night with my wife."
The two said their goodnights and headed inside to get ready for bed. Emma cuddled with Regina and kissed her temple. "Thank you for a wonderful birthday."
"Emma, it was all the kids."
"Maybe, but you're here, you danced with me, and you gave me those kids. I love you so much, baby."
"I love you too, Emma. I really hope you had a great birthday." Since it'll be my last with you. She thought but didn't say out loud.
"I did, baby. I swear it." She took a breath. "I know it's my last one with you and it means so much that you danced with me."
"Emma, I won't lie to you. I can feel it, much like my mother did. I'm sorry; I wish I could stay here forever, but I can't. Not in this world or this body, but I promise you, I'll be in your heart forever." She shifted a bit, looking into Emma's green/blue eyes. "Just promise me something."
"Anything."
"Don't follow me for a long time. Emma, you're healthy and the kids are all here, don't be in a rush to join me."
Emma sniffed and nuzzled into Regina's neck. "I'll do my best but if it's possible to die of a broken heart, that will happen to me."
"Don't let it, Emma. I'm not going to say to find someone else because I know I couldn't, but live Emma. Live and enjoy your time you have left. Be sad, I could never say not to, but pick yourself up and live."
"I'll do my best, Regina, I promise I will." She looked into chocolate eyes. "It's not tonight, is it?"
"No baby. Not tonight. Soon, but not tonight."
Over the next week, the girls got all moved in and both Emma and Regina loved having everyone at home. Eva and Layla made sure Emma and Regina were eating but having the girls home gave Regina a burst of life and she was enjoying it. Though, she also knew what that meant. She was sitting on the bench at the family cemetery and sighed. "I'm joining you all soon. I'm a bit scared, but mostly I'm scared of what will happen with Emma. If I knew I could watch over her, I think I'd feel better. Can…can someone give me a sign? Will I still see my family?" She waited and when a cardinal landed on Snow and David's headstone, she smiled softly. "Thank you." She let out a breath. "I think I'm almost ready. I just have some goodbyes to say first. I'll see you all soon."