Hey; so the time frame is getting a little messy, so don't hate me too much if you are upset with how I approach some things. All about character development! :)
The next morning, Robin Hood, and his band of Merry Men made a loud entrance in the palace.
Leading them was a euphoric Emma. Though her body was tired from the long night, she felt hopeful for the first time in over a week.
"Emma?" Killian ascending the stairway with a questioning look in his eyes.
"Killian!" The Princess is joyous as she wraps her arms around her fiance. She kisses him passionately and he holds her tightly. Killian senses the change in his love. Her face radiates confidence.
"You found him didn't you?" He smirks as he nods towards the men looking around the palace foyer.
"I did." She smiles back. "Robin." She grabs the attention of the man, and waves him over. "Robin, I'd like you to meet my fiance, Killian Jones."
"Pleasure matey." Killian takes the man's hand, his other arm still around Emma.
"The pleasure is all mine Sir." Robin nods kindly at Killian.
"Papa?" A little boy comes up behind Robin and hugs his legs.
"Who is that?" Killian whispers to Emma.
She looks up at him, with a glimmer of defeat. "His son."
"He has a son? But does he..." With a shake of Emma's head, Killian stops asking about the boy's mother.
"I'm just worried about how Regina will feel about the boy."
"If this is truly her true love, I'm sure it will work out love." Killian smiles reassuringly and presses a kiss to Emma's hair.
"Thank you." She sighs and holds him tighter.
"Regina?" Emma knocks lightly on the Queen's door.
"Come in Emma." The Princess sneaks in and finds the woman sitting on her bed. In her hands was a simple box, like the one that held the vials in her home. "To cast the Dark Curse, I had to sacrifice the heart of the person I loved most." Tears splash against the box as Emma sits beside her. "My father was always there for me. He saw the best in me even when I thought any good in me was lost. Your parents stopped me before I could enact it. Not only did I lose my plan, but I also lost the only person who cared about me."
"I care about you Regina." Emma tries to sound hopeful, but the woman's pain is breaking her heart.
Regina cast her dark eyes on the Princess and tried to smile. "I know you do." She sniffs, and folds her hand over Emma's. "But you have your own life to live. Apparently my true love is long gone. I can't ask you to continue putting your plans on hold for me."
Emma is quiet for a few moments. "What if I told you I found him?"
Regina's face instantly brightens. "Are you serious?"
"I don't think a man with a lion tattoo is all that common, so I think I got him." Emma winks, but Regina's eyes sadden.
"You'd be surprised."
"Regina." Emma takes the woman's hand again and their eyes connect. "Do you want to meet him?"
It's along time before either woman moves. Finally Regina nods her head.
Walking down the stairs, Regina reaches for Emma's hand. The Princess glances at the woman curiously, but Regina continues to focus on the path before them. Regina's lips were pursed, and Emma tried to smile at her to calm her fears.
But as the rowdy group of men comes into view, Regina's grasp becomes tighter. Robin looks up from his conversation with Killian and instantly connects his gaze with Regina. The two continue to stare into one anothers eyes until they were face to face.
"Hello." Robin blinks a few times and smiles. "I'm Robin." He reaches out a hand, and Regina notices the man's tattoo.
"Regina." Without thinking, the woman touches the tattoo, and finds it to be real. She instantly retracts her hand, embarrassed.
"Charmed to meet you Regina." Robin smirks and nods at her.
Regina follows suit, and allows herself to really smile. "Nice to meet you as well Robin."
Emma takes her place next to Killian and watches the two with a smile.
"You did it my love, you found Regina's happy ending."
"Let's hope so." Emma says skeptically as the little boy makes his way back to his father.
"Papa, who is this?" The boy points at Regina, and her eyes widen.
"Papa?"
Robin looks up at Regina as he holds his son tightly to his side. "Regina, this is my son, Roland."
"Son." She gulps and looks back at Emma with a scowl. Emma holds her breath for a moment.
"His mother died a few years ago, it has just been him and I for quite a while I'm afraid." Robin looks sadly down at the boy.
Regina's nerves settle. "I'm very sorry for your loss."
"It's alright." He nods. "I guess I just regret him missing out on a motherly figure." His eyes pour deeply into hers, and he feels the connection between them. Robin couldn't explain it, but something deep within him feels drawn to this beautiful, mysterious woman.
"I hope you find someone to fill that void in both of your lives." Regina swallows as she attempts to keep her cool.
"I hope so as well." Robin smirks.