A/N: Congrats to Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas on their wedding; a fairytale come to life on screen and off. Thanks to those who stick by this story, and I hope you find it enjoyable until the very end. Your favorites, follows, and reviews are much appreciated; as is JJ, my beta.

Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon a Time or its characters.

Emma had thought her night before the ball in Narnia was bad.

Thanks to her promise to Mary Margaret, Emma was forced to endure the process of royal preparation once again; her ladies-in-waiting primping every inch of her, while she suffocated in a corset that could only be described as a torture device.

The empire-style gown was beautiful, though, wave after wave of red silk cascading down from her bodice like a crimson waterfall. She smoothed her dress over absentmindedly with her hands, which were covered by white gloves that reminded Emma of the opera.

Luckily, she had a few more familiar faces to take on some of the burden. Belle had offered to do her hair, and chose to create a half up-do; Emma's blonde curls flowing over her shoulders, with accents of holly berries to signify the winter season.

"You will be the envy of everyone in the castle tonight, Emma," Belle said quietly, wearing a light blue gown with sequins, as she set the brush down on the vanity.

Despite their lack of time getting to know one another, Emma noticed that Belle was always quick to offer assistance to others; and that the woman gave both emotional and physical support whenever it was needed.

"Yeah, but there are far too many suitors, and you are showing far too little cleavage, your Highness," Ruby quipped from across the room.

Although the neckline was more modest than the last ball gown she had worn, Emma's corset was still tight enough to create a view that she was sure David would not approve of.

"If I had to venture a guess; there's only one suitor you'd want to be wooed by," Ruby continued, and Belle did her best to hide the blush on her cheeks.

Ruby shook her head, a few red strands coming out of her hair style. She wore a very tight, burgundy gown herself, while giving Emma an accusing look.

"Although, I doubt he'd have to try very hard," she mumbled just loud enough for them to hear.

Ruby had to duck quickly after Emma used her magic to fling a nearby pillow at her, the wolf girl laughing all the while.

After hearing that Hook had given up the Jolly Roger to obtain the golden compass again; using it to find her and Henry in New York, Emma had something else to add to her mental and emotional dilemma. Only a week ago, he had given Henry such wonderful guidance, both in the form of words and in instruction with a sword. It was obvious that Hook had taken to her son, not only because Henry was hers, but because he genuinely cared for the boy.

Then, he risked his life to save Neal from the flying monkey, putting aside any animosity between the two men, for the sake of his friend, and their mission to defeat the witches.

Still, as touched as she was at all of this, the confession regarding Hook's ship, made Emma wonder what else the pirate hadn't told her about. It also reminded her that even though he believed it was for Emma's benefit, Hook continued to keep things from her.

There was a quick knock, and Emma watched Mary Margaret enter, her forest green, velvet gown swaying with every movement.

The new queen stood with her hands behind her, and without another word, Ruby and Belle quietly made their way out of the room, and shut the door with a soft click.

There was a moment of silence, as she and her mother made eye contact, and Emma saw a level of unparalleled joy written on Mary Margaret's face. After all, this was her daughter's first ball, and she may never have another opportunity like this again.

"You are so beautiful, my girl," she whispered in an awed tone.

Despite Emma's efforts to hide it, she allowed a smile to slip onto her lips at Mary Margaret's words, and stepped forward to hug her.

"Takes one to know one," she mumbled, as the velvet on her dress brushed softly against Emma's skin.

Moving away slowly, she guided Emma over to the vanity mirror; the two women watching each other's reflections. Though her soft hand was still on her daughter's shoulder, Mary Margaret's face was serious now.

"This wasn't exactly how I envisioned the night of your first ball," she started somberly, her eyes trained on Emma's in the mirror, tears welling in her eyes now.

"But I want you to know how very proud I am of the woman you have become, Emma," Mary Margaret said, her voice breaking slightly.

Before Emma could respond, Mary Margaret pulled out her hand that she had been holding behind her back, a small object clasped within her fingers. She caught a glimpse of the shiny object, and Emma's heart sank in disappointment.

"I understand tiaras aren't really your thing, but this is a family tradition," she said, carefully placing the sparkling ornament into Emma's hair.

She had to admit that it was quite beautiful, and not overly exquisite; with its crystals glistening in the light like snowflakes in her blonde curls. Emma caught her eyes and smiled in gratification, as Mary Margaret looked on with a wistful expression.

"Your grandmother presented this to me on my birthday, before my initiation ball," she said, her smile falling slightly.

Emma noticed the pain on her face, and she knew that at that moment, it wasn't Mary Margaret she was watching, but Snow White.

"She reminded me that it was the kindness and devotion to our people that were the keys to leading the kingdom."

There was a brief pause, before her mother led her toward the door, and continued.

"Have faith that things will work out, Emma. You've done what is necessary for the sake of your son, and you accept your limitations with humility," Mary Margaret said softly, opening the door to the hallway. "No one could ask more from a mother or a leader."

And there was no need to say anything further, as the two women made their way toward the staircase, and into the Great Hall.

Dinner had gone by in a flash, and Emma swore she had never met so many people in such a short amount of time.

Besides the dozens of kings and queens who had attended the council meeting, there were politicians, high-ranking officials, and generals from various armies all over the kingdom.

She was also surprised to find that some of them were species other than human.

"Count Dracula, milady," one man introduced himself to her, his pale skin and dark eyes reminding Emma of Malificent's.

There was curtness about his manner, as he took her hand in his clammy, cold one and placed a soft kiss there. The count smiled tightly at her, though, and Emma wondered if he could feel her heart hammering in fear.

He's from Victor's kingdom, and has agreed to help us," David said, giving Emma a cautious look. Apparently her father knew to be careful around vampires, even if he hadn't seen them in any movies.

She had spent so much time greeting guests with her mother and father, that Emma hadn't even gotten the chance to speak more than a sentence to Henry. Her son had insisted on eating with the delegates from Camelot, to "get the scoop" on being a knight, as he so eloquently put it.

Emma had barely touched her dinner, although the tables had been covered with every kind of delicious food imaginable. Despite the decorations and mouth-watering aromas, Emma's nerves had apparently gotten the best of her.

First official ball, and you barely got through dinner, Swan.

Although there were many attendees that did not observe Christmas in their kingdoms, Mary Margaret had insisted on allowing the previous inhabitants of Storybrooke to celebrate the season properly.

Dozens of wreaths, ropes of garland, and a large, ornately-decorated tree were the highlights of the Great Hall, which was now clear of dinner tables. There must have been hundreds of bulbs and candles; all sparkling with the warm glow of the holidays, as the band played festive music in the corner.

She watched the dwarves, who were dressed as elves, play with the young children. Sneezy was apparently allergic to poinsettias, but seemed to be having about as good of a time as Grumpy was, who had a pint of ale in one hand, and a giant candy cane in the other.

Anton waved his gloved hand at Emma, who chuckled, as she watched another kid climb the small ladder to get up onto Anton's lap and tell "Santa" what he wanted for Christmas. They had to use leftover fabric from Greyson's baby blanket to make the giant's white beard.

Emma smiled warmly at the thought of her baby brother upstairs sleeping in the nursery, and how much he would have enjoyed the festivities.

After what had happened at the council, though, David and Mary Margaret thought it best not to make him the center of attention; not only for his own safety, but for the credibility of the leaders, and their focus on the task at hand.

The only one she didn't see, however, was Gold, who had disappeared shortly after the council meeting. Emma didn't think much of it, as this wasn't really his scene, but thought it odd he let Belle attend on her own.

"Did you get tired of playing host with the rents?"

Emma glanced over at Regina, and decided that whatever warm fuzzies the woman had displayed at the meeting earlier, she was making up for it now.

Despite the array of color in the hall, the queen decided to wear a black gown, its collar coming around her shoulders like an elegant neck brace. The lace pattern allowed her olive skin to show through, as the red sequins that covered her bodice, shined in Emma's eye when the light hit them.

"I could ask you the same question, your Majesty," Emma mumbled back, keeping her voice low. She turned to Regina then, and addressed her directly. "I thought you were running this operation too?"

Regina shrugged as if she had expected this, and waved her hand toward the other side of the room.

"I told Robin I would watch Roland while he chats with a few of the local militia leaders. Worthless rabble, if you ask me. I don't know why he is willing to trust a group of…"

Emma had not heard the rest of Regina's rant, as her eyes caught someone in the group that Robin was with. She had to focus more closely and second-guess herself, but realized immediately that her instincts had been right.

Situated in the middle of the cluster of men, dressed in a full, royal military uniform, and laughing heartily at something that Robin said, was Hook.

Despite the knowledge that so many eyes were probably on her at that moment, Emma stared unabashedly at the pirate, who looked like anything but one.

He wore a dark blue jacket, with various ropes and adornments, as the shiny buttons glimmered from across the room. It covered a gold vest and white undershirt, which had a high collar that displayed the rugged, but tidy scruff on his neck rather perfectly. His off-white trousers weren't tight like his usual leather pants, but were made of a cotton-like fabric, and tucked into a pair of black, knee-high boots.

Oh my.

"Hello?"

There was an awkward pause, as Emma glanced over at the other woman bashfully. Regina had her hands on her hips, looking between Emma's face and where Hook stood, and it was obvious that she had been caught.

"They don't look so ragged to me," Emma said with a quirk of her brow, a warm blush creeping onto her cheeks.

Regina frowned at her remark, more than likely finding her behavior to be silly or immature, but to Emma's relief, the queen took pity on her and said nothing further.

Clearing her throat, Emma moved quickly to change the subject and nodded approvingly for dramatic effect. "It seems like we are acquiring quite a bit of allies, though."

With her usual look of distain, Queen Permascowl shook her head. "It won't be enough, though."

Emma knew she was right, and it brought her to the subject that she had been avoiding for almost two weeks now.

"My thoughts exactly," she replied with a grimace, looking over at Regina. "I'm ready to train with you again."

For the first time, Regina broke away from her air of boredom and mockery, looking at Emma directly. She waited a moment, before she responded.

"This isn't a game," the queen said in a serious tone, her dangly earrings reminding Emma of silver icicles. "I told you before that if you came back to train with me, that you had to be willing to put all of your emotion into it," Regina said with a determined voice.

After what had happened with Zelena, there was no doubt in Emma's mind she could do that. It had been weeks since their last session, but the power that erupted from her hands had come from pure, unrelenting emotion, and she knew there was potential there.

"I'm ready," she replied, meeting Regina's gaze.

The queen watched her carefully, as if waiting for Emma to crack a smile or cower away in fear, but she held her ground and proved her resolve was genuine.

Without warning, there was a burst of green and red, as Regina screamed out in surprise; a wave of confetti falling over her hair and dress.

Roland giggled heartedly, and ran off in the other direction, not willing to wait for Regina to make chase. The queen shook her head, smiling, and dusted the confetti off, before taking off toward the laughing child.

Emma let herself enjoy the rare moment of vulnerability from the woman who nearly ruined her life, but may soon be the one to save it.

She glanced over to see Henry speaking to other diplomats, and Emma's chest expanded with the pride that she knew Mary Margaret must feel for her children. He was in his element; like her son had been made for this world, and being a royal came as natural to him, as magic did to her.

Of course, she needed to figure out how to control it first.

"Normally, I would say that it's rude to stare, Swan, but then that would make me quite the hypocrite."

Her heart caught in her throat, and Emma felt her body warm all over. She recognized his raspy voice immediately, but didn't turn around, as his lips lightly grazed her ear.

"All you need is a pretty ribbon, and I could unwrap my present early," Hook whispered huskily.

His chuckle resonated throughout her body, bringing goosebumps to Emma's soft flesh. She continued to stare straight ahead, making sure that her voice had a condescending tone.

"It will take more than Santa and his elves to help you with that one, buddy."

She felt Hook move around to face her, a scent of cinnamon and alcohol wafting her direction.

"Relax luv," Hook drawled, as he handed her a goblet of wine. "I'm simply doing my best to get you to loosen up… as we both know that it's much more fun when you do."

Emma tucked in her lower lip to keep from smiling, and glanced down to see that his shirt had been unbuttoned slightly; showing the glorious sight of dark chest hair that she enjoyed so much.

Pursing her lips her eyes for effect, Emma took a long drink of the wine, its earthy tones of soil and grape enrapturing her senses. "You must be so happy to have the love of your life back," she quipped, as he followed her in taking a drink.

Hook raised a brow, and swallowed the wine, before letting his tongue slide out from his mouth to capture the liquid that was left there. Emma's eyes followed the movement closely, and she barely registered his response, which came out in a near whisper.

"I didn't realize that you and I had made amends, Darling."

Her breath caught at his words, and she looked down at his vest to avoid his stare. Hook had other ideas, however, as he placed his fingers under her chin, and lifted Emma's face, so that their eyes could meet.

It had been the most physical contact between them since they left Narnia; the combination of his spicy musk, the wetness of his lips, which Emma imagined still tasted of wine, and the intensity of his stare, were nearly enough to make her lean in and kiss the man.

Nearly.

She slowly pulled her face away from Hook's fingers, taking a step back, and did her best to look casual for the hundreds of guests in the room. He kept his eyes trained on her with an expression, which Emma understood herself, as one of longing.

"Well, I'm glad you got the Jolly back."

There was a brief moment of hurt on his face, followed by a minute of silence, before the pirate turned to his usual swaggering demeanor.

"Not a single scratch on her, my dear," he said, taking another sip. "It was like she never left my sight."

Hook gazed out into the crowd now, with his jaw firmly set, as if he was searched for something that would appease the awkward topic of the moment.

She knew it wasn't easy for him to sacrifice the one thing that meant more than anything; and that, in Emma finding out about it, would definitively declare his feelings for her to the world.

Emma considered not telling Hook that she knew, but decided that keeping the effect of true love's kiss from him was bad enough; and that there had been far too many secrets between them already.

"You could have told me that you gave up your ship to find us."

Her voice was quiet, but when Emma saw Hook tense beside her, she knew that he had heard her, and that her words had taken him by surprise. The corner of his mouth twitched so quickly that she wasn't sure it had happened, before Hook breathed in deeply and turned to her again.

There was softness in his eyes that made her remember that vulnerable man at the campsite in Narnia, as the desperation in Hook's tone gripped relentlessly at her heart.

"Would it have made a difference, Emma?"

There may never be a good time to discuss what had happened between them, but she knew her mind was losing the battle to what was in her heart.

"Maybe…" she murmured, keeping her eyes on his, as Emma allowed herself a moment to enjoy the feeling of being open to him again.

The look of hope on his face was so brief, but she recognized it immediately, as the music hummed behind them; the sound barely registering in her ears, like an old refrigerator running in the background.

Despite the effect her reply obviously had on him, Hook didn't respond; as if he understood that this wasn't the moment to resolve this.

He always understood.

"You know it's rude to keep a knight waiting, Mom."

She smiled before turning around, her son's voice booming loud over the chatter in the hall. Emma pivoted her body so that Henry and Hook were facing, while she stood between them. Emma raised her eyebrows to the young knight-in-training, bowing her head in jest.

"Forgive me. I believe I do owe you a dance, my good sir." Henry's face showed signs of humor, but he kept up the façade, turning to the pirate.

"Pardon the intrusion, Captain."

Hook's grin was so wide that the corners of his mouth looked like they reached his ears. He straightened himself and bowed to Henry, his face serious now.

"Not at all, lad," he said quietly, before Hook turned to Emma and gently cupped her gloved hand into his. He placed a kiss there, and allowed his lips to hover over Emma's hand, as he spoke just loud enough for her to hear.

"Just be sure to share the lady with the rest of her guests."

The color of her face probably turned as red as the gown she was wearing, and Emma swore she had felt the searing heat of his kiss through the fabric of the glove. They held each other's gaze for a few more moments, before she pulled out her hand and accepted Henry's arm.

Her son led her out toward the crowd, as many of the guests recognized them, and made way for Princess Emma and young Henry to dance; her heels clicking on the hardwood floor.

Henry's uniform was similar to Hook's, but with a few differences. Instead, his jacket was royal red (like David's) and he had only a few medals and insignia, since Henry was yet to receive a military rank. Her son did wear a sword on the side of his belt, however, and she could tell he was comfortable in all of it.

After bowing to his mother in respect, Henry held out his hand for Emma to accept. She raised her eyebrow, and accepted his invitation, allowing the young man to take the lead. He extended his arm, and Emma smiled in spite of herself, before they started to dance.

She did her best not to show surprise, but Emma had no idea her son was so light on his feet. There were a few other couples around them, watching the pair closely, but Emma couldn't help but enjoy the delight on Henry's face.

"You're pretty good, milady," he teased her, making Emma giggle. Henry wore a toothy grin, and she could see a bit of chocolate on his lip from desert earlier.

"Young squire, you flatter me," she quipped in reply, gliding around the dancefloor with him gracefully. "Where did you learn to dance?"

Henry was trying to cover his smile now, an obvious attempt at formality.

"Mom, ball etiquette is all part of a prince's training," he answered, looking up at her. "Especially if one plans to be a knight."

His russet brown eyes glowed with excitement, and Emma fought the urge to lean over and kiss his hair. She settled for pulling him closer for a hug, which he surprisingly accepted under the public eye; the clasp at her waist clinking with the buttons on his jacket.

She was about to compliment his dashing uniform, but he looked up at her again with a curious expression, as the band changed to a slower song.

"Seems like you are really your making your rounds tonight," he said, glancing around at the crowd with a little smirk on his face. There was a tone in his voice that Emma recognized as accusation.

"Mmmhm," she responded, watching him carefully. "You've taken to the role of host pretty well."

Henry rolled his eyes, and she suddenly understood how Mary Margaret must feel when Emma did the same to her.

"Don't change the subject," he mumbled, as Emma ducked slightly under his extending his arm, so that he could spin her around.

Emma kept her poise, but averted her gaze from his. She knew every move in Henry's playbook, and did her best to play dumb.

"What? You're a good prince," she said, being quite honest with him in that respect.

"Mom, I can tell things are tense between you and Killian," he said, watching her grimace slightly. "And I know that he gave up his ship to find us."

Emma realised how much the gesture had meant to Henry at that moment; that he appreciated it just like she had. Her son wasn't just mature, but insightful, and he obviously cared about Hook, as much as the pirate did for him.

"Henry-"

"May I interrupt?"

Neal had his hands on her and Henry's shoulders, their son looking up to his father with an accepting expression.

Emma released a deep sigh, and gave Henry one last squeeze, watching Neal pat him on the back. The two of them looked at ease with one another, and Emma couldn't help but feel relieved at that.

Despite everything that had happened, Henry seemed to understand that the situation was much more complicated than it appeared to be; and that he had decided to give his dad the benefit of the doubt. Emma was also well aware that Hook's conversation with Henry must have had a great deal to do with that.

The young man bowed to his mother one last time, and headed toward the large tree, where Regina played with Roland.

"You should be careful standing under the mistletoe in a dress like that."

She craned her neck up, as Neal's hand wrapped around her lower back. He leaned over to kiss Emma's cheek, his slight scruff scratching her cheek, as she shifted uncomfortably. There was an awkward pause of silence, before he stretched out his arm, and she let him lead her into a dance.

It took only a few minutes for her to realize that Henry didn't get his dancing lessons from his father, as Emma winced when Neal stepped on her foot.

"Sorry," he mumbled, a sheepish grin on his face. "I've never been a good dancer."

Emma shook her head slightly, and kept her voice low. "I remember."

The musk of fresh pine filled her nose when they neared closer to the edge of the dance floor, the large tree in the corner alive with aromas and lights. She caught Henry's eye again; as their son helped Roland put an ornament on the tree and watched his parents dance.

"He's growing up so well," Neal said proudly, before he turned his face back to Emma's, and smiled again.

"Thanks to you, Emma," he said gently, his voice low. "You have ensured our son will be a great man."

She wanted to say that it was Regina who truly raised him, but Emma knew that she, his grandparents, Neal, and even Hook, had also done their part to give Henry the best life they could.

She met his gaze then, her brow furrowed. "Henry loves you, Neal," Emma replied firmly. "You're a good father."

It was obvious that her words had touched him, but Neal's smile faded, and he did not reply. As the crowd started to disperse, the time for gift exchange began, and the music grew softer at the change of pace.

She went to pull away, but Neal stopped her, his hand grasping hers.

"Emma, I'm sorry," he said, his voice breaking slightly. She saw the difficulty it took for Neal to say this, but remained silent, allowing him to continue.

"I see how you care for Hook, and that he's hurt you in some way."

He stepped away from her, then, with a solemn expression. "But I have acted selfish yet again, when the people I care about most needed my support."

Emma understood that this apology was not only for his recent behavior to Hook, but for abandoning her so long ago. Neal was giving her space, and allowing them both to focus on their task at hand.

This was the best gift he could give to her, and she smiled genuinely.

"Neal, we will find a way to keep Henry and the rest of this kingdom safe."

He returned her smile then, before Emma felt a warm hand on her shoulder. Turning to see David and Mary Margaret, Emma was surprised to see that two other people she didn't recognize were with them.

The man was well into his fifties, and his fine hair was pulled into a ponytail, now streaked with grey from age. His wrinkled face reminded Emma of worn leather, but his eyes shined bright with life, as he maintained her gaze.

"Emma, this is the Chief of the Powhatan Tribe; who have offered their assistance in our cause," Mary Margaret said, as the man slightly bowed his head in respect. He turned to a young woman, then, who made Emma gasp softly at her appearance.

"And this is his daughter, Pocahontas," David introduced, motioning to the Indian princess.

Her skin appeared to shimmer in the candlelight, and the woman's dark hair was the color of espresso. When she looked into Pocohantas' eyes, the princess stared back without hesitation, angling her face at Emma, as if to appraise her.

There was strength in her flawless features that gave the woman an air of power, but when Pocohantas spoke, her accent thick and foreign; Emma was surprised to hear a voice as smooth as silk.

"Your kingdom is generous; we have travelled many miles, and find this war necessary for both our people and yours."

She gave Emma a half bow, much like a curtsey; and Emma returned the gesture, before David interrupted.

"Ah, there you are Captain," he said, clasping the pirate roughly on the shoulder. Emma partly heard him introduce Hook to Chief Powahatan and his daughter, but was distracted by the look on the princesses' face, as she gazed at Hook with interest.

"Captain Jones has agreed to lead our Navy in this war," David said, finishing his introduction. Hook glanced over at Emma, before Pocohantas stepped toward him.

"Hello Captain," she said gracefully, long lashes fluttering over her large, brown eyes. He leaned over politely as a greeting, but looked surprised when she moved in even closer to him, and glanced up.

"It is said this plant called mistletoe is a sign of peace, and should be sealed with a kiss, yes?"

Hook opened his mouth in surprise, but before he could answer, she leaned in and placed a quick peck on the captain's lips.

Her chest felt as if it were gripped by a vice, and a familiar, slow burn flowed through Emma's veins. Mary Margaret placed a hand her daughter's arm, but flinched away immediately, apparently feeling the tension and rising temperature of Emma's skin, as the heat slowly moved toward her palms.

She took a deep breath, and looked away, trying to hide the effect that the previous scene had had on her, as Regina joined their group with Robin, who held a smiling Roland.

Emma chanced a peek over at Hook, whose face had reddened; and the pirate bowed again to Pocohantas, before taking a step back from her. He maintained Emma's stare, and raised a brow with a mixture of guilt and curiosity, as the princess looked between the two of them.

The rest had resumed with pleasantries, but she could tell that Pocohantas understood the situation when she averted her eyes from Emma's in embarrassment.

Damn right, princess. He's off limits.

Emma glanced over to Regina, who watched her carefully. It was obvious that the queen had noticed the interaction; a haughty smirk on her face.

"Shall we exchange gifts, then?"

David appeared calm, but Emma saw that he too, had seen what had happened; only Chief Powahatan seemed oblivious.

Neal reached out and gripped Emma's hand one last time, but she didn't turn around, watching Hook glance back at her with a worried expression, as they all made their way to the tree.

They never got that far, though, before there was a loud shout from the end of the hall, the voice resonating over the large, marble walls.

"Help us, please!"

Emma, along with everyone else in the room, turned toward the source, where a man with dark hair ran in their direction. She didn't recognize him, but over the hushed voices and gasps, Emma heard him ask for Snow White and Prince Charming.

The crowd parted, and the man fell to his knees, his clothes singed from what appeared to be fire, and his hair matted with blood. Although his face was covered in ashes and dirt, Emma could tell the man was handsome, but his expression was twisted with desperation.

"Please, my wife and I need your help," he said to Mary Margaret and David, before he turned around to motion toward the crowd. A woman appeared in the clearing, her skin and clothing in as much disarray as the man's.

Emma's eyes grew wide, the shock nearly enough to take her breath away.

"Aurora?"

The princess panted heavily, and fell to her husband's side, tears in her eyes. She looked between Mary Margaret and Emma, as Mulan appeared before them, pushing through the mass of people.

She watched the woman warrior embrace the couple, before Aurora finally spoke.

"Our castle has fallen," she cried, her hands shaking, presumably from fear; and then looked directly at Emma, her face ashen.

"Maleficent and Zelena are coming; and there's nothing you can do to stop them."

A/N: Please leave a review if you a have a couple seconds; thank you!