A/N: Thank you all for your amazing reviews. As always, they inspire me to update faster for you all. I am currently working on chapter 11, which I will try to post later in the day, if not tomorrow morning. All depends on how fast reviews come in. ;) This chapter is more relaxing and fun, if I do say so myself lol Happy reading!


After a much calmer breakfast, Graham drove everyone, Henry included over to the one place the princess trusted the most, and where they would have all the privacy in the world.

Regina and Ruby, along with Henry looked up at the building's name: Jefferson's Mad Stylings.

"Your friend works here?" Regina asked, turning to look at Emma's smiling face.

"He owns it." She smiled, opening up the door and taking her girlfriend by the hand, "Come on. He's expecting us."

"When is anyone not expecting you?" Regina chuckled, allowing Emma to lead the way through the black framed, glass doors, where they were suddenly greeting by prying eyes of paying customers. Customers that knew well who Emma was.

It was a nice establishment. Big, spacious, very well kept and stocked up with its little beauty salon on the side, along with a small mini off to the other, and what looked like a private curtained up room right over at the back. Employees cut hair, while others washed, or looked over books of clothing pieces with customers. The floors were black and white marbled, walls a deep red over at the mini bar area, while over at the hair cutting and washing station, the walls were a deep purple color, much like the man's vest.

Clap! Clap! Two claps made everyone's head jump, Regina and Ruby and Graham included, because no matter how much he knew this friend of hers, he was always too much to be around for him.

"Alright, everyone go about your business, people! Control! His voice carried, "Please, keep your eyes to yourselves…" He smiled at Emma, a grin so big that went along with his silk black suit, purple silk vest that peaked out from the lapels of the jacket and his well folded purple handkerchief sticking out from his left breast pocket. It complimented his body quite well as well as his persona.

"This beauty" He motioned towards the princess, extending his arms out in which Emma walked right into, "Is mine and only mine. Muah!" He placed a kiss to her cheek, his hands on her biceps, "How are you, darling? It's great to finally see you among the land of the living again. Honestly, why would a beauty like you ever want to move to such a city like New York is beyond me. I personally never could!"

Emma chuckled, "It's good to see you, Jefferson." She stretched out her arm, welcoming Regina into her embrace to which the brunette- much like a magnet- welcomed herself into, "This is-"

Her voice was cut off by Jefferon's sudden- over the top, dramatic- gasp, his hand placed on his chest for more effect, just in case his state of shock wasn't clear enough, "The most beautiful creature I have ever seen in my life!" His eyes moved to Emma's, "No offense, darling, you know you're my favorite-" His smile and eyes focused back on Regina, who could only gawk and smile herself with a slight blush, because no one had ever referred to her as beautiful before, except for Emma.

"Come, come," He beckoned the brunette, taking her hand away from Emma's and into his, spinning her around as his eyes drank in every inch of her figure, "Just look at you. You are absolutely flawless!"

Emma smirked, watching him calmly, waiting for the man to finish his ogling.

"Thank you." Was all Regina could say, the blush taking over her cheeks, her eyes constantly moving towards Emma, wanting her to step in at any moment.

"Forgive him, he's a little too much." Said Emma, taking her girlfriend back under her embrace.

"Listen to her. 'A little too much,'" He brushed his hand across the air in front of the blonde, his eyes on Regina, "Honey, I am too much to handle." His eyes now on Graham, who stood by, "Isn't that right, my little slice of ham?" He winked, which made Graham quite uncomfortable.

Ruby grinned, while Henry gave the slender brunette an odd look, his brows furrowed.

Henry wasn't a stranger to gay men, he'd just never met one before that was so… extra like Jefferson here.

"Jefferson, this is Regina, she's-"

Once again, he cut Emma off, "The reason why you moved to New York?" He chuckled, snapping his fingers and holding out his hand, which was soon gifted with today's newspaper front page, "Oh, honey I know. You've been quite famous since you've returned back home."

"What?" Ruby rushed ahead, snatching the newspaper from Jefferson's hand, which caused him to jump back, her eyes taking in the picture of Emma and Regina kissing by the water fountain of the outlet mall, with a sleeping Henry in one arm.

'A Royal Romance?' The headline of the front page read, causing Ruby to grin, her eyes on her best friend, "Gina, you're famous!"

Regina rolled her eyes, "Ruby, knock it off."

"Now, I know what my mother wanted to speak to me about." Emma muttered, smiling over at Jefferson.

"Oh, don't feel bad, precious," Jefferson's hand landed on Regina's shoulder, "It's the price of dating a princess." He chuckled, his eyes on Henry now, "And you brought the little prince! So dashing." His smile disappeared once he ran a hand through the boy's hair, "Such beautiful hair, but I feel it getting long. Maybe a haircut is in order, hm?"

Emma turned to Regina, allowing for her to decide.

"Actually…" Regina caressed her son's hair, "I think that may be a great idea. We have been meaning to get his haircut."

"But, mo-om." Henry whined.

"Oh, don't you worry about a thing, you little cutie." Jefferson smiled, "I will have my best people on it." His eyes moved towards Ruby, "And, who…" His brow raised, drinking in the brunette's appearance, "May I ask, is this?"

"This is Ruby, she's a good friend. Practically family." Emma informed him.

"Ruby?" He kissed her cheek, "Like the jewel. Ruby." He grinned, "I love it! It certainly goes with your personality. Why, you have a wild side, don't you? I can tell." He winked, but not flirtatiously.

Ruby shrugged with just one shoulder, winking right back at him, "Eat your heart out, Hollywood."

"Ha!" Jefferson grinned, extending his arms out towards Ruby, "I love her!" His eyes on Emma, "You never fail to bring interesting, gorgeous customers my way, darling. I love it. Now, you'll be needing some fittings?"

Emma nodded, "Please. For all three of them."

"Ah, including you, darling." Jefferson smirked, "I haven't forgotten what you asked me for the night of the ball. I've been slaving on it myself." He stopped one of his employees- his best employees- as he walked by, "Elena, dear, do take this…" His eyes moved down to Henry, "handsome little prince to a chair, will you? Trim him up nice and pretty, be very gentle. He's a special guest."

The young woman- or Elena- as Jefferson called her nodded, smiling sweetly at Henry, taking his hand, waiting patiently for the boy to glance up at his mother who nodded in approval before going anywhere with her.

"Now, Ruby, Regina," He motioned towards the two women, his eyes on Emma, "Your royal highness, come on back here with me," He walked across the salon area, "we'll get you measured up for your gowns. Do help yourselves to anything you'd like to drink, bar is over here." He motioned towards the mini bar, to which Ruby wanted to run too but was stopped by Regina. He nodded towards two of his most trusted employees- his best employees, who followed right behind them, "Let's work our magic, everyone!"

Graham stopped Emma from walking any further, clearing his throat, his voice a whisper, "Your majesty."

Emma nodded, smiling at him, feeling his discomfort, "You may wait in the car, Graham. It's alright."

He nodded in gratitude, his right foot taking the first step across the establishment, only to be stopped by Jefferson's voice, his head popped out from behind the curtained room.

"Leaving so soon?" He asked him, "And here, I thought you would finally cave in to allow me to…" His eyes feasting on the man from top to bottom with no shame at all, "Measure you."

Graham cleared his throat, "I'm fine, thank you." He rushed out the door before Jefferson could even throw another word at him.

"Shame." He smiled a bright grin at Emma, pulling back the curtain for her to enter the back room, "Well, come along, darling, come along. Time is precious." He smirked up at Regina and Ruby, "Such beauties, huh?" He tapped his chin, taking in Regina's appearance, while she was being measured by one of his employees already, while the other measured on Ruby. "Now, for you, I see elegance… regalness… something that will make heads turn at that ball and they won't want to look anywhere else! Yes… after all, you do have to be the best looking one there, sweetie, being the princesses date and all."

Ruby and Regina held in their wanting to laugh. Not that they were making fun of the man, but he was in fact, a little too much, just as Emma had said. He oozed creativity and he knew it and tended to get a little mad while the gears inside his head turned with endless possibilities.

"Whatever you have for me," Ruby spoke up, "Make it red." She grinned, while Regina took the opportunity to chuckle.

"Red…" Jefferson muttered, standing before Ruby, allowing his eyes to look her body over while he walked around her. He grinned, obviously approving, "You're right. Absolutely, why I wouldn't have chosen a better color myself. Something to go with your name. I love it!" His eyes grew, his mouth throwing off another dramatic gasp at the sight of Regina's engagement ring, "My word…" He grinned, grabbing a hold of the brunette's hand quite delicately, "Is this-?" He turned to Emma, who simply smiled, "Finally, someone worthy to pull on the reins of her royal highness, huh?" He winked at Regina, "Oh, you must absolutely allow me to design your wedding dress. It would be my personal pleasure."

"One thing at a time, Jefferson. Let's not overwhelm her." Said Emma.

He held a single hand up, "Say no more, say no more." He grinned up at both women, snapping his fingers, directed at his two employees, "Measurements, people! Quickly, quickly." He held out his hand, snatching the two papers with Ruby and Regina's written down measurements. He crumbled up both papers, tossing them aside, a smile on his lips, "I can work with this!" He helped both women down the steps, "Ladies, you two will be the envy of the ball! Just leave it to me."

As they stepped out from the back room, Jefferson up front, his head turned towards Henry, "Now, how's our little prince?"

Elena twirled the chair around, revealing a well combed hair Henry, freshly cut.

A satisfied grin on the man's face, "Eh voila!"

Regina, Emma and Ruby shared the same smile as they looked over at Henry.

"Looking good, kid!" Said Emma.

"Yeah, Hen. You're looking very handsome." Followed Ruby, which caused Henry's eyes to light up.

"Really?" He asked, turning his gaze towards his mother, "Do you think so, mom?"

Regina smiled, nodding, "I do. You look very handsome, Henry. I'll have to send a picture to your father and grandmother."

"Jefferson, as always, it's great seeing you again." Emma extended her arms, giving the man a tight hug, "You can charge everything to my account."

Jefferson nodded, kissing both of the blonde's cheeks, "Of course, darling, of course. I will see all of you in two weeks with your purchases." He moved over to Regina, kissing both her cheeks, "Regina. I look forward to working on you personally the day of the ball. And Ruby," He moved over to Ruby, repeating the same steps, "It was especially interesting meeting you."

"Likewise, Hollywood." Ruby grinned.

Jefferson chuckled, "Hollywood." He murmured, loving his new nickname, lastly he turned to Henry, patting his back gently as he saw everyone to the door.


"Look, mom! Horses!" Henry beamed, looking out the car window. "Are they yours, Emma?" He looked over at the blonde.

Emma smiled, "Not all of them, kid, but some are. Would you like to ride one?"

"Yeah! Can I mom?" He turned to looking pleadingly at his mother.

"I don't know-"

"Please!" He begged, "Emma will be with me. Right, Emma?"

"I won't let him out of my sight." She promised the brunette. How could Regina possibly say no?

"Very well." She nodded, "But do everything Emma tells you."

"Yes!"

"Henry, slow down!" Said Regina, watching her son as he ran out of the car as soon as it came to a stop.

"You don't want to join us?" Asked the princess to Regina, who shook her head.

"Oh, no. I flew a helicopter, there's no way you are making me ride a horse."

"You're a hard woman to get a hold of, love." Heads turned to Killian's familiar grin. And while Regina mentally rolled her eyes at the man, Ruby moved around Graham, flashing her best smile. Which worked like a charm as the man's eyes were soon on her.

"Hi, Killian."

"Ruby." He nodded, taking a hold of her hand and placing a kiss right at her knuckles. "It's wonderful to see you again."

Graham cleared his throat, his jaw clenching shut, "I'm going to see that some horses get settled up for you, your majesty. Excuse me." He bowed, his shoulder brushing harshly with Killian's- intentionally- as he walked on by.

Killian raised a brow, his head following Graham's form, not paying any mind to him as he quickly turned back around to face Emma, "Doing a little riding this evening?"

"Yes, I promised Henry I would teach him how to ride his first horse." Emma smiled.

"How about that? The lad's a natural prince, isn't he?" He chuckled.

"How about you? Do you ride?" Ruby asked him.

"Oh, well, I haven't done it in years, but I still remember how to handle a good stallion." He smirked at her.

Ruby's eyebrow raised, "Great. Maybe you can teach me?"

"It would be a pleasure. That is, if it's fine with you, love." His eyes moved to Emma, who nodded.

"Actually, darling…" Regina smiled up at the blonde, purposely placing her left hand right on the blonde's shoulder, "I think I will join you for that ride." Without warning, she pressed her lips against Emma's, giving her a quick kiss.

Emma knew she did that on purpose, of course, because she knew Regina still felt a sting about the whole arranged marriage situation between her and Killian. But, if she was being truthful with herself, she loved it when Regina became possessive of her. Didn't mind it at all.

And it worked like a charm. Killian's eyes landed right on the sparkling engagement ring that complimented her finger.

Once they all reached the stables, Graham's eyes were glued to Ruby's flirtatious behavior towards Killian. Watching them both as they enjoyed a quiet conversation between the two of them in a whisper, while he gently took her hand and placed it right on the animal's neck.

"See… you just have to be gentle." His blue eyes found hers.

"Gentle isn't really my style." Ruby replied, "Maybe I should ride with you?"

Killian smirked, absolutely loving the idea.

"This is Pegasus." Emma lifted Henry up, placing him on the saddle strapped to the animal's back, "He loves being taken for rides, so we can share him."

"Cool." Henry leaned forward, petting the animal's fur.

Emma moved along to a black horse, guiding Regina along with her, "This is my father's horse. You can ride her."

"By myself?" Regina's eyes grew wide, her head shaking, "No."

"Yes. You'll be fine." Emma smiled, "Come," She held her hand, motioning to stirrup, "Place your left foot there," She nodded, watching Regina do as she's told, "That's right. Place your hand here," She motioned to the horn, "Now gently, pull and lift yourself up, cross your other leg over."

Regina couldn't remember the last time she was ever on a horse. All she could remember was her father had been with her and he was the one guiding the animal for her. But, now, here she was, alone on one.

Emma smiled, watching her, taking in how nervous, yet how beautiful she looked mounted on the animal. "Don't worry, I'll be with you every step of the way. Graham will guide you out of the stables."

She watched as Graham took hold of the reins, his eyes moving towards Killian, who was helping Ruby up on the animal's back as he walked out of the stables.

Emma climbed right up on her horse with such ease, settling on the seat right behind Henry, taking control of the reins, "You ready, kid?"

"Ready!"

With a click of her tongue and tapping of her boots against the animal's ribs, she guided the animal slowly out of the stables.


They spent the rest of the morning riding along a long stretched field. And despite the fears that had taken over the brunette at first, Emma was surprised with how quickly Regina learned to ride all by herself. Her and Emma even enjoyed a tiny race, not going super fast because Henry was still on the blonde's horse with her, even though Henry didn't mind racing at all.

While Ruby… she was just happy to be spending some quality time with Killian, getting to know all about his life, running his own business with his father and owning a castle of his own. While he was absolutely delighted with all of her stories filled with day to day adventures back in New York.

She was even surprised to find out that he owned properties in New York, not far at all from where Regina lived.

"Why didn't you ever tell me this?" She asked him, looking over her shoulder.

He chuckled, "You never asked. But, listen, now that I have you alone…" He continued, "You are more than welcomed to visit me once I am back in New York. Maybe we could go out to dinner sometime?"

Ruby smirked, giving a quick glance over her shoulder, "Dinner, huh?" Her brow raised, "Why wait till New York? Why can't we just go somewhere here?" She asked, "Say… tonight? Eight o'clock? What would you say to that?"

Killina's brow mocked Ruby's, a tiny smirk appearing on his lips, "I'd say… I love a woman who takes charge."


Killian was all smiles after him and Emma headed back to the stables to help Graham settle the horses back into place. While Ruby and Regina walked back towards the castle.

"What are you so happy about, Jones?" Asked Emma, noticing the smirk that hadn't gone from his lips since they got back from their ride.

"Women. They are the most beautiful creation made by God himself, wouldn't you agree?" He asked her.

"Does this have to do with Ruby?" She asked him.

A question in which Graham's body tensed up to.

"Aye." He smiled, "She's free spirited that one. It's a mystery how no man has claimed her yet." His eyes met Emma's, watching her pet her horse, "I hope you don't mind me taking her out tonight."

Graham walked out after shutting the last stable door.

Emma shook her head, "Not at all. I will warn you one thing though…" She turned to face him, shutting the door to her horse's stable, "If this date leads to anything between the two of you… don't break her heart. I know how you can be."

"Whoa, Swan. You wound me." Killian chuckled, "Ruby and I aren't that different, I'm not looking for any type of commitment and neither is she, we both talked about this. Besides, you ruined me for other women."

A laughter couldn't be prevented from escaping Emma's chest as she playfully patted the man's back, "Right, you're so devastated, you jump into bed with any pair of legs, huh?"

Killian smirked, walking out of the stables with her, "Well, to your surprise, it was her who asked me out tonight."

"Yeah, that sounds like Ruby," Emma chuckled, "Well, be sure to show her a good time. Because if you don't, it's not me you'll have to worry about."

Killian smiled a pearly white smile, "Regina is a fierce to be reckoned with, isn't she?"

"Oh, yes." Emma nodded, "She can be."

"You truly love her, don't you, lass?" He asked her, his eyes glued to the smile that soon formed on Emma's thin lips.

Her green eyes turned to glance right into his, "So much, that I'd give up everything just to be with her."

His brow raised, "Everything?" He continued at Emma's nod, "Look, I don't know much about Regina, but from what I've gathered, she isn't a selfish woman. She doesn't seem like the type to allow you to just drop everything to be with her."

"It's my decision."

"Aye, aye it is." He nodded, "And I don't blame you. I mean… you becoming a ruler, it would mean that Regina would have to be here with you. And deal with the queen, they would constantly be clashing."

"I know." Emma chuckled, "Believe me, I know."

"I mean this whole ball happening in two weeks… is she even ready for that?"

And for the first time ever, Emma did wonder… if she were to stay, would Regina stay with her? Could she handle this ball? Of that she had no doubt, but she also knew that the brunette's life and family were in New York. She couldn't ask her to just drop her life. And her mother, the queen, it would take her decades to be okay with their marriage. Of that she was sure.


Ruby squealed, literally hopping on her two legs, "Let me see it again, let me see it!"

Regina smiled, showing her her engagement ring, yet again, which made her squeal even louder that even poor Henry covered his ears.

"My God, and what a ring! It's the most beautiful ring I've seen. It must have cost a fortune."

Regina sighed, "I know."

Ruby's grin disappeared, noticing a seriousness to the brunette's face, "What's wrong? You should be happy."

"I am happy." Regina nodded, "I just… I don't know."

"Oh, God…" Ruby's eyes grew wide, "You're not getting cold feet, are you?"

"No." Regina shook her head.

Ruby's eyes grew even bigger, "You aren't breaking up with her, are you?!"

"No!" Her brows furrowed, "God, Ruby, no."

"You're breaking up with Emma?!" Henry looked up at his mother, his eyes displaying a sudden worry.

Regina caressed the boy's cheek, "No, sweetheart, I'm not breaking up with Emma. We're fine, I promise." She glared over at Ruby, "You see what you did? You upset Henry!"

"I'm sorry! I'm just freaking out…" She looked down at Henry, "Don't worry, Hen, everything's alright." She said, quickly moving onto another question, "It's her mother, isn't it? Her majesty, the queen."

Regina sighed, "Emma gave her the news of our engagement today and…"

"And?"

"She didn't handle it well." She chuckled, "She thinks I am only after her daughter's money."

Ruby rolled her eyes, groaning, "Ugh, well of course she would think that. But, hey, we're here," Ruby draped her arm around Regina's shoulders, "Do not let her discourage you. Emma loves you, just remember that. Sure, the queen might be… difficult, but she will come to accept the fact that her daughter wants you. Above anyone else."

"I honestly don't think she will ever accept me." Was the last thing Regina replied, her mind overtaken by worry that she would come to lose Emma over her mother's disapproval. She shook those thoughts away- for now- staring back at Ruby with a knowing smirk, nudging her, "Anyway, what about you and Killian? I thought you were all over Graham."

Ruby rolled her eyes, groaning, "Graham." She sighed, "I give up. He hardly talks to me, he's so serious all the time. Maybe I'm just too much for him."

"Or just right for him." Said Regina, "He actually looked a little jealous when you and Killian started flirting."

"Really?" Ruby's eyes grew wide with hope.

Regina nodded, "He likes you, Rubes. You just… have to let him come to you. Try to back off a little bit. Give him time."