"I've been looking for you everywhere." Regina felt a familiar touch wrapped around her as a familiar scent filling up her nostrils.

"How are you? Did you have a good sleep? How's Little John?"

They stood on the balcony while watching over Evie who had been exploring the royal garden for quite a while. She was looking for some inspiration to design new dresses for her and her mother.

"I never felt so well-rested for years." He kissed her cheek, making her giggled like a little girl. "John still fast asleep, I guess."

Regina turned around. "I still can't believe she's here."

"Neither do I. This still feels like a dream and if it is, I don't want to wake up."

Regina shook her head vigorously. "This isn't a dream, Robin. It's real. Evie is home."

"She was in Oz all this time. Why couldn't we found her years ago?" Robin said as his eyes tracing Evie who was mindfully taking everything in. It only took her a week to get accustomed to her new surroundings. Unlike the place where she grew up, everything about this palace is breathtaking.

"That must be magic. I hate saying this, but I think Zelena is a better sorcerer than I am. After all, it's in the past. All the matter is, Evie is safe and sound right now and we have to keep it that way. We couldn't fail her again, right?"

He didn't say a thing, but Regina just knew he agreed.

"You both should come to Locksley. Evie has to know she got both lands as her home." Robin said as he leaned on the railings.

"and a bunch of uncles called the Merry Men." Regina teased, which made Robin burst into laughter. "Speaking about both lands, what are we going to do?"

"I... I don't follow."

"Our family is finally reunited, yet we are still cursed. Do we still have to live apart? Where would she live? I need you here, Robin–we need you. Can you just live here and let Tuck, John or Will or anyone else to be a Duke?"

Robin held her hand firmly. "Baby steps at a time, dear. Evie has only been here for two weeks. We don't need to rush everything. We got all the time to think and it isn't going to be easy. We have been separated for almost sixteen years; we rule different lands ever since. It would take a great adjustment to merge both lands back. So have patience, Regina. We have to take the right step."

"You're right, silly me." Regina exhaled. "It's just– I feel a lot safer when you're here. We could protect each other better. Don't you think Zelena would come after us, again?"

"Worry less, milady. If she does, there's one thing she should know. She won't stand a chance this time."

"I'm afraid." She confessed. "Knowing how my sister loathes me for no reason, this has been too quiet. I'm afraid she'll come back when we least expected it."

Regina paced back and forth, biting her lips. Her gut is telling her that if her sister comes back, it will be worse. She can't lose her daughter again. She can't live without him by her side anymore. She's afraid. Afraid that Zelena will try to take her happiness away again. It was never her fault Zelena's life ended up this way nor it was Mother's. It was hers. Regina had been down that road before, choosing hate over love. She dwelled on her anger for too long, it kept consuming the light in her heart. It made her unable to see that there's love within. Zelena needed to believe that she is capable of love. She is redeemable. But how could she make her believe? Regina wasn't going to lie, deep down she still has some anger left for her sister. She missed Evie's first step, first word, she wasn't able to see her grow up. Though she missed it all, there is one thing Regina is grateful for. Zelena had raised her daughter quite well. Evie may be lacking the love and affection she needed, but she grew up into such a loveable young lady.

"Regina, hey." Robin grabbed her arm and snapped her back to reality.

"Calm down. Let's not overthink it. We will be stronger this time and if she ever comes, we know that we will be ready for her. We will protect Evie with all our might. I promise you we will be fine." He bumped his nose with hers, then kissing the tip of it.

"You know you're always the positive one in this relationship. I'd probably be lost without you."

"Too bad I couldn't kiss you." Robin laughed, staring at her eyes. "I'm going to check on Evie. Are you coming?"

Regina shook her head. "No, I guess you need more bonding time with her. I'll be in my study if you were looking for me."

Hanging around in the garden had left Evie with tons of idea. Mommy had given her a new sketchbook to work with, so she could draw whenever and wherever she wants. There were a lot of sketches she had made and was about to share it with Mommy, but the sight of her father who sat underneath their apple tree caught her eyes.

"Hi, Daddy." Evie said before sitting down beside him.

"How's your work going on?"

His question made her eyes sparkle even more. She loves the fact that her parents are really supportive. Evie rushed to open her book, showing all her new designs to Daddy. She couldn't keep her mouth shut, she talked up a storm. Her fingers keep pointing to this and that, explaining what material could go well with her designs until she just stopped.

"I'm sorry. I talked too much."

Robin kissed the side of her head. "You're not. Keep going. I love to hear you talk."

"Are you going to stay, Daddy?"

A same question has been asked twice in a row. He knew his heart was telling him to stay, to protect his loved ones. But his mind was telling him the exact opposite. What he said earlier is the fact. It's not going to be easy to get back like it used to. It would take a hell amount of adjustment. Fifteen years is not a short period of time. Right now, everything and everyone have their own duty, their own role. He stared on the ground, thinking about what her daughter's question. Maybe this is a sign for him to stay, to help Regina rule Enchanted Forest like he used to, but most importantly to protect his ladies from any harm. Perhaps this was a chance for them to have a normal life.

"You're not going to stay, are you?" Evie's broken voice shot right up to his heart.

"I will. You see, your mother and I have to work on things first. I can't leave Locksley just like that. I need to settle everything before moving back here with you and your mother." He pinched her nose. "I promise it won't be long."

Though there was a bit a disappointment left inside, Evie nodded anyway. She will forever hate Mother for this. She thought all her problems would disappear once she was in her parents' arms but she was wrong. Mother still haunts her. Daddy might have said he and Mommy need to work on everything first, but above all that Evie realized they were still afraid about the curse. They are terrified about it. She couldn't even imagine how hard it was to live in such a horror in for years, afraid to be in each other's side because of the unbreakable curse. A little sign of love; a kiss, could bring death to either Mommy or Daddy. She sighed in despair, realizing there was actually no place where she could run to.

"Would you like visiting Locksley? I want you to know that Locksley is your home too. I want to introduce you to my Merry Men and maybe after that we all could go back here to have a little party to celebrate your birthday as a way to let the whole kingdom that you're home."

"I never went to a party before." She confessed though Robin should've already known. "I don't even know what to do, what to wear, or even how to dance."

"You could wear one of your designs. Have you ever worn any of them?"

Evie shyly shook her head. "I keep it hidden from Mother."

"Then it's time for you to bring them to life. No one will judge you this time.

"So, would you like to visit Locksley?"

She smirked, propping her chin with both of her hands. She pretended to think hard. "I think I would. I'd like to know what makes you love Locksley so much."

Robin laughed, then teasing Evie by tickling her. He enjoyed every moment: hearing her laughter, teasing her, were all he had dreamed for years.

"You're going to love it the second you saw it."