"You're a queen?", Emma asked, shocked.

Christine nodded. "Rightfully, yes."

"Well then... we'll get you to the palace tomorrow."

Christine shook her head. "It's not that simple."

"What do you mean?"

"Andrew will try to take the throne."

"Who's Andrew?"

"My stepbrother. Son of my mother and stepfather. He's 5. But my stepfather's sister wants him to be the king, and she will push for it, and technically, he's first."

"Why?"

"Mother and stepfather were married. My parents weren't. So even though the throne is rightfully mine, the rules say Andrew is first."

Emma frowned. "Well, we'll help you take back the throne."

"Why would you help me?", Christine asked.

"Because", Emma said, "That's the bandit's way. We help those who need help and do what is right, regardless of rules. And we'll get you on the throne."

Christine smiled. "Thank you."


"Emma, you want us to overthrow a king?", Snow asked.

Emma nodded. "She deserves the throne."

"But it's not that simple... rules are rules... Andrew would have to abdicate, or be killed, and we're not killing a 5-year-old."

"We could get rid of the woman who's trying to get him on the throne."

"Emma..."

"Mom, I'm doing it. You in or you out?"

Snow sighed. "I'm in."