Cora kicked over a bucket of water in rage when she realized the group had set off without her. The pirate seriously underestimated his swagger with the blonde. She poofed out of the glamour shuddering. It was useless keeping it up now. She ran her hands over the surfaces in the barn trying to pick up some magical signature or something that would help in locating the savior. There was nothing there. She huffed loudly and was about to leave to break into the rooms Emma had stayed in, when she spotted something glistening in between the straw covering the floor. She kicked it away and smirked to herself picking up the object. She turned the single arrowhead over in her palm knowing it could only belong to one person. She whispered a dark spell over the object and watched the magic charge it. The arrow began spinning in her hand like a compass and pointed her in the direction of its owner.

Cora followed it's point and headed straight into the Queen's Forest. Wherever the outlaw was, the savior wouldn't be far behind. No more games.

SQSQSQ

Regina looked around the unlikely group of people and realized there wasn't enough space for all of them. After being under the sleeping curse, she was itching to do some magic and decided a bit of construction and home improvement would be just the thing. At least until Emma was awake, then she had other ideas of how to expend some of her pent up energy. As her power left her fingertips, Regina's eyes lit up and a satisfied smirk settled on her lips. The others watched, slightly worried at first but soon realized what she was doing. Stones rose up out of the ground and formed walls, extending the cottage by at least quadruple its original size. She walked inside and felt the floor paving with flagstones under her feet. She stepped up and a stone staircase appeared with each step up. On the second level, she summoned a replica of her guest bathroom as it was in the mansion, then four private bedrooms. When shefinished, she looked around her newly built modern cottage and felt a sense of pride. Regina hadn't actually used her magic to build anything other than the odd treehouse for a very long time. There wasn't much need for her to use her powers for things like this when she had a palace and a mansion to call home. It was a little austentatious considering their current location, but Snow was right. They were a long way from indoor plumbing and it had been too many years since any of them lived in such primitive conditions. She stepped outside and rolled her eyes when she saw the group beaming at her.

"Don't take this as me going soft. I simply didn't wish to share a room with all of you. There's a bathroom upstairs. Please make use of it. You all stink of forest and horses."

The group dispersed inside and Regina prepared a small feast for them all. Henry followed her into the newlyextended kitchen grinning. "Are you gonna make lasagna?"

"Do you want lasagna?" She grinned down at him as he nodded excitedly.

"Yeah. I'm so hungry. All we've eaten all week is beef jerky, candy bars, and chips. The food here is disgusting."

Regina flicked her wrist and summoned a few vegetables to chop. "Well, compared to Storybrooke, it isn't exactly gourmet, but it is nutritious, for a Prince, at least. Not so much in taverns."

Henry scrunched up his face. "Am I really a Prince? Can we at least see the Palace before we leave? I've always wanted to see it."

"You are definitely a Prince. My Father was a Prince by birthright, and Emma is also a princess by birth. You have royal blood. If we were here, you would inherit all thiskingdom and mine."

"So, did you live in a castle when you were a little girl?"

"I did. A small one. If we get time, I'll take you there." She waved her hand and an oven appeared. Henry watched in delight seeing his Mom using her magic for good things. She'd changed so much since Emma came to town and the curse lifted. She really wasn't like the Evil Queen from his book.

Snow came into the kitchen with damp hair. "Thank you so much for that bath. Wow! I don't know how we managed like this back in the day." She took a seat awkwardly at the long table. "Can I help with anything?"

Regina shook her head. "It's all done. Thank you Snow." It was a bit awkward, more so when Henry went off to pick his room. Regina drummed her fingers on the table and decided a bottle of wine might help. She filled two glasses and slid one towards her ex nemesis. "Again, I apologize for how this all happened."

Snow took a long slug. "When you were under the sleeping curse, I actually made a few apologies myself. Look, I know all of this is my fault. I was young, naive, and you were my hero. I know it doesn't change what happened, but I never meant to hurt you."

Regina stared at the wooden countertop. "I know you didn't. I should never have taken it as far as I did. The only real person to blame for all of this is my Mother. Although, I recognize my responsibility for the suffering I caused. Despite that, I am glad I cast the curse. I wouldn't have Henry now, or Emma if I hadn't gone through with it."

Snow nodded and tears filled her eyes. "I know. I thought about it a lot these last few days. Before I knew about you and Emma, I was trying to find a way to get to Henry to wake you up. When I see you with him, and even now with Emma, I see you again. The real you. The girl who rescued me all those years ago. I just want you to be happy, Regina. If my daughter can do that, then I fully support it. Regardless of our history."

Regina swallowed down the lump in her throat. She hadn't expected this acceptance so quickly and she had a million sassyspeeches prepared for any backlash. "Thank you."

Snow started laughing uncontrollably. Regina wondered if perhaps the wine was stronger than the woman was used to. "I'm sorry, It's just, who'd have thought I'd end up being your mother-in-law!"

Regina rolled her eyes and took another swig. "Don't! The one thing I do regret about the curse is the fact that none of you aged appropriately. And don't get too ahead of yourself, Emma and Ihave only been dating a month. We aren't in any rush to make things official.

Snow sighed. "But true loves kiss doesn't lie. Honestly, I'm just relieved she didn't rip your heart out."

"What? Why would you think that? She's the savior. She'd never do something so twisted."

"Blue. She said that's how the curse broke. That Emma was always destined to turn to darkness and forever be separated from us all. I locked the bitch up in the Summer Palace dungeons as a traitor."

The grin on Regina's face was priceless. For a brief moment she felt she could almost hug Snow. Almost. "Really? Well I am impressed. Oh I cannot wait to see her face when she sees me alive and in love, no less!"

"I'll toast to that." The clinked glasses and shared a moment of almost friendship. "She used everyone to her own advantage. She didn't care who suffered as long as everything happened the way she'd seen it. I'm so proud of my daughter. She makes her own destiny. So do you. I wish I..."

Regina cast a silencing spell across the woman's lips as she swallowed down the contents of her mouth. "There is no wishing under my roof, thank you." She waited until she was sure Snow was going to stay mute then restored her voice.

Snow gasped. "I already had mine anyway."

"You can never be too careful. Especially back in this place."

"Do you think Ariel could swim us back with Hook's ship again?"

Regina shrugged. "I would imagine so. Do you want to go back? I thought you and the rest of town were baying for my blood to get back here."

Snow hesitated. "I think, I just want to be wherever we are all together. I thought I wanted to come back here, but we have all changed so much. It's not how I remember it."

Regina fiddled with the stem of her glass. "I thought when I was sent back here, it was my punishment for the curse. Now, I'm not so sure. With Emma and Henry here, maybe we were supposed to come back. Rebuild and move forward. Create new stories and heal the past."

Snow's heart fluttered. There she was. Of course her daughter had seen it too. Regina's walls were coming down slowly,brick by brick. "I think you already started doing that a long time ago. Even the curse was pretty good to us all. Except the being separated part."

Regina looked at her seriously and was about to say something when Ariel came in. "That smells delicious. Is it leftovers? I'd love the recipe if you would be so kind to share it."

Regina narrowed her eyes at the mermaid in amusement. "It's lasagna." She took it out the oven and placed the steaming hot dish in the center of the table.

Ariel peered into the dish looking confused. "Oh, sorry Emma called it leftovers. I'm probably saying it wrong."

Regina clicked. "Ah, I take it you were staying at my home back in Storybrooke. What else did Emma give you?"

Ariel blushed."Uhm, yeah, she... She told me not to touch anything and I didn't. Only the aquatic suite and the leftovers. Oh,and Henry showed me how to play my game. I didn't get it."

"It's fine. I'm glad she had you with her and thank you for swimming my family here." She noticed the bracelet she'd given her all those years ago and a pang of guilt washed over her. "You still have it."

Snow noticed and remembered the last time she saw the thing. She finished the glass. Ariel nodded and put her hand over it protectively.

Regina smiled gently. "It's okay. I'm glad you took it. Did you ever find that Prince you were looking for?"

"No. I found his cloak. In Storybrooke."

Regina's eyes rolled. "Let me guess, Gold's shop?"

The mermaid nodded again and Regina turned to Snow with a question. "Have you seen him? Is he here?"

"No, actually. I didn't even think about him. He must be here. I wonder if David's found him."

Emma stood by the door just listening and watching the three of them with a huge smile on her face. The smell of food had woken her and for the first time in a week, her stomach was rumbling instead of gnawing. Snow caught her eye and smiled. "I'm sorry honey, did we wake you?"

Regina turned around and saw the dark circles under the blondes eyes had dinished somewhat. She'd only slept four hours but already looked more like her usual self.

"No, you didn't. My stomach did." She walked over and sat next to her love and ran a hand up her back as she did. "Sorry, I fell asleep."

"You needed it. Now eat." Regina put put generous portions on all the plates and called Henry and Leroy down to join them. Emma looked around in confusion.

"Okay, is it just me or is this place a lot bigger than it looks from outside?"

Snow smiled. "Regina built a few extensions while you were asleep. There's a bathroom!"

Emma yawned and pulled the plate closer to herself. "Oh, okay. That explains it." She'd long given up trying to work out why Regina bothered doing anything when she could just flick her wrist. Henry came down followed by a happy Grumpy and they all tucked into the delicious meal and drinks on offer. There was little talking while everyone ate.

"You could give Granny's a run for it's money if you ever decided to change professions." Grumpy patted his stomach in appreciation and leant back on the chair.

"Thank you, I think." Regina quirked an eyebrow. Granny's wasn't exactly up there to begin with, but she sensed he meant well. "Have you seen Nova since you got back?" Her heart was so full of love right now, she could feel it spilling out of her and extending to everyone else.

"No. She's probably back in the dell with the others. I guess the fairies are the only ones who really wanted to come back." Grumpy looked pissed off again and Henry scowled.

"Well, I like it here. Can we stay for like a vacation or something before you use the bean?" He looked between his Ma and Mom with pleading eyes.

"What bean?" Snow interjected.

"I found a magic bean. I think it can take us all back if we plan it right." She didn't answer Henry's question. It was too much to think about right now.

Snow beamed at her daughter. "Then everything is going to be fine."

Emma cleared her plate and dabbed her mouth. "I promised Ariel I'd help track someone down before we leave. Can we talk about this tomorrow or something? I'm super stoked we found you and you're all okay but, I just wanna chill for tonight. It's been a really rough couple of days."

After dinner, each of them went to their prospective rooms for a well needed rest. Regina tucked Henry up in his bed and Emma and Snow were alone in the kitchen. "So you had your first true loves kiss and then this happened. I can't imagine what you've been through. Both of you." Snow wasn't naive. She knew exactly what it felt like when that rush of headymagic made itself known. "When Regina comes back down I'll leave you two alone to catch up. I just want you to know, I am happy for you."

"Thanks Mom. I was going to tell you but, it just all happened so fast. We haven't even had chance to, uhm, process it yet."

Snow scrunched up her eyes and laughed. "Oh, mypoor girl! I remember that first rush. It took all my strength not to have my wicked way with your father right there and then in front of all the dwarves."

"Mom!"

"What? We're both adults. I know you aren't a virgin. Henry's proof of that. But just fair warning. The sex is powerful."

Enna was blushing profusely. Sure, her and Mary M had talked about stuff before they knew she was her mother, but now it was awkward. "I'm glad you're okay with this but, I am not comfortable talking about this with you."

Snow chuckled. "Well, know that you can if you need to. It's overwhelming those first times you physically connect with your true love. Strange things can happen. I know you already had the mind connection, but there's more."

Regina came down the stairs smiling to herself just as Snow finished her sentence.

Emma's curiosity got the better of her."What do you mean, more? What's gonna happen?"

Snow grinned and got up from the table when she saw Regina approaching. "I'll let you find out for yourselves. I won't spoil the surprise." She winked at her daughter. "Good night to you both. Have fun."

When she'd disappeared up the stairs, Regina put an arm around her lover. "What was that about?"

"My mom just gave me the sex talk, kinda. Something is gonna happen when we bang."

A deep throaty chuckle resonated out of Regina's throat and she sat herself in Emma's lap with her legs wrapped on either side of her. "Doesn't it always?" She kissed her intensely feeling the pure love and desire overtake her. It was addictive. They'd fucked every which way, kissed endlessly, shared their minds and memories, yet this was something new.

The moment Regina awoke from the curse, all she'd wanted to do was melt into Emma. The blonde felt the same. They were unfairly torn apart at a critical moment and now, the full weight of their fated entanglement was making its presence known. "We shouldn't do this here. Anyone could come in." Emma moaned as Regina's hands roamed her body.

Regina clicked her fingers and the room morphed into a decadent bedroom with no visible doors. The bed and walls were decorated with deep red silk and oils burnt in soft lanterns around them filling the space with theheady scent of Regina's musky perfume. There were sheepskins on the floor, an ergonomic love sofa, and some other indulgences dotted around. "How's this?"

Emma looked around and grinned. "Now, this is the kind of room I always associated with you. Not that bland, cream box back in Storybrooke."

Regina nodded. "I know you do. This is as close as I can get it to your fantasies. I quite like it." The wooden chair they were sitting on was still in the room and contrasted heavily with the rest of its surroundings now. Regina pulled off her blouse and helped Emma out of hers. They kissed and touched each other relishing in each heightened sensation as their skin made contact. It was slow and tender. Regina stood up and turned around pointing at the zipper on her leather skirt. Emma obliged and the mayor stepped out of it. She placed one foot between Emma's legs on the chair and unzipped the boots one by one. She stood there in only her black lace lingerie and watched Emma shuffle out of her jeans and boots.

The blonde bounced towards the brunette and smashed their bodies together craving the feel of her skin against her. Light work was made of the remaining underwear and they somehow found themselves tangled together atop luscious silk sheets. There were no furtherwords spoken as their passion heated to unexplored heights. The soft hum of magical vibrations passed between them, supercharging their skin and electrifying the already intense sensations they often felt in each other's company. Regina's leg slipped between Emma's and her entire body buzzed as her slick center made contact with a toned thigh. Whatever magic was at work was only serving to intensify the connection they already felt.

An animalistic groan reverberated from the savior's lips as Regina rhythmically spread over her. Their throbbing center's colliding in the most delicious way, The friction and fullbody contact causing electrifying ripples of gratification throughout each of the women. Regina was hesitant to lose the contact, even for a second, but she wanted more. She reluctantly pulled herself away to change positions causing Emma to reach up at the lost contact. She watched as the mayor turned her back on her and she realized exactly what was planned.

A low moan escapes Emma's lips as the brunette's hot mouth latched onto her sex. Fingers plunged inside her and she grabbed the ass hovering in front of her face to return the gesture. Regina groaned when she felt Emma's tongue make contact and their magic sparked at the mutual gratification. Both women lost in the taste of the other, pleasure building uncontrollably and the addition of the intensified true love connection making it all the more satisfying.

Regina felt weightless then realized she was. The pair were floating a few inches off the bed as they both reached a staggering orgasm at the same time. The weightlessness intensified the feeling of only the other's body upon them and with each shudder, the pair began rotating mid air. Emma was too engrossed in her current task to realize what had happened and when she opened her eyes seeing she was now hovering over the bed atop Regina, she panicked. They fell to the bed with a thud and the brunette started laughing wildly with the savior sprawled across the top of her.

"What the hell?" Emma exclaimed and hurried to take some of her weight off the woman.

Regina pulled her to the side and giggled in her arms. "I believe that is what they mean when they say floating on air. I always wondered if it was true."

"Wow. I mean, that was amazing. I didn't even notice it was so good. Shit, is that what my mom was talking about? Does that happen to everyone?"

Regina shrugged. "I don't know. I'd only heard rumors. It's a first for me too. I don't know if it will happen every time but I'm not against us trying out some magic of our own to recreate it if necessary."

Emma kissed the brunette gently and sighed. "I love you, Regina. I know I was worried about stuff before, but when I saw you being taken away, I couldn't bear it. I never want to lose you again. I don't care how awkward it's gonna be for anyone else, or if we are rushing. I just want you always."

Regina nodded and sealed a tender kiss on Emma's lips. "And I love you, Emma Swan. Never doubt that. You and Henry are my everything. The only thing that makes sense in this world, or any world."

They cuddled and were soon fast asleep. Despite having been under a sleeping curse, Regina's dream were not anywhere near as bad as they ought to be. Wrapped in the warmth of her savior's arms, basking in the afterglow of a true love's magical consummation, sweet dreams came instantly and warmed every fiber of her being.

SQSQSQ

Cora sped through the trees on top of her magical horse all the while checking the arrow head. She rode for two hours until she bumped into the Outlaw coming back in the opposite direction. "Good evening, Sir. Please, I'm sorry to ask but I'm afraid I'm quite lost."

Robin smiled warmly at the older woman and pulled his steed to a halt. "Are you riding alone?"

"I am. Silly me! I should have known better than to try and take a short cut at this time of night. I didn't even bring a drink with me. Could I trouble you for one?"

Robin got off his horse and took his hip flask towards the woman. She got down and took it gratefully standing close to him. "Here. Where are you trying to get to?"

Cora took a swig trying not to grimace and smiled sweetly. "I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps you can help. I'm looking for the Savior."

Robin shifted uncomfortably on his feet. Something didn't seem right about this woman traveling alone and looking for Emma when the majority had no idea she was even here. He cleared his throat. "The savior? I hear she's in another land."

Cora gave an exaggeratedsigh and toyed with the flask in her hand. "I have it under good authority she is here and that she was travelling with a mermaid and an outlaw."

Robin bristled and began walking back to his horse. "Well I wouldn't know anything about that I'm afraid. Good luck with your search."

Cora took a few steps towards him. "Well thank you kindly for the drink. Here." She extended her hand holding the flask and Robin moved to take it. No sooner as he was in touching distance, Cora plunged her hand into his chest and ripped out his beating heart. He gasped for air and the flask dropped to the floor. "Now, enough games, Outlaw. You will take me to her now."

He struggled but found he couldn't move from the spot. "Who are you?"

"Does it matter? No more questions. Take me there now." Cora got back on her horse and Robin was forced to do the same. He tried to fight against whatever magic was at work, but he was powerless. Cora whispered something into his heart and his eyes fixed forward, unblinking and he led her back through the forest. "Good man." She smirked and followed behind wondering why she hadn't just done this in the first place. Hearts were the only way to get anything done to a decent standard.

SQSQSQSQ

Snow came downstairs first thing in the morning and looked around baffled. The kitchen that was there the previous night was now a brick wall with no doors or windows. The stairs led to a dead end and she couldn't get out of the building. "Regina? Emma? A little help here!"

Regina stirred at the muffled noise banging the wall and then remembered her spell the previous night. She gently shook Emma awake. "Dear, I have to put the room away. Your mother is awake."

Emma groaned and pulled Regina tighter against her naked frame. "Five more minutes?" She stole a kiss which heated up quickly with the ever present tingle of true love igniting her libido. Regina groaned now. This was going to be nigh on impossible to get on with life when she'd much rather be shacked up indefinitely with her swan.

Snow banged the wall again. "I'm sorry to interrupt, it's just I need to get a drink. My mouth feels like sandpaper after all the alcohol last night. And my head..." She watched as the wall disintergrated in front of her eyes revealing the kitchen as it had been the night before. Emma and Regina were sat opposite each other at the table grinning stupidly at one another and trying to hide it behind mugs of coffee. Regina pushed a mug towards Snow and smiled.

"Good morning. How was the bed?" Regina didn't break eye contact with Emma as she spoke. They were both fully dressed, made up and in their usual outfits. Snow blinked taking in their perfect appearances and shook her head.

"It was divine, thank you. How are you both so put together? Is that magic, because it seems pretty unfair " she sat at the table and sipped the coffee now quite self-conscious of her week old, unwashed clothing.

Regina laughed lightly. "Of course it's magic. Or do you know any dry cleaning places and hair salon's in the vicinity?"

Snow groaned. "It's too early for your sass. Please tell me one of you can magic up some aspirin or something?"

Regina obliged and poofed a tube on the table next to her. Snow smiled and downed two with her coffee. "Thank you. Wow. Honestly, if you can do all this, Regina, it wouldn't be too bad if we got stuck here."

Emma grinned. She couldn't keep her eyes off the woman of her dreams. She was well and truly under her spell. Not that she hadn't been before, but now it was something else. "She's amazing, isn't she?"

Regina blushed but reached across the table to lace their fingers together. She couldn't help wanting to be closer to the woman. "So are you. In fact, why don't you show your mother one of your newly acquired skills?"

Snow felt strange. They were obviously in the serious honeymoon phase and she cringed wondering if her and Charming had been like this. Yep, they had. Now she understood why Regina was always making comments. It was pretty awkward. Even more so with their situation. But still, she was happy for them and that Regina finally had true love.

Emma leant closer."Hmm, which new skill are you talking about?"

Regina's eyebrows wiggled. "How you get dressed."

Snow spluttered on the coffee. "Yeah, I'm still here in the room. I know it's easy to forget with all that new true love. Believe me, I know. But this is my daughter and it's weird!"

Regina laughed and turned her attention to Snow now. "I'm sorry. I truly am! I meant, Emma finally learnt how to dress herself with magic, which I've been trying to teach her to do for a very long time. If you wanted an outfit change, she could do that for you."

Snow blushed now. "Oh! Okay! Yes, please! That would be amazing! I feel like a tramp."

Regina resisted the urge to make a sly comeback. She really resisted, but Emma saw her eye and lips twitching. She laughed at her shaking her head. My God, what had she done to this woman? Regina scowled back knowing exactly what Emma was thinking. "Uhm, I can try. What did you wanna wear?"

"Oh, God! I don't care as long as it's clean and doesn't smell like it needs burning!"

Emma felt nervous. She'd only learnt this magic last week and only done it in herself twice. She tried to remember what her Mom wore most regularly back home and closed her eyes with a smile when she got a picture. "Okay. I think I got it." She kept her eyes closed and waved her fingers towards her mom. Snow giggled when she felt the magic around her. She looked down and squealed in delight.

"Oh, Emma that's amazing! I love this!" Regina beamed at the woman she loved with pride. It made her so happy seeing Emma come into her power. It might only be little tricks but her confidence grew every time she did them. Not to mention the buzz she got in her stomach every time she felt the saviors magic work. It was intoxicating. Emma inspected her handiwork. She'd poofed Snow into ared cardigan, white linen blouse, slacks and sensible flats. It was either that or a floral dress but she guessed this would be more comfortable for the terrain.

She didn't have long to appreciate it when a kbocking came at the door. Regina quirked an eyebrow. "Who do you suppose?" She got up and went to answer the door. When she opened it, she inhaled sharply. "Robin? What happened?" She stepped back and let the man in. Emma bristled but knew she had nothing to worry about and shook it off.

"Forgive me, I forget why I'm here." He stared blankly, confused at his current surroundings then he remembered the woman in the forest. "I...she made me. I need to warn..." He trailed off and clutched at his chest as Cora blew the door open.

"That's enough now, Outlaw. Sit down and shut up." She flicked her wrist and the man did as he was told. Regina went to blast her and found herself powerless and restrained. Cora walked into the kitchen looking all around. "Well, well. I came looking for the Savior and here I find you already had her in your possession."

Emma tried to speak but something came up and gagged her taking her voice away. Snow was also bound and gagged to the chair.

"Mother! You're dead. How is this possible?"

Cora laughed. "Oh, you mean the pirate you sent to rip out my heart? I am sure I don't need to tell you just how useless he is.Really, Regina? You should have known I'd never be as stupid as to keep my heart in my chest!"

Regina gasped. "What do you want?"

Cora looked upset. "My dear child, I came for you! I missed you. I was looking for the Savior so I could rip out her heart and give it to you as a peace offering. You are too weak, Regina. Why on earth haven't you finished what you started? You've had plenty of opportunities."

"I have finished it. It's over. I got my happy ending. Now leave." She had a scathing look in her eyes but Emma could see the fear there too.

"Why on earth would I leave? What is this Regina? Why are you entertaining these people as if they were worthy of your time?"

"They are worthy of my time, Mother. They are my family which is more than I can say for you."

Henry chose this moment to appear at the bottom of the steps. He froze when he saw his two mom's and grandmother tied up and the scary woman in the middle. He knew exactly who she was from his book. "Let them go!"

"Henry no! Go back upstairs! Run!" Regina screamed with tears now on her cheeks.

Cora beamed at the boy and magically pulled him towards herself. "Don't be silly Regina. I would never hurt my only grandson! Come here boy. Let me look at the heir to all the kingdom." She opened her arms as if expecting a hug but he scowled at her. She inspected him and sized him up, tilting his chin and all the while smiling. "Oh yes, you'll make a fine King one day. It's a shame about your blood though. Honestly Regina, I still haven't forgiven you for sterilizing yourself, but at least you had the sense to adopt."

"You touch a single hair on his head and I will make sure you die myself."

Cora rolled her eyes dismissively and lost interest in Henry, instead opting to inspect Emma now. "I just want us to be a family again, Regina. I know you've been through a lot, but these imbeciles are not your family. They will turn on you the moment anything goes wrong. They'll never accept you or see your true worth. I know you, Regina. You would never be happy to share him. I can make them go away and you shall have Henry all to yourself as you always wanted."

Emma's magic pulsed inside her. This woman was strong but all the flashes of Regina's memories, all the hurt and fear that she'd felt over the years was like a fire igniting her power. She blasted through the restraints and freed herself. "I'm not going anywhere without my kid." She blasted Cora and pushed past her to get to Henry. She threw her arms around him and focused all her power. Just once, she begged for the ability to transport him away to safety. She felt the familiar tingle how it felt when Regina did it and she breathed in deeply. It worked. She found herself stood next to her Dad.

"Emma? Henry? You're here!" David ran to hug them and Emma gave a pained smile.

"Keep him safe. I'll be back. I gotta help them. Cora's here." She gave Henry a kiss and focused in on the power again. Her adrenaline was pumping through her veins as the magic did it's work again and she poofed back to the place she just left. Regina looked at her with adoration in her eyes and found her own strength to break through the restraints. She came and stood next to Emma and took her hand.

Cora stared in disbelief. "What is this?"

"This is true power, Mother. Love. You were wrong. Love isn't weakness. You would know that if you ever had a heart." She nodded to Emma and she smiled back with knowing. They didn't need to say a word but their magic combined knew exactly what to do. As their currents blasted together, Cora found herself encased behind an invisible barrier and rendered powerless. It wasn't malicious magic. Neither wished to cause harm to the woman, only prevent her from doing harm to others.

"Don't do this, Regina! You need me!" Cora felt her powers being bound up inside her, unable to rise to the surface. The two women together were stronger than anything she'd ever experienced.

"No, Mother. I needed when I was a child. I needed you not to kill the man I loved. I needed you not to force me into a loveless marriage with a man more than twice my age. The only thing I need from you now is to leave me and my family alone." Emma felt the emotions as if they were her own. The hurt and betrayal and desperation of years pent up and repressed, finally coming crashing out and addressed. As the final blast of their magic left their bodies, she put her arms around Regina and comforted her. Regina kissed Emma tenderly and melted into the embrace.

Cora was now completely powerless and stuck behind a magical glass box. She watched now realizing they weren't just friends, but lovers. It shocked her into silence. She looked over at Snow White, still sitting at the table but no longer restrained. The woman was smiling at the scene. Cora looked back at her daughter and Emma unable to understand. Nothing made sense. "You and The Savior are a true love pairing?"

Emma stepped back and let Regina take the lead. "Yes, we are and I won't let you take that away from me. Nobody will come between us. Not even you." She turned to check on Snow who nodded to show she was fine then turned back to Emma beaming. "You did it! Where is he?"

Emma beamed back just as proud of herself. She lived for the praise from Regina and it was a real buzz finally mastering teleportation. "He's with my Dad at your palace."

Snow got up and went to hug them both. Regina accepted awkardly. They weren't there yet, but she was on a high. "You saw your dad? I bet he was so happy to see you!"

Emma blushed not used to all the fuss. "Yeah. I should maybe go and get him back or something."

Regina interjected. "We'll all go. I don't want her here. Maybe the dungeons will get some use after all."

Grumpy plodded down the stairs. "Ah, sister! That was the best sleep I've had in weeks! Great digs!" He stopped on the last step taking in the scene. "What did I miss?"

Emma burst out laughing and Regina and Snow caught it. Snow scolded him. "Leyroy, how the hell did you sleep through that?"

Emma walked over and patted him on the back. "To be honest, I'm not even a little bit surprised. You know how many times I've had to pour a bucket of cold water over him just to get him out the cell at the station? Where's Ariel, by the way?"

"Locked herself in the bathroom. I gotta take a leak. Excuse me." He pushed past the group and went outside as if nothing had happened.

Robin scrambled on the floor seeing his heart glowing and beating on the floor. He picked it up terrified and walked cautiously towards the women. "What can be done? Help me?"

Regina placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I can put it back for you. Do you trust me?"

He gulped and nodded. He wasn't sure he trusted anyone at this point but the tenderness in her voice reassured him. He looked at Emma and she nodded sympathetically and he carefully handed his heart to Regina.

She twirled it in her hands feeling the power there. The hard life he'd also lived and she felt awful. Most of it was her doing in some way. "I am truly sorry that you were ever dragged up in any of this. I can't take back what has been done but I promise you, there will be no more running or hiding for you and your family. As queen, I give you royal protection and freedom in this land, and any other land within my power." She replaced his heart as gently as possible and enchanted it so that it could never be taken by anyone again. "You take care of, Roland, is it?"

He smiled with a tear in his eye. With his heart now back in his chest, the surge of love he felt was overwhelming. "Thank you! Yes, Roland. How did you know his name?"

Regina smiled. "You carry so much love for them in your heart. It's beautiful. Thank you for trusting me with it." She turned to Emma and sighed deeply. "Let's go get our son back."

A/N: thank you again for the lovely reviews and apologies I can't reply directly. I think I'll do another chapter or two as I'm enjoying this story too much. I think our ladies need a bit of a break and some one on one time, don't you?