Warning: Mentions of Regina's rape.

Chapter 26: Righting the Wrongs

"A full meeting of the shareholders of Blanchard Financials was held recently," the business reporter droned on. "Nothing has been announced but sources tell us here at Storybrooke Evening News that the company is looking to make some big changes and shake things up. Stocks are in flux over the uncertainty."

Regina sat on the couch, watching the news. She ran her fingers through Roland's curls as he napped with his head on her lap. It had rained that day so she, Emma and Killian had built a fort in Roland's playroom to entertain him. He had played as a dashing knight, protecting "Queen" Regina from both Emma and Killian, who gladly took turns as villains. Both died quite amazing deaths and Regina was surprised to learn Killian Jones could be quite a ham when given the chance.

Now, though, he and Emma were out on a date and Will was busy making dinner. Which left her and Roland time to bond. She watched him sleep, smiling down at him as she hummed gently. He rolled closer to her, face close to the tiny bump that held his siblings and her heart melted at the sight.

"Well, if it isn't two of my favorite people!" Robin set down his briefcase before leaning down to kiss her. He ran his hand over Roland's legs. "How are you two?"

"We're fine, though I'm not looking forward to waking this one up for dinner." She patted Roland's leg as well.

Robin chuckled. "We could just let him sleep and heat his dinner up later."

She gave him a look, imagining an overactive child running around for hours afterwards. "We could. But then he'll probably also be up half the night as well."

"Good point." He sat down next to her. "But we don't have to wake him up right away. I have a message from John. H wants us to call him back together."

"Is it about Blanchard Financials? They've been all over the news today though no one seems to know much," Regina said, frowning.

He nodded, pulling out his phone. "Do you want to call John now or later?"

"Probably best to get this out of the way." She moved a bit closer to Robin, mindful of Roland on her lap.

Robin dialed John, putting the phone on speaker when his friend picked up. "Hello, Robin."

"Hey, John. Regina is here with me," Robin said. "What's up?"

"Blanchard Financials' new lawyer reached out to me. Their new CEO and their new president of the board want to meet with you. I don't know why so I insisted I be there. They agreed. The only thing they're insisting on is that the meeting happen tomorrow. I told them that under no circumstances will Regina return to Blanchard Financials' building so we can chose the venue. So, Regina, where do you feel most comfortable meeting?" John asked.

She bit her lip, thinking as Robin suggested: "Do you want to go to a restaurant? Perhaps Granny's? I know John would love to have a free meal."

"I never say no to food," John agreed.

Regina smiled but she didn't want to have a meeting over food and especially one that already has her on edge. She didn't want the site of such happy memories tainted that way so she shook her head. This sounded like a business meeting and so she wanted to meet them in a business setting where she was already comfortable. Her answer hit her so hard, she almost reeled backwards.

"Sherwood," she said, looking at Robin with a soft smile. "Let's have the meeting at Sherwood."

"Are you sure?" he asked her.

She nodded, her smile growing bigger. "I feel safe there."

He leaned closer, kissing her gently. "I'm glad to hear it," he whispered.

"I hate to break up the sweet moment I have no doubt is happening," John said, "but shall I go ahead and arrange for a meeting at ten am at Sherwood tomorrow?"

"Yes, please," Robin replied, grinning at Regina still. "We'll see you then, John."

John said his goodbyes before hanging up. Robin placed his phone on the coffee table before pulling Regina closer without disturbing Roland. "You feel safe at Sherwood?"

She tilted her head, trying to figure out why he was so surprised. "Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?"

"I can tell you're not comfortable in office buildings," he replied, making it clearer to her. "Not that I blame you after what Leo put you through."

"Sherwood isn't your typical office building. Besides, I only have good memories in there." She kissed him.

He tucked her hair behind her ears. "That is true. Hopefully this is another one. Maybe they're dropping the charges."

"Can I come visit Papa's office too?" Roland asked. He glanced up at her, still snuggled against her on her lap. He tucked his head against her shoulder and his curls started to tickle her chin. It was a great feeling nonetheless.

Regina looked over at Robin, who chuckled. "I'm afraid not, my boy. Mom and I will be discussing boring adult stuff. But perhaps the three of us could go to the movies later this week?"

"Can I pick the movie?" he asked, his brown eyes shining with excitement. She could almost see him going through all the options in his head and trying to determine the best one for them to watch.

Laughing, Robin nodded. "Only if you go and wash your hands right now for dinner. Otherwise, Mom and I will choose the most boring movie ever instead."

Gasping, Roland jumped off her lap and raced toward the nearest bathroom. Regina and Robin watched him. "That was kinda mean," she told Robin.

"Maybe," he replied, grinning cheekily at her. "But it worked."

She chuckled. "It did."

He stood, holding out his hand to her. "Shall we go to the kitchen and join the others? I'm sure you and the Beans are starving."

"We are, actually," she said, taking his hand. They swung their hands between them as they walked to the kitchen, Regina feeling light as a feather.

She felt like a brick, though, the next morning as she and Robin rode the elevator up to his office. Regina grasped his hand, giving it a squeeze. He raised hers to his lips, bussing her knuckles. "There's nothing to be nervous about, lovely."

"I know," she said, "but I still am."

He let go of her hand in order to wrap his arm around her, kissing her head as the doors opened. Johanna smiled as they stepped off the elevator. "Good morning, Robin, Regina."

"Good morning," Robin greeted her warmly. "What's our status for this morning?"

"Mr. Little called to say he'll be here in ten minutes and Leroy confirmed that security has the names of your guests. Management knows you have a meeting and to direct any inquires or situations to Mulan. I will hold your calls once the meeting begins," she rattled off.

He nodded, pleased. "Thank you, Johanna. I'll let you know if we need anything else."

Robin guided Regina into his office, letting her sink down into one of his comfortable armchairs as he went to his desk. Sunlight streamed through his uncovered windows, his many picture frames catching and reflecting the beams. Everything felt cozy and safe—just what she needed for this meeting.

She leaned back, studying Robin as he logged into his computer, checking his emails. He was relaxed, clicking through his messages easily. It must've been better for him now that he knew who had taken the missing money and knew Zelena Ozgreene was far, far away from his company. The thought made her smile.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, studying her.

"Zelena."

He paused, frowning. "What about her?"

"You must be so relieved to have her out of your hair." Regina stood, walking over to his desk. She ran her fingers through his silky blond locks.

"Very," he said, leaning into her touch. "Though we haven't received word yet if she will accept a plea or go to trial. And there's still your mother."

Regina scrunched her nose as her fingers stilled for a moment. Cora was still too sore a subject for her. "Ugh. Let's not think about her, please?"

He chuckled, nodding before pulling Regina onto his lap. She let out a squeak before settling against him. "A little warning would've been nice."

"I'll keep that in mind." He nuzzled her, holding her close.

Comfortable on his lap, Regina glanced around Robin's desk. It had what was expected on a desk—calendar, stack of files, and a few supplies. There were a few framed pictures placed along the edge, the most prominent one of her and Roland taken at the 4th of July barbecue. Her sonogram—the one that confirmed she was carrying two Beans instead of one—was taped to the frame. She reached out and gently ran her fingers over the white blobs.

"It's the closest thing I have to a family photo right now," he said, watching her.

"You're not in it, though," she pointed out.

He shrugged as he kissed her neck. "Then I guess we'll all have to pose for another picture."

"I guess so." She leaned back, kissing him as he ran his hand up and down her leg. Her skin tingled where he touched and she found herself wishing they were anywhere else but his office. More precisely, she wished they were back in their bedroom with the door locked…

"Do you two want to be left alone?" John stood in the doorway, smirking at them.

Regina jumped up from Robin's lap, heart racing and cheeks heating up. "We didn't hear you."

"That was obvious," he replied, setting his briefcase on the table.

"Are you here to represent us or be a dick?" Robin asked, still seated at his desk.

Regina gave him a look. "What Robin means to say is thank you for helping with this."

"No, I meant to call him a dick," Robin replied, standing. "But thank you, John."

John nodded. "Of course. And I have even better news. I got a call from Arthur King. They're dropping all the charges against Regina."

Relief spread through her and she went weak at the knees. She started to crumple to the ground but Robin caught her, holding her up as she gaped at John. "They are? Really?"

"Yes," he assured her. "Arthur will let me know when we have to go back to the court so everything is officially dismissed, but it should be over by the end of the week."

"Do you think that's what this meeting is about?" Robin asked, arms still wrapped around her middle.

John nodded. "And probably to make reparations."

"I don't want my job back," Regina said, adamant about not working at Blanchard Financials ever again though she doubted they expected that of her. She also knew one other thing. "And I don't want money. I just want to move on."

"Of course," he replied. "But I wouldn't say no to money if I were you. They do owe you a severance package and something for the pain and suffering Leopold Blanchard put you through."

No amount of money was going to make up for that, Regina thought as the door opened. Johanna stuck her head in. "Security called. Your guests are on their way up."

"Thank you. Please show them in once they arrive." Robin let go of Regina, pulling out a chair for her.

She shook her head, waiting for their guests to arrive. To her surprise, the woman they had seen with Will at the ferry walked in first. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun and she wore a red pantsuit with matching pumps. She smiled as she held out her hand to John. "You must be Mr. Little. I'm Anastasia McQueen."

"Ms. McQueen. Charmed." John shook her hand before turning to Robin and Regina. "This is Blanchard Financials' new General Counsel."

"Well, one of them. Just part of a small army of lawyers," she quipped, shaking their hands. "I'd like to introduce Blanchard Financials' new CEO, Jasmine Agra."

Anastasia motioned to a younger woman of Middle Eastern descent. Her dark hair was braided and she wore a turquoise colored dress with a black suit jacket. She was younger than Regina had expected and when she spoke, she had a British accent. "Interim CEO while the board re-evaluates our organization's direction," she clarified.

"London?" Robin asked, head tilting.

She nodded. "You?"

"Nottingham," he replied, chest puffing out in pride. Regina thought it was adorable.

Jasmine laughed. "Now I hear it. Always nice to meet a fellow Brit."

Regina's attention turned away from them and to the man who had come in with Jasmine and Anastasia. His brown hair was graying and he wasn't as thin as she remembered, but she still recognized Neal Cassidy. He wore a navy suit with a red tie and looked awkward in it. She believed he felt awkward as well.

"Neal," she said. "It's been a long time."

He looked up, meeting her eyes. "Regina. You look good."

"So do you," she replied. "I'm surprised to see you."

"Mr. Cassidy is the new President of the Board," Jasmine explained.

Regina knew her eyebrows rose up in surprise. "You never struck me as the corporate type, Neal."

"I'm…I'm sure Emma told you about why we broke up," he said.

She nodded before pointing to Jasmine and Anastasia. "Do they know?"

"That I was in jail for stealing drugs? Yes," he replied. "I told them about all that…and more. I got into rehab and got myself clean. I took all the money my father used to send me and that I used to spend on drugs and started an organization to help youth avoid the trap I fell into."

Regina glanced over at Anastasia and Jasmine, both who nodded. She returned her eyes to Neal. "You want to also be the President of the Board? Why?"

"My father screwed over a lot of people," Neal said before cringing. He sent her an apologetic look. "Sorry, Regina. Wrong choice of words."

She swallowed, realizing he knew the truth about what had happened to her at Blanchard Financials. Judging by how Anastasia and Jasmine were looking at her, it appeared to be common knowledge over there. She nodded. "I understand what you mean. So you're trying to make up for some of his failings?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I just feel some responsibility to help those he wronged. Starting with you."

"Which bring us to why we're here," Anastasia said, motioning to the table. "Shall we sit down?"

Regina took her seat, sandwiched between John and Robin. She took her boyfriend's hand and he laced their fingers together, trying to offer what little comfort he could. John leaned forward. "I'm going to be upfront with you. I've heard from the District Attorney's office and we know they are dropping the charges against Regina."

Anastasia nodded. "Yes. We agreed to that. We're pressing charges against Leopold and Gold instead. We're still debating whether to press charges against Nat Cole and Isaac Heller."

"We're still investigating to see what exactly Isaac may or may not have known about the embezzlement," Jasmine explained. "What we find will determine if we press charges."

"It's nice to know the right people are finally being punished," Robin said, not bothering to hide the disdain in his voice.

"Yes," Anastasia said, looking down as if chastened. "When they're arraigned, we're going to hold a press conference to explain everything. Jasmine, on behalf of Blanchard Financials, would like to offer you, Regina, a formal apology at that time."

Tears pricked her eyes at the thought that someone was finally going to apologize for everything she went through, even if Leopold couldn't. "I would like for the public to know the truth. And that includes the lies Leopold told the press all those years ago. I want everyone to know that I'm not a homewrecker."

Jasmine nodded. "Mary Margaret Blanchard has also agreed to participate in the press conference and she will happily clear that up. We're going to focus on the business aspects."

"Which brings us to another matter," Anastasia said, looking uncomfortable. "We can also apologize for the rapes and for the company doing little to protect you, but only if you are comfortable with that being made public."

Regina suddenly felt cold and struggled to breathe, as if she had been dunked in a tub of ice water. Did she want everyone in Storybrooke to know that Leopold Blanchard had raped her on an almost daily basis? Did she want her father knowing that? Or was she happy to just let it stay between herself and her family? Her healing was going well, did she really need that?

She then thought of other women who might have been in her situation, who felt as alone and isolated as she had. If her story gave them the courage to stand up for themselves, to tell someone what was happening, to start their own healing…

"I need time to think about it," she said, squeezing Robin's hand. Or maybe he was squeezing hers. She wasn't too sure.

Anastasia nodded. "Of course. We're not sure when the DA will be pressing the charges, so you have some time before you give us your answer. Or rather, John gives us your answer, I assume?"

"Yes," John replied when Robin gave a slight nod. "I'll pass along any messages Miss Mills has regarding this matter. Is there anything else?"

Jasmine leaned forward to look right in Regina's eyes. "Blanchard Financials will also make a donation to any charity of your choosing, Miss Mills."

"The Marian Locksley Foundation for Education," she replied quickly, the charity choice a no-brainer. "And a charity supporting victims of sexual assault to be named later."

"Done," Jasmine said, turning to Anastasia. "Is there anything else you can think of to address?"

She shook her head and Neal agreed, having stayed quiet for most of the meeting. Regina wondered why he was even there as Anastasia stood. "Well, then, Mr. Little, I'll be in touch with you."

"I look forward to it," he said, standing to shake her hand.

Anastasia then turned to Robin. She looked nervous as she asked: "You know Will Scarlet, right?"

"Yes," he said, confused. "Why?"

"Can…Can you tell him that I'm sorry if I offended him in anyway and that…that I miss seeing him every day?" She looked heartbroken and close to tears. Regina's heart hurt for her and she wondered what had happened between the two as Anastasia took a shuddering breath. "Can you?"

Robin nodded. "I'll pass on your message."

"And Regina, can you tell Emma…Can you tell her I'm sorry and that I hope she's happy?" Neal asked, sadness in his eyes.

For a moment, she wanted to say no and that she didn't want to talk about him with Emma at all. However, there was something so sincere and pained in his voice, that she found herself nodding. "I will."

"Thank you," he said, holding the door open for Jasmine and Anastasia. And with that, the meeting ended.

John smiled at them. "I think that went extremely well. We might be able to get some damages from them easily, in addition to the donations they're going to make on your behalf."

"Speaking of those," Robin said, raising her hand to his lips and pressing a kiss there. "You didn't have to choose Marian's foundation."

"I know. I wanted to support her foundation since it does so much good," she replied, kissing his hand in return.

He stood, helping her up as well. "Why don't we all grab and early lunch? My treat."

"You're speaking my language," John said, heading for the door. "Can we go back to that diner Regina likes? I've been dying for one of their hamburgers."

She laughed, wrapping her arm around Robin's waist. "I'm sure Granny would love to see all of us. I wouldn't mind seeing her either. I don't think I've gotten a chance to tell her the good news yet."

Robin held her close, smiling at her. "Then it's decided. Granny's for burgers and to make that woman's day it is."

"Robin, mate, you wanted to see me?" Will entered the den, looking confused.

Nodding, Robin held out a beer and motioned for Will to sit down. "I thought we'd have a drink and a chat."

"A chat? About what?" Will asked, taking the beer with trepidation. He eased himself down on to the couch, never taking his eyes off Robin.

"Anastasia McQueen," Robin replied, watching his friend's reaction to the name. He decided to go right to the chase since Will was already on edge—and when did wanting to have a chat do that to his friend?

Will froze for a moment, his eyes widening before he tried to look nonchalant. Yet his body remained tense and Robin swore his hand was shaking. He then looked away. "What about her?"

"Will." Robin sighed, setting down his whiskey. He decided to come clean. "She's the one you took out on Valentine's Day, yeah? Regina and I saw you two at the ferry earlier this summer. You two looked pretty cozy."

"Yes, Ana was the woman I took out on Valentine's Day and a few other Sundays. And yes, I used to meet her down at the ferry. I would walk her home and we'd talk about everything and anything. She's very intelligent and funny. For some reason, she thinks the same of me," Will replied, keeping his eyes trained on the floor.

Robin frowned. "Maybe because it's the truth. However, I noticed you speak in the past tense. What happened?"

"She works for Blanchard Financials. Not directly, but she represents them. I couldn't keep seeing her knowing what they were doing to Regina. It wasn't her fault but I…I just couldn't keep up a relationship knowing what she was helping to do to Regina and you." Pain laced Will's voice and Robin's heart broke for him.

Robin moved to the couch, sitting next to his dearest friend. "I didn't know you had done that."

"You and Regina had so much going on," Will said, shrugging as if it were nothing. "And I didn't really need help in making my decision. It may have broken my heart but I knew it was the right thing to do."

It broke Robin's heart to think his best friend had thought he was too busy for him. This whole mess needed to end—not just for Regina's sake, but for their entire family's. Robin was certain that once they put it behind them, everything could go back to normal. Then maybe his best friend wouldn't think he had to suffer alone.

"But it broke your heart. I know I've been focused on Regina, but you're my friend, Will. You're mother than that—you are my brother. You could've come talk to me. I am never too busy for you. Even when I'm juggling two babies and a first grader next year, I'll have time for you."

Will nodded. "Thanks, mate. I'll remember that."

Robin picked up his whiskey again, taking a sip as he considered his next words. His friend's happiness depended on it. "Now, Ana…She sent a message. She says she's sorry and that she misses you."

"I miss her too," Will admitted, telling Robin there was still hope for this to work out. "But she's still working for Blanchard Financials."

"She is. And she's working with them to make everything right. She's getting the real criminals prosecuted, issuing an apology to Regina and she's helping facilitate two large donations to charity in Regina's name. I'd say she's one of the good ones, Will." Robin clapped his friend's back, hoping to impart his utter sincerity.

Will glanced up, the hope in his eyes making Robin feel even guiltier over this whole episode. "So you and Regina wouldn't mind if I started dating her again?"

Robin shook his head, smiling. "And we wouldn't mind it if you started bring her around too."

"I'll keep that in mind," he replied, beaming at Robin. "Thank you."

"Anytime." Robin held out his whiskey glass to him. "Cheers."

"Cheers." Will tapped his beer bottle against the glass and they both took drinks, settling back against the couch for a nice evening.

"I'm going to get you, Pongo!" Roland chased the Dalmatian around the lawn. The dog's tongue hung from his mouth as his powerful legs carried him over the grass, tail wagging the entire time. Laughter rang out from the little boy, warming Regina's heart.

"Thank you," she said, turning to Dr. Hopper. He sat beside her on Robin's deck, a glass of lemonade in front of him. She smiled. "Roland is having so much fun with Pongo."

"He is. And I think Pongo is having just as much fun. He loves to play and run around. So he's in seventh heaven," Archie replied, grinning as he watched his dog and his patient at play. "And I'm glad I to finally honor my promise to Roland."

She tilted her head. "Oh?"

He nodded before leaning closer to her to explain. "Pongo is not an official therapy dog but he is really good with my patients, especially the tough cases. And Roland was a tough case at first. He really only opened up when Pongo was around. But as he got better, I started to bring Pongo less and less until I promises Roland that when he finally went outside, I would bring Pongo to play with him."

"Well, I'm glad to catch up with you," Robin said from Regina's other side. She could see the guilt his in his eyes as he confessed: "With everything going on, I feel I've been neglecting him."

"I can assure you that Roland doesn't feel neglected. He understands that there are things going on that require your attention but from what I understand, you and Regina always do your best to make sure to spend time with him and to make sure he knows how much you love him," Archie told them. "You also didn't make the mistake many adults do and try to hide that something was going on from him. Children are more perceptive than adults realize and by trying to protect them, they make things worse. Roland knew what was going on and understood it, which helped."

Relief filled Regina to know that they were handling things well with Roland. She took Robin's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Well, it's almost done."

"Oh?" Archie asked, looking curious as he leaned back in his chair.

She nodded. "We're going to court tomorrow so the District Attorney's office can officially dismiss the charges against me."

"Congratulations, Regina. I'm sure you're relieved about that and ready to focus on…happier things." He glanced down at her growing middle with a soft smile.

Regina rubbed her stomach and nodded, though she didn't smile. Her nerves were too tense for that. She hoped Archie could provide some comfort now. "I am nervous about the press conference we're having afterwards. Blanchard Financials is issuing an apology for everything Leopold Blanchard did to me when I was an employee."

"So why are you nervous?" Archie asked, almost slipping back into therapist mode. If she hadn't been so on edge, she probably would've laughed.

She sighed. "There are things that Leopold did that…well, they were truly unforgiveable. He…He raped me for six months while forcing me to embezzle for him and then he fired me."

Archie leaned forward, hand over his mouth as he processed what she had said. She saw the sympathy in his eyes as he sought out the right thing to say, his training as a therapist warring with his instincts. "I want to say I'm sorry," he said at last, "but I know how inadequate that must sound."

"Thank you," she replied, understanding him.

He reached out and took her hand. "Is there anything I can do for you? I mean, I specialize in child therapy, not adults…"

She smiled, grateful for his offer and wanting to reassure him. "I have a therapist, but thank you. Right now, Robin and I are worried about Roland. With this out in the open…"

"You're wondering how to address it with Roland," Archie said, realizing where she was going. He looked out over the happy boy now playing fetch with Pongo and seemed to be in deep thought.

After a long period of silence, Archie turned back to her. "I think for now, Roland knows everything he needs to know. I'm sure he won't be watching the press conference. He might hear about it one day, but I trust you two to know how to explain it to him depending on his age at the time should he come asking."

It felt like a weight was taken off her and Regina nodded, her gratitude to him increasing. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said. "Anything else I can help you with?"

"Any tips for how to tell my overprotective and sickly father about it?" she asked, both in jest and seriously.

He shrugged. "The best I can tell you is to be truthful. I'm sure he'll be fine. Well, physically at least."

Regina nodded before sighing. "Well, how about we turn this conversation to something more pleasant? Do you have any plans for the summer, Archie?"

"I'm planning on going to a cabin in the mountains for a week and just relaxing," Archie replied. "It's something I do every summer."

As Robin asked more questions about Archie's mountain retreat, Regina's attention returned to Roland. He was lying on the grass now, laughing as Pongo licked his face over and over. Just another carefree child enjoying a beautiful summer day, just as it should be. Everything was starting to shift into a new normal and she couldn't wait to experience all the happiness that would bring them.

They definitely deserved it.

Regina stood outside her father's bedroom, heart beating wildly. Emma and Robin flanked her, both waiting for her to make the first move. Neither were going to force her to do this, she knew. But she also knew she had to do it. Her father deserved to hear the truth from her.

"It'll be okay," Robin told her, taking her hand. He raised it to his lips, placing a kiss there.

She took a deep breath, gathering all her courage together as she knocked on her father's door. "Daddy? Are you awake?"

"Come in," Henry called out and Regina opened the door. Her father was propped up on his bed, watching a movie on the TV set up in his room. He muted it as they entered, frowning. "What's wrong?"

Regina sat on the edge of his bed. "I wanted to talk to you about the press conference tomorrow."

"And you need the cavalry for that?" he asked, raising his eyebrow as he looked at Robin and Emma.

She swallowed, knowing she did. Her father's reaction to her news was unpredictable and she feared she would need Robin's help to subdue him long enough for Emma to use the syringe full of a sedative she had in her pocket. Regina prayed it didn't come to that, though.

"Yes," she said, taking her father's hand. He heart pounded in her ears. "Because there's a few things you should know before the press conference that might be upsetting."

Henry's frown deepened and he turned off the TV. "Upsetting? How so? I thought Blanchard Financials was going to apologize to you? Is Leopold going to be there?"

Regina shook her head, relieved about that. She doubted she could deal with him insisting that it wasn't rape as Jasmine apologized to her. It was best that she never saw him again. "He's not going to be there. The new CEO will be issuing the apology. She's going to apologize for everything I suffered while at the company."

"As she should," Henry said, patting her hand. "I still don't understand why you need Robin and Emma in here with you to talk to me about this."

Her stomach churned and she felt herself losing her nerve. She pushed on, though, knowing she had to do this. No matter how much she feared her father's reaction, he deserved to hear the truth from her. "They're going to apologize for some things that may be upsetting, things…sexual in nature."

Henry frowned, his eyes growing dark. "You mean that business where he claimed you two were having an affair, which led Daniel to believe you were having sex?"

"Yes," Regina said, speaking around the lump forming in her throat. It was the truth, if only a partial one.

"Ridiculous," Henry replied, shaking his head. "Like you would have sex with Leopold Blanchard."

Her stomach flipped and she found she couldn't stop herself from saying: "Not willingly."

The change in her father was immediate. He straightened his back and all color drained from his face. His hand shook as he took hers and he struggled to speak. "Regina…Did…Did that bastard rape you?"

A lump formed in her throat and tears pricked her eyes as she nodded. It felt like telling Robin and Emma about everything all over again, the emotions all bubbling back to the surface. The doubt, the shame, the sadness, and the anger all swirled inside her as a hurricane of emotions threatening to blow her away.

Henry pulled her into his arms, holding her close. She felt his body shake and a few tears landed on her back. "I'm sorry, baby girl. I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault, Daddy," she said, voice scratchy. "You didn't know. I didn't tell anyone for years."

"I should've known, though. You had just changed overnight. Withdrawn, moody, jumpy, always sad…I should've known. I should've pressed. Maybe I could've helped you," he sobbed.

She shook her head, holding him closer. "I didn't tell anyone. I couldn't. Not even Daniel realized something was wrong with me."

"But I did," he replied. "I could tell something was wrong with you but I did nothing. Maybe if I asked you, it could've stopped earlier. Maybe I could've prevented it."

"You helped me, Daddy, you did. You saw I was depressed and you got me help. That's why I really started to see Dr. Espenson. She specializes in working with rape victims," Regina explained. She wanted her father to know that he did more for her than he thought he did and that she was grateful. Words were failing her though so she just hugged him tighter.

They held each other until her father pulled away. He was pale and his cheeks wet with his tears. Pain filled his brown eyes as he looked into hers. "Oh, my sweet girl. You've lived through more pain and heartache than you should've. I should've done a better job protecting you."

"You did a great job, Daddy," she gasped out. "I love you."

He nodded. "I love you too."

"I think Henry should get some rest now," Emma said softly, approaching with the syringe.

Regina frowned. "I thought that was only in case he grew hysterical and we couldn't calm him down?"

Henry shook his head. "No, I think the sedative will help me calm down to get some rest. I'd suggest you having something as well but I know it's dangerous for my grandbabies."

"Yes," she agreed, feeling Robin's strong hand on her shoulder. She clasped it. "But I have Robin. He's good at keeping away the nightmares. It's his superpower."

He gave her a reassuring squeeze as Henry nodded, looking up at Robin. "Take good care of her, my boy."

"I will," Robin said softly, giving her a gentle tug. "Come on, Regina. We both have a long day tomorrow."

She shook her head, knowing where her place was for a bit longer. "I'm going to stay with my father. I'll be in once he goes to sleep."

Robin nodded, kissing her forehead. "I'll be waiting, lovely. Good night, sir."

"Good night, Robin," Henry croaked, settling under his covers. Regina arranged the blankets around him as Emma prepared the sedative.

She paused as she hovered the needle over his arm, frowning. "Are you sure you want this?"

"Yes," he said. "I don't think I'll be able to get a good night's rest with my guilt right now."

Regina's guilt tugged at her as she laid down next to him, curling against him though she remained over the covers. "You have nothing to be guilty about, Daddy. You did everything you could."

He chuckled wryly as Emma injected him with the sedative. "I'm sure you think so, darling. But you tell me if you wouldn't feel the same way if something bad happened to Roland or those twins you're carrying. Because I think you would."

She didn't have to respond because she knew he was right. No matter how much reason told her she couldn't always prevent something bad from happening to her children, she also knew she would blame herself when they did. She would feel she could've done more and she was certain Robin would feel the same—that he has felt the same.

Regina clung to her father as he drifted off to sleep, unsure if she was seeking comfort or giving it. Perhaps it was both.

A/N: Here's the newest chapter! I made my goal of posting it before Disney, mostly because I decided to move the press conference to the next chapter. So don't worry, you'll see it. What will become of Gold and Leopold? Will we learn why Gold agreed to Cora's plan? Will Emma and Neal meet again?

Find out next time!

-Mac