"Mary's Song"
Lady Regina of Basque met Lord Robin of Sherwood when they were children. He came with his parents, Lord Michael and Lady Catherine, so that his father could settle a dispute with Regina's father, Prince Henry, over land boundaries. Rooms had been made up for the noble family in anticipation of long negotiations between the men.
Her mother, Princess Cora, had insisted that they all greet the family when they arrived. So when a carriage had been spotted bearing the Sherwood crest, Regina's nurse had hastily changed her out of the simple blue smock she wore while playing. Instead, she was put into a red dress with a white ribbon tied around her middle. Her black hair was brushed and braided, a red ribbon woven into it. Her nurse brought her to the front steps, leaving her in the care of her parents.
Mother looked over her appearance and nodded. "Hold my hand, Regina. And remember what I've taught you about visiting dignitaries."
"Smile, don't speak unless spoken to and then address them politely," Regina recited, schooled though they hardly received guests.
"Good," Mother said, nodding. She straightened up as the sound of hooves grew louder. "Here they come."
Regina took her mother's hand as the black carriage led by a team of beautiful chestnut horses pulled up in front of the house. A footman wearing a green tunic jumped off the back and opened the door, lowering the bronze steps that would allow the people inside to step down onto the ground.
A tall blond man emerged from the carriage, wearing a fine silk black coat over a green shirt and black pants. His blue eyes took in the Basque estate before he turned back to the carriage, helping a woman from it. She was blonde as well, her hair pulled into a bun. Her outfit wasn't as fine or large as the one Mother wore, but Regina thought it resembled some of the traveling outfits her mother owned. It was a light blue silk dress that left enough room for the lady to be comfortable but still not take up much room in the small carriage.
The man then helped a young boy down and the lady smoothed down his blond hair with her gloved hand. He shrugged her off, making a face in disgust. Regina's eyes widened in surprise. Children didn't often come to Basque and she was eager to play with someone close to her age.
"Lord Michael," Daddy said, bowing to the man. "It is an honor to meet you face-to-face at last."
Lord Michael bowed in return. "Prince Henry, the honor is all mine. May I present my wife, Lady Catherine, and our son, Robin?"
Daddy took Lady Catherine's hand, kissing it before turning to Robin. "A pleasure to meet the future lord of Sherwood."
"An honor to meet you too," Robin recited, looking bored. He met Regina's eyes and gave her the stink-eye when he caught her gaping at him.
Regina shrank behind her mother's skirts as Lady Catherine pulled her son back. "You treat the prince's daughter with more respect than that. Understand?"
"Yes, Mother," Robin replied, sulking.
Mother cleared her throat. "Why don't you come inside? We'll show you to your rooms. I am certain you want to rest and freshen up after your trip."
Regina held onto Mother's hand as they returned inside. Her nurse took her back to her rooms. "Now, try not to dirty this dress. You will be dining with the adults tonight."
Her eyes widened. She wasn't often allowed to eat with her parents, usually taking her meals with her nurse and a few other servants in the kitchens. This was a big event. So she nodded. "I'll be good."
"Good," the nurse replied. "Now play quietly and I'll come get you for supper."
Regina knelt down by the dollhouse she had received for her last birthday, one that was a replica of her father's estate. She sat her Mother and Daddy dolls at the table before retrieving the little girl doll. Raising her voice, she mimicked her mother's voice: "Regina, dear, you may eat with us tonight."
"Thank you, Mother," she said, moving her little girl doll toward the table. "I promise to be a good girl."
"Are you talking to yourself?" someone asked.
She turned around to find Robin standing in her nursery. He looked at her like she was the strangest thing he had ever seen.
Regina held out her doll. "I'm playing with my dollhouse. Do you want to play?"
"Dolls are for girls," he said with scorn. "And babies. I'm not a baby."
"I'm not a baby either. I'm seven."
He scoffed as he lounged on the couch in her room. "I'm nine. Trust me, seven is still a baby."
She frowned. "Is not! And your mother said you have to be nice to me."
"Yeah, but she ain't here, is she?"
"That's not a word."
Robin sat up, staring at her. "What?"
"You said 'ain't.' It's not a word," Regina told him.
"Who do you think you are? My tutor?" Robin scowled.
She crossed her arms and glared at him. "Why are you so mean?"
"I don't want to be here, playing with a baby who is a girl," he yelled. "I wanted to stay home and practice archery with my mates but my parents insisted I come, to learn about being lord of a manor. It's boring."
"I am not a baby!" Regina yelled back, insulted.
"Prove it." Robin stood, holding up his fists. "Fight me."
She mimicked his stance. "Fine!"
But he dropped his hands, stunned. "You're not going to run away? Go cry to your Mother?"
"No." She glared at him, tightening her fists. "So are we going to fight?"
He shook his head and sat back down. "Just don't bother me."
"Well, you don't bother me," she told him, lowering her hands. "Especially if you're just going to be a grump."
Regina returned to her dollhouse, picking up the Daddy and Mother dolls again. They began dancing in one of the rooms while the Regina doll slept in her bed. She became so engrossed in her little story, she forgot all about Robin.
"Can I play?" Though he spoke softly, she still jumped at the sound of his voice.
She turned to find him standing behind her, looking uncertainly at her. Regina frowned. "I thought dolls were for babies and girls."
"Yeah but…" He sighed. "I'm bored and this seems to be the only thing to do. So can I play or not?"
"Fine. But you have to follow my rules, got it?"
He nodded, kneeling next to her. "Can I at least be the man?"
The negotiations went on for a week. Robin's sullenness faded away and he became more fun to be around, no longer making snide comments about her being a baby. He would willingly play with dolls when she asked and he taught her how to fight with swords. They had also gone to her father's guards to ask for bows. Robin had gotten one but the captain had determined that Regina was still too young to try. But away from his eyes, Robin let her try on his and guided her as she shot off a few arrows.
Regina's favorite thing to do, though, was to race Robin around her property. They would start at the stables and end at the kitchens. Each time, Robin beat her but she enjoyed the wind in her hair and the joy of just running.
"You're weird," he told her after their third race. "You don't mind losing."
She shrugged. "I just like running."
Robin rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I won. I should get a prize."
"Fine. How about a kiss?" She puckered her lips, closed her eyes and leaned closer to him.
When nothing happened after a few seconds, she opened her eyes to find Robin leaning as far back as possible. He looked absolutely disgusted. "Eww. You might have cooties," he said.
"I do not!" She frowned, putting her hands on her hips. "You take that back!"
He shook his head, running into the house. Regina gave chase, dodging the servants as she tried to catch up with Robin.
They both turned the corner and nearly collided with Lady Catherine. She caught them easily though, holding them apart. "What are you doing?"
"She's trying to kiss me!" Robin exclaimed, pointing at Regina.
Regina frowned. "He said I have cooties!"
Lady Catherine chuckled before crouching down to look them both in the eyes. "I think you both need to apologize to each other. Got it?"
The glared at each other before Robin sighed. "I'm sorry I said you have cooties, Regina."
"And I'm sorry I tried to kiss you," she said, sticking out her hand. "Peace?"
"Peace," he agreed, shaking her hand.
Lady Catherine smiled. "Good. Now, you both need to clean up and get dressed for dinner. You will be dining with us again."
They nodded and headed upstairs to their rooms. Regina reached over and took Robin's hand. He didn't pull back and she swung their arms as they climbed the stairs to get ready for dinner.
Dining with the adults wasn't as excited as Regina had thought it would be. They discussed boring things like land, wealth and agreements. Nothing to interest Robin and Regina, who remained silent for the most part as they ate. They had had more fun eating in the kitchens, teasing each other and talking about things they liked.
"I am sorry to see this week end," Daddy said, leaning back in his seat. "It's been a pleasure to have your family with us, Lord Locksley."
Lord Michael nodded. "We have enjoyed spending time here, Prince Henry. Isn't that right, Catherine?"
"Indeed," she replied before turning to the children. "And I think you two had fun getting to know each other, right?"
"Yes, Mother," Robin replied. Regina echoed the sentiment.
Daddy smiled. "Well, with the new agreement, I believe you two will be seeing a lot more of each other. Our lands will be like one."
"Maybe they could be one someday," Lady Catherine replied, sending a look toward Robin and Regina.
Regina frowned, looking at Robin. He seemed just as confused as her by his mother statement but their parents seemed to understand. Both Daddy and Lord Michael looked thoughtful while Mother shook her head. "I think it's a bit too soon to predicting something like that, Lady Catherine."
"I only thought a marriage might be possible, Princess Cora. Not that it was a certain thing," Lady Catherine replied, smile tight.
"I wouldn't rule anything out though," Lord Michael added as Daddy nodded.
Regina stared down at her food. They were talking about her and Robin getting married. He couldn't even kiss her, so how would that work? She wasn't too sure what marriage entailed, but she was pretty sure husbands and wives were supposed to kiss.
Mother wiped her mouth with her napkin. "Let's not worry the children with such talk. Perhaps another topic?"
They moved on to discuss horses. Even though that was Regina's favorite topic, she stopped listening. She was too focused on the nervous and fidgety boy next to her, no doubt wondering the same thing she was:
Would they get married one day?
That night, Regina couldn't sleep. She slipped from her bed and knelt in front of her dollhouse. Picking up the Daddy and Mother dolls again, she imagined them as herself and Robin. "Are you hungry, Robin?" she asked, voice normal.
Doing her best to mimic Robin's voice, she held up the Daddy doll. "Oh, yes, Regina. I'm sure you made a delicious dinner. Let me thank you."
She leaned the dolls closer but still couldn't make them kiss. It seemed so strange even if they weren't really her and Robin.
"Regina? Are you up?" she heard Robin whisper. She looked up to find him coming in through the crawl space that connected their rooms. He stood and studied her. "Couldn't sleep either?"
Regina shook her head. "Do you think we'll have to get married one day?"
He shrugged as he sat down next to her. "It probably wouldn't be too bad."
"You think so?"
"Yeah," he said. "After all, we're friends, right? So we get to spend all our time together and get to talk about things we like with each other. That can't be too bad."
"I guess. But what about the kissing?"
He grimaced. "I guess if we have to…"
"Do you think it'll be weird?" she asked. "Kissing each other?"
"Only one way to find out." Robin took a deep breath and leaned over, pressing his lips to hers.
It wasn't too bad, kissing. Robin's lips were warm and wet against hers and she wondered if hers felt the same as she kissed back. She didn't see what all the fuss was about, but she wouldn't mind kissing him again.
"Not too bad," he said, shrugging. "I guess marriage wouldn't be too bad. Besides it's not like we have to get married now."
She nodded before sighing. "I still can't sleep."
"Neither can I," he replied. "Do you want to play some? See if we get tired?"
In the morning, the two children were found curled up on Regina's floor. They were facing each other and were holding hands. Lady Catherine smiled as she woke them up. "You two decided to spend your last night together?" she asked.
They shrugged before nodding. She gathered them into her arms. "Aren't you two sweet?"
"They're lucky enough they are still young. Otherwise, this could've been scandalous," Mother said, glaring at Regina.
She shrank back but Lady Catherine tightened her hold on her. "Princess Cora, they are only children. No need to make them feel guilty for anything. They did nothing wrong."
Mother sniffed, leaving the room. Lady Catherine sighed. "You two are going to be great friends. Always watch out for each other."
"Yes, Mother," Robin said, nodding. "I'll keep Regina safe."
Regina nodded as well. "I'll always be Robin's friend."
Robin and Regina were true to their words. The property line between Basque and Sherwood disappeared, allowing the two children to come and go as they pleased. When they were able to get away from their studies, they often escaped outside to run around with each other and the boys Robin called friends—Will and John. They adopted Regina as their little sister and didn't seem to mind her tagging along on their adventures.
She still struggled to keep up with him when they were on their own two legs but once they were on horses, the situation was reversed. Regina excelled at everything equestrian and she blew past Robin on her beautiful chestnut stallion, a birthday gift from her father.
As she grew older, Regina came to believe that it would always be her and Robin. Marriage looked better and better every year. If she had to live the rest of her life with just one man, she would rather it be Robin than anyone else. He didn't mind that she preferred breeches to skirts, liked the fact she enjoyed being outdoors as much as he and never tried to change her, unlike her mother.
"No man is going to want a tomboy for a wife," she would often snap.
"Robin doesn't mind," Regina would always reply.
This time, as Regina approached her sixteenth birthday, her mother snapped back again. "Robin is a nobody in the grand scheme of things. He's never going to marry you, Regina. You're nothing more than a little sister to him."
"But if he doesn't mind then maybe someone else won't either," Regina replied, though part of her believed she was going to be Robin's wife.
Mother sighed. "Regina, when will you just accept that I know what's best for you?"
Regina doubted that but she bit her tongue, counting the minutes until she was free to steal away to the stables. She burst in, startling the stable boy. Daniel then smiled. "Going for another ride?"
"I need to get away from here," Regina replied. "I need to get away from her."
Daniel nodded. "Rocinante can be ready in a few minutes. Just hold on."
He was quick enough and she was soon flying through her father's lands, the wind in her hair and her mother far away. She headed for the divide between Basque and Sherwood, knowing Robin was going to be there. He had been practicing sword-fighting with Will when she had left him not more than an hour prior and she doubted he had gone far.
She slowed Rocinante as she spied Robin's familiar form. Her heart sped up and she grew excited, knowing he would make her feel better soon.
But her mood plummeted further when she saw Robin was not alone. A young woman, around their age with dark hair and dark eyes dressed in a beautiful green silk dress, took his arm as she smiled up at him. Regina tried to turn Rocinante around but Robin had already spotted her. He waved her over. "Regina! There's someone I want you to meet."
She dismounted and approached Robin, leading Rocinante behind her. He wrapped his arm around the woman. "This is Marian. Marian, this is my best friend, Regina."
"Nice to meet you." Marian held out her hand, her eyes flickering over Regina.
Regina felt suddenly unworthy, standing there in her riding jacket and breeches—no matter how finely they were made—as well as her braid. Not with Marian's soft curls, pinned back to elegantly frame her face, and her beautiful dress. Even Robin seemed dressed differently—a velvet green tunic and black pants. She felt like a peasant in the presence of a king and his queen. Her voice was soft as she said: "You too."
"We were going for a walk," Robin said, jovial. "Would you like to come with us?"
"No, no, I should head back home." She stepped away, noticing Marian's grateful grin. Leading Rocinante away, Regina wiped at some tears that had started to fall.
Daniel smiled as she returned. "Do you feel better?"
She shook her head and he wrapped his arms around her, suddenly noticing how upset she was. "Regina? What's wrong?"
"Do you think I'm pretty?" she asked him.
"Of course I do. You're beautiful."
"Even though I don't wear dresses or do my hair in elaborate styles?"
He shook his head. "Those things would only enhance your beauty. You don't need them, though. You're beautiful from the inside out. And anyone who can't see that doesn't deserve you."
Daniel leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. She responded, reminded of the kiss she had shared with Robin when they were children. This felt similar—warm, moist and soft—and she figured all kisses were the same.
He pulled away and she ran her tongue over her lips. Daniel smiled. "Did you like that?"
"Yes," she replied. "Why?"
"Because I plan to do it again," he said, kissing her again. She let him, deciding it wasn't too bad.
Still, her mind kept returning to Robin…
For the next couple weeks, she tried to avoid Robin. She really tried, but every time she went for a ride, she found herself back at the spot she shared with him. And every time, he was there with Marian. Most times they were walking around, talking. But one day, she found them kissing.
And her heart broke in two.
She rode hard back to her house, leaving Rocinante for Daniel to handle as she fled into the house. Regina didn't stop running until she got to her room, where she hurled herself onto her bed. Sobs wracked her tiny frame as pain filled her body. It was then that she realized the truth of her situation: She loved Robin but he didn't love her back.
When her tears stopped, all she felt was numb. She managed to crawl out of bed and change into her nightgown, returning under the covers. When the maid came to fetch her for supper, she feigned illness. Her sobbing had heated up her face so the maid believed she had a fever and left her alone for the night.
Regina stared at the ceiling as sleep eluded her. Perhaps she had pinned too much on the prospect of marrying Robin. Let herself believe something would happen between them when it was clear he considered her to be his friend. Maybe she didn't really love Robin, only thought she did. Her social circles were small, thanks to her mother, so she didn't meet many people. Of course she would think she loved him. She needed to meet more people and learn what love really was.
Daniel floated through her mind. He cared for her and she didn't mind kissing him. Maybe she could try with him.
Or perhaps she would find someone had at her birthday party the following week. Someone who would make her feel loved and let her forget about Robin, just like he had apparently forgotten her.
Moving on from Robin was difficult. She found herself riding toward their special meeting spot more than once. One day, she almost got there when she spotted Robin and Marian kissing there again. Regina was able to turn Rocinante before either could spot her.
She spent more time with Daniel but wasn't sure if she loved him. Regina hoped in time she would come to, though. He was easy to talk to and she confided a lot in him, including her feelings for Robin. Daniel took her in his arms, holding her close. "He's an idiot."
"He wasn't mine," Regina sniffed. "I really had no claim over him."
"Still…"
She shook his head. "I don't want to talk bad about him. In fact, I don't want to talk about him at all."
Daniel nodded, smiling. "I think I can find some other way to distract you."
"Oh?"
He tilted her head up and kissed her. Regina returned the kiss, still believing that this was how it felt. Perhaps this was how love felt.
Mother clapped her hands, smiling as she beheld Regina in the gown made for her birthday gala. "There. Now you look like a proper princess."
"I don't feel like one," Regina replied with a pout. She held out the large skirt of the blue gown she wore, feeling the silk material slip through her fingers like water. Her shoulders were bare from the off-the-shoulders sleeves, which were encrusted with tiny jewels. Silk flowers were sewn into the bodice.
"Nonsense." Mother fixed her curls, making sure they laid against her shoulders in just the way she wanted them to. "You'll feel like one soon enough. Let's go."
She led Regina downstairs and left her outside the doors to their ballroom. "Wait here until you are announced. Just like we practiced."
Regina nodded, taking a deep breath once she was left alone. She wrung her hands as she waited for the doors to open, letting her join the celebrations being held in her honor. Celebrations filled with people she hardly knew, only invited because they were people Mother believed she should associate with now that she was old enough to join society. She wasn't sure how she was going to make new friends after years of isolation and hoped it was as easy as it had been with Robin.
She pushed thoughts of him aside, swallowing the pain it still caused as the doors opened. "Presenting Princess Regina!"
Everyone applauded as she walked into the room, remembering to smile just as Mother had told her. She curtsied before addressing the crowd. "Thank you all for coming to my birthday celebrations. I hope you enjoy your time in my family's home. Now, let's dance."
The musicians recognized their cue and began playing a lively tune. Daddy approached her, leading her out to the dance floor. He smiled at her. "You'll be fine, my dear. Don't think too much and ignore your mother."
Regina nodded, following his steps as they began the dance. She relaxed, growing more confident in her abilities until her father stepped away and she found herself with a new partner. It was a young man who was just as nervous as she and they both fumbled about on the dancefloor.
Her next few dance partners weren't much better and she felt like she was floundering on the floor. As she took another turn, her hand connected with a strong one. He laced their fingers together and took the lead, twirling Regina closer to him until she could see his face.
It was Robin. "Hello," he whispered.
"Hello," she replied, swallowing. "I didn't know you were coming."
His brow furrowed as he frowned. "It's your birthday. Why wouldn't I come?"
"I thought you would rather spend the evening with Marian. You spend all your time with her now." Regina changed partners before Robin could reply, feeling relieved even if her new partner couldn't dance as well as Robin.
He partnered up with her during a few more dances, but she didn't speak much with him during them. Robin tried though and as the musicians rested for a bit, he caught her arm. "Can we talk? Outside? Please?"
It was the pleading look in his eyes that made her agree. He took her arm and escorted her out to the courtyard. The chilled night air felt refreshing against her heated skin and she realized she was winded from dancing.
Robin led her to a stone bench and helped her sit down with her large skirt. "You look beautiful," he said.
"Because I'm in a dress?"
He grew confused. "No. I mean, it's a beautiful dress. What…What did you mean by that, anyway?"
"I think I understand how it works now," she continued, looking away from him. "Men like women like Marian, who wear beautiful dresses and style their hair in gorgeous ways so that they look soft and feminine. They don't like women who dress in breeches and braids, who ride horses and seem more masculine."
"Then those men aren't worth your time. I think you're beautiful in your breeches, when you're riding Rocinante at full speed with your braids flying behind you."
"But you prefer Marian," she replied softly. She stood, wrapping her arms around her as she fought her tears. "And I get it. It still hurts, but I get it. We've known each other since we were children. You probably still see me as that silly little girl playing with her dollhouse. I'm just a little sister to you, right?"
Robin stood now, approaching her. "Regina, I don't see you as a little sister…I see you…."
She didn't let him finish. "I think what hurts the most is that you've taken her to our special place. It's not just ours anymore. It's not ours. It's yours and hers. It's like you've erased me from your life."
"Oh, Regina, that's not what I intended." He took her arms in his hands, holding her gently. "Let me explain. Please?"
A servant appeared in the courtyard. "Princess Regina, your parents are looking for you. You need to come inside now."
Regina nodded, pulling away from Robin. "Goodbye, Robin," she whispered.
As she walked away from him, she heard him pleading with her. But she held her head high, vowing to spend the rest of the party focused on anyone who wasn't Robin of Sherwood.
Regina slept in late the next day, but the house was still silent when she did rise midmorning. She pulled on a simple blue dress and headed down to the kitchens to see if any of the servants were awake to make her breakfast.
There were a few servants milling about, not rushing to prepare meals since her parents were still asleep. One spotted Regina and jumped up from the table. "My lady, can I help you?"
"May I have some breakfast please?" she asked.
Nodding, the servant busied herself as Daniel entered the kitchens. He hurried over to Regina. "Can you come with me? There's something you should see in the stables."
Regina frowned, following him. Daniel paused at the door and pointed toward a haystack. "I found him here when I came to care for the horses. I think he was here all night long."
"Who?" she asked, approaching the stack. Her eyes widened when she saw Robin lying there, curled up under his cloak. One of his arms was under his head, pillowing it. His chest rose and fell in even breaths as he slept on.
She knelt beside him, shaking him. "Robin? Robin, wake up."
His eyes blinked open, sleep clouding them for a few seconds. When they focused on Regina, he sat up. "Regina! Thank goodness."
"What are you doing here? Did you sleep here?"
"You wouldn't talk to me," he said.
She frowned. "I said everything last night."
"Yes, you did," he replied. "But you never let me say what I wanted to say. And I wasn't leaving while you're upset with me."
"So you slept in our stables?"
He nodded. "It was the one place I knew I'd be able to see you alone."
Regina sighed, tugging on his hand. "Come on. They're making me breakfast. We can feed you as well."
"And then we'll talk?" Robin followed her, hope in his voice.
"Yes," she said. "I'll listen to whatever you have to say once we've eaten."
They sat across from each other at the table they had first bonded across as children. Instead of teasing comments and laughter, there was only silence. Regina focused on the porridge the chef made for them though she felt Robin's gaze on her.
She didn't know what he was going to say. All she knew was that she had vowed to keep her distance from Robin until her heart healed itself. She was going to keep that promise, no matter how long it took.
Once they were finished, Robin stood and held out his hand. "Can we go for a walk and talk? I'd like for us to be alone."
Regina agreed, though she hugged herself and ignored his hand. She walked out ahead of him, leaving Robin to scurry after her.
When they were a good distance from the house, she stopped and faced him. "Well? What did you want to say?"
"I wanted to say that I don't see you as a little sister or still as a young girl," he said, as if there hadn't been hours since their last conversation. "I am painfully aware that you have become a woman, Regina. Despite what your mother thinks, your breeches and riding jackets only enhance your femininity, not detract."
She hadn't been expecting that. Her arms fell to her sides as she stared at him. "What?"
"I have been watching you grow up for nearly ten years, Regina. And you just keep getting more beautiful every day. Not just physically. You've grown in intelligence, in compassion and in spirit. I've been privileged to see you become the woman you are."
"I've loved watching you grow into the man you've become," she replied, tears running down her cheeks. "Kind, smart, adventurous, noble…I love you, Robin, but I know you don't feel the same for me."
"Oh, Regina." His eyes softened and he cupped her cheek, brushing away her tears.
She wanted to pull away but couldn't. Instead, she leaned into his touch. "You don't have to apologize. This isn't your fault."
"Yes, it is," he whispered.
"How? You're free to fall in love with whoever you chose. And if that's Marian, I'll learn to live with it."
"I love you," Robin said, resting his forehead to hers. "I have for a long time now, Regina."
She looked up, but his eyes were closed so she couldn't read him. "You're just saying that to make me feel better. You love Marian."
"No, I don't."
"Then why were you kissing her?"
He sighed. "To forget about how much I loved you. I thought you didn't see me the same way and so I tried to find love somewhere else. It didn't work."
At last, he opened his eyes. Regina saw nothing but honesty, sincerity and fear in them. "Why are you afraid?" she asked.
"I don't want to lose you. I never want to lose you and I thought if I told you my real feelings, you would reject me and stop talking to me." His voice wavered at even the possibility.
"Never," she said.
He raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because you did just that to me the past few weeks."
She opened her mouth to protest before realizing he was right; she had been avoiding him since she saw him kissing Marian. "I didn't intend to do it forever," she protested instead.
"It felt like forever," he told her. "I looked for you and grew more upset with every day I didn't see you. I tried to figure out what I had done. The thought it was Marian never crossed my mind because I was certain you didn't feel that way for me."
"So now what?" she asked, leaning closer to him.
He smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Now, we do this."
Robin pressed his lips to hers as her eyes fluttered closed. She wrapped her arms around his neck, playing with the hair there. He nibbled on her lower lip, his tongue darting in when she parted them. Stars danced behind her eyelids and she grew lightheaded from his kiss. It was nothing like she had experienced before.
This had to be love, she decided. She felt too giddy for it not to be.
He broke the kiss, though he pressed his forehead to hers. "How was that?"
"Amazing," she replied, breathless. "Was that how you kissed Marian?"
"I assure you, Regina, I never kissed her like that. That was special." He gave her a soft smile, his eyes sparkling.
She beamed at him, lacing her fingers with his. "Come on. You should head back before your parents send out a search party."
Daniel was more understanding than Regina had thought he would be when she told him about Robin. He kissed her cheek, smiling. "I knew going into this that your heart belonged to him. Since he seemed unaware of the precious thing he possessed, I had hoped to take it. But he does know, so I won't stand in the way of your happiness."
"Thank you," she said, squeezing his hands. "I hope you find someone who loves you as much as I love Robin."
Robin and Regina hid their relationship from their parents. Both knew they wouldn't disapprove (except for Mother, Regina was certain), but they would force the two to observe the proper courtship rituals. Which meant them sitting in a room or walking the gardens without touching while being under constant supervision. Conversations would be stilted and kissing would not be allowed.
So they snuck off and went to their secret meeting spot, able to be free there. They held onto each other, talking and planning for their future. Robin sometimes brought a picnic, laying the blanket down so they could eat by the creek that ran through both Locksley and Basque lands. Most times, though, they ended up kissing.
One day, several months into their secret courtship, Robin took her to a small cottage on his property when a sudden rain shower surprised them. It had belonged to an old gamekeeper who had passed when both she and Robin were young and had sat unoccupied since then. He lit a fire and the two took off their wet clothes, lying them before the flames to dry.
She covered herself when she realized she was nude in front of Robin but he stood there, letting her see everything. From his broad chest with spattering of blond hairs to the blond curls that surrounded his partially raised cock. He smiled, gently moving her arms away from her body. "You don't have to hide yourself, Regina. You're beautiful."
Regina took a deep breath and dropped her arms. His gaze softened and his eyes swept over her body, awestruck. "See? Beautiful."
He reached out, cupping one of her breasts in his hand. She stepped closer, feeling the heat rolling off his body. "Robin…" she whispered.
"Shh," he said, kissing her. Together, they fell onto the bed and discovered new ways to love each other. As their souls joined together in an age-old dance, Regina knew she would never be with another.
Robin held her after, running his fingers through her hair. "I love you," he whispered over and over.
"Robin? I want to be your wife," she said, rolling over to face him. "When can we marry?"
"As soon as possible. I'll talk with my father tonight and I'm certain he'll go to speak with your father in the morning." He caressed her face.
She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "Then I can't wait."
They didn't realize they had fallen asleep until banging on the door woke them several hours later. It had grown dark and the fire was little more than glowing embers. As the banging continued, Robin pushed Regina behind him and prepared to defend her against whoever was about to come through the door.
Regina winced as the door was busted down, landing with a loud thud on the floor. A lantern illuminated Lord Michael's face and he looked both relieved and angry when he saw them. "Good grief, Robin, you've scared us all! We've been worried sick about the both of you."
"Sorry, Father," Robin said. "We must've lost track of time."
Lord Michael frowned as he now spotted their state of undress. "Robin, what did you do?"
Robin puffed out his chest as he stared down his father. "I love her."
"And I him," Regina added, kneeling behind him as she clutched the blanket to her chest.
Lord Michael's eyes softened and a smile tugged at his lips. "I see. Well, why don't you two change and come up to the house? It seems we have much to discuss."
He stepped out so they could put their clothes back on. Regina's stomach twisted up in knots and she clutched her shirt close to her chest. "What do you think is going to happen?"
"Everything is going to be fine," Robin assured her, his shirt still open. He put his hands on her shoulders. "Father is a reasonable man. He'll see that we are a perfect match and agree to our union. I just know it."
Regina nodded. "I hope so."
"More dressing, less talking," Lord Michael yelled in through the open door. "We can all talk back up at the house."
Daddy and Mother were waiting up at Locksley manor when they returned. Regina clung to Robin's hand, letting his presence calm her. "Hello," she told her parents.
"Regina, are you alright? What happened to you?" Daddy asked, rushing toward her. He took her in his arms and hugged her.
"She's fine, Prince Henry, but it seems our children have been courting behind our backs," Lord Michael said, pouring two glasses of whiskey. He held them out to the two. "Drink this. It'll warm you up."
Regina took the glass and sipped at the whiskey. It was like fire spread through her veins and the chill did leave her bones. She let Robin guide her to the couch, curling up next to him as she felt her mother's gaze bore into her.
Daddy's brow furrowed. "Why didn't you tell us you wanted to start courting? Why hide it?"
Robin explained their reasoning, that they wanted more intimacy and privacy to grow their love. "We just didn't want prying eyes and not-so-subtle coughs that kept our conversations to stilted proclamations. We just wanted to be ourselves."
"There are reasons for those prying eyes," Mother said, frowning. "They keep you from doing something stupid. Like acting upon certain…urges."
Glancing down at her whiskey, Regina felt her cheeks grow hot. She and Robin certainly had given into those urges. While she didn't regret their afternoon together, she doubted Mother would be pleased.
Indeed, she could hear displeasure and anger in Mother's voice when next she spoke. "Please tell me you haven't defiled my daughter, Robin."
"I wouldn't call it that," he said. "That makes it sound like something dirty and wrong when it's wonderful."
"So that's a yes then?" Mother pressed.
Lord Michael sighed. "Yes, Princess Cora. It would seem Robin has bedded Regina."
"That doesn't sound much better," Robin muttered. She glanced up at him and he smiled at her, patting her knee.
Mother gave a horrified gasp. "She's ruined! Who will marry her now?"
"Me," Robin replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the word. To be honest, it was, Regina figured.
"You? You're a nothing! Regina is meant to be queen," Mother insisted.
Regina frowned. "I want to marry Robin, though."
"Hush, foolish girl," she snapped. "We'll discuss this at home. Henry, let's go."
Daddy didn't move. "Lord Michael and I still have matters to discuss."
"Not now, Henry. We need to figure out how to salvage Regina's reputation and not let her indiscretion be known." Mother stood.
"Cora, sit down," Daddy replied. "We don't have to go anywhere to do that."
Mother glared at him. "You're not considering letting Regina marry him, are you? Just to save her reputation?"
"Regina's reputation is safe. All she and Robin have done is consummate the marriage contract Lord Michael and I made when they were children," Daddy explained.
Surprise spread through her and she looked up at Robin, eyes wide. He looked as stunned as she and a smile tugged at his lips. "So we have always been betrothed?"
"Impossible," Mother replied, looking at Daddy. "When exactly did this happen?"
"Our last night at Basque all those years ago. My wife's comments gave Henry and me the idea," Lord Michael explained.
Mother glared at everyone. "I won't let this stand. My daughter has always been meant for greatness. She will sit on a throne. Come, Regina."
Regina stayed still, sinking further into Robin's embrace as he tightened his hold on her. Mother frowned. "Fine. If you're going to be difficult, then we'll do this the hard way."
She raised her hands but nothing happened. Mother tried several more times but each time led nowhere. Panic and anger filled her eyes. "What is happening?"
"I got something to prevent you from using your magic in my house," Lord Michael explained. "You have no power here. And if you try to hurt Regina or Robin in anyway, I will have you brought up on charges. I doubt you want to burn."
"How are you going to enforce that in my own house? Regina has to come home. Right, Henry?" Mother turned her attention to Daddy.
He stood, shaking his head. "I think it's best if she stays here with Robin. Come, Cora."
Mother looked around the room and stormed out ahead of Daddy, realizing she had lost that battle. Regina prayed she also lost the war so that her wedding to Robin could happen.
Daddy hugged her. "I love you, my girl. I wouldn't trust you to anyone but Robin. We'll discuss the wedding in the morning."
"Thank you, Daddy," she said, holding him tightly. "I love you too."
Regina was given her own room but Robin still found a way to sneak into it. He would slip into her bed and wrap his arms around her, holding her close. "We're as good as married after all," he said, kissing her.
"Still, we should at least pretend to be proper," she argued, though she put up no fight as he pulled her shift over her head. As his lips found her breast, she gasped: "We don't want people to talk."
He lifted his head. "Let them talk. I love you and that's all that matters."
"I love you too," she said, softening. As his lips found her other breast, she closed her eyes and sighed.
Though they spent their nights together, Regina found they spent their days apart. Lady Catherine took her under wing to help her learn how run the Locksley household while Robin spent time tending to their tenants with his father. Daddy also visited daily, planning their marriage with Lord Michael and spending time with Regina.
After what seemed to be the longest month of Regina's life, her wedding day finally came. They were married in the little church built where Sherwood land met Basque land. Friar Tuck, a Locksley family friend, performed the ceremony and the church was packed with well-wishers.
Regina gripped her father's arm tighter as the doors opened. "There are so many people," she said.
"Of course. This is momentous occasion, the joining of two prominent houses. And everyone loves a love story," Daddy told her.
She smiled and floated down the aisle to Robin. His eyes were focused only on her and his mouth fell open a bit. Regina was pleased she had that effect on him, especially as she loved the dress that had been made for her.
It was loose and flowing, billowing with each step she took. Blue silk flowers were embroidered into her white silk bodice and little jewels sewn into her skirt caught the sunlight as she walked down the aisle. Her hair was left down, curls tumbling over her shoulders and white silk flowers had been woven in among her locks. A diamond necklace hung around her neck, a wedding present from Robin.
They reached the altar and Daddy held out his hand to Robin. "Take care of her. She'll always be my little girl."
"Of course, sir," Robin replied, taking his hand. "I'll cherish her and protect her for as long as I live. You have my word."
Nodding, Daddy kissed Regina's cheek and placed her hand in Robin's. "Be happy, you two."
Robin led her up to Friar Tuck, who smiled at them. He opened his book and began to read. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness the joining of Robin, Lord of Sherwood, and Regina, Lady of Basque, in holy matrimony…"
After the wedding, Regina and Robin were given a new room to start their lives as a married couple without any reminders of the past. Their wedding night was spent much like their previous nights had been—in each other's arms, burning with passion. When Regina awoke the next morning, she smiled as she watched Robin sleep, knowing they had the rest of their lives together.
Two months into her marriage, Regina began to feel ill during the day. She complained of headaches and a lack of appetite, only to be famished a few hours later. Concerned, Robin wanted to send for the local physician but his mother sent for a midwife instead. The woman confirmed her suspicions—Regina was with child.
Robin was thrilled and doted on her even more. He held her hair when she was sick and would fetch her food at all hours of the day without complaining. When he looked at her, he always had this goofy grin that was infectious for it always made her smile as well.
As she grew larger and rounder, Robin took to talking to their unborn child as they laid in bed. One night, she chuckled. "I doubt he or she can hear you."
"Of course she can," he argued, stroking her stomach.
Her eyebrow went up. "She?"
"Father's intuition. I believe we are having a daughter. She's going to be a miniature you and I'm going to spoil her."
Regina chuckled. "And what if we have a boy?"
"Then I predict he'll be a mama's boy."
"You mean I'll spoil him?"
He nodded. "Of course. So will I. He'll be so loved between the two of us."
She swallowed, rolling over. Robin leaned over her. "Regina? Love, what's wrong?"
"What if I turn into my mother? What if I try to control this child's life like she controlled mine?" she asked in a whisper.
"Regina, look at me." He helped her sit up and looked her right in the eyes. "You are nothing like her. You have the biggest heart of anyone I know. There isn't a chance you won't do anything but love this child and any more we have. I know it."
She smiled, latching onto him. "I love you, Robin."
"I love you, too." He laid her back down and covered them both up again. "Now sleep. You and our daughter need it."
"I'm still pretty certain it's our son."
"Shh. Go to sleep."
Regina chuckled as she snuggled closer to him, more confident than she had been feeling since she learned she was to become a mother.
They had a son.
Robin was overjoyed, even if his intuition was proven wrong. He stayed in the room with her during the long hours of labor, holding her hand and wiping her brow. So he had been the first to see their child as he came screaming into the world. A smile spread on his face as he declared: "It's a boy, love! We have a son!"
She collapsed against the pillows, exhausted but overjoyed. "I told you so."
"Yes, you did," he replied with a chuckle. When the midwife placed the baby all bundled up in his arms, Robin brought him over to her. "He's perfect, Regina."
"Can I hold him?" she asked, holding out her arms. Robin placed the baby in them and she cradled the boy close, tears pricking her eyes as she took him in.
He was still pink but his eyes were open, staring at her with blue eyes. Soft tufts of brown hair covered his head and she ran a finger through a lock. Regina then traced his small nose and chubby cheeks as his little tongue poked out. He wiggled a hand up, grabbing her finger. She gave it a little shake as Robin kissed the top of her head.
"He's beautiful," she breathed. "What are we going to name him?"
"I've only come up with girl names," he admitted, sheepish.
Regina smiled, studying their baby boy. "Perhaps we should name him after your father."
"We could," he said. "Or we can name after yours. I think he looks more like a Henry than a Michael."
"Then Henry it is," she replied, rocking the boy.
Lady Catherine approached the bed, smiling. "It's a good name. Congratulations, you two."
Regina began crying, feeling an overpowering wave of love as she continued to admire her son. "I love you so much, Henry. I promise you that you will always know that."
"See?" Robin whispered, kissing the top of her head. "Nothing like your mother."
Regina rocked her son as she sat outside Sherwood Manor. He was fighting sleep and she started to sing quietly, hoping to lull him into a much needed nap ahead of another night of colic.
Laughter floated on the air and she looked up to find her other children chasing each other around. Henry, her eldest at ten, carried little Sara on his shoulders. The two-years-old laughed as they gave chase to seven-years-old Catherine and five-years-old Roland. Regina smiled, her heart swelling with love once again.
As they played, Robin strode out of the woods. Where other men of their station went soft after years of easy living and rich food, he had continued to work alongside his tenants as well as continued practicing archery. He was as toned as he had been when they had married. The main change over the years was in his face when he finally lost his boyish looks and grew into a manlier appearance. Robin had chosen to wear his hair shorter, closer to his head though it was still thick enough for her to bury her fingers into, and had grown a scruffy beard.
He caught her eye and winked, placing a finger to his lips. She nodded, watching as he snuck up on their children. With lightning reflexes, Robin snatched Roland and held him upside down as he tickled the boy. Roland laughed, wriggling in his father's grasp as his dark brown curls skimmed the grass. "Papa! Put me down!" he pleaded.
"What was that?" Robin asked. "You want more?"
"No! Put me down!" Roland gasped out between giggles.
Sara reached out her chubby arms to her father. "Me, Papa! Pick me up!"
"Ahh, a willing victim." He turned Roland right side up, setting him down on his feet before taking Sara off Henry's shoulders. But instead of tickling her, he cuddled her close to his chest.
Henry and Catherine also descended on their father, taking him down together. Roland joined them once he caught his breath and she soon couldn't see her husband under the pile of children.
Chuckling, Regina headed over to rescue Robin as Michael finally fell asleep in her arms. He slumbered as she shooed his siblings away. "Go inside and wash up for supper," she told them.
They raced off, Henry carrying Sara again. Regina stopped him and kissed his forehead. "You're a good boy," she murmured. "I love you."
"Love you too, Mama," he said, leaning against her for a moment.
Sara reached out to her. "Love Mama too."
Regina chuckled, kissing her daughter's forehead. "And I love you, Sara."
As Henry carried his sister toward the house, Robin wrapped his arms around Regina. He nuzzled her hair before gently kissing her head. "I told you that you would be a great mother," he whispered.
"You did," she replied, leaning closer to him as Michael shifted in her arms. "Your faith and love has meant everything to me."
He kissed her and she wrinkled her nose, smelling another day of hard work on him. "You best wash up yourself. And put on a fresh shirt, please."
"As milady wishes." He gave her an elaborate bow before leading her back to the house. They both went to their room, where Regina laid Michael down in his crib. A mobile made of horses hung over it as it had for every one of their children. She watched him sleep as she heard Robin begin to change.
Regina headed over to the nursery to check on the children. She heard them giggling as they washed their hands at the basin and she smiled, looking around. Henry would soon be too old for a nursery. She and Robin had already been considering which room he would move into, bittersweet conversations as their baby boy was growing up so fast.
She glanced over at her old dollhouse. Daddy had brought it over after her wedding, to await her own children. Catherine loved to play with it and Regina spied the new dolls Robin had given the girl. They were made to look like their family and she picked up the ones representing her and Robin. She recalled all those years ago when she first wondered what marrying Robin would be like, making her own dolls kiss. As she made these dolls kiss, his arms wrapped around her.
He rested his chin on her shoulder. "What? No silly voices this time?"
"You're still teasing me about that?" she asked him.
"Who's teasing? I thought you did a fine job capturing my voice." Robin tightened his hold on her. "I had a very silly voice when I was younger."
She laughed, putting the dolls down. Turning in his arms, she wrapped hers around his neck. "Do you remember our first kiss?"
"Of course," he replied, holding her close. "Awkward as it was. Definitely not my best."
"No, not really. But it wasn't terrible."
Robin chuckled. "Thankfully, I got better at it."
"Much better," she agreed, leaning forward to kiss him. Even all these years later, it still sent her head reeling and butterflies soaring through her stomach.
"Eww," little voices groaned in unison. She opened her eyes to see four disgusted children watching them.
Robin broke the kiss and let go of her to approach the four. "We'll have none of that now."
He picked up Sara and Roland under each arm. The children laughed as he swung him around. "That's better," he said.
Wrapping her arms around her eldest children, Regina held them close. "Come on. Let's go to supper. Are you coming, Robin?"
"Right behind you, love," he replied, following her as she left the nursery. She smiled, knowing they would always be together.
Forever.
A/N: No, I hadn't forgotten about this collection. It just got placed on the backburner with "Building a Family" due to the holidays. And my holiday projects ran well into the New Year so…yeah.
This is also my longest chapter for this collection, so there's that. I hope everyone enjoyed this! And remember, I do take requests! This one was requested by a few people, so I bumped it up a bit.
See you soon!
-Mac