Hi everyone.
First of all, thanks for your amazing response to the first installment of this new fanfiction.
I feel really blessed.
Here is the second chapter. I hope you'll like. Let me know your thoughts.
Chapter 2
She woke up early like she always did ever since she had been on the run from Snow White. With the dwarves wandering the forest for her head, she had to stay on guard. What she didn't expect was to find somebody having their arm wrapped around her.
She looked down and saw a head on her chest. 'Right! The boy.' She remembered. She sighed and tried to think of a way to free herself from his grip. She could just wake him up. She sighed once again. She took a deep breath and slowly and gently took the boy's arm and put it away. She took his head and slowly slipped to the side. She let out a breath when she was able to put the boy's head on the bed without him waking up.
She stood up and stretched her back. She looked down at the boy's body and couldn't help but chuckle a little, shaking her head. She had to admit that she was a bit sad to have to send him away but it was too dangerous for him to stay with her with Snow White after her. The brunette sighed as she grabbed her bow and arrows and headed out to grab something for him to eat before she sent him on his way.
The sun was barely up which gave the forest beautiful shades of colors but Regina stayed on alert. She knew that no matter how early it was, the Dark Dwarves were searching for her so she walked as silently as possible, looking around for any suspicious shadows, and kept an ear open for any noises. She finally found a bush of fresh berries. She knelt before it and put her weapon on the floor next to her. She grabbed the satchel tied to her waist and opened it to fill it with berries. It wasn't a lot but she would give the boy a couple of gold so he could buy something in the next village.
Once she was done, she walked a few more miles until she reached the river. She filled up two flasks with some fresh water and took the opportunity to freshen up a bit. Yesterday, she didn't really have time to do it and she was starting to feel dirty. She hid all her belongings behind a bush, against a tree and took off her clothes, one piece after the other until she was completely bare. She walked towards the river and put a toe in it. Cold. But that didn't really matter. She wasn't planning on staying long. She took a deep breath and slowly got into the water. She washed her entire body quickly before getting out as fast as she could, hopping to warm herself up. She grabbed her pants and put them on, along with her blouse and then vest.
"It was quite the show you put on there!"
Regina jumped but as soon as she recognized the voice she relaxed and a small smirk appeared on her face. She clamped her lip between her teeth and turned to face him, her hands still fastening the buckle of her belt.
"I didn't know I had company." She said playfully. "I hope you did enjoy it though."
He didn't answer. He simply walked over and pushed her against the tree. The gasp didn't even have time to leave her throat as he caught her mouth into a hungry kiss. Regina smiled against his lips and her hands left her vest to grab his hair as she pulled him closer.
They kissed for minutes. Sucked each other's tongues, bit each other's lips, and groped each other's body until they were out of breath. Regina smiled as she leant her forehead on his. She parted a bit from him but their hips were still touching and she could feel his growing groin. She chuckled as she pushed him away and turned to grab her provisions and tied the satchel back to her waist.
"Ever planned on changing clothes?"
Regina huffed, offended. She turned to face him and raised an unimpressed brow.
"Sorry if you're not satisfied with my clothes anymore but in case you haven't noticed, there are seven of you friends wandering around the forest ready to kill me!" She snapped and she bent to grab her arrows and hung the quiver on her shoulder.
"Go to Sherwood. We won't be searching it before tomorrow." He said with a monotone voice.
Regina pursed her lips and looked at him in the eyes for a moment before sighing and finally nodding. She could certainly use a change of wardrobe.
"Have you -by any chance- seen a boy wandering around here?"
Regina raised a brow surprised by his question.
"A boy?" She questioned.
"Yes." The knight said. "About twelve years old. The Queen is looking for him."
"What would Snow White possibly want to do with a child?"
"That is none of your concern."
"Very well then!" Regina said before turning around to leave.
"Regina." Charming called but the brunette kept on walking.
Suddenly she felt a grip on her arm and was forced to turn back to look at him.
"What?!" She bit sharply.
They held each other's gaze silently defying one another.
"He is a threat to her." He said finally.
"A child is a threat to Snow White?!"
"I cannot tell you much. But he claims to be from another world and he apparently has the power to deprive the Queen of hers."
"Is he now?!" Regina said more to herself. "No." She said finally shaking her head and shrugging her shoulders. "I haven't seen any boy around here."
She decided to lie. Whatever threat he was to the Queen that probably had to do with the nonsense he had been talking to her about and if Snow White was afraid then…maybe it meant that he was saying the truth.
"Well if you see him, direct him towards me and the dwarves. As I told you, we are heading south."
Regina nodded.
"Will do!" She said simply.
"Ok." David stayed there, looking at her for a moment before simply turning away.
The brunette let out a chuckle.
"Not even a kiss goodbye." She said smirking.
"Goodbye Regina." He tossed over his shoulder.
Regina sighed.
"Yeah. Goodbye Charming."
…
When she arrived back at the trunk she was surprised to see Henry awake and quietly sat by the table.
"You're awake." She pointed out.
"Mhm." He said nodding with that smile of his.
Regina chuckled.
"I brought you some berries and water." She said putting said things on the table.
"Thanks." He said.
Regina put her arrows and bow down and sat facing him as she grabbed a berry to eat it.
"So." Henry started, playing nervously with one of the fruits. "Are you going to send me away?"
Regina looked at him for a second, thinking. Was she? She sighed. Of course she wasn't.
"The Queen's looking for you, you know that?"
"Really?!" Henry asked looking up surprised.
"Well yeah. You have been wandering around claiming that you could change…things." She said waving her hand. "She is the most powerful sorceress, didn't you think she would feel threatened by that?"
"I didn't talk to anyone about that but you." Henry protested. "Unless…"
"Unless?!" Regina asked brows furrowing.
"The Author."
"The Author?!"
"Yes! He is trapped inside the book as well, like I told you and he doesn't want the story to be changed so he probably went to see her to tell her about me. That's the only explanation." He sighed. "I don't want to hurt her you know. I just want her to be good again."
"Good?! Snow White?! You're crazy!" Regina said standing up.
"I'm not. In the real world she is good. The Author changed the stories and the heroes are now villains. This isn't who she really is. I just want to save her."
The brunette turned to look at him searching his face. Henry held her gaze hoping that she would finally believe him. He needed her to believe. That was the only way for things to go back to normal and everyone to be happy. Snow and David, Hook and Emma, his mom and Robin. She had to believe.
Regina stood there, silent. He was really believing in what he was saying. She sighed. Whether or not this was true, she couldn't leave him at Snow's mercy because even if he was certain that in his 'world' Snow was good, here she was everything but that.
"Come on, we're going to Sherwood!"
Henry's face lit up.
"You believe me?!"
"I did not say that!" She said grabbing her weapons and heading out. "But I cannot leave you her with Snow's knights looking for you."
"But you're going to Sherwood." Henry padding to catch her up outside.
"So?!"
"Sherwood is where Robin Hood lives. Your True Love."
Regina paused at his words and turned to look at him frowning.
"Is it now?"
Henry nodded vigorously.
"Simple coincidence." The brunette said resuming her journey.
The boy chuckled.
"I don't believe you."
"That does not matter to me. I'm going to Sherwood because it's the only village free from Snow's knights and I need new clothes and you need to eat something more filling than berries. And so do I!"
"But you might meet Robin." Henry insisted smiling. "I'm sure that when you see him, you'll realize that he is your soulmate."
"Whatever you say kid."
…
They arrived in Sherwood Forest after a thirty minute walk but Henry didn't mind. He was having fun hanging out with his mom. She seemed way less stressed than in the real world even though she was technically on the run.
Sherwood was a pretty nice village, very vivid and there were jesters and jongleurs performing all over the place. The market displays were colorful and people were happily chatting with one another.
"This is so cool!" Henry exclaimed, looking around with wide eyes.
Regina looked down at him curiously.
"What are you talking about?"
"Here!" Henry said opening his hand. "It's exactly how I imagined this world to be. Everything looks so great and colorful and –it's amazing."
"You're a very strange kid." Regina said chuckling lightly. "Come on, let's get you feed before we buy some new clothes other than," she waved her hand at his attire, "that."
Henry laughed.
"It's called jeans."
"Whatever. It's strange. And you're drowning too much attention to yourself." Regina said as she entered a tavern.
They sat at a table and Regina took off her gloves with her teeth. Henry smiled at the sight. When one of the wenches came to their table, she ordered two plates of quail eggs with bread, a pint of cold milk for the boy and of ginger ale for her.
After a few minutes, their food arrived and Henry immediately attacked his. They ate in a comfortable silence until the door of the tavern opened and Henry recognized the newcomers.
"It's Robin Hood and the Merry Men!" He whispered, patting Regina's hand.
The brunette stopped drinking her ale and turned to where he was looking, frowning. Oh! Regina thought as she noticed the legendary Robin Hood. Of course she knew him. Everyone in this realm knew of him –the Prince of Thieves. She never met him though. Well until today. He wasn't bad. She had to admit. He actually was very good looking. Strong arms, nicely build and –nice hair. Dapper!
The man went to sit at a table next to the fenestella with his 'Merry Men' and called the wench for drinks. Suddenly he turned his head and his eyes met Regina's. The young woman immediately turned her head to face Henry, blushing. Damn it!
"You have to go talk to him."
"Shut up!" Regina said, keeping a straight posture and making sure to keep her gaze straight ahead.
"Mom, you have to-"
"Shut up!"
"But-"
"Milady?!"
Regina froze for a second at the sound of the voice. That was him. That surely was him. She turned to face him and tried to look as detached as possible as she raised a questioning brow. He smiled at her and his blue eyes were so bright…
"I never thought I'd have the pleasure to ever meet the competition." He said extending his free hand -as the other was holding his pint of beer- and bowing his head a bit. "And so lovely at that." He pointed out. "Regina, right?!"
"Yes!" The brunette answered putting her hand in his and he kissed it and she wouldn't admit it out loud but she felt a shiver running down her spine.
"May I join you?"
"Why?" Regina asked but he simply chuckled and sat by Henry.
"Hi lad!"
"Hi." Henry answered all teeth. Everything was finally falling into pieces.
Regina rolled her eyes at the sight and it made him smile even more.
"I'm Robin Hood."
"I know." Henry said chuckling as he took his hand to shake it. "I'm Henry."
"Well it's very nice to meet you young Henry." The thief said smiling before turning back to look at Regina.
The brunette held his gaze grabbing her pint and drinking a sip of ale and all he did was smile with that alluring smile of his and took a sip of his beer.
Henry looked at the two still unable not to grin. He was happy. Of course he was! Now that his mom met Robin, all they had to do was kiss each other and everything would go back to the way it was.
"How is it to be the most famous thief in here?" The boy asked putting his fork down.
Regina and Robin finally broke eye contact and the brunette rolled her eyes. She was pretty famous as well! She thought to herself pursing her lips in annoyance.
"Not bad." The man said chortling. "But I must say that your companion isn't bad either." He added looking back at Regina who looked at him surprised. "Regina while we may never have met, I've always admired your skills."
The brunette lifted her eyebrows humming.
"I'm getting out of this game, and I have a proposition for you." He crossed his hands over the table. "I'm in search of someone to take my place as leader of the merry men."
Henry's mouth fell agape and so did Regina's.
"Huh…" She said in shock searching his eyes for any hint of pleasantries but she didn't find anything. "I'm flattered." She said shaking her head quickly. She looked back up at him. "'Can't accept."
"But…" Henry tried but Regina cut him eyeing him, silently requesting him to shut up.
"This forest isn't the place for me anymore." She finished simply.
"Well that's a shame." Robin said and Henry let out an annoyed sigh as he went back to eating his eggs.
"So what's driving you out of the business?"
"My future bride." He said with a small smile.
"Your bride?!" Henry's head snapped up to look at him in shock and Regina humored him a bit. The boy kept telling her how she was supposed to give Robin a True Love's kiss but he forgot to mention that he was married?!
"Well she will be when we marry later today."
"But you can't." Henry pressed.
"And why is that?" Robin asked chuckling.
"It's…" He was cut by the door of the tavern opening and Zelena appearing with a (very) pink and bulky dress. Henry's mouth shut as she ran towards Robin to kiss him on the cheek.
"Hello Darling." She said.
Henry turned to look at Regina who mouthed a quick 'what the hell are you doing?' before turning back her attention towards the couple.
"So who are these?" The red-haired asked looking at both Regina and Henry.
"Oh Regina and Henry. I'd like you to meet my fiancée. This is Zelena."
Regina gave them a small smile while Henry was too busy thinking how could that have happened. Everything was perfect, they met, all they had to do was kiss but now Robin was to marry the Wicked Witch?! Of all people?!
He snapped back to reality when Robin gave his seat to his wife-to-be, next to him. She smiled at him and he forced himself to do the same.
"I can't believe I'm finally meeting the Bandit Regina." The woman said with excitement and Regina simply nodded with an uncomfortable smile.
"Do you want another pint?" Robin asked Regina.
"Thank you but we should go." She said looking at Henry as she stood up and he did the same.
"Oh." Zelena said disappointed. "Why don't you stay for the ceremony?"
Regina stopped in her track and Henry arrived next to her.
"It will be a simple affair, but we would love to have you there, wouldn't we Darling?" She said looking at Robin for support.
"Of course. It would be our honor." He said with a smile.
"Oh…" Regina started shaking her head. "I should try to get a head start on Snow White, and I have to find something to do with him." She said putting a hand on Henry's head who was still frowning at the couple. "Anyway," the brunette continued. She walked over towards Robin and extended her hand for him to take. He did exactly so and she smiled. "Thank for. For considering me for the job. And congratulation to you both."
Zelena and Robin nodded with a smile and she excused herself pushing Henry towards the door. They started walking but Henry was lost in his thoughts barely following Regina. If Robin was marrying Zelena, did that mean he loved her in this book? And if he did, how would he and his mom share True Love's kiss? Maybe it would work anyway.
"So." Regina said bringing him out of his silent debate with himself. He looked at her. "In all your nonsense about True Love's kiss and him being my soulmate and all that crap, you failed to mention that he already loved someone." She said chuckling as they arrived at a stand that sold fabric.
"I..." Henry started. "This isn't what is supposed to happen." He said with a sad voice. "The Author…He changed everything but it's not over yet. I think you can still kiss him. You guys' love is stronger than anything. True Love is always stronger than anything."
Regina laughed as she asked the merchant for two pairs of pants and two blouses for her and Henry.
"Even after having seen that he is happily living with someone else, you still believe that he is my True Love." She sighed and looked at him earnestly this time. "Look, I'm sure you don't mean any harm but life isn't like in books. It's more complicated than that. I don't have True Love. I probably never will." She said giving him a sad smile.
"You can't say that. It's not true. Mom!" He called as she paid the woman and started walking away towards the forest with new pieces of clothes.
He ran to catch her up. "You have to trust me."
Regina paused and turned to look at him.
"Even if you were right. True Love isn't something that just so happen between two people. It's something that builds up with trust and care. I cannot share True Love with him just by meeting him for the first time in my life."
"You can't tell me that you didn't feel anything. I saw the way you looked at each other."
The brunette gave him a sympathetic smile. "You are one dreamy boy, aren't you?! He is good-looking. It's true. And what you think you saw was just me being –I'll admit- a little charmed by his looks. But this isn't love. Now come on, let's go."
Henry didn't say a word but he followed her. It was like he was back to square one. He sighed and kept walking until he bumped into something. He looked up frowning as he put a hand on his nose. Regina was looking behind him, a finger on her mouth motioning him to stay silent.
"Stay behind me." She said and he obeyed, his heart racing a bit. He glanced a bit over her shoulder and when she tensed up he noticed a dark figure coming towards them.
"Great!" He heard Regina whisper. "When I tell you to run, you run ok?!"
He nodded but she couldn't see him. "Ok?!" She asked again.
"Yes." He whispered.
She took a deep breath as the figure came closer and he recognized, "Grandpa." He whispered.
Regina frowned glancing over her shoulder at the boy's words but she shook her head and put on her most playful smile. "Charming." She said as he arrived by her. "Thought you were searching Sherwood tomorrow?!"
"Yes but the Queen decided otherwise." He said holding her gaze. He was mad. She lied to him so he was mad. "Who are you?" He said looking at Henry.
"A travel companion." The brunette answered for him, her hand going up her waist to grab her knife just in case.
"Well your 'travel companion' is the boy the Queen has been looking for. Hand it over." He commanded.
Henry frowned. Why wasn't David simply arresting her since he was working with Snow?
His mom scoffed a chuckle. "I do not take orders from you."
And her attitude with him made Henry frown even more.
"I will not give you that boy for her to kill him." Regina said more seriously and her voice tone low enough for him to know that she was serious. Unfortunately she hadn't planned on seeing seven figures appear from behind trees. "Run." She whispered.
Henry didn't understand at first but then he did and he turned around to do as she said.
"Catch him!" David said to the dwarves, still holding Regina's gaze.
"Don't stop running!" She tossed over her shoulder but it was too late. The dwarves had caught him.
"Bring him to the castle. I'll join you with her!" David said looking at Regina and the dwarves tied Henry's hands and walked him to Snow White.
Regina looked at David shaking her head, her lower lip quivering with anger. "How can you do that? He is just a child!" She said.
"Snow wants him."
"And of course, you, as a good pet, oblige to her every demands." She hissed. "You know what?!" She said stepping back and raising her hands.
"You knew-" He didn't have time to finish his sentence as a fist hit him hard in the nose. "What the hell!" He said backing away and bringing a hand to his hurt nose.
"Don't talk to me! Ever!" Regina bit furious. "And you might as well just arrest me now and bring me to your owner because I'm going to break him out of there anyway."
"You know that if you set foot in that castle, you'll never get out alive." The knight said raising his voice annoyed at the woman's stubbornness.
"But at least the kid would be safe." The brunette spat humoring his tone.
"You're being childish and stupid. You don't even know him!"
"I won't let him die. Just…Go back to your Queen, Charming." She said and she cursed herself when tears of anger and disappointment pricked her eyes.
