Over the next week, Snow threw the kingdom into wedding planning, and Emma threw herself into finding Regina's love.
After many failed leads, the Princess was even more discouraged. She wanted to ask Regina more about the man. Maybe she knew more about him then she let on, and if she had a little more information, she could find him. Right now, Hook and Grumpy were out scouring the kingdom for any men with animal tattoos.
Emma stood impatiently while the dressmakers fit her wedding gown.
"Oh Emma." Snow claps her hand over her face when she enters the room. Light tears form in her eyes as she looks upon her little girl. "I can't believe you are already getting married."
The girl replaces the anxiety on her face with a kind smile. "Me either mother. It's all happening so quickly."
Snow grins as she walks forward and wraps her arms carefully around her torso. "I know sweetheart, but when it's meant to be, time isn't a huge factor is it?"
Emma grins and looks at her reflection. Her long hair was tied up in an intricate do, and the gown hugged her upper body before flowing down to the floor. She was stunned to find her face on the gorgeous creature. Light tears formed as her worries about Regina faded, and she thought about spending the rest of her life with Killian. "I guess not." She quickly wipes them away, but her mother catches sight of them, and reaches for her hand.
"Hey," Emma's eyes meet those of her mothers. "I love you so much. And I am so proud of the woman you have become."
"Thank you mother." She smiles and brushes away more tears. The dressmakers finish their work, and leave the mother and daughter alone.
Snow wraps her arms around her daughter. "Sweetheart, there is something I want to tell you."
"Really?" Emma pulls away and raises her eyebrow. In all the commotion the past few weeks, she had forgotten about her parents strange behavior when she and Killian had come home. As she scanned her memory, she realized they had continued to act strangely, but she had been so focused on Regina, she had forgotten to ask.
"Yes." Snow smiles. "Emma, you know why we never had anymore children."
"Of course, because of the danger with Regina."
"Exactly." Snow glances down at the ground. "Well, when we had secured her on the island, your father and I tried to have another child, but it wasn't meant to be." Her mother looks sad, and Emma can't help but feel a wrench in her gut. She knew her parents had wanted more children, but she hadn't known they couldn't have them. Why couldn't they? Was something wrong? Anxiety swirled around Emma's stomach as she feared her mother's health. She looked at her mother with wild eyes.
"Mom, are you alright?"
Snow meets Emma's eyes, and offers a kind smile as she takes hold of her hand again. "Of course sweetheart. It's just that your father and I were finally able to have another child."
"What?" Emma's eyes widen. "You're pregnant?" She gasps and watches as her mother smiles brightly looks to her for approval.
"Yes!" She almost squeals. "I know it's going to be strange, with you getting married and having a baby brother or sister, but I hope you will be happy."
Emma drops her mouth into a wide smile. "Are you kidding? Of course I'll be happy!" She throws her arms around her mother, and the two share a joyful laugh.
Still riding the euphoria of her mother's news, Emma joyfully walked down the Palace staircase. Adorned in her riding clothing, she threw her cloak over her shoulders, ready for a nice ride on her horse. Regina's situation was the last thing on Emma's mind, and for once, she didn't feel bad about it.
"Princess!" Grumpy called behind her as she started towards the stable.
"Grumpy, hey." Emma stopped, and her heart sank a little. "Did you find something?"
"Your boyfriend did. He has somebody down at the tavern for you to check out."
Emma sighs and nods at the man, forcing a smile. "Thank you for your help."
"It's just for you Princess." With a scowl, he nods his head up to the balcony where Regina stood holding another bird. The smile on her face filled Emma with guilt over her selfishness. "I don't know why you're helping her."
Emma turns back to Grumpy. "She deserves a second chance."
He stares at her for a moment. "Do you really think that there is someone out there who can look past all she has done, and actually love her?"
She looked back up at Regina and smiled as she thought about her and Killian. "Yes." She nods. "I truly do."
Cloak over her hair, only slightly disguising her appearance, Emma entered the tavern and searched for Killian.
"What is a beautiful woman like you doing in here alone?" A dark voice whispered against her ear. She spun around and raised an eyebrow at Killian.
"Honestly? If I hadn't known it was you, I would have hit you." Her voice is dark and menacing, but the Pirate just grins.
"But I was confident you knew it was me love." He wraps an arm around her.
"Killian." She focus' his attention and he drops his arm. "Where is the man?"
"Love, it isn't actually the man." Emma's heart sank once more, and Killian touches her arm. "But hey, this man claims to know who we seek."
"Where is he?" Emma looks around, and Killian points him to a man drinking alone in a dark corner. Cocking her head to the side, Emma glares at Killian. "That is our source?"
"I hear he is a very reliable mate. Used to be friends with the man."
With a heavy sigh, Emma leaves her fiance and walks over to the man.
"Hello." She says kindly, and the man eyes lazily meet hers. "I have been informed you know the man I am looking for?"
The man throws his head back as he searches the bottom of his glass for the remaining alcohol. He waves at a passing waitress for more before turning to Emma. "Aye, I knew him."
"Really? What's his name? Where can I find him?" The waitress leaves another drink for the man, and he starts to drink it. Emma instantly becomes annoyed. "Who are you anyway?"
"I'm Will." He hiccups. "Will Scarlet. And I am please to meet you Your Highness." In his drunkenness, he tries to do a bow from his seat, but fails."
Rolling her eyes, Emma leans forward and grabs the mans collar. "Be quiet." She hisses and looks around to see no one but Killian watching them. "Now Will, you tell me everything you know about how I can find this man, and I won't have you locked up until you're sober."
"Feisty." He grin is lopsided and he tries to wink at her. "I like it Princess, I'll cooperate." She lets him go, and sits back down. The man adjusts in his seat before speaking. "His name is Robin. I used to be apart of his band of 'Merry Men,' but we had falling out." Will leans back and closes his eyes.
"That's it? You don't know where I can find him? You don't know anything else?"
Will shakes his head. "I gave you more than you had five minutes ago dear, you should be thankin' me." His cocky grin resurfaces; huffing, Emma pushes away from the table and storms out of the building.
"Emma, love, what happened?" Killian comes up behind her and tries to calm her down.
"Nothing! Absolutely nothing. That man was drunk out of his mind and didn't tell me anything useful." She throws up her hands in anger.
"Shhh. Emma." Killian takes her hand. "It's okay love, we will keep trying!"
"No Killian! I am so tired of these dead ends. I promised Regina, promised. I told her I would find her happy ending. I can't even do that." She throws out her hands in frustration, and a fireball escapes, and luckily lands in a water trough. But it's sudden appearance leaves both Killian and Emma silent and astonished.
"Emma!" Killian turns her to face him with a joyful expression. "Why don't you use your magic to find this man?"
Emma shakes her head. "I can't Killian."
"Why not? I've seen you do so much with your powers, surely you can locate a man."
"I said I can't!" Her tone is sharp and echoed finality. "I can't cast spells. I just can't. If I could, I already would have." Her tone is lighter, but she still pulls away from Killian. "I'm sorry, I just need a some time."
"Of course my dear." He presses a light kiss to her forehead. "I'll head back to the Palace. Take as long as you'd like."