Chapter 13

The Summer Palace.

The next morning once the two women had waved off David, they headed down by the lake after informing Ruby that they were to venture out for the day. This was for two reasons. One being that they wanted to make the most of being together and the other being that Emma wanted to take Regina's mind off of recent events and she knew despite giving her back the treasured box, the brunette was sad as it brought back memories of the loss of her father.

"What are we doing down here?" Regina looks around seeing no one else in sight then turns to the Princess with a questioning expression.

Grinning, Emma takes hold of both her hands then stops by the lake front. "Another place I used to come to as a child although I was never allowed on the water for being too small" sitting herself down on the small wooden bench that faces the water while pulling the brunette with her, the blonde looks serious. "I thought that maybe we could talk about us.." Seeing the panicked look that covers Regina's face suddenly, the Princess smiles. "We..made a big step last night with the whole, 'I love you's' and I just want to know how you feel about being..part of the royals? If it is something you can adjust to.."

Frowning, the brunette nods. "I..well its certainly different to what I'm used to but I..I think I can adjust to it. Right now it feels like a..dream of some sort and that tomorrow I will wake up back in the attic..why are you asking me this?"

Shaking her head, Emma scoots closer and wraps an arm around the woman's shoulders. "Never going to happen and I just..wanted to know because..I do love you and if you can't settle into this life then we won't be a part of it.."

Looking shocked, Regina gulps before trying to find her words. "You..you would...give this all up for...me?"

Taking hold of the brunette by her chin, the blonde looks her straight in the eye. "Absolutely.."

The brunette slowly smiles into a grin then leans forward in a shy manner to kiss the Princess softly. "There is something I need to tell you..about the night of the ball and how I got to you.."

Not being able to tear her eyes away from the woman after their kiss, Emma looks in awe. "..oh?"

"It was..a fairy..who is apparently my fairy godmother..she..used magic to get me ready after mother..ripped my dress I made, to ensure I wouldn't get the chance to go but thanks to Tinkerbell, I did" Regina confesses while looking back, hoping that her confession doesn't make the blonde think she is crazy.

Emma looks amazed and rubs circles along the top of the brunette's arm. "Really? Like you actually got to meet one? I've heard stories of different mystical beings and magic but I have yet to encounter it myself.."

"Well maybe you could meet her? I'm not sure if she will come but I could try?"

Eyes widening in excitement, the Princess nods. Regina smiles then takes a breath before closing her eyes and calling for the fairy. "Tinkerbell? I don't really know what to say but if you can hear me I-"

"I always hear you Regina"

Looking over her shoulder, the brunette twists around on the bench to see a smiling Tinkerbell in fairy form, hovering while facing them. The fairy chuckles at Emma's current stunned face then transforms to human form to talk to them. "Hello Regina, and Princess it is nice to finally meet the one who Regina was so desperate to see"

The brunette looks away going red as the blonde grins proudly. "That's me.."

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The King and Queen's Castle.

Walking down the steps to the kitchen, Snow stands in the doorway and nods towards Granny who approaches her then follows the Queen's gaze towards the redhead by the sink. Leaning over to the cook, Snow whispers. "How is she doing?"

Granny nods impressed and smiles. "Actually she is a hard worker..she must want to prove herself..I haven't even had to ask her to do the majority of what she has done, just got on with it herself"

The Queen gradually smiles then clears her throat to gain the girl's attention. Turning the tap off, Zelena looks over and bows her head. "Your majesty? Did you need my assistance?"

"Yes, actually I do..can you follow me" Snow gestures towards the stairs then gives Granny's arm a quick squeeze in thanks before walking out with the redhead behind her.

Entering the main hall, the Queen glances across at the worried looking woman. "Zelena, I want this to work and Granny has just informed me that you have been doing a great job..so I was hoping we could talk about you?"

Zelena frowns confused then bites her lip. "Talk about me? No one ever wants to talk about me.."

"Have a seat"

As the pair sit side by side in the couch in front of the fire, Snow looks to her curiously. "Zelena was there ever a time in your life that you and your sister were close?"

Looking down to her hands, fiddling with them nervously, the redhead nods. "Yes..I remember one time our father took us to the bakery and there was this boy who had started picking on Regina for what she was wearing..because she had this one dress that was her favourite so she wore it all the time and eventually, it got a few holes along the arm but she still was determined to wear it. I hated when I saw that she started to cry and so I gave her my half of our pocket money to spend..but in the end she clubbed it with her own a brought a cake in the bakery and shared it with me..she had cream all over her face but it didn't matter because her smile was back..she was five at the time"

Watching the young girl grow teary, Snow takes a deep breath and goes to place her hand on top of Zelena's. The redhead shakes her head abruptly and stands. "This was all a bad idea, I should never have come here..I do not deserve her forgiveness. I'm sorry that I have wasted your time your majesty. Please any allowance I may have been given, give to Regina upon her return" rushing to the door, Zelena ignores the call of the Queen and grabs her cloak before leaving the castle.

Snow watches her run and sighs while rubbing her head. The girl was visibly tormented over how she treated her sister and the Queen then realized, Zelena didn't just need to work on forgiveness from Regina but she needed to also forgive herself.

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The Mills Estate.

Pacing around from lack of sleep due to the sudden reappearance of her dead husband, Cora glances up towards the hallway door seeing Henry appear. "I don't understand why are you back?"

"Because he brought me back Cora. I know his plan and as much as I do not want to be a part of it, I want to see my Regina. You sent me away..and I will never fully understand why you did it..why you sent me away on business to never return but, I have recently been informed of what has happened with regards to the treatment of my daughter and I will not stand by and let her suffer at your hands..not anymore" Henry glares at his estranged wife before making his way into the living room.

Watching him cautiously, Cora chuckles. "You really think you're a match for me dear? Please try. I will get what I want and as usual, you are the one to help me do it..your actions Henry, will destroy Regina and she will turn to the darkness..maybe even turn to me for guidance. Just you wait and see"

Shaking his head, the older man takes an apple from the table before turning back to the door. "Never. She will be fine because she will have me and from what I have been told, the Princess and her family..we will keep her grounded so not matter what you try, you will not win..you Cora will get what is coming to you, mark my words"

Waiting until Henry has left, Cora sighs clearly worried about what is to happen but one thing she knew, she wasn't about to show that she was scared of Henry.

Even though this time, she actually was.

A/N: what do you think Henry is capable of? What will happen upon Regina's return to find her sister had been there?

P.S. I feel like I am voicing a preview on the next chapter like a new episode...haha