Epilogue

Hearty cheers broke out as the victorious army marched into the city as more and more people gathered to welcome home the conquering heroes. Flowers and confetti rained down on their heads as they passed, the cacophony of cheerful noise acting as a soothing balm to those who still had the sounds of war ringing in their ears.

Their numbers slowly dwindled as they wound their way up to the castle with the enlisted men breaking off towards the barracks while those volunteers that lived in the city and surrounding area joined their loved ones amongst the throng. When the royal family finally passed through the high arch of the palace gate, only their personal guards remained by their side.

News of their return had spread quickly and resounding applause from the gathered servants greeted them as they rode into the cobbled courtyard. The anxious green eyes of Emma Swan flitted over the crowd before landing on the small form of her son. A large grin spread across his face and joy shined from the eyes so like her own as he ran to greet her. Dismounting quickly, she turned to meet him only to see that he'd stopped before making it halfway. His happy expression now turned somber and tears welled in his big green eyes as he scanned the riders filing in behind her.

Emma closed the distance between them quickly before dropping to her knees and pulling the young boy into a comforting hug. Scrawny arms tightened painfully around her neck as falling tears soaked her linen shirt. She took a second to enjoy the warmth of the small body cradled against her chest and the familiar scent of the hair against her cheek before speaking.

"Henry, she's fine. Your mom is okay," she reassured the distraught boy.

She could feel the hovering presence of her parents off to the side, but ignored them as she cooed nonsensical words in his ear, easing his fears.

Slowly, his quiet sobbing diminished into hiccoughing sniffles as the blonde's words penetrated his worried mind.

"She's really okay?" he asked hopefully, pulling back to judge her sincerity.

Gently wiping away the remaining tears, Emma smiled and gave him a confirming nod.

"Yes, she really is and she's anxious to see you."

"Then why isn't she here with you now?" he asked clearly confused.

"Well," the blonde hesitated slightly. "There were some… issues that prevented her from coming back with me, but you and I are going to start packing our stuff. Then, in a couple of days, we'll head out and be with her before you know it."

"Awesome!" he cried before jumping back into her arms.

Emma locked unwavering green eyes on Snow White and Charming, challenging them to contradict her. They had argued over this very point more than once on the journey home and she knew they were waiting to see Henry's reaction before giving her their full blessing to leave. Sad resignation settled over the pair and Emma tempered her gaze. She understood their hesitation, but Regina and Henry were her family and she belonged with them.

Their journey was agonizingly slow; the hyper vigilant guards taking great care to protect their precious cargo since they'd crossed into the Wilderness the day before. At this pace, Regina's realm was still three days away and Emma was eager to get there. Nearly a week had already passed since her arrival back into the city, so it'd been two weeks since she'd last seen her brunette lover. Her patience was wearing thin, as was Henry's if his constant bouncing on the plush seats of the carriage was any indication. Still, Emma tried to set a good example by remaining calm and stifling any irritation she felt when all she really wanted to do was kick their asses into gear.

The blonde was busy forming scenario #106 on just how to overpower the driver and take the reins of this buggy when raised voices from outside pulled her back to reality as they gradually slowed before coming to a complete stop.

"What's going on, Emma?" Henry asked with just a touch of nervousness.

"I'm not sure, kid," she replied distractedly as she gazed out of the small window next to her.

Sighing in frustration that she still couldn't see the reason for their delay, the blonde opened the wooden door before peering around the edge. All of her earlier frustration vanished and huge grin graced pale lips at the sight in front of her.

"Looks like the welcoming committee is here," she said, turning back to her son.

"Come on," she added excitedly with a quick jerk of her head at his questioning look.

Henry warily stuck his head out as she climbed from the large coach. Emma turned to help him down, barely managing to catch his small form as he launched himself out of the vehicle. Scrambling from her grasp, the young boy rushed towards the woman waiting at the front of an impressive black carriage surrounded by an entire squadron of guards.

A lavish hat sat high atop tight, raven curls while black leather pants encased toned legs and an embroidered slate grey riding jacket accentuated a trim waist before flaring out at narrow hips. Dark eyes glared at the mounted soldiers of King James and Queen Snow White daring them to try something foolish as she stood imperiously before them, looking every bit the 'Evil Queen' she was reputed to be.

An easy smile full of love and joy replaced the sinister look as light footsteps hitting the dirt road drew her attention away from the inconsequential men. Henry's thin legs wrapped around the brunette's waist, holding on for dear life, as Regina scooped their son up into her strong embrace.

Soothing fingers ran gently through short hair while deep, red lips murmured lightly in his ear. Emma was too far away to hear what was being said, but she could see the young boy visibly relax into Regina's hold. When the whispered words ceased, Henry pulled back in his mother's arms and nodded enthusiastically. A low chuckle escaped the brunette as she leaned in to place an affectionate kiss against his forehead.

Emma had to blink back the tears that threatened to fall as the tender scene played out before her. A watery gaze met hers and she gave in to the silent request it held, quickly closing the short distance separating them.

"Ms. Swan," Regina greeted, her husky voice tinged with the same humor mirrored in sparkling brown eyes.

"Madam Mayor," the blonde responded mischievously before wrapping her arms around the woman she loved, their son held safely between them once more.

Emma leaned in to kiss her one true love, this time with out fear of being ripped apart as the world fell down around them. Soft lips pressed against hers once more and a piece of her soul settled back into place. She'd gladly go through it all again if every time she ended up right back in this moment, her very own Happily Ever After.

The End.

A/N: Okay, that really is it this time. Hopefully, this satisfies your needs for closure. Thank you for making this a great ride you guys. You are the best! Look me up on yahoo messenger or facebook (ea_phoenix86 yahoo .com).