Live as Regina

by Mac NorthSea

On the way to Neverland,Emma is troubled by the moments in the mines she and Regina had at moment of Regina's self-sacrifice that changed everything,even Emma herself.With understanding her upbringing gave her,the Savior decides to save not only Henry but his mother as well. Doing so will take her and her family through harrowing challenges of love,duty,conflict,and magic.

17. Chapter 17

Another chapter. You know the time when there are just not enough hours in the day for you to finish all your obligations? Well, these past weeks have been of that kind. And, yet, the holidays and the exams are coming up. But, I have not forgotten this story, not like it would let me...

This chapter has been written in coffee breaks, insomnia bouts, boring lessons and even during the commutes. I apologize if it seems a bit weird or does not make much sense.

I must place a trigger warning as this chapter deals with the subject of rape in two places. And, this chapter is the longest yet...

Again, thank you for following the story and favoring it. A shout out to Chris - I do not speak French, but if I understood correctly, you were asking about an update? Well, here it is.

I hope you like it. What do you think?

Have nice holidays!

Enjoy!

Chapter 17.

It was an extraordinary day. As if the nature knew it needed to behave for just one day, so it was warm and sunny outside, without a cloud on the cheerfully blue sky. A breeze was bringing scents of the sea into the village and the leaves and branches moving lightly in it were creating a soft murmur, pleasant to the ear. All in all, it was a perfect day – weather wise.

Emma strolled about the village, stretching her legs, enjoying the fresh air and the Sun on her face. Here and there she would be stopped by a villager who would congratulate her on killing the manticore, or saving the children, and such. Her personal favorite was a thank you for enchanting the Queen, making her almost benevolent. The blonde Savior chuckled to herself remembering that particular moment when she had been told that she was celebrated as the bewitcher of the Evil Queens… Regina would throw a fit when she heard about it - Emma smiled to herself, unable to contain the ridiculous happiness bursting out of her.

The day before, the brunette ruler spent her entire time with the Savior, taking care of her, but also somewhat entertaining her with some details of the Enchanted Forest, or Storybrooke… They talked for hours, and it would seem that they had not breached any important subjects, but the action of talking itself brought them infinitely closer. Emma also enjoyed seeing Regina relaxed, perhaps for the first time ever. And, she felt that she had fallen in love with the beautiful Queen all over again.

"What are you grinning about?" a very familiar voice came from behind her, shaking Emma out of her thoughts. The Savior turned her head and smirked at the werewolf over her shoulder, slowing down to let the girl catch up.

"What's not to grin about?" Emma replied flippantly. She raised her arms, and turned around with glee. "Birds are chirping, the Sun is shining, and the day is great!"

"By the Gods, you are following the true path of a Disney princess!" Ruby spoke through laughter, reaching for Emma. "I won't be surprised if you start singing and dancing any minute now," she added with conspiratorial smirk while patting the blonde's shoulder.

Emma shrugged the hand off and looked toward the young werewolf with scowl. "I am not going to sing." The sharp words reverberated around the small village. Emma looked around with sheepish face, waving off several people who looked up at her yelling. "And, isn't it more of Snow's thing?" the Savior added quietly, after Ruby joined her, still chuckling.

"No, she talks to animals…"

"Right." She would never get used to all the truths and lies of fairy tales. "So, singing is Aurora's and Belle's thing?"

"I don't know… I've got to admit, even some versions of Little Red Riding Hood have the girl singing in them…" Following Emma to a bench in the middle of the village square, she sat beside the blonde, watching her with care. Emma still looked a bit rundown, even though the forced rest had done her good. However, Ruby noticed that the Savior had lowered herself somewhat clumsily onto the wooden bench, suggesting her strength was already sapped.

"Quit it, Rubs." Came the short tempered words. Emma did not look at her, but the frown on her face was apparent, even from Ruby's position. "I already have minders - I don't need you to join the club." The reprimand was spoken softly, but the werewolf could hear it just as well due to her enhanced senses. In that moment Ruby followed Emma's look and saw Mulan watching them back, nonchalantly leaning against a wall of one of the inner houses in the village. On the other side was Regina, walking with Henry and other children, telling them something, all the while she was throwing glances in their direction. Ah, the minders – as Emma said, were watching the Savior carefully, no doubt that they would move instantly the moment Emma would falter or grimace in pain.

"Sorry," Ruby spoke softly, not looking at the blonde woman beside her. She heard Emma move on the bench, and glancing toward her, she saw that the woman leaned on the table behind them with her elbows, throwing her head back and enjoying the Sun on her face.

"I am fine. Maybe I cannot run a marathon or fight another manticore right now, but there is no need for people to walk on eggshells around me." Emma's voice was gentle and almost disappointed. Ruby knew that the woman hated being watched for whatever reason, and now it was irking her because everyone she had talked to in past day had been scrutinizing her. The Savior sighed heavily. Great, now her mood was ruined.

She closed her eyes and sighed again, letting her memories bring her back into her happy place. The previous day had gone by too quickly for her comfort, but the each moment she had enjoyed was treasured immensely.

Regina leaned her head on Emma's shoulder after they had eaten breakfast. A small food fight Emma had instigated had ended with the brunette forcibly stuffing the other woman's mouth with fresh bread, all the while Emma was giggling and squirming under her. Of course, Regina was careful not to choke the Savior, laughing when the blonde had darted her tongue at her, showing her that she had swallowed all the food successfully. In a simple yet effective move Emma had reached for Regina's hips, turning them over on the bed, and gently placed the woman down, covering her with her own body. Quickly, Emma had moved to a side, pulling the prostrate woman along.

The former Queen felt a hand gliding over her shirt, tracing unknown pattern over her back. She snuggled into the warm shoulder, placing her hand on Emma's collar bone, tracing the prominent edge of the hollow on top of the breast bone. "What are you thinking about?" Regina asked softly, her breath tickling Emma's skin.

"I wonder if someone is taking care of the Bug?" the blonde woman spoke absently.

"I am quite sure Dr. Hopper can take care of himself," Regina answered, confused by the random topic. But as soon as she spoke she realized that it wasn't what Emma had meant.

The Savior lifted her head and peered down at the Mayor and chuckled a bit at her answer, before shaking her head. "I meant my car." Kissing Regina's forehead she missed the scowl on the brunette's face.

"Right. That thing."

"What do you have against it?" Emma spoke, turning to the side, leaning on her elbow. Her move had dislodged the former Queen from her shoulder and now, Regina was glowering up at Emma, irritated by the loss of her comfy pillow.

"It is loud. And offensive." When Emma frowned at her words, she plowed on. "It is unsafe, and you have not cleaned it in ages. It cannot take more than three people."

"I didn't have more than two people around me."

"Well, you do now." The sharp sentence was followed by gentle palm on Emma's face. When the blonde smiled down on her, her eyes lighting up with the answer, Regina pulled her gently toward herself, tasting the tender lips that spread into a grin as soon as her own reached them. "And, I won't be caught in that death trap for the life of me," Regina whispered against the other woman's lips, making her snicker.

"Oh, really?" Emma spoke, mischievous glint showing in her eyes. "Is that a dare?"

"Don't be ridiculous." When the cogs in the blonde's head did not stop turning, Regina curved her eyebrow. "Emma, you better not be planning how to get me inside!" she threatened, hitting Emma's shoulder lightly with her palm.

"Oh, damn it, you ruined one of my schemes." Emma spoke with mocking disappointment, placing her hand over her chest in exaggerated move.

"Well, dear, you should leave it to the professionals," the brunette spoke with teasing obvious in her tone, humming with satisfaction when Emma lowered her head and attached her moist lips onto the very sensitive skin of her neck. Turning her head to a side, Regina encouraged the blonde to continue what she was doing. Drawing a sharp breath in when she felt the teeth scrape the skin at the juncture of her neck and shoulder, she felt the sensual haze muddle her thoughts. Suddenly, the Savior pulled away and hovered over the brunette who felt the absence of Emma's mouth keenly.

"Rumplestiltskin?" Emma said, wiggling her eyebrows pointedly at the woman who still had the lustful glaze over her dark eyes, chuckling when Regina frowned at the Savior's non-sequitur. Emma watched as the brown eyes slowly focused on hers, regaining their sharpness. Only a moment passed before Regina connected the dots. The slight pout that appeared at Emma's disregard of the Queen's scheming abilities and the blonde just had to kiss it away.

It didn't take long for things to get heated, as Emma had her hands under the hem of Regina's shirt, enjoying the silk feel of the woman's back, while she was busy devouring the Queen's neck, at the apparent pleasure of the brunette. Regina entrapped Emma's legs with her thighs, as one of her hands was buried deep in Emma's wild hair, while the other was pulling the woman closer, fisting the soft material of the blonde's t-shirt.

Reasserting her dominance, Regina flipped the blonde over, straddling her. The move startled Emma, and as she hit the pillow with the back of her head, she opened her eyes. Noticing the changed color of the irises, Regina placed her hands on Emma's shoulders and leaned in slowly, feeling the heated gaze on her skin. Gently, she kissed the opened mouth in front of her, stealing a breath out of already panting blonde.

"Shhh," Regina murmured, easing herself down, tenderly kissing the blonde, dispelling the lustful heat with affectionate touch on Emma's face. The sight of the glowing eyes stopped her from continuing with their passion. It was a bit disconcerting to understand that the blonde was so intoxicating that Regina was almost willing to ignore Emma's ailment and go on in sating the hunger. Well, almost. Fearing that Emma was still magically weak, Regina did not want to push the Savior too much, turning their pleasurable activities into painful torture.

"Fuck," Emma mumbled as soon as her breathing eased, while she stared at the ceiling. No one before had had the ability to make her forget everything, even her own well-being.

"Not today," Regina murmured against Emma's throat, feeling the soft rumble under her as the blonde chuckled. Arms came around her, holding her close, and a tender kiss was placed on her forehead at the same time.

"She is in her happy place," Ruby's soft voice reached Emma, pulling her back to the present. Keeping herself motionless, she listened carefully, wanting to figure out who was the person that joined them.

"It would seem she didn't need to think hard," came the humorous reply with slight accent. Emma recognized Belle's pointedly teasing tone, and smiled in response, not able to keep up with the charade. She turned her head and looked at the young woman standing in front of Ruby, and with large grin on her face, shook her head in reply. "Well, I am glad," the spunky woman said and sat between the other two on the bench.

The three women sat in peace, enjoying the weather and chatting about Storybrooke, updating Emma on all the news. Some of them made Emma lift her eyebrows in surprise.

"Leroy? As in a town drunk Leroy?" she said with incredulity raising her voice. Sitting up, she looked at the two women beside her and narrowed her eyes. "He is in the Sheriff's office?" When the young werewolf only nodded, a light blush covering her cheeks, Emma clucked her tongue and leaned back. "Huh, I guess I never saw that coming. Perhaps, it is true what Regina once said, the officers are chosen for their familiarity with the jail cell."

"Don't be like that," Ruby spoke, with a tinge of defensive pride in her tone. "Granny is with him." Then she turned to Emma crossing her arms. "It's not like anyone else wanted it. With you and David gone, I took up the mantle. But, now…"

"Now, that you are here, someone else had to do it." Emma finished for the girl. "I understand. I don't like it, and I don't think it will end well, especially with Regina reinstated…"

"But, you will be there, Ems, won't you? I mean, you are the Sheriff of Storybrooke. Even more than Graham ever had been." Ruby said with hopeful pride, glancing toward Belle, asking silently for support.

"Right, Emma, even now the people of our town call you the Sheriff, even though you have been assigned many other titles." The beauty added at the prompt. But, when Emma looked at her with a ribbing smile, she chuckled. "Yes, some of them had been unsavory ones, but still…" Belle reached for the Savior's hand. "You were the only one capable of standing toe to toe with Regina, and people recognized that."

"Even before the curse broke, Emma, you were always arguing with the Madam Mayor." Ruby added smirking. "We know now what was under it, but then, it was a sign of things changing. And, I don't know if you noticed, but I guarantee you our esteemed Queen liked clashing with you just as you did." The werewolf spoke, making Belle chuckle at all the innuendo. But, Emma just smiled as she saw a person standing beside Ruby, unnoticed by the other two women.

"And, on what do you base such guarantee, Miss Lucas?" The crisp tone of the Madam Mayor reached the wolf and Emma almost lost her composure to laughter when she saw the girl lose all the color in her face with her eyes going wide at the voice of the subject of their conversation. Ruby turned her head slowly and opened her suddenly dry mouth, unable to speak. Regina was looking down at the woman, with aloof interest in her face and regal posture. The clothes that she wore only emphasized the effect of her majestic pose. It was an image that had instilled fear throughout the kingdoms. But, Emma could see the mischievous glint in the soft dark eyes, unnoticeable to everyone else. "You have my absolute attention, Miss Lucas. Let's hear it."

Emma would have jumped in if not for a slight warning glance Regina had thrown in her direction. It was amazing how they could communicate entire conversations with just a passing glance. Now, she understood how Mary Margaret and David could do it all the time. In that glance was also a promise to keep things friendly from the former Queen. And, honestly, Emma liked that the young werewolf was the center of a joke this time.

"I just… I just meant that…" Ruby swallowed hard and glanced toward Belle. At the encouraging nod from the other woman, Ruby cleared her throat and took a deep breath, having faith that the presence of the Savior would keep things from escalating into a bloody murder. Gathering her courage, the werewolf looked at the former Queen. "Whenever you were together, you looked to push her buttons, but not to hurt her but to make her blood boil. And, several of your jibes could be considered highly seductive. And, Jefferson told me what you had said to him when you had managed to get the apple."

Regina blinked at the pointed reminder, but before she could reply all haughtily and imperiously, she heard a booming laughter coming from the Savior. Of course, the mention of the apple would spark a memory for the blonde, Regina considered silently. She was glad that Emma could laugh about that, for that moment in time still caused her mixed feelings.

First things first. The deal's not done, not until I solve the next conundrum… How to get this Savior to taste my forbidden fruit.

Regina's words had passed through Emma's mind the moment Ruby mentioned Jefferson and the apple. The sensually intoxicating voice that had come out of the Mayor's mouth made Emma's skin tingle. But, what really was funny was the specific wording of the threat.

"You still haven't solved your conundrum," Emma gasped, unable to speak properly because of the laughing fit. Regina scowled at her, moving away from Ruby, directing her piercing gaze at the Savior. Standing in front of her, she leaned in, everything about her screaming danger. It was a highly hazardous game that Emma was playing, pushing Regina's buttons in others' company. The glorious Evil Queen was back. And, Emma felt her skin react to the danger with a surprising twist. The visual of the most feared person in all the Realms was much more arousing than terrifying. A sudden flash of Regina dominating her passed before her eyes, and the image itself skyrocketed her desire for the woman in front of her, the lust showing in the darkened eyes.

Regina saw Emma's pupils dilate even though it was very bright outside. At first she had thought that it was fear she had instilled in the woman, regret appearing immediately. She had almost stopped, with the idea to apologize and soothe the woman in front of her, but then she saw the tinge of red on Emma's cheeks and clenched fists. Ah, Regina smirked to herself in understanding. That response was much more welcomed.

The former Queen reached for Emma's lapels and pulling her up, helped by her magic, she brought the Savior so close, that the only thing between them was the hand gripping Emma's coat lapels. "Not for the luck of trying," she whispered softly, her breath caressing Emma's lips, but loud enough for other two women to hear her. Then, her face lost some of her harshness, her eyes getting a heated gleam, as her mouth smirked in challenge. Deciding to change the game, Regina allowed her voice to sink deeper into her bedroom tone, filling it with scrumptious assurance, her hand moving up Emma's neck and into her hair. "But, I promise you, when I finally let you taste it, it will be worth the wait." The blatant sexual remark shocked the seated women, but Emma only grinned with satisfaction, leaning in to kiss the pleased smirk away. Despite all the desire, the kiss was chaste, breathtaking in its gentleness and adoration.

"Looking forward to it," Emma murmured against Regina's lips, placing her hands on the former Queen's hips. Then she moved away as she focused on suppressing her magic, all the while she felt the hand in her hair acutely.

Regina smiled tenderly at the struggling Savior, having an idea how hard it was for Emma to fight against her own wishes and desires. Even she, the practiced magical user was feeling the strain of power after their wild making out sessions. Emma was getting healthier, but she wasn't there yet. "And, until you get well, that is all you will be doing," she spoke into the blonde's ear, taking pleasure in the shudder that followed her statement. Then, she stepped away, patting Emma's cheek.

"Evil!" Emma said, with wide grin on her face as Regina moved. "Evil, I tell you," she complained when the brunette took a step back, making the Savior miss the warmth of her body severely. Regina only smirked and turned to leave nodding at the still shocked women on the bench. After several steps away, when another murmured Evil came from behind her, she glanced over her shoulder.

"Right you are, for I am the Evil Queen," she threw over her shoulder, enjoying the flustered Savior.

Emma lowered her head, with a flourishing bow, imitating a court protocol of knights. "My Queen," the Savior spoke with her right hand over her heart, her tone serious and smooth. But, as always, Emma's emotions were in her eyes, and now they were shining with mirth and affection.

Regina stopped, turned sideways to the blonde and inclined her head with regal elegance, following Emma's example. "My Charming Knight," she spoke with a smirk on her lips, letting their eyes connect in a heated gaze, showing her all the love she felt for the woman, and winking at the Savior she walked away.

"Wow," Ruby said softly at the display in front of her. "I've never seen her so… So…" Unable to find the words, the young werewolf shrugged her shoulders.

"Threatening?" Emma supplied, her tone suddenly sharp, while she turned to the young woman, the muscles in her body already flexing, prepared for anything. But, the girl did not even notice the Savior's sudden bristling, as she was still looking after the former Queen strutting away, the long coat billowing behind her. Belle, however, saw the change and with careful glances toward the unsettled blonde, she inched closer to her friend, ready to protect her.

"Playful," Ruby finally continued, unconsciously breaking the tension. "And, damn, that over there…" the girl gestured to the place where Emma and Regina had been during their 'conversation'. "That was hot." Looking up at the Savior, she shook her head, finally acknowledging Belle's warning glances. "I'm sorry."

Emma blew a breath and dropped down in between Ruby and Belle, patting the werewolf's knee in acceptance. "It's OK. She is hot." Then she looked in the direction Regina had been walking away reflectively, the vision of her arrogantly stepping away from them still fresh in her mind, and dropped her shoulders. "She hadn't been happy much in her life and I am trying to pull her out of her often bitterly maudlin mood."

"You are doing just fine," the werewolf spoke softly, placing her own hand over Emma's on her knee.

"You know, even though she was the Evil Queen and kept me in her castle for her own nefarious reasons," Belle said suddenly, joining in the conversation. "I always admired her." At Emma's surprised look she smiled demurely. "Being a woman in this world wasn't easy. Being a Royal was downright difficult."

"Yeah," Ruby joined in. "Peasants could accept their women having power, but there was no way for a woman of Royal bloodline to behave improper and shirk her responsibilities as a noble woman, and yet she had no power in her life. There was only duty – to her father, her husband and her Realm. Nothing else."

"I was considered nobility back then. That is why I offered my life to Rumplestiltskin. To leave the stifling confines of our society." Belle looked down at her hands, avoiding the interested eyes of the women beside her. "Even though he had treated me as a prisoner at first, it was still better than my life before."

"But, Mary Margaret…" Emma started, but she stopped when she saw Ruby shake her head in slight dismissal. It was a very rare sight to see the werewolf say or do something disparaging of Snow White, and hearing the longsuffering sight from the woman surprised the Savior.

"I love your mother to bits, but let's face it. She had always been a bit…" Ruby stopped, not able to find the right word for the behavior of her friend.

"Oblivious?" Emma supplied helpfully.

"Naïve," Ruby spoke with the pointed look at Emma, disapproving of her facetious answer, and continued, "about the ways of the world."

"It was a great luck for Snow that Queen Eva was such a good person and a good mother, and that Leopold was so deeply in love with her," Belle interrupted before Emma could respond. "Even then, had Regina not had Leopold killed, he would have given her away to further the interest of the kingdom. Only, he would have been able to ask for a higher price, for she had been the thing he love the most." Belle took Emma's hand in hers and squeezed it gently. "Rumple had the histories of the Royals in the Dark Castle, filled with their darkest secrets. It was a ledger of sorts." With a gentle look in her eyes, Belle continued after a brief dramatic pause that made Emma believe that the girl would have been an excellent storyteller. "Leopold was not a good man," she said quietly, her tone serious.

"I know." Emma's equally serious and quiet answer surprised the women. They honestly thought that Emma would deny such allegations, or put up a fight accepting them. "I saw it in Regina's memories."

"So, it's true," Belle spoke, her countenance changing into more intrigued one. Emma knew what Belle was asking – their ability to meld, and just nodded in reply.

"Is what true?" Ruby asked confused, glancing to and from the Savior and Belle.

"She and Regina can share each other's memories," the young beauty explained to the werewolf, before turning back to Emma. "Rumple told me. He, also, has a theory about that, you know."

"Please," Emma spoke quickly, raising her hand in the stopping motion. "Not now. His theories always consist of doom and gloom for me. I don't want to hear it." Emma growled, rubbing her eyes with her hands. Then she looked at the startled woman and her face filled with remorse, aware that she had just snapped at Belle for no good reason. "Maybe some other day?" she said softly as an apology. When the beauty nodded with acquiescence, Emma rose from the bench. "I am going back. Thank you for the company."

Emma left the women sitting, waving at their goodbyes. She wanted to see Regina, to talk to her. The conversation she had just had with her friends had left her mildly disoriented and she wanted to settle some things. And, it was time, and some discussions could not be put off indefinitely. But, when she reached the village hall, she saw her mother entering the center room. Knowing that Regina had been already inside, although it was wrong of her, she decided to stick to the shadows, hiding in the darkness of the arched stairs, curios about the conversation her mother and her mother's former nemesis were going to have.

Regina stood by the empty hearth in the center room of the Hall. She was looking down at the stone floor, where only several days before she had been lying, fighting for her life against a very powerful poison that had been streaming through her veins. Emma's memories of her own pale face were so vivid in her mind and colored with anguish and anger the Savior had been feeling at the time.

She had come in the room only at the insistence of the kitchen staff, politely telling her to stay out of their way while they collected the items she had asked for. And, then, the blonde's memories were so strong that they pulled her in, making her see that day with every painful detail.

"Regina?" Snow's voice brought the former Queen to the present, and she instantly straightened her back, the dark eyes darting toward the other woman. For several moments they kept their eyes connected, measuring each other – for there were no others around. No Emma to heal, no children to take care of. So, Snow had questions and a will to ask them. After a while, Regina turned away, unable to stand the scrutiny from the green eyes, so alike the Savior's. "May we talk?" the pixie haired woman asked, surprised by the despondent welcome.

"Our talks never end well for one of us, dear." Regina did not look at the woman, reaching out for the mantle of the fireplace and a small figurine she saw there. Snow knew that her former step mother did not want to talk to her, but as she had remained in place, without dismissing the younger woman, the proclaimed White Queen accepted it as a tacit permission. Coming closer to the woman who was dressed as the Evil Queen had used to dress, the black leather and deep colors dominant in her clothes, Snow saw only a broken woman whose pure loving spirit had been wrecked and twisted into its dark perversion. However, as Snow had stated days before, she could see some of that brave young woman who had taught her the meaning of True Love in the brunette in front of her. After several minutes of silence, the former Evil Queen gave up on her examination of the small wooden figurine of a chimera, expertly carved into the piece of oak wood, and turned to her True Love's mother, primly brushing off some imaginary lint of her deep green coat. "What is it, Snow?" she asked directing her dark eyes to Snow's face, her tone bored.

"Emma mentioned something on the ship that made me think," Snow started, but unable to continue she fiddled with the buttons of her coat, knowing that the restlessness she was feeling was pure Mary Margaret in her.

"I believe Miss Swan said many things in those days," Regina spoke absently, as an encouragement for the other woman to go on. For days now, she had been waiting on this, this occasion when her former step daughter would corner her and ask her questions about their past. That was why she welcomed Snow so coldly, even though things had been settled between them and were working toward amicable existence side by side. However, Regina was never one to suffer interrogation, and even allowing herself the latitude to answer difficult questions for Snow was something she found hard to do.

"My father…" Snow said but when she saw the sudden change in Regina's attitude she stopped, unexpectedly afraid for her well-being. The former Queen's face darkened, the eyes grew hard and Regina closed her palms into fists, her knuckles going white with the force she channeled into her hands. But, then the woman breathed out and settled, the violent storm passing as quick as it had come. Not sure what to do next, the younger woman took an encouraging breath and continued. "Was he…?"

"The King was wonderful and kind father," Regina spoke through clenched jaw, interrupting Snow in her question. Her voice was even. Looking at Snow, she directed her gaze onto the face of the woman in front of her. The look of relief passed over the so familiar eyes.

Scoffing at the predictable reaction Regina turned away, clenching her jaw to stop herself from continuing on.

Her tone growing cold and her eyes gaining sharpness that Regina had rarely displayed in her life, she spoke on. "On the other hand, King Leopold was a despotic ruler, a monstrous husband and a rotten person in general. I honestly don't know what Eva did ever see in that man."

"But…" Snow would interrupt.

"Did you know that he was the one who ordered the taxes' raise, which I enforced after his death? Did you know that every night after he would say goodbye to you, dear Snow, he would force himself into my chambers and demand my flesh, without fail? That, even as I screamed into the pillows from the pain, he would continue, until he'd reach his intended goal, afterwards patting my head as if I was nothing more than a dog to him? Did you ever ask yourself what had happened to all those people who would knock on our door in poverty?

Everyone loved him, because those who didn't would never be heard of again. He would commit such acts of cruelty and everyone praised him as the benevolent king. And, you deemed ME the Evil Queen, dear Snow. If you only knew…" Regina blinked at Snow's not so subtle throat clearing. Luckily, she vented in her imagination, the vision so powerfully strong, just like the one of killing Snow had had been all those years ago. But, she had lost the thread of the actual conversation, and gathering her thoughts, she looked back at Snow.

"Your father did what was expected of him," Regina spoke suddenly and turned away, signaling that the conversation was over. Snow sighed at the abrupt end and walked away, glancing over her shoulder at the woman. She knew that Regina had hidden something from her, but, really what was the point anymore?

"You lied to her," a soft whisper came from the shadows, making Regina start. Peering into the darkness, she recognized the Savior leaning against the wall, with her arms crossed over her chest. If there was anyone who knew what had happened, it was Emma, and Regina did not feel the need to hide from the blonde. Lifting her hand into the invitation, she watched the woman untangle her arms and slowly push away from the wall.

"I obscured the truth. There is a difference." Regina spoke when the Savior reached her, taking her offered hand and pulling her closer into a gentle hold.

"Why?" Emma had seen Regina's face change colors when Snow had asked about Leopold. And, it was strange that she had just spoken about him with Belle and Ruby, and now Regina had been asked about him from Snow. But, as Rumplestiltskin and Neal had a custom of saying – sometimes it was just Fate.

"He is long dead. What would be the point?" Regina's words were slightly muffled as she pressed her chin onto Emma's shoulder, feeling the warmth flood her at the full bodied contact, as the Savior's hands glided over her back.

"She needs to know everything about the past. She needs to know the truth of the world she loves. I will not have her be on the moral high ground, when she could've ended up doing worse things than you have! Her obnoxious belief cannot be her excuse." The passionate speech Emma delivered softly into Regina's ear made the older woman shake her head at the White Knight's reproach of her own mother, Snow White.

"Emma, it is done. Leave it be." Regina whispered back weakly, already knowing she was fighting an already lost battle.

"No, I will not stand idly by while you punish yourself with this 'act of kindness'", Emma said firmly, reaching for the brunette's face. As she peered into the dark eyes, she smiled gently, trying to break the morose atmosphere in the room. "Your reputation may suffer if people hear of this." Then, she leaned her nose against Regina's, initiating an Eskimo kiss. "Do not coddle her," she pleaded with the former Queen.

With a suffering sigh, Regina pushed her hear behind her ears in such unsecure move that Emma's eyes watered at the image. "What would you have me do?"

"Tell her the truth. Or better yet, show her." Ignoring the questioning gaze, Emma continued. "Just like when we link, or like when I saw Pongo's memories. It will spare you of talking about those memories and she will see them with her own eyes."

"It will hurt her." Regina shook her head at the idea, not because it was impossible, because it wasn't, but because it would destroy what was left of Snow's innocence, a trait that had pulled Regina toward the child in the first place. "Emma, I know what is like to lose faith in our parents. Don't force it on her."

"Since when do you care?" Emma asked with interest, reaching for Regina's hands, intertwining their fingers.

"Since, she became someone important to this family." The statement, although was simple enough, communicated so many things at once. The admittance that Regina would do anything for Emma, even suffer her once mortal enemy. The blonde's inclusion into the family she shared with Henry. The reluctant acceptance of family relation to Snow. The affection Regina had once, and perhaps still, felt for the pixie haired woman. And, so many other things, intertwined and interwoven into the words Regina had spoken quietly.

"I love you," Emma blurted out suddenly, moved by the emotions that played in the dark eyes. "I love you so much," she reiterated and leaned her forehead against the other woman's, unable to put her feelings of the moment into the words, for each and every one seemed imperfect for the meaning she needed. Looking into the dark teary eyes, Emma reached for a stray drop of salty liquid that had escaped the confines of the eyes with her thumb, caressing Regina's cheek with caring touch. "Do you trust me?" Emma coaxed Regina into accepting the need of making Snow understand the truth.

"With my heart," Regina answered immediately, her reply truthful and serious. Indeed, her heart was something most precious to the dark Queen, and as a pledge of trust it was priceless.

"It needs to be done." The gentle unassuming whisper reached Regina's ears and she surrendered to Emma, knowing that she was right, even though she did not want to dwell on her late husband. The kind soothing touch on her skin spoke of Emma's understanding of her inner turmoil and of the understanding Emma had for her sacrifice. The only answer she gave was a simple short nod, almost unnoticeable, but Emma had seen it, and accepted it without further talk on the subject. The Savior then led them to chairs closest to the hearth and guiding Regina, they both sat down.

Soon after, the two men Regina had seen in the kitchen earlier came into the center room, bringing in a low table suitable for a person, or in this case two, to eat. Setting it up between the Savior and Regina, the men retreated with a respectful bow of their heads before leaving the room. As the men walked out, a third one elegantly strolled in, going toward the couple, his arms laden with already prepared meals. Having arranged the plates in front of the women, the server turned to the former Queen and inclined his head, clasping his hands before him.

"Is everything to your satisfaction, Your Majesty?" the man asked, his tone respectful and without animosity Regina had expected. When the brunette looked at Emma, deferring the choice to her, the Savior smiled at the middle aged tall man and nodded, glancing down at the food, her mouth watering at the sight.

"Yes, thank you." The blonde then focused on the server, her eyes narrowing in scrutiny. "What is your name?" she asked with interest, observing the man, her gut telling her that he had been one of the Evil Queen's servants before the infamous curse. The apparent respect and the lack of fearful suspicion were a dead giveaway for the Sheriff, as she had dealt with angry, afraid and mistrustful villagers so far.

"William, Your Highness," the graying tall man spoke dutifully, placing his hands behind his back, as his gray eyes watched her carefully, noticing the tightening of Emma's jaw at the title he had bestowed on her.

"And, how many years have you spent in Queen Regina's employ?" Emma then asked, smirking when she saw Regina flinch a bit, her dark eyes darting from the blonde's face to the server's and back. She did not miss the man's back going straight as he drew himself to his full height, as he glanced toward the brunette.

"Eight years, Your Highness, not counting the curse," the man spoke with pride. "Since the death of King Leopold," he added for the Savior's benefit, thinking Emma would need further clarification.

Turning toward Regina, Emma directed her eyes to the dark ones, catching and keeping them locked, while her mouth pursed into a pleased smirk, at being proven right. "How did our Queen earn your loyalty, William?" Emma continued, not breaking the loving gaze she had bestowed on the woman across of the table.

"She stopped the late King from exiling my sister and her family, Your Highness." Then the man turned to the brunette and bowed deeply. "I have not had the honor of thanking my Lady Queen for what Your Majesty has done, until now. Please, accept this meager meal as my humble offering of gratitude." Emma raised her eyebrows at the ceremonial address of the server to Regina, and sighed, knowing that she would have to learn the protocols, now that she was in this crazy world of kings and queens.

Regina slowly regained the ability to speak and smiled at the man graciously, gesturing him to rise from the bow with practiced ease coming to her naturally, having remembered the incident he had referred to. The King, in his infinite 'wisdom' had decided to banish the woman in charge of the birthday pastries and cakes for the court because his little princess had hated the cake she had gotten for her birthday. The Queen had implored her husband publicly to spare the woman, her pleading well heard and received by the White's court. Her blatant disregard of her 'wifely responsibilities' and public humiliation of the King she had paid dearly later that night, but she had always considered the instant as a small victory, as she had taken pleasure in having made the King look unstable and unreasonable in front of his friends and loyal subjects.

"And, how is Anne? Has she survived the…" Regina trailed off, unable to continue asking the man about his sister, in case she had suffered from the curse.

"Oh, yes, Your Majesty! She is here, in the village, safe and sound, along with her children." William turned then to the Savior. "Your Highness has met her. The woman asked about the children, by the cave's entrance, was Anne."

Emma nodded at the man and smiled when he bowed to both of them, taking his leave in order for women to enjoy their meal while it was still hot.

"How did you know he was one of mine?" Regina asked quietly, her eyes still glued to the door William had closed behind him.

"The way he behaved toward you," Emma said, reaching for a piece of a dried strip of meat with her hand, taking it up with her fingers, inspecting it closely, as it did not look as if it had come from a chimera of the manticore. "He asked you about the meal, not the Savior – who is also incidentally the crown princess and a daughter of Snow White, the paragon of good." Focusing completely on the strip in her hand, she narrowed her eyes. "What is this?"

Regina looked up at the Savior, having hummed in agreement with Emma's explanation, shaking her head in a mild distaste when she saw the blonde Sheriff sniff the strip of the dried meat, dangling out of her hand, with no table manners whatsoever. But, instead a sharp caustic remark, the view would have provoked out of her, Regina smiled at the woman's antics, finding the boorish exploration somewhat endearing.

"It is a boar, dear," the brunette spoke, as she set out to fix herself a plate. "And, you could stop behaving as its relative and use utensils as it is befitting of your stature." Well, she could not go too much against her nature, could she? Regina smirked to herself as her reprimanding words left her mouth. Emma scowled at the sharp rebuke and in a moment of infuriating stubbornness and adversity, she stuffed the strip into her mouth, not even tearing it into bits, chewing loudly, barely able to close her mouth with her cheeks bulging. At the narrowed eyes of the woman in front of her that was shaking her head again, Emma grinned, having swallowed the meat. Then, in an act of reconciliation, Emma decided to follow the example of the refined behavior of the brunette, as they ate in silence. Enjoying their meal, they glanced at each other, smiling fondly whenever their eyes would meet, but not interrupting the contented quiet.

After their lunch, and thanking their servers, Regina followed Emma upstairs, to their room, pleased to be away from others just a little bit longer. Even though it did not seem so, she had been shaken by Snow's question, and meeting the cook from her own court was also unsettling, regardless of the good news William had shared. She wasn't ready yet to leave the solitude of the village hall and don her mask on to be around other people. And, as if by unspoken agreement that they would have a much needed talk after the lunch meal, Emma had decided that it was time.

"Link us," Emma spoke the second Regina closed the door behind her.

"No." The former Queen walked to the bed and sat, having taken off her coat. Pulling down the cuffs of her shirt, she looked up at Emma. "It is too dangerous. I will not risk your health just for the convenience of our connection," she said firmly, her brusque tone telling the blonde that she would not yield on the subject. Then, gentling her voice, she patted the spot on the bed beside her, inviting the blonde over. "You will have to tell me what you want me to know."

The Savior nodded with apprehension. She had never been good in talking, because before coming to Storybrooke, she had not shared anything of herself since her incarceration, and old habits did die hard. Although she had instantly made a connection with the school teacher, Mary Margaret, she had said few things to her friend, and later, her mother. But, Regina was different for Emma. Even before their meld, Emma had felt safe enough to speak honestly and with depth to the brunette for now apparent reason.

The blonde Savior looked around the quaint room, wishing for a chair. Sitting on bed, discussing important things seemed a bit ridiculous. And, what's more, she needed a measure of distance a simple wooden chair would provide for her, but summoning one in already small space would be impractical. She reached the bed, and taking off her boots, she climbed up, placing herself at the foot of the bed, sitting in an Indian style. The Savior leaned her elbows onto her knees, and peered at the brunette in front of her, blowing at a strand of her blonde hair that had fallen over her face. Regina sighed at Emma's unwillingness to start, and pulling herself up on the bed, she fluffed her pillow behind her back, using it and the headboard as a back rest. She crossed her legs at the ankles and deciding to break the uneasy silence, she pushed a wisp of her dark hair behind her ear.

"How did you even think about using a portal other than the beans?" the former Queen consciously kept her tone mild and quiet, not wanting to make Emma feel even more uncomfortable. She knew the White Knight had bad experiences with any kind of formal inquiry, including her own council meetings where she had grilled the Sheriff for hours, looking for any sign of misconduct.

"It was many things," the blonde started, her hand absently drawing lines on the cover blanket. "When you have razed the field in Storybrooke, it made me realize that relying on the beans was stupid, especially when they could be stolen and destroyed just as easily as you have done. And, the long one keeps using them, the greater the chance to get stranded somewhere is." Then, Emma glanced toward the uncovered window, a look of despondence passing over her face. "You miss this place… Even though you hate its customs and peoples, you miss the land here. Snow loved it and I see her looking around with melancholy, feeling torn between the Enchanted Forest and Maine. David, too…" She looked back to Regina, her smile crooked and sad. "Although you all would forsake this place for me, I know what a tremendous sacrifice it is, even for you."

"Emma, it doesn't matter. I will always choose you. And, your parents will too." Regina leaned forward, reaching for Emma's wandering hand, enclosing it in her own in the need to prove her words.

"That is exactly why it does matter." Emma untangled her legs and pulled out her hand out of Regina's, and she rose from her position. Crossing her arms she walked to the window, looking out, aware that the brunette was following her with her eyes, allowing her the time to compose her thoughts. "The choice you would all make for me makes me feel… Well, makes me feel loved and appreciated. But…" The Savior glanced over her shoulder, not moving from the window. "It makes me feel guilty for forcing you to make that decision."

"Emma…" Regina started.

"No, hear me out," Emma interrupted, raising her hand in the air, stopping all the objections from the brunette. "I know that it is not my responsibility. But, I cannot just watch them abandon their home, and do nothing!" The outburst, while it was expected, surprised Regina, making her blink at the frustration Emma displayed.

Deciding not to delve deeper into the subject Emma was clearly sensitive about, the former Queen just pushed on with their conversation. "It still doesn't tell me what do you want with a portal?"

"I want to make one. Well, two actually, connected." Emma said easily, as if it involved nothing more than a wave of her hand. However she had known the difficulties of such endeavor, having talked to Rumplestiltskin, and she knew that her True Love would object to the notion because it was dangerous.

"Make?"

"Yeah." The Sheriff walked to Regina, lowering herself into a crouch beside the bed on the brunette's side, placing her hand onto Regina's in her lap. "Henry was the one who actually gave me the idea. He insisted that we should make one, not use one. I can't really explain, but it struck me…"

"Wait, let me be clear," Regina spoke, looking at the Savior squatting beside her with a raised eyebrow, her tone sharper than before. "You want to create a portal, which would connect Storybrooke and the Enchanted Forest permanently?" she asked incredulously. "Are you aware how unfeasible that is?" Regina had heard a few unreasonable ideas from the Sheriff, curiously all involved with the budget of the Sheriff's Department, but this one was going to take the lead.

"I have been told, yes." The blonde head bobbed up and down, but the green eyes were focused on Regina's face.

"And, you still insist on looking for a way to do this?" The brunette frowned at the woman beside her, her disapproval clear on her features.

"Look at it this way. Henry visits his grandparents here, and suddenly there is a crop plague or something, and all the supply of the beans is lost. How is he going to come back home?" Emma asked hypothetically, imploring to the rational side of the former Queen, and at the same time at the mother side of the woman in front of her.

"The probability of that happening…"

"All right, what if he accidentally sends himself somewhere else? Not home. And that globe of yours doesn't work. How are we going to find him? As I understand, there are countless worlds accessible by beans, and I still don't know how they actually work…"

Regina closed her mouth in the middle of her reasonable rebuke with a loud snap, as soon as she heard Emma speak of Henry getting lost again, realizing that the blonde was essentially right. If Henry was to thing about Frankenstein, or some cartoon while activating the bean portal, it could pick up on it and send him somewhere unplanned. Not only him, but anyone who would use the pesky little things. The implications were immense and unimaginable. Their journey to Neverland was a lesson enough.

"This way, we could limit the options and make it a lot safer for use," Emma added quietly to her pitch, knowing that Regina was seriously considering her idea.

"The amount of energy needed would be almost unthinkable. And, magical materials are needed, and plenty of them." Regina considered out loud, her eyes slightly unfocused as she was trying to remember all the necessary things for a portal creation.

"I know it seems unmanageable, but Regina, Rumplestiltskin all but told me I am the most powerful entity he had met. This means, you are too."

"True Love is based on equality," Regina murmured to herself absently as she thought about Emma's words. Ignoring her absentminded whisper, Emma squeezed the brunette's hand, drawing her attention back to the subject.

"The Dragon Caves are filled with blood saturated stones. And, I assume there is enough to make two stone arches, isn't there?"

"Arches?" Regina asked with the intrigued smile, her eyebrows going up.

Emma blushed at the scrutiny and rubbed her neck, lowering her eyes. "Well, Henry called it the operation Gate." She then peered through her eyelashes at the smirking woman, knowing that Regina could wait her out. "It made sense to me to make arches…"

Regina just pursed her lips in a teasing smirk at the blonde, finding the idea cute and practical. And somewhat romantic. "Nevertheless, you need something potent enough to power it." Regina went on with the next point of the plan.

But, the Savior was prepared. "True Love's potion. In fact, four of them." At Emma's sure voice, the former Queen nodded, understanding that Emma had already discussed this part with the former imp of her father. But before she could say anything, Emma continued. "And, the beans as well. They carry a plenty of magic of their own."

"My mother could have something that we could use as a guide for the magic." Then Regina pulled the Savior up by her hand, making the blond sit beside her. "You figured this all out in one morning?"

"It was less, truthfully. More like, an half an hour or so…"

"Well, it would seem that under your exterior hides a very intelligent person," Regina told Emma gently, caressing her cheek.

"Are you telling me I look stupid?" the blonde Sheriff asked, irritated scowl covering her face.

Regina ignored the possibilities to insult the Savior and start a bickering war. "No, I am telling you, you are beautiful and smart at the same time." Pulling the frowning Sheriff towards herself, Regina kissed the woman, reaffirming her words. Then, she moved the golden hair of Emma's face, gently tucking it behind the blonde's ear. She looked at the green eyes and pleased that they had lost their indignation – fueled glow, she kissed the woman again, humming in satisfaction when she felt the Savior respond, keeping the touch of their lips light.

"If anyone is beautiful here, it's you, My Queen," Emma said softly, against the tender lips. She glanced up into the darkened eyes and let the overwhelming love she felt for the woman fill her every cell, apparent in her eyes and on her face. "For you are the fairest in the land," she continued sincerely, reaching for Regina's cheek, humming with content when the former Queen leaned against her hand.

"You are biased," Regina spoke quietly.

"It doesn't mean I am not right," Emma echoed the Mayor's words from several days before, making the woman smile in remembrance. Spending several minutes gazing into each other's eyes, the women relished in their bond. However, soon Regina thought of something.

"But, there is one big problem with your plan," the brunette said softly, and in the green eyes she saw the knowledge and determination shine back at her.

"I know," Emma sighed, closing her eyes. But then, she took Regina's hands and held them in her own, the gesture oddly reassuring and frightening at the same time. "The portals have to be simultaneously opened from both sides. And, there are many other things to deal with, and that means one of us would have to stay."

"Snow's dream…" Regina's face changed instantly, losing the softness and her eyes darkened in anger as she pulled her hands out of Emma's hold. Pushing the blonde away, she glared at the galling woman, clenching her fists in an attempt to control her need to lash out in rage. "How dare you make that decision without even talking to me?" the former Queen asked, her tone rising in anger, gaining the cold edge of the Madam Mayor.

"I am talking to you, Regina," Emma said quietly, not reaching for the woman although her heart yearned so, aware that any attempt to come closer to the seething woman would end in magical eruption, as the brunette was still clasping her hands so hard that the knuckles were white.

"After the fact!" Pacing at her side of the bed, she let out a few tendrils of pure magic through her fingers, unable to contain the bleed as she was too upset with the obstinate Sheriff. Too many times before people had made the decisions for her, and the idea of Emma doing the same made her see purple.

"I have done nothing yet." Emma nevertheless kept her tone low, but the effort was making her grind her teeth. The magic the woman was sending out was igniting her own, and with tremendous effort Emma was keeping it in, trapped and preventing herself from using it, knowing that she was not ready yet to pull in the energy, as her body was yet recuperating. "It is not safe for you here." Again rising from the bed, the Savior closed her eyes against the images plaguing her vision, each one more gruesome then last, helped by the remembrance of Regina's vivid nightmares about the people's vengeance. Placing her hands on the mantle of the room's small furnace, isolated by stone, Emma grasped the rough stone edges, using the uncomfortable feeling on her skin to focus. "When we leave, the village will descend on you the minute you are left by yourself." The quiet, yet powerful tone of the Savior cut through the anger Regina had felt flare. She looked at the blonde woman, seeing only her back and lowered head. With realization that Emma was fighting against the pull of the Savior magic, which would react to its counterpart's activation in Regina, if the woman was close, Regina reapplied her control over her magic, cutting herself off from it. "It is hard enough to know that this world is dangerous by itself with Ogres, lions and other creatures, but to actually consider the constant threat of these people turning on you…" The soft anguished whisper pulled Regina in closer to the strong woman, and she stood behind her, not yet daring to touch the shuddering Savior, whose shoulders were slumped against the burden of loss and love, duty and respect. Seeing the fierce protector so visibly shaken at the idea of Regina being in danger moved the older woman immensely. But, before she could reach out for the woman, Emma turned to her, her eyes watering with intense emotions. "I need you safe," the blonde only whispered, before Regina pulled her into bone crushing embrace, soothing the younger woman in her arm.

"So, you decided, as the Savior you are, to send me away to Storybrooke while you are here dealing with who knows what," Regina spoke a bit sharper than intended, as she walked them both back to the bed. In apology to her voice, she rubbed Emma's back.

"Mulan and Aurora like me, and I am the Savior and what not…" Emma only said, letting Regina push her onto bed, yelping when the brunette dropped herself beside her, landing on her side.

Regina leaned onto her elbow and looked down at the blonde, her hand playing with the buttons of Emma's shirt. "I don't like it." But before the blonde could object, Regina continued. "I know it is the right thing to do, but I still don't like it."

"The separation? Or my magic?" Emma asked while she settled down on the bed and arranging her pinned arm around Regina's waist, with her other hand gently stopping the wandering palm on her chest.

"Your propensity for danger," Regina answered quietly. "Henry comes with me?" the former Queen asked after a while, her voice unsure of the Savior's answer.

"Absolutely." The answer, said so quickly allayed Regina's insecurities, but the understanding look in Emma's eyes only made Regina love the woman more. "He needs to go to school, and I would like him to see Archie. He seems fine, but…" Emma broke off, not knowing how to continue.

"So did you, until you fell apart," the brunette spoke gently, understanding Emma's concerns perfectly. He did have some of the blonde's behavioral patterns, and if he had adopted the woman's ability to hide injuries and pain, then he was all the more in need of a talk with Dr. Hopper. "Would you consider talking to him after getting back?"

"Honestly?" Emma glanced at the woman looking at her. "Yeah," she said nodding. At Regina's approving smile, Emma only pulled the woman closer to her and closed her eyes, sighing with content. She chuckled when Regina kissed her neck, having lowered her head onto Emma's shoulder. "We'll have to inform the others," the blonde whispered absently after several minutes of silence.

"We could call the meeting and put everything out," Regina murmured from her position. "But, I would need to see the Caves, and I suppose Rumple would too. And, you should come too."

"No, not this time." The Savior did not want to be in the situations where she would unconsciously call on her magic and transportation is one of those. "I guess I will finally learn how to ride…"

Regina smiled at the slightly disheartened tone of the blonde and kissed the inviting skin of the neck in front of her. "You already know how to ride. It is just the matter of practice…"

Emma hummed in answer, not really having understood what Regina had meant as she was too occupied by the hot lips trailing down her neck. When she felt a tendril of magic enveloping her, she opened her eyes in surprise but then she grinned at the brunette as Regina had banished her shirt and pants, along with her own clothes and pulled them both under the blankets. But, instead a continuation of teasing kisses, Regina only lowered her head onto Emma's chest and placed her arm around the blonde's waist, snuggling into the warm body of the Savior. While they both needed a nap, seeing that they both had somewhat interrupted sleep due to Emma's nightmares, Emma did not appreciate the brunette stopping what she had been doing. With a grumble, she pulled the blanket up.

"Shush," Regina murmured against Emma's chest, her voice already drowsy. The blonde was reminded that Regina needed the snooze perhaps more than her, as she was the one who had been sleeping on edge, always prepared to wake Emma before the grip of the nightmares was too strong. Pulling the woman closer, Emma closed her eyes and allowed her tiredness to claim her. They were not finished with their talk, but Emma knew the biggest item had been crossed off of the list.

The blonde woman woke up suddenly, gripping the still sleeping woman on top of her tighter. It wasn't a nightmare that had wakened her, not hers anyways and by the look of things, not Regina's either. A soft sound of shuffling feet came by the door and Emma quickly closed her eyes, listening carefully for the intruder. That must have been it, Emma concluded, feigning sleep.

The light creak of the opening door warned the woman that the person was about to enter. But before they could walk in, Emma heard another set of footfalls, and she smiled as she recognized the light stride of her mother.

"Henry," Snow whispered harshly, sounding close to the door ajar. "What are you doing?" she admonished the boy, coming closer to him, still keeping her voice low.

The boy only squeaked in surprise before he peaked in the room, hoping that they did not wake his mothers. "They are asleep," he said, softly rebuking his grandmother. "I came to see if they were here." The door closed slowly, but Emma could still hear her son through the wood. "Mom seemed tired this morning and Emma…" The young prince only stopped speaking, unable to find his words. Emma could hear the concern in the child's whisper.

"Henry," Snow spoke soothingly and Emma could just see in her mind the caring expression of her mother as she placed her arm around his shoulders, pulling him close. "I know you are worried, but you have to let them deal with this. Interrupting their sleep will not help them or you." Then the voice of Snow started moving away, followed by two sets of light feet. "Now, come, David wanted to show you something before supper, and Neal…" As Snow's voice grew into indistinct murmur and then silence, Emma chuckled softly.

"We have been neglecting them," Regina whispered from her place. Emma lifted her head looking at the woman, not really surprised that the woman was awake. Her sudden move those minutes before must have woken the brunette.

"I have. You've been there for him these several days," Emma gently corrected. She exhaled heavily and looked up at the ceiling, avoiding Regina's eyes, not able to endure the understanding and compassionate eyes, when she was angry with herself for failing as a mother.

The former Queen lifted herself on her elbow when Emma kept quiet for several moments. She immediately focused on the green eyes filled with self-recrimination and guilt. Not willing to let the Savior punish herself for something that was out of the blonde's hands, she lowered her lips on Emma's, startling the blonde out of her grim thoughts. Letting her body land onto the woman below her, she entangled her hands into Emma's hair, pulling the blonde head toward her, taking the complete control of the passionate kiss, delving into the welcoming mouth with her insistent tongue.

Swallowing the heated moan from the blonde, Regina felt warm hands glide up her back, pressing her tighter against the heated body beneath her, Then, the unrelenting hands went down and slithered underneath her shirt, searing the brunette's skin with their warmth and tingling feel of awakening magic, coaxing a moan out of her. Suddenly, she felt the magic flooding her, as her arousal grew, enhancing the feel of Emma's hands on her skin and the blonde's mouth on her own. So quickly her power grew that she felt lightheaded with the continuous assault of the magic and her lust, but overwhelmed with her own desire for the woman, she only leaned in, surrendering to the passion of the moment, feeling her magic rise to the surface, called upon by the insatiable hands and mouth on her skin. A tiny voice in her head started screaming at her that it was dangerous what she was doing, for the Savior and herself, becoming louder by the second, eventually able to cut through the haze of her lust, love and magic. But, before she could pull away, Emma turned them around, pinning the brunette down in an impressive show of strength, forcing a gasp out or Regina, her body growing even hotter at the display of dominance.

Emma lifted her head opening her eyes, her white irises glowing in the dimness of the late afternoon, and directing her gaze at the still dazed woman beneath her she breathed heavily, her and Regina's harsh pants the only sounds in their room.

After several moments, when she gathered her wits, Regina reached for the blonde's face, touching the soft skin under the glowing eyes. Her remorse and concern for the initiation of the kiss that had swept them away in the haze of their connection were obvious in the frown she displayed, and Emma gently settled her weight onto one of her elbows, while she covered the Regina's palm on her face with her free hand.

"I am OK," she whispered, while her eyes still had the magical light. "Better. I feel energized and it doesn't hurt." Emma was just as surprised as Regina at the revelation, as both of them expected Emma to be in pain from the wildness of the magic flooding through them. With a slight shift of her position, Emma called upon her magic and moving her hand away from her face, she summoned an orb of light, making it levitate over her palm. Although Emma's eyes did not glow anymore, Regina could feel the power in the blonde woman. "I don't feel the drain." With a simple move Emma snuffed the light, not wanting to risk another bout of magical pain.

"I don't understand," Regina whispered, patting Emma's shoulder in a signal to let her up. When the blonde quickly obeyed, moving aside and leaning against the headboard with her back, Regina summoned a few orbs of light of her own and reached for Emma's face, lifting herself on her knees, initiating the familiar examination for the drain of power. Having settled herself on Emma's legs, she peered down at the amazing green eyes. "You are better," she said in wonder, her thumbs caressing Emma's cheeks. "I have never seen anyone heal from magical exhaustion so quickly. And, so suddenly." With a soft wondering tone, she considered the reasons why it was possible.

"Well, I am the Savior," Emma spoke, mentioning the overly used and abused excuse, knowing that this time it wasn't the truth.

"You were the Savior yesterday, and the day before that," Regina said briskly and the attempt of shrugging the issue off. "No, that's not it," she continued softer, one of her hands gently falling to the blonde's shoulder, while other one was playing with Emma's hair, placing it behind the Savior's ear. Emma only shrugged, placing her hands on Regina's hips, smiling at the new position they were in. the former Queen's knees were by Emma's sides, while the brunette was sitting on the Savior's lap, seemingly unaware of the highly suggestive position they were in. Emma let her eyes trace the features of the woman in front of her, letting the brunette think uninterrupted. The kiss swollen lips were slightly pursed in concentration as Regina's chocolate eyes had the soft glow about them, as the woman was lost in her own mind. The tousled dark hair was calling to Emma to put her hands in it and enjoy the silken strands over her fingers. Then, something came to the brunette, so suddenly that she gasped, her hand accidentally pulling onto the blonde tresses.

Emma winced at the sharp sting and pulled the woman closer, worried by Regina's non responsive body as she patted the woman's thigh lightly. Then, Regina directed a look filled with interest with her glimmering chocolate eyes making Emma relax. "When you collapsed the other day, what were you trying to do?" Regina asked, her mind quickly working out the possible causes and theories.

"I wanted to bring us here," Emma answered, not following why it mattered, but trusting Regina to figure it out. "Why?" she asked when Regina only hummed in response. But, when Regina only murmured something into her own chin, too low for Emma to catch it, the blonde frowned. "Regina?" she insisted.

"What?" the former Queen snapped, again accidentally pulling on Emma's hair. At Emma's sharp hiss, she realized the problem and released the locks at once, rubbing the sensitive skin behind the blonde's ear tenderly. "Sorry," she whispered with contrition. Emma only took her hands and brought them both to her mouth, kissing the brunette's knuckles in act of absolution.

"What is on your mind?" the Savior asked, looking up at the tender eyes, shining with love, feeling the warmth of the gaze on her face, and around her heart. Regina smiled softly and pulled one of her hands out of Emma's grasp and placed it on the Savior's cheek, her loving caress making Emma close her eyes and lean in.

"I think I know why you are better," Regina spoke in whisper, unwilling to break the tranquil togetherness they had established. Emma blinked her eyes open and slightly raised one of her eyebrows in question. "You, of course, remember the day you and Snow were accidentally sent here," Regina started, still keeping her voice soft and paused, waiting for Emma's confirmation, and when she got it in a form of a slow blink, she continued. "Our connection helped me activate the hat. We didn't know it then, but it is apparent now that we shared it even then. Your touch helped me stabilize my magic. Your magic, born out of protection for me, helped me with my task." Regina smiled at the Savior's focused eyes, as Emma considered her words and nodded in acceptance of them. "I think that our True Love gives us a special ability, Emma. We can help each other with magical issues. I can help you recharge with my magic, as you can with your own."

"But, why then it didn't work when you fed me with your magic?" Emma asked quietly.

"Because it was not the proper kind of magic and we didn't use the suitable conduit for recharge. Touch, Emma, the loving touch is what is important here." Regina leaned in, and touched Emma's forehead with her own. "That day in the Town Hall… You loved me even then?" The soft tone filled with wonder, surprise and love reached the blonde. The Savior felt her throat close at the emotion filling her, so she only nodded in response, ducking her head. But, Regina pulled it up, forcing their eyes to connect. "I know you were in love with me since the day you saw me, I saw it in out link. But, I never realized that you loved me that long ago."

"I…" Emma croaked, but a gentle finger pressed against her lips.

"I find myself in constant astonishment of your ability to surprise me and of myself being able to love you more and more with each passing day," Regina spoke softly, her earnest words ringing in Emma's ears. The green eyes watered and sparkling tears overflowed the rims, gliding down the blonde's face. Knowing that her own face was covered in shiny tracks as well, Regina ignored their tears. "I love you. And, I think I loved you from that day…"

Emma lifted her head up and caught Regina's lips in tender and chaste kiss, but filled with much love and affection. Then she leaned her forehead against the brunette's, looking in her loving eyes, letting herself enjoy so precious moment of peace.

After a while, Regina moved from Emma's lap, sitting beside her, lowering her head on the blonde's shoulder, sighing in content when the strong arms immediately pulled her closer in a gentle embrace. "I never figured you for an affectionate type," Regina murmured softly into Emma's neck.

"I am not," the Savior replied with a slight titter in her tone.

"Clearly," the former Queen said pointedly, poking one of Emma's arms, gliding up and down her back.

"Present company excluded…"

"You know, I think that is the way of recharging our magic. With loving touch. As the magic in us reacts to our expressions of it and you apparently get fueled with it." Regina said with slight teasing smirk. "I think that can be used as a proper excuse for your lewd behavior, Sheriff."

"Ha ha…" Emma kissed Regina's forehead, smiling at Regina's murmur of approval. "So, we should make out for my own sake?"

"Well…"

"That is what you said, isn't it?"

"In practical sense, but Emma…"

"Oh, I know, it is the love behind the gesture, not the gesture itself. I was listening." Emma spoke with faux snootiness, making Regina shake her head and snort a laugh.

"Sometimes, I wonder if you really do," Regina said and sighed, but before the blonde could respond, she continued, "and, you say something that is directly connected to what I have been speaking about…" Moving her head a bit higher, she peered into Emma's observant eyes. "I know why you make it seem like you don't pay attention, but that is one of the things that unnerved me about you. I never knew if you were present in our talks."

"I told you before. I am here with you, completely."

"That is just it, Emma," Regina spoke, exasperation showing in her voice, as she moved slightly away, lifting her head. She looked over Emma's face, her eyes tracing over the features of the Savior. "If we follow your plan, we won't be. We will be literally the worlds apart." The former Queen looked away. "And, if Miss Lucas is right, it would be more than eight weeks till the next batch of beans is ready." The woman moved further away, rising up and pulling her knees toward her chest. In uncharacteristically vulnerable motion, she placed her arms around her knees. "Eight weeks, Emma," she murmured, lowering her head on her forearms.

The Savior gently touched the back in front of her, rubbing it in comfort, as her hands splayed over the creased and crumpled shirt. "We will manage." When Regina scoffed at the notion, Emma leaned in and repeated her statement with conviction. "We will manage, with a lot of distraction. And then, after all of this is done, we will finally have our happy ending and some peace." The Sheriff murmured into the brunette's neck, coaxing the former Queen back into her arms.

"I think you've just jinxed us," Regina whispered, letting Emma guide her head onto her shoulder.

"We are fated, Regina. A jinx is nothing for us." The blonde's assuring voice allayed some of Regina's insecurities. "I am not dismissing the hard time in front of us, but I am quite confident we will emerge victorious in our feat, my Queen." The Savior spoke solemnly, guiding the woman's head by the gentle but insistent hand on Regina's chin, making their eyes meet. "I believe in you and me. I believe in us."

"You are turning out to be such a charmer," the brunette remarked with humor, needing to dispel the heavy air around them.

"I try," Emma said with a gentle grin. "After all, I am a Charming."

"Yes, you are, but you are also my crass Sheriff and my Knight." Regina kissed Emma's cheek, feeling the grin on the other woman's face grow. Then she patted the blonde's chest, just right over Emma's heart, with gentle ease. "We should go down," she reminded softly.

The blonde Savior nodded and with unexpected grace left the bed, turning to Regina, offering her a helping hand, bending slightly at the waist. "Your Majesty," Emma spoke, in a bow, dressed only in her simple underwear and a t-shirt, presenting a somewhat comical interpretation of a Knight. Accepting Emma's hand, Regina rose from the bed, smirking slightly at the picture the blonde presented. Then, she looked at herself and frowned. Her shirt was not only hopelessly rumpled but some of the buttons were hanging on by the last tread. Glancing toward the mirror, she reached for her wild hair and scowled at her messy appearance, trying to press down the wild tresses.

"I think you look beautiful. And, hot." Emma pulled her by their connected hands suddenly, the force of the movement causing their bodies to collide with a light grunt from the brunette, the move and collision startling her. "There is nothing I would like more than go back to bed and have my ways with you," the Sheriff spoke with seduction in her low voice, as her darkened and lustful eyes devoured the woman in front of her. With satisfaction she saw Regina's pupils dilate, hunger appearing in the dark eyes. "But, we are expected elsewhere," the Savior spoke wistfully, her eyes narrowing in the pointed gaze. Regina murmured with dismay almost inaudibly as her forehead hit Emma's shoulder. "Now, as it seems that my clothes have mysteriously disappeared into the thin air, would you mind helping out?" the blonde spoke, keeping her tone light, as she looked around.

Regina lifted her head and looked at the woman with mischievous glint in her eyes, stepping away from Emma. Her smirk alerted the blonde that retribution for the tease was coming, for Regina would not be who she was if not for a mean streak she had. With one fist on her hip, the former Queen waved her hand at Emma, the purple pinkish mist enveloping the blonde instantly. When it cleared, the Savior was dressed in a soft sky blue ball gown, accompanied with silk silver elbow length gloves, elaborate hair do and a sparkling tiara. Grinning wildly at Emma's widened eyes as the blonde inspected her new clothes, she snickered evilly when the Savior paled, touching the soft and shimmering material of the dress. But, as ever, the blonde surprised her, and turning to the mirror, the Savior smiled at her reflection.

"I look like Cinderella," Emma remarked. "Cool."

Not expecting such reaction, Regina smirked at herself and waved her hand again, after a brief moment of consideration. The mist appeared again, and this time when it cleared, Emma was dressed more in her style.

The dark denim jeans, which the blonde recognized as her own, showcased her athletic legs, along with knee high black riding boots, were well combined with the dark t-shirt and the black silk button up shirt the Sheriff had seen Regina wear in Storybrooke. The set was followed with Regina's long green coat, its color bringing out Emma's eyes. And, lastly, Emma's sword from the castle was affixed to the woman's hip by an intricate leather belt, twined out of four strips of dark leather, tipped with silver endings that were dangling of Emma's other hip, down her leg. The whole combination made Emma seem sleek and dangerous, but also approachable and gentle. In one word, Emma was majestic.

"Better?" Regina asked, pleased with the effect was sure to have on her family.

"Thank you. But, isn't a sword a bit much? Are we expecting trouble?" Emma asked, fingering the hilt of her sword as she looked at herself in the mirror. She had to admit, the clothes Regina had picked out brought out her eyes, her lithe figure and her status all at once. The Queen knew her clothes.

"With you," Regina spoke smiling gently at the Savior, "always." After she had delivered her barb, Regina focused on herself, thinking about her choices for the day. With a snap of her fingers, she was suddenly dressed in one of her tamer ensembles. Her pants and shirt were silvery gray, followed with a slightly darker vest, while her riding boots were made of soft brown leather, matching her top coat in color. The brown was matched with her gentle eyes, making her features seem softer taking away the years of the former Queen.

Emma came closer to the woman and tenderly moved the dark tresses of Regina's face, feeling the warm skin on her fingertips. Leaning in slowly, she looked into the gentle and calm eyes watching her as she connected their foreheads. With no need to speak her words of love and tenderness out loud, Emma allowed the glint in her eyes show the woman what she needed to share. As the silence enveloped them, they relished the love they had for each other, and after several moments of the loving gaze, Emma moved away, taking Regina's hand and leading the way to their dinner.

The evening passed in easy teasing of the women who always seemed to know where the other one was at any given time. Snow cornered Emma several times, with a knowing smile showing on her face whenever Emma would trail off as she watched Regina talk to the boys, or Neal. In pretense of learning her daughter's condition, the pixie haired woman savored the soft glow the blonde seemed to have about herself. When she had first met Emma, she had honestly thought, even though she had been the naïve Mary Margaret then, that the blonde had been too damaged to be able to just let herself go and be happy. However, latter, when the curse had been broken, Snow had known Emma better and it had been breaking her heart to see her daughter waste away chasing after something she could not have had then. No, she hadn't known that the Sheriff had secretly in love with the Mayor, or the Evil Queen, but it had been obvious that the blonde had been keeping something from her. And, that the secret had been heavy on Emma's heart.

But, now as she witnessed her daughter share a surreptitious smile with the brunette, Snow felt the worry ease. Emma was happy, really happy, perhaps for the first time in her life, and she was glad to be able to see it. However, she would be there to protect her daughter's happiness, even if it meant fighting for Regina.

Warm and strong arms came around Snow's waist, pulling her back into the firm chest of her husband. "I haven't seen her so relaxed before," David spoke softly into her ear, the apparent smile in his tone telling Snow that he had been also watching their daughter. "And, Regina… She actually spoke to me without condescension."

"She respects you, David." Snow kissed the cheek beside her head and leaned back. "It's me she had a problem with." She looked at the woman in question and seeing her play with Kyle, she sighed. "I went to ask her about my father this morning."

David only tensed and kept quiet, waiting for his wife to continue. Leopold had always been a tough subject for Snow, and opening it with Regina must have been hard.

"I think she lied to me," the pixie haired woman murmured, knowing her prince would hear her. "I think she knew the truth would hurt me, so she lied to me."

Indeed, she had seen the former stepmother's jaw clench at the mention of the late King. The hatred and pain in the dark eyes had been hard to miss for the woman who had learned every expression of the former Evil Queen. However, being with Emma had made Regina's cold and empty mask crack, showing through more emotions that before. The unexpected words that followed the violent storm in the former Queen's eyes were surprising for Snow, who expected vitriol and scorn.

The White Queen decided to corner her former stepmother once more, but she was willing to let things calm down a bit first. And, Emma was the first priority. Her recovery and rest was paramount.

"Perhaps, there is a good reason she did that," David spoke quietly, gently guiding Snow away from the crowd. "Do you really want to know what she has to say about him?" He looked down at her with his gentle and concerned blue eyes. "Do you really want to open that subject, no matter the consequences?" Rubbing her cheek with his thumb, he pursed his lips in light disapproval. "There may be secrets that should not come out."

"Are you telling me to let it go?" the pixie haired woman asked incredulously, crossing her arms in front of her. Her sharp eyes saw David's downturned eyes and frowned. "Do you know something?"

"No," the prince spoke immediately. At his earnest reply, Snow relaxed and placed her hands on his hips, pulling him close.

"I want to know." Snow said with conviction in her tone, but keeping her voice quiet. "I need to know." She kissed his lips lightly and stepped away, going to Red. David shook his head watching after her, his heart heavy in his chest. No, he hadn't lied to her, but judging by the behavior of his pretend father, King George, and others, the Royals had a feel of entitlement about them, and that could mean too many things that would meet his disapproval. However, as he had been reminded too many times, he had been only a shepherd, and his experiences had shaped him differently than the prince he had been impersonating, James. Perhaps, entitlement was expected of the Royals.

David grabbed his cup filled with mulled wine and walked out, needing fresh air. He walked a little bit around the house he had just left, and finding the porch he was looking for, he leaned against one of the support pillars, sipping his wine thoughtfully. Long time ago, Abigail had told him about things her father had done, and she still had considered him a good father. She would come to him, needing to talk with her only friend except Frederick, but the loyal Knight had been too devoted to her father to trust him with her doubts and admonishments of her father's rule. So, Midas, George, and many others had behaved with enormous indulgence, therefore why should he expect Leopold to be any different? It was the way of this world.

Light steps of the heeled boots on wood interrupted his ruminations. Before he realized who had joined him, his cup was taken out of his hand and refilled. With a smirk, Emma returned the cup into his hand, before taking a sip directly from the flagon. He smiled at his daughter's crass behavior and chuckled as he imagined Snow's reaction to Emma's improper conduct. After all, she was a princess.

"You know," David started slowly, when the blonde stood beside him, "I don't think your mother would approve of your drinking style." He smirked at the Sheriff's widening grin, and turned his upper body to her. Looking at her with interest, he was reminded of his opinion he had earlier that night. "But, I think she will forgive you, as you are the White Knight after all." Then he touched her shirt lightly. "Dressed in black," he added pointedly.

"It goes better with my hair and skin tone," Emma spoke flippantly, smiling at her father. As he chuckled, she grinned back. She liked this easy camaraderie she had with David, so unlike the emotional entanglement she had with her mother. Not pushing, but always there, reliable and willing to listen. Therefore, when she had seen his concerned face after the conversation with Snow, she had felt the need to go to him. Hence, the flagon of wine she had picked up. "What's up?" she asked directly, not much for the tact.

"Just thinking," he replied offhandedly, bringing the cup to his lips. At her quirked eyebrow he only sighed and leaned back on the pillar. "Your mother is insistent about some things regarding Regina, and I think she should let it go."

"Her father?" Emma only said, nodding with understanding. When he looked at her with surprise, she just shrugged. "I was there, and Regina would've told me anyway." She took another go at the flagon, chugging down several large swallows of the spiced wine. She hoped that the awkward move would take focus off her sudden shudder when she had thought of Leopold. "She wouldn't hide from me, as I already know everything from her memories." She did not clarify, as she knew that Regina would hide her argument with Snow, or at least diminish it, not willing to complicate matters between the mother and the daughter further.

"What did she tell Snow?" David asked with interest.

"That he had been a good father and that he had done what had been expected of him," Emma spoke quietly, noticing the grim nod of her father. He had already suspected her answer, she concluded.

"Was it true?"

"He was a good father," the blonde said, her throat tightening.

"But, not a good man," the prince said for himself, saddened of the prospect of Snow finding out, and she would, tenacious as she was. Emma remained silent, knowing that her failure to respond was an answer enough for her father. There was no need to say anything, as they both knew the connotations of David's words. The prince tipped his cup, draining it in several swallows, before he gave the cup to Emma to fill it again, looking into the village, lit by a random lantern here and there. Quietly, the blonde brought the flagon to the cup and let the liquid flow, careful not to spill. After he brought the freshly filled cup to his face, the Sheriff placed her hand onto David's shoulder, feeling somewhat helpless at his gloomy countenance.

"You have Regina's memories of that time?" the quiet voice of her father broke the uneasy silence that had settled over them. He glanced toward her just in time to see a passing flash of fury and hatred go through her eyes. "Can you tell me?" he asked softly, turning to his daughter, taking her hand off his shoulder into his palm.

"It's not my story to tell," Emma replied solemnly, her eyes imploring him not to push further.

David only nodded and drained the cup again. Then he pulled his daughter into a gentle and somewhat awkward hug. "I am sorry," he spoke, infinitely glad that Emma had responded to the hug by lifting her arms to his back. Before they had started this journey, she would have just suffered through it, wishing to leave it sooner rather than later. "I am sorry you had to witness that. It is not a great example for our land."

The blonde just shrugged in the hug, leaning her head onto the prince's shoulder, briefly sinking into the strong arms around her, but then she leaned away. "I've seen worse in my world," she spoke, looking up at him. But, when she saw the pained grimace on her father's face, she continued right away. "I am who I am today because I had those experiences in the past, David. It is quite possible that I wouldn't be the Savior everyone needs these days if I hadn't been through all that."

Charming looked into her eyes and smiled at her attempt of soothing him, or at least, easing his guilt. "Quite the speech," he said, placing his hand on her cheek. "She is a good influence on you," he remarked noticing the proper usage of words in the talk. Emma blushed at his praise and lowered her head, stepping away and draining the wine that was left in the flagon.

David looked toward the open window of the Village Hall building and saw the affair dying out, and deciding to withdraw for the evening, he kissed Emma's cheek. But before he stepped away, he frowned at something he remembered. "Tell her Mary Margaret will try again."

Emma took his elbow, holding him in place. "Just keep her busy till tomorrow afternoon. She will know then."

"Are you sure?"

"I won't let anyone criticize Regina without knowing the whole truth, not even my own mother." Then she smiled softly, and David knew she was thinking about her True Love. "She knows how to defend herself, only she now is playing a politician, keeping the peace, even at her own detriment. But you should know that she will not do it anymore."

"Ever the Knight," the prince spoke, with a smile in his voice understanding that his daughter would stand before anyone who dared to pose a danger to the former Evil Queen.

"That is, apparently, who I am," Emma said, releasing her father. He smiled at her with pride and affection as he passed by and went inside. Remaining behind, the blonde looked out, breathing in deeply. It was quiet in the village, even during the day. The constant threat of Ogres forced the people of the Safe Haven to moderate their sounds and it was unnerving Emma, who had grown up in the bustling cities, and even Storybrooke was not that quiet. The night had fallen on the quiet village, making it even more peaceful. But, Emma felt her skin creep when allowed her eyes to roam in the dark, the barely there flashes passing through her mind, pushed immediately away.

After some time passed, the Sheriff felt gentle arms encircle her waist and a chin lean on her shoulder, lips tenderly kissing her neck. Relaxing in the embrace, she smiled when the scent of the brunette enveloped her, along with the warmth. The blonde lifted her hands to ones on her belly and covered them with lovingly. The hold the brunette held her in soothed her edgy emotions, anger, anguish, pain and many others, caused by the memories and the topic of the conversation she had with her father. Although she remembered everything Regina had gone through in her youth and after, remembering the feelings of pain, sorrow, hatred, misery, she was not overwhelmed by memories of Regina's old feelings. She was submerged in the vicious fury she felt wanting to punish and destroy the world that caused the former Queen to suffer. At the same time, her own willingness to stand for the good helped her hold it in, but it cost her. However, this helped. The unassuming embrace Regina had bestowed on her helped her let go of her anger, gaining her center back.

Emma turned in the hold and kissed the dark haired woman deeply, relishing the feel of fingers digging into her shoulders. Their magic flared but, before Regina could step away, Emma held on firmly, pouring more passion into the kiss, along with gratitude, her love, and acceptance. When the former Queen relaxed into the hold, she responded to the Savior, matching her intensity with her own hunger and adoration.

Reaching for the Sheriff's head, Regina lost her fingers into the blonde locks, invoking the power that thrummed just beneath her skin and letting the purplish pink mist envelop them making the world disappear around them. It took only a second but it was enough to startle the blonde. She lifted her head, quickly scanning her surroundings the instant tension in her muscles easing somewhat. But, before she could go back to what she was doing before, Regina lifted her hand, splaying in over Emma's chest, stopping her descent.

"Henry wants to speak with you before the lights out," the brunette spoke softly, pulling the Sheriff out of the lustful haze. When Emma nodded, shuddering as if to try and shake away the heat that permeated her skin, Regina offered only an understanding smile. "I'll wait here," she murmured, pushing the other woman slightly, giving her the knowledge that she was to show alone at Henry's. Emma placed her own hand over Regina's and pressing it firmer against her chest, right above her heart, her gesture speaking much more than any words ever could, and then she turned to leave, winking at the brunette.

The Savior crossed the hallway from their bedroom quickly and came to a door directly across of them. Knocking lightly, she waited for permission to enter, knowing that Henry most likely was not alone in the room. After a relatively familiar voice told her it was alright for her to go in, she turned the knob and peaked inside, smiling at the two boys, one looking at her with respect and awe, the other leaving his bed and rushing toward her, slamming his body against her midsection, forcing the air out of her chest, as she grunted in surprise.

"Emma!" the boy exclaimed, putting his arms around his mother, leaning his head onto the blonde's breastbone.

Emma lifted her hand to his dark hair and ruffled it affectionately, pulling it off his face. "Hey, kid," she said softly to her son, smiling into his shining eyes. Then she turned her head to the other boy, offering him a gentle smirk. "Are you well, Elias?" the blonde used one of conversation starters from Regina, not knowing how to behave around the rescued children. The boy straightened in bed and inclined his head in a respectful bow, as he had been thought from his birth.

"Yes, Your Highness," he spoke slowly.

"Emma," the Savior said suddenly, startling both of the boys. "Please, call me Emma," she moderated her tone. "I don't like formality."

"Yes, You…" Elias started, but at the raised eyebrow from the blonde woman, he stopped in the middle of the word and swallowed. "Emma," he added softly after several moments, insecurely glancing toward the Royal, afraid that he had made a mistake, but he relaxed at the woman's approving smile.

Henry then interrupted, by pulling Emma to his bed. "Have you talked to mom yet?" he asked, his impatience evident in his vibrating frame and the piercing eyes. His enthusiasm was so strong that she had to smile at his bubbly energy.

"About?" Emma intentionally acted ignorantly, expecting his traditional lecturing tone she had come to associate with his dark haired mother.

"Emma!" he rolled his eyes at her, knowing that she liked to tease him that way, as she had done it several times in the past. He gave her a sharp look, the same one the Madam Mayor used to get her point across. Yes, biologically Henry was her boy, and the most prominent trait they shared were their eyes and some of their behavioral patterns, but Emma could not help herself and feel glad that the brunette had made such a good impact on their son, so that he had picked up her behavioral patterns as well. It was like he had taken out the best of them and mixed it together into perfection. At the thought, Emma smiled with affection at her boy, infinitely pleased.

Shifting herself to release the quilt underneath her, she gestured to Henry to get back under it, as the night air was chilly and he was wearing only his pajamas. When he jumped in, Emma covered him with the quilt, tucking him in. then she sat down over the covers, ruffling his hair again, causing him to squeak in protest, slapping her hand away.

"So, have you?" he asked again, making sure that his hair was in proper place.

"Yes."

"And?"

"It's in the works," Emma said softly, loving the way his face turned into a grin.

"She is in?" he asked, still not really believing. Emma nodded. "So, the Operation Gate is a go," he resumed, in their old slang, grinning from ear to ear. If he had been a year or two younger, Emma had no doubt that he would have clasped his hands cheerfully.

"Yes." Slowly, Emma's smile faded away as she looked down, fiddling with the corner of Henry's quilt, unsure if she should tell him the rest, but deciding to be honest with him, she focused onto his glimmering green eyes. "I will tell you more about it tomorrow, while your mother is away with Rumplestiltskin." She used the name because she already knew that Elias was well aware of the identity of the old man, and as he hadn't said anything to the village before, she doubted he would do anything now.

"Really?" The somewhat challenging look showed on Henry's face, obviously already resigned to finding only snippets of the plan.

"Really," Emma confirmed, her heart breaking at the flash of distrust that had passed over her son's face. "But, it's still a secret, so not a word, do you hear me?"

"Mom?" he asked, and the blonde knew that he had meant the other one.

"You can talk to her, but no one else, especially not your grandmother. Not yet."

"OK, Emma," Henry spoke suspicious of her need to keep the things hidden, but acquiescing.

"Thank you." She then kissed his forehead, smiled at Elias and left the room, wishing them a good night. With a slow thoughtful walk she came to the door of her and Regina's room and entered, finding it empty. As the brown coat Regina had worn that day was thrown over the bed, Emma concluded that the brunette wasn't far. With care, she folded the coat away, smirking at her sudden bout of tidiness, and placed her own next to it. Divesting herself out of the clothes, she came to a lantern that was lit, looking at the dancing flame.

Before, on the porch, she was surrounded with darkness just barely disturbed with the flickering torches placed throughout the village, but she hadn't been alone. And, when the brunette had brought her to their room, Emma had been too much occupied to pay attention to her surroundings, and the request to visit Henry had come quickly, leading her into the well-lit hallway.

She had noticed how Regina always made sure not to leave her in the dark places, or at least to make them less dark. So, the presence of the lit lantern spoke of Regina's supposed absence from the room. Feeling pleasantly warm at the consideration the other woman had showed for her, Emma turned away from the light source and picked her clothes, folding them away. Staying only in her underwear and the t-shirt, she pulled down the fleece blanket, and went under, leaving the corner of the quilt turned down for Regina, placing her head onto the pillow. While waiting for the brunette, not willing to close her eyes before wishing the former Queen a good night, she let her mind wander.

With a heavy sight the Blonde considered the next few months of her life, spent without her family and in the land she didn't like much. She would need something to fill her time, and she still needed to practice her sword and fighting skills, and with that in mind she decided to speak to Mulan at the next convenience. Among other things, she could learn to ride and track through the forest, just like her mother could.

A soft touch on Emma's cheek brought her out of her thoughts and she blinked at the sudden presence beside her in the bed. The brunette was sitting beside Emma, her worried eyes shining with relief when the blonde focused her gaze on the dark haired woman's face.

"You didn't respond to my greeting," Regina explained softly, her hand going gently through the blonde's hair.

"I was just thinking," the Savior spoke, blinking lazily, and she turned onto her back, closer to the other woman, enjoying the tender fingers on her scalp. At the question in the dark eyes, the blonde placed her hand on Regina's lap, and smiled when it was immediately covered with the former Queen's. "I told Henry that we will talk tomorrow about the Operation Gate," Emma spoke, her eyes telling Regina more, than her words did.

"I agree," the former Queen spoke softly, aware that the blonde was a bit apprehensive about her reaction. "The sooner he is involved, the better he will react to the plan." Meaning he wouldn't try to sneak of the ship to be with Emma. But, she looked into the troubled eyes and in encouraging purse of her lips she brought the hand on the thighs to her mouth. "That is not all," she spoke tenderly.

"I…" Emma gulped, but when nimble fingers slipped away from her hair, down her neck, to her chest, she felt her air leave her, making her not able to speak, for different reason. But, then a warm palm splayed over her heart giving her the comfort and courage, and not a small amount of arousal. With a releasing exhale, she closed her eyes, thanking the Gods she didn't really believe in for the woman beside her. Indeed, Regina had been a gift to her, from the moment they had met, the connection they had more apparent from the moment they had started talking on the ship. "I was thinking about distractions I will need," she whispered, still having her eyes closed. She felt the mattress dip and just after that, warm lips kissed her own, surprising her in their tender consolation.

"And?" a gentle exhale touched her ear, as Regina stretched herself beside the blonde, her hand going back to its position on Emma's chest. "What do you have on your mind?"

The Sheriff opened her eyes, blinking at the brunette, a slight frown quirking her eyebrow. The former Queen only leaned down and kissed the pucker away. "Training with Mulan, and perhaps some wood orientation as well," Emma spoke tremulously, her eyes darting from Regina's eyes and away.

"That is a good idea." Regina pulled Emma closer to her, her arm going beneath the blonde's neck, while she intertwined their legs. "I plan to see in what state the budget and revenue stats are. And redecorate the house. We need another bedroom for Kyle and perhaps a play room…" The Savior had to smile at the brunette's organization. Then Regina looked down at the blonde with intense gleam in her eyes. "And, I guess I will have to reorganize my closet," she said pointedly. It took a moment for Emma to understand the implication, and with a happy exaggerated nod she answered the unasked question – Move in with me? - that the former Queen insinuated. At the answer, Regina lounged on Emma, attaching their lips ferociously; stopping the blonde's thought process completely. Not that she minded.

With the mind of their own, Emma's hands sent off a trace of the magical mist, causing Regina to gasp, as her clothes disappeared, her skin sliding over the blonde's. Suddenly, the Savior reared up, pulling the brunette with her, as sat in the bed, Regina situated in her lap. With a devilish smirk, Emma lowered her lips onto the naked skin in front of her, her tongue tracing indecipherable marks over Regina's neck, sucking it in places, and grazing it with her teeth. The gasps the older woman tried to stifle only served to make Emma want to do more, and so, she lowered her head onto the collarbone, relishing the feel of hands twisting in her hair, pulling her toward Regina.

Her hands reached for the covered breasts, gently teasing them over the lace bra the woman on her was wearing. Emma was feeling intoxicated with every moan and gasp escaping Regina's lips. Her rush to feel more and more of the woman, to make her lose control, to bring her to the heights unimaginable made her own control over the ever growing magic pulsing in her in the rhythms of her heart, and following the molten lava spreading through her blood. Not happy with the position, Emma flipped them again, landing on top of the stunned woman and reached for the black lace in her way.

Regina, lost in the delirious heat and incredible pleasure spreading her body, didn't notice Emma was using magic up till the moment she found herself on her back suddenly, pinned by the blonde, the pressure of the power over her hands, making her think that Emma's hands were gripping her own, keeping them down, but when she saw the hungry look in the blonde's eyes and pale hands trying to take her bra off, she realized that Emma didn't even know what she was doing.

"Emma," she tried, her voice weak and unheard by the other woman. The teasing touches continued, and Regina knew that it was Emma's desire to feel her everywhere, to explore every inch of Regina's skin that guided the blonde's magic. "Em-ma," she said louder, her voice breaking in the middle by a sudden moan surging out of her throat as one of those hands passed over one of her sensitive spots. She couldn't move, captured by the rampant magic, but she felt no fear, only concern for the blonde too lost in the haze of her arousal and need. "Sheriff!" she managed sharply, breaking Emma's trance, just in the moment when the blonde's body was starting to bleed the magic into the air, the bluish white mist lifting of the pale skin on top of Regina.

In a second, Emma disappeared from the bed, slamming into the opposite wall, knocking off the lantern and smashing it down. The room was plunged into the impenetrable darkness instantly. Regina heard a shocked gasp from the blonde and with haste she waved her hand, restoring the lantern, not willing to step over broken glass in her hurry toward the Savior, and only a moment later, she was beside Emma, a magic light floating over them.

Reaching for the frozen woman on the floor, Regina saw blood on the wall, meaning that some of the glass had managed to pierce Emma's back, but not willing to startle the woman even more, healing had to wait. For a precaution, the former Queen placed a ward around their room, preventing teleportation as she was aware of Emma's tendency to run. And, with care, she called the blonde by her name, her voice soft and encouraging. But when the younger woman flinched away, her wild eyes not able to focus on her, Regina felt her heart drop. No matter how brief the darkness had been, Emma had already been pulled into her nightmare, and coupled with her shame and disbelief Regina had witnessed on her face in the moments before the blonde had forcibly removed herself of the brunette, were apparently enough to get her into that particular moment when everything was a threat and everything her fault. Clenching her jaw in worry, Regina prepared for an uphill battle, and grabbed Emma by her shoulders, transporting them gently to the bed. And, as expected the blonde struggled against the hold, however her fight was weak.

"Emma," Regina said forcefully, pinning the woman down. The wild green eyes focused briefly on hers and darted away, the blonde's body losing all the strength it had, lying limply. Turning her head away in shame, Emma closed her eyes as tears escaped their confines. "Hey, look at me," Regina insisted but the Sheriff refused to comply. Familiar with the Savior's tendency to assume more guilt and responsibility than she was really due, the former Queen closed her eyes and with a firm resolute move, she gripped Emma's face, pulling it to her own, the startled green eyes watching her, surprise strong enough to shine through the shame and remorse. "I love you!" the brunette said firmly, and initiated the connection, knowing quite well that it was the shortest and most painless way of convincing Emma that she was alright and that she wasn't angry with the blonde, and that there was nothing for Emma to beat herself about.

The sudden warmth that enveloped her, healing and reaffirming at the same time, made Emma choke back on the tears she couldn't stop. She recognized the feel of magic, and she knew that Regina had pulled them into the meld, despite her worry about the magic.

That is only because you have used your magic today, the voice reached the blonde woman, as arms came around her. At the same time, the Regina's point of view of their passionate loss of control came to Emma, showing her the truth. But, as Emma had seen them, Regina forced her feelings onto the blonde woman, trying to drown out the insecurities she could feel in the Savior. And, as well, she wanted to stop the panic from developing, from the sudden dark when the lantern had gotten smashed.

The pardon came, threaded with affection and teasing edge of lust, followed with concern and encouragement, with acceptance and understanding, but the strongest feeling was love. The all-encompassing love, powerful enough to burn away the cold tinges of fear and panic, soothe the frayed nerves, dispel the worries and concerns, and strong enough to take away Emma's breath all over again.

As soon as Emma got the message, not only heard it and felt it but accepted it, Regina brought them out of their connection, having kept it too shallow to draw much of Emma's energies.

Blinking at the rapid change, Emma looked up at the still concerned dark eyes watching her from above. With a hesitating move, she reached for the brunette's cheek and smiled tremulously. In reply the eyes softened with affection, as Regina watched the green eyes focus onto hers.

"If you say you are sorry, I will be forced to strangle you," the former Queen spoke, her smile evident, as she cut off the blonde before she could even speak. "The passion between us has been building constantly for weeks now, it is understandable it got out of hands."

Emma nodded, her eyes filling with tears again, but this time it was because she felt relief go through. Guided with gentle hands, she turned over, showing Regina her back. The older woman managed to strip the t-shirt off her, without aggravating the small cuts on Emma's back, and with tender touch Regina healed the injuries, making blood disappear too. And, as Emma was only in her underwear now, after a long shameless ogle, she summoned another tank top on the blonde, knowing that leaving the woman undressed would not help her sleep. The roaring fire of arousal was somewhat subdued by Emma's overreaction, but it took very little to reignite the embers of it.

Kissing Emma's shoulder, Regina settled beside the blonde woman, covering them both with the quilt. Somewhat reluctantly Emma lied down onto the offered shoulder, nuzzling her forehead into Regina's neck.

"Have you decided what to tell everyone at the meeting?" the former Queen asked, her fingers going through the blonde hair as she held Emma close.

"Everything, I think," the Savior replied, her voice soft and showing her exhaustion. "But, we are talking to Snow after the council tomorrow. David said she is getting restless again."

Regina hummed noncommittally, still having doubts about the whole affair.

"Regina?" Emma murmured hesitantly after a while.

"Hmm?"

"Never mind," the blonde spoke softly, burying herself into the dark hair, breathing in the scent that was purely Regina. For a moment she thought that the brunette would not explore her false start, but in true Mayor fashion Regina caught something beneath the reluctance in Emma's tone.

"What?" the former Queen asked, her hand going over Emma's scalp, keeping her in place as she traced invisible patterns over the blonde's temple. Her tone was gentle and patient but it was apparent that she wasn't going to let it go.

They hadn't talked about their separation specifically, as the subject was a sore one for them, but Emma knew that it would be very hard on both of them. However, Regina would be in Storybrooke, with Henry and Kyle, and others, reluctant but willing to help, if Red and Belle were to be trusted. And, Emma would be alone, in a still foreign place – again. Even though it was her choice, her decision with the full acceptance of the consequences, and ultimately her idea, she still couldn't help but feel as if she was being left behind. Logically, she knew that wasn't the case, especially with Regina being her True Love, and beyond that, her faithful friend and loving and affectionate paramour.

Additionally, there was an urge to hide her perceived weakness, remnants of her life from before, but now the motivation was not to protect herself, but the protect the others from her pain and her suffering, as they couldn't change it or diminish it. However, this was Regina, the woman who quite literally could see to the bottoms of her heart and soul. There was a great chance that the former Queen already knew her feelings on the matter. Emma could not lie to her, not after all they had been through, and not after all they had shared.

"Emma?" Regina spoke, murmuring against the blonde's forehead in soothing fashion, simple gesture telling of acceptance and willingness to listen and understand.

"I," Emma started, but unable to swallow sudden lump in her throat she stopped. A warm and gentle palm came onto her face, gliding over her cheek tenderly, offering her the silent courage to continue. "I am going to be alone," Emma whispered. Then she shook her head with heaviness pressing on to her. "I know that there will be others from here around me, but effectively, I am going to be alone."

"Oh, sweetie."

Ignoring Regina's utterance, the Sheriff continued with her eyes closed, focusing on the feel of a hand in her hair, other one on her cheek and the soft lips on her forehead. "I feel like I am about to be abandoned," the blonde said. "I know that is not true, I know you will come for me, and I know that you and my parents will fight ferociously to be reunited with me. But, there is something inside me, telling me that you are leaving me." The soft broken whisper spoke of anguish and fear Emma had been feeling.

For a moment, Regina didn't know how to reassure the Savior and try and dispel the insecurities Emma had obtained from a long time emotional and physical abuse. However, after a small consideration, she decided to jump in and follow her heart. "My dear, what do you feel right now? In this very moment?"

Emma frowned at the question, but tried to answer it nonetheless. "Safe," she replied after a minute of uninterrupted silence. "I feel safe and loved," Emma said again, rising onto her elbow, keeping Regina's hand on her cheek with her own free palm.

The brunette smiled at the wonder on Emma's face as the curious green eyes locked down at her with affection. "Take this moment, and keep it close. Whenever you feel overwhelmed with your doubts, think of this, of this exact feeling, Emma, and let it help you." Regina said softly, lifting her head and touching Emma's lips with her own tenderly. "And, remember, I love you," she added with such powerful feeling and conviction in her voice that brought tears to Emma's eyes. "You are loved, my Knight, and you are not alone. And, you'll never be. Never again. No matter how it seems at the moment." At those words Regina pulled the shaking Savior down and enveloped her into a firm embrace. The brunette understood that it had been a very stressful evening for Emma, and the confession of insecurities from the woman who had been used to keep to herself only added to it. The release that came with Regina's reassurance was enough to bring momentarily fragile Savior to cleansing sobs. It was better this way, the former Queen knew, rather than keeping to oneself. She had learned from her mistakes, and she would not let her True Love make them either. With gentle murmur she encouraged the blonde to let it all out, soothing her with tender kisses and gentle touch. After a while the hiccupping sobs tapered off, stopping all together when the Sheriff let herself fall into a restful sleep, lulled by the soft voice going over her head, sometimes humming a distantly familiar melody.

With the Savior deep in the land of healing dreams, only then Regina allowed herself to close her eyes, letting the sleep claim her, too.

As the morning came, Regina woke up first and with a pleased smile she watched her love sleep, seeing her with a rare carefree smile as Emma dreamed of something beautiful. Not able to resist, she leaned over the quirking lips and kissed them. It didn't take much time for the Savior to respond, her arms going around Regina, pulling her closer.

"Good morning," Regina murmured after a while, when she saw the green eyes open lazily, watching her with smiling shine in them.

"Isn't it?" Emma only stretched her shoulders and arms, with a jaw snapping yawn.

Knowing they had a full day in front of them, they disembarked the bed quickly, and with a rushed morning routines they set out to their tasks. Before letting Emma go, Regina pulled the Sheriff by the lapels and stole a passionate kiss, leaving the blonde somewhat dazed at the door of their room.

"No shenanigans," the Queen spoke, her order given with her imperious tone, making Emma's skin erupt in bumps.

"Of course, Your Majesty," the Savior replied smirking at the brunette.

"I am serious, Emma."

"Henry will keep me out of trouble." The Sheriff then hooked her thumbs to her belt. "Or get in it with me," she added quietly, but the raised eye brow told her that the other woman had heard it.

"That is what I am afraid of." But, instead of making the point, she decided to let it go. Regina knew that the whole party would be in the vicinity of the pair of them, and if anything happened the Charmings and the company would be there to help. And, what made her sure that everything would be fine was the complete trust in her son. Honestly, the boy had more sense in his young head than the certain head strong Sheriff. "When Kyle gets hungry, the kitchens have vegetable pastes for him. Both Princesses can help you with it." With another kiss, Regina said goodbye to the other woman and walked away, in search for Rumplestiltskin.

Emma smirked after the woman, watching her disappear down the stairs. Then, as it was still early in the morning, she hopped over to Henry's room and knocked. Not hearing any reply, she opened the door ajar and glanced inside. As expected her son was still asleep, but the other bed was already made and Elias was not in the room. The blonde entered the room completely, and with a gentle hold, she shook Henry to wake up.

"Mom?" the boy murmured, burying his head deeper into the pillow. "It's early," he spoke, not awake just yet.

"Not early enough," Emma said, pulling the quilt of the boy's shoulders. "Come, Henry, the day is waiting."

"Fine," Henry groused petulantly, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. "Where are we going?" he asked as his eyes focused on the Sheriff.

"To breakfast, and then we'll see. Get dressed while I take Kyle." When Emma turned around to the door, she heard her boy speak.

"Mom already left?"

But, before Emma could answer, Regina appeared in the cloud of the purplish pink mist, making Henry squeak in surprise, before he launched himself into the open arms of his adoptive mother. The brunette hugged him and then affectionately passed her hand through his growing hair. "I see you are up," Regina said with a smile. Henry nodded with a huge grin as he glanced toward Emma. The Savior only winked in answer and gestured to him that she would wait downstairs.

"Mom? Emma said that you were leaving with Mr. Gold somewhere?" Henry spoke, looking into his mother's face. When Regina smiled at him and kissed his forehead, he thought she wasn't going to answer but then, she sat onto his bed.

"We are going to see if there is enough magic in the Dragon caves for the Gate to work," Regina replied watching Henry's face show confusion and then slowly turn into giddiness as he understood that she was working together with Emma. "I want you to be good today, and keep out of trouble." Tapping his nose with her pointer finger, she smiled at him gently. "And do try to stop the Sheriff from stupid ideas," she added, knowing that it would make her son's grin widen. "I'll let you get dressed and have a nice morning. I have to go, Rumple is already waiting." With another kiss on Henry's temple, Regina vanished, leaving the boy alone.

Emma found Kyle and at the moment she was in the kitchens, waiting for William to bring her a specially crafted paste for the young one. With a flourish, the cook bowed in front of the Savior and offered a bowl with an orange fruity concoction, along with a wooden spoon. "The breakfast for master Henry will come along shortly," the proud man spoke.

The blonde nodded in acknowledgement as she sat the toddler in her lap. Feeling a bit lost, she picked the spoon and took a bit of the paste, bringing it to the baby. The child refused to open his mouth at the spoon, babbling at something behind Emma, and when she heard the haughty footsteps, she smiled in recognition.

"By the rate you are going, you are never going to leave," Emma commented as she tried once more to feed Kyle. A soft chuckle came from right behind her and a gentle kiss was landed onto her temple, before a dark head moved onto the toddler.

"I couldn't leave before saying hello to the little one," the former Queen spoke, laughing at the pouty smirk Emma was sporting. "I spoil you, princess," the woman said, her hand landing on Emma's shoulder.

"Never enough." The simple but earnest statement only served to make Regina's heart warmer.

"I shouldn't be away from more than a couple hours. So, we could have the council meet after lunch?"

"I'll set everything in motion," Emma replied, gently dislodging the strong grip on her hair, as she smiled at the toddler in her lap. "Be safe," the blonde spoke, glancing up at the woman standing beside her. Regina only nodded, and with a soft touch on Kyle's cheek and a meaningful look into Emma's eyes, she left.

As soon as Henry had finished with his breakfast, Emma took him and Kyle for a walk, spending some time with her parents, informing them of the council she wanted to call forth. After a somewhat suspicious look she had gotten from Snow, she was told that Snow would tell everyone she would meet on the way. Later on, they just talked, Henry joining in from time to time. Then, when David offered to play with Henry with the wooden swords he had found in the village, the two of them walked only a bit away, into a clearing, while Emma and Snow stayed on the bench in the middle of the village.

"I am glad to see you better, Emma."

Even though Snow seemed genially pleased to see her daughter well, Emma could sense an expectation hidden in the opening. And, no doubt the White Queen was wondering when they would go back to the other world. The delay was only till the Savior recovered, and now, as that goal had been accomplished, the blonde could feel the general restlessness in the people around her. With a carefully placed mask on her face, Emma turned to her mother, raising an expectant eyebrow, telling her to continue.

"Is that why you are summoning the council?" the pixie haired woman asked, as she tried to see beyond the walls that Emma had erected. And, as the first time she had seen the blonde woman stroll into the town of Storybrooke, she couldn't see the emotions of her daughter, and the thought that the Savior was keeping away from her hurt more than she anticipated. As if Emma was angry with her for some reason, but not wanting to talk about it yet. She could not think of a reason, but with a sigh she let it go, knowing that the Sheriff would be telling her soon, one way or the other.

"Among other things," the Savior replied, her eyes linking with the stormy blue ones in front of her, as the toddler grinned at her, as always reaching for her hair. But, before Snow could ask something more, Emma glanced toward her mother, and shook her head. "I will explain then. You'll just have to wait for several hours more."

So it wasn't anger, Snow thought with a relief. Her daughter just didn't want her to learn the things in advance. Emma had used the tactic before, when she had wanted her mother's honest and instinctual opinion, not giving her time to think about it and figure out the many reasons why something wouldn't be a good idea. Ah, she sighed, it was one of those… So, she decided to turn their conversation to a more relaxed subject.

"Handsome little fellow, isn't he?" Snow asked gently, the warm motherly tone suffusing her voice as she leaned over Emma's shoulder and smiled at the youngling. She had seen the care and love Regina had bestowed on the child, and now the Sheriff was following her True Love's footsteps, falling in love with the little tyke. Not that she minded. She was aware of Emma's wish and regret about Henry's growing up, and she could empathize with her daughter, as she too had not seen her child grow up into the beautiful hero and protector she was not. So, this tyke would give her daughter the opportunity to raise a child, with Regina. And, honestly, Snow herself was getting attached to the little guy, so having another grandson was not a bad idea.

"Yeah," Emma only whispered, as she tickled the boy gently.

It was time to leave, Snow thought as she watched her daughter with the two children. She had spent an hour with Emma, soothing a random bout of child involved nervousness that had gripped the Savior only half an hour before, and talking with the blonde about small and various things, occasionally joining Emma in cooing to the kid. But, when David and Henry joined them, the excited boy reminded Emma about a promised talk, inadvertently giving out a sign for her and David to leave them. Unable to resist, Snow kissed each of them on their foreheads, and taking her husband's offered elbow, she walked away with a smile on her face. So far, in this journey, rare were the moments where she could just enjoy a time with her daughter, and she treasured this opportunity with her whole heart. Seeing a pleased smirk on her True Love's face, she realized that the sudden idea of mock sword fighting with Henry had been planned to give Snow time with Emma.

"I love you," Snow said, lifting herself to her toes, kissing her husband deeply, in appreciation of what he had done for her.

"I love you, too," he replied gently, as he held her close.

Emma watched her parents go away, before she turned her head to look at her son. Then she nodded, gesturing him to take his seat, as she turned to the table that was behind her. "We are going to have a meeting in the afternoon where Regina and I will share some of this with the others. But, I need you to keep it quiet until then. Can you do that for me?" Emma knew that her boy would be offended by the question, but she had to ask.

As predicted, Henry scowled at the implication, but when he saw Emma's worried expression his face changed instantly. "Yeah."

So, quietly, Emma launched into the explanation, telling him everything about necessities for the portal, the magic and all the works. From time to time, she was interrupted by Henry's eager questions, stopping a bit, to make clarifications. But, when she reached the most important part of the explanation, she paused, not knowing how to tell him that she would have to remain in the Enchanted Forest.

"Henry…" she started reluctantly. "There is something you are not going to like about this." At his expectant frown, she bit the proverbial bullet and spoke. "I am going to stay here, while you all go to Storybrooke."

"What? Why?" he exclaimed rising up from the bench, before Emma's frantic hand pulled him down, as she glanced around to check if his outburst had attracted unwanted attention. Not seeing anything out of the ordinary, she focused on him. "Sorry," he added softly. "But, why do you have to stay?"

"There need to be two gates, Henry, one for each world. And, only I and your mother can make them, so we have to be in the different worlds for this to actually work." Although she could see that he wasn't pleased, he accepted her reasoning. "And, your mother is not safe here. There are too many people who hate her. I cannot…" But, before she could finish her sentence, Henry hugged her, cautious not to press Kyle.

"I'll stay with you."

"Henry, no." As he opened his mouth to complain, Emma placed a finger on his lips keeping him quiet just for a moment more. "Listen to me. She will be worried much as it is, but to worry about you too… and, as much as I would like to have you here, this world is not for a kid, Henry. Not now, when there is danger on every corner, and I guess I would be busy with all the arrangements. And, I don't think you can survive on chimera meat for two months."

"What?" the boy screeched, paling immensely. Emma closed her eyes in defeat. She had forgotten that Snow and Regina hadn't told him where the meat was coming from in order to make him eat it. "Chimera?" he asked, disgusted, shaking his head. "Ew."

"I guess, by your face, that you didn't know," the blonde woman said rather unnecessarily. When the boy looked up at her in the perfect imitation of Regina's sarcastic scowl, Emma had to chuckle, pleased with herself. "Other thing is, you have missed out too much of school as it is. Two more months is… Well, let's just say it's not going to happen."

Henry nodded sadly. He understood why he had to go with his adoptive mother. And, honestly, he did miss his friends in Storybrooke. But, it did not make it easier on him. He looked up at his mother and smiled sadly in acceptance, noticing the slight relaxation in her shoulders at his gesture.

"Can't you come with us, and then go back when the beans are ready?" he asked, trying to figure out a way to get Emma to come with them to Storybrooke.

"No," she said gently, leaning her shoulder against Henry's. "Someone with magic has to stay behind and watch over the operation. And, right now, the only ones I can trust with magic are Regina and I." The Savior leaned to Henry, her head resting on his for a moment, and her hands were busy with the playful toddler in her lap.

"This can wait," Henry spoke softly, somewhat regretting ever thinking about it. As Emma had told him, it had been his words that had sparked the idea in the Savior.

"Not really," his mother replied just as softly. "If we go back, and someone finds out that we delayed making the portal, we will have riots on our hands, and I am willing to bet that Regina would be blamed for the delay." She then looked at Henry, her green eyes asking for his attention. "And, there is nothing to stop us from delaying it further and further." Her tone was gentle, but he knew she was speaking of his troublemaking, and the danger magnet that he had seemed to be. "My parents wish to have a more permanent connection to this place, as many others do. Why would we deny them the way to have it, if we can make it?" Isn't that what the Good does - was the unasked question that Henry heard and deep down, under his sadness and dissatisfaction, he knew that the Savior was right.

"What can I do?" he suddenly spoke, his voice more serious and grave than Emma had ever heard from him. The kind, generous, and considerate man that the boy would grow up to be was showing his face even now, in this unexpected display of maturity.

At first Emma could not do anything but blink at her son, trying to stop herself from crying, as the wave of affection surged through her, surprised as she was with his offer. Then she pulled him into a fast hug unable to show her appreciation any other way. When she noticed that he was suffering through the embrace, silent and with dignity, letting her have at it, she pulled back, sheepishly smiling at him.

"Go easy on your mom. She is going to have her hands full with me being gone, Kyle, you, the town and the house…

Then the boy smiled his teasing smirk at Emma, the one he had apparently inherited from his blonde mother, and she stopped talking, becoming concerned because she knew that whenever she had worn that particular expression mess would follow. "So, basically, help out and keep her occupied. Got it."

"Henry," Emma started but another voice joined them.

"Emma," Neal spoke from behind, welcoming the boy into his arms. "We need to talk," he spoke with hurry. "Henry, can you take the baby and give us a minute?" the man asked the boy in his arms. When Henry looked up at Emma and saw her short nod, he silently took Kyle into his arms and walked away, glancing back at them, slightly worried.

Emma rose from the bench, crossing her arms over her chest, recognizing the look on Neal's face. She really was not in the mood for an argument, not until the meeting, at least, but this would give her an opportunity to convince the man to help her out.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Neal whispered harshly, aware that Henry's eyes were glued to them from across the village square. "You want to stay here, on this stupid quest for a fucking portal, alone?"

"I see you had a talk with your father," Emma remarked, ignoring the seething manner of the man beside her.

"Damn it, Emma, you are not a frigging God. Not everything that needs fixing is yours to fix." He reached for her, his fingers grasping her elbow. "Alone?"

"You are not staying with me, Neal." The Savior's sharp tone froze the man in his place. She looked at him, her eyes flashing dangerously, as she had guessed his motivation beyond the tender gesture. But she had other plans for him. "I do not need protection," she said, her voice sinking lower into a dangerous register, portraying her power and resolution. "And, you are needed elsewhere."

Neal only inclined his head, waiting for her to continue. He understood the woman before him. He had thought that he could make her accept his decision to stay behind and help her, but now, looking at the blonde, he truly saw the Savior she was. Additionally, he would only be an unnecessary distraction to Emma and potential point of strife in her relationship with Regina, and as much as he cared for her, he would never stand in the way of her True Love.

"I need you to be there for your sister."

"What? Emma, she…" Neal started, but the blonde came to him, her green eyes focusing onto his dark ones, keeping him silent.

"She will need someone to talk to. Someone who is not Rumplestiltskin, and definitely not a Charming. And, after the fiasco with Cora, I cannot imagine her talking to Archie." Emma then uncrossed her arms and grabbed Neal's forearms in a firm grip. "She is your sister, Neal, and a victim of your father. And, as much as you both loath the idea, I think that you need to establish the connection." The Savior sensed that the man before her was reluctant to agree, but was not outright denying her. "Please. I need to know she will be alright." For me.

The earnest look in her eyes broke his resolution and he nodded, accepting to take care of Emma's True Love and his newly discovered sister. Now, as he could think about it, he understood that the connection between them would only ease the things in the future, and perhaps the tension he had always felt when he, Henry and Regina were in the same room would dissipate. "When are you planning to do it?"

"The meeting where Regina and I will tell the others about this is after lunch. And, I would assume that you would be leaving tomorrow, or day after tomorrow the latest."

"Alright," Neal spoke nodding. But, before he could step away, he felt Emma's hand squeeze him gently on his forearm. He looked at her questioningly.

"Can you go and tell Hook, and bring my things from the ship? All of them should be in the cabin." The slight shake in her voice warned him not to ask her if she was alright. He knew her well enough that she would not appreciate him pointing out her crumbling façade. The idea of being away from her loved ones and friends for two whole months must have been daunting to Emma.

"I'll take them to your room," he replied silently, taking her hand and squeezing it back. With another look into her eyes, he nodded and walked away, deciding to make the best of efforts with Regina, if only to help Emma cope with the separation.

The rest of the morning passed quickly, as Emma and the children played around, with various members of the travel party and the village stopping by to talk to Emma and Henry. However, as the time went on closer to the lunch hour, Henry could see his mother getting restless, often looking up to check the position of the Sun. Just as she was to find David to get the instructions how to reach the caves, the hairs on her neck stood up. She recognized the feeling, instantly relaxing. She did not need to see the purple swirls of magic coming from behind her to know that her worry was for nothing.

And, only a moment after, an excited 'Mom' came from Henry's mouth, making Emma smile as she turned around, just in time to see the last wisps of transportation magic disappear into the air, leaving the dark haired woman and the older man standing in the middle of the village. Then, a slow, lazy smile graced the woman's face as she saw her son coming to her, carrying Kyle in his arms. Her warm arms welcomed them into the motherly hug, as the warm eyes searched for Emma's, the gaze speaking more than the words ever could. Emma stepped closer to the woman, and after a brief nod to Rumplestiltskin, she placed her hand on Regina's back.

The lunch was a quiet affair that finished quickly, as everyone present was anxious to get on with the meeting. Regina explained her trip to Emma in short points over their meal, her tone silent enough for only Emma to hear her.

"So, so far it's all right?" Emma asked to confirm. The only reply that came was a brisk nod, as Regina was cutting the meat in her plate. The blonde then turned to her son and smirked at his face of disgust when Snow placed a piece of the barbeque onto his plate. He was eating all the vegetables and salads, avoiding to even touch the offending food, ignoring disapproving looks of his brunette mother and his grandmother. But, the somber mood of the meal stopped Regina from cautioning the boy, deciding to let him play with his food just this once.

The Savior glanced around the room, looking if everyone was there. When her gaze passed over Neal, she saw him nodding while he looked at her, and she nodded in response and understanding. As Hook was right beside him, joining for the meal, something that he rarely did, Emma could easily guess that the other part of her request was finished as well.

The tables were quickly moved away, and the seats were placed in the circle, just like they had been the first time Regina had entered the village hall. With a soft word, Martha came and took Kyle away from Regina's hands, guiding the other children away from the central room. With a meaningful gesture, Snow placed her hand onto Henry's shoulder, her expression telling him that he was to leave as well. But before he could summon up the indignation to refuse, Emma interrupted them.

"He can stay," Emma said after a brief but silent conversation with Regina. She walked to her mother and waved her head to the boy, showing him to join his mother on other side of the room. "He needs to stay." Emma turned to her mother, gentling her tone. "He is old enough to understand the consequences of his presence and of the choices made on this meeting." With a soft smile, she gestured to Snow to take her seat, as she was about to open the summit. As always, she preferred to do it on her feet, as she was restless. With a last glance around the room, she circled, watching all the gathered parties. Not only the people from Storybrooke were there, with inclusion of Neal and Hook, but the Royals of the village with Mulan were also present, at her askance. Emma felt that she could not make the decision without involving these people, who would be on this side of the portal, exposed to the other world. Then, she glanced toward her son, sending him a gentle warning to stick to the decisions made that morning, and finally, her gaze settled onto the warm chocolate orbs, focused on her. The silent encouragement was enough to start Emma talking.

"I, well we, have gathered you here to inform you of the possibility I have uncovered…"

Slowly, Emma talked, telling the people in the room about the instability of the magic beans, the need of a more stable connection between the worlds, and her solution. She talked about her idea, about Henry's insistence of the possibility of a portal. She then talked about all the necessities of the portal creation, keeping the important details to herself, not willing to expose their project to the outward sabotage.

All the while Emma spoke, Regina thought back to the morning and her trip to the caves with Rumplestiltskin.

As they appeared in the mountain range, the cold air assaulted them immediately. With a quick flick of her hand, the two people were covered with a magical protection, keeping them warm from the wind. Slowly, they directed themselves to one of the visible caves, walking cautiously over the treacherous ground. Occasionally, Regina had to offer her hand to the limping man, his cane unable to help him over the shifting grit. They ventured in the cave closest to the spot they had appeared in, and with a magical light floating in front of them, the man and the woman explored the caves, looking for the stones they needed, the stones soaked with the blood of the dragons. The silence was oppressive, but neither was willing to break it, not knowing how to open a line of conversation. After hours of unsuccessful exploration, they finally stumbled upon an inner hall, littered with bones and egg shells. After summoning several more light orbs, Regina watched around in awe, as the chamber obviously had been very important in the lives of the dragons that had lived in these ranges.

"It appears that Miss Swan's quest will be more successful than I thought," Rumplestiltskin remarked, his cane tapping against a darkened rock. Regina turned, and with shine in her eyes, she reached for the rock, feeling the magic pulsing in it. Yes, it was soaked with the dragons' blood, and it wasn't the only one as beyond that particular rock, there were dozens more, pulsing with the same type of the magic. She was tempted to try and move them with her magic, but a quick move of the man beside her stopped her. "Don't," he warned softly. "The magic from the blood will react to yours," he added gravely as she narrowed her eyes at him. The reminder chilled her and she flinched back from the rock. The former imp was right, and she almost killed them in her desire to shorten Emma's absence from her life.

"She will try to do the same," Regina commented softly, suddenly feeling nauseous at the possibility of Emma trying the same and undeniably killing herself in the process.

"She won't," Rumplestiltskin spoke with conviction, placing his hand on Regina's upper arm in comfort. At the brunette's doubting look he glanced up into her troubled eyes, and squeezing her arm he continued. "I will stay to help her."

"Why?" Regina asked suspiciously, glaring at his hand.

Slowly, he moved the offending limb away. "She would need someone experienced in magic by her side, and you cannot stay. The only other option is me."

"Why?" Regina repeated.

"Miss Swan is a very talented sorceress with precise instincts regarding magic, and I think she would need supervision as she is undoubtedly to stumble upon something she is not yet ready to power through in her usual way." Rumplestiltskin spoke, his tone gentle and soft, none of his arrogance and contempt present. "It may be hard for you to believe, but I care about you, dearie. And, one way of honoring that is to help Sheriff Swan in her endeavor." With those words, he turned away and started the slow climb out of the dark tunnels of the forgotten caves. Marking the chamber with her magic, Regina quickly followed after him.

Shaking her head, she noticed Henry looking at her with a worried expression on his face. Only then she noticed his hand over hers. Regina smiled at him reassuringly, squeezing his fingers gently. She looked up at the blonde and saw her arguing with her mother. They had expected that Snow would be the hardest person to convince to go to Storybrooke and leave Emma behind.

"I am not leaving you here all by yourself!" The Queen imperiously stated, having risen from her seat. "I am staying with you!"

"You cannot!" Emma said, still able to keep her voice calm. "It will be difficult enough for Regina to go back without me. Imagine what would happen if she was to show up without you two too!" Finally, the blonde had reached her end, her voice rising toward the end.

"It would seem that the main problem is that you are reluctant to leave your daughter alone," Rumplestiltskin commented, his hands resting onto his cane. With a brisk look to his left, he saw a gentle nod from Belle, and with such approval he continued. "We are offering to stay behind and help the Sheriff."

"And, I will stay as well," Ruby joined in, her eyes searching the green ones of her longtime friend. "Snow, you know she is right." Glancing toward Emma, she saw the grateful look tossed in her direction.

"Fine," Snow said grumpily, crossing her arms on her chest.

"Any other objections?" The Savior asked, looking around, her gaze focusing on the royals of the village, expecting at least a question from them. However she was greeted with silence. Henry did not make trouble, and Neal kept his word. The surprising as it was to see Rumplestiltskin and Ruby volunteer to stay with her, she was infinitely glad that she would have someone familiar with her. And, with all honesty, she knew that she would use the presence of the old man to learn all there was about magic.

"When are we going?" the pirate suddenly asked, drawing all the eyes in the room to himself.

"Tomorrow morning."

The declaration from the Savior's mouth came as a surprise to everyone in the room, Regina included. As she jumped up, rushing toward the blonde, ready to object, as it was too soon, she realized why Emma wanted them gone as soon as possible. Every moment more that they were together would make it that harder on the Sheriff to let the former Queen go. Ignoring the sudden explosion of sound, followed by all the incessant questions and refusals, Regina reached the Savior pulling her in the embrace.

"I love you," she whispered softly into Emma's ear, feeling the tense muscles in the blonde's shoulders relax.

When none of the women were forthcoming with the answers, the crowd started to disperse. With a gentle pull, Emma reached for her mother silently making her stay. Regina caught Ruby's eyes and gesturing to Henry, she asked her to take him away.

"It's important for him not to listen to this," the former Evil Queen spoke softly, aware that only the werewolf's senses would pick her voice up. Seeing the answering nod from the young woman, she smiled in appreciation, sending her son to the woman with the encouraging pat on his shoulder. When everyone but Emma, Snow and David, left the central room, Regina felt a wall of magic cover the space, the tinge of it very familiar. She looked at Emma, narrowing her eyes and the blonde only shrugged her concern away.

"What is it?" Snow asked, her eyes darting from Emma, over Regina, to David, and back. She felt sudden apprehension as she noticed the carefully composed façade on her husband's face. Slowly, she was guided to the chairs by his gentle hands, as the two other women followed them.

Emma reached for Regina's hand, and intertwining their fingers, she kissed her cheek in support, knowing that the following conversation with Snow would be one of the hardest ones for the former Queen. Sitting them down on a wide chair, Emma used it to her advantage, pulling the other woman closely, giving her the necessary encouragement. After an asking look she directed at her father, and receiving a short nod in response, she turned to the brunette in her arms.

"Tell her," she spoke softly, but loud enough for other two to hear her.

"Snow, you wanted me to tell you about your father."

"Yes," came the unsure answer. Snow knew that this ambush was created with David's help, and possibly at Emma's initiation, because she could not see Regina opening the subject that she had so forcefully closed only the day before.

"What I said before was not the whole truth." Regina started, but then she stopped, looking at Emma reluctantly. A soft squeeze at her side gave her the comfort she needed, and the soft encouragement and the fierce protection shining out of Emma's eyes warmed her insides. "He was a kind father, but he was not a good man."

The automatic rebuttal from Snow was stopped by David, as he placed his hand over her lips. "Just listen," he whispered into her ear. With a slow blink at Regina, he let her continue.

"I know that the man you ever saw was a generous ruler and a virtuous person, but he was not. Not to me, and not to countless others. He was petty, resentful and scornful person whenever he was not watched by the folk of the kingdom. Many people perished by his orders only because they deigned to complain about one thing or the other. Anything that he would see as a threat to his perfect picture of the flourishing empire would disappear overnight, never to be heard of again.

Didn't you ever wonder what happened to the girl that approached you in the outer gardens?" Regina looked into the silent woman across of her. "Did you ever ask yourself where did she go after that night?"

"No," Snow whispered, feeling dread coming over her at the implication Regina was trying to establish. "Father told me that he had found a family for her that would take care of her."

Regina only scoffed, the memories of that day fresh in her mind. She pushed away from Emma, rising up and stepping several feet away from the others. "Leopold threw her into the dungeons, ordering her guards to teach her a lesson. No one of the lowly folks and peasants was ever to speak to a Royal without an expressed permission, and Dana was to be severely punished for it. And what do you think happened to a thirteen year old girl left to the mercy of four grisly men?" She suddenly turned to Snow, her eyes piercing the younger Queen's heart. Snow paled, swallowing hard. "As soon as I heard, I tried to interfere but your father stopped me. For my involvement in his Royal decision I paid dearly, while the girl was publicly executed in a distant village's square for thievery." Her words were followed by the heavy silence. "Honestly, she had been given the easy way out, but Leopold thought that it would dissuade me from further bouts of disobedience."

"What did he do to you?" Snow asked in a weak voice, tears gliding down her face. There was no doubt that Regina was speaking the truth. The pixie haired woman knew the former Evil Queen better than anyone, save Emma and Rumplestiltskin, and she knew when her former stepmother was lying. Also, Emma was quiet, her eyes darting between Regina and her, but overall not surprised with the story. At that moment, Snow remembered what she had known about their True Love. Emma shared Regina's memories and vice versa.

"That time?" Regina asked with a twisted smirk, darkness covering her features. "He flogged me until there was not an untouched part of skin on my back. And then…" she stopped, her eyes going to Emma's. Swallowing, she turned her eyes to Snow and continued. "Then, he raped me until he had enough of it."

"No." Snow glanced toward her daughter, not willing to believe, but the grimace of pain that crossed Emma's pale features was proof enough for the pixie haired woman. "No," she repeated, this time much weaker, the apprehension dawning. David had warned her. She turned to him, and seeing only the anguished understanding, she shook her head.

"But, it wasn't something unusual in my life with the King," Regina continued, her voice devoid of emotions, her eyes distant. "Every night he would come into my chambers and force himself on me, regardless of my refusals. Actually, the harder I fought against him the greater the pain I suffered."

"Why didn't you run away?" David asked, holding his wife to his chest.

"My mother placed a barrier spell on me. I could not leave the kingdom without the King by my side. I think she did that so I would eventually kill him, if only to stop his torment." Regina then softly smiled at David, her mind on something in the past. "I have met your brother, the real prince James. Leopold was looking for the most promising suitors for Snow and at the time George was presenting an opportunity that was not to be passed. The young prince was just as arrogant and insufferable as his father, earning the scorn of Leopold by offending Snow's portrait. And, then he flirted with me in front of the King. Leopold threw them out, ordering his guard to escort them beyond the borders. George could never forget it and he hated the Whites deeply because of the embarrassment."

"So, you knew? You knew that I wasn't James?" David spoke with surprise. That little tidbit even caught Snow's attention.

"Of course I knew. That egotistical megalomaniac was not able of any emotion, least of all love. I had my doubts, but when you woke her from my curse I knew for sure." Regina looked at Emma with a soft smile, trying not to gloat at the surprised faces of the Charmings.

"That is why you rarely used his name?" Snow decided to speak, her question enough of the answer. "I thought your illnesses were caused by magic?" the pixie haired woman returned to the subject.

"I would use up all of my energy on healing, often pushing my limits, in order to hide the injuries from you."

The pictures passed before Regina's eyes, the long suppressed feelings swimming to the surface. She had known that if she talked about it, it would summon all the ghastly details of her past, overwhelming her in the moment. But she trusted Emma to keep her sane, and grounded. So when the inevitable memories came she let herself be immersed into them.

The sudden opening of the door startled her out of her reading. The book Snow had given her was enticing and interesting, so Regina continued to read it throughout the whole rainy afternoon, while the Royal child was attending lessons. She looked up, expecting to see the rambunctious girl running toward her, but instead she found the King, glaring at her from the door. She jumped from the lounge and curtsied deeply, the gentle smile falling of her face, the fear gripping her.

"Your Grace," she whispered dutifully, as the King entered her chambers, locking the door behind him. She swallowed at the gesture, the cold chill permeating her skin. He was in a vicious mood, she could see from his unpleased and wicked expression and the purposeful stride. Without a word he grabbed her by the neck, his fingers feeling the rapid pulse of the frightened young woman. In a move too strong to resist, he threw her onto the floor, stepping onto her dress, pinning her to the cold stone. With a rancorous smirk on his face, he unbuckled his belt, dropping it to his side, the metallic clunk reverberating in the room as the King's sword and dagger struck the stone tiles. Regina flinched at the sound, looking up with her wild eyes, trying to plead with the King, but in advance knowing that it was futile. A soft whimper escaped her.

"Quiet!" the man barked harshly, his hands untying the laces on his trousers. Soon, his pants dropped down to his ankles, and he tugged his shirt off his back, standing naked in front of the young Queen, his proud member already swollen to his full length. He lowered himself to his knees, and reaching for the dagger on the floor, he cut through the layers of the dress the Queen wore. The only sounds in the room were the systematic ripping of the material, his panting and soft whimpering sobs. When the brunette was finally naked, he smirked at her, letting the blade of the dagger travel over her skin, leaving a rapidly reddening trace, as the small drops of blood seeped through the scrapes. He lifted the blade up and up, making sure to nick both of her breasts, enjoying in her harsh sobs and gasping cries whenever the blade would make a deeper cut. Then, he rested the sharp metal on Regina's neck, his eyes daring her to move. But, she knew that it was only the part of the game, the torture he inflicted on her. She would not ever be able to escape him, not even in death, because he would be able to stop her if she ever tried to kill herself.

With hungry and evil grin he watched her olive skin shake in fear, before he lowered his teeth onto one of the shaking mounds on Regina's chest, biting down hard, enjoying the scream that ripped out of her throat. The metallic and salty taste of blood in his mouth only made him lock his jaw tighter, while his free hand found the apex in between Regina's thighs, and with a forceful thrust he entered her with his fingers, relishing the suffering shrieks he managed to coax out of the woman beneath him. Shifting a bit, he reached for the other breast with his mouth, repeating the torture, all the while his hand pumped in and out of her, not caring in the least that she was bleeding, coating his hand in the horrific red. Only when the screams tapered off into the incessant whimpering and powerless keening, he pulled her legs apart, lowering himself in between, his shaft stretching her flesh painfully, causing her to scream again, her hands flailing helplessly hitting him over his shoulders and chest. Grabbing her arms in the hurting hold, he moved his hips suddenly, his motion jerky and powerful, eliciting horrific screech out of the young woman whose throat could not support her shouts. With each next move of his hips, he gained speed and the strength behind the motion, his breath grew shallower, until he panted into her neck, his teeth piercing her skin. As he raced toward his finish, he squeezed his hands, grinding the bones under his fingers. The sound of Regina's pain only brought him closer. With a final grunt, he came.

With a businesslike expression, he moved off the battered woman, not even sparing a glance toward her, as he pulled his trousers up. Using the tattered remains of the silk dress, he wiped the blood and sweat of his chest, throwing the rags over Regina after he finished. Then he lowered himself into a crouch beside the sobbing woman's head and twisting his hand into her hair, he lifted her head of the floor, directing her face toward him.

"Clean yourself, wench, and remember I am the only man you can look at," he growled at her. When she did not move, he slapped her hard. "If I catch you flirting with the cook again, you'll live to regret it."

Then he released her, her head falling to the stone floor heavily, and walked out of the room, not even bothering to close the door behind himself. Regina could only turn to a side and pull her knees up, having strength only for the silent tears and shaking sniffs. With all her will she wished for death and salvation but it didn't come. The cold floor soothed some of the pain, making her skin numb, but the burning and torn flesh was still bleeding.

"You are late, dearie," suddenly the voice came from the dark red mist, as the imp appeared in front of her. With a scowl on his face he looked down at the semi-comatose woman on the floor, covered in blood and tatters of the soft peach silk dress, and leaned his chin upon his hand. "No, this will not do," he said, snapping his fingers, making the blood and injuries disappear. Then, he lowered himself down and picked the young woman in his arms, transporting her easily to the bed. After he made sure she was covered, he smirked evilly at the broken Queen, and disappeared.

The memories pulled at her, making her blood boil and her magic rise. As her face darkened in the furious hatred, she closed her hands into fists, shaking with the force of wrath that sang in every cell of her flesh. That time, she remembered, was the only time Rumplestiltskin healed her, and the first time the King had left her unable to move. The fear she had felt then surged back up, twisting into the revolting rage, mixed in with the hatred and hopelessness she had felt then, the combination of emotions fueling her magic and her need to punish the world. Lost in her memories, she did not see the people in front of her. She did not see the worried glances nor the cautious moves.

"Regina?" Snow spoke tremulously, suddenly afraid, as she witnessed the change in her former step mother. Finally realizing the kind of pain the woman had carried with her made Snow's heart break, the guilt surging up in her. She had heard the stories of other kings behaving in such manner, treating women as chattel, but she never dreamed that her father had been one of them. Now, when she finally realized the amounts of suffering Regina had suffered in the White's Kingdom, Snow understood the need for retribution and punishment that had guided the Evil Queen. And, as Emma had said, Regina had loved her, and that was the reason why the brunette had not killed the monster of her husband sooner. As torturous her sentence had been, the former Queen had chosen to suffer it for Snow to have her father as long as she needed him. But, finally, even the gentle soul as the young Queen's had had its limits. And then, the guilt Regina had had placed on Snow, for Daniel and for all the years of suffering, had been the reason enough for persecution. Snow reached for the woman, to offer a hug, or at least some consolation, but her daughter interfered.

"Don't touch her," Emma said gently, shielding Regina from Snow. With a hand gesture she motioned David to lead his wife and himself to a safe distance. Then, she turned to her love and with a quick prayer, she reached for the woman's fists, already enveloped in the swirls of pinks and purples. "Regina," Emma whispered gently, siphoning away the magic from the brunette. When the former Queen did not react, the Savior moved her hands to Regina's face, pulling it close to her own. "Come back to me." Emma's thumbs glided over Regina's cheekbones, offering the woman the grounding contact. "My Queen," the Savior said, her breath passing over the lost woman's lips, summoning the former Queen to the present. The dark eyes found the concerned green.

"Oh, Emma," Regina gasped, finally managing to bring herself to the moment, guided by the love that radiated from the blonde. The Savior pulled her into the powerful embrace, letting the woman grip her clothes brokenly, as she cried.

"You are safe," the blonde murmured softly. "I am here. Let it go." And, with Emma's coaxing, the magic in the air diminished, and the broken sobs tapered off into the silence. All the while the Sheriff held the former Queen in her protective arms, healing the breaks Regina had suffered so long ago, Snow remained silent in David's arms, tears gliding down her face, as she felt the pain reverberating of the brunette.

After several more minutes, Regina straightened up, wiping her eyes quickly, as she gathered herself enough to move away from Emma. With a gentle and thankful kiss to the blonde's lips, she brought herself up to her full height, her eyes daring Snow to challenge her. She almost expected the younger brunette to come to her and adamantly claim that she had made it all up just to make the former princess suffer. But, the White Queen watched her from her husband's arms, her eyes filled with remorse and compassion. And, suddenly, Regina felt different. Somehow lighter. She glanced toward Emma, her emotions clear on her face for her True Love to read. The answering smile only made her own lips quirk into a satisfied arch. Emma took one of hers hands and brought it to her mouth, kissing the back of it in a chivalrous gesture, making her smile grow wider.

Then, the brunette turned to Snow and with purposeful stride came to the woman, dismissing David from her side. "I didn't want you to know. No child should know such evils." The quiet and roughened voice of the former Evil Queen was gentle, as Regina reached for her former stepdaughter's cheek. But before she could reach it, the other woman launched herself into her arms, robbing her off her breath. Snow's arms came around Regina's back, squeezing her desperately as the younger woman sobbed into the surprised woman's neck.

"I am sorry," Snow sobbed out. "I am so sorry."

Regina accepted the hug, placing her hands onto the shaking woman's back, reminiscing of the many times she had used to soothe Snow this way in the past. "It is over now," Regina only said, too soft for others but Snow to hear it. She felt the responding nod of the woman in her arms and patted the back gently, as she pulled the younger woman away tenderly. "Parley?" Regina spoke, making Snow chuckle through her tears.

The pixie haired woman shook her head, a gentle smile coming onto her face. "Concord," she said shortly.

Regina nodded in answer, smiling as well. Then, she released the other woman. With a hand reaching behind her, she called Emma to herself, letting the strong blonde envelope her in the loving hug from behind. Snow reached to Emma's shoulder squeezing it gently, before she transferred her hand to Regina's cheek tenderly. There was no need for words, and she communicated her pleasure with the resolution of the situation, before she took David's hand and pulled him out of the room, not even noticing that Emma had released the protective barrier from the chamber. The gentle King smirked at his daughter and her True Love, glad that Emma had convinced him to participate in this, as it worked out for the best.

As they were left alone, Emma kissed Regina's neck, feeling the last vestiges of the tenseness in the woman disappear. Guiding her to the fireplace, the blonde used her magic to arrange the low seats beside it and to light the fire in the already prepared hearth. Holding the brunette in her arms, Emma lowered them gently down, satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and subsequent confrontation. She had been worried for a moment, when Regina had gotten lost inside her memories, but the former Queen had come back without incidents. And Snow finally lost her pink colored glasses regarding her father and the world she had come from.

"Are you OK?" the Savior asked softly, her arms going over Regina's belly.

The brunette hummed in the positive as a reply, enjoying the warmth of the flames on her somewhat chilled skin and the comfort she felt from the blonde seeping into her. It was amazing how Emma's presence helped her center her thoughts and emotions, easily dispelling the storm inside her. Just a soothing touch from the Savior and an order issued in gentle and loving tone was enough to bring her back from the terrors of her past. "Let's stay here for a while," she murmured as she intertwined fingers of one of her hands with Emma's.

"OK," the other woman said, settling herself more comfortably on the seat, pulling Regina firmly against herself. Emma knew it was still early in the afternoon, and she did not mind spending a quiet time with Regina beside the fire. Regardless of her previous knowledge of Regina's history, the retelling of it brought it all up, along with the memories of the nightmares the former Queen occasionally had suffered from. And, the moment when the brunette's face had twisted with the pain of recollections had torn Emma's insides figuratively, and she could feel the revulsion and agony of the moment still. She needed the time to get her bearings back, just like the brunette in her arms.

Regina shifted a bit, needing more contact with the Savior, so she turned to her side, letting her legs intertwine with Emma's as she circled her arms around the blonde, changing the seat into a soft and low lounge beside the fire. She chuckled softly when Emma groaned in surprise as the sudden transformation of the low chair shifted them into a more comfortable position. Leaning her head onto the Sheriff's shoulder, Regina breathed in deeply, relishing the scents she associated with Emma, the smell of leather being one of them, and something purely Emma. She closed her eyes, nuzzling into the Savior's neck, relaxing completely. Emma's hand glided over the brunette's back absently, the rhythm pacifying. The other Savior's hand was on the small of Regina's back, holding her close as the heat from the palm seeped through Regina's clothes.

Only an hour later, their son interrupted them, bringing Kyle with him. But, Regina welcomed Henry onto the lounge with a simple move of her arm and the boy quickly climbed onto it, lying to the other side of his blonde mother, with Kyle in between Regina and him, prostrate on Emma's chest. The Savior chuckled as she was surrounded with her new family, enjoying her afternoon in the lazy conversation and tender togetherness, soaking in the love, committing every moment to her memory for later.