Regina's Choice - Chapter Four
Regina felt her breath leave her as her brain comprehended the last few seconds. Her breathing became hitched and she choked on the oxygen coming into her body. She felt those same strong hands that held her just moments before, lace their way around her back to catch her just in time as she collapsed. She heard a sudden intake of breath in her ear and warm breath on her neck. She also heard gasps around her. Did I just collapse? Why the hell did I collapse? I can't breathe. I cant feel my body...I can't...can't...
~Robin's POV~
Robin didn't know why he was so entranced by this stranger he held in his arms. He couldn't not look at her. As he caught her, he stumbled, and his face had ended up very close to her neck, he breathed in her scent and exhaled heavily, she smelled wonderful. No Robin! You don't smell strange girls you bump into in taverns... No matter how intoxicating you find them. Back to acting proper. Help the girl Robin!
He lifted the girl up and threw her legs over his arm, then realised he was carrying her bridal style. No, noone would care about how he held her, it's just his hyperactive thoughts, being insecure about his feelings. He looked around, looking for someone who might be looking for this girl, but noone was paying any attention and everyone was slowly drifting away, and going their own way. This girl was alone, noone was coming to see if she was okay. What do I do?!
Robin started walking toward his horse. He had a carriage type thing attached to the back of his horse that was just about large enough to fit the girl onto. He laid her down as gently as he could, and made sure the cloak was wrapped around her to keep her warm. He mounted his horse and started toward his private home, not the camp he shared with the Merry-Men. For some reason, he did not want to be around them once the girl awoke. She had a cute, innocent look on her face and he didn't want her to be exposed to them after what she's been through.
Who is she? She has probably been through a lot, to have fainted like that. Surely it wasn't because of me? I have to make sure she's okay, she seems vulnerable, I don't want her to walk home alone, it's getting late, she's vulnerable.
He was home. A small cave type settlement under a large willow tree, well hidden. It was far away from the main road, used mainly by the royal family and the people working for them. He jumped off the horse and tied it to the large branch like he always does. He opened the door to his home and lit his candles, he tidied up and put an extra blanket on his bed. He went back out side and carried the girl carefully into the room and lay her on the bed.
He went to where he keeps his medicine and bandages and got out the incents used to wake people from this sort of thing. He really hoped it works, he was so desperate to talk to this strange girl. He lit it off the candle that was beside the bed and held it over her. I wonder what her name is? What's her story?... And why is she so captivating?
Suddenly, the girl stirred. She stretched and opened her eyes. She stared at the ceiling for a few moments and blinked, she looked lost. She turned her head slowly and looked at him. A mixture of emotions passed upon her face. Then she started trying to get up way too quickly for Robins liking.
''No, no please, don't be frightened. I'm not going to hurt you!''
''I shouldn't be here!'' she cried. ''Where am I?''
''It's okay! You're safe I promise. I won't hurt you. You collapsed and I didn't know where to bring you and I didn't want to leave you at the tavern.''
''You're... him. Im here? I don't remember how I got here.''
''It's okay, you're perfectly safe. You can trust me. Please trust me.''
She took a very visible deep breath and looked into his eyes.
''Okay... I'm sorry I collapsed on you. I don't know what came over me.'' She looked distracted and worried.
''Don't worry about it, I'm just happy you're okay. I just wanted to make sure you're okay. It's late, and I don't think you should go home tonight, I want you to be safe.''
She smiled weakly and sighed.
''What's your name?''
''R-Regina..'' she said, her voice shaky.
~Regina's POV~
Regina cringed as she said her name. He will surely recognise her now. She should have tried harder and think of a new name but she didn't want to hesitate when thinking of her own name. Also, a part of her didn't want to lie to him. She risked a glance up to see his face and to spot any recognition that might be there.
''That's a ... beautiful name.'' he said smiling so radiantly that Regina couldn't help but smile back.
''Thank you, it was my father's mother's name.'' she replied.
''It suits you, can I ask, what's your story? I've never seen you in the tavern before, I definitely would have remembered.''
''Well, uhm,'' she coughed, ''I would really like to wait until I know you a little bit better to tell you that, personal reasons, it has nothing to do with you.'' she looked down once again with a sad look on her face that broke Robin's heart.
''Don't worry, beautiful.'' he said in his soft voice. This made Regina think of all the times the King dismissed her and was rude to her, she never felt loved or appreciated there, if it was up to her, she wouldn't ever go back to that wretched castle. Robin didn't even know her and yet, he was being as kind as anyone had ever been to her.
''I don't want to go home.'' she sobbed.
''You could, uhm, stay here, if you want to, uhm, for as long as you want. I want to make sure you're okay.''
Regina looked up into his warm eyes, still sobbing silently. Slowly, and slightly awkwardly, Robin reached around her shoulders and pulled her to him and embraced her. He rubbed his hand up and down her back and she wrapped her arms around his neck and cried. He's so lovely. He is so caring. How could I ever go back to that castle when I could just as easily stay here, I have the potential to be happy here, given Robin doesn't know who I am. But I can't run away from my problems, the King would come looking for me... or could I?
Regina finally stopped crying and sighed deeply. There is a chance they haven't noticed she had gone yet, she could stay the night, what's the harm? It's late she told herself.
''Would I, maybe, if you don't mind, be able to stay here for the night?''
Robin's face lit up. ''Of course you can, you can stay here as long as you need to, I enjoy helping people, it's my thing.''
Regina smiled, and shivered. She had been too distracted to notice how cold she had gotten. She pulled the cloak further over her shoulders.
''Oh, I'm sorry, it's very cold down here. Being wanted by the palace doesn't really make way for warm houses and cosy beds.'' He looked ashamed and embarrassed.
''No, no! Don't be sorry. What you do is wonderful. You help so many people, you're a hero. It's my honour to stay here tonight.''
Robin looked relieved. He breathed out a long sigh and smiled. Regina smiled too, his smile was infectious. He had such warm eyes, and he was so kind and caring. So unlike the people Regina was surrounded by her whole life.
''Would you like me to help you keep warm?'' he asked, rather shyly.
''I, I would like that.'' Regina blushed.
She allowed Robin to lay her back on the bed and put a blanket over her. She seen him reach for a second blanket and put it over her too. He blew out all of the candles and he approached the bed slowly, then bent down and climbed in beside her. At first, he was beside her, but not making any contact with her, then as time passed and they both grew weary after the long day, they drifted closer together. Regina fell asleep with her head on his chest and his arms around her, and for the first time in a long time, she felt peaceful, wanted and secure in her life. She didn't know Robin all that well yet, but she knew he had a kind, loving heart, she looked forward to getting to know him and she wanted to be the best she can be for him, maybe he'll begin to love her in time, given he didn't know who she was.
