A/N: Forgive my late update on this one! I kept working on this next chapter, but interruptions kept on happening that it took me until now to finally finish it. I will try to update the next chapter as quickly as I can, just keep being patient. This chapter is a bit shorter, but I hope you enjoy it just as much. Happy reading! :) A little drama is ahead...


Laughter filled the house as soon as everyone entered the main door. Henry now up and refreshed from a long morning, came running in to a smiling David as they were greeted by him. Ruby walked right in holding bags in each of her hands and forearms, while Graham came in carrying others.

"Hey, Henry! Did you have fun today?" Asked the king, ruffling the boy's hair playfully.

"A lot!" Henry beamed up at him, his grin big, holding up two water guns.

"Wow! Two of 'em, huh?"

"Henry, remember what I told you. We don't play with those inside the house." Regina warned her son, who nodded in agreement, "Now go put those away in your room, please."

David smiled, his eyes shifting towards Regina, "He's an adorable boy. I only hope to someday have a grandson just like him."

Emma looked away, trying to hide her blush, while Regina simply smiled at the king, "Thank you, your Highness." She told him.

"Is lunch nearly ready?" Asked Emma.

"Of course," David smiled, "Mrs. Potts made your favorite."

"Let me guess, a good old grilled cheese sandwich?" Regina teased, playfully elbowing the blonde, who stood beside her.

"Afraid not, dear." The room stiffened with Mary Margaret's sudden presence in the room, along with another companion who Emma seemed to know, judging from the shocked expression on her face. "Emma. You remember Killian, don't you?"

Killian Jones. Regina recognized him right away from the talk her and Emma shared on their flight over here. So, he wasn't ugly. Likeable blue eyes, likable scruffy beard, likable pearly white smile and likeable jet black hair. And if that wasn't enough, his all black suit and tie attire complimented his charm very well. Damn him and his cuteness, because even Regina had to admit, the man was quite handsome. She could see why the queen was eager to shove him and Emma together.

"Killian…" Emma smiled, "I thought you were still in Scotland with your father."

"Ah, well, when your mother so eagerly called me and informed me of your return home, I had to come see it for myself. And, let's be honest, love, there's only one princess beautiful enough to pull me away from any affair I may have." He stood before the blonde with a wide grin, extending his arms out and pulling the blonde into a very tight hug that even Emma chuckled with a grunt.

"Wow…" Ruby whispered, moving closer to Regina, now that Emma was nowhere near her, "James Bond eat your heart out, huh? And take a look at queen mommy dearest, she couldn't possibly be more happier."

Regina's head turned, her eyes throwing daggers at Ruby, "I'm aware. Thank you."

Mary Margaret had a beaming smile, literally, her eyes even sparkled with joy. All while Regina's jaw clenched with jealousy. Yes, jealousy. The guy was already hugging on Emma for too long to her liking. His hands moving to her waist as he did so, to which thank God- David cleared his throat too.

"It's very good to see you." Emma finally pulled away from the octopus-like hug, smiling over to Regina, holding her hand to her. "I'd like for you to meet Regina Mills, my-"

"Ah, yes." He smiled, his eyes on Regina, "Your mother did mention you brought along a few friends."

Ruby quickly stepped in, almost pushing both Regina and Emma off to the side, "I'm the friend. Correction: Best friend. Hi," She smiled, holding out her hand towards the handsome devil of a man, "Ruby Lucas."

The queen rolled her eyes at the brunette, while Killian smirked, taking the other brunette's hand into his own, "Killian Jones. Ruby? I most certainly agree." His eyes weren't shy to feast on her, "Why, I'll just bet that you must have all the lads just waiting in line to please you, isn't that so, love?"

This time, it was Graham who rolled his eyes, as did Regina, while Emma, she just smirked, shaking her head to herself.

And, Ruby? She couldn't be more delighted by the attention she was certainly getting.

"Oh, well…" Ruby smirked, a little blush creeping up on her cheeks, "You'd be surprised, actually."

"Oh?" Killian's brows raised, hitting his hairline.

"As it turns out…" Ruby quickly looked over her shoulder, her stare directed to Graham, turning immediately back to Killian, "Not every man seems interested."

Blue eyes remained on the brunette, "I can't for the life of me think why not. Why, I personally think a gem quite like yourself, should be polished daily." He smirked, bowing down, placing a gentle kiss right to the back of her hand.

Graham cleared his throat, directing to Sidney as he walked into the room, "Sidney, let us take up all their things into their bedrooms."

"Certainly." Sidney nodded, moving to reach for a few of the shopping bags.

"Oh, no!" Ruby quickly moved to reach for the bags Sidney was picking up, snatching them from his hand, "I can take those." She grinned, "I'll take them. They are personal items."

Sidney nodded in understanding, "Of course, Ms." He reached for other bags, following Graham up the stairs.

"Oh," Ruby smirked, placing her hand out before him again, "It was a real pleasure meeting you."

Killian took Ruby's hand with delicacy, giving it another gentle kiss, "Really, the pleasure was all mine."

The brunette chuckled, "You better believe it was."

"Red Ruby, red." Regina mumbled under her breath towards the younger brunette, nudging her up the stairs as quickly as possible, "Go. Cool off."

"Cool off?" Ruby whispered over to her friend, "Not with John Wick over here. I'll need Superman's fortress of solitude, Regina!"

Killian smirked, while Emma shook with held in laughter.

"We'll be sure to fly you there. Now, go." Regina sighed, joining Emma and Killian, looking at the man and queen apologetically, clearly seeing how embarrassed she was by Ruby's behavior. "I'm terribly sorry, she's… a bit much."

Mary Margaret chuckled, "That's not the word I would use."

Emma glared at her mother, while Killian simply smiled.

"It's quite alright." He brushed it off.

Emma's arm snaked around the brunette's form, "Don't worry about him, Gina. Look at him, he actually enjoys all that flirting attention," she smiled at the man, "don't you, Killian?"

"Well," He chuckled, "It's hard not to, love. Although I must say, as much as I enjoyed it, I would highly enjoy it if it came from you."

Regina cleared her throat, moving in between Killian and Emma, smiling over at him, "We haven't been properly introduced. Regina Mills. Emma's girlfriend for all intents and purposes."

Killian's brows hit his hairline in surprise, his eyes shifting between both women, "Girlfriend? My, my, Emma. You Swan's certainly are a family of many secrets, aren't you?" His head turned to the King and Queen, who stood by. He shook the brunette's hand, placing a kiss to it and bowing his head, "It's a real honor, Regina."

Mary Margaret cleared her throat, her posture on point, "She's only here for the summer, I'm afraid. Why don't we head into the dinning room for lunch? Killian, you will join us, won't you? I just know Emma will be delighted to have you."

"Oh, most certainly." He grinned, holding out his arm for the queen to take, walking his way into the dinning room.

"Wonderful!" Mary Margaret's head looked over her shoulder, "Emma, come along, dear."

"We'll be just a minute." Smiled the princess, standing next to the brunette.

"I'll save you a seat next to me, love." Killian smirked, leaving Regina's eyes to squint in jealousy.

Emma watched as Regina stared at her with a raised brow.

"Quite the charmer." Said Regina, a hand on her hip.

"I did warn you, he's a big flirt." Said Emma.

Regina scoffed, "Yes, I can see that. He certainly held you in that hug for way too long, and was quick to flirt with you, even after he knew you were with me."

The princess smiled, "He also flirted with Ruby, remember? It's just in his nature. Trust me, give him in time and he will be flirting with you too."

Regina chuckled sarcastically, "I can't wait. You're mother is certainly crazy about him."

Emma placed a kiss to the brunette's lips, "She's crazy about you too. She just has a hard time showing it."

"Mhm." Regina began walking towards the stairs, heading her way up, "I'll see you for lunch."


Once Ruby, Henry and Regina entered the dining room for lunch, David, Killian and Emma were quick to stand, the blonde racing towards Regina to pull her chair out, leaving Mary Margaret to glare their way as they shared a kiss at the table.

And just as Graham was about to move to pull Ruby's chair back, Killian beat him to the punch, sharing a smirk with the younger brunette.

"Thank you, Killian." Said Ruby, having a seat between him and Henry.

"And, who's this strapping young lad?" Killian smiled over at Henry, "I don't believe we've had the pleasure."

"I'm Henry!" The boy smiled a dimple cheek smile, quite proud of his name. "Henry Daniel Mills."

"Henry Daniel Mills?" He smiled again, not being able to help to like the boy right away, "Such a strong name. So, then Regina must be your-?"

"She's my mom." He smiled proudly at the brunette, who sweetly smiled back at him. "I was named after my grandfather and my dad."

"Is that right?" Killian chuckled, his eyes looking at Emma, who smiled proudly, "My, my Emma, you certainly went for the whole package, didn't you?"

A pale hand reached over to grab a hold of Regina's own hand, her eyes meeting with her favorite pair of brown orbs, "I most certainly did."

Mary Margaret raised a brow, her eyes on the brunette, "So, the boy has a father, then?"

A knot caught in the brunette's throat, her eyes looking over at the queen. She nodded, "Yes."

The room grew quiet as the servants came into the dining room, placing down plates, holding bowls of their small lunch for that afternoon. Henry's face squinted at the sight of all the green on his plate.

He turned to Ruby, tapping on her arm and whispering, "What is it?"

Killian smirked, "It's goat's cheese with bistro salad, lad. Rather tasty, if I do say so myself."

Ruby's face froze once she took one bite of it. Goats cheese wasn't for everyone. And it certainly wasn't to Henry's liking. Like any boy, he didn't fancy salads too much.

Emma cleared her throat, her eyes directed to Graham, "Graham."

Graham stood by the princess, "Your majesty?"

"Would you have Ms. Potts whip up some grilled cheese for Henry, please?" She smiled.

"What's wrong with the salad?" Mary Margaret asked, her eyes on Regina, "Don't you ever feed him a salad?"

"He's not too big on vegetables, I'm afraid." Regina admitted, feeling a little embarrassed.

Mary Margaret scoffed, "Do you think that's proper? He's a boy, he needs his nutrition."

"Henry, mother." Emma corrected her, glaring, "And he's a child. As you recall, I didn't like my share of vegetables as a young girl either."

David's hand rested on his wife's, gathering her attention.

"Right you are, but you certainly learned, didn't you?" She smiled proudly.

Graham looked down at Emma, who nodded for him to follow her order, leaving the room immediately.

"Don't feel bad, love." Killian said to Regina, "I recall not liking anything healthy when I was around Henry's age either. Boys will be boys."

David smiled, nodding in agreement, "I always do prefer a salmon myself." His eyes looked over to his wife who glared his way.

"You don't have to eat anything you don't like Henry." Emma smiled at the boy, "You'll love Mrs. Potts grilled cheese sandwiches."

"Well," Mary Margaret spoke, a little displeased, "It would seem this isn't your favorite anymore. Living in New York has certainly changed you, Emma."

Emma looked over at her mother, "This was never my favorite, mother. You just took upon yourself to decide for me that it was. And my living in New York has nothing to do with me being away for so long. You know that."

Mary Margaret's brow raised, "Of course not. You always did have trouble following the rules, as you well have been proving lately."

David cleared his throat, smiling over at Killian, "Killian, how is your father? How's his health?"

"Oh, just fine." He smiled back at the King, "He was happy to hear the news of my return."

"As he should be." Mary Margaret spoke after taking a sip of her wine, "Now, you and Emma can get married. As it was arranged."

The room grew silent, Regina shifted in her seat uncomfortably, exchanging a quick questioning look with Emma, who looked back at her with a bit of embarrassment. Ruby's eyes looked to the Queen, then to Killian.

Regina's eyes locked onto Emma's, "Arranged?"

David placed a hand on Mary Margaret, his tone a whisper, "Darling. I don't think this is-"

"But, of course." Mary Margaret glanced over at the brunette.

"Mother." Emma hissed under her breath, her heart beating rapidly inside her chest.

"Did Emma not tell you that they used to date?" She asked Regina.

Ruby's eyes nearly popped out of her head, her fork loudly clanking against her bowl. "No way! You and James Bond dated?"

Emma glanced over at Regina, who was no longer looking into her eyes anymore. She just stared down at her untouched food in silence. Her emotions tightening inside her chest.

"You mean you and Emma would kiss and stuff?" Henry's face squinted in disgust.

Killian chuckled at Henry's disgust, actually finding it amusing, "That was a long time ago. We parted on good terms. It was a mutual decision."

"I honestly don't understand why, you two made the perfect couple-"

"Mother, I think that's quite enough." Emma glared her way, her lip already curling up in anger. Her hand reached out for the brunette's who sat beside her, "Regina-"

"You know, I…" Everyone stood as Regina did, except for Mary Margaret and Henry. She smiled to the best of her abilities, "I'm suddenly not feeling well, I need some air."

Emma quickly reached for her hand, "I'll go-"

"No." Very discreetly, Regina took her hand back from the blonde, "I think I need to be alone for a moment." Her eyes looked at everyone else seated around the table, "Please, excuse me."

Ruby quickly looked over at a worried Emma, "I'll go with her, Em." She rushed behind her friend, stopping in her tracks before reaching the end of the dining room, quickly bowing down on one knee and running out again. "Regina, wait for me."

Emma quickly glared back at her mother, referring to Henry first, "Kid, why don't you go with Graham. He'll show into the kitchen where you can enjoy your grilled cheese in peace." Her eyes looked over to a confused Graham, who stood with a freshly served grilled cheese in hand.

Henry exchanged looks between an angry Emma and a confused Graham.

The princess looked over at the boy, providing him with a warm smile, "Go on. It's alright."

"Come on along, Henry." He smiled at the boy, "You can meet Mrs. Potts. She will love you."

"Okay!" The boy beamed, happily going along with Graham, even though he felt it in the pit of his stomach that something had happened.

Green eyes turned back to a calm Mary Margaret, glaring her way, "May I ask what is wrong with you?"

"What's wrong with me?" The queen's brow raised. "You're the one keeping secrets from your… companion, as it would seem."

"That gives you no right to speak of whatever Killian and I had or didn't have in the past right in front of her, mother!" Emma's voice kept raising and octave, "I was going to tell her in my own way, where she wouldn't get so upset about it!"

"Now, Emma!" Mary Margaret's voice raised, appalled that her daughter would even dare shout at her, "As much as your home as this still is, I will not tolerate you raising your voice at me. I am your mother."

"Then, start acting like my mother." Emma hissed, "As much of the Queen as you are, I will not allow you to speak of my personal affairs in front of Regina. That is for me to do, not you." She tossed her cloth napkin on the table in anger, standing to her feet, "And if you want me to continue staying here, you will refer to her by her name. We are together now, and whether you like it or not- she is the woman that I am in love with and want to continue being with. So you either respect that or I promise you I am gone."

Killian and David remained silent.

Mary Margaret stood from the table, "What on earth do you see in that woman? Someone who is clearly older than you." She scoffed, "With a son of a precious marriage, and no title what-so-ever. What kind of Queen do you think that is, Emma? First look at her and I know, she isn't worthy to be by your side."

Emma's lip curled in anger, as David stood from his seat, "Alright, I think that's enough. Now, Emma is right."

"David?" The queen's lips parted in shock. "You too?"

"Title or not, Mary Margaret, Regina, Ruby and Henry are a part of our daughter's life now. We have to respect that. You could at least try." His eyes looked over at his daughter, "Emma, why don't you go and find Regina and we'll settle this later."

"There's nothing to settle. My decision has been made." Emma looked over at Killian, "I'm sorry, Killian."

He shook his head, "No harm done, love." He stood from his seat, wiping away at the corners of his mouth, "I actually must get going. I promised my father I'd be home for my brother's arrival." He bowed his head slightly, "Thank you for lunch. It certainly was entertaining."

Emma glared over at her mother one last time before walking out, the door heard being slammed by her.

"This has to be some kind of a joke." Mary Margaret sat back down, watching David as he stood from his place at the table, "Where may I ask are you going?"

"I've suddenly lost my appetite." He pushed his chair in.

"Oh, what? Come, David. You know I speak the truth." Mary Margaret continued, "Emma is in way over her head if she thinks Regina is going to make a good impression at the ball. What will the press say?"

"Frankly, dear, I don't give a damn what the press says or anyone for that matter. Our daughter is home. I mean, my God, can't you just… enjoy her while she's here? Do not drive her away again." With that, he walked out of the room without another word.