It was always those terrible dreams keep waking her up almost every night. The situation may vary in each dream, but it always led up to a certain ending: watching either Mommy, Daddy, or even both of them died in Mother's hand before her eyes. Sometimes she found it hard to fall back to sleep, like tonight. She usually just tossed and turned, but didn't feel like it today. Her gut was telling her these dreams meant something and she can't shake it off her mind.

Evie chose to wander around, trying to get the piece out of her mind for a while. Pushing the door slowly so it won't creek, she sneaked out of her room and trusted her feet. She let them guide her anywhere they would. They stopped in the throne room, right in front of the floor-length family picture. A wave of emotions hits her. This could be the last memory they had before it happened. She exhaled. This picture held a piece of her heart, like it was her safe haven. She stared at it for a straight fifteen minutes, savoring the composure it emits.

If only things worked out differently.

But there was no use in being blue right now. It was all in the past and now they still got a whole new chapter laid in front of them. A smile plastered in her face. Turning back, Evie considered to check the kitchen. There should be something that will help her with this anxiety.

Just like she expected, it was empty. Evie dug quietly on the rack, the shelves, anything she could reach to find herself a remedy.

"What are you doing?"

She almost lost her grip on the cup on her hand. Evie turned her back as keeping her guard up. "Daddy! You shouldn't do that!"

Robin approached. "Apologize, my dear. I didn't mean to startle you."

"How– I didn't even hear you coming." Evie tilted her head in confusion.

"Need I remind you, I was a former thief?" Her father smiled coyly. "I am good at sneaking and breaking in."

"Right. My dad was a thief." She cackled. "What are you up to? I mean, why are you even here?"

"I'd be asking the same question to you."

Evie began to fidget nervously. Never in a million years she would let her parents know her haunting nightmare kept reoccurring each so often. Burdening them with her problems was the least thing on the list.

"I have a terrible nightmare and I can't go back to sleep." The princess explained in the best way possible. "I hope there's something here can help me calm my nerves."

"Alright. Robin's specialty coming right up!" Her father soon gathered things needed as Evie stepped back. He prepared the drink rather fast, pouring the liquid into two mugs. As Robin handed her daughter the mug, she studied the steaming liquid before her.

"Warm milk?" His daughter implied. Shaking his head, the King took a seat next to her.

"Not just any warm milk. It's your mother's favorite. She always asks for this whenever she has troubled sleeping."

"It helps?" Her voice sounded rather curious.

"It does. Haven't you tried?" Her expression changed in a split second. Robin stopped immediately as he realized what was going on. His tone changed, almost sounded like whispers. "Right. I'm sorry."

Evie then regained her composure quickly, changing the subject. "So what are you doing here? Did you follow me?"

"Not really. I was going to have myself a glass of milk." He sipped on his glass. "I can't sleep. I'm glad I found you here. It's nice to have company."

Stories were exchanged as both party were drinking on their milk. Daddy is a good storyteller and a funny one, not to mention. He made her laughed every so often, her stomach even hurt because of his joke. Evie loves how her father's eyes beamed as he tries to crack a joke. No wonder why everyone seemed to fall in love with him. He is a life of the party, guaranteed. For Robin, Evie's laughter is like music to his ears. He loves how innocent her laughs sounded. Even when his jokes were not good enough, she laughs anyway. He did not regret for being unable to sleep tonight.

The midnight talk ended up far too quick for their liking. Robin had wished it would last longer, so he could have more quality time. To hear those laughs. To see those eyes.

"May I walk you to your room?" Came out from his mouth without he even realized.

Evie giggled; clinging to her father's side. She took his hand, walk hand in hand past the dark hallway. Robin stopped at Evie's room, opening the door so she can slip in.

"Daddy, wait!" Evie rushed out from her room, giving him the biggest hug that knocked his balance out. She raised on her tiptoes, kissing her father's cheek gently. "Good night. I hope you dream of me."

Although he knew Evie was only joking, he sure knew he probably dreamed about her tonight. And that sweet little kiss definitely sent him off to deep slumber with a smile stealing across his face.

…

With the ball will be held in less than a week, everyone is in a rush to get all the things; even the smallest details got into place. This week had been the busiest week over the past sixteen years. Everyone got everything on their sleeves, seems to be occupied with their own task and didn't seem to even bother their wandering King.

"It's been ages since we have such festivities," A soft tap landed on Robin's shoulder. It was Charming.

"I guess it's worth it."

"Emma can't stop talking about it. She took after her mother a lot for this."

Of course, Emma would be excited. Being Emma's godparents was like a breath of fresh air for both Regina and Robin. She is a real definition of a sweet little girl.

"I bet she is." Robin grinned. "Oh I actually was going to ask you about Regina. Have you seen her?"

Charming shook his head. "But I think Snow was talking to her earlier. You probably might ask her."

Robin thanked him and wandered off to find Snow White but instead, he bumped into Emma and Evie.

"Hi, Uncle Robin! Guess what? The Princess is letting me to look at her designs! How cool is that?" The young princess jumped in excitement. She is almost half the age of his daughter and seems to idolize the older princess a lot.

"Emma please, just call me Evie." She smiled softly at the girl.

"Never. You're a princess! I can't wait to grow up and be as beautiful as you!" Emma replied as she clung into her arms.

Robin cut short. "Do you know where your mom is, Emma?"

"Sure! She's down the hall." The girl stated. Emma got distracted, tugging on Evie's skirt. "Come on, Princess! You promised!"

"Have fun, princesses."

…

Snow White was there, looking busy with all the preparation. She seemed more into the ball rather than anybody else, or maybe just because she couldn't help but to arrange every ball, every party. She was the one who bend over backwards for the Royal Wedding and the Royal Christening back then.

"Snow, where's Regina?" He cut it right to the point while approaching their dear friend.

"I don't know. We talked earlier this morning as we bumped into each other. I haven't seen her since."

"Do you have any idea where she is?"

Snow shrugged. "I'm sorry, but I don't. Perhaps she's in the library. I guess she was heading that way."

"Great. Thanks, Snow."

"No, Thank you. Evie is such a sweet girl. She does me a genuine favor by watching over Emma." Snow finally turn her head to look at Robin.

"Emma seems to fancy her, huh?"

Snow nodded. "I can't blame her, though. I mean, what's not to love about her? Their bond reminded me if what I had with Regina in our early years."

"They will be great friends."

"Indeed they will. Now, shoo." She told in a playful tone. "I need my focus back."

Robin didn't have to be told twice. He was so intended to find Regina. Something was off. It is not everyday his wife was not out and about like this. Taking Snow's advice, the King headed for the library; hoping he could find his wife there.

"Milady?" He was greeted by silence, but there were books scattered around the floor. There must be someone here, he thought to himself. He called out once more and there was still no response.

Regina was there in the corner, seemed to be engrossed with the book in her hands. Robin chose to sat beside her and wrapped his hand around her shoulder, kissing her temple gently.

"I haven't seen you since I woke up, milady."

"Sorry. I have something important to do." Regina looked at him a bit before focusing on the page she was reading.

"Regina," He realized what she was reading. "This is magic. You haven't done this for a very long time. Is something happened?"

She shut the book closed, fingers entwined, staring blankly at her hands. "I need to warm up my magic. I haven't used them for too long."

"Why?"

"We're inviting my sister and I'm not risking anything."

"I thought you said there would be no magic involved?" He reached for her hand.

"I have to prepare for the worst. If there will be a witch fight, then so be it. I'm just… afraid. I'm afraid she would cause a scene."

"There's nothing to be afraid of. You said it yourself."

"I know!" Her voice raised in frustration. "I… I honestly don't know if we could trust her."

Robin held her hand. An enough gesture to calm her temper.

"She is a powerful witch, Robin. Even more powerful than I am. I might be lying to everybody else, but I will never be to you. I haven't forgiven her completely. She… I don't know, traumatized me? I just can't stay calm and pretend everything is alright because deep down we both know nothing is. We welcome her with open arms, don't you think everything we done so far is dangerous?

"All we can do right now is to have faith. I will do everything to protect you, to protect our daughter. So please, I need you to keep this from everyone especially from Evie. I don't want her to worry."

"Regina, let me help." He cupped the back of her head, pulling Regina into his embrace. "I trust your judgement. I know you just do what you have to do. Everything is going to be fine. You are not alone, Regina. It is not your only job to keep her safe. We're in this together. You needn't worry."

Grabbing the book from her laps and putting it at the table. He stood up, forcing Regina to do the same.

"Robin, if you're going to ask for a sappy dance in order cheer me up, I'm not buying it." Regina hesitated, rolling her eyes.

"No, we're going out. You've been cooped up in here far too long. Let's take a short walk. Stress doesn't look good on you."

The Queen felt her blood rushing to her cheek, making them slightly covered in a pink tinge. She tried to shook the feeling off, acting like she gained her composure back.

"But I need–"

"A short walk with me wouldn't hurt, would it? I'll let you do whatever you want after this, that's a promise you can keep." He was somehow persuasive; she admitted. "A short break is always needed, milady."

Regina gave up. It was only a waste of time for even trying to turn down his offers. He is a natural born charmer and she loves him for that. She took his hand and let him guide her through the palace garden. They have vowed to love each other for better or for worse, through thick and thin; and this time, they need to have each other's back more than they will ever be.