A/N: Apologies for not updating this next chapter sooner. Life happened and needed my attention. But, this chapter is all about the grand ball, where a lot happens and it became so long, this story will officially have 19 chapters in total! So, one more to go! :) I hope you like this one, and stay tuned for the very last chapter which will be written and posted after this. Happy reading!


The ball was more fabulous than Emma could have imagined it would turn out to be. She was happy, and fully dressed in an all white jumpsuit, it's tail was long like a veil, dragging across the wooden floor. Her blonde hair was wavy and loose, draped over her shoulders. Everyone had attended and were eager for the celebration of her twenty-eighth birthday. She didn't see Mal anywhere in sight, although she wasn't sure if that should calm her nerves or make her worry.

The tables set around for the ball were all covered in white silk table cloths, champagne was served all around, there was plenty of food. And the staircase up the balcony of the second floor were decorated with Regina's favorite flower; Lily vines.

Regina could hear the classical music blasting through the walls all the way up to their bedroom. She needed a few minutes to finish getting ready and take a few much needed breaths. After all, it wasn't every day she was celebrating the birthday of the woman she loved, plus her engagement party all at once in a royal style.

She looked at herself in the mirror once again, the same flowers in her hair, which was picked up in a bun as before matching beautifully with her all white gown, silk and worn tightly around her body. The hem fell all the way toward the floor, the neck was closed and it had no sleeves, but was equipped with a cape that was as long as the dress. The back of the cape was designed with hundreds of tiny diamonds. She couldn't even recognize herself. Never in all her years would she have guessed that she would once be in a mansion, dressed elegantly, ready to be presented to a society as the future queen of all England. Married to the most beautiful, kind, royal, and loving woman of all.

A knock at the door disturbed her thoughts.

"Come in," she said, looking toward the door through her mirror before facing it. Her mouth fell open upon Ruby entering, her hair curled up in curls and wearing an all red, sparkling, spaghetti strap, V-neck gown. It exposed part of her cleavage, which she didn't mind one bit and came equipped with a red silk belt strap which hung behind her like a long red cape that was tied at her waist. It had a long opening at her right thigh, exposing it.

"Wow!" Ruby grinned at the sight of her best friend. "Now, that's the look of a future queen."

"You're one to talk!" Regina chuckled, her cheeks holding a blush while her eyes raked over her best friend's red gown. "Ruby, you look absolutely beautiful."

"Please, I know that," Ruby brushed her off. "Emma is not going to be able to take her eyes off of you the entire night."

"Nor Graham's for you," Regina grinned, her attention being caught by another knock outside her door.

"Wow!" Henry's mouth fell open as well as the brunette's mother's upon entering the room.

"Oh, Regina…" Cora walked a few paces before her daughter, her eyes glossy with tears that begged to come out. "You look absolutely beautiful. If only your father were here to see this moment."

"Oh, no!" Ruby stepped between mother and daughter before they could hug. "No crying! Absolutely- not today." She glared at her best friend. "If you start crying then I will, and our makeup will be ruined and we must not keep Emma waiting."

"She's right," Regina chuckled, wiping away a sitting tear at the corner of her eye.

"Now, Emma walked me through this, so I assume I should walk you down the stairs and present you to your future bride?" Said Cora, holding out her arm for her daughter to take before walking out of the bedroom.

"Come on, Hen! You and I can stick together." Ruby draped her arm around the little boy's shoulders before walking out of the room.

Sidney's eyes illuminated with Regina's presence as she walked down the long stretched hallway, coming to a halt at the top of the stairs. She was surprised that as soon as she did, the music completely stopped.

"Well… Seems to me like you've caught the eye of more than just Emma's," Cora murmured, earning a glare from her daughter.

"Sidney," Regina gave the man a curt nod.

"Ms. Mills," his voice was soft. "If I may be blunt, miss, you look absolutely stunning tonight. The princess is a very lucky woman."

Regina smiled, "No, Sidney. I'm the lucky one."

"Allow me." He cleared his throat as he stood by the top of the stairs. "Presenting, Ms. Regina Marie Mills from Brooklyn, New York." He announced to the whole room as cameras snapped and guests stared in awe, including Emma, who was practically drooling over her future bride.

Graham cleared his throat, "You can roll your tongue back up, your majesty," he murmured.

Regina removed her cape from her gown, handing it over to Sidney before she made her way down each step from what felt like the longest staircase of all her life. Her brown eyes were focused on Emma the entire time, taking in the princess' beautiful, elegant appearance.

"Presenting Ms. Ruby Lucas and Henry Mills, from Brooklyn, New York." Sidney announced as Ruby and Henry both began making their way down the long steps.

"You were saying?" Emma murmured over to Graham, who's mouth fell practically open at the sight of Ruby, along with David's and everyone who attended the party.

"David," the queen muttered, seeing her husband's eyes shine at the sight of Ruby.

"So? What do you think? Graham like?" Ruby grinned right at Graham, modeling a little for him.

"Oh, very much." He breathed, holding out his arm for Ruby to take.

"You are looking mighty fine there, Mr. Grey." Ruby winked, straightening out his bow tie while they walked over to another side of the room.

Sidney cleared his throat, "Presenting, Mrs. Cora Mills from Brooklyn, New York."

Cora made her way down each step, wearing an all purple gown, with several layers at its tail. She decided to take her place next to Jefferson.

"Thank you for my dress," she muttered to him.

"It was an absolute pleasure, Mrs. Mills." He smiled proudly.

"Emma-." Regina breathed, grinning from ear to ear at the blonde's elegant appearance. "Your highness," she bowed before the princess, earning a bow back from Emma. "You look very beautiful."

"No more than you," the blonde took Regina by her hand, placing a kiss right on her knuckles. "Tonight, all the pleasure will be mine in having the extraordinary honor of presenting you as my future queen."

As La Valse de L'Amour began to play, Regina felt Emma's hand land gently on her waist. Emma's free hand rested against her lower back and she began to guide Regina on their swaying until she switched arms. Their eyes were locked on each other the entire time, their smiles matching. Everyone was gathered around watching, which made Regina nervous, but right now as she shared their rehearsed dance with Emma- it was like the world didn't exist.

David smiled, loving seeing his daughter so happy and dancing away each step to perfection.

Emma spun Regina out, pulling her back in and taking a hold of her free hand. Their feet moved fast along the entire dance floor. The crowd gasped in surprise once the princess delicately picked up the brunette and spun her in the air before bringing her back down. Their waltz quickened before it ended in a gentle dip and a respectful bow from both women to each other. Everyone clapped before joining the dance floor on a dance with their couples.

"Beautiful," Jefferson wiped away a fallen tear with a handkerchief, his eyes on the couple. "Just beautiful. Another job well done."

Cora took the man's handkerchief to wipe away a fallen tear of her own.

"Thank you most kindly for the dance." Emma murmured, her eyes not leaving Regina's.

"You are most kindly welcome, your highness." She curtsied again, hearing a light chuckle escape the blonde.

"Come with me," Emma didn't give Regina a chance to protest as she took her by the hand and they headed up the stairs and disappeared.

"Emma. We really shouldn't leave the party like that." Said Regina, smiling from ear to ear as they stopped in front of two double doors.

"It'll only be a moment," the blonde smiled, parting open the two doors, motioning for Regina to step right out into the balcony. And as she did, Emma closed the two doors.


"So," Cora's eyes looked over at everyone dancing on the ballroom floor. "You are great at styling and designing beautiful dresses. But, do you dance?"

Jefferson's brow raised as he glanced over at Cora. "My dear lady, it is a wonder why I'm still single." He held out his hand, offering it for Cora to take.

With a smirk stretched out on the woman's lips, Cora grabbed hold of Jefferson's hand and moved over to the dance floor where they enjoyed a waltz together.

"You know, I was thinking…"

"That you want to go somewhere private and go all fifty shades on me?" Ruby grinned, dancing along with Graham.

He chuckled, moving Ruby along the dance floor, "No. I mean- sure, just a little later." His eyes took in Ruby's beautiful dress. "If I may be blunt, this dress looks really beautiful on you. I'm going to be sad when you have to go back to New York."

To this Ruby frowned. She has been enjoying her time here so much, even more so after Graham finally caved on his mutual feelings for her that she didn't even think about New York at all. Well, she did but it didn't dawn on her until now that Graham wouldn't be coming with them.

"You wouldn't come to New York with me?" She asked him.

He frowned, spinning her out and back into his hold. "I would love nothing more."

"But?"

"My loyalty is here. This is where my parents lived all their lives and this is where they are buried. This home has been my home since I was a small boy."

"What about your loyalty to the princess? Who happens to be your best friend." Ruby's eyes gloss over.

"Ruby-"

"What about your loyalty to me?" She scoffed, putting their dance to a halt as she wiped away at the corner of her eye. "Nice to know you weren't serious about me after all. Excuse me."

Graham stood there on the dance floor, in between a crowded room and really hating himself.

"Where on earth is Emma? She should really be out here with all our guests." Mary Margaret whispered over to her husband.

"I'll go find her." David headed out of the ballroom.

Mary Margaret's eyes found little Henry all dressed in his white tux, dancing along to other adults around him, by himself. She smiled.

"A handsome boy such as yourself should never be dancing alone." She said, holding out her hand. "May I?"

Henry smiled, taking the queen's hand, feeling her hand lay gently against his little shoulder as she led him into a slow dance.


Regina's hand brushed along the flowers, her eyes falling on Emma, who picked one of them and handed it over to her.

"I still can't believe this is real. It's truly been like a fairy tale." She smiled at Emma.

"My life turned into a fairy tale the day I met you in that coffee shop." Said the princess.

Brown eyes looked out into the garden, which from the balcony they both stood on gave a breathtaking view of it.

"What's on your mind?" Emma asked, her finger gently turning the woman's face so that their eyes would meet.

Regina shook her head, "I just can't bring myself to actually believe this. That out of anyone you could have fallen in love with, it had to be me. And that by marrying you, I could rule all this." She chuckled, looking out into the garden again.

The blonde's head tilted, "You deserve this and so much more," her voice was soft.

"What if I'm not a good queen, Emma?" Regina never spoke of this, but it worried her. "Your mother already hates me, and if I were to screw anything up-"

"You won't."

"How can you possibly know that?" Her brow lifted.

Once again, the princess smiled, her eyes sparkling green as she reached for the woman's hand, placing a gentle kiss along the knuckles. "Because I will be right by your side to guide you. And I know that you are right for this. Besides as much as I've missed it here, my home is with you and Henry back in New York."

The brunette's brow knitted. "So… We wouldn't live here?" She waited, seeing Emma shake her head. "But, I thought we-"

"Regina," Emma gave the woman's hand a gentle squeeze. "I love it here, and I've missed it so, and ever since I met you and became a part of your life, I dreamed of nothing more than to someday share it with you. And I have. But, you," her hand came up to brush against her cheek. "And Henry are everything to me. I would never dream of asking you to leave the home that you've known all your lives. And I belong with you."

"Emma," Regina breathed, her cheeks once again sore from smiling so much. Her eyes stung with pools of gathered tears.

"My mother and father are still rulers, and they will continue to be until the day they part from this world. Until then, you and I can live our lives back home, we can come and visit more often, spend Christmas here if that's what you wish. New Years, Thanksgiving, every summer vacation-"

The brunette chuckled.

"We won't move here until you are ready."

"What did I ever do… To deserve everything that's you, Emma Swan?" Regina asked, seeing a white smile stretch out across thin lips.

"Exist." Emma's voice was once again soft.

Both their heads tilted and their lips came together in their own dance of a passionate shared kiss.


Ruby gulped down another glass of champagne. She cleared her throat upon seeing the king, trying her best to hide the evidence that she had been crying.

"Ruby?" David's brows knitted. "Are you alright?" He asked, noticing something was bothering her.

"Just thirsty. A girl has to quench her thirst before going back out onto that dance floor." She put on her best smile.

"Well, you have been dancing as spectacular as you look tonight," said the king.

"Why your highness," Ruby smirked. "Who knew you were such a charmer? Your cheeks are as red as my dress."

This made him blush all the more.

"What are you doing out here away from your guests?" Asked the brunette. "Should you be out lighting the dance floor on fire with our little number? Go on, go ask that wife of yours to dance. You don't want to let me down, do you?" Her brow raised.

David smiled, unable to hide another blush. "I would never dream of disappointing you. I already have it instructed after we crown Emma tonight."

"Well," Ruby straightened the man's tie up a bit. "As handsome as you look tonight, your grace- remember to lose the tie." She winked at him.

"David?" Mary Margaret stood before the pair, her brow raised.

The king cleared his throat, "Emma is just- oh!" He grinned at his daughter as she strolled down the stairs hand in hand with Regina.

"What's going on?" Asked the princess, eyeing her mother and father.

"Where were you? You should be in that ballroom, Emma. Your coronation is happening soon." Said the queen.

"Regina and I just went for some fresh air, mother." Said Emma.

Mary Margaret's eyes moved over to Regina before glancing back at her daughter. "Well, go on then."

"Excuse us," Emma went on her way with Regina by her arm, and as she entered the ballroom, her eyes fell on Killian, looking handsome in an all black suit.

"Killian," Regina nodded curtly at him.

"Regina," he nodded back, a smirk playing on his lips. "I believe you promised me a dance?" He held out his hand. "That is if it's alright with you, love?" His eyes moved over to the princess.

"Of course." Emma smiled, handing her girlfriend over to him before her eyes moved over to Regina. "I'll go see if your mother wants a dance."

Regina smiled, following Killian onto the dance floor.

"Mind if I cut in, Jefferson?" Emma held out her hand toward Cora.

"Please," Jefferson handed over Cora to the princess. "Wish me luck, I'll go see if I can convince Graham to dance one piece with me." He said before walking away.

Cora chuckled, allowing the princess to lead her in a waltz. "You have a very interesting life, Emma, dear. Interesting friends."

Emma smiled, "I give you my word, Jefferson is harmless."

"Jefferson, yes. Nice young man. Very talented." Cora's brow lifted, "But what about your mother? I can tell from a mile away she isn't fond of Regina."

"That's no concern, Cora," said Emma.

"On the contrary, dear. It concerns me. Now, you know I trust you with my daughter's life, and my grandson's who adores you. No family is perfect, dear and you know like I do everything Regina has been through in the past. She's been through so much for her to get hurt again."

"Regina will not get hurt. I know she's been through so much, and I am here to change that. I'm here to make her the happiest she's ever been, and I will continue to do so until I draw my last breath."

This made the older woman smile. She could tell just by the look in the princess' eyes that she loved her daughter and that was more than enough for her.

Ruby walked up to Henry who was raking his finger across the cake's sweet frosting. "Hen, Hen, Hen…" She shook her head, surprising the boy. "Have I taught you nothing? Always rake from the back." She raked her own finger across the back, quickly sucking the icing right off of it.

"You are quite the dancer," Regina smirked at Killian, keeping up as he guided her across the floor.

"So are you, love. Your dance with Emma was lovely." He smiled.

"You know… Jefferson is a really good dancer." Her eyes moved over to Jefferson who was sipping on a glass of champagne.

"Aye, he is," Killian's eyes looked over to him. "I was watching him earlier with your mother. Which, I must say, she is an interesting woman. Headstrong like you."

Regina threw a hard glare his way, their dancing coming to a halt. "If this is your way of asking me for permission to date my mother Emma will kill you after I throw myself out of one of these windows."

The man let out a rich laugh, moving along across the floor with her again. "No, love. It's just a compliment. I haven't been interested in older women in a long time, I assure you."

"Oh, well… What about younger guys?" She looked over toward Jefferson once again. "Jefferson looks like he could use some company."

Killian smirked, "Tired of me already?"

"Oh, not at all. But, you know- it's not fair that Emma and I be the only gay couple at this ball. Besides, I've caught him looking at you earlier." She smirked. "Go on."

After giving the brunette his best smile, Killian worked up all his courage and walked over to a smiling Jefferson.


"Be honest with me, David." Spoke Mary Margaret, anger lingering in her voice. "Do you like her?"

"Yes, I like her. As our daughter's best friend," he scoffed, shaking his head. Unable to believe that his wife was accusing him of being interested in someone else that wasn't her.

After a minute of drawing in a much needed breath, David spoke, more calmly this time.

"Listen, this isn't the time nor the place for a jealous scene-"

"Jealous?" Mary Margaret chuckled.

"Yes," he hissed. "I will not have you ruin this day for our daughter. This is an important day for her and Regina. They love each other and we should be celebrating that."

"Why shouldn't your wife be jealous, your highness?" Heads turned to Mal, who wore an all black dress and a pearly white smirk stretched across her lips. "Honestly, I've been observing from afar at your interactions with this Ruby girl and you two are quite the pair, aren't you? Enjoying late night chats, or some late night dancing."

Mary Margaret's jaw clenched, her eyes wide as she glared over at her husband in question.

"Is this true, David?!" She shouted.

"Keep your voice down!" He hissed, "Ruby has nothing but my best interest at heart. If you would give her a chance to get to know her, you would come to realize that she is a very talented woman."

Mal chuckled, rolling her eyes, "I'll bet she is."

David scoffed, "I don't have to listen to these ridiculous accusations. I want you out of here." His eyes moved over to his wife before he entered the ballroom again.

"Honestly, dear, you and I have been friends a long time." Mal's eyes looked into Mary Margaret's. "You know for a fact I wouldn't accuse someone of anything unless I have proof. Which in this case, I do. And not just on this girl Ruby, but your daughter in law as well. Isn't that right, Gold?"

The queen's eyes looked over at Gold, who entered the room with a tiny mischievous smirk to him, his hands holding onto a manila colored folder with a stack of papers inside.

"I'm afraid that's correct, your majesty." He held up the folder, handing it over to her. "It turns out, Regina Mills has been lying to you and the king and, worst of all- the princess this entire time."

The queen practically snatched the folder from Gold's hands, holding it open and glancing down at this so-called 'evidence,' her eyes growing impossibly wide upon what she read.