Hi guys. I can't believe it took me this long to update. I feel so bad. But it's finally here. I got so caught up in other things I kinda forgot about this. This is the last chapter, and I'm sorry this is the end, but that was the original plan. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you to everyone who was read this and stuck with me 3 .


Three weeks had now gone by since Ruby's return. Wedding plans were in full swing, and it was a great distraction for everyone about what had happened. Robin and John were both still in the dungeons awaiting trail. The thought of execution was on the table, but Regina wasn't sure if that was a good idea, for her own sake. Cutting off Mr. Hale's tongue all those months ago was the last act of violence she had personally committed. No she wouldn't be the executioner, but it was too close. She was truly trying to distance herself from that kind of violence. She wasn't sure about Ruby, but she was leaning towards banishment. However, if Ruby wanted execution she'd give it to her. Those two men attacked her, not herself. Regina only had to suffer the consequences.

They weren't going to worry about Robin or John until after the wedding. They needed that grace period of being away from it all for just a little while. The wedding was a week away, and the anticipation was killing them; In the most glorious of ways. The wedding was going to be relatively small compared to the grand weddings queens usually received. All the invitations has been sent out… except for one.

Regina was standing out on their balcony early that morning wrapped in furs. Ruby came up behind her, rested her chin upon her shoulder, and wrapped her arms around her waist. She pulled her flush against her chest and hummed. "You've been getting up earlier these past few mornings."

"Finding that I haven't been able to sleep very long. Excited I guess," she whispered feeling her cheeks burn.

Ruby chuckled softly, "Me too. And speaking of, there was something I wanted to ask you."

"Yes dear?"

"There's some people I want to invite that weren't on the list."

"Oh?" Regina turned around. "Who?"

Ruby nervously brushed her hair behind her ears. She didn't know why she was so nervous. Maybe because she didn't want Regina to have to go back a little and feel guilty for what happened. "I want to ask Hazel and Richard if they'd come."

"They couple who took care of you?"

Ruby nodded. "I just… they- I told them about you, about how we were supposed to get married. I just want to pay them back in some way. I feel that I really owe them something. And, I also really want you to meet them."

"Ok."

"Ok?"

"Yes, of course Ruby. I don't know why you think I'd say no. It would be an honor to meet the people who saved your life."

Ruby smiled and let out a breath of relief. "I don't know how we'd get an invitation to them unless it was personally delivered. They seem to be comfortable money wise, but I don't think they have the resources to travel all this way. And-"

"Ruby," Regina stopped. "The invitation can be hand delivered, and we will provide transpiration there and back, as well as accommodations here for them to stay. I am more than happy to give them whatever they need or want.

"Thank you."

.x.

Since Hazel and Richard lived a weeks travel away, and the wedding was in a week, Reinga used a great deal of her magic to transport Ruby and herself that far away, and to a place she'd never been.

Ruby felt a bit nostalgic being back. The few months she'd spent here were enough to make a connection. "Why don't you stay back for a second. Let me talk first." Regina nodded and kept a distance from the front door.

Ruby knocked twice on the thick wooden door and patiently waited. It didn't take long for Hazel to answer the door. Once she opened it she was so surprised to see who it was. "Ruby!" She threw her arms around the younger woman so happy to see her. "I'm so glad you're alright. We were worried we would never know."

"I had to come back."

"It's wonderful to see you again." She pulled back and grabbed both of Ruby's hands in her own.

"There's someone I'd like you to meet," Ruby said still holding Hazel's hands. Regina slowly walked up from behind Ruby. She has wanted to give them a little bit of space for that initial reunion. She didn't want her presence to overpower the moment. Just as Regina situated herself by Ruby's side Hazel needed no introduction.

"Your Majesty," she gasped immediately crouching in the best bow her body allowed.

"No, please," Regina said placing her hands on the older woman's shoulders, raising her back up. "I should be bowing to you."

"Where's Richard?" Ruby asked.

"He's out back," she said not being able to take her eyes off her queen. "Richard!" she yelled quickly running into the house. Ruby and Regina chuckled, and followed in behind her.

Regina and Ruby stood in front of the door waiting for Hazel to return with Richard. It gave Regina a moment to take in her surroundings. The small cottage had a very cozy feel. Regina couldn't have thought of a better place for Ruby to have been. She was meant to have been found by Richard. It was fate that they end up together.

Moments later the older couple reentered the room, and Richard immediately snatched the hat from his head. "Your Majesty," he bowed. "It's a pleasure."

"The pleasure is all mine."

"Ruby," he greeted with a smile. "It's good to see you again. You look well."

"I am," she smiled. "And it's good to see you too." She walked over and gave him a hug.

"What are you doing back here?"

"To say thank you."

"Yes," Regina interjected.

"I wanted her to meet the two of you," Ruby explained locking arms with Regina.

"I owe you a debt for what you've given me. I don't know what I can do that could equal your generosity," Regina said.

Both Richard and Hazel smiled at Ruby. "It was no trouble at all. We only did what was right. It was a pleaser to get to know Ruby."

"Not everyone would have done what you did, so thank you. Whatever you need or want I can give you. Just name it."

Richard and Hazel shared a look with each other. They were aware of Regina's ability to wield magic, so they had hope. "Our son died five years ago. Could- Could you bring him back?" Richard asked clutching his wife's hands.

Regina looked at them with extreme sympathy. "I'm sorry I can't. My magic can't bring people back to life. Trust me, I've tried. I would if I could."

Richard nodded understanding it was a stretch. "It was worth an ask."

"You don't have to answer now. But please do come to me when you know."

"Thank you you're Majesty."

"Please, call me Regina."

Ruby reached into her bag and pulled out a wedding invitation. "To thank you isn't the only reason we're here." She handed Hazel the small card. "We would like to invite you to our wedding. It would mean a lot to me if you came." The two of them couldn't believe they were being invited to a royal wedding. "You wouldn't have to worry about any expenses. We would provide transportation for you there and back, as well as a place in the castle. You're the reason this wedding is even happening."

Hazel clutched the invitation to her chest. Her smiled brightened and tears shimmered in her eyes. "We would be honored."

One week later

Ruby stood at the alter gripping her bouquet in anticipation. This was it. Their wedding day had finally arrived. After everything that had happened, they'd made it. Organ music played softly in the background, and only their closest family and friends sat before her. It was small, and it was perfect.

Suddenly the doors opened, and there stood Henry with Regina on his arm. Regina practically took her breath away. She didn't know what it was about seeing her in her wedding dress, but she swore Regina had never looked more beautiful.

Once Regina started walking down the isle their eyes met, and that was it. In that moment their gaze spoke louder than any words, and they knew this was the beginning of the rest of there lives. Both of them could burst into tears if they didn't have any self control. They smiled at each other and let out a relaxed breath. An epic journey was set before them, and both Regina and Ruby were more than ready to see where it took them.

The End


Since I took so long to update, I will write an epilogue. I would love for you guys to give me ideas. If there's anything you'd like to see please let me know.