STORYBROOKE, Maine

Emma had moved in with Mary-Margaret. Regina was not thrilled, but Regina was never thrilled about anything (especially when it had to do with Emma.) Regina also knew that Rebekah was no longer walking Henry to his bus anymore, that it was Emma who was doing that. When Regina confronted her, Rebekah calmly said, "You may be able to control my life, but you can't control Emma. She's his mother and if she wants to spend time with him, I have no legal right to stop her." Regina had glared, angry that Rebekah had a point and Rebekah gave her a false smile and then went back to work.

Rebekah started her work day by going over all the paper work Regina had given to her while she stepped out to go confront Emma, and when someone came into the building, she looked up briefly only to look back up immediately upon seeing who it was, "Mr. Gold." Rebekah said, sitting up a bit in her chair. "The Mayor is out right now – but if you'd like, I could leave a message for her saying you stopped by."

"Oh, there's no need for that, dear." Mr. Gold said, using his cane for support as he made his way over to Rebekah's desk. "I came to see you."

Mr. Gold was...a strange man. He was feared, that was for sure. He owned half of Storybrooke and spent a good amount of time trying to buy up the shops he didn't already own. Everyone had a debt they would owe him, giving him money at the end of each month, and if they happened to be short that month? Well, people learned very quickly not to be short when it came to paying Mr. Gold his monthly take in their businesses.

It was like he was a mobster without a gang of goons to help him. It was only him and people were sometimes even scared to look him in the eyes. Not to mention that he worked closely with Regina, which was never a good thing.

Anyone who worked for Regina was shady (excluding Rebekah, who only worked with the woman because said woman made her.) Graham wasn't either. He was just a man who fell prey to Regina's charms. (If Regina had any - Rebekah still didn't understand why Graham continued on sleeping with Regina.)

"You came to see me?" Rebekah asked, eyes wide in confusion. "Why?"

"The other night while I was on my walk, I saw you visiting a certain property." Mr. Gold said and Rebekah tensed. He saw her go to Jefferson's? Well, he would have seen her leave like a coward without even knocking. "The home has been abandoned for as long as I can recall." Mr. Gold said and Rebekah's shoulders slumped a bit in relief. He wasn't talking about Jefferson's house.

"I saw it when I was looking for David Nolan." Rebekah began to explain, "I couldn't remember going over any property information in that area so I was surprised to see that there was a house even there."

"Did it look familiar to you?"

"No," Rebekah said slowly, pushing her hair behind her ears as she looked to Mr. Gold who seemed to be waiting for him to remember something that she didn't. "Why?"

Mr. Gold simply smiled, shrugging his shoulders. "No, reason. I only wondered if maybe it was a property you had recalled seeing. I intend to buy it and I would like very much for someone to help me put it together."

Rebekah nodded, opening up her book that listed all the companies in Storybrooke, "I can get you the number of a construction crew if you'd like – we don't exactly have interior designers in Storybrooke," Rebekah said as she flipped through the pages. "-But I'm sure Marco would be willing to help make any furniture you might need."

"I was hoping you would help me with all of that."

She looked up from the book, "Oh, of course – I'll call around to get you an estimate of everything."

Mr. Gold chuckled, "No, dear." He looked down at Rebekah. "I was hoping you would come work for me and put this house together."

"-I," Rebekah closed her mouth, a little confused by Mr. Golds request. "I don't know the first thing about putting a house together – I don't even own a house. I live in an apartment. I'm sure there is someone that is more equipped to help you with everything that you need, I-I'd just be wasting your time."

"Nonsense." Mr. Gold told her, "I think you are the perfect woman for the job." She didn't know what to say – going into business with Mr. Gold never worked out well for anyone. Ever. "-I see you, Ms. Mills, and I see that you are looking to get out from under your sister. To step out of the shadow that is Regina Mills." He began to say, "And I would like to help you with that."

Rebekah couldn't help but laugh at his words, "How is fixing up one house for you going to help me with that?"

Mr. Gold sighed and started to turn around, "I suppose if you'd rather continue to work for your sister and have her control your days,"

"-Wait." Rebekah stood up as Mr. Gold began to walk away. He turned back around to face her slowly, a smile on his lips. "Let's say that I am interested in getting out from under Regina...my sister's name is on my apartment lease and without her name there, my rent will raise – the only reason I'm able to afford to live there is because Regina had them lower the rent. With her name gone...I'd be living in my car."

"Your rent with stay the same, dear." Mr. Gold told her, turning back around and walking away.

"-How do you know that?" Rebekah said, raising her voice so he'd hear her.

"Because I just bought the building!" He hollered, "My offer still stands, Rebekah, if you accept, you can come into my shop tonight and we'll get started."

He left.

Rebekah moved back to her desk, sitting down in her chair and looking at the spot Mr. Gold had been standing moments earlier.

Would going into business with Mr. Gold really be worth being able to get out from under Regina's foot? Rebekah didn't trust the man, but she didn't trust her sister either. Regina was always threatening to keep Rebekah away from the things she loved – and if her older sister wasn't able to watch her from the next room over Mon-Fri and every other Sunday, Rebekah would have a lot more freedom.

She frowned.

But then she saw the house in her head. Her mind began to fill with ideas on how to fix up the home, and she became overwhelmed with the feeling that she needed to work with Mr. Gold for that home. That it meant something to her, somehow.

The office phone began to ring and Rebekah quickly became distracted.

But...the offer to get away from Regina was very tempting.

_________________________________

CAMELOT

They had taken shelter at an inn just outside of the large castle. "I think this place is bigger than Regina's castle." Rebekah had said, looking at the palace in awe. Jefferson had grabbed her by the hand and lead her away from the castle, leaving her frowning as he guided her through the markets. "We won't be staying at the castle, Rebekah." He told her, hand still holding hers as they headed towards the inn, Jefferson maneuvering them so Rebekah wouldn't crash into anyone. "You don't need to hold my hand, I can walk just fine on my own." Rebekah had told him but didn't make a move to yank her hand away. "Last time we were separated you got taken – I'm not going to risk that again." Rebekah had smiled softly, fighting against reminding Jefferson that he had been the one to walk off without her. But she enjoyed the feeling of his hand holding onto hers as they walked through the busy streets of Camelot.

He had lied to her. He had the intention of giving her to Rumpelstiltskin – but he had also gone out of his way to rescue her when he could have just left and never had to deal with her again. Jefferson could have gone to Rumpelstiltskin and gave the imp her location and be done with her. But he hadn't. And they had been jumping from realm to realm for the last week to avoid being found.

Jefferson explained to Rebekah that normally, the number of people who arrived to a new realm were able to leave said realm. But, since Rumpelstiltskin wanted Rebekah taken so badly, he used magic so that only the two of them could jump through realms and return. If Jefferson had gone through a portal to get inside her bedroom, without the magic, if he left – Rebekah wouldn't be able to join him. But, Rumpelstiltskin intertwined Jefferson and Rebekah's blood when casting the spell and it allowed the hat to always be able to carry the two of them to any realm they so pleased. Which had meant one realm. Victor Frankenstein's land where Jefferson had planned on handing Rebekah over to the evil man.

"How did he even have my blood?" Rebekah asked Jefferson, terrified with the fact that Rumpelstiltskin even had it in the first place.

"Cora." Jefferson told her. "When you were a child – Cora had given Rumpelstiltskin your blood to see if you had magic."

"I don't, though."

"Yes, but Rumpelstiltskin has his own methods on finding out who has magic and who doesn't. And it involved taking blood from whoever he might think could possess magic. He kept your blood in case you were to grow into powers when you were older."

"Does he still have my blood?" Rebekah asked, still frightened.

"No. He used what he had left for the spell."

"And if he were ever to break it? The spell." Rebekah said quietly, "You'd have to leave me."

Jefferson had taken her hand then, too. "I won't leave you." He swore to her. "Not ever again."

"Well, this food is..." Jefferson made a face, tossing his spoon into the bowl in a fit causing the stew to splash on the table. "As awful as it smells."

Rebekah smirked, "And you call me the princess." She watched as his lips twitched in amusement but refused to smile at her words. "Why Camelot?" Rebekah asked next, looking over at Jefferson who was looking around the room. "-Do you know someone here?" She asked.

"No," He told her and then let out a long sigh, "This is the first time I've actually been to this realm." Jefferson admitted. "If I had been here before, you wouldn't be sleeping on a bed made of horse hay."

"I find it quite comfy." Rebekah lied, trying to make him feel better. "And...the smell – it reminds me of the stables at the home I lived in before Regina was married to King Leopold. We had so many horses, Regina would take me there every other day." Rebekah smiled softly at the memory. It was when her sister had been good, motherly, so kind. "The stable boy, Daniel, he was older and taught me how to ride, as did Regina. I got so good that they'd allow me to ride on my own."

Jefferson's face faltered briefly, but he quickly looked away. But Rebekah had caught it. She looked at him until he finally looked back at her, "I suppose I should tell you how I first met Regina." Rebekah blinked, not expecting him to say that, she figured he'd find a way to change to subject. "After your sister married the King, she began to have lessons with Rumpelstiltskin where she learned the dark arts." He explained, "Rumpelstiltskin had a plan, I'd give your sister hope that I could take her somewhere that she could bring back her love from the dead."

"What?" Rebekah said in confusion.

"Daniel. The stable boy. He and Regina were in love and planned on running away together. Cora found out and took Daniels heart and killed him. Regina preserved his body in hopes of being able to resurrect him."

Resurrect the dead. "You took her to Victor."

"I did."

"And Daniel?" She asked, somewhat hopeful, but knowing that if he were alive and well, Regina would not be the woman she had turned out to be.

"Rumpelstiltskin's plan was never to have Victor revive the stable boy. He just needed me to have access to Cora's vault full of hearts. I took one and told Regina that it would work for Daniel. But it was a heart meant for Victor to resurrect his brother. Victor told Regina that he did not succeed in resurrecting Daniel, and she was...crushed."

Rebekah didn't know what to say. If it weren't for Jefferson and Victor meddling in Regina's life thanks to Rumpelstiltskin, Regina would have never turned to dark magic the way she had – she would have never become evil.

"I could have had a real life," Rebekah said quietly. She then looked to Jefferson, "I know that you weren't the one who killed Daniel, I know that it was Cora...but... you crushed any bit of hope and goodness left in Regina when you and Victor lied to her and told her that the heart wouldn't work for Daniel." Rebekah shook her head, licking at her lower lip.

"Rebekah," Jefferson started to say, but she stopped him.

"I used to sit in my room and dream of the life I could have had if Regina hadn't grown so cold and evil." Rebekah admitted. "I'd be married off to some prince from a different kingdom and we'd fall in love and have children and I would live the rest of my life happy, safe, and loved, and appreciated...but that was never a reality. All these years I thought that Regina had become who she is now because of how unhappy she was while married to the king but it was because she lost Daniel. The man she was in love with."

Jefferson didn't say anything, he just watched her as she shook her head.

"She hadn't been...kind," Rebekah said, "after marrying the King, but she only became evil after you showed up. Because of you and Victor, and Rumpelstiltskin, I never even had a chance at having happiness in my life. I never knew what it felt like to be loved, or appreciated, or to feel safe. I was locked away in my room by the woman you all created."

"You have a chance now...at happiness...and love." Jefferson looked at her sadly, his hand reaching over to table so his fingers made contact with hers.

"Love?" She said back to him. "With who? You?" She rose her voice and pulled her hand back.

"-Is this man bothering, miss?" A guard walked up to them, holding onto the hilt of his sword.

Rebekah looked up at the Knight, "-We're fine," Jefferson told him, but the Knight continued to look down at her and extended his hand for her to take. Rebekah looked at his hand, her mind buzzing with memories of Daniel, and how happy Regina used to be when they would go to the stables, and how she would smile from ear to ear whenever they left. He was dead. And that was because of Cora, Jefferson hadn't been the one to kill him. But he was part of the reason Regina turned out the way she did. Had Rebekah started to care for Jefferson? She had. Did she fully blame him for Regina turning to dark magic? No. She blamed Rumpelstiltskin. But he had helped...and how could she forgive that? He took away Regina's chance at happiness, therefore taking away Rebekah's. She took the Knights hand, "Bex," Jefferson breathed out, standing up only to have the sword from another Knight pointed at him.

"What is your name?" The Knight asked her.

"Rebekah." She answered, looking over at Jefferson who looked at her with pleading eyes. "My friend and I are traveling together and can only find a room in this," She made a face, motioning around, "Inn." She looked back at Jefferson who still did not know if she forgave him or not. "We're quite hungry and sometimes our tempers flare when we haven't eaten properly." She said with a sweet smile, "I'm sure you can understand." She pressed her hand to his arm. "Can I ask your name?"

"Sir Percival." He smiled down at her, "And I'm sure our King would be happy to host you and your..." He looked to Jefferson, "Friend?" He looked back to Rebekah.

"Yes, friend." She stressed the word, knowing that Sir Percival had a romantic interest in her and that if she were to say she and Jefferson were otherwise, he might not offer to take them in. Jefferson let out a little grumble in annoyance and Rebekah fought hard not to smile at him. "And, your King does not have to – I'm sure we can manage."

"No, I insist. You two shall by my guests in the castle. It might not be the royal bedrooms, but I can assure you that the beds are quite comfortable."

"Oh, thank you, Sir Percival." She grinned up at the Knight. "My friend and I will gather our things at once and be down shortly."

"I'd be more than willing to help you." Sir Percival offered.

"I got it covered." Jefferson said with a sneer as he stood up and walked over to Rebekah's side.

When they were upstairs, alone in the room that they had purchased, Jefferson stood by the door, watching as Rebekah gathered a few things she had taken from other realms they had visited. "Are you going to gather your things?" Rebekah asked, stuffing her things in the little bag Jefferson had given her.

"You called me your friend." Jefferson said, now standing behind her.

Rebekah didn't turn to face him, she just tied her bag. "You have saved me three times now. From my sister, Rumpelstiltskin, and Cora. I owe you." She turned to face him, Jefferson was standing far too close to her and when she stepped backwards she nearly fell onto the bed, but Jefferson kept her from falling by holding onto her hand.

"Am I still your friend?" He asked, thumb rubbing the top of her hand.

She pulled her hand away, "I owe you a debt."

Rebekah walked away and left Jefferson in the room, telling him to pack his things quickly so they could start their journey to the castle.

King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot, was waiting for their arrival.

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

"Sheriff," Jefferson said, sneaking up on the man causing him to jump a little in his chair.

"Where did you even come from?" Graham asked, his chair now facing Jefferson.

"-Snuck in through the back." Jefferson replied, walking over to Grahams desk. "I'm here to fill out any paper work I might need. Here's my insurance info," He handed Graham a piece of paper that did not contain his insurance information, but a letter to Rebekah. "I believe everything is up to date, but you know where I live if things are wrong."

Graham nodded, "I'll go get those papers for you to sign." He told him, leaving Jefferson alone in his office.

He kept Rebekah's note tucked away in his jacket pocket, his hand sometimes resting on it just to feel close to her, however odd that sounded. Maybe he would have been better off stuck as the Mad Hatter in Wonderland, at least there he wasn't constantly reminded of all he lost. Back then, his only concern had been Grace. Rebekah had been gone two years by the time Regina came to him bargaining with him to take her to Wonderland. She promised him that if he did this one thing for her, she would give him back Rebekah, and their family could live happily together in the Enchanted Forest without her disturbing them.

He didn't believe her. Jefferson didn't even know if Rebekah was still alive. But Regina had showed him his wife in a magical mirror, in the same bedroom she had been trapped in the first time he rescued her. She was hunched on the floor, drawings surrounding her as she sketched and Jefferson could see that the sketches were of him, and their daughter.

Jefferson wanted her home, he wanted her safe. Grace needed her mother, and he needed his wife. So, he agreed. And trusted that she'd keep her word.

She hadn't.

And Jefferson had been trapped in Wonderland trying to create yet another hat that could open portals. But it never worked. He was surrounded by useless hats when the curse took him to Storybrooke and he woke up in a large bed in the mansion he lived in now.

He had searched the surroundings, trying to find any civilization only to find something only a ten-minute walk away from the mansion he woke up in. Their home. The one he and Rebekah had settled into when she became pregnant with their Grace. It was right in front of him and Jefferson wondered if he had died and this was heaven. He ran inside, searching for Grace and Rebekah and found the place abandoned. The only thing he found was a playing card. The Queen of Hearts.

It was either Cora and Regina and when he had found his way to town and searched for Rebekah and Grace, he saw that it had been The Evil Queen.

Twenty-eight years.

Twenty-eight years of not being able to go near his daughter, of her not knowing who he was and how he had been spending those twenty-eight years watching her from a far. Twenty-eight years where he couldn't touch his wife, longer even, since Regina had taken her from Jefferson and Grace years earlier in the Enchanted Forest, he would watch her walk to work, see her laugh at something Snow White would say while they ate in the diner. He'd watch her go to the movies on her days off and watch her become a mother again when Regina adopted Henry.

And it hurt.

Because it should be Grace that Rebekah was parenting, not Henry. God knows Regina wasn't fit for the mother role, but Rebekah, unknowingly, was already a mother. She helped raise the boy while Grace stayed frozen in time with a new identity and a brand-new set of memories with new parents to go with it. He was angry and hurt, but he never blamed Rebekah. She didn't know that she was a mother, that she was a wife, Hell, until a few days ago, she didn't even know who he was.

And he had told Regina he would stay away and he knew that Rebekah was only wanting to protect Henry – but she was in his life again. He was able to hear her say his name and watch as she smiled at him. And he just couldn't let go of that. He had let her go all those years ago for the sake of keeping their daughter safe. It had been hard – but Rebekah made him promise to put their daughter first, that somehow, she'd find her way back to them. And now...maybe this was her way of finding her way back?

"-It looks like we've ran out of the statement forms," Graham said, walking back into the office empty handed. "I can print some up if you'd like – it may take a while."

"I'll come back in a few days to fill them out." Jefferson said, standing up and looking to Graham, giving him a soft nod, a small way of saying thanks.

After her work day ended, Rebekah had mulled over the idea of working for Mr. Gold, of leaving her job with Regina and starting to finally have a life of her own. It was so tempting. And the more Rebekah thought on it, the more her gut urged her to take the job. So, after eating dinner at Granny's, Rebekah drove to Mr. Golds pawnshop and went to give him her answer. Only to hear the man screaming in pain from inside his shop. When she ran inside, she saw a young woman named Ashley hit Mr. Gold over the head before taking something from him.

"Ashley!" Rebekah had said in surprise, "-What are you doing?"

"I just want to change my life...please. Help me?"

Ashley was pregnant, on the verge of giving birth any day now. Rebekah couldn't just say no to the mother-to-be. So, Rebekah left with the young woman and offered her a place to hide out until Ashley was able to find her way to the bus station the next town over where she could take a bus to Boston.

"What is this place?" Ashley asked, looking around the abandoned house.

"Um, I'm not entirely sure." Rebekah said, walking inside the house now. "It's abandoned. And we can't have you staying here long because if Mr. Gold finds out that I helped you, the first places he's going to look is my apartment and this house."

"Why this place?" Ashley asked, sitting down on the ground. Rebekah had grabbed a spare blanket she had in the back of her car for emergencies (not that she ever had any), along with a flashlight, water, a change of clothes, and granola bars. Ashley had made a comment about how it seemed like Rebekah was ready to run from Storybrooke at a moment's notice.

"Because," because I might be working for the man you just knocked out and this is the house he is hiring me for. "-I've visited this place before."

"Why?"

Rebekah looked at Ashley, giving her the same look that she often gave Henry when he continued to ask her questions. "How about you share why you stole from, Mr. Gold?" She suggested.

Ashley sighed, wrapping the blanket around her more, "I made a deal with Mr. Gold."

"What kind of deal?" Rebekah said, taking a seat across from Rebekah on the floor and handing her a granola bar.

"I signed away my parental rights for my baby." She said, grabbing the food from Rebekah and tearing the wrapper off the bar so she could eat it, "Everyone keeps telling me that I'm not ready to raise a child on my own and my boyfriend dumped me when I told him I was pregnant," She explained it all, "I haven't spoken to him since. But...I know I can do this. I can raise my own baby."

"What about your step-mom? Won't she help?" Rebekah asked, knowing that Ashley did have some family in Storybrooke.

Ashley shook her head, "No – no, she awful. She kicked me out a few months ago. That's why I started working at the Inn as a maid. Ruby has been letting me crash in one of the rooms for free. But...I started going to night classes and working really hard and realized that I can do this, I can raise my baby I just...Mr. Herman went through a lot of trouble making the deal with Mr. Gold for him to find someone to raise my baby – and he gave me a lot of money, too...but I spent it. And it's not like I can give Mr. Gold his money back...it's gone. But, I want to keep my baby, Rebekah – you've got to believe me! I just...I need help getting out of town."

Rebekah thought of Henry, how as a baby he had been put up for adoption and ended up with a mother like Regina. Ashley's baby didn't deserve to have that happen to it – and Ashley wanted to keep the baby...she'd probably end up losing her job offer, but Rebekah wanted to help Ashley and her baby.

"Okay." She agreed. "I'll help you." Rebekah heard something coming from outside the house and got up, walking over to the window. "But you can't stay here," Rebekah said when she saw nothing was outside of the house or in the woods surrounding them (that she could see). "There's a man, he lives about ten minutes from here. Tell him that Rebekah sent you, explain the situation and be ready to leave by 5 AM. Do you hear me?"

Ashley nodded and got up, following after Rebekah. They walked to Jefferson's house, and Rebekah stopped before getting to close to it. "Wait, why can't you come too?" Ashley asked, grabbing onto Rebekah's hand.

She sighed, "Because I need to go back to town to take Mr. Gold to the hospital so that I won't be someone he thinks might have helped you – I had a meeting with him tonight that kinda got messed up when you went all Robin Hood in his pawn shop. So, go. I'll be here tomorrow at 5 AM. You meet me right here, deal?"

Ashley smiled, moving forward to hug Rebekah, "Thank you so much."

Rebekah hugged Ashley back, "When you see Jefferson...tell him I'm sorry...and thank you."

She hid out in the woods while Ashley walked up to the house and knocked on the door. Jefferson opened and from behind the trees, Rebekah could see his eyes scanning the area. Ashley must have told him who sent her. She hid behind a tree, trying to keep her promise to stay away. When she heard the door close, she sighed in relief.

Rebekah knew he'd help.

How?

That was still a mystery to her. As was Jefferson.

_________________________________

CAMELOT

"You must be Rebekah." A woman greeted them as they walked into the throne room. Rebekah presumed that the woman was King Arthur's wife, Queen Guinevere. "Welcome to Camelot. Percival has told us much about you."

She could hear Jefferson blow air out of his nose in annoyance but ignored it and bowed to the Queen. "My Lady, it is an honor to be a guest in your Kingdom. And might I say what a lovely Kingdom it is."

They had been waiting outside the gates for quite some time before Percival arrived telling them that the King and Queen had okayed their stay. But Rebekah did not see the king anywhere in the throne room. Only more knights and a few servants.

"You must excuse my husband's absence. He has matters to attend to with his trusted Knights. But he will be here before the feast begins."

"Feast?" Rebekah said happily. Oh, it had been so long since she had attended a feast.

"Yes, Arthur has been looking for a reason to throw a feast for weeks now and he has finally found an excuse." Guinevere explained. "Welcome, Princess Rebekah."At that, the Queen uttering Rebekah's title, Jefferson grabbed her hand and her fingers locked with his, ready to flee at any moment. Guinevere knew who she truly was - "Oh, you don't need to worry, princess." Guinevere said, voice full of concern. "You are safe here."

"I've heard that before," Rebekah said under her breath and Jefferson's grip on her hand tightened.

"The Evil Queen sent news to every realm that her sister had been taken by you," Guinevere looked to Jefferson for a moment, "But when Percival saw the two of you together at the Inn after someone reported seeing you – it was clear that you are not his hostage."

Rebekah didn't understand, "But...why would you hide me here? If Regina were to ever find out-"

"She won't," A new voice said from behind Rebekah and Jefferson, a man came into the room, handing a passing servant his sword, "Regina is not welcome in Camelot. She has caused too much damage to my Kingdom."

King Arthur.

Jefferson had yet to let go of her hand.

"Princess Rebekah, you and any guest of yours is welcome to stay in my palace. And it would be my absolute pleasure to host a feast in your honor." King Arthur said once he was standing in front of Rebekah, who bowed to him. He grabbed her hand that Jefferson had let go of when she started to bow and the King pressed a kiss to the top of her hand and then looked up at Rebekah. "Will you accept?"

Rebekah smiled at him as he stood now and then looked to Jefferson who rolled his eyes, "I'm sure the food is better here," He said with a shrug, but Rebekah could tell that he was clearly irritated.

"Splendid. Percival will be thrilled to hear you are staying." King Arthur said to Rebekah and Jefferson moved closer to the young woman, being a bit territorial.

"I am thrilled that he will be thrilled." Rebekah said with a smile.

The King and Queen left and had one of the servants show Rebekah and Jefferson where their rooms would be. And when the servant took Rebekah to hers first, she had squeaked when Jefferson went in as well, "I'm sorry, this room is only meant for the princess." The young woman said in shock that Jefferson would be so brash. "Your rooms are on the floor below."

He ignored the servant and shut the door in her face. "You're thrilled that he will be thrilled." Jefferson said in disgust, walking over to the bed in the room and getting on it, feet on the covers, ruining them.

"I am thrilled." Rebekah said, unpacking her bag. "Percival seems like a decent man."

"One you think you could fall in love with, I'm sure." He said in a dry tone.

Rebekah turned to face Jefferson. "Perhaps."

He laughed at that, setting his hat down on the bed and sat up. "You won't."

Rebekah pressed her hands on her hips. "Says who?"

Jefferson got off the bed and walked towards Rebekah, "Says me." Rebekah took a step back each time he got closer. "He's not your type." He boldly state.

She laughed at that, "My type?"

"Yeah." He nodded, following after her when she moved across the room.

"The only interactions I've had with men other than you, is the guards at my sister's castle. I don't have a type. I wasn't allowed the privilege of having a type because my sister locked me away and crushed the heart of any man who showed interest in me." Jefferson continued to follow her until her back hit the wall and he closed the space between them by trapping Rebekah from getting away by putting his hands on the wall as he looked down at her. Rebekah inhaled deeply and reminded herself that the only reason he was here was because she owed him a debt. Not because she wanted him here, in this room, standing so close to her that she was becoming overwhelmed. "-And it was all because of you." She ducked under his arms and got away from him.

Jefferson sighed. "I'm sorry." He apologized. Her back was facing him and she crossed her arms over her chest. She wanted to stay mad at him, blame him for every awful thing that Regina had done. But when she felt his warm breath on her neck, letting her know that he was standing closely behind her, her anger was quickly fading away. Rebekah closed her eyes, breathing in slowly, her arms falling from her chest and falling to her sides. "I'm sorry I played a part in making Regina the woman she is now...and because of that, taking away your chance at happiness and love." Rebekah kept her eyes closed as Jefferson intertwined their fingers again. His free hand moved up her arm, fingers skimming against her skin.

"I don't forgive you." Rebekah said as she swallowed, her eyes still closed. "I'm not the only one who was affected by Regina's cruelty."

He sighed, his head falling against her shoulder. "If I were to go back in time to change everything...I'd never have met you. And I don't want that." Rebekah felt her belly warm at his words, her cheeks flushing pink. "Do you want that?" He asked, moving his hand now to her hip, turning her to face him. Rebekah opened her eyes once she was facing him. "I'll do it. For you." Jefferson told Rebekah. "If that's what you want?"

She frowned, looking away from him. His finger moved under her chin and titled her face to look at him again. He raised his brows, waiting for her answers, worry in his eyes at what she might say. Her eyes trailed down to his lips when she saw him swipe his tongue over his lower lip, and when she looked back up at him, he was staring at her own lips.

Rebekah pulled away from him quickly at the sound of someone knocking on her door, thankful for the interruption. "Princess Rebekah," She recognized the voice. It was Percival.

"Coming." She said sweetly after clearing her throat. She opened the door with a smile and Percival stepped inside, his eyes landing on Jefferson.

"One of the servants said that he came into your room without permission. I wanted to make sure you were okay." He held onto the hilt of his sword that was still strapped against his hip.

Rebekah moved her hand to Percival's, removing his hand from his sword. "He's simply concerned." Rebekah told the Knight, "Jefferson saved me from one Evil Kingdom, he doesn't want me to fall into that kind of situation again."

Percival looked down at their hands and smiled, "You are safe here, Princess. I'll guard your door day and night if it'll ease your worries."

"-That's not gonna happen." Jefferson said as he walked up to where Rebekah and Percival were standing. "She's safe with me. In fact, the princess would like to request that I stay in the room next to hers." Percival glared at Jefferson, "You wouldn't want to upset the princess, would you?"

Rebekah looked at Jefferson with narrowed eyes. When she looked back at Percival, he was frowning. "Is this true?"

She sighed, "Yes." Rebekah agreed with Jefferson. Only because she didn't like the idea of him being on a different level of the castle than she was. "But strictly for safety purposes, I assure you." Rebekah said, moving forward on her tip toes and pressing her lips to Percival's cheek.

The Knight took in a shallow breath as his cheeks flamed red. Rebekah felt guilty. Did she find the man handsome? Yes. But could she see herself ever feeling anything other than attraction towards the Knight? No. She had kissed his cheek to send Jefferson a message to leave her alone. That she had interest in someone else (she didn't.) and he took the hint and left the room leaving Rebekah and Percival alone.

When Percival finally left, Guinevere came to Rebekah with a dress she had picked out for her to wear to the feast. "The green will make your eyes shine." Guinevere said as Rebekah touched the fabric. Guinevere walked over to Rebekah's bed and picked up Jefferson's hat. "Odd...I've never seen something like this." She set it back down on the bed, "Should I have a servant bring it next door to Jefferson?" The Queen asked.

Rebekah shook her head, "No, I will give it to him next time I see him." She said, not liking the idea of someone else handling the hat other than Jefferson.

"I'll send some of my maids to come in to help you get ready for tonight." The Queen began to chuckle softly before adding, "I must warn you, Sir Percival is not the best dancer."

Rebekah smiled at that, "I'm sure I can teach him a thing or two."

"Oh, I sure hope so." The Queen laughed and then left the room.

Rebekah moved to sit on her bed, placing the hat on her lap. She wanted to dislike Jefferson for the lies and deceit and what he had done to Regina...but she couldn't. Her head screamed at her telling her that feeling anything other than hatred towards Jefferson would not end well. But her gut, or maybe her heart, told her differently. That perhaps she did have a chance at happiness and maybe even love.

But was the risk her head warned her about worth ignoring?

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

Rebekah pulled up where she told Ashley she'd be at exactly 5 AM. The young girl came hurrying out, holding a large bag. A bag she hadn't had when Rebekah dropped her off at Jefferson's the night before. Rebekah got out, helping Ashley with the bag.

"Your friend offered me a new bag to keep my things in." Ashley said as Rebekah took the bag from the pregnant woman. "He's very handsome." She said, looking to Rebekah with a knowing smile and Rebekah rolled her eyes.

"Get in the damn car before I change my mind about giving you a ride to the bus station." On their drive out of the woods, Rebekah told Ashley about how Mr. Gold had still been unconscious on the floor when she got back to the store and she had helped him, offering to call the cops but he had refused to let her do so. That Rebekah had taken him to the hospital and even given him a ride home. "I'm running on about one hour of sleep." Rebekah said with a yawn, the sun only now starting to rise.

"I didn't get much sleep either." Ashley admitted.

Rebekah looked over at her for a moment, taking her eyes off the road. "Having second thoughts?"

Ashley laughed, shaking her head as she caressed her belly. "No. Never."

Rebekah moved her attention back to the road, "What kept you up?"

"Jefferson," Ashley said, causing Rebekah to look over at the pregnant woman again. "As handsome as he is – he sure does ask a lot of strange questions."

"-What kind of,"

"-Rebekah, look out!" Ashley shouted and Rebekah looked back to the road, swerving when she saw a fast blur move in front of her car, an animal of some sort, the car went flying off the road and into a fence, the last thing Rebekah saw before she lost consciousness was a flash of the abandoned house, and a little girl running in a field behind it.

_________________________________

CAMELOT

The feast was lavish, the food just as mouth watering as it smelt. She sat at the King and Queens table next to Percival, who, as Guinevere had warned, was a terrible dancer. But Rebekah would simply laugh when he'd step on her foot and touch his face gently when he'd apologize over and over for the action.

King Arthur was speaking to some of his Knights while Guinevere spoke quietly with a Knight as well, who Percival had introduced her to earlier; Lancelot. Soon, Percival excused himself when the King beckoned him over to join the discussion he was having with the Knights, and Rebekah sat at the head table alone.

Jefferson had chosen not to come to the feast, claiming that he felt ill. And Rebekah hated the part of her that longed for him to be here with her. She watched as the King beckoned Lancelot over now, as well as the Queen, and they all left the ball room together.

Rebekah frowned, feeling as alone as she did whenever Regina would host a ball. At least back home she had The Huntsman to speak to in private. Rebekah didn't know anyone in Camelot. The only person she did know was Jefferson and he was locked away in his room.

"Princess," Rebekah looked around to see who was whispering. "Princess Rebekah," The whisper said again, "Down here." She looked down at the goblet of wine she had been drinking and saw the reflection of an older man. Before she could even opened her mouth to say anything, the man pressed his finger to his lips, "Shh. Only you can hear or see me." He explained. "Your companion is in grave danger." She opened her mouth to speak again but he stopped her, "I am the Great Sorcerer Merlin's apprentice. He has told me of a prophecy he has foreseen."

Rebekah kept her mouth closed, letting the man know she was listening.

"King Arthur plans to take your companions head." Rebekah stood up, holding on to goblet. "Unless you stop him – he will be dead within the hour. You need to save him and leave Camelot and never return."

Rebekah set her goblet down, looking up to see all the guest's eyes on her. She smiled sweetly, "I thought I saw a bug." She lied, and then asked for a fresh glass of wine. When she was no longer the center of attention, Rebekah snuck out of the ball room and ran to the floor where hers and Jefferson's room were located. When she got to Jefferson's room, his door was already open and things were thrown around the room, signs of a struggle. Rebekah quickly ran to her bedroom, grabbing her bag and grabbing Jefferson's hat that she had hidden away.

King Arthur and Queen Guinevere seemed like trusting people – but Rebekah was quickly learning that she could trust no one other than herself.

She searched the castle until she found Jefferson in the dungeons, hands shackled in chains. "Jefferson," She breathed out causing him to look up at the gate she was now holding onto, trying to push it open with no luck.

"Bex," He said in surprise, shocked to see her.

"Where are the keys?" Rebekah asked, letting go of the gate and looked around for where the guards may keep the keys to unlock the prisons. Regina always left them far enough away that the prisoners couldn't reach them, but close enough for them to see, throwing it in their face that they had a way out but no means to grab at their freedom. "Jefferson, where are the keys?" She asked again, turning back to where he was kept only to see that the door to his prison was open and Jefferson was standing in front of King Arthur and his Knights, a dagger held to his throat.

"He stole from the Queen, princess." Sir Percival explained.

Rebekah shook her head, bag still thrown over her shoulder, the hat kept safely inside. "I don't believe that." Rebekah said back.

King Arthur pulled jewels out of Jefferson's vest and Rebekah looked at the King with a raised brow. "Here's your proof."

Rebekah took a step forward, closer to them. "But... if what you say is true...why would you allow him to keep the jewels you claim he stole? Surely you would retrieve them and give them back to your wife after arresting him."

Arthur narrowed his eyes at her, "You're smarter than you look."

"My King," Sir Percival said only to have Arthur quiet him with the raise of his hand and Percival backed down.

"I plan on taking his head." The King admitted and Rebekah's nostrils flared in anger. "When I send it to the Evil Queen, she will be allowed access to this realm to collect you."

Rebekah shook her head in anger.

"It's not what you think, Princess." Percival spoke up again, and Arthur allowed him to continue on. "-When the Evil Queen comes, we plan to imprison her."

"And then what?" Rebekah questioned.

"Kill her." Arthur answered. "And you'll be safe and able to live a happy and free life where you aren't constantly on the run. You can even stay in my palace."

"With me." Percival said, looking to Rebekah with hopeful eyes. "We can have a life together."

Rebekah's eyes landed on Jefferson who was smiling sadly at her. "It's what you've always dreamed of...what you deserve." He said softly.

Rebekah cast her eyes away from him and looked to the King. "Okay." She agreed, "But I'd like to say goodbye to Jefferson...I owe him for saving me from my sister." She dropped her bag to the floor to show that she had no weapons hidden that she might use to attack them.

King Arthur narrowed his eyes at her but walked forward with Jefferson.

Rebekah waited until Jefferson was standing in front of her before she wrapped her arms around him, whispering something in his ear. He nodded his head and Rebekah moved her foot into the string of her bag and the hat came tumbling out and she made it spin with her foot and the room filled with purple smoke.

She gripped onto Jefferson tightly and yanked him away from the King, who fell forward with them. However, only Rebekah and Jefferson were able to go through the portal and when she opened her eyes again, they were standing in a forest, near the home she grew up in when she was a little girl.

_________________________________

ENCHANTED FOREST

They were in the Enchanted Forest again. The only place Rebekah thought of when she spun the hat was home. So, it took her there. She pulled away from Jefferson slowly, blinking as she did so.

"You saved me again." He breathed out.

Rebekah nodded, taking a step back. "That's twice now. I only have to save you one more time before my debt to you is payed." She walked forward and into the barns where her father kept all of his tools, grabbing a large pair of pliers that were strong enough to cut through Jefferson's shackles. He followed her into the barn, holding his hands out for her to free. She cut into the first bracelet, grunting as she tried to cut through it, and finally the shackle broke free. Rebekah wiped the sweat from her brow and began to take off the other shackle, this one easier to get off than the first one. When she was done, she set the pliers down on her fathers work desk and sat down on his bench, looking around at the place.

"It hasn't changed." Rebekah said in a whisper. Jefferson took a seat next to her, his body facing hers. He moved his hand to her face, wiping away a bit more sweat and then ran his hand through her hair. Rebekah pulled away. "Don't get familiar." She told him, standing up and walking away. "I only need to save you one more time before my debt is paid."

Jefferson was at her side soon enough, and he was smiling, "I suppose I should try not to need saving any time soon." Rebekah looked over at him, watching him smirk and she quickly looked away, fighting a smile.

Damn the man.

Even when she tried to hate him, she couldn't.

Jefferson got the hat ready and opened another portal, reaching for Rebekah's hand and she took it, the two jumping into the portal together.

Where to next? And how long until Jefferson would need saving again?

She hated the part of her that wished never, so that she could have the chance of staying with him forever.

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

Rebekah blinked, her eyes stinging as she tried to adjust them to the light. Dr. Whale was standing over her and suddenly Rebekah realized where she was.

"Ashley!" She said as she tried to sit up.

"She's fine." Dr. Whale told her, trying to get her to calm down, his hand gently pushing down on her shoulder to get her to lie back down. "As is her little girl. 6 pounds and quite the pair of lungs on her." He chuckled.

"-No, no – the deal." Rebekah started to say.

"Auntie Bex!" She heard Henry yell followed by the sound of fast little footsteps running into the room. "You're awake!"

"Hey, easy!" Dr. Whale said when Henry tried to climb into bed with Rebekah. "She's got to heal."

"Ashley's safe, Auntie Bex! And she gets to keep her baby!"

Rebekah looked out the window, seeing that the sun was setting. "-What time is it?" She asked, still looking out the window.

"Nine at night."

Rebekah closed her eyes at the sound of her sister's voice.

"Much later than Henry should be up." Regina said with a scowl, "But when Graham called the house informing us that you had been in an accident – Henry insisted on coming along to the hospital with me."

She was tired, her body was, and Regina's presence was annoying her. "Well, as you can see, I'm fine so you can go." Rebekah said, glaring at her older sister.

"You're awake!" Rebekah looked over to the door to see Graham standing in the doorway, holding a cup of coffee in his hand. Rebekah smiled softly and nodded her head, Graham walked over and stood at the foot of her bed next to Regina. "Good. You had a lot of us worried."

"Oh, you know me, Graham. I'm a survivor." She winked at him.

"Oh, I don't doubt that." He chuckled, "And don't worry, I'll stop by tomorrow morning with some magazines and donuts – the food here is terrible."

"Hey!" Dr. Whale said, acting offended.

"Oh, do you make the food, Whale?" Graham said, smirking at the doctor.

He shrugged, "He's got a point. The food here is awful. Why do you think I always stop in at Granny's?"

"To stare at Ruby?" Rebekah now smirked at the doctor.

"Okay, enough-" Regina broke up the banter between the three after Graham started laughing, probably angry that there were people who enjoyed Rebekah's company. "Rebekah needs rest and Henry, I need to get you home. Sheriff, do you mind driving us home or will I need to call a taxi?"

Graham simply nodded his head and then walked over to Rebekah, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. Henry was next, getting up on the bed to kiss her cheek. Regina simple narrowed her eyes at Rebekah before leaving.

"You should get some rest." Dr. Whale said once they were all gone. "Your body needs to heal."

"Can I have some water before I sleep?" Rebekah asked Dr. Whale and he nodded, leaving the room to get her a fresh cup of water.

When she heard the door creak open, she was surprised to see who was standing in the doorway, "Paige, sweetie...what are you doing here so late?" She asked, watching as the little girl walked into the room, looking down at the floor.

"I asked my Dad to take me when we heard you were in an accident." She said with a frown, looking up from the floor and at Rebekah's injuries. "Are you going to die?" She asked in a worried voice.

"No, of course not, sweetie." Rebekah said, motioning for Paige to come forward. "Just a couple cuts and bruises, that's all."

Paige stood next to her bed now, nodding her head but still looking troubled. "I don't want you to ever die." She said, grabbing onto Rebekah's hand. "You're really nice."

Rebekah chuckled and squeezed the little girls hand. "Well, now I can never die." Paige smiled at Rebekah's playfulness, "Besides," Rebekah said in a whisper, "I still have to take you and Henry on a play-date to his castle."

Paige beamed at Rebekah and moved forward to hug her tightly, causing Rebekah to wince. "I'm sorry." Paige apologized, pulling away.

"No, it's okay, sweetie." Rebekah assured her. "My body is just a little tired."

"Ms. Mills," Rebekah looked up to see Paige's dad standing in the doorway, smiling at her. "See, Paige, I told you she'd be fine." He walked over to his daughter, placing his hand on the top of her head. "She was awfully worried about you when we heard the news."

"I'm fine." Rebekah assured Paige once again. "Like I told Paige, I have a set play-date for her and Henry – I can't miss out on that."

He chuckled, "Alright, Paige. Say goodbye to Ms. Mills, it's past your bedtime."

Paige looked back to Rebekah who smiled at the young girl, nodding her head letting her know that she'd be fine. "Bye, Bex." Paige said, moving forward to kiss Rebekah on the cheek.

Rebekah felt her heart tighten in her chest, feeling an ache she couldn't quite describe. Paige left and tears filled her eyes, her hand moving to her chest. Why did she feel so terribly sad? Rebekah looked back to the door but Paige was still gone. She was about to look away when she saw someone standing a bit away from her door, peering at her from afar. It was Jefferson. And he looked just as broken as she felt.

Dr. Whale returned to the room with a glass of water for Rebekah and once he was out of the way of her view, Jefferson was gone. And the ache became even worse. Dr. Whale looked at her, seeing the tears falling. "Are you in pain?" He asked.

Rebekah nodded her head and Dr. Whale increased her pain medication.

But the pain didn't go away. The drugs only helped her fall asleep.