(Emma's POV)

With every footstep, I pressed closer to the fairy leading us as I knew that I will see my son soon. The conversation that Mary Margaret conducted with her past self and husband escaped my mind. I was unable to concentrate on what they were talking about, due to my worry for Henry. I just hoped that he isn't harmed or hurt.

I didn't even know how long we were walking for, until Mary Margaret called out from behind me, "Emma! Do you want to rest for a minute?"

I spun around and shook my head defiantly, "No. We have to find Henry. What if he's hurt? He needs us, he's just a boy."

My mom sighed and nodded. "Alright, I just wanted to make sure that you're alright too."

I turned back around and pondered on the question as we advanced down the road. Am I alright? If I am, how is it that I'm still unable to call Mary Margaret 'mom'?

"Mom?"

I shook my head out of my thoughts as the voice called again in a louder volume, "Mom!"

I squinted down the road and saw a figure running towards us. Oh my gosh- "Henry!" Not thinking about the group behind me, I ran out towards my son and scooped him into a hug. I laughed with happiness and asked, "Henry! Are you fine? Are you alright?! Oh god, I've been so worried about you."

In a muffled voice, Henry replied, "I knew that you would come and find me. I miss you Emma."

As the others approached us, we parted from each other's arms. When Henry saw the two past versions of his grandparents, his jaw dropped. I smiled as he stuttered with a grin, "You're Snow White and Prince Charming! But...the past versions of them!"

I glanced at my 'parents' as they responded with a smile, "I guess we are, Henry. Nice to meet you. I assume that you're our grandson."

Henry beamed with a smile and nodded his head.

Mary Margaret was the one who spoke next. She bent down to Henry's level and said seriously, "How did you fall into a portal?"

Henry's face changed. He inched back and said quietly, "I don't know exactly how it happened but the Blue Fairy tricked Dani into telling her where Jefferson's hat was. She opened the portal and shoved Dani into the vortex-"

"What?"

Then, Henry continued in an even guiltier tone, one that almost came out as an accusation. "You're not trying to kill my other mom or my sister are you?"

Mary Margaret put her hand on Henry's shoulder and questioned, "Whatever do you mean? We're trying to ensure that the town doesn't enact vengeance on Regina in cold blood. We want to end the bloodshed. We don't want to continue the Queen's reign of terror. We have to bring peace back to Storybrooke and the Enchanted Forest. That's why we took magic away from your sister and Regina."

"But Blue was trying to kill them by taking away their magic!"

I crossed my arms and gave a glance at Mary Margaret. Her frown told me that something wasn't right here. "Henry, why do you think that's the case?"

"Because the Queen said so."

The past version of my mom stepped forward and mouthed, "Regina? You met her?"

Henry nodded and explained, "Yeah, that's why Dani is with her right now. It's because she decided to walk to a village in order to find our location. We didn't know that we were in the past until we heard people talk about the Evil Queen, but that wasn't the worst part. Dani found out that we were in the North Village."

The past version of David looked at his partner and asked slowly, "Isn't the North Village where we were a few days ago?"

Snow White nodded her head, "Mmm, we were there two days ago. The people were too kind, they helped us out a lot."

I watched Henry's expression mirror my mom's. They both looked hesitant to say what they were really thinking. Henry dodged a reply to Snow's statement and instead, continued talking about what happened. "Anyway, the Evil Queen was about to kill us until she found out that Dani was her daughter. She said to Dani that the magic cuffs on her wrists not only restricted her magic but was actually draining her life!"

"They were what?" Mary Margaret's mouth was open in horror. She glanced at me and questioned Henry, "Are you sure?"

"Dani told me that the cuffs were making her feel weak but..." Henry looked away and meandered, "I don't know...I mean, I don't think she was lying was she?"

Mary Margaret shook her head, "No, I don't think she was. I haven't really known her as one to lie. Especially to you. Now that the curse is broken, there's nothing that she'd hide from you."

I crossed my arms, "Well she still technically lied about the curse-"

"With a mom like Regina, I don't think she had much choice in the matter."

I shrugged and turned back to Henry to ask him, "And she now has her magic back, right? How did she remove those cuffs?"

Henry looked at Tiger Lily and replied, "The Queen captured the Blue Fairy and drained her magic using a heart shaped stone. It was horrible! I didn't know whether I should have looked away or watched or-"

I embraced Henry in my arms as he continued in tears, "And I didn't know what to do next either because when Dani got her magic back she, she..."

I rubbed Henry's back and whispered, "Shhh, it's fine. You can tell us if you wish, or not. But I think it's important for us to know what happened."

When Henry's ragged breaths subsided, he slowly began in a shaky tone, "She killed a woman who had helped Snow White."

There was silence for a second. Then, everyone began speaking at once. Whilst I saw the looks of shock and fear on the past version of my parents' faces, I was only able to concentrate on what Mary Margaret said next. "Emma, we have to get her back before she turns into Regina."

I nodded as she continued, "Oh gods, I never thought she'd be able to-"

Henry cut in quietly, "Crush a heart? I didn't think she'd do it. But I-" Then, fresh tears ran down his face as he exclaimed, "And I could have stopped it but I didn't! It's my fault! I shouldn't have let the Queen convince her."

I parted from Henry and held his hands in mine as I answered sternly, "Henry, it's not your fault. It was a choice that Daniella made. Please don't blame yourself on this."

"But I was there! I saw it with my own eyes and I did nothing!"

David reassured, "Don't put this on yourself, Henry. We can't hold ourselves accountable for the wrong actions of others. We just have to make sure that we do good alright? From what I've heard, it seems like the Queen was forcing Daniella to do something against her will. In that case, it would have been dangerous if you stepped in. I think you made the right decision, boy." David gave Henry a pat on the back and my son mouthed a quiet, "I guess so."

I made sure Henry was looking at me before I told him, "I agree with David. God knows what Regina would do to you if you stepped in. I know that the Storybrooke version of her wouldn't harm a hair on your head but here, I believe that would not have been the case."

Henry gave me a small nod and continued, "I kinda got into an argument with Dani over that so I decided to look for help from light magic instead. I knew that in Storybrooke, you probably realised that we were missing. I believed that you would find us, and you did!"

I sighed and said, "I'll never lose you again, Henry. I should never had given you up for adoption, kid."

Henry mumbled, "But if you hadn't, you wouldn't have caused the whole drama with my other mom...which lead to breaking the curse. Anyway, I was just a replacement for Daniella."

I shook my head in a frown. "No Henry, I'm very sure that Regina loves you. She didn't want you to find about about her past because I believe she wanted to protect you from it. She didn't want you to feel upset-"

Henry stepped back and exclaimed, "Why are you siding with her?"

"No! Of course I'm not. I'm just telling you the truth. You mustn't beat yourself up about the past. Regina took good care of you. You can't deny that. I'm glad that at least you went under the care of someone who could accommodate for you. You're not a replacement, Henry. I can see it in Daniella's eyes too. She sees you as family, and whilst I don't approve of what she has done immediately after her magic was returned, when we go get her, you should give her another chance."

"I-"

"I just don't want you to be unhappy, Henry. Also, if you're willing to talk to Dani or even..." I paused as I glanced at Mary Margaret for confirmation. She gave me a subtle nod so I continued, "Or even Regina, I'm sure that'll ease tensions when we're back in Storybrooke. I'm pretty sure that they're feeling betrayed right now. The magic restriction was never meant to take away their lives! I think we have to confront Mother Superior about that when we return but that's for Mary Margaret, David and I. Your job is just to make sure that we don't have two witches trying to kill us alright?"

Henry gave me a grin but it was replaced by a sad smile. Then, he mumbled under his breath, "I want to talk to my mom."

"You mean Regina?"

Henry nodded and even though it felt strange to hear him give that request, I was glad that he asked.

(Daniella's POV)

We rode faster than I imagined. I missed riding even though I wasn't able to take Hwin out as she is still a foal in this time. There was a dark feeling sitting at the bottom of my stomach but I chose to ignore it as we pressed on. I hoped that we wouldn't come across Henry. I didn't want to see him because of that uncomfortable feeling that's pulling my heart. Luckily, we soon arrived at the village without seeing my brother.

Several knights rode ahead of us to warn the village of our arrival and when we got to the square, the peasants had already come out of their homes. My heart thumped hard as it was the first time I was presented to the public in this realm. I gripped the reigns tighter as we came to a stop.

After mother got down from her horse, I slid down mine. She immediately started to speak. Wasting no time, she began in a loud voice, "Listen to me very carefully. What misery and despair you have experienced before is nothing compared to what I can inflict if I leave unhappy."

Whilst some of the peasants gave me a look, most of them were too focused on either pretending that they didn't exist or tracing my mother's angry footsteps. Although I was content that Snow White may finally be captured, I was struggling to not wring my hands together in awkwardness as I watched my mother threaten the people. She continued in a low menancing voice, "You will help me."

To my surprise, a man stepped forth to speak. Gepetto! I've seen him several times in Storybrooke. Henry told me that he was a carpenter. "Your majesty, we are a peaceful village. What do you want from us?"

That was when I noticed something strange holding onto the hand of the man. It turned out to be a boy made of wood. Pinocchio! Henry was surprised when I told him that I didn't know who Pinocchio was.

The boy caught my gaze, looking away uncomfortably. Yet, he sought to find ways to see if anyone else had noticed me. My cheeks started to burn red as I saw a subtle interaction by a nudge between Pinocchio and another boy behind him.

My mother's voice drew me out of my observations. She seethed a reply to Gepetto, "Justice. I've been informed that Snow White has been seen in this village. If I find out that anyone here has helped the bandit, they will suffer dearly."

She was interrupted by the heavy footsteps of two guards as they walked into village square. Struggling between them, was a woman with a bag over her head. They must have been the guards who claimed that they have seen Snow White.

My mother gave a low laugh and gestured to the guards to unveil the woman's face. When it was pulled off, murmurs surged through the crowd. The woman pleaded at the people in a deranged voice, "Help me, please! She'll kill me!"

I looked between my mother and the woman who continued shouting, "Please!"

Mother had enough and with the wave of her hand, cut off the shouts. Then, she strode towards the woman and after letting go of the silencing spell, asked directly, "You helped Snow White, haven't you hmm?"

The woman answered with a look of defiance on her face, "Your majesty, no!"

I sighed, knowing that this was not going to end well. My mother replied in an angrier tone. "Where is she?!"

The tension in the air was thick as we all waited for the woman to speak. However, her mouth was clamped shut as she glared at mother.

"She thinks silence is bravery. Not stupidity!" After a moment of contemplating, mother announced loudly so that everyone could hear, "She dies tomorrow."

As she turned around, I caught her gaze, knowing that despite the disappointment of not being able to find Snow, she refrained herself from killing the woman in front of me.

I saw the tiniest quiver of a smile towards me and my initial thoughts had been confirmed. Before mother could make her way to me, the woman remarked suddenly, "I feel sorry for you!"

There were whispers amongst the people and even I was surprised. I hadn't had many interactions with the peasants when Mama was queen but one thing was sure. No one had ever dared to speak up about something so intimate as this. I stepped away from the guards by my side to have a better view of the woman. Mother turned around and questioned, "Do you?"

Bold and audaciously, the woman replied, "I have two young sons who don't know that I'm still alive. They'll become orphans if you kill me. If you had a family of your own, if you had love, you'd understand and wouldn't have to be so cruel."

I curled my fists together as Mama answered, "Don't you tell me what I do or don't understand? As for your little dilemma, you should have never aided Snow White. Your sons' sufferings are at your own hands."

As mother walked away, the woman shouted, "You're a monster! You're a monster!"

I stood dumbstruck to the spot, not knowing what I should do. Why did I ever come out here? This is all wrong. The woman has done wrong but her sons...

However, the words that she threw towards my mother rung in my head. Monster. She's not really a monster is she? She's my mom. Thinking of her using Henry's Storybrooke vocab just made my guilt manifest even more.

"Daniella."

I looked up to see mother looking down at me, with her head inclined at the direction of our horses. She put her hand on my shoulder and guided me gently away from the people.

The knights who guarded the horses came forth and handed us their reigns. As mother got onto her horse, I couldn't help but look back at the woman who was now glaring at me with interest.

"Daniella, dear!"

I turned away from the peasants and got up onto my horse, following my mother's lead as we left.

(Later that night)

"She will die soon, my little firefly. I promise you. I need to fix your past. Mama's not going to rest until Snow White takes her last breath."

I looked down at the piece of cake in front of me and slowly cut a piece and nibbled at it. I didn't know how to answer so I let the silence overtake us.

"Daniella, you haven't spoken much ever since we returned."

I watched my mother as she ate her dessert. Then, I replied in a quiet voice, "It's nothing."

I went back to my cake but felt as if I was being surveyed closely. So, I inwardly sighed a breath of relief as she replied, "I am disappointed too, but we'll find her. And after this is all over, people will realise that I can love."

I murmured, "I know..."

There was a pause. Then, mother stated, "You're thinking about that woman aren't you? I saw you look back at her. I had to call you twice when we were leaving."

I pouted angrily and glared at the piece of cake. Then, I jabbed a morsel onto my fork and shoved it in my mouth.

"Firefly, you need to ignore them. They're worth nothing, not even the soil under your feet. You mustn't let their words get to you. If you do, you'll fall and crumble. After I die, you'll be Queen and I want you to be a strong leader."

I looked up and remarked in a small voice, "I don't want you to die."

Mother chuckled and replied, "Don't worry. No one can get rid of me that easily. I still have plenty of time to prepare you to be Queen. Nevertheless, I do have to correct you on something." She frowned playfully and remarked, "Look at your poor piece of cake. You've diminished it to crumbles with your fork. You musn't do that at state dinners or any formal occasions. It's improper, you should know that."

I cautiously groaned a little and under mother's gaze, gave her a sheepish smile as I replied, "Sorry."

"That's my girl."

The conversation took a turn after that and although the rest of dinner passed without any awkward pauses, I still felt uncomfortable after I returned back to my chambers alone. Knowing mother's schedule, I knew that she'd be taking a bath or preparing for the night at this hour. When a maid came into my room to help me prepare, I made up my mind and quickly said to her, "I'll be back in a few moments. Is that alright?"

The maid replied politely, "As you please, your highness. But you must come back soon. I cannot disobey orders."

I sighed and said, "I'll be quick." Then, I used magic to take me to the dungeons. Although the spell was successful, I unfortunately landed in front of a guard. Startled, he stepped back just as I did so too. After looking at each other for a second, we both spoke at once. I stopped to let him ask, "Do you need anything, your highness?"

His gruff voice unnerved me a bit but I tried to ignore it as I asked, "Can you take me to the woman who was brought back from the village today?"

The guard looked a little unwilling at my request but granted it in the end. He nodded and let me follow him through the dark tunnels of the dungeon.

We stopped in front of a dark cell so I magicked a lamp into my hand. I immediately caught a glimpse of the woman who had accused my mother of being a monster. She stood up from the ground and looked at me. I turned around and asked the guard to leave but he didn't seem comfortable with the idea. I reasoned quickly, "She can't harm me, there's bars between us."

The guard grunted and left with a reply, "If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to call out for me, your highness."

I nodded and turned around to face to the woman. Her face slowly became visible in the glow of my light.

She surveyed me for a second before pointing out, "You were with the Queen in the village."

I nodded.

"Who are you?"

I rubbed one arm with my hand in sudden unwillingness to answer the question.

The woman walked slowly closer to me. Then, she looked down to one side and frowned. "But we know nothing about an heir."

"Yeah, I don't think many people know."

"So you're the Queen's daughter?"

I nodded. I haven't planned this conversation at all so I didn't really know what I was doing. Luckily, the woman continued speaking, "You must be upset at me. The Queen didn't send you down here did she? She doesn't know that you're here."

I shook my head slightly. "No, Mama doesn't know I'm here."

"Why are you interested in me? I'm nobody."

"You helped Snow escape."

"You're upset over that..."

I thought about an answer and began, "I would have liked it if mother's happy but I guess that's not really what's been bothering me."

"Oh? Is it what I've said?"

I broke my eye contact with the woman as I felt tears well up in my eyes.

"I'm sorry-"

"No you're not."

"You think she loves you?"

I glared at the woman and replied, "But she...she does. She does love me!"

To my surprise, the woman reiterated in a slightly guilty manner, "No, that's not what I meant." She sighed and continued, "I just couldn't imagine the Queen ever loving anyone. I'm sorry if I've offended you."

I suppressed the magic throbbing in my veins as I replied, "I know that everyone thinks the same way as you do, but-"

"You're upset with me."

I changed the topic. I needed to address the real reason for coming down to the dungeons. "Are you from the North Village?"

The woman's mouth gaped open as her eyes frantically explored mine. "How did you know?"

Quietly, I began, "You must have escaped. You said that your sons didn't know if you're still alive. Is it too much to say that you are refugees from the fires?"

The woman's eyes were now glistening with tears. With my heart thumping in anticipation for the truth, I asked, "How old are your sons?"

"My youngest is five and my eldest is seven."

"Their names?"

There was a slight hesitation. "Your highness, why are you asking?"

I bit my lip before continuing, "Because I must know. I promise I'm not doing this for my mother. Please, just tell me."

The woman surveyed my eyes for a second before saying quietly, "Charlie is my youngest and Leyton's my oldest."

My mouth dried up. I was right.

I was standing in front of Leyton's mother.

In front of the mother of a bully who had pushed me in dirt because he had been left in the world alone after his family died.

(3rd POV)

Henry spoke up to disrupt the conversation that the adults were having. "Emma, we have to find Dani and take her back to Storybrooke! I feel like she'll get too attached to the Evil Queen."

They broke away from their rapid exchanges at Henry's indignant stare. Tiger Lily came up to the boy, saying, "Yes and we've come up with an idea. I believe that the fairies will help us with this matter, even if it means using something we've worked hard to obtain."

Henry gave the fairy a half grin and asked, "What is it?"

"A magic bean. On it's own, it'll take you back to your land but once I enchant it, it'll hopefully take you back to your time too."

"Well that's great! Where is it?"

Tiger Lily chuckled. "I have to ask permission to use it since its hidden in the vault of the fairies. However, I have confidence that it can help you return to the future."

Emma added, "Mary Margaret and I have decided that it'd be best if we were to go into the palace, where we'd be able to use the bean and ensure that Daniella comes with us."

"But can't we go get her and open the portal somewhere safer?" Henry interrogated as he looked between the adults.

Snow responded, "Perhaps, but I'm afraid that we could get stopped if we were to 'kidnap' your sister. Besides, it'd be difficult to get in and out of the castle unnoticed. We must find Daniella when she is by herself, and open the portal before anyone is alerted of us."

"How do we get in then?"

Tiger Lily smiled and inclined a head towards the past Snow and Prince Charming as she answered, "I can transport you into the palace but I must get the bean first. Meanwhile, you can say goodbye to your counterparts."

The Queen was reading in her bed when she heard soft footsteps stop at the doorframe of her bedchambers. She looked up to see her daughter looking like she wanted to make a request. "Daniella, what is it?"

Daniella shuffled into the room as she began, "The prisoner..."

Regina frowned. "Yes?"

In a small voice, Daniella continued, "Could you release her?" Before the Queen could respond, she quickly explained, "It'd change the future for the better, trust me."

"Well, what were the consequences of letting her live?"

Daniella looked down as she didn't want to tell her mother that she had been bullied at the orphanage.

"Firefly? What were the consequences?"

Daniella's stomach twisted as she shook her head and mumbled, "Nothing. Nevermind-"

"No. I want to know, dear." Regina put away her book and invited Daniella into her arms as she continued, "What will the woman do in the future? Does she hurt you?"

Daniella shrugged under her mother's arms.

"Firefly..."

As her eyes looked blankly at the mirror that stood facing them, Daniella replied simply, "Things wouldn't have happened if she survived."

"You have to be more specific than that. What things?"

Daniella joked, "The fight between her son and I wouldn't have happened which means that the whole school wouldn't be talking about me all the time."

"A fight? Did her son harm you?!"

Daniella flexed her fingers and replied, "No, he didn't! But, umm, he got to my nerves and since I didn't have magic I kinda, well, we got into a physical fight."

Regina took her daughter's hand and asked worriedly, "You weren't hurt were you?"

A sly smile lit up on Daniella's face. "No. But I did manage to get Leyton's blood on my hands."

The Queen didn't reply so Daniella began to wonder whether her mother was disappointed or accepting of her actions. "Mama?"

Regina combed through Daniella's hair with her fingers and whispered more or less to herself, "-should not have forced you to crush that heart..."

Daniella turned around and unbelievably questioned, "What?"

Regina murmured, "I'm sorry my little firefly. I was too consumed by pride and anger to think straight. I don't want to taint your heart with darkness, you're too young for that. Besides..."

Regina played with Daniel's ring as she continued, "Besides, I can't bear to see your eyes possess the same fire that I failed to control."

Through the floor length mirror opposite the bed, Daniella gave her mother a quiver of a smile.

"Remember, after you have sensed that I've caused a disturbance in the dungeons, you can advance into the palace and towards Daniella's chambers." Then, Tiger Lily turned to Henry and gave him a little pouch. "Here's the magic bean. Keep it safe and only use it when your mother or grandmother tells you to, alright?"

Henry nodded and carefully pocketed the bean. Tiger Lily gave a swift nod to the group and transformed into her fairy size before flying off in the direction of palace.

Emma whispered to Snow, "So what's your plan? How do we get into the castle undetected?"

Snow grinned and raised an eyebrow. "I've snuck into the palace multiple times whilst Regina was Queen. I know the pattern of the watch guards. Besides, we can always knock them out when they're unprepared."

Henry turned away from the castle and questioned his grandma, "Why did you sneak into the palace? Didn't you try to run as far away from it as possible?"

Snow chuckled, "That I did. But when I decided that I couldn't abandon the people with Regina, I stayed in the kingdom."

"But wasn't it dangerous for you?"

"Of course, but if I hadn't done so, good wouldn't have won now would it?"

Henry nodded in understanding. "Wait, but why did you go into the palace?"

Snow sighed and looked up at the bright moon that graced the skys. She murmured, "To see my father."

Henry scrunched up his face, trying to remember the name of the king. Then, he exclaimed, "King Leopold! He was your dad right?"

Snow nodded. "I actually find it strange that although I've visited his grave countless times, I haven't even attracted the slightest of attention."

Emma frowned with a shrug, "Maybe Regina let you see him..."

Snow looked away from the night sky and shook her head. "No, I don't think so. She wouldn't have missed such a good opportunity."

"Well, what time would you go into the palace?"

"A little past midnight I guess."

Emma gave Snow a look and replied, "Exactly. She would have probably been getting her beauty sleep or something."

Quietly, Snow replied, "No, Regina sleeps really late. When I was younger, she would still be awake even if I went into her room after having a nightmare."

There was a pause of silence. Then, Henry asked, "What did you call her? Mom?"

Snow smiled and answered, "No. I just called her Regina most of the time. Well, there were times when I would use something closer to 'mom' but it was rare. As I grew up, she distanced herself from me." Snow's chest heaved up as she took in a deep breath. Then, she decided, "Let's go."

As they arrived on the landing of the royal wing, Snow felt memories flood back into her head. She gave Emma and Henry a glance before whispering hopefully, "Can we go into my father's chambers before we get Daniella?"

Emma opened her mouth to protest but thought against it. Instead, she asked, "But where is it?"

Snow glanced down the quiet hallway and inclined her head as she replied, "It branches off from the corridor that leads us to Regina's."

Emma frowned, "But our whole point is to not get caught by Regina! Anyway, wouldn't there be guards or something around her rooms?"

Snow shook her head. "No, Regina likes her privacy. Since we've already gotten here, we're pretty much good. I just hope that Regina doesn't return too quickly from the distraction."

Henry pulled his mother's arm and said, "Please Emma? I'm interested to see my great grandpa's rooms."

Emma sighed and said to Snow, "But make it quick. I don't have a good feeling around this place."

"Maybe you don't, but I do. This used to be my home, Emma."

"Yes, but it has changed since you left! We can't dawdle or we'll risk getting caught!"

Snow frowned and lead the way, ignoring Emma's remark. It has been so long since she's set foot in the palace and she was desperate to take something that could remind her of the blissful life with her parents.

As the group walked further into the palace, Emma and Henry became awestruck at the ornate and rich interior. However, Snow's pace forced them to press on. Soon, they arrived at a beautifully carved wooden door, gilded with gold.

Snow tried the handle but it was locked. She turned around to Emma and asked quickly, "Do you have a hairpin?"

"Do I look like someone who would spend time putting their hair up?"

Snow shrugged. "True." Then, Henry spoke up. "I can go take one from the Queen's room."

"No!"

"Why not?"

Emma glanced at Snow and exclaimed, "It's too dangerous-"

"No it's not! I was in here and she never tried to kill me."

"But that was before you ran away! That action is too suspicious to redeem. She'll take you away if she catches you!"

Henry stubbornly took a step back so Emma confronted Snow, "Where else can we find something that can help us...apart from sending Henry into Regina's chambers? How about your mom's rooms?"

Snow regrettably commented, "Regina is residing in my mother's rooms. Henry, will you?"

Emma looked horrified at the idea but Snow cut in, "No. I need to go in there. I need to find clues to how my father died!"

"Oh, is this what it's about?" Emma breathed.

"Well-"

Henry cut in quietly, "The Queen killed him...I thought you knew that!"

Snow sighed, "Yes, but what confuses me is how she did it. There were guards outside her doors from the evening till the next morning. But that was when my father died!"

Henry knew how King Leopold had been killed but he didn't want to reveal it to his grandma in case she got angry at him for knowing before she did. So, whilst Emma turned to Snow to reply, he sprinted off in the direction of the Evil Queen's chambers. He ignored the harsh whispers of Emma, telling him to come back.

The doors to the Regina's chambers were wide open, giving Henry the confidence that she must still be gone. He entered swiftly and after listening for any noises, made his way to the vanity that stood at the side, next to the infamous mirror. As he did so however, he glanced uneasily at the reflective surface as he knew that the genie was still trapped in there.

Henry easily found some pins that could be used to break into the King's chambers. He chose a plain less expensive looking one so that hopefully the Queen wouldn't realise that something was stolen. Pocketing it, he ran off back to Emma and Snow.

When Emma heard Henry's footsteps, she let out a breath and whispered, "Oh my god Henry, I was so worried. Did you find something?"

"Yeah," Henry replied as he drew out the pin and handed it to Snow. She promptly took it and approached the door. She inserted the hairpin and wriggled it around with the anticipating faces of Emma and Henry looking at her. Then, they heard a click.

Snow gave the others a look and pushed on the door gently. It slowly swung open to reveal the abandoned room that had been sitting untouched for years. Emma and Henry followed Snow to the middle of the room, admiring the ornate details of the chamber.

As she fingered the items on her father's desk, Snow breathed, "It's all untouched. Regina didn't do anything to these things."

Emma shrugged and replied, "Well that's surprising."

Snow frowned and answered under her breath, "I...I don't know."

It was Henry who had stopped in front of a painting that hung on the King's bedside table. "Hey, Grandma? This was you, right?"

Snow and Emma came up to Henry to see what he was talking about.

"I was fourteen in that painting. It was commissioned for my birthday but I didn't end up liking it."

"Why?"

A sliver of a smile entered Snow's expression. "I didn't actually sit for the painting as it was meant to be a surprise." She indicated towards the artwork and continued, "My father posed for the painting of course, but they basically painted me without a reference and I complained that I looked weird. So, I guess it's ended up on the walls of my father's bed chambers instead."

Henry looked around the room and said quietly, "Where's my other mom?"

Snow raised an eyebrow, "You mean, a painting of her?"

"Yeah."

"Well, there was one. A family portrait was painted when I was ten."

Henry's eyes lit up as he said a little too loudly, "Where is it? Can we see it?"

Emma nudged Henry and reminded him, "Hey kid, not too loud. We're not supposed to attract any attention, remember?"

Snow nodded and added, "These rooms are pretty soundproof but yes, please bear in mind of that fact. But back to the portrait, I don't know what happened to it."

"What do you mean?"

"It used to hang among the other royal portraits but perhaps Regina removed it after my departure."

Henry chimed in with a disappointed whisper, "She probably burnt it since she hated you and the king so much."

Snow shook her head. "Not necessarily. The portrait included Daniella but she was a baby at the time of course."

"It's funny how you and Dani were only meant to be a couple of years apart in age. Now you're like...twenty years older than her?"

"That's true..." Snow answered as she went through the items on her father's desk. She hummed quietly until she found something peculiar. A leather journal she had never seen sat neatly in one corner of the drawer. Snow pulled it out and opened it for she didn't know that her father kept journals. She flicked through the pages and frowned, this isn't his handwriting. Wait a second...

Snow covered her mouth in realization. "Oh my god, this is Regina's diary."

Henry immediately bounced over and requested, "Can I see?"

"Wait-" Snow began as her eyes darted over the words on the page. She muttered them in short breaths, "Last night, a man gave me a gift, and though it was but a simple mirror, it awakened feelings in me that I abandoned long ago. Hope for love and companionship, even though I am trapped in my husband's court..."

Emma raised her eyebrows. "Regina had an admirer? Seriously?"

"It was the genie! It was Sidney!" Henry said in response. "But she manipulated him so that-" Henry then paused uncomfortably. It now became clear that he knew more about King Leopold's death than Snow did.

Snow saw the look of hesitation in her grandson's eyes and questioned, "So that what?"

Henry glanced uneasily at Emma before answering, "Well, the genie did it."

There was a look of betrayal in Snow's eyes. She glared at the diary before ripping it apart with Henry and Emma looking on, not knowing what to do. Unfortunately, the commotion of the pair telling Snow to stop attracted unwanted attention.

...

Daniella was unable to sleep well. Thoughts of Henry still clouded her mind and no matter how hard she tried to shake it off, she can't help but feel guilty for not checking in on how he's doing. Besides, the noise outside her chambers stopped her from falling into deep sleep. Growing fed up with tossing and turning in her sheets, she huffed and got out of bed to see what had been happening outside.

When she stepped out into the hallway, she glanced down and realised that the chambers to her mother's rooms were open. Hmm, that's strange. Normally, they'd be closed.

Daniella looked around and seeing that there were no guards in sight, made her way to the Queen's rooms. She poked her head inside. There was no sound save for the flickering of the candles on the low table near the fireplace.

Hesitantly, she called out, "Mama?"

There was no response.

Then, she heard a clatter. She waited for the echoing noise to cease. Then, she stepped back outside and realised that the sound came from the corridor to the left that she was forbidden to go through. All she was told was that it lead to the king's chambers. Daniella never wanted to go there, knowing that an evil man used to inhabit its rooms. However, the noise perked her attention. She bit her lip and made her way down the dark hallway. There were no candles lighting up the path so it was not as well lit as the rest of the palace. Although there was moonlight flowing into the corridor, Daniella lit up a small fireball in her hand as it not only gave her light but a little more confidence as well.

When she got up to the set of ornate doors, she paused and listened. There seemed to be murmurs inside the room. She stepped closer and pressed her ear against the thick wood. The sound was muffled but Daniella was able to pick up some words. It didn't make much sense to her until she heard the unmistakable voice of the saviour harshly exclaim, "Mary Margaret!"

At this, Daniella's eyes widened. She pushed open the door to face the group who had jumped at the sudden interference. Catching the glances of Snow, Emma and Henry, she opened her mouth to speak but was cut off when Snow screamed at Henry, "The bean!"

Daniella was unable to register what was happening until there were strong arms around her. She struggled as Henry threw something onto the ground. Daniella looked between the group and stuttered, "Stop! Wait, I'm not-"

Emma replied, "Yes, you're coming back with us. If you don't, you'll ruin the timeline!"

Remembering that she had magic, Daniella blasted Emma from her body and formed a fireball in her hands. Snow gave a whimper as she approached Emma, seeing if she was alright.

Then, Daniella stated fearfully, "Don't come closer! I won't let you take me again-"

Snow quickly came up to her and kneeling down, said quickly, "No, please listen. I'm, I'm so sorry about what happened to you in Storybrooke because of us. I didn't know that the cuff was going to take away your life. I never intended that! I know you don't trust me but please come back to Storybrooke with us. We'll- we'll take you to Regina."

Daniella relaxed a little at the mention of her mother. However, she set her glare again and replied, "I've already got my mother here. I don't need to come back to Storybrooke."

"But this isn't a real reality! If you change anything here, Henry wouldn't have been born. Your own brother!"

Daniella gave Henry an uneasy glance. She heard distant noises outside of the chamber. Henry's face paled but he managed to add softly, "I'm sorry for calling you a monster. Please come back with us."

Daniella gulped as she felt her cheeks redden under the pressure. She turned her head around in the direction of the noises that were getting closer. Then, she said quickly to Snow, "But I've already changed the timeline! Even if I leave right now, mother will go to Wonderland to find me and that alone, will change things!"

Snow looked around the room in an attempt to regulate her flying thoughts. Then, picked up a page of the journal that she had torn apart and handed it to Daniella. "Quick. Write some words telling the Queen here to find some way to take away everyone's memories. Hopefully, she'll listen to you."

Daniella took the page and paused. She shook her head and stalked to the mirror standing beside the king's bed. Eyeing her reflection, she screamed, "Mirror!"

Daniella saw Emma give Henry a weird look from the reflective surface but it was soon clouded over by dark blue mist. In seconds, the face of the genie appeared. It nodded and began, "Your highness-"

Then, it glanced behind the princess's shoulder and the eyes widened when it recognised Snow. Daniella shuffled to the side to hide Snow from view and commanded, "Tell my mother that I have left to return to the future. I need her to somehow make everyone who has seen me, my brother, or Snow and Emma here, to forget that we ever existed in this time."

The genie frowned, "But your highness-"

"Please. Just tell my mother what I've told you. Ensure that she erases everyone's memories."

"Is that it?"

Daniella's hand went up to twist the necklace that the Queen had given her just hours ago. Then, she looked down and said quietly, "Tell her that I love her but this is the best way to guarantee that the future is safe."

The genie nodded with a distressed look on his face. Then, he faded away from view. In the reflection, Daniella saw Snow coming towards her. She turned around as Snow's hand gripped her arm. Then, she was dragged backwards into the portal that had begun to close. She was the last to fall into the swirling vortex. She closed her eyes, hoping that the message would be delivered and that her mother would do what was right. If not, Daniella didn't know if she would ever come out of the portal for she'd vanish into nothing.