Regina covered her ears as the yelling got louder. They were coming. She'd lost everything and now they were probably going to burn her at the stake. Or force her out of town. Or worse… She forced back the tears and squared her shoulders. Now was not the time to be weak. She would face her judgement head on, as she'd always done.

"Get out of the way, boy." She heard someone yell from outside.

"Stay away from my mother." The voice belonged to Daniel and she immediately ran to the door and pulled it open to find that Daniel wasn't alone. Behind him stood Keith, the former Sheriff of Nottingham, along with some of his men and several patrons that she recognized from the Wolves Den.

"Leave the kid alone." Keith said in a deep, commanding tone.

"You're siding with them?" Whale asked, the leader of the angry mob.

"Hey!" Emma and the Charmings burst onto the scene.

Regina stepped forward, prepared to defend Daniel if necessary, but from the armed party behind him, she wouldn't need to.

"Regina cursed us!" Whale snapped. "She's the Evil Queen and she should be punished for her crimes."

"You shouldn't be passing judgement on anyone." Keith replied. "And to the rest of you, was the curse really so bad? She could've sent us to a hell on earth, but she didn't. She brought us to a place with medicine and electrical lights and indoor plumbing. You should be happy as hell you don't have to piss and shit in a bucket or a hole in the ground. For that alone I think she deserves a fucking medal."

Regina had never cared for the Sheriff of Nottingham, but Keith had proved to be an honorable man, who her sons looked up to from time to time. He frequented the Wolves Den and was one of Ruby's best customers. It surprised her to hear him defend her so earnestly.

"She broke up our families for 28 years." Someone called out.

"And took your memories. You can't miss what you never had." Daniel said. "Now stay away from my mother."

"Daniel, enough. Regina has to pay for what she's done." David said.

"No." Daniel replied slowly. His eyes were hard, glaring down the Charmings in a way that could only be learned from Regina herself.

She stepped forward, gently moving her son behind her. "Although I appreciate the sentiment, Keith, please refrain from using such language around my son please." Keith dipped his head. "And as for the rest of you, I will take my punishment-"

"You're not taking anything." Daniel cut in. "This is our town and our home. They can't force you to do anything."

"I don't have a choice."

"You're a Queen. You always have one."

"Daniel." Emma said sternly. "Let's go get Henry." She held out her hand for him to come with her. He raised an eyebrow and didn't move at all. "Daniel, come on."

"Come with your mom." Mary Margaret encouraged.

"I am with my mom." He took Regina's hand and moved in front of her. "You won't touch her. Not while I'm here."

"Oh she's going to pay all right." limped past the gathered people and grabbed Regina's hand, placing some kind of circular necklace in it. She cried out as it burned a mark onto her hand. Instantly, the sky turned a strange gray color and the wind started to pick up.

"What have you done?" David demanded.

"I'm just getting revenge." replied the Dark One. "That's for Belle."

Regina glared at him, holding her hand against her chest. "Daniel, get inside the house. Now." He nodded and ran to the door. She looked around at the gathered faces. Most of them would be happy to see her die right then and there, but there was only one face she wanted to see. Ruby. She wanted her wolf. But Ruby hadn't come. She wasn't with the Charmings, but at least she wasn't with the mob either. She probably hated her now. Regina wanted to cry, but she steeled herself in front of her enemies. The sound of some kind of ghostly moan was heard. She spotted the wraith too late. It came from behind, from over the house and seized her in its icy grip. She screamed as she felt it trying to suck out her essence, her magic, all that she was.

"Mom!" Daniel screamed.

She couldn't see anything. Everything was fading. But she felt the were flames somewhere near her and suddenly she was released. Gasping as she struggled to take in air, she looked up at the sight of Ruby, using a match to breathe fire onto the wraith. On the porch, Daniel was standing with his hands spread, flames pouring from his palms. His eyes glowed red and there were cords of red magical energy swirling around him. "Daniel?" Everyone else was scrambling to get back to their feet. The wraith shielded itself from the onslaught of flames and took off down the street, but she knew it would be back. The day returned to normal and Regina was helped to her feet by her 'loyalists'.

Daniel was gone. Ruby remained, but she stood emotionless as ever, not even looking at Regina at all.

"What the hell was that?" Emma exclaimed.

"A wraith." Regina croaked as an answer. "I'm marked for life now. It'll come back." She felt so drained she could hardly stand.

"Then we need to find a way to stop it." Ruby said. "It could destroy the town and every second it's out there, it endangers our children." She looked at Regina, making the queen's heart skip a beat. "You tried to warn me. About the curse breaking, everything changing..."

"I knew." Regina said simply.

"Clearly, we need to have a talk, but for right now, I think we need to get our boys and make sure they're safe, then come up with a plan so you can be too." Ruby said. Regina nodded. "Where's Henry so I can bring him home?" The wolf turned to the Charmings.

"He's my son and he's staying with me." Emma said firmly.

"Don't do this to yourself." Ruby growled, eyes glowing. "Regina no longer stands alone and those boys are ours. Whatever parenting rights you may have had, you gave up when they were born. So don't try and play mother of the year. Thank you. I'll go get him. Regina, get Daniel, make sure he's okay. The rest of you can go home. Your assistance is appreciated." She looked at Whale. "Some of you anyway."

"Wait, Red-" Mary Margaret began, but Ruby raised her hand, silencing her.

"My name is Ruby. This isn't about us right now, Snow. This is about my family, and when it comes to them, I don't have time for talking." Ruby looked at Regina and the queen shrank away from her hard gaze for a moment.

"You still consider me such?"

"Should I? Evil Queen?" She asked.

Regina scowled. "I suppose not, Little Red."

Ruby chuckled. "Yeah, we need to talk, Lucy. But Daniel's probably in his treehouse. Also, find a way to jumpstart your magic so you won't be defenseless against morons, kay?" She trotted off and Regina rolled her eyes. Everyone moved to follow Ruby's commands. It made her smile to hear the wolf giving commands instead of following them like a little dog. But at the same time, it reminded her that things weren't where they should be. She should be with Ruby. Henry and Daniel should be with them. They had raised them, not Emma, and she was hurt that Henry would just throw away the last 10 years for the Savior.

She came to her apple tree and started climbing the ladder. She pushed open the trapdoor, smiling at how well her son had decorated his home away from home. He had a carpet, a small worktable covered in tools, a little bookshelf and some toys and comic books littering the floor. "Daniel?" She heard his sniffling and spotted him huddled in the corner. "Daniel." She pulled herself in and closed the door. He practically ran into her arms and she sighed as she held him. "It's okay, dear. Everything's okay."

"I don't know what happened. I just reacted. Are you angry?" Daniel looked up at her with tear stained cheeks and she wiped them away.

"No, you did it to save me."

"But I couldn't control it. I might be dangerous."

"Don't worry. I'll protect you and teach you. I promise you, everything will be okay. We'll get through this."

Daniel sighed. "Are you and Ruby are gonna stay together?"

"I don't know. I hope so." She answered truthfully. "One problem at a time."

"I'm scared." He whispered, burying his face in her neck. She rested her chin on his head.

"Me too. Our family was always destined for great and unfortunate things, but we make it through them all the best we can. Don't worry about being strong, my child. I'll do that for you. Just stay safe for me. That's all you have to do."

"Okay."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ruby opened the door to Mary Margaret's apartment and found Henry sitting on the couch playing video games. "Get your stuff and let's go." She commanded, not turning her head when Emma came through the door.

"Ruby-"

"Can you wait a second, Emma, I'm collecting my wayward son." Ruby cut her off. She raised her eyebrows and Henry leaped up to do as he was told. Regina was one thing when she was mad, but Ruby was another story entirely.

"Ruby, you can't just take him-"

"That's what you did!" Ruby said, laughing. "That's exactly what you came to town and did, you took my sons. They belong with me and Regina, simple as that."

"I'm not letting you take Henry when he clearly doesn't want to go with you." Emma said, standing in front of the door.

"I didn't ask you nor Henry what he wants. This is what's going to happen. Now move...before I move you."

"This is all my fault, isn't it?" Henry asked softly.

It was true that Ruby wished that he hadn't gone to get Emma. If he hadn't she and Regina could be married and living happily ever after. Instead, she was trying to save the woman she loved from certain death from some undead bastard that needed to die immediately. She knew she still loved Regina, but with her memories returning and remembering the woman Regina used to be, it was difficult to see beyond that. She'd hated the Evil Queen for so long and of course she had to fall in love with her. At the same time, she knew Regina, as well as she knew herself, and she understood that Regina was no longer that person she used to be. It was a shitty situation. One she hoped to make it through... with Regina.

Emma didn't move so Ruby kicked her backwards through it. Henry followed her out to the car and got in, sitting silently while she drove back to the mansion.

"I'm sorry, Ruby. I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt. I just wanted to get to know Emma."

"Henry, you could've talked to us. Turning your back on us is the worst thing you could've done. I'm not going to sugarcoat anything for you because you know the consequences of your actions and you know you hurt Regina."

"I'm sorry." He said again.

"Me and your mom only want what's best for you. If Emma is truly who you want to be with, then we can talk about it." Ruby said after a while.

"What about Danny?"

"Daniel is home." She replied. She parked the car and marched her son up to the house and inside. Regina was sitting on the couch, leaning to the side and breathing hard. Daniel came out of the kitchen with some medicine for her. "You okay?" Ruby asked, sitting next to her fiance.

"I feel like I was hit with a truck. Other than that, just fine."

"You?" she looked up at Daniel, handing his mother the medicine. "I'm okay. I have magic now." He smiled. "Mom said she'll teach me how to control it."

"You have magic?" Henry asked.

"Yep."

Regina popped the aspirin and drank some water before looking at Ruby. "I hope you know I wasn't trying to trick you or anything. I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I swear." Ruby watched her pull off the engagement ring and put it in the werewolf's hand. "I really am sorry. Henry, I don't blame you for not wanting an Evil Queen for a mother, but I would never hurt you or Daniel. The three of you are my only weaknesses, my remedies for the darkness that sometimes feel like I just can't escape. I'm sorry if for any reason you doubted my love or my loyalty and-"

"I do believe that I said that nothing was going to change how I felt about you, Mom." Daniel interrupted. "I meant that. You said you wouldn't forget."

Ruby took Regina's hand and slid the ring back on her finger. "Do me a favor, and never take that off again." Regina looked genuinely surprised. "Whatever we used to be, I don't care about. Everything I told you when I proposed, I meant. I didn't fall in love with the Evil Queen, I fell in love with Regina Mills, every piece of you. We're gonna get through this and we're gonna get married because damn it, 10 years is like the longest relationship I've ever been in and I'm not letting that go to hell because you're getting cold feet." Regina's lips trembled and she burst into tears. Ruby pulled her into her arms and kissed the top of her head. "It's okay, babe, but we need to focus on getting rid of that wraith."

"You're right." Regina quickly composed herself in seconds and cleaned her face. "I don't have my magic back yet."

"You focus on that while I try to find something to stop a wraith. No one leaves this house. Got it?"

"I am not a child." Regina retorted, sending Daniel off to get some candles.

"True, but you have no magic and no weapons and there are people out there who want you dead." Ruby hissed.

"I'm not going to sit here and wait to die either." The queen retorted.

"I'm not going to lose you over your pride."

Regina sighed. "I have come too far to die now, my dear. Don't even worry about it." She sat forward as Daniel returned and placed three candles on the table. "Daniel, see if you can light one of them."

"Isn't this dark magic?" Henry asked.

Ruby stood up. "Stay here." She said to her son and exited the house.

Regina arched an eyebrow as she left. Things were far from clear between them, but at least Ruby was still trying to make them work. Daniel was staring at the candle whispering for it to light. Henry was still standing by the doorway. She said nothing to him for the moment, but she would need to later. She hated how things had changed, the walls that had sprung up between her and her family. Only time and trust would bring them back down, but by the way Henry kept glancing at her, she assumed it would take more time than she wanted. She set to work trying to light the candles, but no matter how she tried to exert her will and bring forth that power she possessed, she just couldn't seem to do it.

There was a knock at the door and she sighed as she rose to answer it. "Miss Swan."

Emma looked up at her. "I'm sorry." The blonde said quickly. "I've thought about it, and everything I've done so far has been wrong. Everything. I know you'll probably never forgive me, but I want to help. I want to make things right."

"I think you've done enough." Regina said, prepared to slam the door.

"Wait!." Regina paused. "My parents think we could send the wraith through a portal."

"If I had one, then sure. The whole point of the Dark Curse was to create a magic portal. Do you honestly think I can just conjure up another one?"

"Well Ruby was right. It's not just a threat to you, it's one to the whole town-" The blonde suddenly collapsed as she was hit from the side. Whale stepped out with a dark grin and she was grabbed by three other men and dragged out of her house.

"We're going to get our revenge, Evil Queen."

"You sick bastard. I will destroy all of you!" Regina roared angrily, struggling feebly against the much stronger men. The onslaught began. Boots slammed into her ribs as she was thrown to the ground. She felt fists shattering bones and tasted blood in the back of her throat. She tried fighting them off and getting back into the house, but they only hit her harder and dragged her out into the yard.

"Does it hurt?" Whale asked, leaning over her. "To feel that pain? Imagine this type of pain intensified and spread across an entire land and then you'll scratch the surface of all the pain you've caused, Evil Queen."

Regina scowled and spat blood into his face. At least her children were safe. "You have sealed your fates. You are only leading these people to their deaths."

"No, I'm leading them to their revenge. Their vengeance against you."

"Mom?" Henry suddenly stepped onto the porch, freezing at the sight of his mother lying beaten and bloodied in the middle of people he'd once called friends and neighbors. Daniel came out as well. He said nothing, just stared at Regina. "What's going on?"

"Your mother is paying for her sins." Whale replied. "Go back inside boys."

"Get away from her." Daniel said, his voice dangerously low. "Haven't you had enough of violence?"

"I said go back inside!" Whale roared. He grabbed Regina by the hair and completely set off the usually quiet and composed child. Flames leaped up from the ground, surrounding Regina, protecting her from the others. Whale stepped back, not too surprised after this morning, but not deterred either. He glared at Daniel as he walked forward, eyes glowing as they had this morning. "It looks like your mother hasn't taught you anything about listening to your elders. Maybe someone else should teach you."

"Don't touch my son." Regina said, standing up. Her eyes glowed purple and she rejoiced in feeling her magic flow once again. Her wounds healed over and an evil smirk crossed her lips as Whale took a step back, stuck between a pissed off little boy and his evil mother. She raised her hands and the air began humming, before throwing them down and unleashing a shockwave of magic that blasted her attackers off their feet. Whale rolled across the yard and fire immediately sprang up around him. Daniel suddenly appeared in front of him, looking up at him with glowing red eyes. Whale swung at him, but a wall of fire made him back away. "Perhaps you need to be taught a lesson." Regina said slowly as she advanced upon the man. His supporters were long gone, but she didn't care about them right now. Regina raised her hand towards him, her palm shining with magic. "Bow before your queen." Slowly, Whale got down on his knees. "Who's the queen?"

"You are." He hissed.

"Who's the queen?"

"You are."

"Who. Is. The. Fucking. Queen."

"You."

Regina grinned. "Excellent. Don't forget it." She released him and watched him scurry away. "Daniel, what do you say we deal with this wraith ourselves, hmm?" She looked down at her magical son, enjoying the smirk that lit up his weren't blood, but no one could deny that he was truly her son.

xxxxxxxxxxx

Ruby lead Mary Margaret and David back to the mansion. "You're still going to marry Regina?" Her friend asked.

"Why?"

"I just don't understand how you can ignore everything she's done."

"I don't know what I'm doing right now, alright?" Ruby snapped. "She just wants to keep our family together and I do too. The last decade has been the best of my life and I won't throw that away like you and Emma did to your kids. So please, Snow, don't try and reason with me."

"I didn't throw Emma away." Mary Margaret said.

"No, you just put her in a tree and sent her to another fucking world." Ruby replied. "I will never do that to my sons."

"They're not your sons. Biologically or legally." David put in.

"No, I just raised them." Ruby paused. "I just changed their diapers and bought them food and clothes and got them up ready for school in the morning and walked them to the bus and helped them with their homework. I protected them from the monsters hiding under the bed and in the closet. I did all of that!" She turned to face them, her old friends and glared them down. "How dare you try to tell me that they are not my sons?! What child have you raised?! None." She turned back around and started walking again, bristling with anger. Her wolf was desperate to be released, but she wasn't sure if she could control it at the moment. Everything felt so fucked up and a little talk didn't seem to do the trick in smoothing it over for the moment. She froze at the end of the driveway, spotting Henry bent over Emma on the porch. She ran forward. "What happened?"

"The mob came back and beat Mom." Henry whispered.

"Go inside, Henry. Snow, go with him." Ruby waited for them to leave before smacking Emma hard in the face and effectively bringing her back to life. "Where is she? Where is Regina? Where's Daniel?"

"Right here." They all turned as Regina strutted up the driveway with Daniel at her side. "What is all the fuss about?"

"You were attacked? I told you not to leave the house!" Ruby snapped.

"I am a queen, my dear. Rules and me don't get along...unless I'm the one making them. The wraith is dead, you can all go home. I think a victory shower is in order." She looked down at Daniel, who looked down at his clothes which were slightly burned. Ruby could smell the smoke on him.

"I agree." He said. They waltzed into the house and Ruby followed angrily and slammed the front door after throwing Snow back out. She paced the living room while they showered and changed. Henry sat on the couch, probably still thinking he was in trouble. She ran her hands through her hair, trying to get herself under control.

"Ruby, are you alright?" Henry asked.

"No, I am not and it's mostly because of your mother." Ruby replied. She took a deep breath and remembered all the times that she and Regina had met on the battlefield, the numerous wounds she'd received because of the queen's black sword, the burns from her fireballs, the fact that her men had been the ones to kill Quinn. All of her hatred came welling up back to the surface and she found herself growling, struggling to stay under control.

"Ruby." Regina's voice didn't serve to help at all. It enraged her...until she looked up and saw her. Regina had her wet hair smoothed back and wore a long silk robe. She wore no makeup and the sheer beauty of the woman made her heart skip a beat. She remembered their moonlit walks through the woods, their cuddling on the couch, their many, many lovemaking sessions. Their little fights over nonsense things and their makeout sessions to make up for them. She remembered Regina's smile, an image that would be forever seared into her brain, her laugh, her touch. Them laying in bed together and hearing Regina crying and going crazy because she couldn't protect her from whatever demons tried to take control of her dreams at night. Ruby loved Regina. That was not going to change now. Her wolf demanded that they take Regina and mark her right now, but that would more than likely mentally scar their children. Ruby was no great alpha, no pack leader, nothing special really. But she would give her life for her family. Seeing Regina now reminded her just what she was fighting for her. A happy ending.

"How do you feel?" Ruby asked softly.

"Much better now that I'm not being hunted."

"Daniel's okay?"

"He's sleeping. His magic wore him out." Regina answered. "As it turns out, I'm his trigger."

"His magic only reacts when you're threatened." Ruby surmised as her queen descended the stairs. "Henry, you can go on to bed, we'll talk more in the morning." He nodded and quickly rose to do so. Ruby went and got Regina a glass of wine and handed it to her as she sat down on the couch, neatly tucking her legs beneath her. "Regina, I think there is something you need to understand if we're still going to be together. Magic adds a whole new dynamic to our relationship."

"How so?" Regina asked curiously.

Ruby sat down on the foot stool next to the couch. "You know of my wolf. I used to be able to control it. My mother taught me." She began slowly. "But I haven't shifted in 28 years and I don't know if I can keep a handle on it anymore. Right now, it is demanding to be set free. It wants to mark you, it wants to take you, it wants to feed and Run and do a thousand different things."

"Let it." Regina's voice was barely a whisper and Ruby looked over at her, her eyes glowing a dark purple.

"Stop it." Ruby commanded sharply, making woman jump slightly. "Don't do that. You won't like the big, bad wolf, Regina. Trust me on that."

"Then how can we be together?" Regina asked, her eyes returning to normal. "All I want is you and our sons. That's all. That's my happy ending. I don't want to let it go."

"You've already proved that." Ruby sighed. "I think it's best I leave for a while until I am sure I can control myself."

"But-"

"I don't want to do it, Regina." Ruby cut her off. "I don't have a choice right now. If I ever hurt those boys…"

"You wouldn't." Regina said, quickly moving off the chair and kneeling in front of her.

"But I could. I would never forgive myself."

"What if I need you?" Regina asked, her voice trembling like a little child's. "How long would you be gone?"

"As long as it takes, and you know you can take care of yourself."

"Ruby, you're the reason I've gotten by all these years. I don't want to be without you at all. Please, don't leave me."

"Take care of the kids. Don't worry about the Den, I've made arrangements. I know you won't need it, but there's money on the kitchen table." Ruby sighed. "Please stay safe for me. Please. I can't lose either one of you. I'll know you're in danger and I'll come running if you need it."

"Okay, baby. Whatever you want...my alpha she-wolf." She smiled when Ruby purred and nuzzled her neck. Ruby looked down at her hand and ran her finger over the engagement ring.

"One of these days, we're gonna get married."

"I can wait." Regina said.

Ruby nodded and stood up. She went upstairs and went into Daniel's room first. He was laying down, but he turned his head when she peeked in. "Hey kid."

"Hey Ruby." He smiled sleepily and she stepped forward and sat on the edge of the bed. "Are you really a werewolf? Can you make me one?"

"Hell no. Storybrooke doesn't need two out of control werewolves running around. Especially not one that can breathe fire or shoot flames out of his tail." She smiled.

He laughed. "That would be fun. But then you wouldn't be alone. You could change all of us and we could all run with you and keep you company. Wolves are social animals you know."

"Animals. Wolves are indeed animals." She sighed. "How are you? With this whole magic thing?"

"I can't control it, but it comes when I need it to. Maybe Mom can help me."

"Listen...I'm gonna have to leave for a little while and I want you to take of your mom and your brother for me. I want you to keep them safe for me."

"Where are you going?"

"Wolf stuff." She shrugged. "I won't be gone long."

"Promise?"

"I promise." He held out his pinky and she smiled as she wrapped her pinky around his. "You know I love you, don't you?"

Daniel nodded. "And you know I love you. Stay safe."

"Same to you. No more battling wraiths."

"Okay."

Ruby kissed his forehead. "Good night, my little wolf." She left his room and moved on to Henry's. He was laying down as well, but he wasn't asleep either. She stepped into the room and sat down. "You okay?"

"I wish I never found that stupid story book."

"Then you wouldn't have Emma and I know how badly you wanted her to be your Savior." He rolled over and she arched an eyebrow. "You were afraid, Henry, but you know Regina would rather stake herself than harm you in any way. That's why she didn't fight it when you wanted to go with Emma."

"Daniel doesn't like Emma that much." Henry said softly. "Are you guys still mad?"

"No, just disappointed and confused. Your life wasn't good with us?"

"Yes, but I still wanted to know my real mom."

"You wanted the Savior." Ruby corrected knowingly. He looked down. "We love you Henry. We always will, so don't worry. Anyways, I have to leave and I'm gonna need for you to be good for your mom."

"Yes ma'am."

"I love you, Henry."

"I love you too, Ruby." Ruby kissed his forehead and tickled him until he cracked a smile. She left his room and made her way into the front porch where Regina was waiting. The queen grabbed her and kissed her with a passion that she never had before.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Come home soon." Regina whispered.

"Is something special gonna be waiting for me?" Ruby smirked.

"Of course. Whatever you want...however you want it." Regina smiled s Ruby started kissing her neck, only to suddenly step away.

Ruby pointed her finger at her. "You're a little trickster. And a tease." She turned and walked down the driveway before pausing to take a deep breath. Then she let it happen. The transformation lasted only a second, but unlike the pain she'd known for so long, this changing was pure bliss.

Regina watched in fascination and in admiration as her lover became a great silver she-wolf with a black stripe down her back. She was large, towering over the largest horse. There seemed to a brief moment where she wanted to turn back, but forced herself to keep moving forward, and soon she had disappeared into the woods across the street. Regina sighed and went back inside. She headed upstairs, pausing at seeing Daniel and Henry walking from their rooms to hers. "Where are you two going?"

"Ruby said to protect you while she's gone." Henry answered.

"That starts tonight." Daniel added.

xxxxxxxxxx

The next morning felt strange, waking up without Ruby by her side. For so long, Ruby had always been there, but Regina understood that she needed to do this and Ruby would only allow it to be done alone. Now who was stubborn? She completely dismissed the fact that it was a school day and got dressed to take the boys to Granny's for breakfast. She put on a pair of boots, a short black dress and a red jacket. Daniel put on a long sleeved gray shirt and jeans while Henry were a blue shirt and jeans. Storybrooke seemed to fallen back into some sort of normal state. She was greeted by the usual friendly faces, but the others, the ones that still wanted her blood gave her a scared look and a wide berth. Not that she cared. Eugenia was busy in the kitchen when they walked and they chose a booth near the middle of the diner to sit and eat. It wasn't too long into their meal before a familiar blonde face popped in.

"Hey." Emma said shyly. "Mind if I sit?"

"Sure." Henry piped in, but looking at Regina for permission.

"Sit, Miss Swan." Regina said.

Emma obeyed, sliding in next to Daniel, across from Henry. She ordered a grilled cheese and fries. "How are you guys? After yesterday?"

"Great." Daniel answered. "Me and Mom destroyed that stupid wraith."

"You're okay with that? Having such unpredictable magic?"

"It's not unpredictable." He retorted.

"It only reacts when he sees me put in danger." Regina explained. "When any of his family is in danger, I'm sure. One day, I'll teach him to hone it and he will do extraordinary things."

"What about me, Mom?" Henry asked.

"My boy, you are already extraordinary. First you trekked across two states without the police being notified and you broke the curse. We are here because of you." She smiled at her son. "I'm sure you're not done yet."

"So...is it okay if we spend some time together?" Emma asked. "Me and the boys?"

Regina raised an eyebrow. At least the blonde knew her place now and asked, instead of listening to the bullshit her parents liked to spout.

"I don't want to be far from Mom with Ruby gone." Daniel intervened.

"Your mom has magic now." Emma said.

"True." He replied. "But that doesn't mean she won't need help from time to time. Any day after that, you want to hang out, then fine. But not while my mom is unprotected. Queen or not, she has a new bodyguard." Regina smiled at his words. "By the way, can Ruby change me into a werewolf?" The smile disappeared.

"Hell no."

"Worth a shot."

"As for your question, Miss Swan, I think the boys are capable of making that decision on their own. However, I would like to be notified beforehand. I don't like surprises."

Emma nodded. "Yes ma'am." A small smile played on her lips that Regina cocked an eyebrow at, but said nothing about. They returned to eating and were soon stuffed and leaning back in their seats.

"I see you've started without me." Regina jumped, turning to look up into the eyes of her love. Ruby smiled at her.

"What are you doing back so early?" Regina leaped up to hug her lover. She noticed something was wrong immediately. Ruby's touch didn't feel the same. She didn't touche Regina the way she always did. Regina knew the woman so well that she could feel her breathing differently. Regina slammed the woman on the table and conjured a ball of fire in one hand. "Who are you?"

"You really do love her, don't you?" Ruby asked.

"Who the fuck are you?! I swear to gods, I'll burn you to a crisp, now talk."

"How many times do I have to teach you...Love is weakness." Regina was thrown off her feet by a burst of magic. Ruby morphed into the one person she could've gone her entire life without meeting again. Cora wiped off her face and dress. "My, you can even recognize her touch."

"If you threaten Ruby in any way, I will-"

"Rip my heart out? Been there, done that." Cora taunted, walking forward.

"No, everyone knows you have no heart. I'll just rip out everything else." Regina hissed, feeling every ounce of her power rise to the surface.

"I only came here to talk, Regina." Cora tried to calm her irate daughter, but there was no use. Regina made sure Emma had discreetly moved the kids to the back, before responding.

"By becoming my fiance?"

"Getting married again?" Cora asked.

Regina roared and unleashed all of her fury, all of her hatred for her mother, smashing her into the wall and cracking it. "Oh mother, you really picked a bad time. I'm gonna show you that there is no weakness within me."

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