Alright, I have decided that this will be the last chapter. Originally it was going to be a bit longer, but I'm honestly just not enjoying the show enough anymore to feel inspired enough to write this anymore and I've spent months feeling blocked. I almost abandoned it completely, but I felt at the very least, I should give you an ending to wrap it up, and show the reunion between Regina and Snow when she learns the truth. I give a summary of what happened during those ten years by having Robin tell the story to another prisoner.

Thank you, everyone, who has followed this story, I really do appreciate all the positive comments and encouragement you left.

I may continue to write OQ oneshots when the mood strikes, but I realized it was better to write this portion, which I had been looking forward to anyway, to give an ending to this story when I knew I wasn't feeling it anymore.

So, I hope you enjoy it and thank you again for your support!

Another prisoner had been brought in as Robin awaited his fate, a young man who admitted he had stolen some valuables from nobles. To pass the time, Robin began swapping stories with him, which turned into him revealing his identity as Robin Hood, as well as what had really become of Queen Regina ten years earlier. The young man was fascinated, having heard of the notorious outlaw, and he listened intently to Robin's stories, asking questions occasionally. Robin wasn't sure why it felt so good to talk about it all and wondered if it was because it essentially was a death bed confession.

"So, when did they start calling you 'Robin Hood'?" The boy, whose name was James, asked.

Robin chuckled at the question.

"It started because the Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John were always calling me a hoodlum. So I started using it as a name and after a while it stuck. There was a time when my eldest son even called me "Papa Hood" for awhile."

"How many children do you have?" James asked.

"Two, two sons. And another child on the way soon," Robin said, guilt and sadness rising up inside him as he realized he might never meet his newest child, or see his sons grow older. He knew Regina and the children would never be alone. The Merry Men and Women would never let them be alone or want for anything. But he still couldn't imagine not being there with her.

He told James this as he told the story of when he almost lost Regina when she was carrying their second child Roland.

"Roland came along about five years after Henry. It was difficult raising a child in the woods, so we tried to be careful not to get pregnant again, but we were still happy when learned she was with child again."

"But you were scared too?" James guessed

"Of course, especially when she got sick towards the time she was due to deliver, and it didn't seem like she or Roland would make it. We tried everything to heal her, talked to medicine men and women throughout the land, but nothing helped. They all said she would most likely die and the baby too."

"But she did survive, so something must have worked?" James asked.

"Yes," Robin sighed, remembering. "I learned that there was a magical object that could cure her. Now, because of Regina's and Tinkerbell's histories in particular, we don't normally mess around with magic. But I knew I had to try. I'd never have lived with myself if I didn't. So I went on the most dangerous job I ever did. I tried to steal from The Dark One."

James didn't speak for a moment, and Robin wondered if he had shocked him into silence.

"The Dark One?" James gasped. "You robbed The Dark One? And you survived?"

"Barely," Robin said. "He caught me, locked me up, and tortured me. Suffice it to say, hanging from your wrists for days takes quite a toll on you."

"So, how did you get out?"

Robin couldn't help but smile at this part, even if it wasn't the most pleasant of memories overall.

"His servant girl, her name was Belle, let me go and helped me escape from the dungeon. I was able to take the wand on my way out and I was able to save Regina's life. I mean, she wasn't thrilled when I told her what I had done."

"Was she really angry?"

"Not really, more worried. Since she had disappointed the Dark One before, she was worried he would come after us. But Tinkerbell did some scouting and found out he had another student he seemed invested in and we never heard from him. Our lives were able to carry on without magical interference. Roland was born a few weeks after I used the wand and he was perfectly healthy and happy. He turns five next month."

Robin was silent after that for a few minutes, and then James asked him another question.

"So if Queen Regina was with you in another kingdom all these years, how did you end up back here? How did they catch you? Had you even been close to Queen Snow White since you left?"

"Not really," Robin said. "We'd hear different things coming from different kingdoms, and a few years ago we heard of Leopold's death. That's when Regina and I were finally able to actually get married. That was about three years ago."

"So you told people you were married, but you hadn't actually done it?" James asked, sounding confused.

"Well, according to Friar Tuck, who always supported our relationship, even though King Leopold believed Regina to be dead, she was actually still married to him. So after he was dead, Tuck agreed to marry us for real. We had a nice small ceremony in the woods."

Robin paused again to take a drink of the miniscule amount of water he'd been left with. Then he continued.

"We did a job at King Midas' about a year later, and we were actually there when Snow was there and upset Princess Abigail's engagement to Prince James."

"I heard about that, although didn't Princess Abigail not really want to marry him?"

"No, she was actually fine with not marrying him, especially when he and Snow helped her revive the man she actually was in love with. We only heard that after it happened though, we had to flee before Snow could see us, since she still has had Wanted posters out for me."

"But she found you eventually."

"Well, King George found me," Robin corrected. "About a week ago we robbed his palace and we misjudged how many guards were around. I got my men out, but they got me. King George would have just executed me, but Queen Snow offered him money to take me prisoner. So, here I am."

"Wow," James said. "My story isn't nearly that interesting."

"My advice? Try to not to make it quite this interesting with thievery. I'm not saying I have regrets, but I wish I could have given Regina and our children a more normal life. So, if you're not in too deep yet, and they let you go, try to turn things around okay?"

James didn't answer at first. Then he said,

"Okay."

The guards came back at that moment, and they ended the conversation. When they left, James had one more question for Robin.

"Why don't you tell the Queen the truth? Then she'll know you didn't murder her step-mother. You'd be free."

"No, I wouldn't. And neither would Regina. I doubt faking her death is going to go over well."

"Maybe."

James didn't ask him any more questions, but started telling Robin his own story to pass the time. There were hours to go before he would be executed. He prayed again that his family would be okay, and that they would forgive him.

Regina was leading the group through the woods back to the kingdom she'd never thought she'd enter again. She kept her head down as she entered, although if she hadn't been recognized in this village ten years ago, she likely wouldn't be now.

"Are we almost there Mama?" Henry asked from his pony, his little brother clinging to him. Roland looked like he was falling asleep and Regina was glad to find a clearing that they could set up camp safely.

"We're here," Regina said, relieved as she dismounted Rocinante. It had taken longer than it normally would as she couldn't ride hard and risk hurting the new baby growing inside her. She was still at least four months away from delivery, and needed to be careful. But she also had a husband to rescue.

She settled her boys into their tent, asking Henry to watch his brother as he napped, and went back outside. Will, Little John, and Tuck had come with her and they now discussed how to move forward with the plan. Will in particular disagreed with what Regina believed was best.

"We can probably just break him out," Will said. "We did it once before."

"Have you seen the number of guards she has surrounding him?" Regina asked him. "It would be a suicide mission to break him out."

"And going into the palace and confronting the Queen directly isn't?" Will asked her, incredulous. "We've spent ten years on the run, making sure no one would learn the truth. And now, you want to walk in there and just reveal it?"

Regina sighed, trying not to feel guilty about them being on the run.

"I know. I know it sounds mad. But I think it's probably the only way to save him. She can't execute him if she knows he didn't commit the crime. Or at least, she shouldn't, and I doubt she will."

"That doesn't mean any of us are off the hook, we still faked your death, and let him out the first time he was captured," John said.

"Which is why I'm going alone," Regina stated.

"Regina…" Tuck protested.

"I have to go alone. That way, if the worst happens and I don't come back, I need to know the boys will be okay."

"So you admit, you think there's a chance she may do the worst and kill you?" Will said, angrily.

Unfortunately, the little ears with them overheard that part.

"No Mama!" Roland yelled out, having woken up and run outside. His older brother ran out after him. Roland threw his arms around his mother's waist. "You can't go!"

"Sweetheart, I'm going to get Papa…"

"But he said the Queen might kill you!" Henry said, looking as worried as his brother which was unusual for him. "Is she going to kill Papa?"

"No darling…" she began, turning to glare at Will, who looked a bit sheepish for scaring his nephews. "I don't think she will do that. She just, might be upset with me, and it won't be easy to convince her to let us come back for awhile. But we can't save Papa without seeing her."

"Don't go!" Roland said.

Regina knelt down to face both her children, and touched her hand to her belly where the newest one was growing.

"Papa and I have always come back haven't we?" she said, holding Roland's chin up and looking into Henry's eyes.

They nodded. There were times that it had taken one or both of them awhile to get back, but their children never lost hope that they would come back.

"I promise, we will be back," she said, hoping she wasn't lying.

Regina squeezed both her children tightly, and kissed their foreheads.

"I love you! And I'll be back."

Regina rode Rocinante through the village, smiling as she passed the tavern where her life had changed. She followed the road towards the looming palace, feeling nervous, but not as terrified as she had been when she came to marry King Leopold. Her baby kicked her, as though sensing her unease.

"I'm sorry darling," she said to the baby Tinkerbell was insisting was a girl. "I can't help but worry."

Regina noticed that much looked the same as it had before when she walked through the palace gates into the grounds. There wasn't a flurry of activity, but some of the gardeners were out. They acknowledged her, but didn't seem to recognize their former Queen. Not even the one tending to her old apple tree, which Regina was surprised to see not only standing but thriving.

She approached the doors still mounted, her arrows and bow strapped to her back. She dismounted when she reached the guards, saying,

"I'm here to see the Queen."

"Her Majesty is not seeing anyone today," one of the guards said, looking ahead rather than at her.

Regina remembered one law that would work in her favor and told the guards such.

"She'll have to. I am Robin Hood's wife, and I am invoking my right to plead for his life, which the laws of this kingdom permit me to do. Unless of course, the Queen has changed the law since her father's passing."

She found herself easily speaking to them with the authority that she would have once had over them. It almost shook her how easy it was, but she stared at them.

The guards looked at each other with surprise. They weren't used to a peasant woman being so assertive or being so sure of what she was entitled to.

The guards permitted her entry, and escorted her into the palace up to the Great Hall. The made her relinquish her bow and quiver, which didn't surprise her, but made her slightly uneasy. Even inside, it didn't seem like much had changed. The Hall and Throne Room were as magnificent as ever.

A man who must have been a newer palace butler came over to where she was standing. The guards addressed him.

"Simon, this woman claims to be Robin Hood's wife, here to make a case for his life before he is executed."

"Her Majesty is not seeing anyone today," the butler said. "I'm sorry Madam, but I can tell you no matter what she will not be convinced to let him live after his crimes."

"Surely Her Majesty isn't breaking the laws of her land," Regina said, sternly, using the same voice she had with the guards outside.

"Excuse me?"

"When King Leopold was alive, any family members of prisoners sentenced to be executed were able to come to him and make a plea for their loved one's life. And even if the king did not accept the plea and stay the execution, he allowed them to say goodbye. So unless the Queen has changed those laws, I am invoking those rights."

Simon, the butler, looked like he may try to refuse again, or perhaps simply throw her in a cell with Robin. But then, someone else came into view who Regina remembered from her time as Queen. Johannah, the maid who had basically been Snow's nanny. She looked over and saw Regina, and did a slight double take, as though she wasn't sure she really recognized the woman in front of her.

"What's going on here, Simon?" she asked, looking nervous.

"This woman claims to be Robin Hood's wife. The man who murdered the former Queen, and our Queen's step-mother."

Johannah's recognition seemed to grow at this statement, especially when she met Regina's eyes. Regina nodded to her, confirming that the woman was not losing her mind.

"I will go tell the Queen you are here," Johannah said.

"You know the Queen has asked not to be disturbed today," Simon said, annoyed.

"I think Her Majesty will see her," the maid said, turning out of the Hall down a corridor.

"Keep her here," Simon instructed the guards, and he hurried after Johannah.

"What is going on?" Simon demanded as he followed Johannah towards the Queens' and Prince's quarters. "Why do you think Her Majesty will have any interest to see the wife of Robin Hood? If that's even who this woman is…" He said, as though doubting the claim.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," was Johannah's reply. "Besides, it is the law."

"She must know her supposed husband can't be set free when he murdered the former Queen."

"Maybe not," Johannah said, under her breath.

When they arrived, Queen Snow White and her husband Prince David (his real name) were having tea in their sitting room, and seemed surprised at the interruption.

"I apologize, Your Majesty," Simon said, before Johannah could speak. "But, there is a woman in the Great Hall claiming to be Robin Hood's wife, invoking her wife to plea for his wife."

"I had never heard of him having any family," Snow said, very surprised at this revelation. She shook it off quickly. "But that doesn't change what he did to Regina, so even if I talk to her, it won't change my mind. She knows that right? He's refusing to give information, and I've given him every opportunity."

"Still, Your Majesty, it may do good to see her anyway. To show the goodness in you that your people so admire," Johannah said, knowing how important that was to Snow White, especially as Queen Eva had always impressed the importance of goodness onto her daughter.

Snow hesitated, looking like she might still refuse, so Johannah tried once more.

"And perhaps, perhaps his wife will give you the answers you've sought all these years," she said.

That seemed to give Snow pause.

"Married couples tell each other things. Perhaps she knows the truth about what happened," Johannah said.

"Maybe," Snow said.

"I do think you should see her," Johannah said, almost pleading.

Simon looked at her, aghast that she would try to persuade the Queen in such a way, but she ignored.

"Alright," Snow White said, looking to her husband, who gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll see her. But my decision remains."

Johannah didn't respond to that, simply led her Queen down towards the Great Hall, where they approached the peasant woman, who was with child and flanked by two guards. Snow White stopped suddenly and when Johannah looked over, she was white as a sheet and her green eyes were wide. The Prince put his hand on his wife's shoulder, concerned about her, and Johannah wondered if Her Majesty would faint.

"R-Regina," she managed to gasp out after a moment of very awkward silence. "It-it's you. You, you're alive."

"Hello Snow," Regina said, stepping forward, nervously. "I think it's time we talked."

"Wait," Prince David said, trying to wrap his head around what he was hearing. "So, you're…"

"Yes," Regina said. "So you see, Robin Hood didn't murder me."

Snow White was too stunned to speak, and she went to sit down as it appeared she might actually faint at this revelation. The guards and staff nearby appeared stunned, especially those who had been at the palace when Regina was Queen.

"Perhaps we should have this conversation somewhere else," the Prince suggested, not wanting his wife to have a breakdown in front of everyone. Snow nodded her agreement and the three of them went into a parlor with instructions to be left alone for a time.

"I know this is shocking to you," Regina said gently, as she took a seat. "And I'm sorry for that."

"That's what you're sorry for?" Snow said, with tears in her eyes now. "For shocking me? Not for, I don't know, letting me think you were dead. How, how are you even here? I saw them bury you!" she insisted.

"No, you saw them bury an empty coffin," Regina explained, trying to keep her voice gentle, and ignoring the stunned looks from the staff surrounding her. "I had taken a sleeping potion, and was given the anti-dote after the ceremony. The coffin was supposed to be closed by then so no one knew I was gone."

"Wh-why? Why would you do this?" Snow asked. "How did this…"

"Snow, please," Regina began, putting her hands up slowly. "I'll explain, but it will take some time, alright. It's a bit of a long story."

"I spent all these years thinking you were murdered!" Snow said, not wanting to listen quite yet. "My father spent years hunting down the man we believed responsible, and I continued it. All that time, you were alive. Why would you do that to us, we were your family!"

Regina sighed, knowing that while she was an adult, Snow still clung to childhood memories without being able to see the truth underneath.

"Snow, that's now I felt," she said slowly.

"What?" Snow asked.

"About you and your father. I didn't feel like we were a family. And, that isn't your fault," Regina said.

"I don't…" Snow interrupted, but paused when Regina put up her hand again.

"Please, let me explain. I've come all this way after all this time. Let me tell you the truth this time. The whole truth."

Snow sat back, as did her Prince, and Regina began talking.

"I was barely 18 when I married your father. He was three times my age. He didn't love me, and I didn't love him. And I think deep down you know that, because now you've been in love."

Regina paused to let Snow take this part in.

"It didn't help that I had lost someone I loved at that time. Someone very dear to me. Someone I told you about, when we first met."

The memory seemed to come to Snow as her eyes widened.

"You mean, Daniel? That stable boy? You, you said he left you."

"I lied. I told you that to spare your feelings. But the truth is, my mother murdered him after you told her I wanted to marry him instead of your father."

Snow began to tear up again, feeling like weight crashing down on her.

"I-I don't know what to say…" Snow admitted finally.

"You don't have to say anything," Regina said softly. "It's not your fault. It was hers. And it took me awhile to come to terms with that. I honestly hated you for it for awhile."

"I guess I don't blame you for that," Snow said.

"When I met Robin Hood, that started to change," Regina said. "I met him in a tavern when I left the palace one night, and felt things I hadn't felt since Daniel. And I started to heal with him. I fell in love. And he fell in love with me, even knowing who I was and that it was dangerous for him. We kept seeing each other, he knew how to get into the palace and sometimes I would leave to see him when I could get away. I felt free for the first time in my life."

Regina wiped her eyes, trying to stop herself from crying at the memories.

"And then, a little while after that first performance Robin and his friends did at the palace, I realized I was pregnant. And that there was no way we could go on as we were with a child coming. Your father would have known it wasn't his, and I admit, I didn't want to know how he would react. I was afraid for Robin's life," she continued to explain.

It took a long time to get through the whole story, with Regina explaining their escape and life on the run, Snow occasionally interrupting with questions, David sometimes asking for clarification as well. By the end of the conversation, with Regina explaining why they were robbing King George in the first place, both women were emotional.

"If you're angry with me, I understand," Regina said. "I know that this hurt you, and only now I'm seeing that it was more than I expected it too. But Snow, Robin's only crime…"

"Besides stealing?" David said, as if he needed to establish that he and his wife had the moral high ground.

"Yes, of course, besides the fact that we stole from rich people and gave it to the poor," Regina said sarcastically. "His only crime besides that, is that he loves me and wants me to be happy."

Snow was silent for awhile, and David kept quiet as well.

"I am sorry Snow," Regina said. "I am sorry, for whatever it's worth, that I hurt you so much with this. But please, don't take my children's father away from them. We can go quietly, and never bother you again if that's what you want. Just let him go."

"Technically, you're guilty of deceit," David said, although his voice was softer.

"David," Snow said, turning towards him. They seemed to have a quick conversation with their eyes. Regina was glad Snow had found someone so right for her that she could do that with.

"No, Regina," she said after a few moments. "I don't think that's what I want."

"Alright," Regina said, but waited for her to continue.

"I spent years thinking you were dead, and wishing you had lived. And you did. You're here. And while I'm not sure how I feel exactly, I know that it's a good thing."

The Queen had tears in her eyes again, but also a smile on her face. She stood up, so Regina did too. And then she was shocked by her former step-daughter coming to embrace her. But after a moment, she hugged the young woman back.

This reunion was far more positive than she could have hoped for.

Snow led them down into the dungeons, towards the cell where Robin was being held. He looked through the bars, resignation in his eyes, until he saw who was with the Queen and Prince.

"Regina," he said, incredulous. "How-"

"She told us the truth," David said. "So you're a free man now."

David was giving a slight smirk, but there was kindness in it as well, as he let Robin out of his cell.

"Well, you wouldn't have believed it from me," Robin said, embracing his wife and kissing her when they met again.

"No, I wouldn't have," Snow said. "So, I'm glad Regina came…back," she continued, pausing, and Regina was sure she had been about to say 'home' and was pleased the story seemed to help her realize the truth about the woman she had called a step-mother.

Regina and Robin embraced for a moment, and then Snow and David brought them back towards the Hall, where the servants stopped and stared, but a stern noise from Simon put them back to work.

"Where will you go?" Snow asked, escorting them through the palace doors. "You can stay, if you like. I'm sure your children would like it."

"They probably would," Robin agreed.

"But I think we should give the people some time to get used to this, since I'm sure word will spread soon."

"That's true," Snow said. "But promise me you won't go too far. I want to be able to see you. And you probably shouldn't if you're with child," Snow continued, smiling.

"We won't be far," Regina promised. "I probably should wait until the baby is born at this point."

Snow hugged her goodbye again, tears in her eyes.

"Send word where you are, and I'll come see you when I can get away," she told Regina.

"I will," Regina promised, mounting Rocinante, Robin getting on behind her.

"How do you feel?" Robin asked, as the rode back towards the woods where the boys and men were waiting for them.

"I should be asking you that, you were a prisoner for awhile there," Regina said, brushing his hand with her fingers as they rode along.

"I'm all right. Nowhere near as bad as other dungeons. But I know this must have been hard for you."

"Not nearly as much as it could have been. I was actually a bit worried about how she'd react, which is why I didn't bring the boys. I guess I never realized how much she cared for me."

"So, do you want to stay nearby then?"

"Maybe at least until she's born," Regina said, touching her belly. "It would be nice to have one pregnancy without such an eventful end."

"She?" Robin asked, that word catching his attention.

"Tinkerbell is insisting it's a girl, and I've decided she's right until she's proven wrong. Even if she doesn't have her wings anymore, her intuition never fails us," Regina explained.

"True," Robin said, kissing her head from behind. "And maybe now, since we're in a land where we're no longer Wanted for crimes, we can give our children the life we talked about."

"I don't know if I could even get used to living indoors long term again," Regina said with a laugh. "But, I think we can give it a try. Now, I think we're approaching some boys who are excited to see you back."

Robin looked up and saw a tent with two boys playing in front of it. He smiled as Henry saw them first and started running towards them, Roland following. Robin jumped off the horse and ran to reunite with his sons, holding them and squeezing them tightly. Regina joined them a moment later, and they all fell to the grass happy to be back together.

As her sons and husband laughed together and she felt her baby girl kick again, Regina rejoiced inside. Not only did she have the family she always wanted, but they no longer had to run from the world. She didn't think she'd ever truly want for anything else and felt truly victorious. And more importantly, as happy as Tinkerbell had promised her she'd be.