Author's Note: I got inspired! This chapter is a lot longer than most of my previous ones. I'm trying to make them longer for you guys, so you have a bit more to read when I do update. I feel like I'm updating and there's not a lot there to sate your Regal Cricket cravings. I will continue to leave things on a cliffhanger, because I'm completely cruel, but please continue to let me know what you think! Do you prefer longer chapters? Any advice is welcomed and appreciated! Sorry it's been so long, work and college is taking over my life! Special thanks goes to Jodie, morganalafay, Evilcharmings, gotapenname and Casa Circe.

FORGIVENESS EARNED ENTIRELY...

Henry didn't know what to say to Cora. She obviously wanted to have a conversation with him, but he didn't trust the right words to come out of his mouth. What if he said something that put his family in danger? What if she used her magic to peel truths from his lips? What is she didn't like the things he had to say? Henry could imagine that a few of his thoughts would not go down well with Cora. She wasn't his favourite person right now and the longer he remained in these bonds, the harder it became to not yell and get angry. Even though Regina wasn't Henry's biological mother, he'd inherited her temper over the years. Sure, he was more lenient with certain things, and he didn't get crazy angry for no reason... but, when he was away from home and the people he cared about, all to sate someone's ego and pride, it didn't make him happy in the slightest. Cora's lips curled up into a cruel smile, like she was reading his mind. Another thing that Henry didn't like. Magic had returned to Storybrooke. There was nothing stopping Cora from reading his thoughts. Why didn't she just do that, instead of questioning him like a true prisoner?

"Come on, sweetheart. I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to have a civilized conversation with my Grandson. Is that really so much to ask?" Cora pouted, almost like a child who hadn't gotten her own way. Henry remained silent and confused. He couldn't form a sentence right now. This whole situation made no sense. So, instead of pressing the matter further, Cora sighed and made her way over to the door; Leaving below decks, in the same prison that held Archie Hopper.

Her hand closed around the handle of the door, pulling it open with a creak as she heard the simple word. "Why?" Pass the boys lips. She turned her head, but not her body. Cora always had a reason for doing something and half the time it only made sense to her. Nobody else believed in her own selfish needs. "Emma Swan is going to truly break this curse. It's only half broken at the moment, festering on the border of broken. If she managed to send everyone back to the Enchanted Forest, Rumple would re-gain all of his power. He doesn't deserve to have power like that. I intend to take it from him." She informed, only giving away part of the plan. Cora hadn't counted on Henry being so smart, however.

"You're going to kill my mom, aren't you? She's the only one who can break the curse and send us all home. So, you're going to try and kill her to get your own way, but it's not going to work! Whatever you've planned, Snow White and Prince Charming will stop you. Emma's stronger than you think." He pointed out in a very harsh tone, tears were beginning to brim in the corners of his eyes and Henry found that every word came from the bottom of his heart rather than his mind.

Cora laughed, mercilessly. She found the outburst to be entertaining and rather funny. Emma Swan wouldn't be able to fend for herself, especially not if she was put up against Regina. For one, Regina had years of magical practice, while Emma had none. Snow and Charming would be useless against Cora's daughter, once she'd used her own spell to immobilize them. Nothing would stop this plan, and if it did, there was always Plan B. "Oh, you foolish boy!" She chuckled, opening the door fully. "Emma's not stronger than Regina. After tomorrow, nobody will be." Cora smirked, stepping into the dank corridor of the ship, before locking the door behind her. Henry was all alone again, in the cold, wishing and praying to be set free soon.

...

Regina finished off her mug of tea and twiddled her short hair between her fingers. She'd been sitting in silence with Archie for a while now, pondering on the route to take in getting Henry back. They hadn't been very successful in coming up with rational ideas and Regina's patience was wearing thin as she continued to remember Cora's threat. The woman knew that her mother would stop at nothing to get her all to herself. She'd killed Daniel; Cora wouldn't think twice about ripping Henry's heart right out of his chest. Cora didn't have a heart. She didn't love. She couldn't.

"My mother will do everything she can to win. You do realize that?" Regina mumbled into the silence. Archie looked at her sadly, but nodded in agreement.

He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees as he looked over her pretty exhausted face. "Guess we all know where you get that from then." Archie joked, trying to lighten the mood a little. It had the opposite effect, however. Regina hated to be compared to her mother: in any shape or form. The hurt expression on her face, instantly had Archie regretting his words. The last thing he wanted was for her to feel upset or isolated. When Regina felt threatened, bad things happened. "I only meant... that when you want something, you will do everything in your power to get it. In some respects, Regina... that's not a bad thing. In fact, it's one of the things I really admire about you." He added in a rushed tone, dropping his head slightly to look at his feet - anywhere but her mysterious begging eyes.

When he looked at her, Archie could understand why many men had simply fallen at her feet. She was a very beautiful woman, and deep down, she had the kindest heart. She wanted to love, but she didn't know how. He wanted to show her a life full of happiness and contentment.

"Flattery won't work on me, Doctor Hopper." She smirked, placing the mug on the table, she attempted to stand with difficulty. "I feel like an old maid." Regina groaned, leaning against the top of the couch for support. Archie was instantly at her side, arm around her waist to keep her standing. "If I may... you definitely don't look like one." He smiled genuinely, helping her walk to the front door.

With an unsteady hand, the therapist managed to open the large white door. Holding onto Regina wasn't that easy when she became as limp as a rag doll.

Finally, they managed to escape the house. The air did wonders for Regina's mind and soul. She felt as though she could breath again. With a small smile, she attempted to straighten herself. She was going to use magic to gain back some strength. It wouldn't be a harmful spell. It would be more convenient than that. "Let's go and find my son." She commanded, staring Archie straight in the eye, with the kind of determination he admired.

"Whatever happens, I'm here at your side, Regina. Now and always." Archie promised, linking his fingers with hers. With a smile, Regina pulled energy from Archie and transported them to another part of town. The teleportation would allow her to use her magic, gain her energy and not hurt anyone... for now. Maybe her choice of destination was a bit rash, however.

The blonde looked up, completely startled. "Regina! What are you doing here?"

...

"Come on, lad." Hook announced, using the metal contraption on his wrist to break the rope-ties in half. Henry looked up at the pirate dubiously. He didn't trust the man as far as he could throw him. Hook never did anything, unless he wanted something. This was probably a cruel joke, concocted by Cora. After reading the tales of Peter Pan, Henry was wise enough to know that Captain Hook tricked people out of spite. Whatever motives he had here were probably nothing to do with actually helping him escape Cora's evil grasps.

With a protest of annoyance, the young boy asked in disbelief, "What are you doing?" To which, Hook replied, "Setting you free, what's it look like? You're a lot like your mother, you know. Always asking stupid questions." The man continued to break the ropes, which had rubbed Henry's skin red. If Regina saw these marks, she'd have a field day... in fact, not many people would live to even see the wave of anger.

All Henry could do was rub his wrists and stare at the Pirate with confusion. "Why are you helping me?" Was the only word he could muster in those moments. "Why are you setting me free? You're in league with Cora." He added, remembering back to Hook's previous comment about him asking silly questions.

"I agree with vengeance, don't get me wrong, lad... but kidnapping an innocent boy like you, will do more harm than good. This is not the way." He shrugged, opening the door to the top of the ship - presenting Henry with his freedom. There was only one way out. Run!

Author's Note: So, there you have it guys, another chapter. I didn't expect to get another one out for ages, but hopefully you all enjoyed this update. If you did, please let me know! As I said before, all advice is welcomed. I have some grammar troubles, as you may have guessed, so if you can give me any tips, they would be much loved! I'm like the Queen of over punctuating. See you all soon. Love you all always, Evilsaurus.