#but i feel like Prince Albert is only one step away from trying to adopt charles

[slythereen]

looked up whether monaco has a knighthood since i am shocked that charles hasn’t been knighted yet (it’s coming. Trust) and wdym their knighthood is literally called the order of saint charles 😭

[doof-doofblog]

"You'll Be Joining Ben In Prison!"

Tuesday 6th October 2020

Good evening everyone! I hope you've had a good Tuesday! After the big bombshell that ended last night's episode, I am so excited to see what tonight's episode has in store! I'm just going to start right away, the episode starts right where last night's ended! Frankie has just told Mick that she believes he's her Dad. I understand Mick is completely in shock, he doesn't seem to believe the poor girl, even insults her by saying he thinks she's ill! It's only when she mentions a name - Katy Lewis - that Mick realises she could be telling the truth. You can see he instantly recognises the name as soon as she says it, was it even before him and Linda got together?! Who knows, but I am really looking forward to finding out more about this!

At the police station, Callum has been called in, he is currently missing Lexi's dance grading. What could be so important that he had to be called in? I'm a little bit shocked that his boss is wanting to him to wear a wire, whilst living in the Mitchell household! After seeing Callum going behind Ben's back recently, I feel like he really isn't wanting to do this! He recognises that it's wrong, he's having doubts! But I do fear he'll be persuaded to wear it, believing he's doing the right thing, which he really REALLY isn't!!! I do feel really gutted as Callum starts to unbutton his shirt - does he feel he doesn't have a choice? Has he got himself in too deep now? I am really hoping that Ben will find out before it's too late, I can just see this going horribly wrong for Callum, in many many ways.

Back with Mick, he is still reeling from Frankie's news - as he stumbles along the street, to me it looks as if he wobbles into the fence, it looks as if he's about to have another panic attack! It's been a long time since he's had a serious panic attack, it's understandable that news such as big as finding out he could have another child would bring it on. As Frankie catches up with him, she begs him not to ignore her, at least hear her out and discuss it. Mick sees Max from across the Square and asks him to take the young lad home ... why do I sense that Max only agrees to take him as he knows Linda will be back at the house alone? That will obviously give them a chance to talk about recent events. As Max walks away with the little boy in tow, Mick agrees to talk with Frankie.

At the Atkins household, Gray returns from his meeting to find his house completely a mess! Pizza crusts laid all over the dining room table. He calls out to Whitney and asks her what happened whilst he was away, she explains to him that the poor kids hadn't eaten all day, so when she decided to treat them to a takeaway, the children got upset for having the wrong food. Gray apologises and Whitey tells him not to worry and not to take it out on his kids. Whitney explains to him that grief comes out in all sorts of different ways, the children are clearly missing their Mum and there's probably no way for them to tell anyone or show how they're feeling.

As Linda is busy working away, making herself and Mick a romantic meal, the buzzer of her flat goes, assuming it's her husband, she immediately lets them in. When Ollie comes running up the stairs, Max follows. Linda is clearly surprised to see him with her son, Max explains to her that Mick and Frankie have gone to the Prince Albert. Trying to be the good Samaritan, Max offers to help Linda with her cooking while she sees to Ollie. Did I sense a little bit of flirtation going on? When Linda says the words "No-one likes a show-off!" - I don't know, something is telling me that they do seem to like each other's company, it looks like there could be some attraction there. Whilst Max and Linda are at at the Carter's apartment, Mick is finally having his talk with Frankie. She reveals everything to him, how she found all his letters he wrote to her Mum and how she was always told that her Father had just walked out on her, but she came to realise it was the other way round. As Frankie is revealing everything to him, we see him grip his chair a lot tighter, is he on the verge of having another panic attack? It looks as if he's struggling to take in everything she's saying, but he seems to recall, and realises that what she is saying all makes sense, as he softly says "So that's why she left!"

Finally Callum arrives home, obviously we all know that he's now wearing a bloody wire underneath his clothing! We see Phil approach him as he comes down the stairs, he had previously asked Callum to try and find information on Raymond's adoptive family, whether they had anything on file. Callum admits that the family was clean, had no run-ins with the police, not even a speeding ticket. Phil thanks Callum for checking, as Phil is getting himself ready, Callum attempts to make small talk with him. Part of me is thinking that Phil isn't stupid, Phil will eventually get suspicious as to why he's asking about Danny all of a sudden, he pulls a look of suspicion straight away, but Callum quickly makes up the story that he'll be able to help if ever needed anyone else to work with. Hmm - I think this is going to go one of two ways - either Callum won't be able to get what he needs for the police, he'll be feeling under pressure and he'll eventually lose his job - OR - Callum will basically betray Ben and Phil, Phil will probably end up getting arrested for something he didn't do, or something? What do you guys think? Either way - I'm really not liking what Callum is doing right now. It's all going to end in tears!

At the Panesar family home, Vinny, Ash, Kheerat and Suki are all at home. Suki calls them round to the family table, informing them that she has something very important to tell them. She beings to thank her children for always stepping up and helping the family when needed, she explains to them that the police had approached her with a CCTV image in an attempt of her to identify who caused the attack on Martin. She tells Vinny that it was clearly him, but she informs them she didn't tell the police that. Vinny starts to panic as he fears his identity is going to be revealed. But then - she drops the bombshell and announces that it's Jag's turn to do something for his family - her children don't seem to understand what she means by this, it's only when Ash looks towards the washing and realises her brother's jeans are missing, she clicks on that her Mum has grassed up her own son to the police! Both Vinny and Ash are absolutely distraught, they look to Kheerat - who in all honestly looks absolutely speechless. He looks as if he's absolutely fed up with everything that is happening around him - grieving for the woman he loves and now realising he'll be losing his brother too. I think he realises there is no point in arguing and just simply says "Mum knows best!" - I think he's just purely defeated right now.

Out on the Square, Ben and Callum are ready to head off with Lexi to her dance grading. Lexi notices that her Grandad isn't with them, she asks her Dad's boyfriend why he's not coming. Callum explains to the young girl that he's got something else to take care of, but he'll able to watch a video recording of her later on. As Lexi rushes on ahead, Ben turns to his partner and asks straight out if Phil has actually gone to see Raymond, Callum admits that he has - I think it's then that Callum begins to feel guilty for what he's actually doing as Ben reveals to him that he fears for his Dad. If something was to happen and he wouldn't be able to see Raymond again, it would physically break him. It's true that Dennis meant a lot to Phil, he saw him as a soon - now Phil has the chance of being a Father to Raymond, he wants to grab that opportunity with both hands, but Ben fears if anything was to go wrong, Phil wouldn't be able to cope with another loss.

Back at the Carter's household, Max has finished working on Linda's meal for Mick. I'm just putting it out there, but do you think they're going to be an affair?! The more I see scenes between Max and Linda, the more I can see something happening between them. I mean, they've already kissed - what's going to stop them doing any more? I do believe that Linda loves Mick, but it's clear that he's not really been in her good books as of late, keeping an eye on her whilst she's surrounded by alcohol. Linda admit to Max that she fears her husband finding out that she took a gulp of vodka, but he promises her that he's not going to say anything. As Max goes to leave, he has one last thing to say to her, he reveals that he actually does have feelings for Linda, he understands that she's happily married and even compliments her and states the fact that she and Mick are a perfect couple, but he just felt that she had a right to know. With this knowledge, will Linda act upon it? Will they still be able to remain friends? There has been rumours and/or speculation that there could be a Max and Linda affair on the cards? But with Max promising to keep her secrets - will she feel the need to lean on him more and perhaps could things escalate for the two?

Back at Ruby's club, Mick is trying to understand what Frankie is wanting now she's revealed her identity. He informs her that he's unable to give her what she wants right now - with Linda being an alcoholic, if she was to find out about Frankie being Mick's daughter, it could set her off the edge. He explains to Frankie that he and her Mum was a long long time ago, and Linda isn't even aware of it. That's the big question now - will the rest of the Carter family find out and how will they react when they do? Especially Linda?! - OH THAT'S A STORY RIGHT THERE! - Linda finds out about Frankie being Mick's daughter, she feels betrayed, leans on Max and - boom - an affair starts!!! Haha! Too obvious?! Who knows?!

Meanwhile, on the Square, Habiba and Jags are leaving the Vic - they both seem really happy that they're relationship news is finally out and they have been accepted by the Panesar family, or so it would seem. As they discuss being open to the public about their relationship, Jags asks his girlfriend whether she's really truly happy with him, as she's assuring him a police car pulls up and suddenly a Police Officer is arresting Jags for the assault of Martin Fowler and for the robbery at the Minute Mart. Whilst all the commotion is going on in the Square, Suki appears from her home and watches as her son is being arrested and flung into the back of a Police car. Habiba and Jags are shouting in his defence that it's all a misunderstanding, she promises her boyfriend that everything will be okay. As the car drives away with Jags in the back seat, he calls out to his Mum as he sees her starring at him as the car drives past. Suki looks as if she's upset - but is she really? Why did she feel the need to set up Jags? I know it's silly to say, but is it because she doesn't like Habiba? Or is it because she thinks he's useless? Or did she just want to teach her son a lesson? I'm really unsure. What do you guys think?

Back at the Atkins household, Whitney has made sure that everything is looking clean and spotless. Gray re-joins her and thanks her for her help and support. As they begin to discuss Whitney's upcoming trial, Whitney can see how much Gray is struggling, she says to Gray that his children need him more than anything right now. They are all grieving and Gray needs to be with his kids. He begins to softly cry as he admits he's finding it hard without Chantelle, Whitney then makes the decision that she's going to call Gray's boss and inform her that he has stepped down from supporting her in court. She understands that he needs to be with his kids and not putting her first. Gray is reluctant to begin with, he states how much they've worked to build up her case, but Whitney is insistent - and instead, she agrees. Does this mean that Whitney is going to support herself in court, or is she going to get someone else in Gray's place?

Back at the Mitchell's, Ben, Callum and Lexi are all gathered around after seeing the little Tinkerbell at her dance grading. Phil is happily watching is Granddaughters performance on the phone. Callum is watching in the background how Phil is interacting with his Granddaughter, I'm sure it's making sense to him that all Phil cares about more than anything in life, is his family. He might've had a bad reputation back in the day, but his family has always come first. Phil gives his Granddaughter a doll as a present for being so brilliant, she leaves the room with a huge smile on her face, and Ben follows his daughter to get her ready for bed. With Callum free to talk to Phil alone, he asks how it was for him seeing Raymond, Phil opens up to him and admits it was hard, as he's literally just seeing his son in a hospital bed and he knows there's nothing he can do to help. He thanks Callum for filming the video of Lexi for him to watch, and gives him the biggest compliment he get receive "You're good for this family, Callum!" As Phil leaves the room, Callum smiles as he realises he's been accepted into the family, then his face becomes serious - for a moment, I thought, as he was alone, he would reach under his clothing and rip off the wire - but instead he gets out his phone and makes a call. Is guilt getting the better of him? I truly think he does not want to do this and he's going to make it perfectly clear to his boss that he wants nothing to do it - well, I hope!

Back at the Carter's, Mick and Linda are finally having their meal together, although Mick isn't looking interested in the plate of food that's been placed in front of him. Linda begins to ask whether he's alright, she asks about Frankie and Mick just doesn't want to talk about it! He leaves his plate of food and tells Linda to get off his case. You can see that Linda is feeling pretty annoyed by her husband, making him a romantic meal - which he doesn't seem interested in, trying to make conversation - only to be shouted at, and then to be rejected for the offer of having an early night together, to top it off their meal is interrupted my Frankie calling on the buzzer. Linda tells Mick that Frankie is waiting outside for him, is she going to get the wrong end of the stick and perhaps think that Mick is having an affair with Frankie - I mean, he did have a bit of thing with Whitney? Is this what causes her to fall into Max's arms? - Outside, Frankie waits patiently for Mick, as he opens the door ever so slightly, she tells him that all she wants is to get to know him, she's spent her whole life not knowing who her Dad was, and now she's found him - she's not going to let go! Mick slowly nods, is he going to end up having secret meetings with Frankie so they can get to know each other? Will Linda find out and take it completely the wrong way? I am so convinced that something like that is going to happen! What do you guys think?

The last scene of the episode tonight, Callum is finally standing up for what he believes in. He rips off the wire and confronts his fellow Detective and tells him he can't do what he's being asked of. He refuses to take part in it any longer. I feel relieved that Callum has come to his senses and realises what he's doing is wrong, he explains to his co-worker that he'll speak to his Supervisor and admit it was all a mistake. It's then that the Detective reveals the truth, it was only he and Callum who knew about the set up - Callum is left in shock, he really wasn't undercover after all. He's been used to do this Detective's dodgy work! He reveals to him that he has the recording of him assaulting Danny at the Arches, it's then he blackmails poor Callum and says if he doesn't do as he's asked, he'll be setting both he and Ben up and they'll both be sent to prison! Ooooooh what a dirty dirty man!!!! Callum is now backed into a corner, what the hell is he going to do now?!

I was so happy that Callum stood up to him and knew he was doing wrong! How is going to get himself out of this one now? Is there going to be a way for him to ask Ben or Phil for help? Can he perhaps subtly tell them that he's in trouble, being blackmailed and needs help! I'm kind of fearing what's going to happen to the Mitchell family now - not just Ben and Callum, but Phil also! What do you think is going to happen? Will Callum be able to turn things around and find a way out?! Overall a really good episode tonight, I really enjoyed it! I'll probably be back on Friday as I'll be working late on Thursday and will miss Thursday's episode. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week and I'll be back very soon! Goodnight folks! xXx

[gatesofember]

The Privilla: Chapter 6

PJO Arranged Marriage/Royalty AU Part 2

Rating: G | Pairing: Solangelo

Prev | Next | AU directory | Read it on AO3 (Recommended) | Arranged Marriage AU Masterpage

Summary: Almost ten years after their first introduction, Will and Prince Nico meet again. But this time, they are no longer children. Will, the illegitimate third son of Duke Apollo, has had a few prospective suitors, but none of the offers have been as lucrative as his family has hoped. Prince Nico has had his fair share of suitors, as well; with the pressure of being heir to the throne of a kingdom in economic turmoil, Nico is expected to marry for profit and security. However, his icy personality has driven many impatient suitors away. The two young men may prove to be exactly what the other needs.

It was early the next morning after they had eaten when Nico took Will back to the Palatium de Divitae.  Nico decided to ride there on horseback rather than take a carriage, in part because he liked being outside, but also because that way he could easily slow down and point out things to Will while they were riding, like the lake where he sometimes hunted waterfowl or a hill in the distance where Persephone kept a vineyard.  Jules-Albert stayed nearby in case Nico required his service and Reyna accompanied them as a chaperone, but she said little.  Asterion went with them, as well, having apparently invited himself along.  Asterion tended to follow Nico wherever he went; Nico liked to think that he made Asterion feel safe, and he was glad for the dog’s company.

They took their time traveling to the Palatium de Divitae, so it was already past noon when they arrived.  Nico requested a lunch be prepared for them while he took Will to the conservatory.  Will offered his arm, which Nico accepted, and then Nico led Will through the lines of trees inside the glass building with Asterion following silently behind them.  “My mother enjoys fruit quite a lot, particularly ones that only grow much farther south,” Nico said.  “The conservatory was a wedding gift from my father so that she could have those fruits grown here.”

William nodded with interest.  Queen Persephone was the daughter of the Duchess of Ceres, which bordered Diana in the Juvian Empire.  Many of the fruits they grew came from Ceres.

“We grow oranges, of course,” Nico said.  “We will try to grow pineapple next season, and we have tried bananas, but my father despised the taste.  However, we are most known for our pomegranates.”

“I have heard of your conservatory, Your Highness,” Will said.  “The Queen’s gardens are quite famous.”

“And she is very proud of that,” Nico answered.  His mother took a great interest in the gardens, to the point of sometimes attending to them herself.  Her hands were not soft like other court ladies.  Nico liked that.  Lady Maria, Nico’s birth mother and childhood governess, had also had rough hands.

“If you would permit me to make a confession, Your Highness,” Will added.  Nico was apprehensive, but nodded.  Will lowered his voice to a whisper, as though he was confiding a great secret, and said, “I have never eaten a pomegranate.”

Nico tried to suppress a smile before he laughed, his fingers tightening on Will’s arm.  “Then we must remedy that,” he said.  “Come, our lunch should be ready by now.  I am sure that we will be served a bowl of seeds.”

Nico guided Will out of the conservatory and across the field of white asphodel towards a pavilion where their lunch would be served.  Nico liked the asphodel.  He went to the field to escape if the palace became too stuffy or he wanted to hide from the world; he felt a special connection to that place.  The flowers had been planted in honor of Bianca.  Nico had not been there when the field was planted, but when he finally returned to the palace after his long years in the countryside, it was the place that he ran to hide when his mind held too many dark thoughts to bear alone.  He would pretend that Bianca was there with him.

In the pavilion, there was a table prepared for them with a platter of small sandwiches and, as Nico had predicted, a bowl of pomegranate seeds.  Jules-Albert served their plates before stepping back, and Reyna was near enough to watch without being close enough to distract them.  Asterion lay down beside Nico’s seat, quietly waiting for his master.

“I thought I would show you around the Palatium de Divitae after we finish,” Nico said before he picked up a sandwich.

“Yes, I would like that,” Will replied.  Nico watched with interest as Will quickly spooned some of the red seeds into his mouth.

“Well?” Nico asked expectantly.

“Very good, Your Highness,” Will said.  “Tart, but not unbearably so, and they have a touch of sweetness to balance it.”

“Excellent,” Nico said with a nod.  “Pomegranates are among my favorite foods.  I am glad you enjoy the fruit from our conservatory.”  If Will was going to live with Nico in the Palatium de Divitae, Nico wanted him to be as comfortable as possible.  But then, perhaps Will would spend a great deal of his time in Venadica when they married.  Either way, Nico did not want Will to dread living near Nico too much.

When they finished the meal, Nico led Will inside the palace, Asterion following behind them, and gave him a brief tour: he showed Will the Hall of Gold (which Will had already seen), the opera house, the drawing rooms and studios of the King and Queen, and Nico’s collection of rooms (which attached to Hazel’s).  He heard Hazel in her music room, so he brought Will to investigate.  Hazel was playing on the piano with her tutor, and old woman with a sharp face named Alecto, standing close by, but she turned when Nico walked in.

“Brother!” she said happily.  “I thought you would be in the Privilla?”

Nico thought Alecto looked a bit irritated by the interruption of her lesson, but she bowed to Nico and greeted him politely.

“I thought I might show Lord William around the palace,” Nico replied.  “I brought him here to take him through the conservatory.”

“Good afternoon, Lord William,” Hazel greeted belatedly, rising from her bench and lowering her head respectfully.  “I’m glad to see that my brother hasn’t sent you home yet.”

Nico’s face burned in embarrassment.  He pursed his lips and glared, and then he saw Alecto raise her hand to her mouth as she gave a fake cough to conceal a short laugh.  At least William had the decency to blush, as well.

“Your Highness,” Alecto said to the Princess, as if she sensed the tightly wound cords of Nico’s patience about to snap.  “If you would return to the lesson, please.  Would you like to play the Allegro we reviewed earlier for His Highness and Lord William?”

“Oh, of course,” Hazel said, sitting back on her bench.  She straightened her skirts and shuffled her music sheets until she found the right page, and then she began to play a brisk, lively piece.

His embarrassment cooling, Nico turned to Will and whispered, “My sister is quite talented with the piano and with her paints.  She is but eight years of age.”

“That is most impressive, Your Highness,” Will replied.  “My tutor tried to teach me to play music at a young age, but I’m sorry to say I have no talent for it, although my brothers and sister are quite skilled.  Do you play, Your Highness?”

“Yes,” Nico answered.  “Although I suspect Hazel will become much more skilled than I am.  I presume that you dance, Lord William?”

Will smiled and ducked his head the way he had so many times before, which Nico thought meant that he was embarrassed or shy.  “You taught me to dance, Your Highness,” Will said, a smile playing at his lips.  “At my aunt’s inauguration, you asked me to dance, and I fear my nerves caused me to forget everything I knew.”

“Oh?” Nico asked.  He did not remember that happening.  “What did we dance?”

“It was a country dance, Your Highness.  Although, I’m afraid that you abandoned me afterwards in favor of your sister and I was left alone very suddenly.”

It took Nico a moment longer than it should have to realize that the sister Will had referred to was Bianca, not Hazel, and he had a sudden memory of dancing with her that night.  Bianca had promised him a dance, but Thalia, Percy, and Jason had kept stealing her away from him, so Nico ended up having to grab her arm quickly after a dance to get her attention.  He remembered a flash of messy blond hair, and then a boy approaching him after the dance with Bianca ended, and Nico recalled asking that boy to dance again....

“But then I asked you for another one, did I not?” Nico said.

Will looked delighted.  He smiled at Nico widely and said, “You remember, Your Highness?”

“Yes,” Nico answered.  “The memory is faint, but I recall that much.”

“You are correct.  We danced one more time before I retired to bed.  At the end of the night, you had me promise to learn minuets so that we could dance one the next time we met.  I did not know when that would be, so I made sure to learn it as soon as I was back in Diana.”

“As you learned Acies?”

Will ducked his head with an embarrassed blush.  “I like to believe that I am a bit more successful at the minuet than at Acies, Your Highness.”

“Well, now you must show me,” Nico said, offering Will his hand.  “Hazel, would you play us a minuet?” he asked.

Will’s expression was blank when he took Nico’s hand, like he hadn’t expected the offer and didn’t quite know what to make of it.

“Unless you would rather not,” Nico added.  

“No, Your Highness, I am honored,” Will said.  He turned his eyes downward, once again adopting the bashful expression he made so often.

Nico looked over to see Hazel watching with a wide grin.  “Hazel, the minuet,” he reminded.  She turned back to the piano quickly, taking the sheets of music that Alecto offered her, and then she spread out the sheets to read before she started to play.

Nico brought Will to the center of the room and they bowed to each other before beginning to dance.  Will still looked down shyly rather than into Nico’s eyes when they stepped forward to meet each other’s hands, but his footwork, Nico noted, was not terrible.  In fact, it was quite good.

“You’ve gotten better,” Nico remarked.

“You remember that as well?” William asked, raising his eyes to meet Nico’s with an embarrassed smile.

“You were quite bad,” Nico answered.  He tried not to laugh, but was unable to suppress a chuckle.

Will blushed as he and Nico stepped around each other, their hands meeting in between them.  “But, as I said, I think I was more successful with learning to dance than I was at learning to play Acies, Your Highness.”

“That is true,” Nico answered.  “You dance quite well.”

Will lowered his eyes again.  “Thank you, Your Highness.  For a long time, I practiced very hard in the hopes I might impress you if we ever danced again.”

Nico felt himself blush and he nearly missed a step.  “You should not tease, Lord William.”

“I do not, Your Highness, nor do I speak to flatter.”

When William looked back up and met Nico’s eyes, Nico felt his heart flutter for a moment.  Will meant it, he realized.  He’d learned to dance for Nico.  “But I am flattered,” he said honestly.

“Then I shall remind you as often as you like.”

The minuet came to a close before Nico could think of how to respond, and they ended the dance with a bow to each other.  What would it be like to marry Will?  Would he say things like that to Nico every day?  Could Nico really be so fortunate as to have a husband who thought so highly of him?

He was shaken from his thoughts when he realized that Hazel was about to say something embarrassing again, judging by the glee on her face as she watched them.  Even Alecto, whose face was always stern, looked surprised.

“Thank you, Hazel, that was lovely.  We’ll be on our way now.”  He urgently offered Will his arm and hurried him away from his younger sister, lest she say something to cause him further mortification.

“Supper,” he said suddenly, desperate to change the topic.  “Supper will be held soon.  Would you like to take our meal in the gardens again?”  He was not eager to eat with Persephone and Hazel; perhaps Persephone was less likely to embarrass Nico, but not by much.

“Of course, Your Highness,” Will replied.  “Whatever pleases you most.”

Nico notified Reyna, who took care of his request, and then Nico led Will outside again while they waited for supper.  Will seemed to like being outside, so Nico thought it would be good to bring him there more.  For a while, as the sky became orange, they sat side-by-side on a bench in the Queen’s Garden, and Nico listened as Will told him about Diana, about his family, and about Venadica.  Asterion had followed them and Will petted and scratched the dog, occasionally speaking to him in a sweet, quiet voice, and Asterion rested his head on Will’s knee.  Asterion approved of Will, it seemed.

Nico chuckled at the thought, and Will looked up at him questioningly.  “Your Highness?” he asked.

“It is nothing,” Nico answered.  “Only I am glad that you like him.  He likes you, too.”

They ate in the pavilion again, this time dining by gaslight as the sky grew dark, overlooking the grounds lit only by the warm glow of lanterns in the distance.  They looked like stars, Will told him—stars that were close enough to touch.

Nico knew that it was late and he ought to return to the Privilla with Will, but when the meal finished, he found himself saying, “There is another place I would like to take you, if you wouldn’t mind staying out with me a little while longer.”

“I wouldn’t mind at all,” Will answered.  “I’d like that very much, Your Highness.”

“Come this way,” Nico said, rising to his feet.  He whistled for Asterion to follow—although Asterion probably would have done so anyway.  He led Will into the palace and up the grand staircase, and after another flight of stairs, Nico brought them to the Hall of Ouranos.

He heard Will gasp beside him when they entered and Nico felt himself swell with pride at the reaction.  The Hall of Ouranos was, in Nico’s opinion, the grandest room in the Palatium de Divitae.  Nico also thought it was most beautiful at night.

The hall itself held few pieces of furniture and very little decor.  It had the same black marble floors and gold-trimmed walls as the rest of the palace.  What made it so amazing was its domed, windowed ceiling that showed a clear view of the sky above them.  The sky was dark, deep blue, with a sliver of purple and gold in the distance as the sun disappeared beneath the horizon.  Nyx had started to dot the sky with stars, filling it with specks of light in her daughter’s absence.  Nico sometimes slipped into that hall with Asterion at night when he was unable to sleep, and he’d look at the sky with the dog lying beside him until his mind finally started to calm.

The hall was unlit, as it was hardly used anymore, and it tended to be cold because the glass ceiling and the large size made the room difficult to heat.  Nico remembered the days when the room would be full of people in beautiful clothes dancing to music or chatting with a glass of Persephone’s wine in their hand.  Such fêtes were uncommon after the disease, and although the room was regularly cleaned, there was a sad, forgotten element to it.  Sometimes, Nico felt like he could hear the ghosts of laughter and the echoes of clinking wine glasses.  

“It’s unbelievable,” Will said, his voice soft with awe.

“This is one of my favorite rooms,” Nico said.  “My sister comes here some days to paint; she likes the lighting.  Of course she has a drawing room in her chambers where she paints, as well, but on occasion, she escapes up here.”

“And you, Your Highness?” Will asked.  “Why do you come here?”

Nico stared at the dark sky quietly while he thought of how to answer.  It was, in part, because he thought the room was beautiful, especially at night, and he loved to look up and see the snow or rain falling from the sky during storms.  He recalled sneaking up to the room with Bianca, and they would dance or play at having fights with wooden swords.  More than once, Nico and Bianca had fallen asleep up there only to be awoken by the rising sun, then they would hurry back to their shared apartment and hide in their private bedchambers, hoping that no one had noticed their absence.

“I have fond memories here,” Nico finally said, reaching down to pat Asterion when the dog approached him.  “And I think it is beautiful.  Don’t you?”

“Yes, indeed, Your Highness,” Will replied.  “Thank you for bringing me here.”

Why had Nico brought him there?  Nico silently mulled over that question while watching Will circle the hall, looking at the glass ceiling in awe.  Had he wanted to entertain Will?  To impress him?  Maybe he’d just wanted to share this room with him.  Maybe he’d only wanted a friend.

“Lord William?” Nico said, and Will looked up from the dark marble floor where he’d been examining the starlight reflecting off its shining surface.

“Your Highness?”

“Am I still permitted to call you Will?”

Will’s expression brightened.  “Yes, Your Highness.  You are welcome to call me whatever pleases you most.”

“And tell me, Will, when do you plan to return to Pluto?”

“I travel to Venadica every summer for my schooling,” Will answered.  “Over winter, I continue my studies on my own in Diana.  If it pleases you, I am able to alter my plans.”

Nico nodded slowly.  “When you are in Diana, may I write to you?”

“Nothing would bring me more joy, Your Highness,” Will said, and Nico could almost believe that he meant it.

Nico examined Will curiously.  He could see nothing in his expression or posture to suggest that he was teasing or flattering Nico.  Will looked genuinely happy.  Nico did not quite understand why, but decided against questioning it.  For the time being, Nico would gladly accept his good fortune.

“I would like to continue to meet you, Will,” Nico said, attempting to sound confident and composed.  His voice did not waver when he spoke, for which he was glad; it seemed that his tiresome voice and speech lessons had paid off.  “I believe that a marriage between us could work well.”

“I am honored,” Will said.  “And I would like that very much.”

“My father will begin preparations to formalize the betrothal once we receive approval from you and your family.  You will see to it that the Duke of Diana will be in contact?”

“Yes, Your Highness.  I will speak to him immediately upon my return home.”

Nico tried for a smile.  Will returned it with one of his own bashful smiles, as though he really was happy to receive Nico’s attention.  And maybe it was true.  It would be a couple years before they were old enough to marry, but Nico felt relieved to know that after all his family’s searching, they had finally found him a husband.

“We should return to the Privilla,” Nico said.  “I fear Lady Reyna will have my head if we stay out longer.”

He led Will back down the stairs and found Reyna waiting for them.  She did nothing more than raise an eyebrow, having enough tact to wait until later to lecture Nico.  The ride back to the Privilla, Nico couldn’t help glancing at Will a few times.  When Will glanced back, Nico found himself glad for the darkness because his face grew hot at Will’s smile.

The next morning, when Nico and his family saw Will and Artemis’ party off, Nico found himself at a loss for words.  He wasn’t quite sure how to say goodbye, nor how to express his regret that Will had to leave.

“I...I will write to you,” he finally said.  “I expect I’ll hear word from your family soon?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Will answered.

“And you will write to notify me of your safe return home?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Nico cleared his throat.  “Then...I suppose I will wait to hear from you.”

“I will write to you every week, if that is what you desire.”

“It is,” Nico admitted before he could say differently.  “Well, then, I...I wish you safe and fast travels.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Nico wet his lips nervously.  “Farewell, Lord William,” he said, adopting a more appropriate address for his suitor in front of so many people.  “I hope it will not be long before we meet again.”

“I, as well,” Will answered.  “Farewell, Your Highness.”

Nico held out his hand and Will bent to kiss it.  When he straightened his posture, he offered Nico one final smile, and then he followed his aunt into the carriage.

Standing alone on the steps of the palace, Nico flexed his fingers while he watched them fade into the distance.  He could still feel the heat of Will’s lips on the back of his hand.

Next

[lilacmoon83]

Dreaming Out Loud

Chapter 15: Backlash

Today was the day. Regina smirked deviously, as she stared at that morning's edition of The Storybrooke Mirror. Instead of the announcement of two candidates for Sheriff on the front page, it instead displayed the scandalous past of one Emma Swan.

"Ex-Jailbird Birthed Babe Behind Bars," she read the headline. Henry's feelings had made her pause on giving Sidney the go ahead on this story for a mere moment. She knew he might pull away more from her after this, but he was doing that anyway. She was still his mother, which meant he would eventually understand all she was doing once she got rid of Emma Swan. And her idiot parents.

She couldn't believe this woman was the daughter of her most hated enemies, but she supposed it made sense. The Savior had brought unwelcome changes to her town in a very short time. And now, she had a lot of damage control to do. This was just the first step. With this story running this morning, it was likely Sidney would win the election for Sheriff by a landslide. Quite pleased with herself, Regina sauntered into her bathroom to get ready for the day. She couldn't wait to relish all the gossip this morning, as she made her rounds.

Wilby trotted back into the loft and made a beeline for the food and water Mary had set down for him, as she made breakfast. David tossed the rolled up newspaper on the counter and then put his arms around her from behind. She smiled, as he kissed her neck and she gazed lovingly at him.

"Are you sure you're all right?" he asked, remembering how she had awoke screaming and sobbing in the middle of the night.

"I'm fine...I'm just sorry I woke you," she replied. He kissed her hair.

"Don't be. I was glad I was there to hold you and kiss away the nightmares," he said. She smiled.

"Me too," she replied, as she divided the eggs on three plates, just as Emma came stumbling down the stairs.

"Mornings are stupid," she muttered, as she took a big sip of the coffee that was waiting for her. Emma ate a piece of bacon, as she unrolled the newspaper. But what was on the front page made her see red.

"Emma?" Mary asked, as she noticed the blonde had gone rigid.

"I can't believe her…" Emma growled, as she tossed the paper on the table for them to see.

"Oh no…" Mary fretted, as she read the headline. David clenched his fist, as he saw it too, giving her a sympathetic gaze.

"I can't believe she would do this to Henry," Mary said.

"Oh I do...she doesn't care! Henry's feelings are just unfortunate collateral damage to her," Emma spat.

"We'll beat her at this. You're still the clear choice for Sheriff over someone as slimy as Sidney Glass," David insisted. She shook her head.

"David's right. We're going to campaign for you and show this town that you're the person they want protecting this town," Mary added.

"I appreciate your optimism, guys, but this isn't good. Regina was probably holding this for exactly a moment like this, just to discredit me and influence the voters," Emma said dejectedly, as she started toward the stairs to go back upstairs.

"Emma…" Mary called, as the blonde turned back to her.

"You can't give up," she pleaded.

"When you first came to town, you told me that I did the best thing I could have done for Henry when I gave him the book in a time when I thought I had truly made a huge mistake. I gave him that book to give him hope when I had none myself," she continued.

"And then you came along and I started to have hope too. Someone who inspires hope the way you do...people are going to vote for you. Even if it means defying Regina," Mary said passionately. David smiled at her and kissed her cheek, before looking to Emma.

"She's right. We're gonna make this happen, Em," he assured. Emma smirked.

"I'll admit...your optimism is contagious, so I guess if you want to plaster the town with my posters, more power to you," Emma said. Mary jumped up and hugged her tightly. Emma chuckled and then went upstairs to get ready for work.

Later that morning...

David ducked into the backroom of Gold's shop through the rear exit.

"Have you seen the paper this morning?" he asked, finding Jefferson already there.

"Oh yeah...I'm actually surprised it took her this long," Jefferson replied. David was distracted from his tirade though when he heard a commotion in the front of the shop.

"What's going on?" David asked.

"Emma's not the only one Regina has made waves for. It seems that Belle's father has suddenly awakened and remembered he has a daughter. He keeps insisting that her name is Lacey," Jefferson replied.

"But isn't that good? And why would she do that? Isn't it her joy to keep family apart here in this little Dystopia of hers?" he asked.

"Well...see the thing about Belle's father is that he wouldn't win any awards as father of the year so to speak," Jefferson explained.

"What do you mean?" the prince asked.

"Back in our land, her father was Sir Maurice. Not quite a King, but pretty close in her Kingdom. It was a bit further south from yours and Snow's Kingdoms. Anyway, ogres were rampaging their lands so to stop them, Sir Maurice promised his only daughter's hand to a General by the name of Gaston, who had an entire army at his disposal," Jefferson told.

"And let me guess, this Gaston was only interested in offering his army's assistance if he got something out of it, namely Belle," David surmised.

"You catch on quick," the hatter commented.

"Oh believe me, I know what it's like for some King to decide to offer you up to get something in return, whether it be gold or an army. I guess I just didn't know Belle and I had that in common," he said.

"Yeah...well, here in Storybrooke, Moe French is the one that committed his daughter to the looney bin. Or at least that's what his fake memories tell him, but to be honest, it is something he would do," Jefferson informed.

"What? What kind of father would do that?" he cried.

"The kind that has a very specific vision of who his daughter should be and I think you can guess, he's none too happy about her living with Mr. Gold," the hatter replied. David sighed.

"You know, for once I'd like to see an example of a good parent around here. My real father was a drunk. My brother's adopted father is evil. And Cora was pure evil to her core. Snow still had nightmares about that woman even after she was long gone," David said.

"Well, there is you. I think if you ask Emma, she'd say you're what a father should be. And Snow is what a mother should be," Jefferson replied. But the Prince shook his head.

"Except we couldn't be there for our daughter when she needed me most, like the time this article is describing. Snow and I couldn't be there, so she had to give her baby up and go to prison, because some little worm betrayed her," he growled.

"You and Snow were there...maybe not conventionally, but don't go comparing yourself to the likes of Moe French or Cora, and especially not King George. You're the type of father I aspire to be with Grace. I failed miserably, but I did try," he lamented.

"You didn't fail. You did your best when you had nothing. Don't compare yourself to them either," David replied.

"I guess…" Jefferson said.

"All we can do now is try to stop Regina from winning," David stated.

"Well, your daughter becoming Sheriff would be a huge blow. She needs to win that election," Jefferson said.

"Lacey...please…" Moe French pleaded.

"I'm sorry...I just don't remember you and my name is Belle. That is one thing I do remember," the brunette replied.

"That's what this...lecher wants you to think!" Moe hissed, glowering at Mr. Gold.

"Belle...this is the man that conspired with Regina to put you in the basement of that hospital," Mr. Gold replied.

"Is that true?" Belle asked.

"Lacey dear...the last thing I wanted to do was put you there, but I'm afraid you were quite disturbed. All because of him," Moe hissed.

"Wait...you put me there, because you didn't want me to be with Mr. Gold?" she asked.

"Lacey…" he protested.

"They convinced me you were dead, Belle. To keep us apart," Mr. Gold interrupted.

"Lacey...you have no idea what this man is really like! You must know that the entire town fears him! There is a reason for that!" Moe cried. Belle looked between them.

"Mr. Gold has been good to me. My friend David told me I could trust him and so far, he hasn't led me wrong," she replied.

"David? You mean the amnesiac coma patient?" Moe asked derisively.

"He's my friend and I don't like your tone. You may be my father, but you can't run my life!" Belle cried.

"Lacey please…" he pleaded.

"I want you to leave and stop calling me Lacey!" she demanded. Moe glared at Mr. Gold.

"This isn't over," he growled.

"Oh, I think it is, dearie. Get out of my shop," Mr. Gold growled back. Belle sighed, as he left.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that," Mr. Gold said.

"It's okay...I'm just not sure what to think or feel. I wish I could remember my life before I ended up in that cell," she lamented.

"Belle…" he started to say, but she held her hand up.

"It's okay. I think I just need some air and I promised Mary Margaret I'd join her class in planting a garden on the school campus today. I think that will be a nice distraction," Belle said, as she got her coat and headed out.

"Well, it seems like Lord Maurice hasn't changed much. He still treats his daughter like property," Jefferson commented, as he and David came in from the backroom.

"Regina is pulling out all the stops. First this trash in the newspaper about my daughter and now she's trying to drive a rift between you and Belle," David said.

"Which means you need to keep a very close eye on Mary Margaret, while I figure out how to make Regina pay," Gold growled.

"Hold on...as much as I want to see the Queen locked up in some tiny cell or properly charged for her crimes, I'd like to get her to that point legally," David said.

"With Albert Spencer, aka King George, as the district attorney? That's doubtful," Jefferson commented. David clenched his fists at the mention of George's name.

"I need to get to the shelter. Come on Wilby," he called, as the dog followed him out.

"So...what do you have in mind for the Queen?" Jefferson asked now that the prince was gone. It was true that David wanted Regina to pay as much as they did. But he was by far the noblest of the three of them. His conscience held him back in ways that it didn't for the Mad Hatter and the Dark One.

"Regina is playing with fire and she just may get burned," Rumple hissed.

"Now...once you've dug a nice well in the dirt, we can plant our flowers," Stephanie instructed, as she demonstrated her technique. Mary watched her students eagerly copy the other teacher and joined them, digging her own well with gardening gloves, which they all wore; a nice gift from Ms. Kore.

"Now it's time to place your flowers in the dirt. I've chosen my favorite flowers and those are snowdrops," Stephanie said, as she picked up a bunch of the white ones.

"Do we have to plant snowdrops?" one student asked. Stephanie smiled.

"No...you can pick any flower you like. But snowdrops are a unique flower, for despite their delicate appearance, they can survive even the harshest winters. So while the flowers we plant now will be okay for a while, it is the snowdrops that for sure will still remain in the spring once the Maine winter thaws," Stephanie said. Mary then watched, as most of her students picked snowdrops to plant, including Henry, who had initially picked them even without Ms. Kore's suggestion.

"Sorry I'm late!" Belle called, as she arrived and knelt down next to Mary Margaret.

"That's okay...there's still plenty to do," Mary replied, noticing her friend's troubled look.

"Is everything okay?" Mary asked. Belle nodded.

"Yeah...just a difficult morning. But I'm here hopefully to take my mind off it," Belle replied.

"Okay...but if you need to talk, I'm here," the raven haired beauty reassured. Belle smiled.

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind," the brunette replied. They spent the next couple hours in the garden and when they were done, they stood back to survey the beauty of their work.

"What the hell is this?" Regina demanded to know, as she arrived to pick Henry up. Mary jumped in surprise and tried not to wince under Regina's glower, but Ms. Kore stepped up to answer her question.

"You must be Mayor Mills," she stated. Regina turned to find a woman she didn't recognize.

"Just who the hell are you?" she asked.

"I'm Stephanie Kore, the new part-time high school botany teacher," Stephanie replied, enjoying the deer in the headlights expression on Regina's face.

"What?" she questioned.

"Yes...I just started a few days ago and since I'm only part time, I enlisted the help of Miss Blanchard's fifth graders to help plant a lovely garden on campus," Ms. Kore replied.

"Where the hell did you come from? We have no need for new teachers," Regina said.

"That's odd...I applied to the job posting online a few weeks ago and I'm from Boston. I assure you all my credentials are in order. I have a PHD in Botany from Boston College," Stephanie replied. Regina looked at her skeptically.

"Why would a professor of Botany come to a place like Storybrooke to teach high school part time?" Regina questioned.

"Well, not that it's any of your business, but city life became too busy for me. I decided I needed a change of pace and I've always loved the idea of a small town such as this. So far, I'm not disappointed. Miss Blanchard and her students have made me feel most welcome," Stephanie replied. Regina glared at her.

"I'm sure she has. Just know that I'll be discussing this with Principal Cook the first chance I get. Henry, let's go," she snapped.

"Bye Miss Blanchard! Bye Ms. Kore!" he called, as he reluctantly followed.

"Goodbye Henry!" they called together.

"Well...you weren't exaggerating about Mayor Mills," Stephanie commented.

"Yeah...I'm sorry about that," Mary replied with a wince.

"Don't be. Despite her attempt, Mayor Mills doesn't scare me in the least," she replied.

"I wish I was as brave as you," Mary said quietly.

"I think you're braver than you know," Stephanie replied. Mary shook her head.

"I wish I could believe that," she replied.

"Come on...let's the three of us head for the diner. The hot cocoa is on me," Stephanie suggested. Mary checked her watch.

"Okay...I have some time before David gets off. We're going to put up posters for Emma's campaign tonight," she mentioned.

"Oh that's right...I'd love to help with that if you need another hand," Stephanie said. Mary and Belle smiled.

"Of course, that would be great!" Mary agreed.

The Underworld

There was a shrieking roar that erupted in Hades' chamber, as his hair erupted in blue flames. He seethed with rage and the five rivers boiled in response to his anger. Persephone had been gone a few days, but that hadn't alarmed him, for it was still fall and the first snow had yet to fall. But a loyal informant clued him in on his treacherous wife's latest exploits.

"Yes...I thought that might piss you off," Hermes mentioned, as he gazed into the river of lost souls.

"She has betrayed me for the last time," Hades growled.

"Yes, but I'm afraid she's out of your reach now," Hermes reminded.

"Why did you inform me? You know it will anger Zeus and Demeter that you have sold out their precious Persephone," Hades inquired.

"Father was not happy about Persephone traveling to the forbidden Land Without Magic, I assure you. As for Demeter, I could care less what my Aunt wants," he replied. Hades smirked.

"Still sore about Persephone's rejection?" Hades goaded.

"She rejected you too. You just didn't take no for an answer," Hermes spat in return.

"She may be beyond my reach now...but I will find a way to make her pay for this and that precious family she went to," the God of the Underworld growled. Then he smirked evilly.

"And I think I know how," he said.

The Dreamscape

11 Years Ago

"Emma!" Snow called, as her daughter finally appeared in the dreamscape.

"Snow White," she greeted coolly.

"Prince Charming," she added with equal coldness. Snow's shoulders sunk in disappointment and Charming put his hands on her shoulders. For the past month or so, it had been like this with them. Emma had pulled away from them, even more so than she had when she was still in the system. During her earlier teen years, there was always a lot of attitude and yelling, but the warmth of their unconditional love had always won out and their little girl usually let go of her anger in the comfort of their arms.

But Emma had met someone and ever since then, there had been a change in her and not for the better.

Emma was stealing things and helping her boyfriend steal things. They were living in a car most of the time, which they had long ago learned from their daughter was a motorized carriage of sorts. It had been a source of deep anxiety for them as of late, especially when Emma declared to them that she wasn't looking for them anymore. A few nights before, she had told them bluntly that she didn't need them. She had gotten this far without them awake and she'd be just fine. They were cursed and that was suddenly not her problem anymore.

Charming instinctively knew she didn't mean it, as did Snow, but it still stung. They lamented together about how different things might have been without the curse. They felt like complete and utter failures as parents. They didn't really blame Emma for hating them.

But this new life...they knew the kind of consequences it would lead to and that's what frightened them most. It wasn't a path to a better life. They admitted to each other that they probably could have dealt with being cursed forever if Emma chose to leave them behind for a better life. But this was not a better life.

"How was your day, honey?" Snow asked. Emma smirked.

"Pretty good actually. Neal and I scored quite the haul from this uppity departmentstore," the blonde replied, enjoying the pained looks on her parent's faces.

"Emma…" David started to say.

"Save it, Your Highness, I've heard all the lectures. How I'm being a bad girl and how unbecoming my behavior is for a princess. Well, newsflash, I'm no Princess," she hissed.

"I'm an orphan who was dumped on the side of the road," she spat.

"Emma…" Snow squeaked.

"Oh I know, that's just where I came though. But it's still what it says in my file. It doesn't matter now though," she said.

"Why not?" David asked curiously.

"Because Neal and I are in love," she announced.

"Honey...that's wonderful. You're in love," Snow said, her face aglow.

"But since I'm seemingly cursed to come here every night, I just want you to know that I'm done with you two. I don't need you and you're never there anyway. I may have to come here in my dreams, but I want no part of either of you. So for the duration of my fucked up life, just leave me the hell alone," she said angrily, as she stalked out to the gardens.

"Oh Charming…" Snow cried, as she broke down in his arms.

"Shh...she doesn't mean it, my darling," he tried to soothe.

"How can you be so sure?" she sobbed.

"Because I have faith in her. She loves us and we will never stop loving her. She's just going through some really bad times," he assured.

"Then you think there's still hope?" she sniffed. He smiled and kissed her tenderly.

"There is always hope. Emma will break the curse," he assured.

Present Day

Emma was still ashamed of her behavior during that time. It wasn't long after those harsh, unloving words to her parents that Neal had set her up and she went to prison. She had been so incredibly nasty to them and yet when her world came crashing down, they had taken her in their arms with nothing but love and no judgment. It was like everything she had said was forgiven and forgotten to them. That wasn't something she was used to getting from anyone else but them. She was a mess during that time in her life and that's why today's conversation she would have to have was going to be so difficult.

Emma was ready and waiting with two hot cocoas at Henry's castle playground. She wasn't surprised at all that day that he had disobeyed Regina and ditched the bus, in favor of meeting her instead.

Truthfully, Emma was nervous about this conversation. She knew she'd eventually have to tell Henry how he came to be and about a very painful time in her life. But she wasn't expecting it to be so soon.

"Hey kid," Emma called, but she felt her heart nearly break, as he refused to look at her. But it wasn't for the reason she thought.

"Henry...I'm so sorry. I should have told you sooner," Emma pleaded.

"It's not your fault. It's hers," he sniffed, as he finally looked at her and she saw the tear tracks.

"Oh hey...come here," she cooed, as she took him in her arms.

"I'm sorry...I don't know how she even got that information. My records were supposed to be sealed, but I should have told you," Emma soothed.

"Was I really born in jail?" he asked.

"Yes...in the prison infirmary ward. I still had two months left on my sentence when you were born," she replied.

"Why were you in jail?" he asked. She took a deep breath. Her first instinct was to lie. She didn't want her son to know what kind of guy his father was. But thanks to a talk with her dad on lunch, she was going to tell him the truth. Her father had reminded her that lying to him is what Regina would do and even if the truth wasn't pleasant, lying to him would result in him losing his trust in her if he found out.

"Well...I was in love with this guy and we were both down on our luck. His childhood sucked and mine, apart from my dreams, was pretty dismal most of the time. We decided to punish the world together and stole stuff to get by," she confessed.

"It was mostly small stuff. Convenience stores, thrift stores, things like that. What I didn't know was he stole some pricey watches in Phoenix before we met. Things were finally catching up to him in Portland," she explained.

"But then...how did you end up in jail?" he asked.

"He asked me to go get the watches in a locker at the train station where he had stashed them. It made sense for me to go since they weren't looking for me. We planned to sell them and escape across the border to Canada," she replied.

"But something went wrong?" he asked.

"Yeah...an anonymous tip was called in about the watches and I was arrested with them in my possession," she replied. Henry's eyes widened.

"He turned you in?" the boy asked. She nodded.

"I was arrested and sentenced to eleven months. He probably took off to Canada, but hey, he left me the bug. That totally made up for everything," she replied bitterly. He lowered his head.

"So you gave me up," he stated.

"I didn't want to...but kid, I was in jail. When I got out...I had no job or money. I thought I was doing what was best for you. I'm sorry," she apologized.

"It's okay...it's not your fault," he said. She smiled.

"You can be angry at me. It's okay...I messed up pretty bad," she replied.

"But you wouldn't have if not for the Queen. It's because of her that your parents had to give you up. She's ruined so many lives. We have to stop her," he said.

"Hey...you leave her to me. I know you're angry with her, but she still took care of you for ten years. For that, I have to be grateful to her. I don't think I can forgive her for what she's done to my parents, but she is still your Mom too," she reminded. He nodded reluctantly.

"But we will be a family, I can promise you that. We're going to break the curse. I don't know how yet, but if there is one thing I learned from my parents, even during my years of denying it, is that good always wins. True love, of which my parents probably share the truest of, can break any curse. And I was born of that true love," Emma told him. She knew that before that they would face much more adversity and there was no telling what Regina would throw at them. But the kid needed hope right now and it was her job to give to him, just like her parents had done for her all her life in the dreamscape...