Reunited at Last

by MackenzieW

When a girl knocks on Regina Mills' door claiming to be her daughter, she plunges into a world where fairy tales are real and her family was stole from her due to a curse. Can she find her husband and break the curse? OutlawQueen AU

12. Giving Thanks

Chapter 12: Giving Thanks

"Happy Thanksgiving, sweetheart," Daddy said, kissing Mary Margaret's cheek as he stepped into her house.

She smiled, feeling more relaxed than she had in weeks. "Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for coming."

"Of course," he replied, grinning. "There's no one else I would want to celebrate with other than my daughter and granddaughter."

Mary Margaret closed the door behind him as she said: "I also invited Ruby and Graham to join us as well. Ruby may bring a guest as well."

"Billy? That's his name, right?" Daddy asked, taking off his coat and hanging it up.

"They broke up," Mary Margaret replied. "I think it might be Archie. She said they were seeing each other, though not seriously yet."

He paused, rubbing his chin together. "Ruby Lucas and Archie Hopper. That's an interesting combination."

Mary Margaret shrugged. "I think it would be good for both of them. He would ground her in a way she hasn't had in a long time and she can bring him out of his shell a bit more."

"True, true," Daddy replied. "Well, if she does bring him, I look forward to talking to him. Though are you worried it might be awkward since you and Diana both see him?"

"I was," Mary Margaret replied, "but I think it might actually be good for him to observe us interacting outside his office. Maybe it'll give him some new insight."

She didn't say how she vowed that she was going to be on her best behavior that day to show Archie that she was a good mother. It was her hope that by the time he left that night, he would see that she only had Diana's best interests at heart and would really start to help guide Diana back toward Mary Margaret rather than encouraging her to continue what he mistakenly believed was asserting her independence when it was the parts that were Regina trying to drag her down a dark path.

Mary Margaret would not let that happen.

"That sounds like a good idea," Daddy said. "How are things between you two now?"

"They're a little better but I worry that Halloween may have caused a setback," Mary Margaret admitted.

He nodded solemnly. "How are you feeling after that?"

She sighed, feeling the irritation and fear creep into her again. "Can we not talk about it? I'm trying to put it behind me."

"I know, sweetheart, but the town is still talking about it," he told her. "I thought you were going to issue a statement."

"Wouldn't that just give the rumor mill more ammunition?" she asked. "It was nothing and everyone is treating it as if it was such a big deal."

Daddy frowned. "It was a big deal, Mary Margaret. You blew up at a constituent in the middle of a party with some serious accusations. You accused Regina Mills of poisoning the candied apples. Of course people are going to talk and it's only going to get worse, not better, the longer you stay silent."

"It was just Regina Mills," she argued, hurt that even he was against her and worried that he was being drawn back to Regina in a possible weakening of the curse.

Regina couldn't win him back.

"That doesn't mean you can just blow up on her like that," he replied. "Even more so. Look at everything she's been through."

Everything she had been through? What about everything Mary Margaret had been through - not just in her entire life but in the past three months alone? Didn't that warrant some sympathy for her?

She blinked a few times, letting her eyes fill with tears before she turned back to her father. "I know, but it was just all so much and everything just got to me."

Her plan worked as Daddy's expression softened and he wrapped his arm around her. "Oh, honey, I'm sorry. How are you?"

"I feel awful," she said. "I know it was wrong to explode like that but she taunted me. You know that Diana believes she's her real mother, right?"

"Yes," he replied.

"And you know she believes that we're all really characters from fairy tales, right?" Mary Margaret continued. When he nodded, she asked: "Do you know who she thinks I am? Snow White. And she thinks Regina is the Evil Queen, Snow White's stepmother. And you know who Regina dressed up as that Halloween party? The Evil Queen."

"Oh," he said knowingly. His eyes softened as he reached for her, pulling her into a hug. "I'm sorry, sweetheart."

Mary Margaret leaned into his hug, smiling since he couldn't see her. Her plan was working and she was reeling him back in. Dropping her smile, she sniffed again. "She dressed as the Evil Queen just to taunt me and no one knew. I had to bear that in silence and I guess with everything going on, I just snapped."

"Understandable," Daddy said, rubbing her back. "Anyone would've snapped under those circumstances."

She smiled again before pulling back, making sure she looked like an anguished woman. "But I can't tell anyone else these circumstances. I have to protect Diana. Even though she's a child, people will still whisper unkind things if they find out about her belief that we're all cursed fairy tale creatures."

He nodded, a somber and serious expression on his face. "You're right. We have to protect her first and foremost. I am so proud of you, sweetheart."

"Thank you, Daddy," she said, relieved. "I knew you would understand."

A door opened and closed upstairs before footsteps were heard on the stairs. Mary Margaret turned toward them as Diana hurried down them, smiling widely. She rushed toward her grandfather and threw her arms around him. "Grandfather!"

"Hello, princess," he said, hugging her tightly. "Happy Thanksgiving!"

"Happy, Thanksgiving," she replied, smiling up at him. "Are you excited for tonight's dinner?"

Daddy nodded. "I am. Are you?"

"Why don't you go show Grandfather all the desserts we made last night?" Mary Margaret suggested, smiling as she ran her hand over Diana's dark braid.

"Ooh, that sounds yummy," he said, patting his stomach. "It's going to be hard not to sneak one before the food gets here."

He glanced over at Mary Margaret with a puppy dog look. Diana followed suit, the two silently begging for permission. Mary Margaret let out an exaggerated sigh. "You can have one cookie each. But no more or you'll ruin your appetite," she told them.

Daddy and Diana cheered before hurrying into the living room. She sighed, shaking her head fondly. A peaceful feeling washed over Mary Margret. Her father was back on her side and all seemed well. It felt like past Thanksgivings and she hoped it meant things were starting to go back to normal.

If so, then she really had something to be thankful for that day.

Regina was not going to win this time.

---

Snow White sat upon a white stallion as she and Charming led a band of soldiers toward the Winter Palace - the palace of the Evil Queen. In the past, Snow would've trembled from nerves and her stomach would've been twisted in knots at the thought of confronting her stepmother. Now, though, Snow felt nothing except the phantom flames licking at her skin. Flames that still haunted her nightmares and threatened to consume her alive. Regina had truly consigned her to hell.

But Snow had escaped her fiery prison and was ready to rain down that hell on Regina. The Queen had had her chance to air her grievances with Snow White. Now, it was Snow's turn to voice her grievances with her stepmother and it was Regina's turn to face the consequences of her actions. Actions that destroyed the lives of countless people, all innocent, in deliberate actions driven by a desire for vengeance. While it didn't change the fact that Daniel died and Regina was hurt, Snow had made a mistake born from a desire to help Regina. Regina's actions far overshadowed Snow's and deserved the harsh punishment she had given Snow. The princess, though, was willing to show some mercy to the woman she had once considered a mother.

Regina's death would be quick.

The trees opened to reveal the imposing black fortress. A shiver went down Snow's spine as she looked it over. As a child, she had preferred the Summer Palace, which always seemed filled with light and warmth. The Winter Palace by contrast had always been the exact opposite - cold and dark. No wonder Regina had chosen to live here - it matched her soul.

Snow and Charming led their party up to the gates. One of Regina's Black Guards looked down, bellowing: "Who goes there?"

"It is Princess Snow White, the rightful ruler of Mist Haven," Snow's captain responded. "You are to admit her at once or we will take the palace by force."

The guard disappeared and a few moments later, the gate was lowered. Snow sat up straighter as they rode into the courtyard. Guards stood around her, though they did not draw their weapons. Many looked at her with askance in their eyes, as if they expected her to give them orders. That made her curious - were these not Regina's guards? Or had they just been waiting for her to take her rightful place all along?

"Please tell Queen Regina that we wish to speak with her," Charming instructed one of the guards.

They all looked between each other before one, who Snow assumed was a captain, stepped forward. "Please, follow me," he said.

Charming dismounted before helping Snow down from her horse. She held onto his arm as they entered the darkened palace and followed the captain up to a room with a long table in it. Frowning, Snow wasn't certain why they were brought to what she assumed was Regina's dining room. They weren't going to eat anything Regina served them.

Especially after what Snow had just been through.

"How are you?" Charming asked, taking her hand. "We don't have to do this now. Or if you want, I can do it by myself."

She shook her head, knowing she needed to face Regina and not let her have any more power over her. "I'm fine."

A door at the other end of the room opened and they faced it. Prince Henry stepped through it and entered the room. Snow frowned as Charming said: "We're looking for the Queen. Where is she?"

"She is not here," Prince Henry replied. "We do not know where she is."

Charming pulled out his sword, pointing it at the older man as he glared at him. "You cannot protect her. Get her now."

"Wait," Snow said, gently pushing down on his arm to get him to lower his sword. While she knew that Prince Henry would try to protect Regina and possibly lie for her, Snow also knew the older man well enough to know that this wasn't one of those times. He was pale and there were dark circles under his eyes, which were red-rimmed. Worry and panic seemed to roll off him and not because of her presence along with Charming's.

Realization swept through Snow White as she said: "You really don't know where she is."

"No," Henry admitted, anguish in his voice. "We haven't seen her since she went out to meet you. She never came back."

Surprise filled Snow White. Regina had believed she had successfully done away with her rival. Why hadn't she returned to the palace immediately and celebrated her victory? The only thing she could think of was that another one of Regina's enemies surprised her and did something to her. After all, someone as evil as Regina no doubt had many enemies.

"She didn't?" Charming asked, sounding surprised as well. "I didn't think I wounded her that badly…"

Both Henry and Snow White frowned, turning to him. "What do you mean?" she asked him.

"After escaping the dungeons, I went looking for you and encountered the Queen," he explained. "She was so giddy about what she had done to you and I was so worried she had killed you, that I got enraged. We fought and I know I landed a few blows. But she used her magic to poof herself onto her horse and rode away so I didn't think she had been seriously injured. "

"We searched the woods," Henry said, even more anguished. "We didn't find her or Rocinante."

Snow frowned, going back to her theory that another of Regina's enemies must've done something to her after finding her in a weakened state. Or perhaps she forced someone to take her in to heal her injuries. Snow needed to know either way as Regina would always be a threat to her while she was alive.

Charming looked between Henry and Snow. "What do we do now?"

"I think we should talk with the nobles of the kingdom," she said, recalling the men who had always surrounded her father and counseled him. She turned to the captain of the guard. "I want them summoned immediately."

He bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. Most appear to be gathered here now. Shall I send them to the throne room?"

"Yes, please," she said. "We will meet them shortly."

The captain bowed again before leaving the room. Snow turned to Henry. "Will you join us as well?"

"I will," Henry replied. "Thank you."

"Shall we?" Charming asked, holding out his arm to her. Snow nodded, taking it. They left the room with Henry following them. As they walked toward the throne room, Snow felt as if she were walking toward her destiny.

It was time for her to take her rightful place as Queen of Mist Haven.

Regina would no longer sully the reputation of the crown.

---

"Welcome home, Your Highness," one duke said, bowing to Snow. "We are so happy to see you again."

Snow sat on the same throne where her mother once sat, looking out at the gathered nobles. Charming sat next to her, looking less comfortable than her, and she took his hand. "Thank you. It is good to be home. And I think it is time I took the throne, as my father always intended."

Instead of the enthusiastic response she had expected, many of the nobles looked hesitant instead. She frowned, asking: "What is troubling you?"

"I am not disputing your claim to the throne, but Queen Regina has been a good ruler," the duke said. "I am not certain it is in Mist Haven's best interest to change rulers."

That surprised her. She thought that everyone wanted to be free from Regina's reign of terror and would happily welcome Snow back as their rightful queen. Perhaps there was some enchantment involved here because Snow White could not imagine calling someone who terrorized her people and burned villages to the ground as a "good ruler."

"Princess Snow White is the rightful ruler and is of age," another duke argued. "We all knew Queen Regina's reign would only last until the princess could ascend the throne. The time has come."

"We also don't know where Queen Regina has gone," a third duke pointed out. "We have managed without her so far but soon we will need a monarch to make important decisions and guide the kingdom."

The first duke, the one defended Regina, frowned. "It seems Queen Regina was injured in the woods. We should try to find her before just deposing her. It's only right."

"She only is queen because she killed my father," Snow replied hotly. "She has no rights to this throne at all."

Silence descended on the room before an earl spoke. "Your Highness, you have been away from court for a few years now. Do you feel prepared to take the throne and become the queen?"

"I do," Snow White said. "I may not have been at court but I have spent the past few years surrounded by my people. I know what they need and want. I have seen and experienced how they live. I believe that has given me perspective my father and his father did not have and that will make me a stronger ruler."

"Well, then, I propose the right thing to do is to declare that Queen Regina has abdicated in absentia and that Snow White is now the rightful Queen of Mist Haven," the second duke said. He turned to Henry. "You are the closest we have to the Queen. What say you?"

Snow looked at Henry, who was quiet for a moment. "My daughter will not be happy about this decision and will likely try to take the throne back when she can. For now, though, I just want to know that she's alive and well."

The second duke nodded before turning to Snow White. "Your Majesty, what are your orders regarding the former Queen?"

"Regina is declared an outlaw," Snow said, deciding turnabout was fair play. "She is to be captured alive and brought to me."

He bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. We shall spread the word."

As he left, the first duke stepped closer to her. "Shall we begin preparations for your coronation, Your Majesty?"

"Yes," she said, looking forward to a grand celebration. "It shall be a feast celebrated throughout the land - freedom from the terrible Evil Queen and the start of a new era for our kingdom."

The council agreed and she leaned back in her throne, feeling relieved and giddy. She had taken back her throne from Regina and would save the kingdom from her stepmother's evil ways. And she believed that Regina would soon be captured. She would then face punishment for all the evil and hurt she had caused everyone, not just Snow.

Once Regina was gone, they could all start to heal.

And then Snow was going to make certain her people only knew peace, prosperity and happiness going forward. She was going to be a great queen just like her father had been a great king.

---

Regina checked her watch, her heart skipping a beat when she realized she needed to leave for Miriam's soon. The book had pulled her in, completely engrossing her. She glanced down at the drawing on the page before her, showing Snow White's coronation as queen. The fairy tale princess who looked like Mayor Nolan wore an opulent white and gold gown with a skirt that looked so big, small children could fit under it comfortably. Her brown hair had been curled and pinned up with little white flowers tucked amongst the locks in places where they would not be affected by the diamond-encrusted tiara she wore. Charming stood beside her in a white coat with gold buttons and a golden crown encrusted with rubies covering his blond hair. They had their arms wrapped around each other as they waved to their subjects from a balcony at the palace. It looked like the perfect fairy tale ending.

Yet it was also the start of another fairy tale, one where the Evil Queen became a heroine who found love with someone associated with Robin Hood and the Merry Men and started a family with him. Part of her wanted to keep reading, to find out who her supposed husband was, but she also had been looking forward to having a proper Thanksgiving for the first time in years. So Regina closed the book and put it in the drawer, locking it. Grabbing her coat, she closed up the office and then the library. She headed down the alley and used her back door to get into her house.

It was time to get ready.

She quickly showered before heading into her bedroom. Regina opened her closet and smiled. The holidays were already a boon for her business and her bank account was certainly reflecting it. She had bought a ledger and used all the business skills she had taught herself to keep track of her profits and liabilities, figuring out how much money she needed for the business and how much she could then put into her personal account as a salary of sorts. With the money she already had saved from the business, she had taken herself on a little shopping spree at stores she had only dreamed of shopping in.

Regina looked over her choices as she considered what she wanted to wear. Miriam had set a dress code that was casual but classy. She had explained that she wanted people to be comfortable but to look like they were still celebrating a holiday together. Reaching in, Regina pulled out a heather blue sweater dress and smiled.

It was perfect.

Laying the dress down on her bed, she pulled out a pair of black leggings that Miriam had gotten her. Regina had never really worn leggings before but she found them comfortable and cute. And they would keep her legs warm from the autumn chill. They would also go well with the pair of black boots both Miriam and Lan convinced her to buy during their shopping trip earlier and Regina was excited to show them off.

She changed into her outfit and slid her feet into the boots before heading to her vanity. Regina blow dried her hair before using some product to tame her curls a bit. Using some bobby pins to keep them in place, she then turned her attention to her makeup. Miriam and Lan had convinced her to get some new products and had even shown her how to use them, lessons she never got as a teenager growing up in the convent with no friends. It felt good to finally have some girlfriends she could shop and talk beauty tips with.

When her makeup was done, she stood and admired herself in her full-length mirror. For a moment, she didn't recognize the old Regina Mills – a shy recluse who dressed in whatever allowed her blend in the best. This Regina Mills exuded confidence and she saw a beauty in herself she never considered before. And for this moment, she felt like the queen depicted in the storybook and loved her new look.

Rob will probably love it too, a small voice told her.

"No," she told herself. "He's off-limits."

Because of a curse that may or not be real?

She sighed as she walked away from the mirror. Regina had been struggling since realizing that Rob was Robin Hood in the storybook as she really liked him. It had been years since she had been interested in anyone romantically and she couldn't deny her attraction to him. She absolutely loved spending time with him and found herself trusting him, even enough to tell him about her quest to find what happened to the baby she had forgotten giving birth to. He never judged her, supporting and comforting her when she needed it. It was nice to have support like that.

But if the curse was real - and her belief in it was growing stronger each day - then there was no chance for her and Rob. She had already figured out that Miriam was really Maid Marian, which meant that she and Rob were a couple but had forgotten about it. Regina knew that Miriam said she only saw Rob as a friend but that was likely just the curse suppressing their true feelings for each other. Who was she to get in the way of True Love?

However, there was still a good chance that the curse was not real and just in the imagination of a ten-years-old girl who needed an escape. Would Regina risk passing up her first real chance at love in years because of it?

This is probably all for nothing anyway, another small voice said. He probably isn't even interested in you like that.

"Enough!" she said out loud, silencing the voices in her head. "Today is about having fun with my friends, not trying to figure out what may or may not happen with Rob."

She entered the kitchen and picked up the two pies she made, including the pumpkin she made especially for Rob. It was just a friendly gesture, she told herself. She would just focus on having fun and deal with her feelings another time, like maybe her next session with Dr. Hopper. He would be able to help her put things into perspective, even if she had to finally tell him about the storybook.

Hopefully he didn't commit her right then and there.

Regina would worry about that later. For now, she was going to Miriam's and celebrating thanksgiving with her new friends. She was not going to think about the storybook or the curse.

It was time to party.

---

Regina watched the flap open as a dark-haired woman entered the tent. She was surprised - she had not detected any other woman in the camp and wondered why she had to deal with only Friar Tuck and Robin for the past few weeks. Her question was answered when the woman looked at her with coldness in her brown eyes. Whoever she was, she wanted nothing to do with Regina. So why was she here now?

"I'm Marian," the woman said. "Robin's asked me to take care of you while he's delivering your message. And I want to make it clear that I'm only doing it because he asked. It certainly isn't for you."

"Oh, don't worry," Regina replied, feeling the same disdain she heard in Marian's voice. "I am not going to assume any of you are treating me with kindness."

Except maybe Robin, who treated her with some level of respect if not the level she expected as Queen.

"Good," Marian said. "We understand each other then."

She moved closer to Regina, frowning. "Have...Have you bathed since arriving here?"

"No," Regina replied, knowing she had to look as monstrous as everyone thought she was. She could feel how knotted and matted her hair was as well as the layers of grime that had accumulated on her body.

Marian sighed, shaking her head. "Men. I swear some of them only bathe because I make them go to the river."

"The river?" Regina asked, horrified at the thought. Queens did not bathe in the river like some uncivilized peasant. Nor did they allow themselves to be in such a vulnerable position - naked in the open. It could only invite trouble.

"I'm not going to take you to the river," Marian replied. "You are in no condition to walk there on your own. Besides, I don't bathe in the river either."

Relief swept through Regina before curiosity replaced it. "Where do you bathe then?" she asked.

"I have a tub," Marian said. "I'll ask John to bring it in for you. We can heat the water over the fire."

"I guess it will have to do," Regina replied, knowing that it would not be the same as bathing in her own tub back at the palace. At least it will get her clean for now.

Marian pressed her lips together, something flashing in her eyes. "I understand how important feeling good is to the healing process. If it helps get you out of our camp sooner, I'm all for doing it."

"You'll get no complaint from me," Regina said, knowing she wanted to leave as soon as possible as well.

"I guess we'll see about that," Marian replied, stepping closer to the bed. "I'll check your bandages and then go get Little John."

She pulled the blankets back and frowned. "I'm going to guess no one has really changed your shift, either?"

"Oh, yes, because I have a full trunk of clothes with me," Regina snapped. "Of course no one has changed anything except my bandages. Honestly, I have prisoners who have been treated better than this."

"Now you're just being dramatic," Marian replied, "because I highly doubt that."

Before Regina could respond, Marian finished changing her bandages and straightened up. "I'll go get John and then I can help bathe you."

"I can bathe myself," Regina told her. "I'm a Queen, not a child."

"That last part is debatable," Marian replied. "But the truth is you're injured. You can't get your bandages too wet so you can't sit in the tub. I'll need to wash you to be careful of them."

Regina tensed up. She didn't let many people see her naked. Her servants drew her baths and then left the room before she disrobed and then washed her hair for her after her bath when her robe was back on. Not even the men she had bedded over the years saw her naked. She always plunged the room into darkness before taking what she wanted from them.

Marian frowned. "Is there a problem?"

"No," Regina replied, not wanting to let this woman find a possible weakness. "I guess it will have to do."

"Glad you can find it agreeable," Marian spat out. "I'm going to find John. We will be right back."

Panic surged through Regina. "He won't be here while you bathe me, right?"

Marian studied her before shaking her head. "No. I can send him out once the tub is filled."

"Good," Regina said, hoping the relief she felt didn't show on her face. "You may go then."

"Oh, no," Marian said, crossing her arms. "Let's get one thing straight. You are not queen here and you do not get to order anyone around."

Regina let out a cold laugh. "I am Queen no matter where I am. You better start showing respect."

Fire burned in Marian's eyes but when she spoke, her tone was ice cold. "You want respect? You start showing it yourself. We have taken you in and Robin and Tuck have worked hard to keep you from dying from your wounds. You are not the only one inconvenienced here, Your Majesty, but you are the cause. And after all the fear and destruction you've caused, don't expect us to be understanding. You don't automatically get respect because you have some fancy title. You earn it. And until you do that, you will never be a good Queen."

"How dare -" Regina tried to stand but she collapsed back onto the bed. Her legs were still not strong enough to bear her weight. Marian smirked before leaving the tent while Regina fumed.

She couldn't wait to heal and leave this awful place.

Marian returned, holding up the tent flap. "You can bring it in and place it in the middle of the tent," she told someone.

A large man entered the room, setting down a black tub where Marian instructed. He didn't even look at Regina before leaving the tent again. Marian continued to hold open the tent flap as two other men as well as the large one brought in buckets of hot water. Once the tub was filled, Marian thanked them and Regina noted their names - John, Will and Alan.

She would remember them.

The three men left and Marian approached Regina. "Alright. Let's get that shift off you and then I can start to bathe you."

"Fine," Regina said, raising her arms. "It's not like I have much of a choice."

"That is true," Marian said, pulling the shift over her head. "And I'm glad that you can be amenable. It's refreshing."

Once the shift was off, Regina glared at the other woman. "Will I also be showered with insults while you wash me?"

"Well, that's entirely on you," Marian replied. "If you keep insulting me, I'll keep insulting you."

"That's childish," Regina snapped.

Marian smirked. "It takes one to know one."

Regina heard the insult loud and clear in that statement - Marian was treating her like a child because she felt Regina was acting like a child. It seemed Marian enjoyed having some power over Regina, knowing the Queen was in no shape to do much damage to her.

She would come to regret it, Regina vowed.

"Alright, let's see if we can move you a bit closer," Marian said. "You can sit on the stump."

"Can you put something on it first?" Regina asked, not wanting to add splinters to her list of injuries.

Marian studied the stump before nodding. She opened the trunk and pulled out one of Robin's shirts, placing it on the trunk. "Will that do?" she asked.

"Yes," Regina replied, letting Marian help her to the stump. She sat on it and sighed. "Alright. I'm ready."

"Good. I'll try to make this quick," Marian replied. She dipped a cloth into the water and rubbed some soap onto it. Then she turned to Regina, starting to clean the grime and dirt from her skin. Regina could feel it falling away and she let out a soft sigh, already feeling better.

Marian had to dip the cloth into the bathtub a few times as she worked the same area of Regina's body. Regina glanced into the tub and saw how brown the water was getting. She frowned, worried that they would need to change the water while she was still naked as the day she was born. Hopefully it didn't come to that - she was not going to let anyone but Marian see her like that.

"Feel better?" Marian asked, finishing with Regina's other arm. She dipped the cloth into the water again and wrung it out.

"Do you really care?" Regina retorted. "Or are you just trying to make small talk?"

Marian scowled. "Do you think I really want to make small talk with you?"

She roughly scrubbed at Regina's side and Regina cried out before she could stop herself as pain shot through her body. Hissing, she recoiled from Marian, who pulled back with a frown. "I didn't think you were injured there," she said.

"Not this time," Regina replied, fighting against the memories that were playing again in her mind. She would not think of him and what he did to her now.

"How many fights do you get into regularly?" Marian asked snidely. Regina decided not to answer her - who cared what this woman thought of her? It wasn't as if her opinion of Regina could get worse.

Marian did not press further and stopped speaking after that. She continued to scrub at Regina's skin and Regina closed her eyes as several memories started to swirl around her mind. Though she remained on the stump, she felt as if she was falling back in time and experiencing them all over again - no matter how much she didn't want to do so.

Her skin burned as her mother scrubbed it raw after she wet the bed.

Pain shot through her ankle as her mother broke it as punishment for not dancing perfectly during a ball.

Regina's ribs cracked as Leopold punished her for displeasing him, for not being the wife he really wanted - Eva.

His hot and rough hands then gripped her as he demanded she perform her wifely duties. Regina's legs were pushed open and she knew the pain that would come next...and even though she knew it was futile, she still tried to fight.

"NO!" She pushed back against the body pressing closer to her and felt a rush of cool air brush over her naked body. "NOT THIS TIME!"

"Marian?" A strange male voice shattered the darkness that had surrounded Regina. Her body trembled as goosebumps rose on her skin. The smell of earth mixed with rose and pine, filling her nostrils and almost grounding her. She looked as the flap of the canvas tent started to open but it almost felt as if she were watching through someone else's eyes and not her own.

Marian dove for the flap, holding it down. "Please don't come in here."

"Is everything alright in there?" the man asked. "Is the Queen hurting you?"

"Everything is fine," Marian said. "I am fine. The Queen is fine. We're all...fine."

Regina slammed back into her body, aware of the pain shooting through her as she realized she had fallen off the stump. She hissed as she tried to get back on the stump, mortified. It had been years since she had a spiral like that. Normally she was good at keeping it inside her and not letting it affect her like that. She just wanted to go home and go back to where she was in control, where she was the invulnerable Evil Queen.

Not this quivering mess she barely recognized and loathed.

Marian held out her hand. "Let me help you," she said softly.

"I don't need help," Regina snapped. "I can manage on my own."

"Alright," Marian said, retreating back to the tub. She paused before saying: "I'm sorry."

Regina narrowed her eyes as she studied the other woman, wondering what Marian thought of her now - broken and weak, most likely. She was far from either of those. "I don't need your pity," she spat.

"It's not pity," Marian said. "It's an apology. I'm sorry for being so rough with you. That wasn't right."

"Oh," Regina replied, surprised. "Well, then, you're right. You shouldn't have been so rough with me."

Marian approached her and started to clean off the dirt Regina had gotten when she fell off the log. This time, she was far more gentle and it didn't feel like she was trying to rub Regina's skin off. When she got to Regina's legs, she did the lower parts and feet before standing. "Is it alright if I get your upper legs? Or can you do it?"

"I can do it," Regina said, taking the damp rag with her good hand. She ran it over her thighs and between her legs before handing it back to Marian.

. After dropping the cloth into the water, Marian glanced over at Regina. "Do you want to wash your hair now or do you want to dress first?"

Regina glanced down at her body as she debated her choices. Finally, she looked up. "Do you have a towel?"

"I do," Marian replied. "But I was going to use it for your hair."

She then glanced at the trunk before moving toward it. "Maybe Robin does though."

Regina watched as she opened it and rummaged through it, not caring that she was invading her leader's privacy. Or maybe she knew he wouldn't care because she was the one who went through his chest. Marian was the only woman in the camp and there had to be a reason for that. What exactly was her relationship to Robin and his men?

"Here we go," Marian said, pulling a towel from the trunk and holding it out to Regina. "You can use this."

Regina took the towel and wrapped it around her, studying Marian. "Why are you here? In this camp, I mean?"

"I live here," she replied. "I'm just as much part of this band as any of the men."

"Why? Do you enjoy camping out in the woods and running from the law?" Regina asked, leaning back so Marian could wash her hair.

Marian poured water over Regina's hair as she answered. "There are a lot of reasons. These are good men, especially Robin."

"You sound particularly fond of him," Regina said. "Is there something between you?"

"We're betrothed," Marian replied. "We're to be married at Yule."

Regina grinned, feeling proud of herself for figuring out that there had been more to Marian's relationship with Robin. Her grin then fell as she realized there were no feminine touches to the tent. "Do you not share this tent with him?"

"I do not," Marian replied, now using some shampoo on Regina's hair that smelled like roses. "My father asked that we stay in separate tents until we marry and we are honoring his request."

"Do you miss your father?" Regina asked, thinking of her own and hoping that Robin had delivered her message to Daddy. She didn't want him to worry about her.

"I do. Do you?" Marian asked.

Regina swallowed before saying: "I do."

She thought of her childhood and how her father was always the one to comfort her. Whenever she was sick, he would stay by her bedside and take care of her until she felt better. He was also there when she had nightmares. Daddy would hug her, assuring her that everything would be fine.

One of his hugs was sorely needed now.

"So he is real," Marian said softly.

Regina opened her eyes, not realizing she had closed them, and saw Marian looking at her with a pensive look in her eyes. Anger swelled up in Regina as she asked: "What do you mean by that?"

Marian shrugged, rinsing the shampoo from Regina's hair. "I thought it was something you made up to send Robin into a trap. You know, he gets captured and your guards force him to show them where you are."

"Oh," Regina replied, not surprised Robin's betrothed would think that and worry for him. "No. No traps. I just want my father to know I'm alive. He must be worried sick."

"Sit up, please," Marian said, her tone even softer now. Regina did as she asked and felt as the other woman towel-dried her hair.

Marian then moved to stand in front of Regina, studying her. "I think we are about the same size. I can lend you a shift to wear for now. And I can brush your hair as well."

She didn't wait for Regina to respond before moving toward the entrance. A sensation Regina hadn't felt in years washed over her and she called out to Marian. When the woman paused, Regina said: "Thank you."

"I'll be right back," Marian said, an undercurrent of kindness in her voice. She stepped out of the tent, leaving Regina alone.

Regina took a deep breath, not sure why she thanked Marian. She was a queen - people were supposed to serve her. That was just how things were done. Why did she need to acknowledge what they were supposed to do? It was ridiculous.

But there was just something about the way Marian had looked at her. It was not pity but something akin to understanding. But could a woman living in a tent in the woods really understand her?

Were they more similar than she thought?

No, she told herself. You are a queen and nothing like them. You need to remember that while you're captive here.

Regina sat up a bit straighter, knowing she needed to get out of there soon before she started to identify with her captors and do something she would later regret, like actually befriending them. That never ended well for anyone.

Especially for her.

---

Graham arrived next, carrying a tray of salad. "I picked this up on my way here. You know, since it's tradition," he said.

"Thank you," she replied, laughing. Every Thanksgiving Graham brought a salad and noted that it was tradition. By this point, it certainly had become tradition. "I'll go put this in the kitchen. Diana and my father are inside if you want to join them."

"In a minute," he said. "I just want to check in with you."

That surprised her and she tilted her head. "Why?"

He raised an eyebrow. "I think you know why."

"Not you too," she replied, groaning. Why couldn't let people just let Halloween stay in the past? "Daddy already tried to talk about it as well. I want today to be happy and not think of painful things."

"Alright," Graham said, though he looked hesitant. "But you know you can come to me if you need anything, right?"

She nodded, appreciating his friendship over these years. "Of course I do. I just want to move on and no one will let me. I know Daddy said it was a big deal and I know it was but I just don't need that stress, you know?"

"I know," he replied. "And I know you've been under a lot of stress this year. So I want you to know that it's okay if you're not okay. And it's okay to need help."

Mary Margaret knew he had a point, though they likely weren't thinking of the same things. To Graham, David's accident was always fresh in his mind and so he assumed the stress she felt was caused by her husband's coma. But to her, David had been gone for ten years. She had fallen into a routine and while she missed him so much it felt like there was a hole in her heart, his absence was not the cause of her stress. It was her daughter and what appeared to be the weakening of the curse. But Mary Margaret hoped everything would go back to normal once the reset happened at the New Year. Then she was certain the stress would go away.

She could make it for six more weeks.

"I know," she told him. "And I will reach out to you if I need it. Promise."

"Good," he said, kissing her cheek. He then pulled back with a smile. "Now, is it too soon to get into the liquor cabinet?"

Chuckling, Mary Margaret shook her head. "I'm sure my father has already opened it so go help yourself."

Graham thanked her before heading into the living room while she put the salad in the kitchen. When she got back out, Ruby and Archie arrived at Mary Margaret's house, completing her small party. Pongo was with them and Diana greeted the Dalmatian happily before hugging her aunt. Archie handed Mary Margaret a bottle of wine, apologizing for his lack of cuisine skills.

"This is perfect," Mary Margaret assured him. "I'm sure Ruby told you I have Thanksgiving dinner catered anyway. It's just so much easier."

"Do you need any help heating it up?" Ruby asked her as she hung up her coat.

Mary Margaret shook her head. "It's a bit too soon. We can start heating things up later. Why don't you two go make yourselves comfortable in the living room while I go get the hors d'oeuvres?"

They thanked her and walked toward her living room. Mary Margaret went in the opposite direction, crossing through her dining room and entering the kitchen. She opened her fridge and pulled out the tray of deviled eggs she had set up the night before. Carrying it into the living room, she smiled at everyone gathered in the room. "Time to get this party started!"

"Those look delicious, sweetheart," Daddy said. "Your mother's recipe?"

"Of course," she replied. "Wouldn't use any other."

The recipe wasn't really Eva's. It was very likely her mother didn't have any recipes of her own given how she had grown up. But when Mary Margaret had opened the container on her counter early in the curse and saw the index card with the word's "Mom's Deviled Eggs," she had cherished it as if it had really come from her mother. It felt like something she could pass down from Eva in this world.

Ruby grinned, picking one up and holding it out to Archie. "You have to try these. They are amazing. I don't know what Eva's secret was as no one will tell me…"

"Family secret," Mary Margaret and Daddy both said. He then continued: "It must be taken to the grave and only passed down to the next generation in the family."

Mary Margaret glanced at Diana, who happily enjoyed a deviled egg. Maybe one day she would be able to get the recipe. Or maybe Mary Margaret would keep making it and her little girl would keep eating them, once she gave up her belief that Regina Mills was her real mother. How she reacted now would tell Mary Margaret everything she needed to know. She waited to see if Diana had heard them and if she would respond but it seemed Diana was too preoccupied with keeping her food away from Pongo.

"Hear that, Diana?" Ruby asked, leaning closer to the girl. "One day, you'll be making your grandmother's deviled eggs."

Diana looked up from Pongo and Mary Margaret held her breath as she shrugged. "I'll probably be making a lot of things," she said.

Relief filled Mary Margaret as the others laughed. It seemed Diana was not going to be pushing her theory about Regina Mills being her mother. Things seemed to be on track for a peaceful and normal Thanksgiving.

Perfect.

She picked up a deviled egg and sat down on the couch next to her father. He sipped his drink before calling Diana's name. When she looked up, he smiled. "How's school this year?"

"It's good," she replied. "I really like my teacher this year."

Mary Margaret paused as she chewed but knew she finally had learned not to react too much when Diana said that. She had had Sister Trina her entire time in Storybrooke and she always liked her teacher but it still worried Mary Margaret. Especially given who Sister Trina truly was and the relationship she had had with Regina in the Enchanted Forest. The fact the storybook came from Sister Trina had also worried her. What if Sister Trina was awake and was trying to break the curse?

No, Mary Margaret told herself. Sister Trina didn't back up Regina's lie about Diana doing a homework assignment and has seemingly been honest with you the entire time. She doesn't remember.

But still she worried that Sister Trina was too much of a wild card.

Maybe she should've banished the blasted fairy back to Neverland instead.

"Well, that's good," Daddy said, drawing Mary Margaret back to the conversation. "Are you learning anything interesting?"

"There's a lot we're learning," Diana said. "We're learning a lot about stars now and that's cool, though a bit difficult to remember."

Mary Margaret nodded. "Science does seem to be a bit more difficult than it was last year."

"Ahh," Daddy replied knowingly. "Well, I know you're a smart girl, Diana. Struggling with one subject doesn't change that. We're all different."

Diana brightened. "I think the sound of that."

"Well, you probably won't need science anyway when you take over my column, right?" Ruby asked, winking at her.

"She's a Blanchard. She's going to be the next mayor," Daddy said proudly.

"Hey, hey," Graham said, holding up his free hand. "Maybe she'll take after her father and become sheriff."

Diana shrugged. "I haven't really decided what I want to be yet."

"That's okay," Archie assured her. "This is the time to learn as much as you can. You have plenty of time to figure out what career you want to pursue as an adult."

Mary Margaret tried not to chuckle at the thought that Diana would never have to worry about her future job while Daddy did chuckle. "Well, I'll support you no matter what, princess. But politics is in our blood. You may not be able to resist the pull."

"Being mayor seems so boring," Diana said. "And Mom has to work such long hours."

"Not always," Mary Margaret replied. "Only sometimes. And soon I'll be working even shorter hours as we prepare for the holidays."

Diana frowned, as if she was displeased with that news. Mary Margaret tried not to grow suspicious at her daughter's lack of excitement. "Think about all the traditions we have to look forward to," she said.

"Yes, all the fun ones," Ruby agreed with a smile. "I'm planning on getting my tree this weekend."

Mary Margaret chuckled. "You always get your tree early. And then you always complain about it being almost dead by Christmas."

"I know," Ruby said, "but I just love to have my tree up as soon as possible. I love to enjoy it for as long as I can. And I don't know why you don't do that. You have an artificial tree. It will last."

Daddy sighed. "I really wish you would get a real tree. It's so much better."

"Better?" Mary Margaret asked. "It gets sap and needles everywhere and the house smells like pine for months afterwards. No thank you."

"I like the smell of pine," Diana said.

For a moment, Mary Margaret felt as if someone had their hand wrapped around her heart and was squeezing it. She struggled to breathe as a chill swept through her. Was Diana's pronouncement really the innocent words of a child? Or was she saying that because of who she believed her father was?

"I don't think your mother is saying she dislikes the smell," Ruby said, defending Mary Margaret. "Most people do. I think pine just has its place. You wouldn't want to smell pine in the middle of summer, would you?"

Diana shrugged. "I guess not. I usually think of fruity smells for summer."

"And don't you get tired of one scent if you smell it all the time?" Ruby continued.

"Yeah," Diana agreed. "I suppose I do."

Ruby nodded. "That's what your mother is really concerned about."

"Exactly," Mary Margaret said, relieved. "Besides, a fully decorated tree looks the same whether it is artificial or real."

Diana shrugged again. "I suppose so."

"Looks like I'm outvoted," Daddy said, sighing dramatically. "Oh well. I guess I should concede to the wisdom of my girls."

Mary Margaret reached over and patted her father's hand. "That sounds like a good call. Besides, you can still have a real tree if you want."

"Oh, I will," he replied. "Would you two like to come and help me pick it out?"

Diana gasped, looking up at her with big eyes. "Can we, Mom?"

Mary Margaret hesitated, desperate to keep Diana from the Christmas tree farm - especially this year. Diana already was convinced that Regina Mills was her real mother and if she saw Rob Locksley, Mary Margaret knew that Diana would then go after him and tell him that he was her real father. The last thing she needed was for him to also suspect something as well.

And she definitely didn't need Diana trying to play matchmaker between Regina and Rob.

"I don't think we can," Mary Margaret lied. "We're going to be very busy until Christmas."

Daddy looked disappointed as Diana pouted. "We can't make some time to help Grandpa with his tree?"

"No," Mary Margaret said sharply. "We can't and that's final."

She huffed, muttering: "So unfair."

"Life isn't fair," Mary Margaret replied. "And if you're going to sulk, you can do so in your room."

Diana sighed but stopped pouting. "Fine."

"I think you owe our guests an apology for your behavior," Mary Margaret said, leaning back in her chair as Graham quickly excused himself to refresh his drink. She glanced over at Ruby, who was staring at the ground, and Archie. He had his head tilted as his blue eyes went between her and Diana, no doubt taking it all in. Mary Margaret hoped he was seeing what she had to deal with now and was realizing it wasn't just growing pains.

"I'm sorry," Diana said, though it sounded forced and not genuine at all.

Mary Margaret was about to correct her daughter again when Daddy jumped in. "It's okay, sweetheart. Maybe we should change the topic."

Swallowing her annoyance at her father's interference, Mary Margaret decided it would be best to keep Diana occupied. "Why don't you play the piano for us?"

"Now?" Diana asked, frowning.

Mary Margaret nodded. "I think it'll be a nice treat before dinner."

"Can it be a nice treat after dinner?" Diana asked. "I want to keep talking with everyone."

"No, because then you'll feel too full and too sleepy to play," Mary Margaret replied, knowing her daughter was just trying to put it off and wondering why. Diana always loved to perform for their guests. "You should do it now."

Diana glanced at her grandfather and godmother but both shook their heads. Ruby leaned forward. "We love hearing you play. Please let us listen to you before we're also too sleepy to really enjoy your performance."

"Please, princess?" Daddy asked. "For your dear, old grandfather?"

"Alright," Diana said, relenting. She stood and smoothed down her skirts. "Does anyone have any requests?"

Daddy winked. "You know my favorite."

Mary Margaret leaned back but did not relax as Diana sat at the piano bench. After warming up with a few scales, Diana began to play one of her grandfather's favorite songs. Ruby and Archie smiled as they listened, Diana's moment of defiance apparently forgotten. But it worried Mary Margaret and she feared that her fight to get her daughter back was far from over.

However, she still believed she would be victorious and Regina would be alone again, just like she deserved.

---

Robin slowed his horse as he got closer to the imposing Winter Palace. It was almost night and the obsidian towers were starting to blend in with the sky. Dismounting, Robin tied up his horse to the nearest tree and patted the stallion's neck. "I'll be back shortly," he assured his steed.

He approached the edge of the forest line, using the trees for cover as he took stock of the palace's perimeter. Guards patrolled it but he noticed they were not wearing the black uniforms of Regina's infamous Black Guard. These guards were wearing white and bore the royal seal of Mist Haven, much like they wore when King Leopold was still alive. It raised his suspicions but he wasn't sure if this change meant he was in more danger or less.

As night settled on the palace, Robin figured out how long he had between patrols. He watched one pass him and once they were out of sight, he darted from the forest and raced under cover of darkness toward what he identified as a servant's entrance. Slipping through it, Robin kept his hood up and hoped to be mistaken as a servant. To be safe, though, he tried to hide his movements behind carriages and hay bales in the courtyard as he quickly located an entrance into the palace.

Robin was relieved when he entered what appeared to be a servant's passageway. However, the palace was large and he worried he would take more time than he could afford to try to find Regina's father. Glancing down at his outfit, he knew he wouldn't be able to pass himself as a servant and so would need to stay out of sight. They were likely to raise the alarm about a trespasser even if the Queen wasn't in the palace. So he needed to move quickly but still stay out of sight.

Good thing he was an expert at that.

He moved through the empty passageway. Regina had given him some idea about where her father could be located but she wouldn't know how to navigate the servant passageways. And he worried using the hallways would be too dangerous. It was best to stay here and try to get his bearings.

Noise at the end of the corridor startled him and his heart started to beat faster. Robin moved into the shadows, finding a little alcove he could press himself into and remain out of sight. He watched as two servants emerged from a door on his right, both carrying trays. Given the time of day, he figured they were bringing the evening meals to those in the palace and hoped one was the Queen's father.

The servants stopped, looking at each other. "Where are you going?" the man asked.

"The princess and the prince," the woman answered, confusing Robin for a moment. He then realized she meant Snow White and Prince James. Robin had heard tales of them hiding in the woods from the Queen, ready to take Snow White's throne back from her evil stepmother. It seemed that in Regina's absence, they had done just that.

She was not going to be happy to hear that.

"Lucky you," the man said. "I am going to the Queen's father."

The woman frowned. "Prince Henry is kind, far kinder than his daughter. Why would you not want to serve him?"

He sighed. "Because it's just so...uncomfortable. The poor man is a prisoner because of his daughter but he's absolutely distraught that he has no idea if she is dead or not. It's just very dark in his room."

"I can't believe the princess and prince are doing that to him," the woman replied. "He's done nothing wrong. He was as much a prisoner under the queen as the rest of us."

"But he's her father. He could've stopped her. He didn't," the man argued. "He even helped her."

"Because he's her father," the woman insisted. She sighed, shaking her head. "We can't keep standing here and arguing about Prince Henry. We need to deliver the food. I'll talk to you later."

The man nodded and started to walk down the hallways, heading toward Robin. Pressing himself against the wall, Robin waited for the man to pass him before starting to follow him at a safe distance. He was careful not to get caught but to keep the servant in sight, knowing he would lead Robin to the Queen's father.

After going up two staircases and down three other corridors, the servant finally came to a stop. Robin stayed behind, counting how many doors the man passed before he stopped. He knocked and was admitted into a room. Robin waited, crouching with his hood up and his cloak covering him. The man re-emerged and walked away from Robin, which made him relax a bit. He waited until the servant was no longer visible before standing and walking down to the prince's room.

He counted doors before arriving at the one he believed led to the Queen's father's room. Robin knocked and waited for the occupant to open the door, practicing what he would say.

"Did you forget something?" An older man with thin white hair asked as he opened the door. He wore a dark coat over a white shirt with a ruffled collar, pairing them with a pair of black pants. Brown eyes that reminded Robin of Regina's widened as he took in Robin. "Who are you?"

"I have a message from your daughter," Robin said. "May I come in?"

Prince Henry narrowed his eyes. "How do I know that you have come from my daughter and this isn't a trick?"

"How many people know your daughter is missing and not here in the palace with you?" Robin asked, wondering what else he could say to convince the man he came from the Queen.

"Fair point," Prince Henry said, stepping aside. "Come in quickly."

Robin entered the room and watched as the prince closed the door. Lowering his hood, Robin watched as the man approached him. "What are you doing with my daughter? Are you holding her for ransom?" Henry asked.

"No," Robin told him, holding up his hands. "My men and I found her lying unconscious and injured by her horse in the woods. It was dark and we did not know who she was. We took her back to our camp and have been tending to her."

"We?" Prince Henry asked, narrowing his eyes.

Robin nodded. "My men and me. That's all I can say for now."

"The Merry Men, right?" the prince asked. "Even under your hood I recognize you from your wanted posters. You're the thief, Robin Hood."

"I see my reputation precedes me," Robin said, lowering his hood. He then bowed. "Your Highness."

Prince Henry, though, continued to glare at him. "How much do you want for her?"

Robin frowned, shaking his head. "I promise you that we are not holding her for ransom. She is just too injured and weak to travel. I have a letter from her if you want proof."

"Yes, please," the prince said, holding out his hand. Robin pulled the sealed letter from his cloak and handed it to the man. Prince Henry walked away and broke the seal, reading the letter by candlelight.

After finishing the letter, the prince folded it back up and closed his eyes. Robin looked away, giving him a moment to collect himself. He only looked back when he heard the prince say: "I recognize her handwriting. I believe you."

"Thank you," Robin said, not yet relaxing. There was still a chance the prince would send for the guards. "Do you have any other questions?"

"How injured is she?" Prince Henry asked, his expression softening. Concern and pain filled his eyes as Robin listed every injury they had found after examining the queen. The prince walked away, his hand covering his mouth.

"But she's on the mend," Robin assured her father. "Our healer thinks in another month she can at least travel and then in another month or so after that, she should be completely healed."

Prince Henry nodded before his eyes widened. The color drained from his face as he grasped Robin's arm. "You mustn't bring her back here. The princess will kill her."

"I don't know if I can keep her from coming back once she's better," Robin said, knowing Regina will want to take her throne back from Snow White. He felt something tighten in his stomach as he worried that the Queen would end up running straight to her death.

"I can give you money," Prince Henry said, moving toward a chest. "Take her to the harbor and put her on a ship to somewhere safe. She won't be happy but as long as the princess can't get her, that's all that matters. I will die knowing she is alive."

His words startled Robin and he frowned. "I could tell you where she is. You could join her."

"I doubt that," Prince Henry said, holding out a bag of coins. "When the princess can't get Regina, I know I will likely be killed in her place. I am ready to make that sacrifice. It's the least I can do for her."

Robin did not take the bag, instead studying the older man. It was clear that he loved his daughter as much as she loved him and he had done what he could to help her. While there were no doubt many who would disagree, Robin did not believe he deserved to die for his daughter's crimes. And his honor code would not let him leave this man behind to die.

He gently pushed the bags of gold back at the prince. "Keep your money and use it to buy passage for both you and the Queen to leave."

"What do you mean?" Prince Henry asked, frowning.

"I came to give you the Queen's message and assure you that Queen Regina is alive but I cannot leave you to die," Robin said. "Do you think we can steal a horse? Because I only brought one and I doubt I can fit both of us on him."

Prince Henry nodded. "I know the stablemaster. He will give us a horse, no questions asked."

"Good," Robin said, breathing out. He had never stolen a person before and wished he had listened to everyone who told him to bring weapons. But he believed if he played this right, they could get away without anyone knowing until morning. "You're going to have to pack lightly."

"I understand," Prince Henry replied. "How long do I have?"

Robin paused, considering his answer. He hadn't staked out the palace like he normally would've before a job, learning all the routines of everyone who called the palace home. Which meant he didn't know the guards' schedules or where there would be an unguarded gate they could use to escape.

"When's the safest time to escape?" he asked, hoping the prince knew some of those answers. "Or at least when will we have the greatest chance of not getting caught?"

Prince Henry thought it over before responding: "There's a change of guard at midnight. We'll be able to sneak out while the guards are preoccupied."

"Sounds good," Robin said, knowing that would be the best time. "We'll then have a few days' ride to my camp. Will you be able to handle it?"

"For Regina? Absolutely," Prince Henry said, love filling his eyes.

Robin nodded. "I believe Her Majesty will be happy to see you. I can tell that she misses you."

"I miss her too," he said. "She is my whole world. I know many wouldn't understand that but I know who Regina truly is. And I hope that one day, she'll remember that too."

"I understand," Robin said, believing he glimpsed the true Regina in her letter to her father.

Prince Henry paused, looking Robin over with an unreadable expression in his eyes. He then nodded. "Perhaps you do."

The prince then motioned to his table. "Have a seat. There's plenty of food for both of us."

"I couldn't impose," Robin said, patting his bag. "I brought rations for myself."

"Enough for just one person for the length of your journey, I assume?" Prince Henry asked, sitting down at the table.

Robin had to admit he had a point. He hadn't only packed enough rations to get to the palace and back by himself. Adding a second person would reduce the amount of rations and he would either need to buy more food along the route or forage for it. It was likely best to have some of the prince's food to help their rations last longer.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt," Robin said, sitting across from the prince. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Prince Henry replied. "Though you might want to restock before we leave. Just a suggestion."

Robin paused, tilting his head. "Are you suggesting I steal food?"

"Perhaps," the prince said. "It's up to you. But I know for a fact there is far too much food for the amount of people in this palace, including staff."

"So they won't miss some rations for a few days?" Robin asked, stroking his chin as he considered the prince's suggestion. Restocking on food would probably be their best bet rather than trying to forage for food.

Prince Henry shook his head. "Not at all."

"Then we'll sneak out through the kitchens but we'll have to be quick," Robin said, taking a bite of the meat prepared for the prince. "We can't risk getting caught."

"Don't worry. You aren't the only one with experience taking things," the prince assured him, winking with a cheeky grin.

Robin liked him.

Prince Henry motioned to the plate. "Eat, eat. We're both going to need our energy for our daring escape."

"Yes, we will," Robin agreed, grabbing some of the meat and taking a bite. While it seemed his mission just got riskier, he was confident that the prince would be an asset and not a liability.

They would both make it back to camp safely and he would reunite father and daughter.

---

"Alright, I think it's time to start bringing the food out so we can eat!" Miriam declared, clapping her hands as she stood in front of the kitchen. "If we all pitch in, we should be ready in no time."

Rob chuckled as set his beer down. "Do you want me to carve the turkey?"

"Yes, please," Miriam said, nodding. "You're the only one who won't end up decimating it."

"Oi! One time losing control of an electronic knife and you never live it down," Reed said, shaking his head.

Lan rolled her eyes. "We had to heat up pizza because you cut it up into such tiny pieces we couldn't salvage anything to enjoy."

A little giggle drew Rob's attention to Regina, who stood by the stuffing with her hand covering her mouth. She met his eyes and he winked at her, making her giggle again as Reed continued to protest for a second chance. In the end, he was shut down and Miriam handed the turkey to Rob "It's all yours."

"Thank you," he replied, carrying it out to the table. They all set the table in short order and soon he picked up the knife to start carving up the turkey.

Once he felt he had carved enough, he set the knife down again and passed the platter to Lan. "Here you go," he said.

"Perfectly cut," she replied, holding out the platter to Reed. "That's how sliced turkey should look."

He huffed. "I know! You show me it every year!"

"Just want to be sure," she said, placing some pieces of white meat on her plate before passing the platter to Miriam.

Regina chuckled before leaning closer to Rob. She whispered: "Was it that bad?"

"Oh yeah," he replied, whispering back. "I can show you pictures once we're done eating."

She nodded before leaning back. Regina pointed to a bowl. "Can you pass the yams, please?"

"Here," he said. "So, what do you think of Thanksgiving so far?"

"A lot more fun than my past Thanksgivings," she replied, scooping some yams onto her plate. "And the food looks so much better."

Lan raised an eyebrow. "You're a great cook, Regina. I'm sure your meals were great."

"I usually just had a tiny chicken and some vegetables by myself," Regina replied. "But I was talking about meals when I was at the convent."

Ian made a face. "You were at the convent? I can't see you as a nun."

She chuckled, shaking her head. "I wasn't going to be a nun. I knew I never wanted to be a nun by the time I was like six."

"Six?" Reed asked. "What were you doing there at such a young age?"

Regina shifted in her seat and Rob took her hand, glaring at Reed. "What does it matter? Why don't we talk about something else?"

"No, no, it's okay," Regina said. "It's an open secret in Storybrooke anyway. I'm an orphan, abandoned by my mother after I was born. No one wanted to adopt me because of her reputation and so I was raised at the convent."

Lan hit the back of Reed's head. "You had to bring up painful memories for her, didn't you?"

"I didn't know!" he protested, swatting Lan's hand away. "I swear!"

Regina held up her hands. "Don't hurt him. They aren't as painful as they used to be. I've accepted my past."

"Today is not about anyone's past," Miriam said, picking up her glass of wine. "Today is about our present and being grateful for what we all have. So I think we should go around and say something we're grateful for."

"I think that's a good idea," Lan agreed. "I'll start. I'm grateful for my job and being able to help people get good educations."

Ian went next, rubbing his stomach. "I'm grateful for all this good food."

"I'm grateful to have made it to another Thanksgiving," Reed said, "and for everything I learned this year."

Lan let out an aww. "You went schmoopy on us."

"Shut up," Reed muttered, his ears turning pink as he suddenly got fascinated by his plate.

Rob chuckled, deciding to have mercy on his friend. "I guess I'm next. I'm grateful this year for new friends."

He glanced over to Regina, who smiled softly as she met his eyes. "I am grateful for a lot and I can only sum it up by saying that I'm grateful for finally living my life."

"I like that," Miriam said, echoing the thoughts in Rob's head. As she said that she was grateful for a new partnership and making her dream a reality, he took Regina's hand and gave it a soft squeeze. He certainly was grateful that he was part of her life now and hoped she felt the same.

"Well, now that we've given thanks, let's eat!" Miriam declared. "Enjoy everyone!"

They all dug into the food and silence filled the room as everyone ate their meals. Rob enjoyed the turkey, finding it not too dry and cooked perfectly. After almost inhaling his few slices of white meat, he said: "Good job on the turkey, Miriam."

"I think this is your best one yet," Ian agreed, taking more turkey from the plate.

"Aww, thank you," she replied. "Maybe I can offer to make some Thanksgiving dinners for people. They pay me and I deliver them fully cooked meals on Thanksgiving."

Reed frowned. "I think someone already does that. They make the mayor's Thanksgiving meal at least."

"Mayor Nolan has her Thanksgiving meals catered?" Lan asked, sounding surprised. "She always presents herself like Suzie Homemaker. I figured she would bake everything herself."

"That's all propaganda," Rob said, sipping his beer. "She's grown up in the lap of luxury. Probably never had to lift a finger to do anything around her house."

Regina frowned. "Poor Diana. I always wanted a family that I could help make Thanksgiving dinner with. I feel bad that she can't do that with her mother then."

"Eh, she's probably as spoiled as her mother and doesn't miss it at all," Reed replied, sipping his beer.

"She's not spoiled at all," Regina snapped, her cheeks turning pink as she glared at Reed. Her reaction startled them all and Reed raised his hands as he stammered out an apology. Looking around at everyone, Regina stood and excused herself for a few moments. After a quick debate in his head, Rob stood and followed her into the kitchen.

He pushed open the doors and found Regina standing over the sink, her head bowed. Rob approached carefully, not wanting to spook her. "Regina, are you okay?"

"I just need a moment," she said, her voice sounding strangled. He knew she was trying not to cry as she added: "You can tell everyone I'm fine and I'll be out in a moment."

"I think I need to stay here with you," he replied, placing his hand on her back. "You're not okay."

She sighed. "Sorry. I guess I'm a little protective of Diana."

He nodded, though he was confused as to why. But he didn't feel it was his place to ask just yet and decided to wait until she felt like opening up. "Reed was out of line. It's one thing to talk about the mayor and another about a child who is still growing up and finding their way."

"It is wrong," she agreed. "No child deserves to be judged by their mother."

"You're right," he said, realizing that this was likely just a case of Regina seeing herself in Diana and not wanting to see the same trauma she held inflicted on the mayor's daughter. He reached out and rubbed her back. "You didn't deserve it and Diana doesn't deserve it now."

She sniffed, nodding. "Thank you."

He pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. Rob rocked her gently, hoping to offer the comfort she had been denied for too long. As he rested his cheek against her head, he wished he could be the one to comfort her for the rest of their lives.

Regina took a deep breath and pulled away, wiping her face. "My first real Thanksgiving and I end up making things awkward and then running off to cry in the kitchen. Great."

"Well, you have a lot of family drama to catch up on," he joked, rubbing her back. She chuckled and nodded, making him feel a little bit more relieved. So he added: "Don't worry. You can just splash some water on your face and I'll go out there to let everyone know you're okay and then we can continue with Thanksgiving. Okay?"

"Thank you," she said, rising on her toes to kiss his cheek. "You're like my guardian angel."

He grinned, pleased she thought so highly of him. Rob shrugged. "I try to always be there for my friends."

"Well, I am lucky you're my friend," she said. She then took a breath. "I'll be right out. You should go out and tell them I'm fine. Because I am. Thanks to you."

"Alright," he said, reluctantly stepping away from her. "If you're sure…"

She nodded. "I am. But thanks, Rob."

Regina turned to the sink to splash some water on her face, just like he suggested, and he left the kitchen. Their friends all turned to him and Miriam rose, her face pale as she asked: "Is she okay?"

"Yeah," he said, taking his seat again. He then glared at Reed. "You owe her an apology."

"Why? Does she have some special relationship with Diana? Did she like babysit her or something?" Reed asked, looking confused.

Rob frowned, annoyed with his friend. "Does it matter why you upset her? You did and you should apologize for it," he hissed.

"Fine," Reed said with a sigh. "I'll apologize."

"Try to sound like you mean it when you do," Lan told him, glaring at Reed as well. "Got it?"

Reed nodded. "But it would help if I knew why I upset her."

"I think it all goes back to her mother," Ian said, surprising Rob. "You heard her – no one adopted her because of who her mother was. And from what I understand, the people of this town have treated her horribly over the years because of her mother as well. They couldn't punish her mother so they punished Regina for her mother's faults."

"Oh," Reed said, looking even more contrite. "Well, that's utter shite. She shouldn't be punished for her mother's faults."

Rob saw his opening and took it. "Exactly. No child should be judged by their parent, no matter who they are."

The door to the kitchen opened and they all leaned back in their seats as Regina stepped out, looking much better than she had earlier. She stepped closer to the table, taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry for running out like that…"

"No, no," Miriam said, standing. "You have nothing to apologize for. Right, Reed?"

Reed nodded. "I'm sorry, Regina. No matter my thoughts about the mayor, I should not have brought her daughter into them. She's a child and didn't deserve it."

"Thank you," Regina replied, her expression softening. "I appreciate that."

Miriam motioned to her seat. "How about we just avoid all talk of the mayor and her family for the rest of the night?"

"Agreed," everyone said as Regina sat down again. With that settled, they turned back to their meal and the conversation moved onto lighter topics.

Under the table, Rob reached out and took Regina's hand. He gave it a squeeze and when she looked up at him, he also gave her a smile he hoped reassured her. It did make her smile back at him, causing his heart to skip a beat. Rob wanted to be the one who comforted her and made her smile for the rest of their lives. But he also knew she had been hurt in the past and so he didn't want to rush her.

He released her hand and they turned back to their meal. Every so often, Rob checked Regina to make sure she was still having a good time. She looked relaxed and engaged in the conversations again, her laugh buoying his spirits each time. His heart always skipped a beat whenever he took her in, mesmerized by her beauty.

Rob knew he was falling fast and falling deep for her but didn't care. For now, he would only dream of being with her but hope that one day, his dreams would come true.

---

Henry liked Robin Hood.

It was a bit of a surprise. For a few years now, many nobles had come to Regina begging for help and protection against a group of bandits known as the Merry Men and their mysterious leader known only as Robin Hood. They spoke of his skill with the bow and how his arrows never missed their target. He and his men were able to waylay any carriage as well as break into manor houses and get away without ever being caught. They just disappeared into the thick woods around Mist Haven and were easily lost by anyone trying to pursue them. All signs pointed to them preferring the area around Sherwood Forest in the Locksley region and so Regina had tasked the local sheriff, Nottingham, to capture him but paid little attention to him as her focus was always on Snow White.

Now, though, he had spent two days with the man as they rode to where he and his men were caring for Regina. They had often lapsed into easy conversations to pass the time as they rode through the forest away from the palace and Henry had learned that Robin and his men gave away almost everything they stole to those who needed it most. It made him think of all the riches and luxuries he had been surrounded by his entire life and all the people who barely had a roof over his head. While he had thought he had done what he could to help those less fortunate than him, Henry now realized he hadn't done anything at all. All he had done was offer words and gestures that would never fill a stomach, cure illness or provide shelter from the cold.

Perhaps he could convince Regina to do some good wherever they ended up once she was feeling better. Maybe it would bring his daughter back to him and they could leave the Evil Queen in the past where she belonged.

"The sun is starting to set," Robin said, stopping his horse. "We should stop and make camp here for the night. If we leave at first light, we should make it to my camp by next sundown."

Henry stopped his own horse and nodded in agreement. Relief swept through him to know that he would almost be with Regina again and could see how she was doing for himself. It pained him to think that she was injured, sick and so far away from him. For years, he had always been the one to comfort her and the need to do so now was overwhelming.

"Are you alright?" Robin asked, sounding concerned. "I know this has been a lot of riding and you may not be used to it. Have we pushed too hard?"

"No, no, I'm fine," Henry assured him. "I was just thinking about Regina and how relieved I'm going to be when I can be by her side to help care for her."

Robin nodded, a pensive look in his eyes. "You and the Queen care a great deal about each other."

"Of course we do," Henry replied, a bit affronted by Robin's statement as he knew it was likely born out of the myth that Regina was unable to love. If only they knew that she was the way she was because she loved too much and had been hurt so deeply.

He looked right into Robin's eyes as he said: "My daughter is not a heartless monster."

"I know," Robin said. "Or else I wouldn't have risked coming to the palace with her message for you."

"Oh," Henry replied, deciding he liked Robin Hood even more if he was able to see a person when he looked at Regina rather than a monster.

Robin moved past him, removing water pouches from his horse. "I believe we passed a stream a few paces back. I'm going to get us some water. Can you gather some wood for our fire?"

"Yes," Henry said, glad to be useful. "Anything else?"

"I think that's it for now," Robin said, moving away from him. "I'll be back shortly."

Henry nodded and moved to complete his task. By the time Robin returned with water, Henry had gotten a fire started and had pulled out some of the food they had with them. Robin sat down next to him and accepted the cold meat Henry offered, chewing it as they both stared into the fire.

"Thank you," Henry said finally. "Thank you for not treating my daughter as a monster. I know not many people here would do that."

"You're welcome," Robin replied, stoking the fire. "I will be honest. My men have not been happy with my decision to provide aid to her. But I reminded them that we live by a code and that code says we help all those in need, no matter what."

That was not very comforting to Henry, knowing he had left Regina amongst those who did see her as a monster. "Is she safe?"

Robin nodded. "I left her in the care of our healer who has supported my decision from the beginning and with someone who I know will not harm her no matter how she feels about the Queen."

"Alright," Henry said, feeling a bit more comforted. Especially since it seemed there was at least one woman with Regina as well. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Robin said. "I hope my men can come to see her as a person but I don't know if they can look past what she's done."

Henry sighed, knowing that was true of many in Mist Haven. Besides Snow White's determination to find Regina and no doubt execute her for the death of King Leopold, it was another reason he hoped to convince his daughter to leave with him. He hoped she would be able to build another life faraway from Mist Haven and all the reminders of the great injustices done to her. Maybe then she could be the loving and kind woman he knew she still was deep down under all that hurt and pain.

"There's more to Regina than she lets people see," Henry said softly. "She's locked her heart away in order to keep it safe."

Robin stopped before slowly looking up at the man. "Do you mean that literally or figuratively?"

Henry frowned. "Figuratively."

"Just asking," Robin said. "The Queen's powers are legendary and there are many tales, including ones about her taking people's hearts."

"Oh," Henry said, forgetting that Regina had inherited that particular obsession from her mother as well. Probably because they both shared the same mentor when it came to magic and he encouraged them to do so.

He hated Rumpelstiltskin.

But he didn't want to confirm his daughter's dark habits to Robin, so he just left it at that. Thankfully, Robin didn't press either and the two men just sat in the growing darkness in silence. Henry's mind, though, was loud as he thought of the ways to defend and explain Regina to him. To explain that he failed to protect her once he realized that Cora was not maternal in any way and saw their daughter as a pawn rather than a person. And that he kept failing her when she was forced to marry a man a few years older than him, a man who only cared about his own wants as well as his daughter's but never Regina's. Regina was no more than a doll to either King Leopold or Princess Snow White, though her fault was due to youth and being spoiled. He tried to encourage Regina to show her the error of her ways but Regina was not interested and frankly, he now realized it was never her responsibility nor should he have made it hers.

"Many have failed my daughter," Henry admitted softly. "And I have been chief among them."

"I doubt that," Robin said. "You are a good and loving father."

Henry let out a wry laugh. "Loving, yes, but not good. Not when she needed me to be. People who were supposed to care for her hurt her over and over and I just stood by and let it happen."

"I don't think she blames you," the other man told him. "She's been more worried about you than herself since regaining consciousness."

"Oh, Regina," Henry replied, sighing. Regina had been taught from a young age to not really think about her own wellbeing. Cora had punished her for injuries or being sick, never comforting their daughter. She reinforced that Regina was to push through anything and not show weakness while he would try to care for their daughter behind his wife's back.

But he could've done so much more.

And once he was reunited with her, he was going to do everything he could to save her from Snow White…and herself.

"May I ask you a question?" Robin asked, the fire casting shadows on his face as he turned to Henry again. "Why is the Queen so intent on destroying Snow White? I've heard it's because she is jealous of the girl's beauty but after seeing the Queen, I highly doubt it's that. And then there's the rumor she wants to destroy the princess to keep the throne. That one I would be more apt to believe but it still doesn't strike me as the complete truth."

Henry was surprised by Robin's wisdom and noted that the man thought Regina was beautiful, even if he hadn't said those exact words. Debating his answer, Henry ultimately knew those answers could not come from him. "You'll need to ask Regina. It's not my story to tell."

"I doubt she will tell me," Robin replied. "I don't think she trusts me."

"Don't take it personally," Henry told him. "She doesn't trust anyone. There are times I don't think she even trusts herself."

Robin nodded, turning his attention back to the fire. His brows were furrowed and Henry knew he was thinking hard, probably trying to solve the enigma that was Regina. It was unlikely he ever would.

"As I said, Regina's story is hers to tell," Henry said. "But I will say one thing. Hurt people hurt people and Regina has already born more pain than she should've in her lifetime."

Robin paused before saying: "I do not plan to hurt her."

"I believe you don't but she likely doesn't and she is not going to just take people at their word any longer," Henry replied, thinking of Snow White's broken vow to Regina. "All I will say is that actions speak louder than words."

Robin nodded. "I understand."

"Good," Henry said, believing the other man had a better understanding of Regina even if it was not yet a complete one. Feeling tired, he stood. "I think I will turn for the night. Goodnight, Robin. And thank you."

"Goodnight," he replied, still staring at the fire. But Henry could tell his mind was far, far away. He hoped it was with a certain dark-haired queen.

Henry laid down on the pallet Robin had provided for him and pulled a blanket over himself. Before closing his eyes, he focused on Robin once more. He was someone Henry believed Regina needed in her life, even if she didn't realize it. From their time together, it was clear that Robin was a kindhearted man who did not judge people. He helped whoever needed it and right now, Regina needed his help.

And as he drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but think that he wouldn't mind having an outlaw for an in-law.

---

"Bye, Grandpa," Diana said, hugging him tightly. At least her grandfather hadn't been taken from her like her parents had been and she still had him. Hopefully she would soon be able to convince him he wasn't Leopold Blanchard and that Mary Margaret wasn't his daughter. Then maybe he would remember being Henry and that his daughter was Regina.

He kissed the top of his head. "Goodbye, princess. I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Okay," she said, reluctantly letting him go. He then hugged Mom before leaving the house, the last of their guests to do so.

Mom locked the door and turned to Diana. "Time for bed."

Diana nodded, too tired to put up much of a fight. She headed upstairs and brushed her teeth before changing into her pajamas. As she climbed into bed, Mom came in to tuck her in. "Did you have a good Thanksgiving?" Mom asked.

"I did," Diana replied. "Did you?"

"Except for that piano incident, yes," Mom said, giving Diana a pointed look that seemed to indicate a lecture was in her future. "I don't like how you disobeyed me."

Diana frowned, annoyance rising up inside her. "I wasn't being disobedient. I was going to play the piano. I just asked to do it after dinner."

"I had a reason for you to play before dinner," Mom replied. "Didn't you feel sleepy after dinner?"

"Not right after dinner," Diana replied, recalling the burst of energy she felt. "I could've played the piano before it hit."

Mom pressed her lips together. "I need you to understand that I know what's best, Diana. I wish you wouldn't question my decisions."

Diana crossed her arms. "I wish you would listen to me and be more flexible sometimes."

"I am flexible," Mom said, annoying Diana. "But there are times I can't be flexible."

"Like tonight?" Diana asked, still surprised.

Mom nodded. "Exactly. Everything was planned and we couldn't deviate from those plans."

"Why?" Diana wanted answers but doubted she would get any from her so-called mother. Still, she had to try.

"Because we were hosting a party," Mom replied. "And a good hostess makes sure everything is perfect for her guests. To do so, she has to plan everything down to the tiniest detail."

Diana frowned. "That doesn't sound like fun."

"Hosting isn't supposed to be fun. It's supposed to make sure your guests have fun," Mom said. "You'll realize that when you're older."

"I think guests and the host can have fun," Diana replied. "And flexibility isn't a bad thing."

Mom sighed, standing. "That's enough for tonight. Goodnight, Diana."

She left the room and closed the door behind her. Diana knelt and looked out of her window, wondering where her real parents were at that moment. Had they celebrated Thanksgiving together? Were they any closer to breaking the curse?

"Hurry up, Mama and Papa," she whispered. "You need to break the curse soon. I don't know how much more of this I can take."

She laid down again, pulling the blankets over her. Diana closed her eyes and slipped into a dream where she spent Thanksgiving with her real parents, enjoying every moment and making new memories with them.

---

"Okay, everyone come find a seat," Miriam announced. "I'm about to start the movie."

Lan settled on the floor while Reed took one of the armchairs. Ian rolled out a bean bag and Rob rolled his eyes. "Really?"

"Yes, really," Ian said. "You know I don't go to any movie night without my trusty bean bag."

Regina chuckled, amused but also feeling a bit left out as it was clear they all had their private in-jokes. She watched Ian get settled into his bean bag chair and wondered how long before she really felt like a member of their friend group.

"I guess you, me and Rob are on the couch," Miriam said to her. "Why don't you get seated?"

"Thanks," Regina said, settling on one end of the couch. Rob sat next to her, flashing a smile as he did so. It made her heart skip a beat and she was tempted to lean closer to him. But then the image of him and Miriam as Robin Hood and Maid Marian flashed in her mind, keeping her from doing so.

Miriam stood in front of the TV, grinning. "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you this year's post-Thanksgiving feast movie. It's a modern classic - The Holiday!"

"I've never heard of it," Lan said.

"I hadn't either until I saw it at the video store," Miriam replied, sitting down on Rob's other side. "So I rented it, loved it and decided to show it tonight."

Reed frowned, eyeing the menu. "Is this a mushy movie?"

"If you're asking if it's a rom-com, it is," she replied, glaring at him. "But I promise you that everyone will like it."

"Then press play," Lan said. "And Reed? Shut up."

Reed rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out at her but didn't say anything else. He relaxed in his chair and his eyes were focused on the TV screen. Miriam asked Ian to turn off the lamp behind him and the room was plunged into darkness except for the light coming from the TV.

The movie started and Regina relaxed, getting more comfortable with Rob's comforting weight and warmth beside her. She felt the effects of their big meal start to set in and she struggled to keep her eyes open as Kate Winslet sobbed in her English cottage. Thankfully at that moment, Ian spoke up.

"Are you from Surrey, Rob?" he asked.

"No," he replied. "I'm from Nottingham."

That sent a rock plummeting into her stomach. Rob Locksley from Nottingham? If she was to curse Robin Hood, she would likely give him that identity in her new world. While it seemed more proof for Diana's theory, it also meant that he didn't know he was sitting with his wife on that couch.

Which further reinforced he was off limits.

"Shh!" Lan said, putting her finger to her lips. "I'm trying to watch the movie!"

Everyone settled down as the movie continued. They watched as Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet switched houses and proceeded to fall in love with Jude Law and Jack Black respectively. Regina glanced up at Rob, wishing he could be either her Jude Law or Jack Black. But it seemed he was still out there.

Rob took her hand in his as the movie played on. She contemplated pulling away but gave into her desire to be closer to him. Regina laced her fingers with his and rested her head on his shoulder, hoping this didn't end with her heart broken.

Again.

---

A/N: Here's the new chapter! A lot of movement in the Enchanted Forest, though not a lot of Outlaw Queen there. But that will be coming soon!

There was also some movement in Storybrooke though that will play out more over the next few chapters than have an immediate effect. Will having Archie observe her and Diana work in Mary Margaret's favor? Or will it prove to be the wrong decision? And will Regina be able to resist the pull she feels toward Rob? Or is she fighting a losing battle?

Find out next time! Which I will try to get out sooner!

Thanks for reading (and thanks to Eva AKA glindalovesshoes for her beta'ing skills!)

-Mac