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."

17. Nunchi

A/N: I am SOOOOOOOO sorry about the length between updates but I've had a bit of writer's block for this story so this is kind of a filler chapter that I wanted to touch on because I brought a character into this story near the beginning and I wanted to talk a bit about the relationship between her and Regina. Anyways, I hope you like this chapter and hopefully after my last final I will be able to focus more on finishing this story!
I did start another story from a plot bunny I had after last night's episode called A Mother's Love if you wanna check it out. (Yes that was a shameless plug) ;)

A/N 2: In case it wasn't clear in the previous chapters, Emma, Regina, and their family left through the Gateway in Regina's castle, and reentered through the Gateway into Snow and Charming's castle. So, they are currently in the castle that Regina stayed in while she was queen before she killed the King.

TRIGGER WARNING: mentions of past trauma

nunchi:
(n.) the subtle art of listening and gauging others' moods; the ability to know what not to say in a certain social situation

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"What the fuck?" Emma asks. She hisses and looks sheepishly at Regina when she squeezes Emma's hand warningly. "Sorry," she mutters, "Jafar is real? Seriously?"

"Your parents are Snow White and Prince Charming, you're married to the Evil Queen, and you didn't realize that Jafar being real was entirely possible?" Regina asks disbelievingly. Before Emma can respond Regina shakes her head and looks at Snow and Charming, muttering, "I blame your genes."

Charming looks offended but Snow just shakes her head fondly. "Yes, Jafar is real Emma. He's from another kingdom though."

"Yeah. Agrabah," Emma says.

"That's right," Snow praises, "but he was banished before the curse was activated. That's why he wasn't in Storybrooke."

"What was he banished for?" Emma questions.

Snow looks to Regina and Emma's eyes follow.

Regina looks down at her daughter and sighs before looking back up at her wife and mother-in-law she shudders at the thought. Oh how things have come full circle, she thinks with a mirthless chuckle. She shakes out of her confusing thoughts and looks back at her family. "He tried to control the Sultan," she says with a shrug.

"Like in the movie?" Emma asks.

Regina rolls her eyes fondly and says, "Not exactly like the movie, but similar yes. He worked in the palace as an advisor to the Sultan and he let his quest for power get the better of him. He manipulated the Sultan into believing he was the best match for the princess. When the princess chose to marry the Street Rat instead, Jafar lost it and went power crazy; doing everything he could think of to prevent the marriage from happening. He lost and I had assumed he was still banished but apparently things have changed."

"A lot has changed Regina," Snow says with a smile.

"I thought you said you didn't know him?" Emma asks.

"I don't. I knew of the story when Princess Jasmine reached out to her father's allies to wage a war."

"You fought against him?" Emma asks. Off Regina's nod she responds, "I thought all of the Disney villains stuck together."

"I am not about to sit by and watch as someone is forced into a marriage against their will," Regina bites out.

Emma looks down at the ground and Regina squeezes her hand in apology for yelling.

Snow jumps in when she watches the exchange, "I didn't know you helped Jasmine."

Regina rolls her eyes, "Of course I did. Why wouldn't I? They were valuable allies."

Snow shrugs, "I didn't know you kept any of the allies."

Again, Regina rolls her eyes, "Did you think I fixed the kingdom with only my strong will? I'm flattered dear, but of course I kept allies. I knew as a single female monarch, people would be out for my head. Even if I was the Evil Queen," she sneers at the end.

"I'm surprised heroes still wanted to be your ally," Snow adds with a cheeky smirk.

Regina lets out a smirk of her own, "Oh, I don't think you would be surprised by how many people wanted to be on the good side of the Evil Queen."

Snow laughs, "and here I was thinking I had so much support to overthrow you."

Regina shakes her head at Snow's lack of understanding, "You had your minions. I had the power of many kingdoms at my disposal."

"Why didn't you take advantage of that?" Snow asks quietly.

Regina sighs and shrugs, "It was my fight. I didn't want anyone else to have the satisfaction of offing you. After the whole debacle with the Huntsman I knew I had to off you myself."

Snow smiles, "Well, I know it's probably shocking, but I'm glad you didn't 'off me'."

"I am as well," Regina smiles at Snow before looking at Emma who is still looking at the floor. "Emma?" she asks softly.

Emma suddenly looks up and notices her wife and parents staring at her. "Oh sorry. Got lost in my head there for a minute."

"Terrifying, I'm sure," Regina murmurs with a fond smile.

Emma squeezes her hand and bumps their shoulders together, "Har har. Now what are we going to do about Señor Psychopath?" she asks in a goofy voice. Regina shakes her head and Emma smiles, "What?" she asks innocently, "That's one of my favorite lines!"

Regina just smiles and then grows serious, "If you start singing the songs, you will be sleeping on the couch for the foreseeable future."

"You're bluffing," Emma snarks. Off of Regina's raised eyebrow she back tracks, "Alright, alright. No Disney tunes. For now," she adds with a mischievous smile.

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"Come on Monkey, you need to rest so you can play later," Emma tries again. She's been trying to get Tommy to sleep for the last 15 minutes; and he is not cooperating.

"Nope." He says, popping his lips on the 'p'. Emma groans and Tommy folds his arms over his chest.

"Okay," Emma says holding her hands up in front of her, "you look too much like your mother right now. It's terrifying."

"Should I be offended right now?" Regina asks as she walks into the room with Evy and Lottie in her arms.

"Of course not," Emma starts, "I just had a 'genetics be damned' moment because he is giving me the look."

"The look?" Regina asks.

"Yes, the look. The one you give me when you are unimpressed with whatever I have just done."

"Oh, well I can see why he picked it up, I do use it often," Regina says with a smirk.

Emma rolls her eyes and smiles fondly.

"Mommy! No sweep!" Tommy cries as he grabs onto Regina's leg.

"You're not going to sleep?" Regina asks, "Hmmm, well, I'm going to go feed your sisters and sing them to sleep. Do you want to come sit with me?"

Tommy gives her a look that shows he knows she's up to something but he's not entirely sure what.

Regina chuckles and says to Emma, "That look is all you darling."

"Really? I do that?" Emma asks as she looks at her son tilting his head and examining them.

"Absolutely. You know something is going on, but you feel like you're missing an important piece of information so you stare until you figure it out." Regina says as she goes to sit on the bed.

Emma follows her and takes their daughters from Regina while she crawls to the middle of the bed and sets up their pillow. Emma lays them on the bed and starts making silly faces, causing them both to release high pitch giggles while shoving their fists in their mouths. "Are you hungry?" Emma coos, she makes another silly face and bops both girls on the nose. Their giggles causes Regina to smile and let out a laugh as her wife starts peppering their faces with kisses.

"Alright dear," Regina says with another smile.

Emma looks up and smiles at her wife before picking up Evy and handing her to Regina. She does the same with Lottie and looks over at Tommy who is standing by the door, unmoving. "Come on Monkey, Mommy's gonna sing her song to your sisters." She pats the spot next to Regina on the bed. She moves around to the other side and sits next to Regina.

"No," he growls. His eyebrows push together as he frowns.

Emma opens her eyes wider and looks to Regina. "Thomas," Regina warns with a raised eyebrow.

Tommy glares for another moment before dropping his hands to his sides. He hangs his head and shuffles to the foot of the bed. He stands there and glances up at his mothers quickly. Through thick eyelashes he sees them both patiently looking at him. He sighs dramatically and flops onto the end of the bed. Emma chuckles and Regina does her best to hide her smirk.

Emma coughs out, "Nurture," and Regina swats her playfully.

"Come now Thomas," she says as she pats the bed with her right hand.

He crawls up the bed and sits back on his knees looking at his mothers and then his sisters, "Babies hungwy?"

Regina nods and says, "They are, and they are very sleepy. Should we sing our song to help them sleep?"

Tommy shakes his head, "No sweep. Not tiyad."

"You're not?" Regina asks skeptically.

"Nope," Tommy shakes his head again.

"Well alright, I'll just sing it for your sisters then." Regina looks down at her nursing daughters and starts singing.

Hush-a-bye, don't you cry,

Go to sleep my little baby.

When you wake you shall have

All the pretty little horses.

She sings softly and before she can start the refrain, Tommy crawls up and lays his head against her arm. She smiles softly and continues singing.

Black and bays, dapples, grays,

All the pretty little horses.

Hush-a-bye, don't you cry,

Go to sleep my little baby.

Hush-a-bye, don't you cry,

Go to sleep my little baby.

When you wake you shall have

All the pretty little horses.

When the song is finished she looks down to see Tommy staring up at her. He smiles and whispers, "Again."

She smiles and kisses his forehead. "Alright, my little prince."

Hush-a-bye, don't you cry,

Go to sleep my little baby.

When you wake you shall have

All the pretty little horses.

Black and bays, dapples, grays,

All the pretty little horses.

Hush-a-bye, don't you cry,

Go to sleep my little baby.

Hush-a-bye, don't you cry,

Go to sleep my little baby.

When you wake you shall have

All the pretty little horses.

Tommy yawns and snuggles closer into Regina's arm, "Momma's turn," he sighs.

Regina looks to Emma, who had put her head on Regina's other shoulder during the second round of the lullaby. Emma perks up as Tommy calls for her and mumbles, "Huh?" She hasn't really slept all that much in the last few days, and listening to her wife sing that lullaby has always made her sleepy.

"You sing now," Tommy says back and he peeks around his brunette mother to look at Emma.

"I have to sing?" Off Tommy's nod she asks, "what song?"

Tommy shrugs and places his head back against Regina's arm.

"Hmmmm," Emma mutters as she taps a finger against her chin. She grins like the Chesire cat and says, "Alright Monkey, here's a song."

Somewhere over the rainbow way up high

There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue

And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true

Someday I'll wish upon a star

And wake up where the clouds are far

Behind me

Where troubles melt like lemon drops

Away above the chimney tops

That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly

Birds fly over the rainbow. Why then, oh, why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly

Beyond the rainbow why, oh, why can't I?

"I wike dat song," Tommy mumbles around a yawn.

"Me too, Monkey," Emma says with a grin. Regina shakes her head at the song from her sister's movie but smiles at how happy Emma looks.

"Nudder one," Tommy says as he yawns again.

Emma and Regina share a smile before Emma turns around on the bed so she is facing her family, with her back to the door. She thinks for a second and then smiles.

Here comes the sun, do-do-do-do, here comes the sun

And I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter

Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun, do-do-do-do, here comes the sun

And I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces

Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun, do-do-do-do, here comes the sun

And I say it's all right

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting

Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear

Here comes the sun, do-do-do-do, here comes the sun

And I say it's all right

Here comes the sun, do-do-do-do, here comes the sun

It's all right, it's all right

She sings the song softly and watches her son's eyes droop lower and lower until his breathing evens out and he's sound asleep.

She smiles and gently lays him out so he's flat on the bed and not curled awkwardly around Regina's arm.

Regina smiles sleepily at her wife and says, "That was beautiful."

Emma smiles at her wife through batted eyelashes, "Thanks babe."

"You should sing more," Regina sighs as she resituates her now sleeping daughters on the pillow.

Emma leans up and kisses Regina's cheek, "I'd rather listen to you, but if you want I will sing to you more I will."

"Good. I do," Regina mumbles with heavy eyes.

Emma chuckles and kisses Regina's forehead, lingering a few extra seconds, "Why don't you rest here with Tommy, I'll move the girls."

Regina shakes her head and sits up, causing her blouse to fall further to her sides, "I'm fine, dear."

Emma shakes her head but does not say anything as she takes Lottie from Regina and walks her over to the crib that Regina had magically created the night before. She gently lays her down as Regina does the same with Evy. They smile down at their sleeping daughters. Emma reaches a hand around Regina's waist and pulls her close. Regina rests her head on Emma's shoulder, her shirt still wide open, hanging at her sides. Emma's hand starts wandering around Regina's side until it hits bare skin and starts drawing random patterns. Goosebumps pop on Regina's skin and she involuntarily shivers. She lifts her head and kisses Emma's cheek, just missing her lips.

Unfortunately, the moment is ruined by a knock at the door. Regina slowly pulls away and walks to the bathroom with an extra sway in her hips. She looks over her shoulder when she reaches the door to see a slack-jawed Emma. She smirks and says, "I'll draw us a bath, get rid of whomever is at the door, darling." Emma shakes her head to clear her thoughts, and rolls her eyes as she moves to the door.

When she opens it she stares with confusion at the woman on the other side, "Yes?" she asks, not moving to allow the woman in.

"Good afternoon Princess," the woman says with a small curtsy. "I was wondering if the queen is in?"

Emma looks suspiciously at this woman, trying to place her. "She is, but she is busy at the moment."

"Oh of course," the woman says as she lowers her head to look at the floor. "I did not wish to intrude. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Emma looks confused again, who is this woman and why is she so formal? Before she can ask the woman who she is, Evy whimpers and Emma involuntarily groans. She's never going to be joining her wife in the bath if they keep getting interrupted.

"May I?" the woman asks quietly; her eyes never leaving the floor.

Emma cautiously opens the door further, allowing the woman into their chambers. There's something about this woman I should know.

The woman immediately walks to the crib and smiles down at Evy, "Hello Princess," she murmurs.

"Emma?" Regina questions as she opens the door from the bathroom. Emma turns to see her wife's shirt half-buttoned and she unconsciously licks her lips, eyes drawn to Regina's ample cleavage.

Regina raises an eyebrow at her wife's staring, but doesn't get a change to comment on it since another voice breaks the silence, "Your Majesty." Regina freezes at the title. It's then that she notices a figure behind Emma. Emma gives an apologetic smile and steps to the side. Regina's breath catches as she sees the woman behind her wife.

"You- Your- You're here," Regina stumbles over her words as her brain processes the new information.

"Of course," the woman smiles shyly.

"But." Regina shakes her head to clear her thoughts and asks, "For how long?"

"I came to the castle shortly after you left."

Regina stares for a moment before letting out a choked sob, "I'm so sorry."

Emma freezes at her wife's admission, but doesn't have a chance to go to her because the woman is already across the room and wrapping Regina in her arms. Emma is stunned at how quickly Regina falls a part in her arms, wrapping them securely around the woman and buries her face in her neck. Emma is pulled from her shock when Evy whines again. She quickly walks to the crib and pulls Evy to her chest. "Shhhh, Baby Girl, it's alright. You're okay. Go back to sleep baby," she coos as she glances over to see her wife still clutching to the woman. Who is she? Emma wonders as she gently bounces Evy back and forth in her arms.

Regina sniffles again and pulls back to smile at the woman.

The woman puts her hands on Regina's cheeks and smiles, "You did nothing wrong. It was not your fault I ended up in the middle of nowhere after the curse broke. You did everything you could for me in this world and in Storybrooke, and I will be forever grateful, Your Majesty." Off of Regina's exasperated sigh she corrects, "Regina," with a smirk.

"Thank you, Louisa, for everything," Regina says hugging the woman again.

Louisa! Emma thinks, of course! Who else would have such a hold on Regina? I was told she had died. "I figured it out Evy," Emma whispers, smiling down at her daughter. "Who knew your detective Momma would take so long to put the pieces together huh?" She smirks and bounces Evy gently, noticing how heavy Evy's eyelids have become. "Oh? Are my lack of skills boring you? Hmmmm, well I suppose I can let you sleep Baby Girl. Momma loves you," she whispers as she continues to bounce her sleepy daughter.

"Do not mention it, my dear. But," Louisa starts as she moves to Regina's side, looking at Emma bouncing Evy, still keeping an arm securely around Regina's back. "Now, I would love to meet the lovely little family you have created for yourself."

Regina smiles and looks to see Emma quietly talking to Evy. "Well, you have already met my wife, Emma."

Louisa nods and says, "Your wife is lovely."

"Yes she is," Regina murmurs with a smile.

"How was the wedding?" Louisa asks quietly.

"One of the happiest days of my life," Regina says, wistfully remembering that day.

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"Sissy!" Zelena whines impatiently, "You're going to be late to your own wedding if you don't hurry up!" She dramatically drops onto the chaise, watching her sister touch up her makeup in the vanity.

"Oh hush, you," Regina chides, "If anyone is going to be late it's going to be Emma. You're sure she's ready?"

"Yes, Gi. You're the one who's not ready!" Zelena exasperates as she rests her head on her fist that's resting on the back of the chaise. "Worse than a queen," she mutters.

Regina looks at her with a gleam in her eyes, "Well, as Julie Andrews says, "a queen is never late, everyone else is just early," Lena." Regina chuckles when her sister just sighs.

"Gi! I swear to God, I'm going to have to drag you to your own wedding!"

Regina takes pity on the state her sister is in, "Lena, I'm not going to be late, I promise, but if you don't let me finish my makeup we will be late and then I'll have to kill you." She adds the last part with a smirk.

"Har Har Gi." Regina gives Zelena a look and Zelena raises her hands in surrender, "Alright. Fine, Your Majesty, finish your face so we can get you hitched and off on your honeymoon. Honestly, a week without you and your crazy attitude will do us all good."

Regina merely smirks at sister through the mirror.

After less than 2 minutes of silence while Regina touches up her eyes and lips, Zelena sighs dramatically, "Regina," she drawls out in a whine.

Regina sighs back and turns to face her sister. "Honestly Lena, we have plenty of time." She moves over to where her sister is laying on the chaise and brushes a loose strand of her fiery mane from her face.

"I know. I know," Zelena says as she grabs her sister's hand and holds it close, "I think this baby enjoys making me overreact." She places a hand on her barely protruding stomach.

Regina laughs and says, "You can blame the little blip all you want but you've always been dramatic Lena."

Zelena groans and throws her head back, staring at the ceiling, "I know. But now I can't control it!"

"Could you ever?" Regina asks with another chuckle.

Zelena groans out something intelligible, causing Regina to laugh again.

"Do not be blaming my little niece or nephew for things that you are doing," Regina murmurs as she places her free hand next to her sister's on her stomach. "They're already perfect."

"They're not already pressing on your bladder like it's a toy."

"Perhaps they'll be a professional soccer player," Regina says in a helpful tone that makes her sister groan again.

"It better be," Zelena mutters as she sits up and puts her feet down on the ground. "Enough about my pregnancy problems. Let's get you married!"

"By the sounds of it you can't wait to get rid of me," Regina says with a good-natured smirk.

Zelena grabs onto both of Regina's hands and looks into her eyes, "Never Gi. I'm always going to be here for you. Your number one fan actually, no matter what. You could never get rid of me."

"I wouldn't want to, Lena," Regina says softly, squeezing her sister's hands. "We've been together for too long. I wouldn't know how to function without you." Tears fill her eyes and she tries to blink them away as she looks up to the ceiling.

"Oh Sissy," Zelena sighs as she wraps her arms tightly around Regina's waist and rests her head on Regina's shoulder. "You'll never have to. We've been together from the start and that's how we'll stay, got it?"

Regina nods and then more tears fill her eyes, "Everything's changing Lena. You're having a baby; I'm getting married. What's next?"

"You go on your honeymoon." Zelena says matter-of-factly. "And then you'll come back and nothing changes. We still have a lunches together, we still have family dinners with Robin, Emma, Henry, and Roland, we talk constantly, we avoid adult responsibilities together, and we take our sister time, okay?" Regina lets out a wet chuckle and nods her head. "Good. Because honestly, just mentioning food has this baby going crazy."

Regina chuckles again and places her hands on Zelena's stomach, "I wonder if you'll be able to keep up with your aunt and cousin in how much you can stuff into your mouth at one sitting."

Zelena shakes her head vehemently, "Oh no! This baby will have grace that Emma and Henry could not possibly handle while eating."

Regina shakes her head while smiling fondly, "they are quite the animal pack."

"And let's get you finished up so you can finally marry that animal pack."

"My animal pack," she smiles as she turns toward the vanity.

"Yes, yes," Zelena mutters, "your animal pack, Sissy. Now save that wistful look for when you see your wife."

Regina laughs and allows her sister to touch up the makeup that smudged from her held-back tears and fix the stubborn hair that won't stay in her up-do.

Henry walks into the room as Zelena finishes pinning Regina's hair and breathes out a "Mom."

Regina turns around and lets out a megawatt smile for her son. "Henry," she says with a smile, "you look wonderful."

"Mom," he repeats. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you darling," she says as she picks up the bottom of her mermaid-style dress to move toward her son. Before she can take a step, he launches himself at her and wraps his arms around her middle. She tries to catch herself by putting one foot behind her, but the heel of her shoe catches on her dress and she feels herself start to fall before Zelena puts her hands on Regina's shoulder blades, stabilizing her. Zelena lets go with her left hand and resituates her dress so she can stand on her own feet. She sends her a grateful smile as she wraps her arms tighter around her little boy.

"Mom," he whispers into her stomach.

"Yes, darling?" she asks rubbing his back.

"I love you."

Regina smiles and kisses the top of his head. "I love you too, my dear. More than you will ever know."

Henry steps back and looks at his mother again. He smiles and says, "Ma's gonna stop breathing."

Regina chuckles and says, "Well I certainly hope not or else this would have been a complete waste."

Henry shakes his head at his mother's attempt at levity. "Whatever Mom. Now come on! We've got to get you down the aisle and married off to Ma!"

Regina smiles and wraps him in another hug, "Between you and your Aunt I'd swear you were trying to get rid of us."

Henry pulls back and smiles innocently up at his mother. "And live with Aunt Z and Uncle Rob for a week? With nothing but junk food and playing video games all night? Pssht, come on Mom."

Regina immediately stiffens and looks up at her sister who merely rolls her eyes, "Come on Gi. Do you really think I'd feed him only junk food for a whole week?" When Regina continues to stare at her with a raised eyebrow Zelena scoffs, "How rude. I do know how to cook, Sissy. And I keep my boys plenty well taken care of."

"Yes, but your pregnancy brain has you craving junk too often Lena."

Zelena scoffs but doesn't say anything. She starts moving Regina's dress and says, "Whatever Gi, let's head down and get you to your wife."

"Not wife, yet. After the ceremony," Regina says as she puts her left hand in Henry's outstretched arm. How chivalrous she thinks with a smile my little prince. She grabs the bottom of her dress with her right hand and lifts it so she can walk through the door. Zelena follows, making sure Regina's dress doesn't get caught on anything and brushes nonexistent lint off of Henry's shoulders as they walk.

When they make it to the first floor and are standing outside the room where the ceremony will take place Henry finally says, "Aunt Z!" exasperatedly and looks over his shoulder at her, "We're good. Take a breath and get ready to walk."

Zelena straightens up and looks down at her nephew, "Quit acting like your mother's and show me some love, boy."

Henry smirks and leans his body to the left the give his aunt a side hug, never once letting go of his brunette mother's hand. "I love you Aunt Z, but you're mothering again."

Zelena takes a deep breath and kisses Henry's head whispering, "I'll tone it down."

"Not too much," he says with a smile, "just a little."

"Just a little," she repeats with a smile so full of love for her nephew. She lets him go and stands in front of Regina, "I can't believe my baby sister is getting married."

"No tears, Lena," Regina warns, but it's too late and Zelena has her wrapped in her arms and is taking deep breaths trying to calm her emotions.

"I love you so much Gi, and I'm so happy you're finally tying the knot, with your blonde."

Regina chuckles and squeezes Zelena tighter with her right hand, while her left is still firmly in the crook of Henry's arm. "I know you know her name is Emma, and I know that even when you deny it, you do like her."

Zelena chuckles through her tears and pulls back, "Well, she makes you happy, and that makes me happy. She's insufferable otherwise."

"Mhmm," Regina hums, not believing her sister in the slightest, "that's why you spend so much time with her."

Zelena sighs and wipes under her eyes, "All for you and Henry, Gi. And because she always brings the booze."

"Of course Lena," Regina replies sarcastically but rubs her hand up Zelena's arm, "Ready?" she asks looking between her sister and her son.

They both nod and Zelena walks over to where Robin and Roland have been waiting. Roland walks up to Regina and says, "You look pretty Gina."

"Thank you Roland," she says with a smile as she bends over to kiss his forehead, "you look very handsome."

He gives her a megawatt smile and throws his arms around her neck, squeezing her tightly. She wraps her arms around his waist and hugs him back. He pulls his head back to look at her, still keeping his arms around her neck, "Go by Em now?"

Regina chuckles and kisses his cheek, "Yes, we'll go by Emma now." She stands up and is engulfed in a hug by her brother-in-law.

"You're beautiful, Gi." She smiles and he kisses her cheek before letting go and moving back next to Zelena.

"Alright, Ro, are you ready?" Zelena asks as she moves Roland in front of the door.

He nods enthusiastically and she opens the door, watching him walk down the aisle towards Emma with the rings placed safely on a pillow. She sees Emma smile widely and hold out her hand to Roland when he makes it all the way down the aisle. He quickly latches on and stands next to her, Zelena catches Emma's eye and winks before she moves back and gives one last kiss to Henry, murmuring, "Hold her steady." When he nods his understanding, she moves and hugs Regina one more time. Before letting go she whispers, "Daddy would be so proud, Gi." Regina clutches her tighter, her hands holding tightly to the dress fabric clinging to Zelena's back and releases a shaky breath before letting go and putting on a smile. She places her arm back in Henry's and nods for Robin to take Zelena's hand and walk down the aisle.

Finally it's Henry and Regina's turn. She takes a deep breath and Henry squeezes her hand, "It's gonna be great Mom. Let's go get your forever."

"I love you so much, Henry," Regina says as she quickly leans over and kisses his temple. She turns to face forward again and whispers, "Our forever."

The smile on her face could outshine the sun. When the doors open and she sees her future wife waiting at the end of the aisle she can hardly contain herself. Henry squeezing her hand tightly grounds her so she doesn't float away as she stares into the blue/green eyes of her love.

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"I'm so happy for you Regina," Louisa says honestly.

Regina squeezes the arm she has wrapped around Louisa and smiles, "Thank you Louisa."

"Does she treat you well?" Louisa asks, suddenly protective.

Regina chuckles lightly and rests her head on Louisa's shoulder, "Like a queen. Even before we had our memories back, she always treated me like a queen."

Louisa smiles, "You deserve it all and so much more my dear."

Regina smiles again and turns Louisa to the bed where Tommy is now sleeping spread-eagle in the middle of the bed. This causes them both to chuckle as Regina murmurs, "He sleeps just like her."

Emma huffs out a disgruntled, "I can hear you, you know?"

Regina turns her head to see her wife behind her. She winks and blows her a kiss, causing Emma's face to redden and look down at their sleeping daughter in her arms. Regina smirks at her wife's reaction and turns back around to face their sleeping son, "This is Thomas, he's three."

"What a beautiful prince," Louisa smiles, her voice shining with pride.

"I'm sure he'll be excited to learn of his princely status," Regina says with a smile, "Right now he shifts between wanting to be a knight and wanted to be a police officer just like his Momma."

Louisa smiles, "Both strong professions for a strong boy."

"Absolutely." Regina can't help the smile getting bigger on her face as her son mumbles something in his sleep and moves around the bed trying to get comfortable again.

"And your other son? Henry?"

"Wonderful, even when he thinks he is too old for his mothers. He's such a bright young boy, always has his nose in a book. He is like a sponge when it comes to learning things."

"A trait from you I'm sure," Louisa says with a smile. Regina playfully rolls her eyes and Louisa continues, "Oh my dear, do not think I forgot how many books you could read in a single sitting. You could never get enough."

"They were my escape," Regina says quietly.

Louisa grows somber and squeezes Regina closer to her, "You no longer have to do that, but I hope you have continued to read."

Regina scoffs, "Of course, I am always eager to learn something new."

"Good," Louisa says with a nod, "Now how about those darling princesses I have yet to meet."

Regina turns with Louisa and walks them over to the crib where Emma is still holding Evy. "This is Evelyn here, and Charlotte is sleeping soundly."

"Now that she gets from me," Emma says with a smirk. She motions with one hand to Tommy and says, "I definitely do not sleep like that."

Regina chuckles and kisses Emma's cheek, "Of course not dear."

"You're mocking me," Emma grumbles.

Regina laughs and kisses her cheek again, "Only a little darling."

Louisa laughs, causing them both to look at her, "You two are absolutely adorable."

They both blush and look down to see Evy open her eyes slowly and a smile grow across her face when she sees her two mothers above her.

"Hello my angel," Regina coos as she runs a finger along Evy's cheek. She looks up to Louisa and asks, "Would you like to hold her?"

Louisa nods eagerly and Emma steps forward to hand Evy to her.

Louisa looks down at Evy with a smile, "Well hello, Princess." Evy starts cooing and grabs onto Louisa's finger in front of her, squeezing it and bringing it toward her mouth. Louisa laughs and shakes her finger back and forth, "quite the grip my darling girl." She continues to coo at the girl and starts rocking Evy back and forth.

Emma steps behind Regina and wraps her arms around her waist, resting her head on Regina's shoulder, "Are you okay?" she asks, feeling Regina relax into her.

Regina sighs and wraps her arms around Emma's over her stomach. She tilts her head so it can rest against Emma's and smiles, "Better than okay."

Emma turns her face to kiss Regina's cheek, "I'm glad she found you."

"So am I," Regina whispers. "She was one of the very few who ever looked out for me in the castle. Her loyalties were to those she cared for, not the King simply because he was king." Emma nods and allows Regina to continue her whispered confession. They watched Louisa continue to walk with Evy and coo over her until Regina whispered, "She was like a mother to me during that time. She used to make sure I was where I needed to be as the queen-never late-never rushing, because a queen cannot be late-but she made sure I never missed out on my queenly duties. And she always made sure I had time to be Regina, and not just the King's wife."

"You're so much more than a title Regina," Emma whispers as she brushes her nose against Regina's neck.

"I know, but back then, she was the first to show me I could be more than a title. I never had that growing up. I was always the would-be queen to my mother; my father saw me as his perfect little girl, doing everything mother wanted of me; the King saw me as a body to warm his bed and a pretty face to show off; even your mother saw me as a shiny new mother for her. Louisa was the first to show me that just being Regina was okay. I could enjoy reading and would explain to her what was happening in my latest book. She may never have understood why I was excited, but she always listened. She and Kam would help me sneak away to the royal stable to care for Rocinante. They would help be get away from being the queen, from being the trophy wife, the perfect mother. Everything I could never live up to, they helped be get away, if only for a moment."

SQSQSQSQSQSQ

"Your Majesty," a voice calls and Regina looks up to see Louisa standing in the doorway.

"It's just us Louisa," Regina says with a smile as she marks her spot before closing her book.

"Very well. Regina," she says with a tilt of her head causing a chuckle to leave the queen's lips. She smiles at the sound, "where to today, dear?"

Regina shrugs, how very common she thinks her mother would say. She shakes her head from those thoughts and focuses on Louisa in front of her.

"Will we be leaving the grounds?"

Regina shakes her head and mutters, "You know I can't."

"Oh yes, that pesky spell. Well, perhaps just getting you out of the castle will be enough."

Regina sighs but smiles at the effort Louisa is putting in to make her happy. She nods and Louisa steps outside to speak to Kam. He follows her in and bows respectfully, "Your Majesty," he murmurs.

"Kam," she acknowledges with a slight nod of her head. She stands and walks to her armoire to grab an overcoat.

"I believe today would be a lovely day for a ride across the grounds, Your Majesty," Kam states. Regina nods in agreement and has Louisa help her into her overcoat.

"Would you care for riding clothes, dear?" Louisa asks as she helps button it up.

Regina shakes her head and quietly mutters, "The King does not approve of his queen wearing trousers. I am to remain in dresses at all times."

"Oh dear," Louisa says with a small sigh, "Well, then we shall make the best of this and try not to ruin such a lovely dress, yes?" She smirks at Regina and sends her a wink before looking at Kam.

Before they can continue their conversation about where they will ride to, Claude steps into the room, "The King has requested that Princess Snow White join you today, Your Majesty."

Regina holds in a sigh and nods her head-the King does not make requests, he tells you to jump and you say how high, "Of course, Claude. Where shall I meet her?"

Claude does not have a chance to answer before a rambunctious Snow runs in, "Regina! Are we really riding today?!"

Regina gives a tight smile and nods.

"Yay!" Snow squeals as she hugs Regina tightly.

"I shall prepare the horses," Kam says as he takes a step toward the door.

"That is not necessary, Kam. Snow and I will do it," Regina says as she pulls herself from Snow's suffocating affection.

"We will?" Snow questions as she tilts her head to the side, looking at Regina in confusion.

"Of course, Snow. You need to build trust with your horse. What better way to do it then brushing them out and readying them for a ride."

Snow smiles brightly at Regina, "If that's what you think is best Regina, then that is what we shall do."

"Wonderful," Regina mutters as she heads for the door. Snow is hot on her heels and grabs Regina's hand as they walk through the castle. Regina breathes deeply, trying to calm her anger towards the girl. It's not her fault. It's not her fault. Regina repeats to herself over and over. It would be easier if she actually believed what she was saying, but the only person at fault here was Snow White. She wanted me all to herself. She couldn't stand that I wanted to leave her behind and be with Daniel. She told my mother because she wanted me to be her shiny, new mother. Regina takes in more deep breaths. She cannot lose her emotions like this. There are too many people around that could see and would definitely report back to the King, and the gossip rings for sure. The King cannot have a wife who cannot control her emotions, that would certainly back fire on her. So, she lifts her chin, allows Snow to cling to her, and moves toward the stable. Once she's with Rocinante, everything will be better. He's always had the unique ability to calm her emotions.

"Daddy!"

Snow's scream pulls Regina from her thoughts and she looks to see the King walking from one of his many "secret" rooms. She sighs because she knows what kind of "secret" he's hiding in there but she wouldn't dare question him on it. When he's in there he's not with her and that's a relief.

"Well if it isn't my two favorite girls," the King says as Snow runs up to him.

She's far too old to be coddled this way Regina's inner voice screams as the King lifts Snow up and twirls her in a circle, eliciting squeals of joy from the princess.

"My Precious Queen," he murmurs as he leans in to kiss her cheek. It takes all of Regina's willpower not to recoil.

"My King," she finds herself replying submissively.

The King smiles at her before turning back to his daughter, "And where are my lovely ladies heading off to today?"

"We're going riding Daddy!" Snow squeals as she beams at Regina.

Regina musters a smile back, wishing she could fade into the background and not have this conversation.

"Wonderful!" the King says as he claps his hands. "I hope you both have a delightful time and I will see you both at dinner."

"You won't be back until dinner?" Snow whines as she juts out her lower lip.

"I'm afraid I have kingdom business to attend to, my darling daughter. But I'm sure you and Regina will be far to busy with the horses to notice my absence."

Snow looks down dejectedly but nods her head anyway. "Of course Daddy," she murmurs as she moves back to Regina's side and clasps her hand.

Regina automatically squeezes it. She hates seeing Snow sad, no matter how much hatred she feels for the brat, she feels more deeply than anyone else and Regina can relate to that. "Come along Snow, I believe we've kept your father for long enough. Let us head to the stables to prepare our horses."

At the mention of the horses, Snow brightens, "Alright Regina. Let's go!"

Regina makes to move around the King but she's stopped when he grasps her forearm. She freezes and looks up at the King with fear in her eyes. "Yes, Your Majesty?" she whispers.

"I want to see you tonight. After Snow is asleep," he murmurs in her ear before he leans down to kiss Snow's forehead, "Enjoy your day, Snow." He stands and kisses Regina possessively on her lips. "I will see you later, my precious queen."

Regina stands frozen to the floor. She can feel that tonight will not be good and she wishes she had a reason to deny the King. But no one denies the King anything. She thinks bitterly. A tug on her hand pulls her from her terrible thoughts and Snow whines, "Regiiiinnaaaaa! Come on! Let's go ride!"

"O-of course Snow. Lead the way," she murmurs as Snow pulls her along. She feels rather than sees Kam fall into step behind her and to her left. This relaxes her, knowing someone is in her corner, instead of always being a possession of the King's.

SQSQSQSQSQSQ

Emma holds Regina tighter as she talked about her past. Emma knows that Regina can get lost in her memories and she wants to silently show her support as Regina continued to talk about the past.

Regina smiles when she feels the arms around her middle tighten, her whole body filling with warmth. "Thank you for listening."

"Of course," Emma whispers into Regina's neck, "I want to know everything about you Regina. For better or worse, right?"

Regina chuckles, "I've got plenty of worse, darling."

"Hey," Emma whispers as she turns Regina around in her arms. "No one is perfect Regina. I knew what I was doing when I fell for you. Well, maybe not everything, but I was under no impression that you were a saint. Neither am I. We've both done things we aren't proud of, but we're here now, making things better for us and our family. That's what matters."

Regina smiles and Emma reaches for Regina's wrists, bringing them up around her neck and pulls her into a tight hug.

"I love you Gina," Emma whispers, rubbing her back soothingly.

Regina squeezes tighter, wrapping her hands around her own elbows to bring Emma closer, "I love you too Emma. Thank you."

"Anytime babe," Emma says with a wink as she releases Regina.

Regina rolls her eyes and turns back to see Louisa smiling at them. Regina blushes and looks down.

"Why don't you two go for a walk around the grounds?" Louisa suggests.

"Huh?" Emma asks.

Both Louisa and Regina chuckle at her lack of eloquence, but Louisa responds, "Take a walk around the castle, I can stay with your sleeping children until you return."

"Ok," Emma says with a shrug. Before Regina can object, Emma pulls her from the room. "Don't question it Gina, let's just enjoy some us time."

Regina smiles at Emma's shy smile and loops her arm through her wife's, resting her head on Emma's left shoulder, "Alright," she whispers as she and Emma start walking slowly through the corridor.

SQSQSQSQSQSQ

They had been walking mostly in silence, with Regina pointing out a few places along the way.

"You're such a nerd babe," Emma teased when Regina pointed out another library.

Regina weakly swats at the arm enclosing hers, "Ha. Ha. Says the one who-how did you put it? 'geeks out' anytime something related to science comes up in conversation."

"Hey!" Emma says, pausing their stroll, "Science is life, Gina!"

Regina rolls her eyes playfully, "Yes, I know. It's a part of our everyday life and as such is suuuuuper important," she teases.

Emma scoffs, "You joke woman, but you know I'm right. And by the way," she pauses and glances sideways at Regina with a smirk, "Science is better than your libraries."

Regina's eyes grow wide. She pulls her head off of Emma's shoulder and gasps, "Take it back."

"Nope." Emma pops the 'p' on her lips and her smirk grows into a full-blown smile as she continues their walk.

Regina huffs but allows Emma to keep her arm in the crook of her own, following next to her.

Emma keeps the smile on her face, she makes this too easy, "I love you babe,"

This earns her another huff and a mumbled; "You better," causing Emma to laugh out loud.

"Where are we now?" Emma asks as she blindly turns them down another hallway. She feels Regina tense next to her and she stops walking, looking back to her wife whose eyes are wide as saucers, "Gina?" she asks quietly.

Regina shakes her head to clear her thoughts, "I-I didn't realize we had come this far."

Emma can see her put her walls up, "Babe? What's going on? Where are we?"

"The royal chambers," she whispers.

Emma looks around the hallway they are in and notices there's not a lot of furniture in the hallway: a simple table and an extravagant rug on the wall.

Regina seems to be talking to herself as she murmurs, "It seems your mother has not changed a thing since this became her castle."

Emma turns and studies her wife now. She notices how stiff Regina's posture has become, her shoulders pulled back, her chin up, and her arm in Emma's has grown tighter around Emma's lower bicep. Regina has a death grip right about Emma's elbow, like she's holding on for dear life. Her eyes have glossed over and Emma can tell she's no longer seeing the same things as Emma. "Gina?" she whispers quietly.

Regina blinks away the fog and looks to Emma who is giving her a worried look, "Sorry dear, would you like a tour of this wing or would you like to move on?"

"Regina. What's going on? Why are you acting like this?"

"Like what dear?" Regina asks as she feigns innocence, no longer looking at Emma but at the table in front of them.

Emma steps in front of her and bends her neck so she and Regina are eye level, "Don't do that. Please don't shut me out."

Regina gives her a small smile, "I'm sorry dear. I have not been in this castle in a very long time and it's been even longer since I've been in this part of it."

Emma studies her, tilting her head to the side to figure out what Regina is trying to tell her.

Regina sighs as she realizes Emma won't just let this go, "This is where I lived when I was queen dear."

Emma raises her eyebrows but still doesn't understand why Regina looked so lost in her memories earlier.

Another dramatic sigh draws her attention back to Regina as she begins talking again. She grips Emma's arm tighter and walks forward a bit, "This is where I lived when the king was alive."

Emma drew in a deep breath when she realized what Regina wasn't explicitly saying, "This is where…."

"Yes." Regina says it simply but Emma can tell that she is trembling.

"We don't have to continue," Emma whispers, lifting her right hand to grip Regina's that is still between her arm and her torso.

"It's fine dear. I'm sure this is where your parents are staying now anyway. It's different. I'm different," she ends in a whisper, almost as if she's only saying it for herself.

"Are you sure?" Emma asks quietly, studying Regina's reactions.

Regina looks up at her and gives her a small smile, "Of course." She turns back forward and continues walking, "These were my chambers right here," she points to a door on their right. "Snow's chambers were down the hall that way," she points behind them, "And-" she takes a deep breath and says in a tone barely above a whisper, "And the King's chambers were down there," she points in front of them.

"Well, I think that's enough of a tour for today," Emma says tugging Regina to a stop so she won't have to continue walking towards the King's chambers, "I think we should head back to our kids now, yes?"

Regina nods solemnly and says, "I think that's a good idea."

SQSQSQSQSQSQ

They are back in the room talking quietly with Louisa, who is catching them up on much of what they have missed in the past four years since they have left. Apparently, most of Regina's Dark Guard dispersed after she left because many refused to work under the Charming's. This caused a smirk to appear on Regina's face, no matter how hard she tried to fight it. It is always good when you win, no matter whom you beat or how petty it is, Regina thinks smugly. Some of the guard chose to stay with the Charming's and work on the outskirts of the kingdom. Far away from the rulers themselves, Regina thinks with a chuckle.

"Kam?" she finds herself asking before she can stop herself.

Louisa smiles and says, "He is on the outskirts. He said he could not leave when the likelihood of his queen returning was even a remote possibility. I already sent word to him of your return and he should arrive within a few days."

"Thank you," Regina says genuinely.

"Of course," Louisa says with a nod.

They sit in silence for a moment, all three women lost in their own thoughts, Evy sleeping soundly in Louisa's arms.

Their silence in broken when a strangled cry of "Mommy!" draws their attention.

Regina is out of her seat before Tommy can finish his word and he is in her arms before the first tear falls, "Shhhhh," she coos as she rubs his back and walks back to where she was sitting with Emma and Louisa. She sits next to Emma, tucking under Emma's arm that immediately drops to her shoulder and pulls her closer. "You are alright, Querido." She kisses his forehead and gently rubs his back.

He buries his head further into her chest and shakes his head, "Bad man say no, Mommy. Bad man," he mumbles.

Regina looks to Emma who is turning red with rage, who does Jafar think he is scaring my kid in his dreams? No one hurts my family. No one. Certainly not some second hand creep with a snake staff. I married the Evil Queen, the Queen of Hearts is technically my mother-in-law, and the Wicked Witch is my sister-in-law. Doesn't he know that villains don't scare me? I'm the Savior for Christ's sake! I am the eldest daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, rulers' of the Enchanted Forest. He's a second rate villain preying on the dreams of small children. My children! Unacceptable. Emma is pulled from her thoughts when Tommy grabs at her shirt, "Momma?"

"Yeah Monkey?" she asks, quieting her rage so as not to scare her son.

"You stop 'im?" He questions, peeking out from his hiding spot in Regina's shirt.

She gives a small smile, "Yeah Buddy, I'm gonna stop him." She puts a hand on the back of his head while Regina continues to rub his back.

"Wike a Supa he-o?" he asks as he moves his head further away from his hiding spot to look clearly at his blonde mother.

She chuckles and kisses his forehead, "Exactly like a super hero, Monkey."

"Good," he says as he lays his head back against Regina's chest, clutching her shirt tightly with one hand and Emma's shirt with the other.

Regina smiles down at her son and moves closer to her wife, placing her head back on her shoulder.

Emma's left arm tightens around Regina's shoulders, pulling her closer and kissing the top of her head.

A few moments of silence is all they are granted before Tommy bolts upright, scaring both of his mothers out of their serene moment. He gasps and looks at Emma, "Wook?"

Emma raises an eyebrow in question and says, "What monkey?"

"Gotta get da bad guys Momma."

"Oh! No Monkey, I don't have to work today. The bad guys took the day off, that's why we're visiting my parents today."

Tommy tilts his head to study her, in the same manner as his blonde mother, causing Regina to smile at the endearing trait. "No powice today?"

"Nope. Just Momma, an everyday super hero." Emma winks causing Tommy to giggle and Regina to roll her eyes.

Louisa chuckles at the family moment and Tommy turns to look at her, "Who you?" he asks as he puts his head back down on Regina's chest.

Regina kisses the top of his head and murmurs, "Thomas, this is Louisa, can you say hello?"

Tommy lifts his head and says, "Hi Wisa."

"Hello, young prince," she says as she bows her head.

Tommy's eyes grow wide and he turns back to Regina, he puts both of his hands on her cheeks and says, "I yowa prince Mommy!"

Regina chuckles and says, "That's right Querido. You're a real prince here. Everyone knows you are Prince Thomas."

Tommy never moved his hands from Regina's cheeks, so her words came out a little grumbled, causing him to giggle, "You siwwy Mommy."

Regina grasps his little hands in hers and kisses his nose, "You are the silly one Querido."

Tommy shakes his head and nudges Regina's nose with his own. He suddenly pulls back and looks between Emma and Regina, "Pwinces have ho-ses."

Regina mock gasps and says, "They do?!" Off Tommy's nod she chuckles, "Well, I suppose we will have to go find some horses then."

"Yay, yay, yay!" Tommy singsongs as he bounces up and down on Regina's lap, causing all three women to chuckle.

Again, I apologize for the wait. If you have any input on how you want the fight scene to go please comment or send me a message! I'm having a terrible time figuring out how I want to wrap this up and it's giving me severe writer's block.

I hope you enjoy your day Lovelies! :)
-IrishBella