It was dim in the hallway and though Regina couldn't see well, she had the gut feeling that someone was following her.

"Show yourself! It's your queen's order!"

She said in a loud voice to shake off that feeling of uneasiness that started to creep over her.

"I'm an outlaw, m'lady! I don't obey any orders."

Came a calm soft voice from the darkness. At once she knew who it was and her heart sank at hearing him address her in his usual manner.

"It's your majesty. And I don't care if you are Merlin himself, how dare you follow me?"

He came out into the flickering light of a torch. She hated how rude she was to him and how spiteful each and every word she said sounded, but it seemed to come out almost despite her when they talked.

"I didn't mean to offend you in any way, your majesty. I do realize that I stepped beyond the limit when I followed you..."

Robin's eyes were gleaming with this earnest spark that always caught her by surprise and off guard giving her an uncontrollable desire to protect herself and an aching desire to surrender to him mixed together.

"... but believe me I meant nothing wrong, I just wanted to make sure you'd be alright... in safety." He finished and gave her a faint smile.

"My safety is none of your concern! I can take care of myself, thief."

"Actually, that's what worries me the most, your majesty. You did try to use a sleeping curse on yourself earlier today."

Regina rolled her eyes at him. She hated his bluntness, and yet he was a brave man who spoke what he thought no matter who was in front of him. She couldn't, but like that about him.

"I told you already that now I have a different plan. So go hang out with your... your..."

"Merry men?" He finished the phrase for her.

"Yes, them... And I do believe you have a son to take care of."

"I do." He admitted his expression growing serious. "But he is taken good care of by my fellows and he is safe."

He came up closer to her and now their faces were just several inches away.

"I'd hate to leave you alone knowing that the wicked witch is out there and wants to kill you."

"But I..." She managed to gasp out. He didn't let her continue.

"Yes, I know that you are a strong and courageous woman, but it's not the time or place to risk your life all for nothing. Just, please, let me conduct you to your room and I will leave... I promise."

The last words he said came out almost in a whisper. It took him all his will and inner strength to fight the desire to hold her close, to place a kiss on these sensuous lips, to have all of her. That desire that he had felt since the first moment he saw her. Being so close to her now, he could hardly resist the deep dark eyes and the velvety glance they gave him. But he also knew how much she hurt inside and wouldn't appreciate any of his attempts to show her his affection.

"Fine!" She said pushing him away with her palm, the touch burning his chest through all the layers of clothes. "But I will lead the way."

"As you wish, your majesty." He chuckled. He knew that this woman always had to be in charge of everything. He didn't mind.

"I'm sorry about your son." He finally worded his thoughts after following her in silence for some time.

"Like I told you before, he isn't dead!" She said traces of indignation in her voice.

"Yes, you did. But it doesn't mean you're not grieving. Your heart is aching for him, I can tell."

"What do you know about my heart?!" Regina stopped and turned to him, her hands clenched into fists immediately in a desperate attempt to hide her true feelings.

"Nothing." He admitted calmly.

It astounded her how open he was, not trying to hide anything, not pretending to be somebody else. This was foreign to her after all these years living as an Evil Queen.

"I just know how I'd feel if my son was taken from me. It would feel as if somebody ripped a heart out of my chest. I can't imagine my life without him. And that sleeping curse... I'm sorry, I do understand why you wanted to do that. I just couldn't let you... Let you do yourself any harm while I was there. I was and still am willing to do anything to help out in any way I can."

He kept looking right into her eyes and she couldn't bear it any longer. Her heart was breaking into pieces for Henry, but also because of the way that thief spoke to her. There was nothing but genuine concern and compassion in his words. No pitty, like in Emma, Snow or Charming's words, no doubt of her true feelings for her son, no surprise that an Evil Queen could love someone. She placed her hand to her chest over that spot where her heart was. Robin took a few steps closer to her, way too close, so close she could feel his hot breath burning her skin, his arms ready to embrace her. Every time he would come close, she felt out of breath, her heart pounding and her knees giving in a bit. The Queen knew that if she didn't do something fast, she'd fall right into his arms. That was unacceptable. She needed her personal space.

"Leave." She whispered. It was more of a desperate plea than an order. "Please, leave. My chambers are right down the hall. I don't need your company."

"Are you sure you gonna be alright?" He stepped back and she could finally take a full breath.

For such a long time she didn't have anyone who would take care of her, who would worry about her not of the things she might do to others.

"I can handle myself. Now, go away!" She said as she was able to gather herself together.

Somewhere inside of her she was hoping that he'd be more persistent right that moment. But he was too of a gentleman, too honorable.

"Goodnight, m'lady!" He gave her a bow and turned to leave.

"Wait!" She said as he made a few steps leaving her. In no time he was right where he was before, by her side.

"I want to give you something... just to thank you. Don't fancy anything!"

"I wouldn't dream of it!"

The corners of her mouth tipped with a very light smile. She motioned her hand and in just a second both of their figures were covered by sparkling purple smoke. When the smoke cleared there was a nice quiver full of arrows in her hand.

Author's note: Hey guys, it's my first story so if you have any comments, notes, critics are appreciated! You liked it? You didn't like it? Should I even continue writing? Anyways, let me know what you think.