Dawn broke beautifully the next morning, with the pure bright light shining through the gap in Regina's curtains and into her room. She slowly opened her eyes and stretched, turning towards the window as she did so, her eyes quickly adjusting themselves to the light. She had always been an early riser, and this was one of the reasons for that. She loved the feeling of the morning sun dancing upon her skin, lighting up her room and casting bright streams of light when it reflected upon her mirror. However, this morning she found herself feeling slightly dejected by the breaking of the new day, knowing that it was one of the last of the summer; the days would soon be growing darker, and she would be bereft of this beautiful light. The realisation of the time of year quickly reminded Regina of the day, and she pushed herself up into a sitting position, finding herself to be completely awake.
Several dozen students were scheduled to return or arrive at the school today ahead of the new term, and Regina wished to greet them and their families personally. As she angled her body to the edge of the bed and planted her feet on the floor, she also considered that there were also some last minute preparations to make ahead of the camping trip that evening. The one good thing about the trip meant that it enabled Regina to catch up with her ever-increasing pile of paperwork, which appeared to be breeding in her office. The fact that Regina knew that the day was going to be incredibly busy reassured her immensely, as it meant that she would be too occupied personally and professionally to have to deal with Mr Locksley. Regina turned to her dressing table and caught sight of the book he had given her, which was bathed in the early morning light. She felt a moment of panic which she instantly repressed, reminding herself of everything she had to deal with that day, and how little time she had in which to complete her various tasks. But none of that mattered at the moment, as there was only a single thing she was required to do for the time-being.
Regina walked calmly across her room and headed towards Henry's room, tapping it softly and smiling as she heard him begin to stir.
"Henry, dear" she called gently as she opened his door a fraction, allowing the light into the dim room, which highlighted his figure beneath the sheets. Regina's curious glance into the room was met by Henry's own still sleepy eyes. "Are you feeling up to riding?" she asked.
Henry nodded in assent and tossed his blankets aside, standing unsteadily upon the floor and rubbing his tired eyes.
"Take your time, sweetheart" Regina stated kindly, before slowly closing his door as he turned on his bedside lamp.
Following an earlier than usual horse ride with her son, Regina was showered and dressed and in the main reception area of the school by eight o'clock sharp, greeting the new parents and students, as well as existing ones. More children arrived that day than she had expected, but between herself and her staff everyone was signed in and shown to where they needed to be. Regina spent the majority of the morning introducing herself to children, answering general questions and reassuring anxious parents which, after ten years of experience in all fields, she was able to do with her usual calm and kind professionalism.
Regina dealt with the initial influx of students in the morning before heading to the library and then the canteen, where preparations for the camping trip were being made. After she was reassured that everything was in hand, and after making some further suggestions which were immediately actioned, Regina walked slowly back towards the main reception area of the school. She watched as a couple of students arrived and were assisted by Belle French, who led them into the general office for their induction. As the reception area was quite quiet and Belle was only in the office, Regina almost considered heading back to her own office to begin her paperwork, before the sight of a young boy walking nervously up the stairs besides a man attracted her attention. The little boy seemed no older than six or seven, and was standing very close to the man he was with, holding his hand tightly and staring nervously around the building. Regina smiled sympathetically as she made her way towards the boy; she understood just how daunting such a place could be for such a young child.
"Hello" Regina smiled, her eyes drifting briefly towards man the boy was with before returning to the child. "I'm Principal Mills" she stated simply. "What's your name?" she asked gently.
The little boy lowered his head nervously and pressed himself closer to the man's leg.
"I'm sorry, Principal Mills, he's a tad nervous" the man explained with a smile, which Regina returned politely, her eyes drifting back to the child.
"I understand" she said gently. "It's a big place, isn't it? It must seem quite scary" she added, kneeling before the little boy, who finally met her gaze, and nodding briefly in agreement.
Regina looked into the little boy's beautiful dark eyes and realised how frightened he was, and she felt drawn to him, her desire to reassure him consuming her.
"Do you know what helps me when I'm scared?" she asked, watching as the little boy shook his head in response, highlighting his dark curls.
Regina placed her hand in her pocket and removed her apartment keys, pushing them down the chain and removing a keyring. The keyring was a small brown horse carved from wood and hand-painted, which was a perfect replica of her own horse. Henry had made it for her in wood-shop the year before, and it had not left her side ever since. But as she gazed into the lost eyes of the little boy before her, she realised that at the moment, he needed it more than she did.
"This is something my little boy made for me" she explained, holding it before the little boy, who gazed at it intently. "It looks exactly like my real horse, Rocinante" she smiled, moving the object around in her fingers before the boy's eyes. "And whenever I feel scared I take it off the keychain and I look at it, and it reminds me of both my son, and the freedom I feel when I ride my horse" she explained gently, watching as the small boy remained captivated by the item and her words. "And then I don't feel afraid anymore" she stated simply, lowering the object in her hand and holding it towards him. "So why don't you hold onto it for a little while, hm?" she asked with a smile.
The little boy's eyes widened slightly, and he nodded keenly in response to the principal's offer. Regina smiled once more, before placing the little wooden horse figure in the palm of the little boy, who held it close.
"I like riding horses" he stated, his voice low but gaining confidence as he spoke. "And so does my daddy."
"Is that so?" Regina asked, looking up to the tall man beside the little boy.
"Oh, no, I… I'm not the boy's father" the man smiled. Regina placed her hands on her knees and rose to her feet.
"I'm sorry, I just assumed" she smiled politely.
"Naturally, miss" he returned. "But alas I am not" he stated, turning to face the child, whose hair he ruffled lightly with his hand. "The name's Will Scarlett, and I am just dropping this scamp off to his father" he smiled, earning a small chuckle from the little boy.
Regina's smile fell slightly and she turned back towards the small boy, taking in his features once more. His dark hair and eyes, his penetrating gaze, his cheeky grin. His father, Regina thought.
"Roland" she breathed, the sound of his name causing the child to turn towards her with a look of confusion. "You must be Roland" she stated simply, punctuating her statement with a smile as the young boy nodded in response. "Your father is Mr Locksley?"
Roland nodded keenly in response.
"He told me that you were spending some time with your nanny-"
Regina's statement was cut off by a chuckle from Will.
"I bet he did, the cheeky beggar" he laughed. "Robin and I are old friends, Principal Mills. I occasionally take care of his boy, hence him jokingly referring to me as a nanny" he smiled, shaking his head lightly. Regina nodded understanding. Cheeky beggar indeed.
"Is my daddy here?" Roland asked, a slight degree of nervousness entering his tone.
"Yes, sweetheart, he arrived yesterday" Regina stated kindly. "He was unpacking all of your things so that it would be all ready for when you came" she continued. "I'd imagine that he's in his rooms now, would you like me to take you to him?"
Without a word Roland nodded enthusiastically, moving from beside Will towards Regina, whose hand he clasped tightly with his own. Regina was slightly surprised at the contact, but squeezed his hand reassuringly and offered him another smile. Before either of them could speak a buzzing sound from Will's jacket drew both of their attention towards him, and Regina watched as he answered a phone call. Will sighed in frustration before nodding and agreeing (begrudgingly) to whatever was being asked of him by the caller. He slowly lowered the phone and placed it back in his pocket, before crouching down before Roland.
"I'm sorry, buddy, but your uncle Little John needs my help" he began, causing the little boy to nod wisely in understanding. "Will you be okay?" he asked gently. Roland nodded immediately in response, and Regina felt his grip on her hand increase, as he drew the small wooden horse she had lent him to his chest.
"Mm-hm" he nodded, and Will ruffled his dark locks once more as he rose, before offering Regina a shoulder bag containing some of Roland's items. She accepted it and placed it over her own shoulder, and they both bade farewell to the Will Scarlett, who walked slowly down the marble steps.
"Does Little John always need Will's help?" Regina asked conversationally as she adjusted the large bag over her shoulder and led Roland down the corridor.
"Yes" Roland responded, laughing lightly as she spoke. Regina smiled automatically in response, finding the little boy's smile and laughter to be contagious, just like his father's. Regina's smile fell slightly at the realisation, and she found herself once more suppressing the memory of Mr Locksley's kind smile and deep blue eyes.
"Is my room near daddy's room?" Roland asked as they began to climb the stairs.
"Yes, it is" Regina returned absently, before turning towards the young boy. "You both have a little apartment right up here" she stated, gesturing to the floor with her eyes. "You have a kitchen, a living room, a bathroom and two bedrooms. One for you and one for your father."
Roland nodded in understanding, continuing to hold the small wooden horse protectively in his hand as Regina led him up the staircase.
"The school is very big" Roland commented, as he cast a brief glance around. "My other school didn't have lots of stairs and rooms and windows."
"You're right, it is quite big" Regina responded gently. "But I promise you, you'll find your way around in no time at all" she continued. "And when you know where you're going and where all the important places are, ait won't seem so scary."
"Do you promise?" he asked as they reached the top of the stairs. Regina leaned towards him.
"I promise" she stated with conviction, earning a small nod from Roland.
"Okay" he smiled, his attention fixed upon the horse once more. Regina smiled in response and led Roland down the corridor and towards the familiar set of double doors which, to her intense annoyance, caused her heart to beat faster with anticipation.
Regina swallowed hard and led Roland towards the door, knocking upon it firmly three times. She was not about to have another encounter with another one of Mr Locksley's errant darts. Regina's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door being opened, revealing the tall figure of Robin Locksley. Robin's eyes met Regina's for a moment before widening in surprise at the presence of the little boy beside her, his face breaking into an expression of incredible joy.
"Roland!" Robin smiled, opening his arms wide as the little boy let go of Regina's hand and launched himself at his father. "Oh, I have missed you" he stated, holding the boy in a loving embrace, his hand running through his messy curls. "It feels much longer than three days" he whispered, his eyes closing as he held his son close.
Regina felt her whole body relax at the sight before her, her heart warmed by such a display of complete devotion. After a moment of staring at the scene, humbled and in awe, Regina began to feel that her presence was an intrusion. She removed the bag from her shoulder and placed it between Robin and herself, the sound of which caused Robin to open his eyes and glance from the bag to Regina.
"Mr Scarlett brought this with him, I assume they are some of your son's possessions" she stated professionally, as Robin stood tall in the doorway and picked his son up in his arms, holding him on his hip.
"And he made you carry it up the stairs?" Robin asked incredulously, taking a step forward and picking up the bag which he deposited into the living area. "I apologise on his half, Principal Mills. He can be unthinkably rude."
"It's not a problem" Regina returned calmly. "He got called away, otherwise I'm sure he'd have brought the bag and your son to you directly" she stated, offering the young boy a smile as he turned towards her.
"Principal Mills let me borrow her wooden horse, look" Roland stated, holding the item close to Robin's face so that he could admire it.
Robin considered the small object his son was presenting to him, realising quickly that it was handmade and hand-painted, and almost certainly had some kind of emotional significance to Principal Mills. It was probably a gift from someone, possibly her son.
"That was very kind of her, wasn't it?" Robin asked, his eyes travelling from Regina to Roland. "But I think it's time to give it back-"
Roland held the horse protectively in both his hands and seemed despondent, turning from his father to Regina.
"Oh, it's fine, really" she began. "Why don't you hold onto it for a little while?" she asked gently. "You'll keep it safe for me, won't you?"
Roland smiled and nodded in agreement, as his father lowered him to the ground.
"Roland, why don't you go and sit on the couch over there, and I'll bring you something to drink and a snack" he began. "I just need to speak to Principal Mills first."
Roland nodded in agreement and turned towards Regina, holding the horse up in the air.
"Thank you for letting me look after the horse" he said sweetly.
"You are very welcome" she returned, as the small boy's dark curls disappeared excitedly into the room. Robin laughed in response before turning towards Regina, his deep eyes meeting hers once more.
"Roland was a little frightened when he came in, so I Iet him borrow the little horse, telling him it would make him feel less afraid" she explained. "He can keep it for as long as he needs, really."
"That was very kind of you, thank you" Robin returned sincerely. "I'll make sure it is well taken care of."
"Good" Regina returned, her breathing increasing as she continued to stare into his hypnotic eyes, her body feeling as though gravity itself was pushing her towards him. She blinked once and averted her eyes from his, before glancing at his doorframe and tilting her head slightly to the side. "It's refreshing to knock on your door without almost being struck by a dart."
"Perhaps next time" Robin quipped, earning a small laugh from Regina, which she immediately sought to suppress. "Would you care to join us for a drink?" he asked, causing her to turn towards him with a lost expression. "I know how busy this morning must have been for you, I'd wager you've not yet had a break."
"Thank you, but I'm fine" Regina returned politely, looking up at him as she spoke. "I really should be getting back though" she added. "I hope you both have a good time on the camping trip this evening."
"Thank you" Robin returned, leaning on the doorway as he spoke. "Regina, I-"
The sound of her name being spoken by him caused her limbs to weaken slightly, and she was grateful for the interruption of his excitable son.
"Daddy!" called Roland, who came bounding through the room towards his father. "Daddy, come and see my room!" he smiled excitedly.
"In a moment, Roland" he returned, "now please, go and sit down, calm yourself" he smiled, turning back to Regina as his son walked calmly towards the couch.
"It's fine" Regina returned professionally. "And it's Principal Mills" she corrected him once more, before turning on the spot and heading back down the corridor before descending the stone steps. As Robin watched her leave he found himself experiencing the strongest sensation of de-ja-vu.
Regina spent the remainder of her day in her office, completing the majority of the paperwork which lay before her, working furiously in an attempt to banish the affect Mr Locksley appeared to be having upon her. She exhaled in frustration as she considered the way her knees practically trembled when he spoke her name, pushing the completed paperwork aside and placing the lid back on her fountainpen, which she placed neatly upon her desk. She turned towards her window and noticed that the sun was beginning to set, meaning that the students would be heading to make camp very soon. Although she had already helped Henry to pack the majority of the things he would require, there were some items she had entrusted him to pack himself. She stood from behind her desk and made her way towards her apartment, where she found her son standing over two fully-packed bags, as Hansel and Gretel emerged from the living room with their own possessions.
"Oh, hello Principal Mills" Gretel stated politely.
"Hello, Gretel" she returned pleasantly. "Do you have everything you need?"
"Yes, miss" she returned immediately.
"Good" Regina smiled, watching as Henry lifted one bag over his shoulder and picked up the other in his free hand. "Do you have everything you need, dear?" she asked.
"Yes, mom" Henry returned confidently. "We gotta go otherwise we're gonna be late" he explained.
"Of course" she replied simply. "Have a wonderful time" she smiled.
"You too" Henry stated, as he and his friends walked quickly from the apartment, the sound of their excited voices drifting down the corridor.
Regina walked slowly towards the couch and sat down upon it, drawing her legs across it and lying her head upon one of the soft cushions. She hadn't slept very well the night before, and after meeting dozens of parents and children and then locking herself away to do four hours' worth of paperwork she felt exhausted. Sleep soon claimed Regina, who remained undisturbed for over two hours as she slept. She rarely recalled her dreams when she awoke, unless they were the frightening ones about Daniel which caused her to wake up in the night with a start, her hands clutching the bedding tightly as she battled not to scream; or of the day when Henry was born, seeing the pain in Emma's eyes as she and her parents pleaded with her to help them. But as Regina slept this time her mind was plagued by memories equally as troubling, as the gentle voice of Robin Locksley repeating her name, and the feel of his gaze upon her as he realised her own loss were so strong, that she felt almost certain that he was in the room with her. Regina's eyes snapped open and she pushed herself up on the couch.
Regina swept her hair from her eyes and placed her hand on her neck, stretching out in relief as she realised that she had only been dreaming. But as her eyes slowly adjusted to the lightness of the room, her sight befell a blue object beside Henry's bedroom door: his sleeping bag. Regina sighed.
"Oh, Henry" she mumbled tiredly as she pushed herself up off the couch and ambled unsteadily towards the sleeping bag, which was wrapped in a cylindrical waterproof bag which, in his haste, her son had forgotten.
Regina sighed once more as she picked up the item and grabbed her keys from the table besides the door, walking briskly from her apartment and closing the door firmly behind her.
As soon as Regina set foot outside the building she knew she had made a mistake by not picking up her coat before she left. Even though it was a summer evening there was a distinct chill in the air, causing Regina to wrap her arms around herself as she walked towards the stables. A few hundred yards beyond the stables was the beginning of the candle-lit path which led lost students back to the campsite. The cool air sobered Regina from her slumber, and despite her tiredness she felt more alert and awake with each step she took. After a few minutes of walking she could hear the laughter of students and the voice of Mr Hook, who appeared to be enjoying himself almost as much as the students. As she stepped into the clearing where the camp had been made Regina uncrossed her arms and glanced curiously around the site, looking for Henry or one of his friends. After not seeing her son immediately she walked deeper into the camping ground, wrapping her arms around herself once more, before the sound of a twig breaking and a familiar voice drew her attention to her right.
"Principal Mills" came the slightly confused voice of Robin Locksley, causing her to turn towards him. "Is there something I can assist with?" he asked, noticing that she was just wearing her skirt and blouse.
Regina stared at him for a moment, uncrossing her arms as she looked up at him, rubbing her right arm with her hand.
"You must be freezing" he commented, shrugging off his thick jacket and moving towards her before she could protest.
"Thank you, but I'm fine" she stated, stepping backwards as Robin held the coat before her. "Have you seen my son?"
"Mom!" called Henry, who emerged from behind some trees with Hansel and Gretel, their arms laden with firewood. "Are you okay?" he asked, depositing the firewood on the ground and walking towards her.
"You forgot your sleeping bag" she stated gently, holding it out to him as he headed towards her, accepting it from her with thanks. He lingered for a moment, but she offered him a reassuring smile. "Go back to your friends, sweetheart" she stated. "And have a wonderful time" she added, as her son nodded in response and walked back towards the fire.
Robin used the opportunity arising from the distraction of the Principal's attention to take another step towards her and wrap his coat across her shoulders and back, causing her to turn towards him with a defiant expression.
"I said I was fine" she stated.
"And yet you were trembling" Robin responded gently.
Regina's lips parted and she prepared herself to respond, but found that all of her words escaped her as the soft material of his inner jacket warmed her, covering her in his alluring scent. She felt as though the garment itself was causing her to feel light-headed.
"Thank you" she stated in a kinder tone, looking up at him as she spoke.
"Not at all" he returned. "Would you care to stay for a while?" he asked. "Mr Hook is dying to break out the marshmallows" he joked.
"Oh, no, I-" Regina began, struggling to find an excuse. "I should get back to the remaining students at the school, and besides" she began, her eyes drifting towards her son, "I wouldn't want to embarrass Henry."
"I can't imagine how you would" he replied sincerely. Regina rose her eyebrows and shrugged off his coat, which she handed back to him.
"Thank you again" she stated, the coolness of the air chilling her the instant the garment was removed, causing her to cross her arms once more.
"Please, take this with you" he stated, offering the jacket back to her.
"It's only a short walk" Regina replied reassuringly. "And you're gonna be out here all night, you'll need it more than I do."
"I have a couple of others in my bag" he lied, holding the coat out to her once more. Regina's eyes glistened and rose to meet his own.
"No you don't" she stated, crossing her arms tighter across her chest as she admired the flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Goodnight, Mr Locksley" she stated finally, before turning from him and heading back towards the well-lit path.
Robin lowered his jacket and watched the figure of the incredibly stubborn Principal Mills disappear down the path.
By the time Regina reached the school she found that the brisk walk had alleviated the effects of the cold, but the warmness of the reception area was more than welcome. She took several steps across the marble floor as she glanced tiredly around the school, unaccustomed to seeing it so quiet and empty. It was only eight o'clock and she felt drained, and was glad of an opportunity for an early night which, for her, seldom arose. As she began to make her way towards one of the tall staircases the sound of footsteps upon gravel caused her to turn instantly towards the door she had just closed, which slowly began to open before her. Regina's arms fell to her sides and she tilted her head slightly to the left.
"Hello?" she called, taking a few steps back towards the gradually opening door. "Who's there?" she asked, watching as a gloved hand pushed the door further open, revealing a tall woman in a long coat, who smiled at her nervously.
"Oh, forgive me, I didn't mean to startle you" she smiled, her light curls falling over her shoulders as she stepped into the reception area.
"You didn't" Regina returned, taking several more steps towards the woman, who closed the door behind her after pulling a single suitcase up and matching holdall up the stairs. "I'm Principal Mills, owner of the school" she stated calmly. "How can I help you?"
"I wasn't intending to arrive until tomorrow morning, but that flight was delayed and so I took an earlier one, which brought me here far earlier than I had anticipated" she stated apologetically. "I'm Miss Gardner, teacher of science" she continued, flashing Regina a small smile.
Regina felt herself calming instantly and her entire body relaxed.
"Of course" she smiled, walking towards the woman and extending a hand. "It's nice to meet you. And please don't worry about coming earlier than you intended, it's not a problem at all" she smiled. "Welcome to the school, Miss Gardner."
"Oh, please" the woman returned, removing her dark green glove and placing her hand in Regina's. "Call me Zelena."