Chapter Text
ONE YEAR AGO …
In the heart of the Enchanted Forest, Prince Phillip rode through the rugged landscape, his horse galloping swiftly beneath him. The wind whipped through his hair as he navigated past towering mountains, dense forests, and shimmering streams, his mind focused solely on the woman waiting for him. He finally arrived at a secluded gazebo, where his wife, Princess Aurora, was busy preparing a meal.
Phillip dismounted and approached Aurora, who turned to him with a mix of affection and mild reproach. "You're late," she chided, her voice tinged with playful annoyance.
"I came as quickly as I could," Phillip replied, slightly breathless, as he leaned in to kiss her cheek.
Aurora sighed. "I'm hungry, and I miss you."
Phillip chuckled, his hand sliding under her cloak to rest on the small but noticeable swell of her belly. "You're always hungry these days," he teased gently.
"And cranky," Aurora admitted. "I'm sorry. I know you have royal duties, but…"
Phillip shook his head. "None that are more important than my duty to you and our family. I should be the one apologising." He was about to kiss her again when a sudden rumble echoed through the air, cutting their moment short. A thunderclap reverberated across the landscape.
They both turned to see dark purple clouds forming rapidly on the horizon, spreading with unnatural speed. Aurora's eyes widened in alarm. "What is that? Is it… is it a storm?"
Phillip's horse neighed in fear, bolting away from the approaching clouds. Phillip grabbed Aurora's hand, pulling her back toward the gazebo. "No, that's no storm," he said. "It's magic. We need to get you to safety, now."
The purple clouds quickly enveloped them, and Phillip held Aurora tightly as the magic washed over them. When it finally dissipated, he looked around, relieved to see that they were unharmed. "Are you alright?" he asked..
Aurora nodded but she was still shaken. "Yes, I think so. But what was that?"
"I don't know," Phillip replied, his gaze shifting to the side. He froze when he noticed they were no longer alone.
Standing with them now were Snow White, Prince Charming, Belle, Regina, the Doctor, the Professor, Clara Oswald, and a host of others from Storybrooke. Aurora’s eyes widened as she spotted Snow White among the group.
"Snow?" Aurora's voice was tinged with confusion. "What happened?"
"We're back," Snow answered. The weight of her words hung in the air, deepening Aurora’s confusion. What had happened to make Snow so sad? And who were these strangers?
Under the gazebo, Snow, Charming, the Doctor, and Regina gathered around Aurora and Phillip, explaining everything—their journey to Neverland, the desperate mission to save Henry, the battle against Pan, and the undoing of the curse. Aurora and Phillip listened intently and absorbed every word.
As the story concluded, Snow turned to Aurora with concern. "How has everything been since we left? The ogres?"
Aurora smiled faintly. "Oh, they were defeated. We've been working to restore our kingdom and our lives."
The Doctor nodded approvingly. "And congratulations are in order," he said.
Aurora laughed softly, her hand resting protectively over her belly. "Is it that obvious?"
"Maybe just a tad," the Doctor replied with a grin. "You have a sort of glow about you."
Regina scoffed under her breath. "Why is she pregnant and I’m the one who’s sick?"
"We have much to celebrate,” Phillip said. “Know that you and your friends are welcome in our kingdom. If you need anything, we are at your service."
"Thank you," Charming said. "But all we need are horses. We have our kingdom, our castle…"
“Our castle was destroyed in the curse,” Snow reminded him, her hand resting gently on his arm.
The Doctor raised an eyebrow, glancing at Regina. "It seems you laid waste to everything, Regina. Perhaps next time, a gentler curse?"
Regina rolled her eyes. "My castle still stands," she pointed out. "I protected it."
“Technically, it’s not her castle,” Charming said. “It was Snow’s before she took it."
"Well, to be fair, I married into it," Regina retorted.
Snow, ever the diplomat, nodded. "That you did. And now we’re taking it back. And you’re coming with us."
Regina scoffed. "You can’t be serious."
"Regina," Snow said firmly, "everyone out there is scared and confused. They need hope. What better way to provide it than by returning united? You’re coming with us. I know you don’t like it, but you’ll learn to—for our good, and for yours."
Charming stepped forward, shaking Phillip’s hand. "Thank you again for the hospitality. We should begin the preparations."
Phillip returned the handshake. "Good luck. To all of you."
As the group departed, Aurora watched them go, her mind racing. She turned to Phillip, her voice trembling slightly. "You know we can’t pretend this didn’t happen. They’ve returned. We have to tell her."
Phillip sighed. "Aurora, we can’t. You know what will happen if she finds out. What she’ll do."
Aurora’s eyes were determined as she met his gaze. "If she ever discovers that we hid this from her, she will take it out on our child. We have no choice. She must know. We have to trust that they can take care of themselves. It is not up to us to save them."