Chapter 6

Robin had a one track mind and his men knew something was off. Robin normally gave direction and their mission was clear cut. Whatever Robin was planning seemed to be spontaneous.

John decided to get some answers. "Robin, what's the plan?" asked John. Robin continued to press forward ignoring him. John grabbed his elbow and pulled him back. "What's the plan?"

"We're taking gold like we normally do," Robin quipped. "There's nothing different about this situation."

John arched an eyebrow. "Robin, what's gotten into you? You've been acting strange ever since Regina."

Anger flashed across his eyes and John tightened his grip. "Whatever she did, forget about her."

"Let's keep going," Robin ordered ignoring John's remark. He jerked back and walked forward.

Tinkerbell had a feeling something was wrong. She went to see Regina when she saw them going off on their horses. She flew around when she spotted Robin. She discreetly followed him and her heart nearly stopped when she saw he was heading for the castle.

She flew in front of him and landed. "Robin," she called out.

"Tinkerbell," he said in awe. "Where did you come from?"

"The better question is what are you doing," she said. "Regina isn't there."

"I know." he said harshly. Tinkerbell narrowed her eyes. "I can take you to Regina...once I find out where she is."

"I don't care where she is. I-I have business with the king," he said. Tinkerbell looked past him. "My men are behind me," he added. He went to move forward but she blocked him.

"Robin, you can't go. You have no idea what can happen and if anything goes wrong, Regina won't be happy about it," she reasoned.

He walked around her. She called after him and then she ran. She didn't want to but she used pixie dust. He felt himself being suspended in the air.

"Put me down," he ordered not liking magic.

"Not until you listen to me," she said. "I'm a fairy and I helped bring you and Regina together. Regina left. I saw her go. You can't storm the castle because he is waiting for some trespassers."

Tinkerbell saw the stoic expression on her face and then the realization hit her. "You...you're the trespasser. I set Regina up a thief," she said in disbelief. "There's only one real reason you are trying to raid his castle. What do you know about Regina?"

"She's married and has a stepdaughter. She is a queen," he answered.

"She is also my dear friend and she would hate it if you were injured or killed because of her," she snapped. "I'm going to let you down but promise me you won't do anything stupid."

He didn't reply at first. "Promise me," she demanded. He promised and she let him go.

"Robin," John called out readying his arrow as he saw the interaction between Tinkerbell and Robin.

Robin stood in front of her. "It's alright John. She's a friend," he said. John lowered his arrow. "She's fine. She just stopped me from making a mistake."

"So we aren't going into King Leopold's castle," John questioned. Robin shook his head no. John was relieved for once.

"Head back to camp," Robin ordered. He turned to Tinkerbell after they left. "Did you know Regina was taking lessons from The Dark One?"

"She is trying to get away from darkness. Finding love again helps her," she said.

"That's not the answer to my question" he said.

"It's the one you're going to get. Go back to whatever you came from. I'll find them and then come get you," Tinkerbell said and flew away.

Robin stood there debating whether to proceed with his plan still. He could get out alive but he knew his emotions were high. He needed to think and focus. He couldn't think properly with his focus on Regina. "Go back Robin," he told himself.

Meanwhile, Regina looked over at Snow who had fallen asleep. "Your majesty, do you wish to stop?" her guard asked.

"A little longer," she said. "I want to be as far as possible." They rode for another hour before stopping. Regina stretched her legs and looked up at the sky. She squinted her eyes at the green light approaching her. "Tinkerbell."

She landed in front of her and huffed. "Regina," she said annoyed. "I thought you were happy."

"What are you doing here?" she asked whispering. "And what are you talking about? I'm happy."

"So you aren't doing anything dark," she questioned.

Regina narrowed her eyes. "Why are you asking me that?"

"Robin, that's why. He was about to do something stupid," she said.

Regina gasped. "Where is he? I need to go to him," she said. Tinkerbell held her by the arms. "Tinkerbell," she pleaded. "I must see him."

"No, I'll bring him to you once you've settled. Don't you try anything. Honestly, you two are going to be the death of me," she said ascending back into the night sky.

"Mother! Who are you talking?" Snow asked startling Regina. She turned around.

"Just myself dear," she answered. "Are you alright Snow?" she asked. Snow nodded yes.

"Alright, let's get back to the carriage." For the rest of the night, Regina's thoughts were on Robin.

Tinkerbell found Robin and got his attention. He was stoking the fire when he heard her. "Where is she?" he inquired.

"Safe and she's in the woods. I'll bring you to her tomorrow. She wanted to come and see you but I stopped her. All you can do is get some rest."

"When will you come?" Robin asked eagerly.

"I don't know. Just be patient," Tinkerbell said.

Back at the castle, Leopold waited with the guards. "It seems the bandits have chosen not to arrive," a guard said.

"It appears so but I can't take the chance," Leopold said. "We will be ready in case these bandits change their minds."

The following day...

Regina and Snow arrived at the summer palace. They made sure Snow was settled before Regina was escorted to her chambers. She sat on the edge of the bed.

"I'm here Tinkerbell," she said aloud. She waited all afternoon for Tinkerbell and tried to occupy her time.

"Regina," she heard. She whipped around and saw Tinkerbell standing in the middle of her room. "How long do you have?"

"Time doesn't matter. Where is he?" she asked.

"Waiting for you," she replied. Before Regina knew it, she was engulfed in pixie dust. Minutes later she was standing in front of him.

"Robin," she whispered.

"Hello Regina," he said. "We have a lot to discuss."