After three long hours traveling in a bumpy carriage to her family home, all while in labor, Regina was exhausted. The contractions were coming every 2-3 minutes now, a sure sign that the hardest part of her ordeal was soon to come. As they pulled up to the house another contraction started. The growing intensity with each one shocked her, and she struggled to breathe through the pain as Marie had taught her. As the pain finally waned she exhaled a cry of agonized relief. Regina wanted to cry, but she new if she lost control of her emotions now she wouldn't be able to regain the strength she would need to push.

Marie could sense that Regina was becoming discouraged. "It's alright, your Majesty. You're doing wonderfully. We're here now, let's get you inside where you'll be more comfortable." Marie had been a surprising source of comfort and encouragement for Regina throughout; she was so glad they had brought her along.

Henry opened the carriage door and stepped out while Marie helped Regina move close enough that her father could pick her up. He lifted his daughter into his arms and started toward the manor, while Marie hurried ahead to open the door. Regina rested her head on her father's chest, she felt like a little girl again, safe in her father's loving arms.

Looking up at the house she had grown up in brought a flood of emotion into Regina's heart. This place had been almost like a prison for her, living under her mother's suffocating control. But it was also the place where she had come to know, and later fall in love with Daniel. The emotions surrounding these two conflicting memories paled however in comparison to the pure heartbreak she felt when she thought of Daniel's death, which occurred at the stables on the property.

Once again, her thoughts had returned to Daniel as they had been doing all day. Everything about this moment was wrong. She had imagined many times what it would be like to have children, but what should have been one of the happiest experiences of her life was filled with sorrow and regret. She should be carrying Daniel's child, he should be here holding her hand and comforting her. She suddenly felt very lonely.

They entered the great room of the house and Marie directed Henry to place Regina on a large chaise lounge near the fireplace. The soft cushion of the chaise felt like heaven to Regina, after bumping around in the carriage for so long. Marie helped position Regina in a way that would allow her to push effectively, which would happen very soon. After placing a pillow behind her back Marie kneeled down at Regina's side.

"Your Majesty," she said gently. "I need to see how soon we can expect to meet this little one."

Regina understood, it was time to lift the enchantment. She closed her eyes and placed her hand over her stomach. She passed her hand over it three times in a slow circle. The enchantment broken, her swollen belly was now visible; Marie marveled at the magic. Another contraction started, bringing her attention back to the situation at hand.

Henry held his daughter's hand, and encouraged her to breathe. After it was over Regina laid her head back and closed her eyes, enjoying the temporary reprieve. Marie looked at Henry, there was much to do.

"I need to check her progress now. Perhaps you could fetch a few things we will need and start a fire?"

Henry got to his feet, "Of course." He hurried through the house collecting the things Marie had said they needed: clean cloth, water to boil, something for Regina to eat afterwards, and lanterns. He could hear his daughter's cries of pain which made him anxious to be at her side.

With everything gathered Henry returned to the great room. He put the water over the fire to get it boiling and started lighting the lanterns. His hands were trembling slightly which made lighting the wicks more difficult than usual. Regina noticed her father struggling to accomplish this and decided to help him. With a wave of her hand a flame flickered to life in each lantern making the room drastically brighter. Henry turned to look at Regina and father and daughter shared a quick smile.

Then the most powerful contraction yet hit Regina, the force of the pressure was suffocating. She cried out and felt the urge to push. Henry rushed to her side, and Marie confirmed that that was exactly what she needed to do.

"It's time, your Majesty. I need you to push."

Regina froze, paralyzed by fear of the unknown pain pushing would surely bring. Marie looked up at her expectantly and saw tears welling up in the Queen's eyes. Regina shook her head and said quietly, "I don't know if I can do this."

Henry squeezed his daughter's hand, he felt helpless.

Marie sat up straight and looked Regina in the eyes. "You CAN do this. I know you can."

Tears rolled down Regina's cheeks. "But, I'm afraid."

Marie kept her eyes locked on Regina's, "Every new mother is afraid. You are putting your life at risk to bring this child into the world. It's the greatest sacrifice anyone can make. I think that's why your magic can't alter the process, because it's something more powerful than magic. It's the purest form of love. You are doing what's best for your child, despite the fact that it's dangerous for you. That's what it is to be a mother. You do what is best for your children, no matter what."

Marie's words pierced Regina's heart and touched her deeply. She nodded her head, resolved to endure whatever came. Another fierce conrtaction started, but this time Regina was ready. She bore down, pushing as hard as she could. It hurt more than she thought it would, but she continued until the contraction stopped.

"Well done, your Majesty. Just a few more. Now, push!"

Again Regina pushed with all her might, and cried out as the pain became unbearable.

"One more push, and it will be over," Marie called out.

With all the strength she had left, Regina pushed one last time and finally the pressure released. She cried out again, this time with relief. Marie worked quickly to clear the baby's airway and tie off the cord. Regina waited for what seemed like minutes to hear or see anything...then she heard it; the soft cry of her newborn child. It was the best sound she had ever heard.

Marie wrapped the child snugly in a blanket and held her up for Regina to see. "Congratulations, your Majesty. You have a daughter."

Regina had spent months preparing herself for this moment , the moment she would see her daughter for the first time. She had carefully built a wall around her heart in an attempt to prevent herself from becoming attached. Despite her efforts to keep her distance emotionally there had been moments when she had felt connected to the little life growing inside her. And now, actually seeing her and hearing her cry, that wall was truly being tested.

"Is she alright?" The baby was still crying and Regina wanted to make sure.

Marie smiled and said lovingly, "She's perfect."

Regina found herself wanting to hold and comfort her child. Maybe it wasn't a good idea... "May I hold her?" She asked nervously. Just this once, she told herself.

Marie replied with a little chuckle, "Of course dear, you're her mother."

Mother. The word hit Regina like a slap in the face. She would never really be this baby's mother, she couldn't. But maybe, just for a few minutes, she could pretend.

Marie placed the tiny infant in Regina's arms. Her heart burned in her chest as she stared down at her newborn daughter. And just like that,the wall was gone. No matter how much she had resisted, she could not deny it now; she loved this little baby. She heard Marie's words again in her mind, That's what it is to be a mother. You do what is best for your children, no matter what.

Everything fell into place for Regina. She wouldn't be keeping the baby, but not because she feared that loving her would make her weak. She loved her daughter and so she would do what was best for her. She wanted this baby to have her best chance at a full and happy life, even if that meant Regina couldn't be her mother. The thought made her sad, but she knew it was the right thing to do.

For the first time, in a long time, Regina felt at peace. As she snuggled up to her mother the baby girl stopped crying and fell fast asleep.
Regina turned to her father and beamed. "Look daddy."

The grandfather tenderly reached out and held one of her tiny hands. "She's beautiful my dear."

"Yes, she is," Regina agreed.

Henry leaned in and kissed his granddaughter and then his daughter. "I'm so proud of you."

Marie didn't want to interrupt but there were still some things that she needed to attend to. "Excuse me, your Majesty, but I was wondering, since the lass has been born now, if you might be able to heal yourself?"

Regina had almost forgotten about the physical trauma she had just gone through. "Yes," she said with relief. "That, I can do." She slowly passed her free hand over her body from head toe. A pink light shone from inside her and followed the path of her hand, healing her body as it traveled down. Regina closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, the bleeding had stopped and all the pain was gone.

"Remarkable!" Marie was once again in awe. Regina looked up and met her eyes. The nurse smiled, genuinely happy things had gone so well.

"Thank you Marie," Regina said warmly. "Thank you, for everything."

Marie understood the Queen's unspoken meaning. "It was my pleasure, your Majesty."