Disclaimer: I do not own any Once Upon A Time characters; or any other previously established fairy tale characters. However, the plot is mine.

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Far, Doth Not the Apple Fall

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Chapter Four: His Grace

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Henry sits at a table in his mother's… no… in his secret lair. He is intently perusing through numerous books filled with dark magic. Growling he chucks the one he was holding clear across the room. "This is pointless!" He shouts angered.

"Is everything alright, your Majesty?" The mirror asked in a bored tone.

The young prince merely glared at him. "Does it look alright?" He answered with a question of his own, albeit rhetorically. He glanced at a small portrait he had found amongst his mother's things. It was of Regina when she had first become queen. She was young and beautiful, and so very sad. Henry kept it down here to serve as a reminder of what they had all done to her. The reason for his revenge. He suddenly rose from his seat. "I need some air."

Sydney nodded his head. "Might I suggest some-" A gust of dark smoke interrupted his speech as he watched Henry disappear from the lair. "… time in your mother's garden." He finished to no one. His eyes scaled the room until they fell onto the same small portrait Henry had been staring at, and he sighed sadly. "Forgive me, my queen."

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Henry materialized from within a haze of dark blue smoke. He was now standing a very remote and very empty cavern. "MALEFICENT!" He shouted angrily. "Show yourself!"

The witch in question soon appeared sitting confidently and calmly on her throne. "What?" She asked the boy, annoyed.

"It's been months and I'm getting tired of sitting around and doing nothing!" He answered impatiently.

She did not look moved. "I told you, these things take time. You need to build your strength both magically and physically. You need to amass an army, loyal soldiers. And then wait for the opportunity to present itself." She pointed out to him for what felt like the thousandth time. Then letting out a sigh, she continued, "Where are you in the ally department?"

Henry's mind wanders to Tomas. Several months back, he had encouraged the boy to join the royal guard. Along with Tomas, he had convinced two older guards to join his personal detail, while also recruiting others to his side. Luckily for him, there were some of the older guards who held fealty towards Regina, and though they did not agree with her methods as queen, they saw her change and genuinely liked her son. Plus, she always did pay them well. They began the secret campaign of gathering Henry his own personal followers. "So far, I have a couple dozen, but no doubt I will get more. They do not know of my magical abilities yet." He answered her, clenching his fist. "I will see how many I can gain through sheer loyalty first. I'll get the rest through fear." He said darkly.

Maleficent rolled her eyes. "Well, I'll say you're not just sitting around and doing nothing then, are you?"

"It feels like it." He huffed, shoulders dropping. "In order to further this plan, I need a position of power. David is holding me back, thinking me too young… too weak." He growled. "But I'm more skilled at the sword now than he could ever hope to be. I am the prince and yet he allows Lancelot a position of command above me."

She raises a brow at him. "Appeal to the queen. You will get your way through her. She feels guilty enough as it is."

He shook his head. "She will not trust me." He told her, thinking of the months spent spurning his grandmother at every turn.

Maleficent raised a brow at this. She had told the boy to place nice with his family. She let out a sigh. "Then give her reason to. Invite her to Regina's garden."

"No!" He answered immediately.

"Her weakness has always lain in her stepmother. If you wish to win her over, let her into the garden and let her see the tree." She told him, becoming annoyed by him. He was growing into a potentially powerful ally. But he could still be such a child at times. "You need to make amends. If you want to punish your birth mother, then by all means have at it. She has no influence on the kingdom. But you must play nice with someone. Snow is your best chance."

"She's the reason my mother is gone!" He raged.

"She's the reason your mother was not executed. Snow didn't want Regina dead because she still loved her." Maleficent explained to him, remembering the foolish little girl enamored by her new mother. "I am certain that news of Regina's death," Here Henry cringed, but she continued, "hurt her deeply. She has no one to share that pain with. David and Emma couldn't understand. No one in the kingdom could, except you."

Henry glared at her. Snow? Hurt deeply? That woman's pain could not compare to his. If anything, he hated her most. Pretending to care about his mother only to send her out to die… alone. At that thought, the hate dissipated from his eyes. 'Perhaps I could return the favor.' He thought as a dark grin grew on his face. "Very well, I'll bond with my grandmother, really pretend to care. Then when she least suspects it, I'll take pleasure in watching her face fall as I send her out to die."

"Yeah, whatever." Maleficent comments, waving her hand dismissively and thusly ruining his 'evil' moment. "Just get command of the royal guards, and don't forget to gain their loyalty."

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Henry had just left one of his lessons with Maleficent and he was still smarting. He didn't think it would take this long just to get his revenge. Then he thought of his mother and the lengths to which she was willing to go just to get hers. He didn't know how she did it; how she waited so patiently. He was simply trying to get through the day without accidentally exploding someone's head. Making a swift turn around the corner, he had little time to prepare himself for the body he ran into.

"Oof!" The figure below squeaked in surprise, before crumpling to the ground. The dark haired woman looked up to the dark haired boy. "Henry?" She asked in surprised.

Henry looked down at the woman before him. His first instinct was to snarl at her and go about his way. But that would garner him no favors. "Grandma." He said in mock worry, before bending down to help her up. "Sorry, I guess I wasn't watching where I was going."

Snow was speechless to say the least. Henry has been giving them all the silent treatment for so long. Usually, he would have just grunted and been about his way. "It's okay." She told her grandson with a hesitant smile. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" She asked.

The prince took care to school his features. He knew his grandmother was watching him with scrutiny. And although his first instinct was to brush off her nosey little question, he felt it best to play along. "Last I checked, what I do is my business." He answered, pushing past her to continue on his way. Okay, so 'playing along' was easier said than done.

"Henry…" Snow started with a sad face. "I'm sorry. I did not mean to pry."

He stopped in his steps. Her voice sounded so pathetic to him. He should just ignore her, but unfortunately he could not ignore Maleficent. Appeal to the queen…. Henry allowed his shoulders to slump forward. "No, grandma, I'm sorry." He said, before turning to face her. He managed to plaster a pathetic look onto his face that nearly rivaled her own. "I don't mean to take it out on you, it's just… I miss her so much." He told her, willing tears to come to his eyes. But if he were being honest with himself, the tears weren't all that hard to fake.

"Oh Henry..." Snow's face broke at the look of her grandson. All of the apprehension that she felt just moments before vanished as she rushed to pull Henry into her arms. "Honey I know it hurts." She said rubbing his back. "Regina… your mom, she…" Her voice broke a little. "She had her faults but no matter what she did, I never stopped loving her." She pulled back and looked into his eyes. "I just want you to know that I miss her too, and if you ever want to talk…" She told him, tears coming to her eyes. She looked away.

Henry grabbed her hand and gave it a light squeeze. "I'd like that grandma." He told her and nearly cringed at the look she gave when she turned back to face him. Her eyes were teary and her smile was bright. What he wouldn't do to destroy her happy ending like destroyed his mother's… but in all good time. "I was on my way to her garden. Did you…" He grudgingly forced himself to finish, "want to come with me?"

Snow's eyes looked upon him softly. "Yes Henry, I would."

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Snow stood around in wonder looking over the garden she hadn't seen since she was a child. And even then, she was only able to get a glance before Regina rushed her out. The apple tree. She gazed upon it in complete wonderment. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, and immediately she drawn back to a past where she was a child and Regina was the mother she always wanted. Before she knew about what really happened to Daniel and that Regina resented her for it. When she was loved by her father and thought that she was loved by her stepmother. When everything was perfect. And with her eyes still closed, she began dancing.

Henry stayed back at the entrance, watching as Snow danced around the place. She looked so happy and emotional, it made Henry uneasy. He was itching to get her out of this garden, but if he wanted his revenge, sacrifices must be made. And in the grand scheme of things, this was such a small one to be made. 'She's so easy. In no time, she'll be my biggest advocate. I'll have my own command soon, and can begin my campaign to take over the soldiers completely. I just have to be patient.' A smirk grew onto his face, and if Snow had looked up in that moment, she would have known that the boy before her was not the boy that she remember. In fact, he was no boy at all, but a man. A man of dark intent. However, she did not look up, and missed the sinister glint in his eyes. 'This is all for you mother.' He mentally promised before turning away and leaving his grandmother to reminisce alone. He had plans to set in motion. Things were about to get ridiculously easy for him.

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ONE WEEK LATER

Emma was walking around the palace on her way to see her father, the King. Once she rounded the corner to the hallway containing his office, she was slightly surprised to see her son exit the large double doors. "Henry? What are you doing here?" She asked, halting in her steps.

"Same reason as you, I suspect. To see David." Henry told her matter-of-factly. He then continued to walk pass her, but was forced to stop at the hand on his arm.

"Henry!" She called out to him, grabbing onto him as he passed, "Please. Talk to me." Emma pleaded with her son.

Without turning to face her, he responded, "I have nothing to say to you."

Emma would not let this discourage her. "Then I'll talk." She said, letting his arm go, smiling at the fact that he did not rush away. "I'm sorry for what happened to Reg- your mom." She forced herself to say. "It wasn't right. I let the laws of this land cloud my judgment, but… I knew better." She admitted to him. "You and I grew up in a different world, with different laws; laws that supported rehabilitation and second chances. We didn't give that to Regina; and I will always regret that." She stepped closer to him. "I did try to find her, to bring her home." She said, trying to plead her case, but she knew it didn't assuage the blame. "I am so sorry Henry. If I could do it all over… I just feel so guilty." She said, wishing they were all still in Storybrooke and none of this happened. "I-"

"I don't care that you feel guilty." Henry said cutting her off. Maleficent said that he didn't have to pretend with Emma, and so he wouldn't. "I don't care that you're sorry." He told her, slowly turning around to face her. "You were supposed to be this great savior, which means you save everyone!" He yelled, letting anger get the best of him. "You don't just pick and choose Emma. I idolized you because I thought you were a hero! You were supposed to be selfless," Here he shook his head in disappointment, "but instead you were selfish. My mom was willing to share me when really she didn't have to. You dumped me remember. And still, it wasn't enough. You just had to take me from her. But did you ever stop to think, to realize that you were also taking her away from me!" His voice cracked here a little. He calmed himself; it would do him no good to let this escalate. "You don't get to undo what you've done. You don't get to apologize and think everything will be alright. You ruined everything Emma. I had expected this from them." He said, motioning towards David's office. "But not you." He shook his head sadly. "You ruined us. That's all there is to it." He told her with finality before turning on his heels and walking away.

Emma watched him go. He was so big now, he was practically a man. Giving him up was the hardest thing that she had ever done. Her biggest regret. It was a difficult thing to do that caused her enormous pain. And yet, it was nothing compared the pain she felt now, watching her son walk away from her as though she were nothing.

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"Ah, Emma sweetheart, come in." David gestured, rising from behind his desk. "What brings you here?" He asked, pulling her into a hug. With a kiss to her forehead, he moved back and immediately frowned at the look on her face. "Henry was just here, I take it you ran into him?" He asked, though it could be said that he already knew the answer.

"He was so mad!" Emma cried out in distraught.

"Hey, hey," He began, pulling her in for another hug as he rubbed her back. "He'll come around." He reassured her, before stepping back from her once more. "In fact, he was just in here telling me how much he wanted to do his part for the kingdom." David told her while he walked back to her desk. "I admit, I was hesitant at first, but maybe this is what he needs to move past all that has happened."

Emma was confused. "Wait, what are you talking about? Exactly what will he be doing?"

"His position in the guard." David told her matter-of-factly. As the confusion grew on her face, he frowned. "You didn't know."

"No." She shook her head emphatically.

David looked apologetic. "I was sure they would have told you. I-"

"They? Who else knows?" Emma asked, cutting him off.

"Your mother and Henry have been spending some time together." He told her hesitantly. "Snow hasn't been dealing with Regina's death well; and to be honest there was nothing I could do to comfort her." He ran a hand through his hair. "She told me that she and Henry have been talking in Regina's garden and, I guess, reminiscing. She thinks he's doing much better Emma." He finished, hoping that she would be pleased to hear this.

Emma grew angry. Angry that they were keeping things from her. Angry that someone else was comforting her son. "Well, it didn't look that way to me just now!" She shouted, letting her anger out. "He's clearly not over this!"

For a split second, David almost looked annoyed, but then understanding grew in his heart. "I never said that he was over anything, Emma. But he is getting better. Like I said, I was skeptical at first, but he really humbled himself by coming to me today."

She just snorted. "Oh really. And what exactly is his position in the guard? You've neglected to tell me." She pointed out.

"I'm giving him command of his own squad. Lancelot thinks he's ready and so do I." He told her.

She narrowed her eyes at him. Her superpower was tingling. "It was Snow's idea to give him command, wasn't it?"

David looked affronted. "Snow may have brought it to my attention, but it was my decision." He told her sternly. "Henry is not a child anymore, and what he needs is for us to stop treating him as one. He'll be sixteen in less than a year. He deserves the opportunity to prove himself."

Emma was not convinced. "So what? You're just going to give him his own personal army? He's still grieving and angry. How is giving him his own gang going to solve that?" She questioned.

"Emma, you are still thinking in the ways of the other world. This is not New York. Things are done differently here. I didn't give him a gang. I gave him responsibility befitting a prince of this world." He said, getting aggravated. He did not want to have this conversation right now.

"Well, I'm his mother and I don't want him apart of this. He's not… he's not ready. He's just a boy." She argued.

David was looking at her in disappointment. "You may be his mother, but I am his king. My judgment stands." He told her harshly, and immediately regretted it at the look on her face. He let out a deep sigh. "Look, he's a young man now Emma. You need to stop holding onto the thought of him as a baby. I understand and appreciate your concern, but if you could have only seen the look on his face when he talked about his new responsibilities… you would have seen glimpses of the old Henry." He told her with a smile. "Have faith Emma. It may take time but he is coming around."

Emma wasn't so sure about what David said. She wished that she could be optimistic, but her gut was telling her to be weary. She nodded her head. "I don't like this, but if it makes Henry happy…" She left it at that.

"Now that that matter is settled, let's go over what's happening in the south. Those ogre attacks need to be dealt with swiftly." David commented, opening the file placed upon his desk.

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"Momma!" Cried the chubby prince as he ran into his mother's arms. "I so scawid!"

Snow wrapped her arms around little Neal, picking him up and giving him a tight hug. "What's the matter dear heart?" She asked, wiping tears from his eyes.

"I had a bad dweam." Her told her, face still flushed.

"Little Prince!" Called out a woman as she rounded the corner. She stopped short upon seeing the queen. "Your majesty." She bowed, keeping her eyes low. "Forgive me, the little prince got away from me."

Snow looked over the girl, nodding her head at her apology. "He said he had a bad dream?"

Neal quickly nodded his head as to agree with himself. "There was fiwa ewywhere! And loud gwowling." He suddenly wrapped his arms around her neck in a tight squeeze. "It was so hot Momma! I could not find you anywhere." He finished, his voice soft.

"Yes, my queen. Prince Neal woke up screaming from his nap. He would not be consoled until he saw you. I went to ring for you and that's when the little one fled." The nursemaid explained, looking at Neal with a sad eye.

Snow was immediately concerned. "Does he often have nightmares during his naps?" She asked, unhappy that she had not known about this. What kind of mother was she?

"Yes, but never quite this bad, nor ever lingering on him so; or else I would have informed you sooner, my queen." The nursemaid told her hesitantly.

"What is it?" Snow asked, sensing that something was being withheld from her.

"Perhaps it is nothing, but what he describes… the fire… I just wondered if it were a magical issue. After all, those who have been in a sleeping curse often dreamed of flames." She pointed out.

Snow frowned at that. "Neal has not been in any sleeping curse. And even if he did, there was no loud growling…" She trailed off in thought. She made a mental note to consult with Blue about this later. Typically, she would have discerned it to be naught a simple child's nightmare, but considering she and David had both been under a sleeping curse, she wanted to be sure. Still, no sense in letting rumors spread. "Thank you for telling me. I am sure that in time, these nightmares will pass."

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A thick cloud of dark red smoke encompassed the area before Maleficent's throne. It swarmed around before pulling itself together and stretching towards the ceiling. A mini tornado is the form it took before dissipating entirely, revealing the dark sorcerer from within it. Maleficent looked over the long haired youth, quite unimpressed. "You're getting better but your timing is still off." She told him.

Henry smirked at that. "What can I say; I like to make an entrance."

She rolled her eyes. "You like to show off… and waste time." She then disappeared in a puff of smoke herself and reappeared right behind him in less than a second. "How will you ever catch your enemies off guard, if you are too busy performing for them?" She asked.

He jumped at the sound of her voice, before moving away from her. "Fine, I get it." He grumbled, dark tresses falling into his eyes.

Maleficent frowned at him. "You need a haircut." He shrugged the notion away, dismissing it entirely. She refrained from rolling her eyes this time. "You look like a pauper." She said, walking back to her seat. "Instead of the prince you are supposed to be."

Henry ran a hand through his hair. It's true that it was considerably long now, for him that is. It fell just past his shoulder, caressing his clavicle. It was full with a slight curl at the tips. He shrugged once more. "I'm not changing it." He told her confidently. He liked the look. It reminded him of Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. He liked that movie. Though it is ironic, what with Aragorn being a hero, and he being… well soon-to-being a villain.

"Well at least pull it back at your ceremony tonight. Try to show some decorum." She reprimanded. "There is power in presentation. If you want to lead others, you must show them someone worth following."

He nodded his head at that. "Don't worry, I know what to do." He told her full of confidence.

"Good." Maleficent said, putting no emotion in her voice. "Sixteen is an important year, young prince. This is the year you will prove yourself worthy of the throne." Henry only nodded at that statement, having had this particular conversation with her before. "It's time to put our plan into action."

He nodded once more before speaking. "After my formal induction into adulthood, I will cast the spell ruining the crops and livestock of the kingdom. Soon, the kingdom will struggle. The people's resolve will weaken, and they will not look so highly upon their King and Queen. Snow and David will lose favor."

"And as they lose favor?" Maleficent urged him to continue.

"I will become a beacon unto the people. They will look to me for answers." He told her.

She nodded her head. "And how will you achieve that?"

"I will venture out for 'answers' and come back a hero." His eyes darkened as a cruel grin slid onto his face. "I will become their savior, not my birth mother. I will have gained their trust."

Maleficent nodded her head approvingly. "You must complete this as quickly as possible. When you turn 17 your grandfather will make the decision as to whether you or that brat will become his heir. You have one year Henry, to turn the scales in your favor."

"One year is more than I need." Henry promised her before enshrouding himself in a cloud of his own making and teleporting away.

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Henry looked over his appearance with a critical eye. He made sure not a thread nor was hair out of place. He wore black leather beneath dark fabric and armor; mostly of gray and blue hues. His protective gear wasn't very bulky, mostly like his grandfather's, but in his preferred colors. He wasn't all happy and bubbly inside, so he didn't see why his clothing should ever represent such falsehoods.

Despite Maleficent's suggestion, he kept his hair unrestricted. It kind of reminded him of Orlando Bloom in the first Pirates of the Caribbean, only Henry's stopped just short of his shoulder. He supposed if it got any longer, he'd start tying it back. He grinned liking the look. "Hmm, maybe I should grow out a goatee?" He thought before quickly dismissing the idea. He didn't want to end up looking like Captain Hook.

He grabbed his sword and holster and secured it around his waist. Eyeing the protection pendant on his dresser, he contemplated the need for it. Deciding that he would be fine, he tucked it safely away within his desk. Still, he wanted to have something of his mother's on a night like this. Luckily, he still had an ear bob he had found from within this room; a trinket of hers that had been overlooked as they cleared the place out. It was an emerald. So beautiful, he imagined what it would have looked against her skin, beside her warm brown eyes. Hook always had multiple rings on his fingers. Henry supposed it was a pirate thing, but he liked the idea of having one. Using a small spell, he conjured the earring into a ring with a thick band.

Henry grinned as he felt energy coming off of his new ring. "This isn't an ordinary stone." He said to no one in realization. The energy felt familiar. He sighed knowing exactly why that was. "You will always be with me mother." He said, caressing the stone with his other hand.

Pushing all sentiment aside, he grabbed his heavy midnight blue cape and secured it in place over his shoulders. He marched to his double doors in a confident stride. "It's showtime."

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The celebration was fully underway. The ballroom was elegantly decorated and the guests were enthralled by enchanting music and good food. It pleased Snow to see such happiness within her kingdom; almost reminding her of the days when she was young and her mother was still alive. Such wonderful times that she had wanted to share with the woman who became her second mother. She and Regina had hurt each other so many times over the years that it had seemed that forgiveness would never come for either of them. However, Snow forgave Regina a long time ago; and in turn, she would earn Regina's forgiveness by ensuring that Henry was brought up well. Her eyes scanned the ballroom in search of her grandson.

"Who are you looking for?" Asked a deep voice from behind her.

Snow turned to her husband with a beaming smile, which widened as he descended his lips upon hers. "Just a handsome young man." She answered coyly once released from the kiss.

He raised a brow at that. "Should I be jealous?"

She chuckled at that. "Of your own grandson? I should hope not."

David pulled his queen into his arms before looking over the crowd. "Henry will be making his grand entrance shortly. Let's take our seats." He told her, guiding her over to their thrones. He and Snow took the two in the middle. Emma was already seated in her seat on the left of Snow, and there was an empty one on the right of David.

"Nervous?" Snow asked Emma once she noticed her daughter's slight fidget.

Emma let out a deep sigh. "No, of course not." She said, turning immediately to Snow.

The brunettes brow furrowed in thought as she trailed her eyes down the path Emma was just looking. It did not take her long to spot the pirate. "Emma-"

"I don't want to talk about it." Emma said, cutting her mother off warningly.

Snow disregarded her tone. "It's clear to everyone that you both still have feelings for each other. No one would blame you if you wanted to work things out." At Emma's silence, she continued. "I see the way that he looks at you."

"It doesn't mean anything." Emma remarked stubbornly. "He chose to leave. It's not my fault if he has regrets now."

Snow sighed in disappointment. She didn't understand why Emma and Hook were content in making things so much harder on themselves. However, she did not have long to ponder the situation as the trumpet sounded, gaining the attention of the entirety of the hall. Snow squeezed Emma's hand and then whispered, "Will talk about this later." Before turning her attention to the entrance.

The royal herald stood tall and spoke clearly. "Presenting… the Honorable Prince Henry!" The man stepped back and allowed the double doors to open.

Most present stood in awe, whilst some could not hold in the gasp that escaped. It had been a long while since many of the citizens had seen young Henry. He looked different, almost frightfully so; and thus, the murmurs began.

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Once the herald announced arrival, Henry sauntered into the room, his stride every bit the poise of a Prince, of a warrior. His expression was calm as he made his way to his family. The hushed tones of the room did nothing to sway his composure. He knew that he was a sight to behold, not even his… uh family could hide their surprise. He glanced into many eyes as he walked down the long path made for him. So many stared in awe, some in jealousy, others in… lust? He smirked at that one. Nay, but none gave him more pleasure than the looks of fear; sure it was only a few, but it was a start. Perhaps, they finally saw the resemblance to his mother. His true mother. 'They are smart to fear me.' He decided.

As he approached David and the others, he released a full-fledged, all-teeth, 1000-watt smile; mostly directed at Snow. Never directed at Emma. Once he was close enough, he drew his sword with enough flare to make the young ladies swoon. After a fanciful twist, he fell to one knee with his sword point into the floor. Both hands wrapped around the hilt, he bowed his head. "My King and Queen." He greeted, "I, Prince Henry son of Baelfire offer my service and my sword to you. To serve and protect the citizens of this kingdom. To protect the innocents from the darkness that lurks from outside these walls. In the name of the great kings before me, and those who will come after, I offer you my fealty." He finished strongly, reciting the words with no heart. He didn't believe in them, and therefore, in his eyes they were carefully crafted lies to serve his purpose.

David looked down at his grandson, "Not long ago, you entered your sixteenth year. A milestone in any world. Back in Storybrooke you would have been driving, possibly had your own car, and started to become your own man. But we are not in Storybrooke anymore, and are not restricted by its rules any long." He paused before continued. "You've done more in your short life than many in a lifetime. You have shown bravery, courage, hope, intelligence, and _ even in the face of sure defeat. When I look at you Henry, I don't see a boy. I see my grandson and spirited young man, who would do anything to protect those that he cares about. You are the bearer of the one with the heart of the truest believer. It is because of your belief that we all stand here today." David smiled, proud at the man Henry was growing into. "On behalf of the kingdom and the throne I sit upon, I accept your fealty. And for your loyalty, I grant you partial sovereignty over the Western Gates." There were gasps in the crowd, none expecting such an honor. "Rise." David then looked to the people. "I present to you, His Grace, Prince Henry, Duke of the Western Gates."

There was applause as Henry rose to his feet with a large smile on his face. He quickly sheathed his sword and stepped forward. "Thank you Grandpa." He said, so that only the three seated royals could hear. He then took his seat on the throne beside David. He looked out over the guests mingling before them. Still, many were simply staring at him, only to divert their eyes upon his gaze. However, not all appeared to be intimidated by the young man, there were many a young hearts amongst the ladies fluttering with excitement. 'Let them enjoy the festivities.' Henry thought to himself. 'For after tonight, things will become most unpleasant.'

David glanced at the crowd, raising a goblet of wine and toasted to a merry night. Afterwards, the real party commenced. Many people came to greet Henry and offer their congratulations. He put on a grand show of modesty and gratitude; smiling into the faces of the people who condemned his mother. 'Oh how they will all pay.' He tried to keep the smirk off his face as he thought about their future cries of mercy. As fun as imagining their pain, a voice pulled him out of his reverie.

"Looking very sharp, my boy." The dark man before him spoke.

Henry looked to see one of the people highest on his hit list. It had been over two years since he had seen him last. He couldn't help but to narrow his eyes a little at the sight of the mousy woman beside him. "Grandpa Gold." Henry greeted. He had for the most part decided to always refer to Rumpelstiltskin by his Storybrooke persona. He knew that the imp did not like it, for 'Gold' did not inspire the same fear as 'Rumpelstiltskin'; but Henry honestly did not care. He looked to his step-grandmother. "Belle."

"Congratulations Henry. You are looking well." Belle greeted him with a wide smile.

Henry resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the gown she chose to wear. 'Does she own any other color?' He smiled instead. "Thank you. You look quite lovely yourself. Gold is truly your color." He stated, hoping no one noted his sarcasm. "In more ways than one, it would seem." He finished with a smirk. Belle giggled at that before making her way over to speak with Snow and Emma.

Rumpel immediately noticed Henry's odd demeanor. If he didn't know better, he would swear the boy was being snarky with them. "You've grown quite well, son. I say Henry, I hardly recognize you at all."

"Well, keeping your distance for a couple years can do that to you." The prince said, not bothering to mask his bite. He didn't like this monster referring to him as son. Not after what he did to both his mother and the father he never got to know.

David was caught by surprise. "Henry…" He started warily.

Rumpel stopped David. "Let the boy speak. Clearly he has something he'd like to get off his chest."

Henry just chuckled. "No not really. I'd just prefer it if you didn't pretend that we have a relationship when we clearly don't. I'm not interested in your games. And you don't have the same hold over me that you had over my poor deceased father."

"Henry, watch what you are saying. He is still your grandfather and you are a prince. I demand you act like it." David reprimanded upon noticing they were gaining some attention.

Rumpel blanched at the boy's words. His first instinct was to choke him. That realization made him pause. Even though Henry was his grandson, he was his Bae. And without Baelfire, he didn't really give Henry much of a thought. "It's okay David." Rumpel spoke as thought unaffected. "I haven't been around, so what claim do I truly have to be a part of his life?" He was eyeing Henry most carefully. "Maybe I can visit more and you can always visit me Henry. Perhaps there is still time for us." He suggested, though he knew by the look in Henry's eyes, it was out of the question.

"Don't hold your breath." Was Henry's curt reply.

"Very well." Rumpel conceded, unsurprised. He recognized Henry's eyes. His grandson was headed down a dangerous path. This he knew to be true. The question is, does he dare try and stop it. "Well I do wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors Prince Henry. You are growing into a fine young man. Regina would be proud." He gave Henry a look of intimidation, only it did not work. The imp soon left their presence with his bride in tow.

Henry's hands clenched at his words. His nails digging into the armrests of his chair. "Not yet, but soon… she will be." He promised in a hushed whisper that only he could hear over the sound of the music.

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"Queen Snow, Princess Emma, you both look enchanting." Belle greeted her friends.

"How many times do I have to tell you Belle, it's just Emma?" The blonde told her, slightly annoyed and uncomfortable.

Snow chuckled. "That goes for me as well Belle." She said, standing up and pulling her old friend into a hug. "How have you been? It's been so long since we last spoke."

Belle nodded her head, "Yes it has. Things are good, just so many are still afraid of Rumpel. I've been trying to get him to socialize, but…" She sighed.

Emma laughed. "I can see how difficult that'd be."

"Emma." Snow admonished gently, not liking the temperament her daughter seemed to be in. She looked to Belle with an understanding eyes. "It can't be easy for the people or for him, I'd imagine."

The brown haired woman nodded her head. "At first, things were really good. He really was making an effort and some of the locals were warming up to us. But…" Here she hesitated a little before continuing in a more hushed tone, "… after word spread about Regina… he grew distant again. I hadn't seen him that way since Neal." Snow pulled Belle into another hug, while Emma looked on unimpressed.

"Maybe he's feeling guilty that he made her that way and did nothing to prevent her death." Emma told her nonchalantly. Snow didn't bother reprimanding her this time, knowing that it would do no good.

Belle looked sadly at the blonde. "Believe me; the thought has crossed my mind."

"Good evening ladies." Greeted a new voice. "Your majesties both look stunning." Blue complimented before looking over to the woman who tamed the beast. "And you Belle, are looking as enchanting as ever." The ladies received the fairy in high spirits in return. "Henry is looking quite handsome Emma. You must be so proud." She smiled, glancing at the boy conversing with the Dark One. Her eyes narrowed a little as she read Henry's body language. She then looked directly at Emma. "How has he been since Regina's…" She trailed off not wishing to continue.

"Her death?" Emma asked bluntly, causing her mother to flinch. "How do you think?" She let out a sigh before apologizing and excusing herself.

Snow looked apologetically at Blue. "I'm sorry, she's just…"

Blue nodded her head. "No, I understand. In fact, I'm rather used to it." At the quizzical looks she was receiving, she elaborated. "Tinker Bell. She's gone off on her own again. Hasn't quite forgiven me for Regina's banishment, and with her death, I fear she will never forgive me."

"Sorry to hear that." Belle told her. She remembered how the two fairies were finally able to mend their relationship, and now it was all over. This saddened her.

"Thank you." Blue told her before glancing towards Henry again. Her eyes immediately went to the ring on his finger. She was drawn to look upon it. Entranced by it even. She barely noticed Belle leaving with her husband or Snow's calls of concern. "Wh- what?" She asked suddenly, looking the dark haired queen in the eyes.

Snow was worried about her friend. "Blue, are you okay?" She asked.

"Oh yeah, it's just…" She glanced back towards Henry, who was now headed towards the dance floor with one of the young ladies of the kingdom. "I'm concerned for Henry."

"Oh, he's simply mourning, but he'll be fine." Snow reassured her. "We've been spending some time together. He's coming around."

"I don't think he's altogether himself-" Blue halted what she was going to say as Snow's words finally registered in her in her mind. "Wait, did you say that you and the prince were spending time together?"

"Yes." Snow's smile widened. "It's helped us both with Regina's loss."

Blue realized Snow would not be objective in her suspicions at this point, and so she nodded with a light smile of her own. "That is good to hear. I am pleased to know that you both have each other." She glanced at Henry one last time, before changing the subject and conversing on a much lighter topic; all the while, Henry and his impending darkness at the forefront of her mind. He simply reminded her too much of Regina.

.

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It was much later, after supper that the crowd began to wane. Those with smaller children waiting at home having long since left. The queen herself retired early in hopes of tucking her son into bed. Several times throughout the night, Emma had tried to speak with Henry, but he had managed to dodge her right out without seeming suspicious. After all, there were several people the king wanted to introduce him to, and Henry had his own friends, really his more trusted men, to speak to. His promotion of another title with land was unexpected to say the least. David really was trying. Too bad that it was already too late. And instead, he was giving Henry the right tools to carry out his revenge.

'With my own land, I could cultivate my own army without raising suspicions.' He rationalized. But it'd have to be a small one. For the things he had planned, he didn't need an armada; just enough to stand against David's when the time came.

Once enough time had passed to be deemed polite, Henry made an excuse and left his own party. He'd be remised to say that he had not noticed the Blue Fairy's curious gaze. It wasn't surprising, she was after all a magic user as well. He was sure that he had to of given off some kind of vibe to her. It mattered not. She used fairy light magic. The little she may have sensed in him could be attributed to the fact of his birth mother being the 'savior' or him having the truest heart or whatever. No, her notice did not concern him. However, the Dark One on the other hand, could very well have sensed it on him. The darkness itself. Henry smirked at that. Even if the old sorcerer had, he wouldn't do anything. He's not one to play hero.

Henry finally made it down to his lair, having already removed his dark cape. As ominous as it made him look, it was ridiculously heavy. Perhaps he could find a spell to lighten. With a shake of his head, he decided to ponder that later. As of now, he had more pressing matters to attend.

He made his way to his work station; using magic to start the cauldron. He already had on the necessary ingredients laid out. He immediately started on his task.

"Have you considered all of the ramifications if you were to take this action?" Asked a calm and soothing voice.

Completely used to being interrupted at the most inconvenient of times, Henry was not at all startled at the intrusion. "Not now Mirror."

The genie looked on from behind his cell. "Many will most likely die." He tried, but received no response. "Children will be most vulnerable. Are you ready to have their deaths on your conscience?"

"We all have to go some time. Besides, their blood won't be on my hands." He responded, not once halting in his movements.

"How do you figure?" Sydney asked, unnerved by that response.

"Snow and David are the monarchs of this kingdom. These people are their responsibility. It is the choices they are soon to make that will shape everyone's destiny." Henry commented dryly as he watched the cauldron light up. He dropped in one final ingredient and smiled as the mixture began swirling at an alarming speed. "It is done." The solution shot up and an invisible shockwave burst throughout the entire kingdom. "Tomorrow, everything changes."

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AN: Sooooo so so so very sorry for this unbelievably late update. So much has happened in my life since that last chapter and I've been super crazy busy. New job, new home, new school, bad break-up… very very bad break-up, getting back in the field (felt like the rules had changed), starting a new relationship, getting involved in multiple activities, hitting the gym, and various vacations (new gig has an awesome benefits package = more vacay days). My point is so much is going on, but I have not forgotten about our story here. That being said, let's move onto OUAT.

I don't know about you guys, but the allure of Outlaw Queen felt like a burning match and is finally fizzling out. I will finish this story and Vanished with that pairing in mind, but I probably won't write anymore. I'm just so done with Robin at this point. Fine, your ex comes back, I can see how that would create complications, and when you choose Regina, I'm proud of you. But you have to leave with ex for even more complicated reasons. It's heroic, I get that. But it's been a few weeks, couple of months at most, and already to impregnated the 'apparent ex'. I don't even care that it was really Zelena, it didn't take long for Robin to take things to the physical level. All the while he's supposed to be missing his soulmate. … sigh Regina is constantly getting screwed. What kind of soulmate is that? David (hate calling him Charming) thought he was married to another woman and still could not stomach the thought of cheating on Mary Margaret, even though she was technically (at the time) the other woman.

I wish Jefferson could come back on the show. That is who Regina was supposed to be with anyway. No one has more chemistry with Regina than him. I wish Regina could just go dark again. Because being my fav character and all, she's getting pretty damn boring.

Okay, sorry for that rant lol. More to come, and much more sooner.

Thank you for reading, thank you for reviewing, and …

… … … … as A.L.W.A.Y.S… … …

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