Chapter 4.
The palace was no longer a bright happy place, but one full of dreariness and dread. The windows that once filled the brightly decorated rooms with light were drawn closed with thick black curtains and the once elaborate decorations were now tossed aside and replaced with gothic designs.
They crept in under the cloak of night. Little John, Granny and some others stayed behind to care for the children and defend them if need be.
Snow, Regina and their allies including the merry men had assembled in the early morning hours to finalize their plan. They didn't yet have the necessary supplies to launch a successful attack so the plan was to sneak in undetected, rescue Charming and get the hell out of dodge before the black nights could strike.
Robin, Snow, Regina and Red crept through the dungeons, they'd managed to neutralize the guards on the left servant's entrance without creating a ruckus. Their other men were standing watch ready to signal if the queen attacked.
They'd almost made it to the dungeon five black nights attacked. Robin was able to take two down with his arrows and was currently dulling a third. Snow and Red were fighting another and Regina was engaging in a battle with her own.
"Do you really think you'll be able to best me girl?!" The man spat at her.
She drew another, slightly smaller sword and advanced on the man. She managed to knock his sword out of his hands, she then advanced and noticed the key around his neck.
"To answer your question, yes sir I do. My father was an expert swordsmen and he taught me everything he knew before he died. Now hand me that key or so help me God I will remove your head from your neck and take it."
Robin stared at Regina in awe, he'd fought many battles in his time and it was seldom that he met such a true warrior. She possessed strength and aptitude for battle as well as the compassion and heart to ensure that she didn't kill if she didn't have to. He'd also never met a woman who could face danger without blinking. His late wife Marion had been a wonderful woman but she'd hated conflict which proved troublesome in his line of work. She'd been willing to go wherever necessary because she believed in what he did but she'd not had the heart of a fighter. Snow and Red also possessed it but she understood it more from them, they were young and unattached but Regina had a child and still instead of hide she fought.
He'd never been so captivated by a woman so quickly.
The knight yielded and handed over the key. They made quick work of tying him up and proceeded to the dungeons. Charming was there, locked in a small dusty cell guarded by magic. Regina was able to undo the enchantment holding him back and he embraced his beloved Snow before kissing her.
Regina smiled, happy to see her sister reunited with him.
They managed to return to the camp without incident. Regina was with Robin collecting water from the river. They were chatting and engaging in easy banter and Regina couldn't help but notice how handsome he was.
"How long have you been on the run?" She asked.
"About the same as you I'd say, when the king died, foods and resources became scares rapidly and I wanted to help the people."
"That's very noble, Snow and I had no choice but to run, you left your whole life behind because you wanted to help people and do the right thing. It's very brave."
"Thank you." He said. "But I think I pale in comparison to present company."
She grinned at him. "You're quite the flatterer, aren't you?"
He didn't have time to respond, Charming came bustling up to them and Robin felt slightly annoyed at the other man for interrupting the moment.
"Regina! I need to speak with you!"
She rose to look him in the eye a worried expression on her face. "Yes? Is everything alright?"
"Yes," He said. "Everything's fine. I just wanted to ask you something." He drew a steady breath. "Snow's parents have passed on and you and Nora are the only family she has left. So I'd like to ask you for your blessing to marry her."
Regina laughed, "Yes, of course. But haven't we already covered this? You asked me that within months of meeting Snow!"
Charming let out a breathy laugh. "Yes, well it seems proper to ask again since I asked you more than a year ago and the wedding hasn't happened yet." He finished the statement with a slightly depressed tone.
Regina placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. "I know you hate waiting. But have faith, your wedding will happen. Maybe we can find a small chapel in a little town with a priest that isn't afraid of Cora."
"I just hate this. We've been through so much and I want her to be my wife."
"You may not have to wait any longer. If you and Snow would like Friar Tuck is a man of the cloth and could perform a marriage, tonight even if it would please you." Robin spoke.
Charming and Regina grinned at each other. "It seems you have a question to pose to my sister!" Charming wasted no time and rushed off to speak with Snow.
Within the hour everyone had agreed and Regina, Snow and Nora were picking wild flowers to braid into Snow's lovely hair.
"Did you think you'd be getting married when you woke up this morning?" Regina teased her sister.
"No!" She laughed. "But I couldn't be any happier or any more grateful to Friar Tuck for doing this!"
They sent Nora back to the camp so the two sisters could talk. They didn't notice the man hiding in the bush. Robin hadn't meant to stumble upon the scene and he certainly didn't mean to eavesdrop. Yet, when he hadn't been able to leave without drawing notice to himself so there he stood. Feeling very uncomfortable.
"What should I expect tonight?" Snow asked to Regina in an excited whisper. "What was your wedding night like?"
"It was wonderful," Regina said. "And yours will be too. But it will be a bit different than mine, I didn't exactly wait until my wedding night." She added with a giggle.
"WHAT?!" Snow asked grinning from ear to ear. "How could you not tell me? When and with who?!" she demanded.
"With Daniel of course!" Regina laughed. "What do you think of me? And as for when a few months after moving into the castle. I didn't want to wait either but there were no kindly Friar's within reach."
"Where?"
"By a lake one evening." She took her sister's hand. "I'm so happy for you and don't worry about tonight it'll be amazing because you love each other."
The pair left and Robin was able to go on without notice. He felt bad for having invaded such a private moment. But a part of him smiled at hearing Regina's secret.
She'd always been a rebel. He thought to himself.
The wedding had been small and humble and perfect. Once again a sister grinned in happiness for her sister and once again a true loves kiss was shared. This time however, Regina had a feeling the ending would be a happy one.
Snow and Charming had formed a private campsite and Regina and Nora were going to camp with the merry men tonight. Nora, didn't understand why and she was not at all shy about asking.
"I don't understand mommy!" The girl exclaimed. "WE always sleep with Auntie!"
"Not anymore love, now she and Charming will be sleeping together." A few men laughed at the comment but they were silenced by a stern look from Regina.
"But why?!" the girl persisted.
"Yes, Regina! Why?" Robin asked in a teasing tone. The men once again laughed at the child's innocent and awkward questions.
Regina looked at her daughter. "I'll explain when your older pet. Now go to bed."
The girl did followed closely by Roland and one by one the men drifted off. Leaving Robin and Regina alone once again.
"How does it feel, now that your sister is married?" He asked.
"Great, I couldn't be happier for her." Regina smiled.
"You're lucky to have each other."
"Yes, we are. I couldn't imagine doing this without her, especially with Nora."
"You seem like a determined woman. I'm sure you'd be able to handle any situation."
She grinned at him. "There's that flattery again." She teased.
"I call it as I see it my lady."
"I thought I told you that it's Regina." She said.
"You did." He grinned. She laughed.
"I should get to bed." She said.
"Agreed. We've had a long day."
AN: So the flirting has begun! Thanks so much for reviewing. Hope you liked this chapter! R&R