The Gateway

by IrishBella

They are walking down the passageway, Henry between them. He is clinging to both of their hands so tightly Emma and Regina wonder if he will rip them right off. "There is no need to be frightened, Henry." Regina whispers as she places her free hand on his cheek. "Your mom is right, Kid," Emma says as they stop walking, "we'll be alright, we can do anything."

11. Matutine

Happy March Lovelies!
You have no idea how excited I am right now! I recently received the great news that I got the job I applied for and will be a counselor for the Crisis Text Line (which you should all look up because it is super helpful if you're ever feeling low and want to talk to someone).
I have also had my daily dose of caffeine and totally dominated my early morning exam today. AND IT'S ALMOST ST. PADDY'S DAY! and for an Irish girl like me with a gigantic Irish family-it's literally the best holiday EVER! ;)
So to celebrate I have a 7000+ chapter for you! And perhaps I will have time this evening to continue writing this story. I'm very excited that we're getting back to the Enchanted Forest and this chapter includes the dream that actually started this entire fic-it's the last section (and yes I know it took 11 chapters to get here-but I hope it was worth it)

I'd like to give a shoutout to barnabus67 for leaving a review and giving me the idea for some of these flashbacks

Much love,
IrishBella

Apologies for any typos-I'm posting this during my lecture (oops) and I haven't had a chance to spellcheck

Enjoy!

matutine:
(adj.) just before the dawn

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"A secret lever," Emma whispers in awe, "that's so COOL!"
Regina rolls her eyes at her wife's child-like wonder, "now that we can get there, we'll have to pack."
"Glad finding The Gateway hasn't pulled the stick out of your ass, Gi," Zelena says as she rolls her eyes, "wouldn't want you to get excited when we finally figured it out!"
Regina glares as Zelena puts on the fakest, most innocent smile anyone has ever seen. They both wait for Emma to add her two cents but nothing ever comes. The sisters' turn and see Emma still standing in front of the passage staring into the dark corridor.
"Emma?" Regina asks as she moves closer.
"We didn't even need those damn books! The Gateway was here the entire fucking time! Has this been here the entire time we've lived here? Did we unconsciously buy this house without knowing there was magic in the basement? Was this another fucking trick of fate? UGH! Why didn't we find this sooner? Now we have to wait until morning to leave! What if something terrible is happening? They could all be dying right now or being slaughtered as we speak. We should go now. We have to go now. It's only logical to leave right now. I'll go get the kids and we can-"
Regina steps in front of Emma and cuts off her rant by putting her hands on Emma's cheeks and turns her head so their eyes meet. When Emma stops talking and stares into Regina's eyes she smiles and whispers, "Breathe," to Emma.
Emma gives a shy smile and says, "Sorry. I just ramble when I'm nervous and I'm definitely nervous."
Regina smiles, "I know dear, but we will figure it out. It would not be logical to leave tonight. We have to pack things for our children and it would be best to let them get at least one more restful nights sleep before we turn their lives upside down." She leans in and kisses Emma's cheek.
Zelena rolls her eyes at the display and says, "Robin and I will have to go home and retrieve our things."
"Of course," Regina says as she faces her sister, "if it would be easier, you can leave Roland and Kelly here while you pack your things."
Zelena nods and says, "that will undoubtedly be easiest."
Emma has tuned out the sisters and is looking back at the entrance to The Gateway. She doesn't know how she's going to be able to wait until morning.
"Emma?" Regina questions as she tries to pull her wife out of her thoughts.
"Earth to the Savior," Zelena says snapping her fingers in front of Emma's face.
She is shaken out of her thoughts and glares and Zelena, who merely smirks and walks towards the stairs, "Z," she waits until Zelena turns around "we leave at dawn," she says as her voice drops an octave.
Zelena laughs and Regina rolls her eyes, "must you be so dramatic?"
Emma smirks and puts an arm around Regina's waist, "no, but it's much more fun this way, babe." This earns her another eye roll and Regina pulls away to walk towards the stairs.
"Come along dear, we should tell Henry the good news and try to get at least attempt to get some sleep before our departure."
They walk up the stairs to see Robin and Zelena carrying Roland and Kelly up the stairs to place them in the guest room. Henry is practically vibrating with excitement as he runs towards them. "Aunt Z wouldn't say anything but they're taking the kids upstairs. What's going on? Did you find anything?"
Regina and Emma look at each other and share a smile before turning back towards their son. "We found it," Regina says with a smile directed at her oldest child.
"You found it?" Henry asks in disbelief, "where?"
"Behind the bookshelf in the basement," Emma says with a chuckle. It truly does sound ridiculous.
"Behind the bookshelf? Are you kidding me? That's awesome!" Henry screams until he realizes everyone is sleeping and immediately gives a sheepish smile. "When can I see it?"
Regina gives a soft smile as she sees the resemblance between the look Henry just gave her and the look that Emma gave her earlier in the basement. It warms her heart to know that their children truly have both of their best qualities. "We're leaving in the morning," she says as she looks between Henry and Emma.
Henry turns to Emma and asks, "at dawn?" in the same voice she had used in the basement with Zelena.
Regina laughs and shakes her head as Emma high-fives Henry and says, "Yeah, kid, and please tell your other mother that that is the only correct saying when you leave for battle."
Henry looks at his brunette mother and says, "well duh Mom, what else would you say?"
Regina looks taken aback, "did you just say 'duh' to me young man?" She raises her eyebrow.
Henry smiles sheepishly again and says, "I mean, come on Mom, of course you have to quote that. Nothing else compares."
Regina shakes her head and says, "Why don't you go pack some things while your mother and I grab your sisters. Pack light but smart, Henry. We do not know what we will find when we get to your grandparents castle."
Henry nods and walks up the staircase and Zelena and Robin come back down.
"They're asleep in the guest room," Zelena says as she moves toward Regina. "We shall see you in the morning."
"At dawn," Robin adds with a grin.
Emma is so impressed she even gives him a fist bump. Respect she thinks to herself, who knew Forest Boy understood the reference.
Zelena and Regina merely roll their eyes. Zelena and Robin make their leave and Emma and Regina take their daughters upstairs.
They silently pack things for Tommy and the twins. It's a somber event. Few clothes are taken since they know modern clothing is not exactly cut out for the Enchanted Forest. They mostly take onesies for the twins and pajamas for all three of the children. They pack an entire bag of diapers and a container of wipes, but they know they will not last very long and that upsets Regina more than she's willing to let on. I want to give them everything and here I am taking them to the old world where they will not know anything, where the world is dangerous-more dangerous than anything they have ever experienced-and I'm not even batting an eyelash. I am obviously losing my mind. It's Emma. I would do anything for her. Even checking on her idiot parents. I wonder what they possibly could have done now to need their precious Savior back in their lives. Honestly, I'm surprised they have lasted this long. It's been four years, that's 3 years, 11 months, and 28 days longer than I anticipated. If I'm being honest, I expected them to follow us over…

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"Emma you can't be serious."
"Dead serious," Emma says without batting an eye.
"Emma-" Snow sighs.
"No Mary Margaret. This is not a discussion."
"But-"
"No!" Emma shouts and then flinches at her own volume and the attention she's drawn to herself. "I'm sorry," she mutters, "I just- I don't want you to talk me out of this, okay? I need to do this. We need to do this."
"We?"
"Yes, we," Emma says with a sad chuckle, "Regina and I are going to do this, but we're going to do it back there. A place where Henry can grow up with a semi normal life. A life where no one will judge him because his mom cursed their family. Where he can be safe and we won't have to worry about fairy-tale issues every other day."
"He deserves to know where he comes from, Emma," Snow tries to reason.
"He's from there Mary Margaret. I'm from there." Before Snow can jump in she raises her hand, "I know, I know. I was born here and this is where you're from, but I grew up there. Henry grew up there. That's what we know. And it's where we belong. It'll give us a fresh start."
"You'll forget everything! Is that the only way you can be with her?" Snow accuses.
"Of course not!" Emma yells defensively. She looks around at the onlookers and lowers her voice. Again. "Of course not Mary Margaret. We are working on our issues. But it's pretty hard to do that when you're constantly fighting off magical attacks. We all need this Mary Margaret. A fresh start is going to be good for us. Regina won't have to worry about constantly protecting us from people who see her as the enemy. Even after all this time she's saved their ass's they still don't want to believe she's changing and it's frustrating for everyone. Regina's upset because it's hurting Henry and I and Henry and I are upset because Regina's trying to pretend it doesn't affect her, but she's not some object without feelings. She's a human being and it does affect her, whether she's showing it or not."
Mary Margaret is shocked into silence. She never imagined her daughter would fall for her former stepmother-turned-arch-nemesis-turned-ally. She smirks as she thinks about how Regina would react to being called an ally. She's always tried to be a bit aloof about the whole thing, but Snow knows better. She's always been able to see through Regina's acts. Well, almost all of them she thinks bitterly. Except the time she was plotting my father's murder and trying to kill me. I did not see that coming. She shakes herself out of her dark thoughts. She was not the same back then. She was consumed by grief that manifested into anger. She needed someone to love her and everyone used her. I should have tried harder, it would have been different, but it could have been better. No. I refuse to believe that. Without her I wouldn't have met Charming. Without her there would be no Emma, no Henry. That world seems dull and loveless. I have my family now, and that is because of Regina-that includes Regina. She suddenly nods her head at her daughter. Her precious daughter. Oh! How it hurts her heart to know she had no part in raising her, but she can't change that, all she can do is love her now. But if she leaves…no, I have to let her make her own decisions. She'll do what's right. It's what she does. "I want you to be happy, Emma."
Emma gives a shy smile, "Regina and Henry make me happy. They're my family. My safe place. And I will do everything in my power to make them happy. If that means going back and starting over, then that's what we'll do."
Snow gives a sad smile as she places a hand on her stomach. Emma looks down and something in her eyes change. Snow gives her a quizzical look and suddenly it all clicks into place, "Oh Emma," she says as she walks toward her daughter. Emma takes a step back and Snow freezes. She doesn't want me to comfort her? I can't even comfort my own daughter. Snow's eyes fill with tears but she needs to get this out. "Emma. I love you. I love you more than anything. You know that, right?" she whispers the last part but she knows Emma hears her.
"Of course. You gave birth to me. Your blood runs through my veins, I guess that's pretty important huh?" Emma says, never looking up from the floor.
"Emma. Look at me," she waits until she has Emma's attention. "Being family is not about genetics, it's about love, Emma." She grabs her daughter's hand and holds tight. "We did what we thought was right. It hurt me more than you know to have to give you up. I was supposed to go with you, you know."
Emma gives her a shocked look, "you were?" she whispers.
Snow nods because she can't control her voice. She pushes through the emotion to convey exactly what needs to be said. "Of course Emma! You were an entire month early! We were supposed to travel through the wardrobe together. I was supposed to raise you, to teach you things about our world and prepare you for your destiny, but you came early. And the curse-oh the course was upon on before we had a chance to breathe. I would have done anything to go with you. You have no idea how hard I cried, how I tried to think of any other option."
"You could have kept me," Emma whispers.
Snow's throat closes against the emotion threatening to take over, "Oh Emma, I thought of that. Of course I wanted to keep you, but we also had to think of the kingdom. Was it truly selfless to keep their one chance at their happy endings for my own selfish reasons? Would their suffering be overruled by us being together? And who knows what the curse would have done to us. We just didn't know."
"We would have been together. Which curse is worse?" Emma mumbles looking away.
"Emma, I wish more than anything that things were different, that things didn't happen the way that they did. But there's nothing I can do about that. Things are the way that they are and we can't change that. What we can do is change our future. Spend our time together learning about each other and being a family."
Emma shakes her head, "I want that, I do, but I'm going back with them. I have to."
Snow feels the tears now, "I understand. You'll do anything for your family." She gives a sad smile.
Emma squeezes her hand, "you're my family too Mary Margaret. You and David and the Unborn," she smiles.
Snow smiles back, "I want you to know that we are not replacing you Emma. You're our daughter and we love you more than anything."
"I know," Emma whispers, "you didn't even remember you had a daughter when you found out you were pregnant. Oh god," she says as she looks at Snow with wide eyes, "we talked about our sex lives together. We told stories. Oh god we compared notes." Emma covers her face with her hands.
Snow laughs out loud and pulls Emma's hands away from her face, "Not quite the mother-daughter bonding I was expecting, but any time I get to spend with you is special, Emma."
"Weird." Emma says, shaking her head.
Snow laughs again and asks, "Can I give you a hug?"
Emma smiles and nods. They hug each other and they're both sobbing, clutching to each other like a lifeline they've never utilized.
"I want to go with you," Snow whispers when they finally pull a part.
Emma shakes her head, "You can't. You have a kingdom to run. I won't deny it and say that I don't want you to come, but if we lost our memories we wouldn't even remember that you were my mom and I'm not sure if I could handle any more awkward sex conversations." Snow laughs as she continues, "this is your home. You and David belong here. You're the queen. Which is super weird by the way. But it's kinda cool, and your people need you to stay and take care of them."
Snow shakes her head, "they don't matter as much as you."
Emma smiles and places her hand on Snow's stomach, "that's why they need you. And you need to raise my little sib in their rightful home."
"They deserve to know their sister," Snow says as the tears fall again.
"Well, I happen to know for a fact that you tell some pretty awesome stories, and the fact that their sister saved the world is probably the best story in the entire world," Emma says with a laugh.
Snow laughs along and shakes her head, "and suddenly you have saved the entire world? This story keeps getting bigger and bigger, Emma."
"Gotta give the people what they want," Emma says with a shrug.
Snow smiles and says, "I just want you to be happy, Emma."
"I know. You being a queen and all will make me happy because it'll make you happy. And maybe that's a little backwards because I'm your daughter and all that, but oh well, our whole situation is a little backwards."
"That it is," Snow says quietly as she squeezes Emma's hand, "but I don't think I would want to change it. You're an amazing person, Emma. I may not have had the chance to raise you but I would certainly like to know more about you."
Emma nods and with a watery smile says, "I'd like that."
Regina smiles at the scene and waves her hand in front of the mirror, making it disappear. Maybe it's not the best to be spying on her girlfriend, but she doesn't care. She was merely making sure they didn't hurt each other or Snow didn't try to brainwash Emma into believing she was under a spell. Yeah, that's it she thinks wryly.

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Regina shakes her head at the memory and looks back to see her wife standing in the middle of the nursery with a hand over her stomach.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Regina asks as she stands next to Emma.
"Just thinking about when we moved in, how Z and Forest Boy helped set everything up, how we couldn't decide on a color for the walls, how we took turns freaking out about having twins. Just- everything," Emma says with a sigh.
Regina wraps her arms around Emma's waist and rests her head on Emma's shoulder. "I know," she whispers, "this place has plenty of memories."
"But we'll be back," Emma says surely. She poses, "right?" as a silent question.
"I believe so," Regina says, "I would like to believe that we will continue to stand by our decision to raise our family here, but if that changes I'm sure we'll discuss that when and if the time comes."
Emma nods, "but will we remember?"
Regina smiles and kisses Emma's cheek, "we'll remember our love for each other and our children, and if that's all we remember then that's enough for me."
Emma smiles and turns in Regina's arms so they're face to face. "Thank you. For not letting me freak out and for reminding me that I have everything important to me and that's all that matters."
"Of course darling," Regina says with a smile, "I love you."
"I love you too," Emma says as she leans in to kiss her wife.
They look around the nursery one more time and then grab the bags they have packed and move to their bedroom. They hardly pack anything of their own-they know that there's a limited amount of things they can carry and that should be devoted to their children. They also know that once they get back into the Enchanted Forest, they'll have access to magic and can use that.
Once everything is packed, they move the bags to the top of the staircase and move back into their bedroom. They lean against the headboard with their arms wrapped around each other.
"What do you think we'll find?" Emma whispers as she leans her forehead against her wife's.
"I honestly do not know dear, but whatever it is I hope we can resolve it quickly and get back to our lives here," Regina says as she runs her hand soothingly along Emma's upper arm.
Emma nods, "I'm sure work will keep piling up for both of us."
"At this point, that is the least of our worries darling. We have both been given time off and we will figure everything else out upon our return," Regina says.
Always the voice of reason, Emma thinks with a smile. "I love you," she whispers.
"I love you as well darling. Perhaps we should try to catch whatever sleep we can before the sun rises."
Again with the reasoning, Emma kisses her wife's forehead and they lay like this until sleep overcomes them both.

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"Regina! Open up or we'll-"
"You'll what dear?" Regina asks as she materializes in front of the Charming's, causing them to jump backwards. She grins widely as she asks, "You'll huff and you'll push and you'll blow my house in? I did not realize you brought your pet with you to the party." Regina turns to see Red looking incredibly uncomfortable a few steps behind Snow and her shepherd. "Oh right, she's not that wolf." Snow's face is redder than Regina has ever been privy to see and she takes satisfaction in knowing that she is the cause.
They are standing in front of Regina's castle, on the other side of the gate. Snow and Charming's knights are armed and standing at the ready while Regina's own guard's are behind the gate, ready to protect their queen at all costs.
Regina rolls her eyes at her former stepdaughter and says, "I do hope you didn't make a trip here just to see me, Snow, because I do believe you have wasted your time. Enjoy your trip back." Regina turns and walks away from the couple.
"Enough Witch!" Charming yells as he moves forward with his sword in front of him, "we are here to take back our castle."
Regina laughs at him, "Oh Snow! You didn't tell me your shepherd had a voice!" she coos, her voice takes on a condescending tone when addressing the princess, "and as for you Shepherd" she sneers the name, "you have nothing. This is not your castle and you have never even been to these parts, even in your short, short time as a king. You have no right to come here demanding I let you take over. You banished me remember? You do not have any reason to come here making demands you cannot control. You may see yourself as a leader now, but believe me Shepherd, a leader you are not. You and Snow were in charge of running the kingdom for an incredibly short amount of time and you had already run all of my hard work into the ground. Your kingdom was in ruins. Now that we are back, you can pick up where you left off, but I will not allow you to drag my subjects and myself down with you."
"Your hard work? HA! That was thanks to Snow's father, Witch, do not give yourself so much credit." Charming says with the point of his sword pushing towards Regina.
She does not back down, "Oh you naïve little shepherd. Where do you think Snow learned to run a kingdom? That blubbering baboon could not run a kingdom any more than he could grow hair on his head. It took me years to bring that kingdom back to its glory and you, in mere months, ruined everything. So, yes, my hard work, Shepherd. And I will not allow you to ruin this castle and it's inhabitants either."
"We are entering that castle, Witch, and we will cut you down in the process if necessary." Charming moves closer to her.
Regina merely sneers at him as if he is beneath her, she turns to Snow as if Charming is not even there, which immediately causes him to glare. "Snow, I am warning you, you do not want this fight. It will not be an easy fight. I have my subjects, I have my entire Guard, and I will not allow you to just waltz in here and take what you please."
"Regina…." She starts.
"No. Haven't you taken enough?" Regina asks, hating how her voice trembles.
Snow doesn't respond but suddenly Charming can't take any more, "enough of the riddles, Witch! You spent years trying to kill her and why? Did you not get enough satisfaction out of killing her father, the king? Was that not enough for your blood thirst?"
"You didn't tell him?" Regina asks, directing her question at Snow, "no of course not." Regina shakes her head, "that would mean taking responsibility for something and that's never been a strong point for you, has it?"
Snow wants to say something but again, Charming jumps in, "I say no more. You should have died already but I am not above killing you myself to save my family!"
"Enough Shepherd!" Regina yells and she brings forth a fireball. Everyone in the White Guard draws their weapons and Regina's own guards prepare theirs. "You forget that your darling grandson happens to be my son! I raised him and loved him for 10 years. He is my son and I will not have you fill his head with lies. You will return to your kingdom and no harm will come to anyone. If you choose to stay then I cannot extend the same courtesy."
Charming raises his sword and Snow yells, "Wait!" He lowers it and looks to his wife with a puzzled expression.
Regina turns to Snow with a smirk, "ah, so you do speak dear. And hear I was beginning to wonder if you had gone mute."
Snow does not respond as she walks around her husband to stand in front of her former stepmother. "Why are you doing this?" she asks.
"What am I doing? You show up to my castle-where you banished me and expect me to just allow you access? You are here preparing for a battle that you will not win dear."
"We do not wish to fight," Snow whispers. This gives Regina pause; she lowers her hands and extinguishes the flames until Charming jumps forward.
"What?!" he yells. "You cannot be serious Snow? This is our castle! We have every right to be here."
"Enough," Snow says. She's exhausted. The trip back had been hard for her, hard on the baby, and she just wants to sleep. Their castle is in ruins; it is no longer safe there. She turns to her former stepmother and gives a small smile, "Please Regina, we just need a place to stay."
"You are not here to 'take back the castle'?" Regina asks dubiously.
Snow shakes her head, "I just want a safe place to sleep."
"You're having trouble sleeping, dear?" Regina asks with a smirk, "I believe I have something for that."
"Ha ha, Regina. I'm being serious."
"As am I dear."
"What is going on?!" Charming demands, "you!" he yells at Regina, "you will not joke about casting curses."
"Or what Shepherd? You have no power here." Regina barely gets her sentence out when Charming jumps toward her, pinning her against the gate with his sword to her neck.
"Hey!" A voice calls from the back. Suddenly there's a flash of blonde and red and Emma is standing in front of them.
"We've been here already Shepherd, looks like you falling behind." Charming pushes his sword harder against her neck.
Emma grabs his arm to pull him back without thinking and the blade breaks the skin of Regina's neck. "Regina!" she yells as she moves in front of her. Regina pushes away from her and touches her hand to her neck only to come away with blood.
"Mom!" Regina's head snaps up as she sees Henry run up to her and wrap his arms around her waist.
"You brought my son to a battle?" Regina hisses as she glares at Emma, "what were you thinking?!"
Emma has the decency to look ashamed but Henry draws Regina's attention back to him, "I came because I don't want you to get hurt, but you already did."
"Henry step back," Charming says as he moves forward again.
"NO! You can't hurt my mom! She said she wouldn't hurt you. You're the hero, you shouldn't hurt her!" He yells as he squeezes Regina tighter.
"Henry," she whispers as she runs her fingers through his hair, "you should not be here dear. It's not safe."
"I don't care. I'm not leaving. I'm staying with you, Mom."
She sees Charming make a move towards him and she raises a fireball in her free hand, "Come near my son and I will not hold back, Shepherd."
"That is my grandson, Witch, and you will not take him away."
"He is my son and he is choosing to stay."
Charming takes another step closer and says, "You have him under a spell. It's not actually him choosing."
Regina rolls her eyes and distinguishes the flame in her palm. In the same movement she flicks her wrist and Charming goes flying backwards. "Stop talking about things you do not understand, Shepherd." She turns to Snow, who has remained quiet, she rolls her eyes and turns to face Emma, "this is utterly ridiculous. I am taking my son inside. If you wish to join fine." She turns back to Snow and actually feels compassion for her former stepdaughter, where is this coming from? she wonders, I cannot feel bad for her. So, her castle is in ruins and she's having a hard time with her pregnancy. I do not care. Nope. Not even a little bit. But it's no use. Regina sighs and says, "If you were being truthful about not being here for attack I will grant you access. And a place to rest," she adds as she sees Snow moving from side to side in discomfort, "when is the last time you had some sleep, Snow? You look haggard." Snow looks down at her feet like a scolded child. Regina sighs, "come along dear, you may keep two armed guards with you if you feel the need, but all other needs to relinquish their weapons before entering the castle. I will not allow a coup to happen under my nose."
"Thank you Regina," Snow says with a smile. She turns to address her knights but she doesn't miss the eye roll or the small smile Regina sends her.
"Come along Henry, Miss Swan," she acknowledges Henry's other mother, "I suppose it is time to set up the other chambers."
"Can I pick out my own?!" Henry asks bouncing on the balls of his feet, his hand never leaving his mother's.
Regina smiles down at his excitement and nods, "Of course dear. I would prefer if you were to choose chambers near mine, but you are free to choose wherever you like."
Henry smiles, "I want to be by you Mom! Will Kam be there? Can he teach me more sword stuff?"
Regina smiles, "Kam will be near as well, and I'm sure he is just as excited about your swordsmanship as you are."
"Doubtful," Emma murmurs. She's shocked when she notices Regina staring at her; she hadn't expected to be heard. Upon seeing Regina's eyebrow reaching her hairline she explains, "well, it's just that Henry hasn't stopped talking about Kam and his lesson since we last left. I think it actually hurt David that he hadn't been the one to teach Henry about swords."
Regina rolls her eyes, "the Shepherd's feelings of inadequacy are the least of my concern."
Emma chuckles and watches as Henry sees Kam and immediately runs up to him. Kam bows to Regina and then acknowledges Henry, "Hello, Young Prince."
Henry wrinkles his nose and turns to Regina, "does he have to call me that? It's weird."
Regina smiles and says, "You may call him Henry, Kam."
But Kam shakes his head, "My apologies, Young Prince, but I will not be one assume such a formality in front of visiting dignitaries," he sneers the word and Regina smirks. "When we practice your sword skills, I will call you Henry, but in front of your mother, the queen and your other family, I will address you by your title."
Henry's face contorts in thought, "I guess," he finally admits.
Kam smiles and rests a hand on Henry's shoulder, "You will become accustomed to our ways soon enough."
Henry nods and then asks excitedly, "When can we train again?"
Kam contemplates and then looks to Regina, "Perhaps today yet?"
Regina nods and says, "after dinner."
"Thanks Mom!" Henry practically squeals as he throws his arms around his mother. He smiles up at her and asks, "Can we go look at my room now?"
Regina smiles and kisses his forehead, "of course dear. Come along Miss Swan, your room will be in this wing as well," Emma smiles because that means she'll be near both Regina and Henry and she didn't even have to put up a fight about it. "Right next to your parents," Regina adds with a grin that could only be described as sadistic. Emma's good mood is immediately ruined.
"See you after supper!" Henry says to Kam.
Kam bows to Henry and then bows lower to Regina, "Your Majesty," he acknowledges. He turns to Emma and barely inclines his head, "Princess," he mocks.
Regina rolls her eyes and admonishes, "Kam."
He gives a smile that is anything but innocent and stands up straight, immediately back on guard. If Emma didn't know any better she'd assume he was merely a statue placed against the wall for decoration. "Your Highness," he addresses Snow with a small bow (that looks like more of a nod) as she finally joins the group.
She nods at him and then looks to Regina, "my knights have been given their orders. These two," she points to two directly behind her, "will stay with David and I, and the rest will give up their weapons."
Regina nods and turns back to Kam, "I trust you will be able to handle the knights from here?"
"Of course, Your Majesty," Kam says with a nod of acknowledgement.
"Very well. Come along Snow, I was just about to show everyone to their quarters. Will your charming little shepherd be joining us this evening?" she asks with a smirk.
Snow merely rolls her eyes and says, "He's taking some time to cool off."
"Hot head," Regina mutters, earning a chuckle from Henry and a smirk from both Kam and Emma. "Alright," she says louder, "then let's get this over with."
"So positive," Emma remarks, earning her a glare. She simple smirks and follows after Henry.
Everyone is shown their rooms. Henry is ecstatic that his room is "so big!" and the fact that he's right next to his mother is definitely a plus for him. He would never admit it, but he missed his mother and knowing she's close again and will protect him from everything (including the nightmares no one knows about) is a huge plus. She never said anything in front of Emma or Snow but as soon as she showed him his room she pulled him over to the wall and pointed out a brick to him.
"What's this?" he asks.
"If you push this brick right here, the wall will shift and you can enter my chambers without having to leave your room. No one will see you and no one will have to know you had a nightmare. It can be our little secret," she says with a small wink.
"I won't need it," he says looking away.
"I know. But just in case," Regina says as she brushes away hair from his eyes.
"Perhaps-um-perhaps it'll be good to know in case I have to check on you," he stutters as he looks at the wall.
"Yes," Regina concedes, "that would be very beneficial for us both."
Henry smiles.
She winks and wraps him in a hug. "Do you want to talk about them?" He shakes his head against her stomach and holds her tighter. She rubs his back and kisses his forehead, "alright then, but you need to sleep dear."
He doesn't say anything for a minute and then quietly asks, "How did you know?"
"I am your mother Henry, it's my job to notice these things about you. I raised you, I know all of your tells."
Henry smiles up at her, "Thanks Mom."
"Of course darling. Now, let's go see if Miss Swan and Snow have settled in."
"Then dinner?"
Regina smiles, "yes dear."
"Then sword fighting lessons?"
"Yes," Regina says with a chuckle.
Henry moves away from Regina and fist pumps the air, "Yesssssss!" he exclaims as he turns to run out of his room.
She smiles and shakes her head as she heads out of the room in time to see him run up to Emma. Miss Swan, she reminds herself. They're laughing and Henry and showing her what he learned the last time he was practicing with Kam. Regina smiles at her son and then turns to see where Snow is.
She finds her in her chambers sitting on the chaise with tears in her eyes. This is no longer my job, Regina thinks as she moves to leave the room when she notices the sob go through Snow's body. She rolls her eyes but moves further into the room, "Snow?" she questions.
Snow jumps and immediately rubs away the tears from her face. "Sorry," she mutters.
"For what?" Regina asks.
"This. Everything. I know you don't want us here and there are bad memories here and you're only doing this from Emma and Henry."
"There were always bad memories here, Snow, that hasn't changed since the beginning, and what Miss Swan wants is none of my concern," Regina says haughtily.
Snow rolls her eyes, "Okay Regina. Whatever you say."
"You know nothing. You have not changes from the petulant little child you were when I first met you," Regina says and adds an eye roll for good measure.
"And yet you saved my life," Snow gives a smile.
"An unfortunate oversight," Regina says but it lacks its usual bite.
Snow smiles, "And here we are." Regina raises an eyebrow in a silent question. Snow's smile brightens and she continues, "did you ever think this would happen?"
"What Snow? My curse breaking, finding out my son is actually a descendant of your unfortunate bloodline, being sent to this god-awful world, being forced to live in this castle yet again? Take your pick dear. What would you like me to answer?"
Snow shakes her head, "Us. Being on the same side again."
"We are not on the same side. We are not a team. So get that idea out of your head immediately or I will throw you and your knights out on your asses."
Snow smiles again, "no you won't," she says quietly.
"Excuse me?" Regina challenges.
"You won't do that because no matter what you say, you care. Whether you brush all of this off as your feelings for Henry or not, you care. You care about Henry-obviously, but you also care about Emma, and even about me and my unborn child."
Regina rolls her eyes, "well it won't be their fault that they're born with the genes you've stuck them with."
Snow chuckles, "Whatever it takes to make sure you sleep at night Regina, but I know the truth."
Regina scoffs, "You truly are delusional, Snow. I merely do not wish for your death to be put on Henry at this point in time."
Snow nods sarcastically, "of course, and we wouldn't want my unborn child to suffer either."
Regina nods along and then abruptly stops, "I do not care what happens to you or your spawn."
Snow smiles, "okay Regina, I'll stop teasing you. Even if you deny how much you care, I know."
Regina rolls her eyes again, "Enough of this Snow, I do not care. Now, let's go to the dining hall. I had them prepare a special meal that hopefully will not upset the baby and your stomach should settle."
"I thought you didn't care?" Snow asks with a smirk.
"I don't," Regina says as she storms out of the room, but she's not quick enough. Snow sees the tinge of pink in her cheeks and it makes her smile. She always loved Regina and she's glad that the feeling is kind of mutual. Regina taught her so many things during her time as her stepmother. Even if she hated her, and Snow knows she did, she still took care of her. Snow smiles and follows her out of the room.
Regina is already down the hallway speaking to Henry and pointedly making a effort to ignore Emma. Snow sighs and wonders when they'll get over themselves and realize they both deserve love and that they have found it with each other. Henry is smiling and nodding and then Regina smiles back. Henry jumps up and down and grabs onto each of his mothers and drags them down the hallway towards Snow.
"Grams guess what?"
Snow looks shocked by the term of endearment but does her best to mask her surprise and smiles and asks, "What Henry?"
"Mom says I can practice riding a horse tomorrow! Wanna come watch?" He doesn't notice the way his mother stiffens, but Snow does.
"Oh-um-I don't know Henry," she starts. How does she explain that she probably shouldn't be near the stables with Regina?
"Oh right, the baby. Duh." He says, "wow. That's a little weird, I'm going to have an aunt or uncle younger than me."
Snow smiles and nods, "I suppose you're right."
"Cool," Henry says, "I'll be able to teach them so much stuff."
Regina smiles this time and she notices the other two women doing the same. Henry truly has a gift, she thinks, bringing people together is what he does best.
"Come along, dinner is ready," she says as she moves to walk to the dining hall.

SQSQSQSQSQSQ

Regina smiles in her sleep. Her dreams were actually calming her fears, for once, instead of manifesting them into something dark and dreadful. However, the woman lying next to her was not as lucky. Unbeknownst to Regina, her wife was suffering in her own dreams.

SQSQSQSQSQSQ

She's running. She doesn't know where she is and there are only tunnels. She brushes aside a spider web before it flies into her face. She feels a small hand in hers and smiles down at the little boy, "just a little further, baby." He nods and tries to keep up with his mother.
The tunnels are damp, dark, and made of stone. Emma looks at the torch holders along the walls that shine enough light to see to the next torch, but not much more. She keeps pushing forward until she can see the end in sight. "Come on baby," she encourages her young son.
They run towards the stairs and Emma stops to push the grate off of the ceiling so they can climb through. She pushes her son through and pulls herself up to follow.
The first thing she notices is that it's lighter here. They're still in the tunnels, but she can see more, and they're not as cold and damp as before. There are actually decorations on the walls she can see now. Nothing too extravagant, but a rug here, another tapestry there, tables with candelabras and suits of armor with silver and black details. She thinks it feels familiar, but she feels a sense of dread because she doesn't know why it's familiar. It shouldn't be, she doesn't know why she feels calm seeing the armor, so that makes her uncomfortable. She holds the little hand in hers a little tighter, "Ouch Momma," her son whimpers.
"Sorry, sweetie," she murmurs as she loosens her grip a little.
"There yet?" he asks.
"Almost." Her answer is met with a groan and she smiles sadly, "we're almost there, just a little further and we'll be safe. Can you make it?" He nods and she pauses to quickly kiss his cheek, "there's my little knight in shining armor." They continue on and both study the walls. Eventually Emma notices there's a door up ahead. They get to the door and pause. She notices a little brunette head looking up at her expectantly and she smiles, "here goes nothing," and opens the door.
It takes a minute to adjust to the bright light and while she's adjusting she moves her son closer to her. With one hand clasping tightly to his she pulls him close and wraps her other hand protectively over his back. She blinks until her vision returns and smiles down at her son.
"Let's do this," he says with a grin and narrowed eyes that show his determination.
She smiles and together, they walk away from the door they just entered. She notices a man wearing a red and blue turban, and an open vest with nothing underneath sitting at a table with a bunch of papers and a computer that looks like it's from 1985. What have I gotten myself into, she wonders as she walks up to the man.
"E-Em-Emma Swan," the man stutters as he immediately stands.
"Yes?" she asks confusedly. She pulls her son closer to her, hiding him behind her slightly, "how do you know my name."
"Oh-uh-you don't remember?" the man asks.
"Remember what? What is going on here?"
"Oh, nothing. I apologize," the man stutters out as he reaches for his papers, "I happen to have a list of names and made an assumption that your name would be Emma Swan, it's the only name on the list not crossed off." He shows her the paper and she sees that he is telling the truth. Well at least part of it, anyway, Emma thinks dryly.
"Of course," she mutters. "Care to explain what the hell is going on here?"
"That's not a part of what I do here. You'll have to find someone else to explain everything, Emma," the man says with a sad smile. It's then that he looks at the young boy with her and he smiles. Emma immediately tenses and steps in front of her son protectively. The man looks up and holds his hands up in surrender, "my apologizes if this is a bit much for you."
Emma nods and relaxes, "It's a lot to take in, that's for sure. Anyway, this is my son." She looks at the 4-year-old clinging to her leg and peeking around to look at the stranger in front of them. "Henry."

Hmmmm...let me know what you're thinking ;)