The next morning after breakfast we head over to the stable. King Joseph walks down the stalls showing off his horses.

"King James, Princess Emma would you like to go out for a ride?" he asks before Damian looks over at me.

"You can ride yes?" Damian asks and I nod.

"Yes Emma rides better than most of my men." James says slinging an arm over my shoulders.

"Damian give the princess a horse." Joseph says and I fallow Damian down to a stall. He motions me in and I walk up to the horse. I put out my hand for her to smell.

The horse smells me before coming up and nuzzling me. "She likes you. She doesn't take to most people." Damian says behind me and I smile over my shoulder at him.

I walk her out and let the hands tack her up. After a while we are mounted and out front of the stables. King Joseph leads the way and we ride out over the fields.

Damian and I ride behind James and Joseph as they are talking. "You are a very experienced rider princess." Damian says and I smile at him.

"I have been riding since I was a small child." He smiles and we walk the horses faster and I ride up next to James while Damian does the same with his father.

Off in the distance we see a horse out running free. "Damian tames wild horses." Joseph says and James looks over at me.

"Emma do you think you could bring that horse back?" James asks me causing the other king and son to stare at me.

"Yes sir." I say and Damien's mouth drops open. "James are you sure that's a good idea?" Joseph asks and James just waves his hand.

"Watch" he says before nodding to me.

I kick the horse into a run and take off down the hill towards the horse. I stand up in the saddle as I get closer. The wild horse sees me and spooks.

"Faster!" I shout kicking the horse and riding alongside the wild horse.

After a minute I get my feet out of the stirrups and launch my body over at the other horse. I land on its back and it starts kicking.

Spinning around quickly I sit up and grab its mane. The other horse stops running and stands in the field as this one keeps running.

I pull in the mane tightly as I dig my feet in. he keeps running and kicking. I grit my teeth holding on tighter. After a while he starts to tire.

I walk him back over to the other horse and grab its reins before guiding him back up the hill. Once I reach the top Joseph and Damian are sitting with their mouths open.

Joseph looks over at James. "Your daughter is an extraordinary young lady." James laughs before nodding at me.

XXX

Damian and I walk through his castles vast gardens. It been three days since we arrived and James spends most of his time making negotiations with Damien's father.

He turns and looks at me "Emma would you do me the honor of marrying me?" he asks and I gape at him shocked.

"I know it's soon but it would be a great alliance for our kingdoms." He says and I stare at him for a moment.

"That's sweet, really. But I am committed to another." I say and he scrunches up his face. "Is there no way I can change your mind?" he asks and I smile at him but shake my head. "I'm afraid not."

We continue to walk around the gardens in silence.

- (James)-

I come to king josephs study. He looks up from his desk.

"Good evening" I say and he stands walking over to me. "James I have a proposition for you." He says and I look at him confused.

"Your daughter Emma is very beautiful and my son has fallen quite hard." He says and I smiles

"Is there any way I you could give your daughter to my son in marriage?" he asks stopping in front of his fireplace and looking at me.

"My daughter is very beautiful, much like her mother. But I am afraid she is committed to another." I say and he frowns deeply.

"Is it serious?" he asks and I chuckle "yes, they have a child together." I say and he gapes at me. "But they are not married?" he asks and I sigh.

"No, it's a long tale." I say and he turns back to the fireplace.

"My son has fallen quite hard." He says and I walk over to him placing my hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry."

Joseph turns "he will get over it" he says grimly.

XXXX

I watch Henry play with his blocks through the mirror. There is a knock at the door and I put the mirror away.

"Come in" I call standing. A moment later Joseph and Damian come in. "hello" I say slightly confused about why they are here without James.

"Hello my dear, we are here to talk about my son's offer of marriage to you." He says and I sigh.

"I told your son already that I'm already with someone." I say and they walk closer.

"Listen carefully, it wasn't an option really." He says and I look at him like he has lost his mind.

"Your father is here on a peace trip because we are holding a powerful curse that we will unleash on your kingdom. You are the only one that can really ensure peace." He says and I step back.

"Marry my son and we will make peace with your father." He says and I turn my back to him.

"Why is it so important that I marry your son?" I ask turning around slowly.

"Bloodlines of course, we all know your parents come from strong lines." He says

"What about my family?" I ask and he steps closer. "You don't see them again and they will be safe and protected. I mean that's what you want right? Your son to be safe?" he asks and I march closer to him.

"Don't talk about my son." I say and he smiles "hit a nerve with the swan princess have I?" he asks and I glare at him. My breath comes in short bursts as the blood pounds in my ears.

"At least let me say goodbye to my father." I say and the king smiles. "Wise choice my dear."

Damian walks over and kisses my cheek before they leave the room and I collapse on my bed. I pull out the mirror and wave my hand over it.

"Find mom" I command and a moment later the glass shows Snows room.

"Mom" I say and she comes over to the mirror.

"Are you ok?" she asks concerned. I nod "yeah I'm fine, just tired and I miss you." I say and she smiles.

"You're coming home tomorrow." I nod weakly "yeah."

We stare at each other for a moment and I silently memorize every inch of her face. "You know I love you." I say and she looks worried "of course and I love you to. More than anything." She says and I nod.

"I have to go James to talk to talk to me." I say and she smiles.

"I love you and will see you tomorrow." She says and I nod "I love you to, always will." I say before turning her off and checking on Graham and Henry before putting the mirror away and going to find James.

XXX

I walk a crossed the hall to James's room. I knock on the door and he calls to enter.

I walk in slowly and see him sitting on the bed looking at scrolls. "James we need to talk" I say and he looks up.

"What's the matter sweetheart?" he asks and I play with my fingers looking around the room.

"Emma?" he says and I look over at him. "I'm going to marry Damian." I say and his mouth falls open. He slowly stands walking over to me.

"What are you talking about? You don't love him." he says and I smile weakly. "Its not about love, life is about more than love." I say and he places his hands on my arms.

"What's going on?"He asks and I sigh turning from him. "I know why you are trying to get peace and I am the only way that is going to happen." I say and he growls.

"Emma we will find another way, but I will not let you sacrifice love for it." He says and I turn around. I wipe the little tears off my cheek.

"I didn't come for advice, I came to say goodbye." I say and he larches forward. "You're not going anywhere." He shouts and I sigh "no but you are" I say closing my eyes and waving my hand when I open my eyes he is gone. Probably back to his kingdom.

I leave the room slowly and walk into the king in the hallway. "My father has gone home, now what is it you want from me?" I say raising my head.

"I know you have magic." He says and I stare at him for a moment. An ice cold look on my face but the inside is shaking.

"What do you want with it?" I ask and he smiles. "I haven't decided yet… the possibilities are endless." He says.

XXX

The maids finish putting the flowers in my hair and I turn to look in the mirror. I close my eyes wondering what Graham is doing.

I always thought that when I got married it would be to Graham. I envisioned my mom helping me with my hair and fussing over every little thing.

"Miss its time" I open my eyes and nod at the maid.

I walk down the hallway and nod at the guards. They open the doors and I look in at the packed throne room.

I walk down the aisle slowly looking at my hands. At the end when I get to Damian we bow in front of the bishop.

I close my eyes and pray that Graham will forgive me. I remind myself of each person that I am doing this for so I don't run. Snow… mom. James. Graham. Leo. Red. Henry… Henry! I chant his name over and over in my head until the service is over.

In the reception I find some wine and try to avoid as many people as possible. At about one Damian walks over to me and I sigh.

"Are you ready to retire?" he asks and I roll my eyes. "Is this optional?" I ask and he smiles not so nicely and I sit the glass down to fallow him.

XXX

(A month later)

I roll over and see that Damian is already gone. I sit up and hold my torso when I do. My ribs are throbbing.

I walk over to the mirror and take off my shirt to look in the mirror. There are cuts and bruises over the tops of my arms and a hand shaped red whelp on my back. I sigh and run my hand over my body healing it.

I sigh and dress for the day before doing my hair. After I am finished I walk down to the dining room finding Joseph and Damien already there.

"Well good morning wife." Damian says walking over and kissing me while grabbing my arm painfully. When he releases me I ignore him and walk over to the table.

After I am sitting down the king looks at me. "I want you to do something for me today." He says and I look down at him.

"I have some horses and I want you to enchant them." He says and I look at him like he has lost his mind.

"I can't do that." I say and he smiles "come now dear, I know that you have magic. I sensed it when you first got here." He says and I look down at my food.

"Now you will do this for me or it will be most unpleasant for you." He says and I sigh. "Fine"

XXX

A year passes very slowly and with much pain. Damian and his father have decided to 'borrow' my magic at their every whim.

I lean back on my side of the carriage as Damian stares at me. "Don't look at me like that, this wasn't my idea." He says and I glare at him.

"Yes and you did an excellent job of trying to get out of it." I say and he smacks me before growling at me. "You will not speak to me like that. This is a good idea. We get some alone time and we can use your magic to fix this bandit problem." He says and I look out the window holding my cheek.

A moment later I feel him move to the seat next to me. "Now that I think about it, we can get started on that alone time now." He says before kissing my neck.

He puts his hand on my chin and turns my face to look at him. I look into his icy eyes as he moves his lips closer to me. I move my head and they land on my cheek. He growls and grabs my head again moving his body on top of mine. This time his lips hit their target hard and I groan.

A few minutes pass and the carriage larches to a stop. Damian flies off of me and curses. "What is going on?" he says climbing out of the carriage into the road.

There is shouting and a moment later he reaches in and pulls me out to the road with him. I open my eyes and see Damian holding a sword to my neck.

I look around and see soldiers lining the road. They wear silver and white armor, Snow and James's kingdom colors.

"Damian let my daughter go" I hear a man's voice call and look over to see James. He sits onto of his horse holding his sword.

My heart soars when I see him. It has been a year since I have seen my family. I turn my head slowly looking for Snow. My eyes catch movement up on one of the cliff edges next to the road. I look up and see jet black hair and a bow peeking out from behind a tree. Mom.

"I won't repeat myself, give me my daughter." James says angrily and Damian presses the blade harder to my neck.

"listen I'm the one holding your daughter. You do what I want." He says and I wince at the steel on my throat.

"ok… ok, we will do it your way." James says and Damian laughs "good answer."

I see red fabric out of the corner of my eyes and turn my head a little bit to see Red standing on the other side of the road.

"Now I want a horse. My wife and I have to be going." He says and James shakes his head. "you are going nowhere with my daughter." James says

"well I'm not giving you my wife and the mother of my child." He says and James gasps before narrowing his eyes.

"it seems we are at an impasse, because you are not leaving here with Emma." James says and Damian grabs the cuff on my wrist.

A white hot pain shoots through my body and I scream out in pain before collapsing a little onto Damian. James jumps from his horse with his sword and all his men move closer. Damian lets go of the cuff and I am just left with the residual pain.

"give me a horse!" Damian says and I look up at Snow, she is watching me intently. I nod slightly at her and her face becomes confused.

"james give him a horse." I say speaking for the first time. James watches me for a moment before motioning for a horse.

-(Snow)-

Emma nods at me and I watch her confused. What is she about to do?

"James give him a horse." She says and James watches her for a moment for hanging his head and motioning for a horse.

Damian walks with his sword to Emma's throat to the horse and swings on before pulling Emma up. He turns the horse and starts to ride off down the road.

I turn my bow watching him ride before letting out a breath and letting the arrow go. It sails through the air and hits its target. Damian falls off the horse taking Emma down with him.

"Emma!" I scream and run for her along with James and Red.

When I get there she is knocked out on the road with James over her. "Emma!" I say again falling to the ground next to her. I wrap my arms around her and pull her into my lap.

"Emma… sweetheart come on." I whisper running my fingers over her face.

"here lets get her into the carriage." James says bending over and picking her up. "you two take him." James points to Damian.

I walk behind james to the coach and climb in with Red. James puts emma in next to me. I lay her head in my lap and run my fingers through her hair.

"My baby." I whisper as the coach starts moving.

Red looks over at James "what about the child?" she asks him and I look at them confused. "what child?" I ask but James and Red keep staring at each other.

"James we cant leave it with that man." Red says and James sighs. He hits the roof of the coach and we stop moving.

"James what is going on?" I ask and he looks over at me frowning. "Damian said that Emma was his wife and the mother of his child." James says and I gasp before looking down at Emma.

"what?" I ask and Red toughs my hand "it has been a year."

"Red will you help me?" James asks and she nods "with out question." James looks over at me. "the coach is going to take you home. Red and I are going to take some of the men and Lancelot to get the child." He says and I look down at Emma one more time before looking up at him.

"be carful please." I whisper and he kissing me before climbing out of the coach. "take care of him." I say to Red and she nods.

"you know I will." She says before hugging me and kissing Emma's head.

After a few minutes the coach takes off again and I close my eyes thinking. A few hours later I cant stand it any longer. I pull up Emma's tunic and look over her torso. My eyes fill up quickly as I see the scars and bruises.

XXX

-At the castle

We finally reach the castle and the coach driver opens the door and lifts Emma out. I fallow him inside, once inside the door Graham is there.

"what happened? Why isn't she awake?" he asks panicked. I touch the guards arm "give her to Graham he will carry her from now. Go and fetch Doc for me please." I say and he nods giving Emma to Graham.

"lets take her to her room" I say and Graham starts to her room.

I open her door and he walks in with her and lays her on the bed. "where's Henry?" I ask "he's asleep" he says not looking away from Emma.

A few minutes later Doc comes in. "Snow your back" he says walking over to Emma. He feels her for a pulse and I watch quietly.

When he finishes he walks over to me. "she has a concussion and that cuff on her wrist is in touch with her magic some how. So just don't touch it or you will be causing her horrible pain. Until she wakes up all we can do is wait."

I thank him and he leaves the room. I walk around the bed and lay down next to her. Graham sighs and lays down on the other side.

-(Emma)-

My whole body is throbbing in white hot pain. I open my eyes and look around. where am i? I look next to me and see a women sleeping next to me and a man on the other side.

I sit up and curse loudly causing the women to sit up quickly. "Emma sweetheart." She says grabbing me in a hug.

I tense up and push her off "Who are you? Why are you in bed with me?" I ask panic and now the man is awake.

"Emma" he says and my eyes widen at him.

"Who are you people? Where am i?" I exclaim scrambling off the bed.

"Emma its Graham" the man whispers walking closer to me. "stay back! I don't know who you are! Stay away!" I scream becoming more and more panicked by these people.

"Emma its ok honey… breath" the women says walking closer to me. I put my arms out "don't come any closer!" I beg as I try to think of something familiar.

All of the sudden I feel something pinch in my shoulder and I feel very sleepy.

-(Snow)-

Emma starts to fall forward but Graham is there to catch her and put her back in the bed. Doc walks over and feels her pulse again.

"What is the matter with her?" I ask moving the hair out of her face.

"she has sustained some memory lose. Amnesia." He says and I feel tears well up in my eyes. "will she be ok?" I ask and he shakes his head "I don't know your highness."

He leaves the room and Graham climbs back into bed with Emma. "Granma! Daddy!" we hear Henry calling in the hallway after a few minutes.

"he cant see her like this." I say looking over at Graham. He nods and climbs out of the bed "I will be back in a little bit." He says rubbing his face with his hands to rid the red eyes and tear tracks.

He leaves and I walk back over to sit next to Emma. "Emma come back please. We miss you, we need you… I need you." I whisper as I bring her hand to my cheek.

XXX

An hour later Graham and I are sitting next to Emma watching her sleep. Her door swings open and hits the door. We jump up and see James and Red walk in. I put my hand to my chest as I walk over to him.

"James" I say running over to hug him. "Snow" he whispers before kissing me gently.

Red comes out from behind him holding a bundle in her arms. I look at James then Red before walking closer and moving the blankets out of the way.

There is a baby with golden blond curls fast asleep in Reds arms. I carefully take them from Red. "she looks just like Emma" Red whispers and I nod slowly as I rock her back and forth.

"how did you get her?" I ask James and he frowns "lets just say we have added another kingdom to ours and be done with it." He says and I sigh. "josephs gone?" I ask and he nods.

James walks past me to the bed. "she hasn't woken up yet?" he asks and I sigh "yes she has"

"and?" he asks and I frown "she flipped out, she didn't remember any of us or this room." I say and he frowns deeply before pushing the hair out of her face and kissing her head.

Graham walks over slowly to me and stops in front of the baby. His jaw is locked and his eyes burn with anger.

"Graham" I whisper but he shakes his head. "I'm going to check on Henry and Leo" he says and I nod as he looks at Emma one more time before leaving the room.

"how old is she?" I ask and Red looks her over and sniffs. "she is about four weeks old." She says and I look down at the baby in my arms again.

"Agh!" Emma lets out a string of language before opening her eyes and sitting up. She looks around but there is no recognition in her eyes.

"ok this is the second time I have woken up with strangers staring at me." she says holding her ribs before climbing out of the bed.

"Emma do you remember anything?" I ask and she looks at me hard before shaking her head. "no but you seem familiar." She says and I frown.

"Emma, I'm Snow… your mother." I say and she laughs "funny, you don't look over twenty three." She says and I smile weakly.

"it's a long story, but James is your father and I am your mother." I say and she crosses her arms before looking over and James then me.

She looks at Red "and your what my aunt?" she says scoffing and Red smiles "actually yes, sort of."

"and the baby is my little sister or brother." She says raising an eyebrow. "not exactly." I say and she hisses before trying to pull the cuff off her wrist.

"and the man that was here early is?"

"your boyfriend." I say and she shakes her head. "why is this damn thing on my wrist?" she asks holding out her hand.

"I'm not sure, you have been kidnapped for the past year." I say and her eyes cloud with confusion for a moment.

"this is a great story." She says "you don't believe me?" I ask and she shakes her head "no sorry."

"Emma, we are your family. Graham me James and Henry" I say exasperated and she raises an eyebrow. "henry?" she asks and I sigh

"yes, you and Graham have a son named Henry." I say and she uncrosses her arms. "let me see him" I look over at James.

James stands up "Emma, Henry has been through enough already without seeing you then you not knowing him." James says and she frowns.

"I'll pretend" she says and I nod to James.

James leaves and Red and I wait with Emma just staring at us. after a few minutes the door opens and Henry comes in with James and Graham behind him.

"Mommy!" he squeals running at her.

-(Emma)-

I watch the door open and see a brown haired little boy come in. henry. My head screams.

"Mommy!" he screams and starts running at me. I drop to my knees instinctively and open my arms. He throws his body at me.

"my baby" I whisper holding him tightly. "mommy your back" he cries onto my shoulder. "yes I am sweetheart."

After about five minutes I try to stand up but Henry doesn't let go. I shift his weight and stand up slowly. I look around and see these people with tears in their eyes.

I hold Henry on my hip and he lays his head on my shoulder. "I'm never letting go of you mommy" he says and I smile at him.

I look up at Snow, who is smiling sadly "I believe you" I whisper and she smiles bigger.

"mommmy can I sleep with you tonight?" Henry asks and everyone walks forward worriedly. I raise my hand to them "if you want to sweetheart."

Later Henry is sleeping in the bed and I slowly get up. The girl in the red cape is still here. I walk over to her. "so your my guard dog?" I ask smirking

"yes, come on you must be hungry." She says touching my arm but I jerk it back. She looks at me worried. "I'm sorry" she says and I shake my head.

XXX

-(Snow)-

Emma goes back to bed and I walk down to her nursery where the baby is sleeping. I push open the door and walk inside. Graham is leaning over the sleeping baby watching her.

"Graham?" I whisper and he turns to look at me. "I don't really want to talk your majesty." He says and I nod.

"you know your family, and I love you. If you ever want to talk, just find me." I say and he musters half a smile.

"thank you." He says before looking at the sleeping baby one more time before leaving.

I walk over and look down at the spitting image of my daughter. She starts fidgeting and her mouth opens in a cry.

"shh" I whisper leaning over and picking her up carefully. She whines some more as I walk over and sit down in a rocking chair.

I hold her to me and start rocking slowly. "shh little one… hush sweet princess." I whisper and her body stops squirming as she snuggles closer to me.

"we need to name her something" I look up and see charming standing in the door way. "she's Emma's and I'm sure she has a name." I say and he shrugs.

"but Emma doesn't even remember her and we cant keep calling her 'it' or 'her'" he says walking over and I nod.

"well we can give her a nick name until we know her real name." I say and he smiles "her hair is like Emma's, its like rays of sun." he says resting a hand on her head.

"Sunny" I say and he raises an eyebrow before nodding. "Sunny"

"Goodnight Princess Sunny."

XXX

Another day passes and Emma doesn't leave her room. When I check on her she answers in one worded responses hardly looking at me.

James and I decided not to tell her about Sunny. She is already trying to learn about being a mom to a little boy she doesn't remember.

I leave the nursery after Sunny is asleep and walk down the halls. I stop when I see a lone figure standing in front of the portrait wall.

Her long blond hair falls down her back in waves as she looks up and the young happy family in the paintings.

"there beautiful aren't they?" I say walking up to stand next to her.

She looks over at me out of the corner of her eye. She wears a guarded exspression and her paster is stiff. "Emma I know you don't know me, but I won't hurt you." I say and she frowns.

"I know this, but the shape my body is in means someone has hurt me, and lots of times." She says matter of-factly before looking back at the wall.

"You weren't raised with us. You were eight when women named Regina took you for her own purposes. She put a spell on the castle so we couldn't come and find you. But you grew up, and when you turned eighteen the curse broke and we came for you. She did terrible things to you. You never told me everything that you went through… but it wasn't good." I say and she turns to study my face.

I stand still not braking eye contact as she searches my eyes. After a moment she gives me a half nod. She turns and looks back at the wall "were we close?" she asks and I smile to myself.

"Not in the beginning, but in the last year of our relationship you were my best friend… next to Red." I say smiling at the ground thinking.

"So what do you do for fun around here?" she asks turning to look at me. "So what do you do for fun around here?" she asks sitting back down on her bed and look at me. I stare at her for a moment before shaking my head.

"Come with me" I say and she cocks her head before fallowing me. I walk out to the stables and over to Maxumis stall.

"We love to ride." I say and she smiles before resting her hand on his head.

OUAT-OUAT-OUAT-OAUT-OUAT-OUAT

- (Emma)-

Later that afternoon I walk through the castle. I push open random doors and look inside exploring. I push open one door and see Henry sitting on the floor.

Smiling I walk inside. "Mom" he says and I come over to sit down. "Hello Henry" I say and he smiles handing me a block.

We spend a long time building castles in silence until the door opens again. "Henry do you want to go swimming?" Graham asks coming to a stop when he sees me.

Henry jumps up "yeah!" I drop the block I'm holding and slowly stand up. "Are you coming mommy?" Henry asks and I look at Graham. He refuses to meet my eyes and I am confused. I thought we were together?

"No buddy not today. Go with your dad and have fun." I say and he smiles before waving "bye mommy." I smile at him and blow a kiss to him. "Bye sweet boy"

Graham and Henry leave and I leave the room as well. After a while I find the kitchen and come inside. "Princess" the staff bows but I wave them off. An older lady walks over smiling. "I'm sorry to ask this but what's your name?" I ask before looking at the floor embarrassed.

"Its ok princess, I heard about your accident. My name is Martha." She says and I nod smiling. "Martha may I have some cake and milk?" I ask and she nods smiling.

"Yes ma'am, go sit at the table and I will get it for you." She says and I go over to the long table and sit down.

After a minute she brings a plate over with a glass of milk. I thank her and dig into it.

"Martha do you have any cake…" I look up and see James come into the kitchen. He sees me and stops before laughing.

"Yes sir I sure do, sit down and I'll bring it to you." Martha says as James sits down a crossed from me. "Like father, like daughter." Martha says sitting a plate in front of James. "Thank you Martha" James says smiling at her.

XXX

I look up from the sleeping Henry on my bed when Snow comes in. "Emma?"

"Yeah?" I say standing up and walking over to her. "Would you go for a walk with me?" she asks and I look back over at Henry.

"Um ok, sure" I say and she smiles.

We leaves the castle and walk a crossed the field and down a dirt road. "So you're the queen." I say watching her out of the corner of my eye.

"yeah." She replies smiling at me. "Why are you out walking with me? Don't you have some queen duty to do?" I ask and she laughs.

"You're my daughter, you come first." She says and I wince a little before looking down the road.

"How are you and Graham?" Snow asks and I laugh humorlessly. "There is hardly a me and Graham. He avoids me like the plague. We only see each other at meal times and when he comes to get Henry." I say and she looks at me sadly.

Snow stops abruptly and puts her arm out in front of me to stop. I look at her confused and she puts her finger to her lips. I look up and see the glint of the sun hitting something metal.

"Snow!" I shout and knock her out of the way. A moment later I feel something slam into my shoulder. I hit the ground hard.

"Emma!" I hear Snow scream "up there" I point to where the arrow came from. "Wait here!" she says standing up and turning to run.

"Not planning on going anywhere." I say ands she glares at me before running off.

I close my eyes and grit my teeth as I push myself into a standing position. I hobble over and lean against a tree.

"Emma Grace Swan don't sass me! I'm your mother."

"Mommy! Daddy says I can go swimming if it's ok with you."

"Emma I love you so much"

"I love you to Graham."

"You can marry my son or we will destroy your parent's kingdom. You want your son to grow up right?"

"It's a little girl princess."

My memories flash in front of my eyes and I grind my teeth.

"Emma! Emma!" I open my eyes and see Snow standing in front of me. "Mom?" I say holding my shoulder.

"What did you just say?" she asks and the pain in my arm intensifies. "Crap!" I take a deep breath. "Mom my shoulder hurts bad." I say and I see little tears in her eyes.

"Come on" she puts my good arm over her shoulder and we start walking back to the castle.

"Red I need you! I've been shot!" I say through are mind link.

"Where are you?" she calls back "wait how do you know about the mind link?"

"Coming up on the field outside of the castle. Will talk later, just hurry" I reply and a few minutes later I see her black wolf running up to us.

"Hey Fluffy" I whisper and Snows eyes go wide before she helps me onto Red. I lean forward and lay on her as we walk back.

"Emma do not go to sleep!" Snow exclaims and I grip Reds fur tighter.

"stop shouting at me." I growl back at her.

We finally get to the castle and inside. "Emma!" James shouts running up as we walk down the hallway. "I need Doc." I say and he calls to a servant to find him.

We get to my room and they help me onto my bed. "I'm here princess." Doc calls comeign into the room and over to the bed.

"Thank you" I say and he looks the arrow over. "You know what you have to do." I say and he nods silently.

"James?" I say leaning my head back and closing my eyes.

"Yeah sweetheart." He says coming closer to me.

"Back at Joseph's castle I used magic when you asked me not to. Sorry" I say and his face lights up then he laughs sadly.

A moment later Red comes back into the room. "James Red I need you to sit on me." I say and they look confused for a second.

They slowly walk over and I push myself into a sitting position. Red sits on my legs and James sits on my lap facing me. I feel around on the bed till I find Snows hand. I grasp it tightly and nod at Doc.

Doc apologizes before breaking the arrow and grasping it tightly. I look at James and he smiles at me.

"On three… 1…2…" he pushes it through on two and I scream as the pain lights my body up. After a moment the pain dies down.

"Thanks Doc" I choke out as he wraps my shoulder.

"Is there any way you can get this cuff off my wrist?" I ask him "I can see if the Blue Fairy can help you." He says and I thank him.

He wraps my arm and Blue gets rid of the cuff.

XXX

Finally I am left in my room with only my parents and Red. Running my hand over my shoulder I get rid of the wound. I swing my legs over the bed and start walking towards the door.

"Emma Grace Swan gets in that bed now!" Snow calls but I just keep walking out the door. I hear Red and James and Snow fallowing me.

They call behind me but I just keep walking to my destination. Finally I get to my nursery door and push it open.

I walk inside slowly and over to the crib in the middle of the room. I let out a deep breath when I see my baby asleep in it.

I hear my family let out a deep breath.

"Ava" I whisper leaning over to pick her up.

I hold her close to my heart. "My beautiful baby girl" I whisper as tears land on her sleeping face. Using my thumb I brush the tears away.

Finally I wipe my face and turn to face my parents with her. "I don't think you have properly met. This is Ava Ruth Swan" I say and I watch the smiles my parents get on their faces.

I leave the nursery with her and walk back to my room. I lie down on my bed and lay her on my chest. Snow comes over and lays down next me.

"I've missed you" she says kissing the side of my head.

XXX

-Next morning

I wake up at 4:00 to feed Ava then go back to sleep. 8:00 comes around and Snow and I get up and dressed before going to breakfast.

I carry Ava with me to the dining room. "Mommy!" Henry calls from his seat and Graham doesn't acknowledge me.

"Hey handsome." I say kissing his head.

"Mommy why do you have that baby?" he asks and I look up at Snow. She nods and I take Henry's hand standing him on the ground.

"Sweetheart you know I was gone for awhile. Well when I was away I had a baby. This is Ava… and she is your sister sweetheart." I say and he scrunches up his face.

"Like Leo is your brother?" he asks and I nod "yes exactly" I say and he smiles. "She's my sister" he says and he reaches out and touches her head.

"Is daddy her daddy to?" he asks and I look over at Graham. I look back at Henry "no sweetheart, he's not."

"Oh, well I like her." He says kissing her head. I smile at him "good, now finish eating."

"Daddy!" we look over and see Leo come in with his nurse.

"Leo!" I exclaim walking over to him and kneeling in front of him. He looks up at me confused. "You have grown up so much." I say and he looks around me at Snow.

Snow walks over and picks him up. She helps me stand up. "Sweetheart this is Emma… can you say Emma?" Snow asks and he scrunches up his face.

"Emmy" he says and I laugh "that's close enough." I whisper and lean forward to kiss his head. "Leo, Emma is your sister." Snow explains and he looks me over.

I stand straight up in his inspection. After a moment his face breaks out in a smile "hello Emmy" he says and I laugh. "Hello little prince"

We walk over and sit down at the table. I look down the table every couple of minutes at Graham. He refuses to look at me or talk to me.

XXX

After a week of Graham avoiding me I can't take it anymore. I leave Ava with mom and walk out to the field in front of the castle where he is walking.

I walk over to him and just walk next to him as he thinks. After about ten minutes he stops and looks at me.

"Talk to me, I don't know how to fix whatever is wrong unless you do." I say and he frowns "Graham I'm not going to stop until we are good again." I say and he looks away

"Its not you Emma, its Me." he says and I frown "what's going on?"

He turns and takes my hands in his. "You went off and got married to save your kingdom. Then you had a daughter with the monster, but were still an amazing mother and women. Everything you do is about Family… and about others." He says and I look at him worried.

He drops my hands and turns around "but you were gone. And about six months into it I was in a really bad place. I drank a lot and stayed in my room. I didn't go out unless it was for Henry."

"What did you do Graham?" I ask worried and he turns to look at me. "It was a mistake, I was really drunk." He says looking away.

"Graham what did you do?" I repeat panicking. He turns and looks at me. "I slept with someone." He says and my mouth drops open.

"Ok well so did I." I say and he sighs before mumbling "itwadfhdif" I look at him "what?"

"It was Red" he says and my heart stops momentarily. "Excuse me?" I say and he looks at me with tears in his eyes.

"How drunk exactly?" I ask crossing my arms.

"Couldn't walk." he says and I sigh before turning around and walking to the castle. "Emma" he calls and I just raise a hand to silence him.

I walk through the castle seething until I come to Leo's nursery. I fling the door open and see Red sitting on the floor next to snow with Henry and Leo. Snow has Ava in her arms.

I slam the door closed behind me and they all look up at me. "Mommy!" Henry calls running over and wrapping around my leg. I pat his head but level a glare on Red.

"What's the matter sweetheart?" Snow asks and I shake my head.

"You are unbelievable" I growl at Red, Red looks at me confused.

"Ok I don't know what's going on but let's take it outside." Snow says standing and walking with Red past me.

Henry looks up at me with worry in his eyes. "Its ok sweetheart, go play with Leo." I say and he looks at me again before scurrying off.

I take a deep breath and walk out into the hallway. I close the door behind me and cross my arms. Snow looks from Red to me.

"What's going on?" she asks and rub my forehead. "Red… slept with Graham." I say and Reds eyes go wide. Snows mouth drops open and she looks over at Red.

"Emma let me explain…" she says but I raise my hand. "I kind of understand why he did it. His girlfriend goes and gets married, so he got drunk. I understand that, but you don't drink." I say leaning against the wall with an unsettlingly calm aura.

"Just listen Emma, I know you're mad." She says and I laugh cynically "oh no, I'm furious. My magic is barely restrained."

"Just listen ok" she says and I motion for her to talk with my hand. "I was with Henry one night and he started calling for Graham so I went to get Graham. I knocked on his door and he called for me to come in. I come in and he is leaning against the wall. He started talking about you and Henry, everything. So I listened and drank with him. one thing led to another and…" I raise my hand.

"I don't need to hear more." I say pushing off the wall. I turn to go into the nursery before turning around. "how many times?" I ask and Snow looks between us worried. "only that time" she says and I shake my head before opening the door.

"Emma I'm really sorry." she says and I ignore her going over to where Ava is laying on the floor. I pick her up and walk over to the window seat.

"hello sweetheart." I whisper smiling at her. "mommy missed you this morning" I say kissing her head. "Emy?" I look down and see Leo and Henry.

"yeah baby?" i say "mommy will you tell us a story?" Henry asks and I smile. "sure come up here and sit next to me."

After all over us are settled at the couch I start the story.

-(Snow)-

Emma goes into the nursery and I look over at Red. She has tears in her eyes and I cross my arms. "Snow please"

She says and I let out a breath "Red your my sister." I say and she starts crying harder. "it was a mistake." She says and I frown slightly.

"what do you want me to do?" she asks and I sigh. "you have done all you can for now. Just let Emma cool down." I say and she smiles at me weakly

She walks off down the hall and I take a deep breath before pushing the nursery door open. "So the young hunter saw the princess and fell in love. He came to the kings castle with a horse and some deer. He asked the king to let him marry the princess. But the king said 'no' because he was a hunter."

I turn and see Graham next to me watching her. "so the hunter made a vow to make him self good enough for the princess and set out on his journey"

Emma continues her story and the boys watch her with wide eyes. when Emma story is finished she puts Ava in her crib and lays the boys on the bed.

-(Emma)-

I kiss the boys heads and walk over to the door before glancing at the sleeping kids one more time. In the hallway I find Snow and Graham.

"I'm so sorry Emma" he says and I sigh. "Graham I love you, I understand why you did what you did. I know your sorry. I just need a little time." I say walking past him to my room.

When I get to my room I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn and see Snow "I'm fine mom… really." I say and she shakes her head.

"seriously, I have spent the last year sleeping with someone else." I say and her face falls. "you were married and doing it to protect us." she says and I nod.

"I really don't want to talk about it. Do you want to go for a walk or something?" I ask trying to get out of the castle.

"sure honey"

XXX

Three days pass with Graham and Red avoiding me. I look out my window to the field and see Graham sword fighting with Henry.

I hear a knock at my door and open it with my mind. After a moment I slowly turn and see Red standing in the doorway.

"yeah?" I ask crossing my arms

"Emma I'm so sorry! I don't know what else to do or say." She says and I roll my eyes. "you have done enough believe me."

She comes over and rests her hand on my arm. "Just tell me what you want me to do? Do you want me to leave the castle? Because all I know is I cant keep avoiding you. I love you to much and it hurts." She says and I turn around.

"you were drunk?" I ask not turning around.

"very" she replies and I sigh before turning around. I uncross my arms and slowly move to hug her. She stands there shocked at first but after a minute she returns it.

"I love you so much Emma." She says and I smile. "I know and I love you to."

I pull back and look at her. "but if you make another run at my man I'll kill you." I say and she laughs brushing away her tears.

She leaves and I go back to watching Graham and Henry in the field.

I feel hands wrap around my eyes.

Quick as lighting I drop the cake and punch back. "hey ow! Emma what gives."

The hands come off and I turn to see Graham. "look what you did, you made me drop my cake." I say glaring at him.

("sorry" he says bowing his head. I smile and take his hand. "its ok" he looks up and smiles at me.

"I missed you." He whispers stepping closer to me and taking my face in his hands. I smile weakly at him "does this mean your not mad at me any more?"

He bends down and kisses me lightly "you know I have never been able to stay mad at you long." I laugh and kiss him back.)

("Did you ever think I would leave you?" he whispers kissing my head. I let a few tears fall as I closes my eyes.

"You did once." I whispers in tears. Graham kisses me lightly.

"That was against my will and I will do everything in my power to make it not ever happen again." He says passionately.)

( Graham kisses me lightly. "I love you Em…" I laugh lightly and touch his cheek "I love you to… but I have to go. Regina will be looking for me." Graham pulls me closer "it won't be much longer… we will leave together. Be happy. Have beautiful children that look like you." I cry silently "it was… it was children today. She made me banish children! Graham!" he holds me tightly and rocks me gently. "We will leave… be a family.")

"I LOVE YOU EM!"

I sigh and walk down to the field. The sun is shining brightly as the boys fight around the field. "mommy!" Henry calls and Graham stops to look over at me.

I smile at him weakly as I walk up to him. he stands still watching me as I walk closer. When I get to where I am stopped in front of him I rest my hands on either side of his face and lean up to kiss him.

He remains still for a moment before smiling against my mouth and kissing back. When we finally pull away he rests his head against mine. "I love you Emma"

"I love you to Graham."

XXX

A month passes and everything has more or less settled down. I walk to breakfast with Leo and Henry. E sit down and wait for Graham who still isn't here yet.

Finally he comes in "sorry I'm late" he says kissing me and sitting down next to me.

A few minutes later a servant comes in with a covered plate. I look at her puzzled before she pulls off the cover.

I look down at the message in berries on my plate 'will you marry me?'

I look down at Graham who is smiling from ear to ear. He gets out of his chair and kneels on the floor. "Emma Grace Charming, I love you so much. Let me spend the rest of my life proving it to you." He says and I smile. "I don't know."

"come on sweetheart we have two kids together." He say sand I look at him confused. "what?"

"I want to be Ava's dad, please" he begs and I laugh again before nodding at him. "yes" he jumps up and pulls me out of my chair swinging me around.

After a moment he sits me down and kisses me deeply. I don't know how long we stood like that but finally we heard Henry "ew gross!"

"my thoughts exactly son" James says and we pull away laughing.

"I'm getting married mom" I say as she comes over and hug me.

"I know, I'm so happy for you." She says holding me tightly. "you deserve to be happy. I love you sweetheart." She whispers before kissing my cheek.

"I love you to."

THE END

Ok this is the end. I have loved this story but I think it has run its course. I feel like if I keep writing I'm going to continue to abuse Emma. Thank you for sticking with it. If you like this story I have to others.

-Thank you

-Love you all!