David went back down stairs and found Regina sat at her desk going through some paperwork.

"No rest for the wicked!" David joked.

Regina looked up and scowled. "Wrong sister.

"I was just kidding Regina. But seriously, are you really working today?"

"I was just reading up on the history of the Black Fairy. I wanted to check something." Regina stated flatly.

"Oh great. Any leads? I'm worried about Emma. She's not been herself. She might act all tough but I know she is afraid of losing this battle."

Regina eyed him cautiously. "There is something, but it's a long shot and if I'm wrong, the consequences could be disastrous."

David placed a firm hand on the mayor's shoulder. "We trust you Regina. Emma trusts you. If you believe there is a way of defeating the Black Fairy then whatever it is, I'm sure it will work. Whatever the price is, we will all pay it. Just, don't go doing anything stupid and putting yourself in danger. Emma would never forgive me if she thought I'd let you risk your life to help her."

Regina smiled up at her old rival. "It's not my life I'm worried about risking."

###

Emma came down the stairs to the coos of the bridesmaids. She looked stunning. Regina and David beamed at each other with a shared sadness and pride. Today would change everything, for better or worse.

"Emma, can we have a moment please?" Regina asked hopefully.

"Sorry Regina. Can it wait until after this is over please?" Emma pleaded. She didn't want to deal with whatever it was until this farce was over.

Regina bit her lip and nodded. She didn't want to insist in front of the others. She would take her aside when they were more secluded.

"Okay, let's do this!" Emma said more to hype herself up and headed for the car. She allowed her father to open the back for her and he got in the driver's seat. Regina drove the other bridesmemaids in her own car silently. It was a short drive and soon enough, they were outside the Town Hall. There were crowds of people gathered with camera's poised ready to capture the swan princess on her royal wedding day. Regina parked up and made her way to the entrance with the other bridesmaids following closely behind her.

Emma and David arrived and after posing for a few photos, they entered the separated hall and began making last minute preparations, fixing hair and flowers. Regina tried to signal to Emma that she needed to talk but she couldn't make eye contact and before she had the chance, the music was playing signalling that she and the other bridesmaids should make their entrance. With one last glance behind her, she mouthed to the bride 'don't do this.'

Emma's heart cracked. Her hand began to shake slightly but she was determined to get through this. She looked dead ahead, ignoring what she thought she saw Regina whisper and took her first steps down the aisle.

The music blared and the guests all stood in awe as their princess made her procession acompanied by her father. Hook was waiting patiently at the altar and smiled smugly at his soon to be wife. She was here.

The bridesmaids took up their position off to the side of the altar and faced the crowds. The couple began to recite their vows.

Just then, Regina spotted an unwelcome face at the back with a satisfied smirk on her face. Regina could feel her magic rising angrily inside her and she knew now that she had been correct in her thinking all along.

"If anyone here present knows of any lawful reason why these people should not be joined in matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Regina's eyes darted to the Black Fairy again. She was still there smiling, only this time, she looked at Regina and rolled her eyes.

"Stop!"

The whole gathering gasped in shock. Hook glared at Regina with a murderous expression.

Emma felt her heart racing and the tremors that had threatened all day began to shake her hands. She dropped her bouquet.

"What is the meaning of this Madam Mayor? Do you really want to do this in front of the whole town?" Hook snarled.

"I'm sorry. But this is exactly what she wants!" She pointed at the Black Fairy to more gasps from the crowds. Emma saw her nemesis and the tremors got stronger.

The Black Fairy stood and laughed. "I'm afraid it's too late Regina. You should have taken that bean when you had the chance."

Emma looked at Regina in confusion. "What is she talking about? You were going to leave?" Her tears now streaming against her cheeks.

"Emma, she wants you to be weak! She needs you to lose all hope so that she can take your power. Don't you see? If you marry him, you stop fighting for what you believe in. For family. For love." Regina tried to explain.

Emma shouted back. "I can't fight anymore, Regina. I'm tired and I'm sick of seeing you suffer. If I die, you will still have a chance at happiness. You get to walk away with Henry and start over. You get a shot at love."

Regina tried to get closer to Emma but the Black Fairy threw her magically across the room and out of the way. Emma tried to summon her magic to save her but it was as if she were powerless. Regina shouted and struggled against the magical restraints.
"My happiness is you, you idiot! I love you!"

David and a few other gasped but nobody could move because the Black Fairy had cast a spell to fix them all in place. Emma heard the words and the tremors began to still. Regina saw the effect her words had had and continued more courageously than before. "I am in love with you and I think you might just love me back for some reason. I would die a thousand times over to keep you safe. Arghh!" The restraints tightened around her and she reached up to her neck where they were currently trying to strangle her.

Emma found her strength and blasted her magic at the Black Fairy. Regina was released in a thud to the ground and Emma ran to make sure she hadn't suffered any broken bones.

"Not so fast Savior! One more step and I'll slit my beautiful great grandson's throat!" She had Henry in her grasp with a knife to his throat.

"She got Henry, Emma! Leave me!" Regina screamed. The two women froze not wanting to risk their son's life.

Henry shouted. "Ma! Don't worry about me! Get her!" The Black Fairy pressed the blade closer to his throat and nicked him slightly.

"Now I've got your attention, nobody has to get hurt more than necessary. Just surrender to me Savior and you can save them both. They can have the happy life you always wanted for them!"

Emma considered. She couldn't be responsible for any more blood on her hands. Regina loved her. That was enough. "Please. I surrender. Just let him go. Let them both go."

Regina and Henry tried to protest but it was useless. The Black Fairy released Henry and smiled. "That's a good girl." And before either could make a move, she had gone taking Emma Swan with her.