A/N: Sorry about the bad formatting the last time I posted this. Here is the fixed chapter:

Well, I was really excited about writing this chapter, so here you go, a few days earlier than usual.

Also, this marks the beginnings of the main part of the plot of this story, so hold on because it'll be an interesting ride, and some things will be familiar, but slightly skewed, and other things will be completely different...I think you'll see when we get to those parts.

So I hope you enjoy and please let me know what you think, and I'd love to hear any theories you come up with after you read this chapter.

Thanks!


Chapter 10

Leaving my daughters to resume my duties was one of the hardest things I had ever needed to do. All I wanted to do in the days that followed their birth was to sit with Emma and watch them. I didn't want to miss a single cry, gassy smile or frown that crossed their faces. Unfortunately, two mornings after their birth, Lucas and Jared pulled my from my chambers insisting that the affairs of the kingdom required me.

Red and Granny assured me that they would stay with Emma and the babies and make sure that none of them wanted for anything while I was otherwise occupied. It wasn't until my still exhausted Consort insisted that she and the girls would be fine that I reluctantly followed my Spymaster and Master of the Guard from my rooms.

The following days were difficult and I often found myself thinking about the way Caitlyn and Gwenyth curled up together when they slept. We had tried separating them on the first night, but both had screamed until they were held and it was only out of desperate exhaustion that we had thought to put them in the same bassinet. They had instantly calmed and fell asleep with no further difficulty. At other times, I was distracted by a memory of the way my daughters would blink up at me, studying me out of deep blue eyes. Granny assured me that it was unlikely that their eyes would remain that color and I wondered what color their eyes would turn. Inevitably, someone would pull me from my distracted thoughts and I would once again try to remain focused on my kingdom.

One afternoon, less than a week after the twins were born, I had a meeting with my advisors about the girls' naming ceremony. Everything was progressing steadily when Lord Jared asked, "Your Majesty, will you be inviting Queen Snow and King James?"

Instantly, my blood began to boil. "Why would I consider inviting them?" I snapped.

He carefully replied, "I only ask because under the peace treaty, one of your daughters will likely inherit their throne and technically, they are the twin's grandparents."

I narrowed my eyes and coldly said, "They have no right to claim kinship with my daughters, Lady Swan renounced her lineage. Furthermore, regardless of the treaty I do not want either of them in my palace. However, I do not want to alienate my future subjects. Send them an invitation, but ensure that the messenger arrives too late for them to attend the festivities."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," he said softly.

I looked around and impatiently asked, "Is there anything else that needs my attention?"

"No, my Queen," my advisors replied softly. Either they sensed that I was at the end of my patience, or they really didn't need me for anything else.

"Very Well, inform me of any emergencies, otherwise do not disturb me for the rest of the day," I said, standing and striding from the room before they could reply. As soon as I was in the hallway, I wrapped my magic around myself and transported to Emma's side.

"Regina, I didn't think you would be back for a few more hours," my consort said, smiling at me as she fed Caitlyn.

I leaned over to kiss her before I replied, "I missed you, my love. And I wanted to see our daughters."

"They're fine, my Queen," Emma said with a smirk.

I smiled and dropped a soft kiss on Caitlyn's head before turning to where Red was holding Gwenyth. She smiled as she handed over my blonde haired daughter. "Here you go, Regina. She's already eaten, so she'll probably sleep for a while," the wolf said, brushing an affectionate hand over Gwenyth's head before she stepped back.

"Thank you, dear," I said fondly, before kissing my baby's cheek. "Hello, my darling," I said softly, caressing the soft skin I had just kissed.

Red grinned and asked, "Is there anything you need before I go?"

"Actually, there is something I'd like to ask you," I said, looking up to meet the wolf's eyes.

Red glanced at Emma before she shrugged and sat in the chair next to the chaise Emma occupied. I moved to sit next to my Consort, who was watching me curiously. I glanced at her and smiled before focusing on Red. "I wondered if you would be willing to sponsor our daughters at their naming ceremony next week. Since you are already their sworn defender, I can think of no one better to ask."

A wide grin split the wolf's cheeks and she nodded, "Yes, I'd be honored. Thank you, Regina."

"You're welcome, Red. It's certainly the least I can do after the loyalty you've shown my family," I said appreciatively.

"Does that mean that I finally get to know their names?" she asked mischievously.

I chuckled, "Yes, dear, I suppose it does."

Red waited and I bit my cheek to hold back the smile that wanted to form as she grew more impatient. After a minute, the wolf lost her patience and whined, "Oh, come on, please tell me their names."

Emma laughed and I couldn't help but grin victoriously. "If you insist, dear," I said dryly before I turned around my daughter to face Red. "This beautiful girl is Princess Gwenyth."

"And this bottomless pit is Caitlyn," Emma added affectionately.

I arched my eyebrow and dryly said, "Bottomless pit? Really, Lady Swan, you are talking about your Queen's daughter and the heir apparent. Perhaps you could attempt to use more flattering terms."

"My apologies, my Queen. I would never want to offend you or this perfect angel who eats three times as much as her sister," she said, grinning and not sounding apologetic in the slightest.

I narrowed my eyes in mock-irritation, but Red snorted and began laughing and I couldn't hold onto the expression. Instead, I lifted Gwenyth and turned her to look into her beautiful face as I teasingly said, "Apparently, Gwenyth, your sister takes after your other mother. Neither of them seems to know when to stop eating." Gwenyth scrunched up her nose in a grimace and I couldn't help but laugh as it looked like she was agreeing with me.

Just then there was a knock at the door and Emma straightened quickly. "Speaking of food," she said before she raised her voice and called, "Come in!"

The sitting room door swung open and Granny entered carrying a tray loaded with food. She looked up and frowned when she saw me sitting with Emma. "Oh, Regina, I'm sorry. If I'd known you would be back so early I would have gotten enough for you."

I arched an eyebrow at the laden tray and chuckled, "It's no trouble, Eugenia. I can wait until dinner is served."

"Oh, well that's good. Between my granddaughter and your Consort I was worried I would even be able to get my share of this."

She and I chuckled as both Red and Emma blushed deeply. As our laughter faded, I said, "If your daughter is finished, I'll burp her while you eat, my love."

Emma smiled gratefully, "Thanks, Regina. I'm starving."

"I'm sure you are, dear," I said as I shifted Gwenyth to lay against my shoulder, so I could support Caitlyn with my other arm. Once both girls were situated, a deep contentment settled into me. It was rare when I had the opportunity to hold them both at the same time and I cherished the way they curled into me and nuzzled in until their beautiful faces were pressed against my neck. Emma caught my eye while she began eating and smiled happily. There was nothing I could do but return her happy smile.


A week later, as we entered the castle's courtyard for the naming ceremony, I was shocked to see it completely packed with people who had come to witness the occasion. I had been informed that we would need to move the ceremony out of the throne room due to the number of people expected to attend, but I hadn't really believed that so many people who want to support my daughters. I felt tears well in my eyes at the obvious display of joy and approval from my subjects. If I had needed any further proof that I was no longer seen as the Evil Queen, then the sheer mass of people surrounding us provided it. I swallowed hard, past the lump that had formed in my throat, as Emma and I crossed to the temporary dais that had been constructed for the occasion.

As we reached the front of the crowd, my eyes widened in shock and I jerked to a stop when I saw the blue fairy hovering next to the dais. Emma immediately noticed my reaction and she stopped next to me and with her eyes tracking the crowd for signs of danger, murmured, "What's wrong, Regina?"

"The Blue Fairy," I breathed, forcing myself back into motion. Emma's eyes jerked up and I felt her confused swirl of emotions filter through the bond. I brushed it aside, not even ready to acknowledge my own spiraling emotions at the sight of the fairy. When we were close enough for her to hear me, I asked, "Why are you here?"

She offered a short bow and smiled. "Your Majesty, I have come to offer your daughters the blessings of the fairies in honor of their naming."

I narrowed my eyes and coldly said, "Why? Didn't you write me off as a lost cause years ago?"

She sighed and actually sounded regretful as she said, "I did, and I was wrong for doing so. Will you allow me to attempt to make amends and bless your daughters?"

I pursed my lips for a moment before I nodded, "Very well, but don't think for a moment that I won't burn your wings to ashes if your blessings turn out to be a curse in disguise."

She nodded her agreement and moved back so Emma and I could continue to the platform. After the usual pomp and circumstance, the court physician pronounced both girls to be healthy, and Red stepped forward to take her vow as the sponsor for our daughters and swear that she had been present for their birth and could verify their parentage. And finally, it was time to share their names with the kingdom and for them to receive their blessing from the Blue Fairy. I was wary of what she would say, but any blessing would be more than I had ever received from most of the fairies.

I took Caitlyn in my arms and held her out towards the crowd, "I take great joy in introducing you to Princess Caitlyn Mills, heir apparent to the Shadow Kingdom."

As the crowd cheered, Blue moved forward and brought her wand up. "Princess Caitlyn, I bless you with the gift of the intuitive heart, may you always find happiness by following your instincts."

I lifted my eyebrow, impressed by the blessing as I traded daughters with Emma. I lifted up my blonde haired daughter and stated, "May I also joyously introduce Princess Gwenyth Mills, second in line for the Shadow Kingdom's throne."

Once more, the blue fairy moved closer as cheers bounced off the castle walls. She brought up her wand and stated, "Princess Gwenyth, I bless you with the gift of the perceptive heart, that you may find happiness by seeing the true nature of other's hearts."

As I was turning to thank the Blue Fairy, a swirl of pink smoke filled the space between the dais and the crowd. My heart dropped and I immediately cradled Gwenyth to my chest protectively. I had no time to do anything else as the smoke cleared, revealing Maleficent smirking up at me. "Now, why is it that I never get invited to these ceremonies?" she asked in a mocking pout that filled the courtyard.

I stiffened my spine and lifted my chin in challenge, unwilling to show any weakness in front of the one person I used to call friend. "Hello, Maleficent," I said mildly. Emma tensed beside me and Red shifted to move forwards. I subtly waved the wolf back and casually said, "I believe your invitation must have been misplaced, dear."

She laughed, "Somehow, I think it more likely that you decided against inviting me, old friend."

"My dear, I haven't seen you in years, perhaps I didn't think you still considered me amongst your friends," I said, growing weary of this typical song and dance.

"Regina, I never stopped being your friend. You were the one who stopped visiting after you stole the curse from me. But I must say that I am grateful that you decided against casting it," she said in a more honest voice.

I relaxed slightly and glanced at a frowning Emma as I wryly admitted, "As am I. Somehow, I don't believe I would have found True Love or have my daughters if I had."

She grinned wickedly. "Indeed, are you going to introduce us?" Maleficent asked, gesturing towards Emma.

"Why are you here, Maleficent? Surely you didn't interrupt my daughters' naming ceremony just to meet my Consort," I asked bluntly.

Her face darkened and she lifted her head in acknowledgement. "No, but I do hope to meet her and your daughters before I leave. In truth, I am here because a storm is brewing that will rip apart this realm. None of us can stop it, but I can offer hope for the future. A gift for each of your daughters," she explained, and it was only because I had known her for so long that I was able to hear the worry in her voice. Dread pooled in my stomach as she slammed her staff onto the cobblestones of the courtyard.

With a puff of pink smoke, two leather bound books appeared at mine and Emma's feet. I lifted an eyebrow at Maleficent in silent question but she just gestured mutely at the books. I handed Gwenyth to Red and picked up the red leather bound book. Embossed in silver filigree on its cover were the words, "What Dreams May Come". I flipped open the book and saw nothing but blank pages. It confused me, but I didn't say anything as I picked up the other book. This one had a brown leather cover and it read, "Once Upon a Time" in gold filigree. Its pages were also blank.

I looked up at Maleficent and said, "They're both blank. How does this provide hope?"

She met my gaze levelly and said, "The books will reveal themselves at the appropriate moment, when your daughters are ready for the truth and hope they offer. I wish I could do more, but it will be up to you and your family to save us all in the dark days ahead."

I clenched my jaw and nodded, "Very well, thank you for your gifts, my friend. We will treasure them." She nodded and I turned to the rest of the assembled crowd. "Although a storm is brewing on the horizon, today is a joyous occasion. For now, set aside your worries over this troubling news and enjoy the feast to honor your new princesses. We will find a way to weather the storm tomorrow."

A low murmur broke out around the courtyard as I gave a small nod to Maleficent to indicate she follow us and turned to the blue fairy. "Thank you for your blessings, somehow, I think that my daughters will need them now, more than ever."

She nodded and gave lingering looks to all each of us in turn. "Yes, I'm troubled by this, but if there is any way I may be of assistance, please call on me."

I lifted an eyebrow and flatly stated, "I allowed you to bless my daughters, but don't assume that means I trust you to interfere in my life."

"I understand your reluctance; however, this is not the venue for this discussion. I would be happy to discuss my motives privately with you and your White Knight, and perhaps you can begin to trust me," she replied.

I nodded, "Alright, then in the meantime, thank you for the blessings."

The blue fairy nodded and flew away. I sighed and after trading the books for Gwenyth, left the courtyard for the privacy of the castle. I could feel Emma's turbulent emotions from our bond and knew that I needed a private moment with her to explain my relationship with Maleficent as I'd never even considered her becoming part of my life again after we'd been estranged for so long, and so had never spoken of her before.

I turned to Red and Maleficent and asked, "Red would you please escort Maleficent to my study, Emma and I will join you shortly."

Red nodded warily and said, "Of course, my Queen."

I smiled and turned to the blonde sorceress. "Play nicely, Maleficent, Red is my daughters' defender and a personal friend."

She pursed her lips before a slow knowing smile spread across her face, "I'll be on my best behavior, darling. But I would like to know how you've done it. The peasants sing your praises and your old enemy is in disgrace throughout the Enchanted Forest."

I gave her a genuine smile and said, "It's a long story, my friend. But finding your True Love is a life changing experience." She laughed and I pulled on mine and Emma's combined magic to transport us to our chambers.