Chapter XXXVIII

The Poise and Composure of a Queen

AN: To everyone who left feedback, thank you. I know that I am awful at responding. I read and re-read everyone's messages and love each and every one of them. I have only one thing to say in reply:

I am not cruel. I prefer the term wicked.

Now, without further cut-aways, continuations or surprise characters, I present the moment everyone has been waiting for. I hope it lives up to everyone's expectations.

Her heart was thundering in her chest. Her knees felt weak. She was floating. She was trembling. It was everything Aurora had imagined and more. Dancing with Mulan was better than any dream.

Mulan was perfect. She wore a handsomely tailored suit. It clung to her in all the right places, showing off both muscles and curves. She'd pulled her hair, long dark and thick, back and away from her face. The tilt of her cheeks and the enticing shape of her lips were on full display. Mulan was, to use the Storybrooke vernacular, sexy.

It was more than simple sex appeal though. Mulan was everything. Her warrior's hands touched Aurora's skin with reverence and tenderness. She was gentle like Aurora was the most precious thing in the entire world. Her eyes were deep and filled with emotions she did not dare speak. Those unnamed feelings wrapped around Aurora, safe and warm like a cloak. Loved, Mulan made her feel loved again. She was falling in love with her. No, she was not falling. Aurora was in love with Mulan.

The music was only background noise. The dance was only rote movement. It was the two of them and their precious few moments together. It was heaven, Happily Ever After. If Aurora were a sorceress, she would freeze time. She would capture everything. The way Mulan's smile, full and true, changed her face and made her look younger and lighter. Her scent, the way leather, incense, and musk declared her a warrior no matter how refined her clothing was. Aurora wanted to memorize the feel of her fingers. The sound of her whisper, the rhythm of her breathing, the rustle of silk over her skin, it was all music. Far more appealing than whatever the minstrels were playing. Aurora wanted, needed, to lean forward and taste her lips.

Would they share True Love's Kiss? Was it even possible? Wasn't Phillip her True Love? Phillip. Mulan. Phillip or Mulan? Mulan or Phillip? Mulan and Phillip?

The dance ended, the music stopped, they should separate. Aurora couldn't, not yet. It was far too soon and letting Mulan go now would be like cutting off a limb.

"You" Aurora reached up to push a single stubborn strand of dark hair behind Mulan's ear. "Look amazing tonight." She ran her fingers across the sleek dark suit jacket then the sheer red silk shirt beneath it. She could see a puckered and jagged scar beneath the silk. It ran across Mulan's chest, close to her heart and lungs. Aurora traced the scar with her fingers. It had almost been a killing blow. That frightened her more than any dragon, ogre or witch.

"That-" Mulan put her hand over Aurora's, holding it to her chest. Aurora could feel the other woman's strong and steady heartbeat. "-was a long time ago."

Aurora knew so little about Mulan's past. That had to change. She wanted to know everything. She wanted every story and every scar. Mulan was steel wrapped in silk. She was a hero, Aurora's hero. No story, not even a moving picture movie, could measure up to her.

When Phillip came back, they would, what? What would happen? What would they be? Would they even be a we? They would be together again. Together? For Aurora together could not exist without the woman holding her close. Aurora could not fathom a life, a future, without Mulan.

"Mulan, I-"

Her plans, her parents, her entire world, everything came to a halt. She needed, her Mulan. Her mother's words about love replayed in her head.

It is a living thing; it breathes and grows. Love is giving someone the ability to utterly destroy you and trusting them not to.

She trusted Mulan with everything she was or would ever be. Mulan would never hurt her. Destroy? No, Mulan made her whole.

"Yes, Aurora?" Mulan said her name like it was a holy word.

She opened her mouth to speak, to tell Mulan everything. Aurora wanted to pour out her heart, mind, and soul to her. She couldn't hold it in anymore.

A hand descended on her shoulder. "Aurora." It was her mother and her words froze in her throat

She turned, "Mother, I-"

Mulan let go of her hand and stepped away. She bowed, "Your Majesty."

Leah had a polite smile on her face. "I'm afraid I have to steal Aurora away from you." the words were polite, cordial, and even kind. They weren't. "She has duties to attend to and people to meet." Her mother did not care if she interrupted them. She also didn't care that Aurora didn't want to go.

It was a cold and haughty dismissal and Aurora wanted to protest but her words tangled on her tongue. Her mother had already wrapped her arm around her waist and was pulling her away.

"Mulan, I-"

Mulan didn't reach out to pull her back. Her brave warrior was as still as a statue. Aurora could still feel her eyes though. She felt Mulan's eyes on her. Aurora had to swallow her words, her love. It hurt.

"Darling" Mother smiled at her, a perfect court smile, and pulled her through the crowd. "I have someone I'd like you to meet." The smile didn't meet her eyes and her words sounded flat.

The room was full of people, but Aurora did not care to meet any of them.

She had too much on her mind: Mulan, Phillip, the meaning of love, what she wanted to do with her entire life.

"Darling." Poise and confidence, the two things a royal woman was never without. Her mother had them in excess and Aurora felt like she didn't have them at all. Especially right now. Her mother lead her to the side of the room. Her father stood, puffed up and proud, holding court. He stood with several other well-dressed men.

Aurora grabbed a glass from a passing servant's tray. She didn't even say thank you, which was rude. Funny how she would have never even considered that before. She drank the entire glass in one go, like taking a shot. It was only sparkling cider. To quote her new friend Ruby, damn it.

Her mother plucked the glass out of her hand and tsked. She handed the glass off to another servant and kept pulling Aurora along. She hadn't even paused. "You remember Lord Shillsbury and Duke Reinhold, and His Majesty King George."

Aurora remembered him. He was about the same age as her late grandfather. She'd seen him at balls, tourneys, and events her entire life. She hadn't liked him or his son James. She curtsied, a motion so ingrained that she hadn't even thought about it. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Your Majesty, My Grace, My Lord." It was not a pleasure and she didn't even remember the duke or lord. It felt odd like she wasn't quite there. It was like watching the television box or players on a stage. She was the obedient princess that her parents wanted her to be. She was going through the motions. Her thoughts, her heart, were a million miles away. They were wherever Mulan was. They were wherever Phillip was.

"Announcing" Everyone turned and watched as Emma Swan and her son entered the room. The applause was deafening. Emma was popular and beloved in Storybrooke. She was their Sheriff and Savior, their actual golden child. Tonight she even looked like exactly that. Aurora had never seen the woman look so regal. Emma was stunning, like a shooting star. She was glittering gold and bright, the center of attention. Her personality, strong and brave, showed in the tilt of her head and her purposeful strut. Emma didn't let anyone push her around. To quote Ruby again, she was a badass. Aurora wished she had even a little of her spirit.

"Disgraceful." George curled his lip and scowled at Emma.

Why would anyone scowl? Emma was a hero and a lost-princess-come-home. She was a bedtime tale come true.

"Thank goodness you and your lovely life raised a proper princess." He tilted his glass, which smelled much stronger than cider, and smiled at her father. Like she wasn't even there.

Aurora bit the inside of her cheek to keep herself quiet. She reminded herself that she could not use the rude hand gesture Ruby had taught her.

"King Leopold, may he rest in peace, is rolling in his grave. He would never allow his granddaughter to slut around like that." Lord Shillsbury glared across the room at Emma too. "Shame on Snow White." He sighed, "The Evil Queen ruined her when she seduced her way into Leopold's bed."

That didn't sound exactly right. The Evil Queen had been beautiful, but Aurora didn't remember her as some scheming sexpot. When she'd seen her as a child Queen Regina had always seemed so sad.

"This beautiful lady doesn't want to hear old men talk." George spoke about, but not to her again. He shoved his now empty glass at a passing servant. He either didn't know or more likely didn't care that he was being rude. "With your father's permission"

Aurora's eyes darted to her father, hoping he could see the discomfort in her eyes. He did not. He smiled and nodded, "It would be an honor."

"Another dance is starting, Aurora." Her mother handed her over to George. Like she was a gift, wrapped and ribboned for him to enjoy.

King George wrapped his soft and sweaty hand around her arm. It was nothing like Mulan's touch. He had never worked or fought for anything a day in his life. He pulled her to the dance floor, his steps were a little stiff but regal. He did not lead; he controlled the waltz. He pulled her through the moves with no concern for her wishes. His grip on her waist was uncomfortable and wandered down and around her lower back. His fingers brushed the top of her rear. He was gripping her hand too tight and pulled her too close. It was unbearable. Her stomach felt greasy and ill. She wanted the dance to end. Aurora looked around, desperate for an escape.

"You are ravishing, Princess." He tilted his bald head down and spoke to her breasts. His son, James, had been exactly the same. "A proper princess like you does not belong in this terrible place." He finally looked up, "But you've come at a good time. We broke the curse. Soon we'll restore the proper order. Storybrooke will be like home, you'll see."

That sent a chill down her spine. The sickness in her stomach got worse. Aurora felt like she was "hung over" all over again. She might vomit. She looked around again and finally saw Emma dancing with her father. Emma raised her brows and Aurora mouthed the word help. She hoped Emma understood.

When the dance finally ended, George was still holding her too tight. He leaned close enough she could feel the heat coming off of his body. If he kissed her, she would be sick. She froze, caught, unable to pull away. He was too strong.

"Rory!" Emma Swan strutted over with a huge smile on her face. She pushed George away and wrapped her arms around Aurora in a gregarious hug. "You look amazing. Come over and meet some other women. The other ladies are dying to meet you!" She put an odd amount of emphasis on the word dying.

George backed away, furious. "Princess Aurora is a little busy right now."

Emma turned her head, her face was hard and her green eyes blazed. The faux cheerfulness disappeared as if it had never been there at all. "Mr. Spencer" Emma's bare arms flexed, her muscles twitched and bunched and her hands curled into fists. "It is so nice to see you out and about. No one has seen you around since you changed vocations from a lawyer to a murderer." She tilted her head, "Congratulations. You found something worse than being a lawyer. That is a magic trick all on its own."

Aurora recoiled. "Murder?" That was why Emma had said dying the way she had.

Emma didn't take her eyes off of George. "Yeah, he tried to frame Ruby for murder while we were on our Enchanted Forest adventure. No one has forgotten about Billy."

The King had murdered a man to hurt Ruby? Murderer? No, he was a monster.

"Emma!" A blonde woman in a beautiful blue dress joined them. She grinned, "And Princess Aurora, I haven't seen you in ages."

The woman smiled at George, a tight and polite smile. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I must steal Emma and Aurora away from you for a moment." She linked her arm through Emma's, "Girl talk, you know."

Aurora had never been so relieved in her life.

"See you around, Georgie Boy." Emma got one last verbal punch in as they walked away.

"Did my parents" Emma huffed, "send you to stop me?"

The woman in blue laughed, "No, but I thought beating him to a pulp would stain the gym floor. Jim would be furious." She turned her head. "You don't remember me, Aurora. I'm King Midas's daughter. My name is Kathryn."

Aurora didn't recognize her name or face, but she knew King Midas had a daughter a few years older than her.

"Well, thank you for coming to our rescue, Kathryn." She shuddered, "He was-" She searched for the word.

"A murdering asshole?" Emma spat.

"A letch?" Kathryn scowled.

"Yes," Aurora nodded, "to both."

The three of them shared a laugh.

"Come on, let's get something to eat. Granny Lucas and Bastian Ceola have pulled out all the stops. If we ask nicely enough, Bastian might make us some drinks. I know he brought alcohol with him."

Aurora liked Granny but didn't know Bastian.

"Now we're talking!" Emma grinned.

Aurora looked around, but she couldn't see Mulan. If she couldn't be with her warrior, she might as well try to enjoy herself.

"Lead the way."

Poise and confidence, two things a royal woman should never be without. Kathryn had the poise. Emma had the confidence. Aurora wondered if she wanted to be a royal at all. Especially if being royal meant that men like King George would watch her every move. She could feel his eyes follow her as they walked away. She moved closer to Emma and wished she were Mulan instead.

It was time, but she didn't feel ready. She had everything ready and arranged on the bed. Her undergarments, her gown, and even her shoes. They were five-inch Jimmy Choo stilettos she had been dying to wear. She'd only bought them a handful of weeks before Emma's arrival.

Emma.

She had taken Emma's gown to her at the station earlier. She had offered to help her get ready. Emma had given her a crooked smile. "It wouldn't be a real date if there wasn't a little mystery."

There was no mystery. Emma would be glorious. Her dress was lovely, a true work of art, but it was only a dress. Emma was bright and beautiful no matter what she wore. Even the leather jackets.

Regina turned her head and caught her reflection in the full-sized mirror. She was still nude and pink-skinned from the hot shower she'd taken. Her hair was drying into curls and at the moment, she wasn't wearing an ounce of makeup. She stood still and examined her body in the mirror. She was not a blushing virginal debutante anymore. Regina did not have self-image problems. She had a good body and took care of it with a strict diet exercise and health care routine.

Still, though, since the curse was no more, time was moving forward again. She wasn't getting any younger. She stared at herself, cataloging the scars, birthmarks, cellulite and every imperfection.

Emma was a young, fit, modern woman. She'd probably been on dozens of dates, more. She had been all over the country, had lived a different life in a different world. What could Emma see in-

"Stop it." Regina glared at her reflection. "You are a queen." She stomped her bare foot on the floor. "Act like it." She sounded exactly like her mother. Regina wrapped her arms around her stomach and tried to calm herself down. She was going insane.

She didn't have time for insanity. She had a laundry list of things to do tonight and no time to do them in. She had a statement to make, things to attend to, and she had a date. Her first date. A date she'd been looking forward to for what felt like her entire life. A date she refused to ruin. So she had to tuck her feelings and anxieties away and get ready for the ball and beyond.

Regina spent more time than she would admit to picking out her underthings. Emma would see it and she wanted to look special, sexy, for their first night together. So she'd gone a little risque. The panties were tiny; the bra had a big boost and the sheer satin and delicate lace was black and beautiful. Just wearing them made her feel a little more desirable and confident. Next came the dress. It was a true masterpiece. The gown clung to her frame and left little to the imagination. Regina relished the feel of silk, cool and slick, against her skin. She pulled the bodice up and arranged the sleeves and seams. It was perfect. She turned and admired how the dress left her back bare. A quick finger twitch made her bra invisible. She'd missed that little trick during the curse. The gown was definitely modern, thank the Spirits. It required no corsets or wires, no pounds of heavy underskirts and chemises. It was a beautiful gown, a marvel. She loved the stitching and the over-the-top display of wealth. The Evil Queen would have worn it, but so too would the Mayor. She loved it.

Regina sat at her vanity, careful to smooth out any wrinkles in the dress, and stared at her reflection again. She had been to countless Balls, she could not let her nerves get the best of her at this one.

She opened her makeup case and started the rather lengthy process of applying her makeup. She had not done a full makeup job since she'd cast the curse. Regina sighed at her reflection as she applied the first layer of makeup, facial primer. It was a shade or two lighter than her own olive-toned skin. The motions, the small circles of cool liquid makeup coating her skin, calmed her. She moved on to the liquid concealer, another shade lighter. Regina felt a small dose of confidence stiffen her spine. The liquid foundation was another shade lighter. She looked pale now, the edge of her dress over her breasts marked the line where the makeup stopped. She would need to blend that well so no one could tell.

How many times had she done this? Dozens? Hundreds? It had been an expectation. The King had demanded it. The thick makeup lightened her complexion to match his court and family. It also helped with other things, like covering bruises. Makeup, like clothes and jewelry, were women's armor. She had learned to use it, to appreciate it, to let herself become the mask she was wearing. It was the pretty lie that covered up an ugly truth. When she looked In the mirror there was a different woman, a confident woman, a beautiful woman. She saw a stranger staring back at her.

"Regina."

She turned to see Esmeralda standing in her doorway. "You look lovely, My Nightingale." Esmeralda came closer, "But what is all this" She wrinkled her nose, "goop on your face? You're so pale!"

Embarrassment and shame swirled in her stomach. "I-" She didn't know how, or even if she wanted, to explain it. "Well, you see-" Regina didn't have the words.

Esmeralda came closer and gently turned her back around to the mirror. "Look." A gentle wave of magic flowed over her, warm and comforting. It scrubbed half of her face clean. It was like looking at a before and after makeover.

"You are beautiful, the Southern Sun smiled upon you. Why would you want to cover that up? You are not a pale forest child. You are perfect as you are." Her father had told her the same thing, but she had always let others drown out his voice. Why had she done that?

Esmeralda combed her fingers through her curling hair. "Others have told you to be fair, sweet and silent. They only wanted you to be what they wanted. You are on your own journey, your own path. You decide who you are." Yes, that was what she was trying to do, and it was easier said than done.

Esmeralda smiled, "Little Henry and your Swan don't love this." Esmeralda tapped a finger on her made-up cheek. "This is a mask. They and I love the real you." She brushed a finger across the scar that marred Regina's lip. "Scars and all."

Regina had to make a statement. She had explained it to Emma, but now she had to do the same thing. What she wore, how she presented herself, what she said, it was all a part of her statement. Who was she? What did she want people to see? The Evil Queen? Mayor Mills? No, she wanted people to see Regina.

She raised her hand and with a fluid roll of her wrist the heavy pale makeup disappeared. She replaced it with a lighter look. Some
bronzer and blush to highlight her cheekbones. A touch of mascara and eyeliner to make her brown eyes pop and a sheer gloss on her lips to make them shine. Her skin glowed with health and she smiled, actually happy with what she saw.

"You have your grandmother's curls. You have your father's eyes, but you resemble Rose very much."

Regina blinked, she had never met her paternal grandmother. She hadn't known that. People often told her she resembled Cora. She'd heard it over and over her entire life. She sometimes forgot that she could resemble other people too. "She favored your father, you know. He was her only child to believe in our ways. She broke royal tradition-" Esmeralda sounded wistful, lost in the past for a moment. Regina looked at her reflection in the mirror, she had tears in her eyes.

Esmeralda smiled and blinked away her own tears. She reached into one of her cloaks inner pockets. Regina lifted a brow. Nan's cloak had always been a wonder, full of fun and magical secrets. When she'd first watched Mary Poppins with Henry, she'd almost cried. She'd recognized the carpet bag for what it was, Romani magic.

Unlike Poppins, Esmeralda didn't pull a mirror or hatstand out. She didn't even have candy or the exact right herb to make a skinned knee stop stinging. She drew out a faded leather bag. It looked old and careworn like she'd had it for a very long time.

"-when she gave him this." There was only one thing in the bag and Esmeralda handled it with care. Regina's eyes went wide. The necklace was a masterpiece of diamonds and emeralds. The center was a breathtaking emerald as large as a fist. It was gorgeous.

She didn't recognize the bag, but she immediately recognized the necklace. "That's The Heart of the South." It was a priceless artifact, a crown jewel, an heirloom that was all but holy to her father's family. Cora had coveted it but had never seen it outside of portraits of the queens of the past.

"She gave it to your father in hopes that his beloved would wear it." Esmeralda smiled, "And the night I knew I had to leave you both, he pressed it into my hand, a piece of him to take with me. Now I give it to you, Nightingale. As the sole female member of your family in this realm, you are it's the rightful owner."

She placed it around Regina's neck then pressed a kiss to the crown of her head, "I wish your father was here to see this."

Daddy. He had never worn emeralds, even though it was his right. She had always thought it was because he was in disgrace.

The jewels were heavy; it was beautiful, and it glowed against her skin. It settled on her cleavage, both hiding and highlighting it. It was a perfect punctuation for her statement. More than that, it was a piece of her heritage. It was part of the home she'd barely knew but always ached for.

"Daddy gave me these earrings." Her fifteenth birthday. They were simple but beautiful. She hadn't worn them in a very long time. She twisted the ring on her finger. The one Emma had brushed her lips against. "I-Daddy never wore emeralds." She felt so much and words couldn't convey it all. Grief and guilt fought in her soul. She missed her father and hated that she had taken him away from Esmeralda, Henry, and Storybrooke.

A tear finally escaped Esmeralda's eye. "He was a simple man. Henry always said I was the only emerald he'd ever need."

Daddy had loved Esmeralda, real True Love. The love that most people only dreamed about and the love that Snow White took for granted.

"Look." Esmeralda whispered, bringing Regina out of her dark thoughts.

Regina looked up at the mirror again. Her breath caught in her chest. It was like seeing a different person. She looked, Regina realized, like a queen from her fathers, from her homeland. Not the Evil Queen. Not Leopold's Queen. Not Cora's Queen. Queen Regina. Regina. Just Regina.

"You are radiant. Your Swan won't be able to look away."

Regina, a grown woman with a son of her own, blushed like a schoolgirl with a crush. "Really?"

Esmeralda chuckled. "Indeed. Which is why I will stay with Eugenia this evening. She wants to introduce me to something called Netflux."

Regina laughed, from embarrassment and amusement. She appreciated the change of subject. They could both use something lighter and more conversational right now. "Netflix, Nan. It's called Netflix." She smiled at the idea of her Nan binge-watching television with Granny Lucas. She was glad that Esmeralda had a friend in town. Maybe that meant that she would stay.

"And Little Henry will be with his grandparents tonight too."

Regina fussed with her hair. She tamed the curls into sleek waves that complimented the shape of her face. She did that and ignored the fact that Esmeralda knew more about her date than she did. How, she marveled, had her life come to this place? A smile tugged at her lips, and why was she so happy about it?

"You" Esmeralda tutted as Regina put on her heels, "will break your ankle in these shoes."

Regina chuckled, "I've worn higher."

Esmeralda sighed, "Spirits preserve you and your feet, Little One."

Regina stood up and her heels made her taller than Esmeralda.

"Beautiful." Esmeralda smiled, "Inside and out."

Regina took one last look in the mirror. She saw Emma's girlfriend and Henry's mother. She saw Daddy and Esmeralda's daughter. She saw Regina Mills.

"Now go, Nightingale, enjoy your Ball."

She was as ready as she would ever be.

The drive did not take long, she'd missed all the initial traffic. Regina's thoughts wandered as she drove. The poise and confidence of a queen. Her mother's words echoed in her head. She'd heard it repeatedly as a child and teen. As an adult, it had been as much a part of her as magic. No one questioned a confident woman. No one could mock you if you always had composure. No one could bring you down if you maintained your poise. A queen never betrayed her true feelings. Queens and politicians. Regina focused on putting on her political facade, the always composed-mayor. By the time she arrived at the school, she had mentally prepared herself for what came next. She hoped.

Valets met her at the school's parking lot. The two boys went pale and backed away. Natalie Collier, the high school's Class Secretary, greeted her with a smile. She had been a summer intern at Town Hall for several years.

"Good evening, Mayor Mills. Your escorts are waiting by the door." She opened her car door for her. "I promise that I'll take care of your car."

Regina got out of her Mercedes and handed the girl a fifty-dollar bill, "I know you will. Thank you, Natalie."

She gathered her skirt up and held her head high. Her escorts were waiting for her. They didn't bow, but they both had huge gleaming smiles. Jackson and Jillian had been her personal bodyguards and occasional assassins. They were tall, blonde and well built. The twins had the same looks, the same expressions, and the same mischievous attitude. In Storybrooke, Jillian was a gym teacher and Jackson was a plumber, both loved their jobs and lives. They had told her so when she'd called them.

Mikel had dressed them in fitted black tuxedos, with black shirts and ties. It was an obvious homage to the armor they had donned as a member of her Black Knights. She wasn't ready to completely shed the pomp and circumstance of her reign yet. Besides, what was the use of dressing up and going out if she couldn't have a little fun?

Jackson greeted her with smooth and quick words in sign language. Though she understood him, his sister interpreted.

"Are you ready to have fun, Your Majesty?"

They both offered her their arms. She took them both, one of each arm so they flanked her.

"Mister Leroy" One of the boys at the door informed them, "is acting as a herald, Ma'am."

The other boy, one of the Varsity Basketball players, elbowed him hard and fast. "Apologies, Your Majesty." He shot his counterpart a disparaging look. "Should I tell him or let you surprise him?"

Regina remembered him. He was a minor noble's son, and a jokester both in the old world and this one. She grinned, "Let's surprise him."

He chuckled and waved them inside, and Regina took a deep breath.

"Here we go."

The Twins grinned and looked like they were ready for trouble. They were probably right. After all, if there was one thing the Evil Queen was good at, it was party crashing.

"Thank you so much, Emma." Aurora sounded like she'd been facing an ogre and not an old man.

Emma tried to wipe the anger and disgust off of her face. "Yeah, well, anything to get away from dancing. David and I both suck at it. I can't tell who stomped on whose toes more."

Kathryn laughed, "He is hopeless on the dance floor."

Emma lead, stomped, them over to the tables full of food. Emma's stomach growled everything smelled amazing. The Crab could cook.

"Your Highnesses." He appeared like he knew she was thinking about him. Bastian Ceola, dressed in a spotless black chef's coat, smirked at them. "What can I interest you in? We have a bit of everything."

Granny, dressed exactly the same way she did every day, added: "Except alcohol." She glared at Bastian then Emma and back again like she knew exactly what they were thinking about. The Old Wolf was spooky sometimes.

Emma held up her hands in surrender. "I'm looking for a break from all" She looked around, "this."

Kathryn nodded, "At least we're not wearing corsets."

"Oh yes!" Aurora nodded enthusiastically. "Those were terrible. I much prefer these modern undergarments." She looked at their dresses. "and I very much prefer your dresses to mine."

Emma smiled, "Yours is nice too it's very-" She tried to think of a word, "pink".

Kathryn tried to hide her laughter but still smiled. "Your mother, I presume." She plucked an hors-d'oeuvre up off the table and offered it to Aurora. "She's always been a little" Kathryn shrugged, "on the traditional side. My mother told me she used to be fun when she was younger."

Aurora sighed, "I can't imagine that." Neither could Emma.

Rory took the proffered food with a confused face.

"It is a salted cod croquette." Kathryn explained. "Trust me, it is delicious."

Emma snagged one for herself and popped it in her mouth. Whatever it was, it was good. Not that she would admit that to Bastian.

"So this is a ball, huh?"

Emma looked around. It was weird. Sort of like if a community theatre troupe threw together a low budget Cinderella. The music was okay, she guessed. The dancing was pretty to watch and hard to do. It felt like everybody was watching her. They were watching her and her princess posse.

Jesus.

She looked at Bastian and he only grinned at her. She was sure he was enjoying her misery. Asshole.

"Announcing"

Everyone turned again, ready to gawk at the newest arrival. Leroy paused and Emma couldn't hear, but she was pretty sure he was arguing with someone. Emma tilted her head, confused. Even from across the room Leroy looked pissed. The people whispered and shift around. Something was different. Something was happening.

"Her Royal Highness." His voice was growlier than usual. "Princess Regina of the Southern Kingdom." He paused again. He sounded like he was grinding out every word through clenched teeth. "The Evil Queen, and her escorts." He shouted out evil like it was the most important part.

The reaction was immediate. There were gasps and a few curses. There were even a few threats shouted. Most people, though, stayed silent. Even the music stopped. The crowd pulled back and away, giving Regina the entire floor. Emma wasn't sure if that was from fear or respect. With all the people out of the way, she could finally see her girlfriend. Her jaw actually dropped.

Emma had seen Regina in tons of dresses, skirts, and suits. She'd even seen her super-comfy lounging around clothes and bathrobe. She'd never seen her like this. The dress was beautiful, sleek and made to fit Regina like a glove. It was black with a deep v-cut that went half-way to her navel. The neckline was a burst of gold that went all the way up her shoulders and down her arms in swirling designs. It was more than the dress or the generous amount of cleavage it showed. It was Regina's face, light makeup highlighted her natural glow and her full lips shined. It was her hair and the way it curled around her face. It was her smile. Her real and happy smile.

"Oh my goodness!" Aurora's mouth was open too. "Where do I get a dress like that?"

Emma tore her eyes away from Regina and scowled. She had two tall and handsome escorts with her. They were wearing black tuxedos and looked very comfortable with Regina. That was bullshit. Why did they get to bring Regina to the Ball when she couldn't? Not that she was jealous. "Who the hell are those two?"

Two hands clapped onto her shoulders. Kathryn on her left and Bastian on her right.

"Easy Killer, that is Jack and Jill, a couple of knights from the old days. They're good people." Bastian explained.

"And their wives are over there waiting for the show to be over." Kathryn added.

"Show?" Aurora looked at them.

Emma didn't have a clue, but Bastian chuckled, "Just sit back and enjoy."

Kathryn rolled her eyes. "She's always been such a drama queen."

Emma wanted to say, something but let it slide. Since Regina had sort of kidnapped, cursed and faked Kathryn's death.

When they were in the approximate center of the gym, the twins in black monkey suits broke away. Regina stood alone. Someone, somewhere up in the rafters, pointed a bright spotlight at her. She was the center of attention. Emma could finally see how she must have looked like as the queen. Regina was strong, confident, and beautiful. She commanded everyone's attention without saying a word. Everyone was waiting for her to speak.

"Sorry" Her voice echoed in the gym, "I'm late." She grinned and paused for a moment and there were actually a few laughs. "I am glad to see such a wonderful turnout for Storybrooke's first ball. I see that we have many of our royal and noble families here." She nodded in an almost-curtsy. "As this is a Family Ball, I wanted to" She touched the huge emerald necklace she was wearing. "represent my land and family." She flicked her wrist and a green and gold banner appeared on the wall beside the other ones. Not that black one from Henry's Book, it was the one from her study.

Regina turned in a circle and addressed the crowd. "And I see people from all over our town. I see representatives from our civic groups. I see our Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, and Storybrooke Boosters." She kept turning, addressing everyone. "I see representatives from our old Guilds and our modern Unions. As she spoke new banners appeared on the walls. "In fact, we have representatives from eleven kingdoms all across the realm here right now." More banners appeared.

"Thank you all for coming, but I would be remiss if I did not thank the two women who made this all possible." Regina turned around and Emma knew without seeing it, that she was looking at Snow. "Thank you to Snow White and Lia Weathersby who made this all possible. This event is a marvelous way to remind us of our past. It has brought us together to celebrate our present. Now we can work together for the bright future we all have in Storybrooke."

She twisted both wrists in an over-dramatic gesture and smiled. A huge banner with the Storybrooke Town Seal appeared. It fell like a curtain at the back of the small makeshift stage at the front of the gym.

"I hope everyone enjoys the Ball. Make sure to make a donation to our schools and local library at the donation box on the way out. The students and teachers have all worked very hard so we can enjoy ourselves tonight. As always, I will match every donation dollar-for-dollar. So if you want revenge, "then hit me where it hurts, my checking account. I know our new librarian Belle French has some wonderful ideas on programs. She has plans for our students young and old. Ms. Weathersby and her colleagues and the Middle and High schools are now moving forward too. They are finding new ways to help our students adapt and continue their education and lives. As we all are. That's what we're here to do, isn't it? We're taking these new lives in a new world and becoming smarter, stronger and happier. Together.

Regina nodded again, her speech over. Then, to Emma's great surprise, people applauded. It wasn't the overwhelming thunder clapping from before, but it wasn't too shabby. A statement? No, Regina had turned a school dance into a fundraiser and a political rally in one swoop. Damn, the woman was good.

"Well" Aurora commented with awe, "she certainly knows how to make an entrance."

Of course, she did. Regina was a gorgeous genius.

"Told you." Bastian smirked. "She is a wonderful Queen."

Emma grinned, because that was her girlfriend showing the whole town who was still HBIC.

"He's right you know." Kathryn had found a glass of something that might be punch. "Regina was a fantastic ruler. Far ahead of our time. She was the first queen in three hundred years to rule without a King at her side."

Emma hadn't known that. She had never asked about that stuff. Maybe it was about time she started.

"If David hadn't been able to return Jim I was going to seek asylum at her palace. She took in women, common or noble if they were trying to escape a bad marriage. That is one of the things that the Evil Queen stories never mention."

Emma didn't respond because she'd finally been able to make eye contact with her girlfriend.

Whatever they were talking about became a buzz in the background.

Regina smiled at her. Her warm brown eyes sparkled and Emma could feel the woman's affection wash over her. It was amazing. Emma raised her hand and waved a little. All she wanted, in the entire universe, was to have Regina in her arms right then.

Her attention was so focused on Regina that she didn't even see Henry until he'd all but tackled her. She swayed backward on her heels, not ready for his attack. She would have fallen but for Bastian's steadying hand still on her shoulder.

"Hey, Kid."

Henry was smiling and bouncing up and down in his polished dress shoes. He looked so excited that he might pop. "Did you see me? I danced with Grandma and didn't trip or fall or step on her feet or anything!"

Great, her Kid was a better dancer than her.

"And Mom's here!"

He finally paused for a breath and noticed they weren't alone. "Hi, Aurora. Hi Mister Bastian! Hi again, Kathryn!"

They were only halfway through greeting him when he whipped around like a spinning top. "I'm gonna go say hi to my Mom!"

He was off like a shot, gone into the crowd before Emma could say anything. He looked so grown up in his suit, but he was still a kid. Her kid, their kid.

"I-" Aurora hesitated.

"Go on, get out of here before your parents see you fraternizing with the Evil Queen." Kathryn made shoo-ing motions. "I know you're still in hot water from your last night out dancing."

Aurora blushed and nodded, "I'll see you ladies later."

Kathryn shook her head as Aurora went in the opposite direction of her parents.

"Twenty dollars says she's looking for Mulan."

Emma shook her head that was way too easy. "I don't take sucker bets, Princess." She hoped Aurora found Mulan, they were a cute couple. Those two deserved their own gayily ever after.

Okay, so once you got passed the fancy clothes and all the decorations. Balls were really really boring. It was a bunch of adults talking. The dancing was okay, he guessed, but it was only with his Grandma. There were no other kids at the Ball. They were all over in the cafeteria at the carnival. The carnival where there were games, movies, and pizza. They got to wear normal clothes too. Not super fancy suits and shoes they weren't supposed to scuff up. Henry was sort of jealous of them.

He was a prince, though, and he knew this was something princes did, but he kind of hated it. Was that why his Mom and Ma insisted that he bring a change of clothes in his backpack with him? Had they known it would be this boring? Why would they want to throw a ball if it was so boring? It didn't make sense!

The worst part was that he couldn't see anything. Everyone was taller than him and they bunched up in groups so he couldn't get around them. In fact, no one seemed to notice him at all. It was super annoying.

Then Grumpy announced that his mom had arrived. This time he wasn't so polite and princely. He shoved past people, using his elbows and not his manners, to get to the front of the group so he could see her.

"Woah." His Mom looked amazing. He'd never seen her like this before, not in his whole life. She looked like a queen, but not an evil one. This wasn't the villain from his book. She looked more like Ma, like a movie star. Her hair was all curly, which was weird because he'd never seen her let it be curly outside of home before. She was smiling and seemed, somehow, light. She looked weirdly happy while she gave her speech. He hadn't known she would give a speech. It sounded like every other boring mayor speech he'd ever heard her give. She even used the same not-funny joke she always did to get people to donate to charity.

The applause surprised him. Henry had been afraid that people would boo the Evil Queen. Worse, they might try to hurt her. They didn't seem angry though. Some people still liked her. That was definitely a good thing. It was weird though. The Ball filled up the whole gym. Only a handful of people had been in the mob that had tried to hurt his Mom after the curse broke. Everyone didn't hate her. It seemed like just a few furious people. He frowned. Real life was way more complicated than his Book.

He looked around and saw his Ma. Saw his Ma staring at his Mom. She was giving his Mom goo-goo eyes like Grandpa did Grandma. It was like one of the gross grown-up movies that Grandma liked. Where people kissed in the rain and ran to each other on a beach.

It might make total sense, but his Mom and Ma being all romantic with each other was still totally gross. If he saw them kissing or making out or whatever, they would scar him for life. He would have to go back to Archie for more therapy.

As gross as it was, he still wanted them to be a real family. So it was time to kick Operation Swan Queen into high gear. Step 1 was easy, they had to dance with each other. It was a ball, and they were both wearing fancy dresses. He just had to get them together and bam, dance time. It would be much easier to get Emma first. She was a little easier to trick as long as he didn't tell an outright lie. He stood on his tippy toes and found his Ma again. She was still over by the food table with Kathryn and Aurora.

He hurried over and hoped that this went as well as he thought it would. It did actually. His Ma was standing there like she was waiting on him to help her out. Even Aurora wandered off like she knew what he was trying to do.

"Mom!"

He jogged over to where his Mom was standing. She was talking to people. He recognized them as the same old "work colleagues" that she talked to all the time.

"Mom!"

She turned around and when she saw him; she smiled.

"Henry!"

He flung his arms around her. "You missed my dance with Grandma! There's still time for more dances. You're gonna dance with me, right?" There was no way she would say no to him. "And Ma. It is a family dance, and we're all a family, right?" He widened his eyes and look shy when he said that. His mom was a total sucker for big eyes.

"I-"

Her work people smiled at them. Before she could make an excuse or tell him anything, he grabbed her hand. "Come on! Mister Bastian has all this food and Emma is gonna eat it all and we won't get any." He tugged on her hand.

He dragged his Mom along, and she didn't even fight him. "Excuse me, it seems my son requires my presence."

The people laughed and Henry grinned. This was almost too easy.

He pulled his Mom over to the table and his Ma looked weird. Her mouth was open, and she kept blinking at them like she'd forgotten to put in her contacts or something.

"Regina." Ma stumbled over her name like a dumb movie character.

Henry smiled and hoped he didn't look too cheesy. Everything was going exactly right so far. He was the master of secret operations. James Bond had nothing on him.

"Emma." His Mom smiled at her and then turned to Kathryn.

"Good evening, Kathryn."

Oh dang, he'd hoped Ms. Kathryn had left with Aurora.

"Regina." Kathryn smiled, "You look amazing. I don't think I've ever seen you wear your emeralds. They suit you, La Princessa."

It was his Mom's turn to look surprised and sound silly. "I-thank you, Kathryn. You look lovely as well. That blue is perfect for you."

Aaw man, they were ruining everything by being dumb polite adults.

"But our Sherriff is tonight's big winner." Kathryn grabbed Emma's bare arm and pulled her closer. "She cleans up well, don't you think?"

Wait. Was Kathryn trying to help him?

He tilted his head to the side and looked at her. He wasn't sure.

"Oh!" Kathryn raised her hand and waved at someone. "There's Elwin Bishop. You know the paper hired him on as a photographer last week?" She motioned him over. "He's taking pictures for all the families tonight to mark the occasion."

His Mom and Ma stumbled over their words, trying to tell Kathryn that they didn't need a picture.

"Nonsense. That was why Henry brought you over, Regina. He wants a picture with both of his Moms." Then she turned her head a little and winked at him.

How? How did Kathryn know what he was trying to do? Why was she helping him? Wasn't she mad at his Mom? The Curse took away her True Love and given her a fake marriage to David. Why wasn't she mad?

"Elwin!" Kathryn finally caught his attention, and he was coming over.

Mad or not, she was a genius. Henry hadn't even thought about a picture.

"Come on Moms, we all match!" They were wearing combinations of black and gold. Even Ma had on black heels and some funky black jewelry to "complete her look", whatever that meant.

"Come on, Regina. You dress like this every day, but how often do Henry and I look this fancy?" Emma winked at him like it was all a big joke.

Elwin, the guy who usually worked at the photo-developers shop, smiled at them. "You guys are the best-dressed family here." He raised his camera, "Now get close together. Moms on either side of your son." Both Emma and Regina leaned close and wrapped their arms around his back. Their faces were super close to his head. It was a real family picture, like all the other kids at school had.

The flash made him see spots, but he looked up just in time to see his Moms making goo-goo eyes at each other again.

They stayed close for an extra moment. It was like they were waiting for another picture even though Elwin had already walked away.

"That is going in my office." Emma grinned. "So all the criminals can see it when I lock them up."

"Leroy already knows what we look like, Sheriff."

Henry chuckled. His Mom was funny sometimes.

"Sweetheart." His Mom smoothed out his hair. "Aren't you a little bored?"

His Ma grinned, "I'm bored, so I know you are, Kid."

"Do you want to go to the cafeteria? No one expects you to stay here all night."

They didn't? Oh, thank goodness!

"Get out of here, Kid. Eat some pizza for us."

Operation Swan Queen versus jeans, pizza, and fun. He loved his Moms, but he was only human.

"Yeah." He threw his arms around them both and squeezed so they were hugging him and each other. "Thanks!"

Henry walked away, pushing through people towards the gym doors. He took one last look at his Moms. "See you later! Love you!" They were still standing super close together, and they were smiling. Yeah, Operation Swan Queen would be a success even if he wasn't there to supervise them. "Get in a dance for me!"

He tugged at his tie until it came loose. He couldn't wait to get into some jeans and hang out with the other kids for a while. Balls and Operations were hard work, even for a double-prince like him.