A/N : Yes, miracles happen! Chase's awfully long hiatus is finally over! I hope you haven't forgotten about it and are still eager to read it! I certainly am motivated to write it, a few chapters are written but give me some time to work on them before the next update. I promise, it won't take 9 months this time. Jeez, I feel awful just thinking about how long I made you wait.
I hope you'll all enjoy this new and very long chapter!
They asked him to leave the room a good two hours ago. Since, Michael has been keeping his children busy, while all Robin has done was staring out the window, contemplating the storm tearing the forest apart, thoughtful, fighting the anxiety twisting his stomach every time his mind drifts towards the scene happening in the other room.
He has no clue about Regina's state and the cares Amelia and Eleanor are providing for her, and the ignorance is killing him. Robin knows they're doing their best to help her, he's a good judge of character and these two women seem honest.
Which brings him back to the tantrum he's been struggling with for a couple of hours now.
Has Regina bewitched him?
The possibility hasn't left his mind, but the more he thinks about it, the more contradictions he finds.
When would she have casted the initial spell? Why burdening herself with his companionship if she indeed is so powerful? Most of all, why not using her powers against the men who attacked her months ago, or simply, to provide supplies for herself instead of resorting to thefts?
Remembering the last month, Robin cannot find any logical explanation. Since they started their common journey, the large majority of their time was spent together, and whenever they parted ways, it was never for very long, and rarely planned. Regina would have never found time to maintain such spell.
His gut has never failed him after Kara's death, and Regina's behavior never alarmed him. On the contrary, Robin has always felt that she was nothing but honest. Plus, she doesn't seem to have seen through his game, and her attitude hasn't changed, so why would she use him now? What purpose could she have in magically stealing his heart, when he willingly offered his help since the beginning? Also, although he tries his best to ignore it, a tiny voice in his head reminds him that, if he's correct, there's no existing spell to make someone fall in love against his will. But can he say that what he feels for her is love? He's never been in love before, would he be able to recognize it in the first place?
So, he wonders… has she been using her powers on him at all? Or isn't he trying to find an excuse for his failure instead? Whatever the answer to this question is, he still has to do his job and fulfill his contract, doesn't he? Or is it time for him to quit and live a honest life?
Robin sighs, shakes his head.
A honest life? What does that even mean? Besides killing, he's good at nothing, what would he do for a living? And why would he change his lifestyle and his code? For whom? Regina? This is the dumbest idea, Robin thinks as he closes his eyes. Let's supposed he doesn't kill her. Let's supposed they reach her destination without encountering any more ordeal. She will most likely walk away without looking back. Worse, if she ever were to learn his real identity and the reason why he's been travelling with her...
Damn, why is this thought hurting so much? Why is his chest squeezing at the idea that she could turn away from him and never forgive him for this? It's almost as painful as watching her lying unconscious, with no certainty that she'll ever wake up.
He's never felt this way before, so... worried? No, worry, he knew. Every time his friends were in battle and one was injured, he was worried for them. No, it's not that. It's stronger. Deeper. It takes him to the guts and has bile rising in his throat. It blurs his vision and makes his hands tremble. It forbids him to breathe and makes his head dizzy.
It's called fear.
Because Robin is scared. He's scared for her life. As much as he loved his brothers in arms, they all knew what their lives were made of. They all knew death could take them at any moment. Losing brothers in battles was a common event. But Regina... Regina doesn't have to die. She shouldn't die.
So yes, Robin admits it. He's scared for her. Of losing her, to be exact. And that is something he never experienced with anyone else.
Deep down, Robin knows why he feels this way, but he's not ready to accept it yet. Right now, what he wants, is being rid of his doubts, of this spell if there is one. But only time will answer that. And if Regina never wakes up, at least he'll be free.
Right?
xxx
A knock on the door pulls Robin from his thoughts, interrupts the game Michael and the twins were playing at. They all turn around to face Eleanor pop her head inside the room. Her eyes land on her children first, her affectionate smile growing at the sight, before she looks up, finally locking eyes with him. She nods once, slowly, and the words exiting her lips sound like the best news he's ever heard.
"She's awake."
Her "she's asking for you" is lost somewhere between the moment Robin crosses the bedroom and stops in front of her. She opens the door wider to let him step inside the main room, and Robin fights to hide his sudden dizziness, the lump in his throat, the squeeze of his guts.
And there she is.
"Hey."
Regina's voice is the weaker he's ever heard her, increases the weight on his chest instantly, the fear too.
"Hello, Milady." He walks to her, a hand linking with the one she holds out for him, the other covering her forehead. She still looks pale as dead, but she's awake. She attempts a small smile, one that he returns immediately. "How do you feel?"
She takes a moment, swallows hard, fighting the dryness of her mouth, gladly accepts the glass of water Amelia hands her. After a few gulps, she leans back on the pillows with an exhale.
"I've been better." She mutters. "I feel tired. And weak." She whispers, forcing herself to open her eyes, wincing when she attempts to sit up, but Robin brings a hand to her shoulder, forces her to lie down.
"You need to rest." He replies softly, brushing her forehead. "We're taking care of you. Amelia here," he tilts his chin towards the woman. "is going to get you back in shape in the blink of an eye."
"You give me more credit than I deserve, Robin." Amelia answers, her breathless and exhausted voice hitting him immediately. When he looks at her more carefully, he notices signs of tiredness that weren't there before, a bit of sweat pearling on her forehead when she says. "It's a long and winding road to recovery."
"Are you alright?" Robin asks with concern.
He's no doctor, but he didn't think treating a patient could be so exhausting.
"I am."
Well, if she says so.
"You're going to help her, right?" he questions, so overwhelmed with relief he can't even scold himself for the treacherous hope piercing in his voice.
"Of course." She assures with a smile. Glancing down at Regina, who watched the exchange in silence, she explains. "But it's going to take some time. She has a few broken ribs and she knocked her head pretty hard. I'm afraid your trip will be interrupted for several days."
Robin exchanges a glance with Regina. Her exhausted features are enough to convince him that a break is more than required. At least, he's sure that if spell there is, she won't have the strength to keep it up for a while, long enough to give him time to come back to his sense and be rid of the foolish butterflies in his belly.
"That's not a problem." He assures. "Her recovery is more important."
Regina's hand closes over his, sending shivers running up his arm and halting his heart for a second. But in the silence, Gretel's voice coming from behind him (Michael and his children have apparently joined them) brings Robin down to Earth, reminding him of where they are. A family's home.
He frowns, his mouth twitching. "Is there a tavern nearby where we could stay for several days?"
Amelia shakes her head. "There's one three miles from here. But Regina isn't ready to travel even a short distance."
Robin winces. As kind as these people are, he can't really invite himself and Regina in their small house for so long. That's too much to ask. But before he can utter a word, a hand closes over his shoulder.
"You can stay here as long as you need."
Robin gets up to face Michael. "We have bothered you for too long already. You are a kind man, Michael, but you have two young children who need space, and if we both stay here-"
"We're not really giving you a choice, Robin." Eleanor cuts him off kindly, exchanging a nod with her husband. "Your friend needs rest, and I'm sure that you do too. So, at least until she's fully recovered, you two are staying here."
He's speechless. He's face goodness before, but what these people are offering is... too much. More than many would be ready to provide. They're stranger who are imposing themselves in their home, they should be wanting them away as soon as possible. That's what he expected after the wary looks he witnessed earlier. Yet, he can read in their eyes that there's not an ounce of regret or hesitation. They've made the decision easily knowing how complicated it'd be for their family.
"Robin?"
Regina's weak voice catches his attention, pulling him out of his thoughts. He crouches in front of the brunette.
"I know what you must be thinking, and I don't want to bother them either, but I really do not feel up to traveling or even getting up yet."
"Give her at least a few days." Amelia adds. "In a week, she should be stronger."
Robin cranes his neck to look at the healer. "Should?"
"I can't tell for sure how much time she's going to need exactly."
Robin sighs, gaze falling over Regina again.
"Alright." Turning towards Michael, then Eleanor, he nods. "Thank you for your offer, we're more than grateful for your kindness and hospitality. Of course, I'll give you a compensation for the trouble we cause you."
"There's no need."
"I insist." He states while getting up. "We are unexpected guests imposing on you, I can supply for our needs." Turning to Amelia, he adds. "Just like I'll pay for the cares you provide for Regina."
xxx
"I'm sorry, Robin."
He looks away from the children playing next to their parents to meet Regina's eyes. "For what?"
She tilts her chin towards her own body, curled up under blankets. "For this. It changes our plans."
Shaking his head, he spontaneously squeezes her arm. "That's not your fault. You didn't plan to-" he stops, frowning. "To what, actually? What happened out there?"
"I'm not sure." Regina shrugs. "I was hurrying to come back to our camp when the storm began, and then…" she looks ahead, furrowing her brow, searching through her memories. "Something hit me." Her hand moves to her ribs, then the back of her head, where she was injured. "I remember pain… and then… I fell and… it turned dark. I- I must have passed out."
"That last part is correct. You were unconscious when I found you."
Regina smiles weakly. "I was lucky that you did."
"I took cover when the storm began," Robin explains. "But when I didn't see you come back, I started worrying. I traced you back to the river where I found you. Michael," He glances at the man discussing with his wife across the room. "arrived around this moment and guided me here."
"They look like kind people." She declares while following Robin's gaze.
"They are."
But as soon as you're back on your feet, we're getting out of here, Robin says to himself. Michael and Eleanor are indeed nice, but Robin can't wait to deal with his main problem: The woman in front of him. As long as they're here, he's powerless, can't do anything against her. And he needs to put an end to this tricky situation sooner rather than later...
Whatever that end will be.
xxx
"Hi!"
Regina smiles at the toddler shyly approaching them. Robin turns around to face Gretel, holding what's probably supposed to be a doll close to her chest.
"Hello!" She replies as cheerfully as her tiredness allows her.
"You pretty." The little girl compliments, looking straight at Regina. A slight blush taints the brunette's pale cheeks, and she chuckles slightly.
"Thank you, Gretel. But you're much more pretty than I am." She replies, the corner of her mouth tipping up at the child's toothy giggle.
"Why you sick?" She asks.
Eleanor intervenes then, calling her daughter from her spot in the kitchen, barely three feet behind. "Gretel! Don't borrow our guests, darling. Regina needs to rest."
"Don't worry, Eleanor. She's not bothering us." Turning towards the child, Regina smiles. "I had a little accident. But I'm going to be better really soon." She adds in front of the child's sudden frown, unwilling to worry her.
"Melia make you better?"
"Yes, Gretel. She did."
"The storm is apparently definitely over, so she should be able to come back tonight as planned." Michael informs while looking through the window. He turns to his wife. "I'm going to check the barn."
Regina looks pointedly at Robin, arching an eyebrow. He understands immediately, gets up and offers. "Let me help you! After everything you're doing for us, that's the least I can do."
"Gladly. Follow me, Robin."
While the men exit the house, Regina lies back down, sighing deeply, something that doesn't escape Eleanor's attention.
"Are you alright?"
Regina gives her a small smile, winks at Gretel who hasn't left her side.
"Yes. But my head hurts like hell, every move and breath trigger the pain in my chest, and I'm still exhausted."
"You should get some more sleep." Eleanor suggests. "Amelia said that you need rest, and I'm not judging but you've spent a long time awake discussing with Robin."
"He was worried." Regina states simply.
Because he was, clearly. She didn't think he would care so much, to be honest, never imagined to find him so concerned over her. It warms her heart, however she can't help but think that there's something else going on in his mind, something she hasn't been able to put her finger on yet.
"You're lucky to have him." Eleanor replies. "He surely takes a great care of you."
"Yes." Regina breathes. "He saved my life."
The blonde woman nods. "By bringing you here."
"No. I mean when we decide to travel together."
Eleanor leans on her elbows, staring at Regina with curiosity. "Really? How so?"
Regina smiles pensively. "I was attacked," Eleanor's eyes widen, her hand absentmindedly waving through her son's dark locks while he's busy playing with handcrafted wooden figures. "By bandits who wanted to rob me. He got rid of them and offered to travel with me." Her face turns sheepish on the next words. "Even if I had tried to steal from him when we first met."
"You what?" Eleanor bursts out, startling her children.
"Yeah." Regina laughs softly. "I'm not really proud of myself. I was starving, hadn't eaten anything in days, and he set camp not far from where I was. The smell... I just- I couldn't help myself."
"You two share quite a story."
"We do." The brunette agrees, settling comfortably in her makeshift bed. "I don't know where I'd be without him."
Eleanor walks closer, crouching and handing her a cup.
"Drink this. It's medication to ease the pain. Amelia gave me some in case you'd feel sore."
Regina gratefully brings it to her lips. "Thank you."
Eleanor rises and grabs her daughter's hand, leading Gretel to the table where her brother is still calmly playing.
"I suggest you get some sleep now. The twins are going to take a nap, so it'll be quiet."
Regina smiles tiredly, finishes her drink and sets the glass aside. Eleanor's right. She definitely needs to rest.
xxx
It's been four days, and Regina's state is improving. Amelia keeps coming twice a day, spending a good hour with her and Eleanor, each time appearing particularly tired when Robin joins them. But she keeps assuring that she's fine, and everything is working just well. So Robin doesn't ask questions.
Despite his preference to stay with Regina, his need, or whatever it is that keeps dragging him towards her, he spends the day helping Michael in his job. The woodsman is a man of few words, hard to decipher, but that's perfectly fine for Robin. During the time spent with him, he realized how hard Michael works, facing difficulties without stepping back, doing as much as he can to provide enough money for his family. It must not be enough every week, Robin thinks, remembering the small amount a merchant gave him for his wood. But from what Robin observed, he's doing more than what many men are physically capable of.
"I think we're good for today." Michael states, glancing around them and wiping his sweating forehead with his sleeve. "Help me charge this in my cart?"
"Sure. Are we going to the village?" Robin questions.
Michael shakes his head. "No. I only go every other day. Today we're going back home directly."
"Very well."
They walk through the forest in silence, taking turns in dragging the cart, and Robin uses this free time to think about the last days, about his body's and mind's responses to Regina. And the conclusions aren't reassuring him.
He knows for certain that, by spending her days with him, Eleanor or the twins, she had no way to cast any spell.
Nevertheless, the weight on his chest hasn't lessened. The squeeze of his heart is still here, butterflies invading his belly whenever he catches sight of her. Her smile still makes him shudder, her eyes hypnotize him, his skin flaring with a simple touch. How is that possible if she's not enchanting him magically?
Deep down, Robin knows the reason why. He's well aware that if there is no spell, then it can only mean one thing. But it can't be. No! He wouldn't have fallen into this trap so easily, would he? Or maybe he did. How can he be sure? Is there a way to put an end to this? Well… there is a way, but now it isn't as simple as it could have been.
Damn!
He messed up, big time! He failed his job, and most of all he failed himself and his beliefs. How could he have been so stupid? He put himself in a huge mess he has no idea how to extricate himself from.
You know how, a tiny voice whispers in his ear.
But it's immediately countered by another one. That's not the answer.
Slice her throat.
Open yourself up to her.
Deliver her warm cadaver to her husband and you'll be done.
Allow yourself to love her and you'll be free.
Kill her.
Let her in.
Fulfill your contract!
Follow your heart!
Robin fists his hands and shuts his eyes tight, cursing under his breath and catching Michael's attention, who turns towards him.
"Are you alright, Robin?"
But Robin doesn't hear him.
Choke her in her sleep!
Give yourself to her.
Kill!
Love!
A sharp pain spreads in his foot, and Robin opens his eyes to face the ground, adrenaline coursing through his veins, hands flat on the ground, breath short. The voices are gone, his mind finally empty and quiet, and when he looks up he finds Michael staring at him in concern.
"Are you hurt?"
Collecting himself, Robin blinks several times, glancing around him before slowly getting up, Michael's hand coming to support him.
"Hey there! Be careful."
But Robin is still getting a grip on himself, confused, so he questions. "What happened?"
"You tripped over a root." The brow-haired man replies. "Robin! What's going on? You don't seem to be yourself."
Breathless, confused, overwhelmed, Robin stares at him for long seconds, gradually coming around, the fight between good and evil in him shattering his will into pieces. He wipes his face with his hand, letting out a long sigh and looking down.
"Nothing, I'm fine." He mutters.
That's no answer, but his inner conflict isn't a reason to open his heart to a pure stranger… even if said stranger has been hosting him for the past days and just saw him in a state no one ever witnessed before.
"That's the biggest shit you've said since I met you." Michael crosses his arms over his chest. "Again: what's going on?"
Glancing up and meeting Michael's determines eyes, Robin relents. He's facing a dead end, and his host has more experience about normal life than he does. Maybe he could get some advice. After all, nothing forces him to be specific about his problem.
"Have you…" he starts. "Have you ever faced two different paths, unable to decide which one to go on?"
The other man lifts an eyebrow. "Depends. Where do those paths lead?"
"Well…" How can he explain this? "One is made of what you're familiar with, it's safe and without any surprise. The other is… unknown. It's a slippery path you've avoided for years, with an uncertain future. But although the choice seems to be an easy one, you realize that-"
"You don't want the easiness anymore." Michael concludes for him.
Robin looks up and nods slowly.
"Yeah."
Michael leans back against a tree. "I can only speak for myself, and I don't know what your options are exactly. But I honestly believe that change usually turns out to be a good thing, and that behind uncertainty often lies happiness." Robin's confusion must be obvious, because he clarifies. "When I was a teenager, I was supposed to marry a young girl from my village, Ana Maria. Our union had been decided by our parents when we were children and was supposed to happen after her 16th birthday, which was perfectly fine with me. She was a close friend and we liked each other. I wasn't in love with her, but I cared for her and it was a deal I grew up with. Until one day, a year before the fateful deadline, a new family arrived in our village. A beautiful creature with blond hair and blue eyes, with a skin as shinny and soft as silk, and the most incredible smile."
"Eleanor." Robin guesses.
Michael tilts his head forward. "Yes. I knew immediately that she had stolen my heart with a single look and that I had taken hers. Yet, for weeks, months, I fought my feelings. I was engaged to my childhood's friend, something Eleanor was well aware of and respected, and so I decided to keep my promise. This wedding would assure me a good status in my village, while this passion devouring my insides was forbidden and couldlead both of us to our doom."
"But it destroyed me. Little by little, despite my efforts, my love for Eleanor grew stronger, dissolving my resolve to marry Ana Maria. Until one fateful night. We met in secret, at the border of our village, and when our lips connected for the very first time, I knew my old life was over. After leaving notes to our respective families and to Ana Maria, we secretly fled together in the darkness of the night, with nothing more than my little savings and a bag of clothes. When I think back of the life I left behind me that night, and seeing the one I have now, my children's grins and my wife's beautiful face every day, I can assure you, Robin, that it was worth it. And if that's your question, no, I have no regrets."
Robin listened silently, attentively. He's no romantic man, but Michael's story touched it. After spending a few days witnessing his happy family life, he has no doubt about Michael's sincerity and love for his wife and kids.
So, Robin wonders: Can he dare hope to find such life? And more importantly, would he be content with it?
xxx
"Who that?"
Regina turns to Hansel, and her eyes open wide at the sight of what he's holding: her father's small portrait. It was tucked in an inside pocket of her bag, how did the boy-
One look at said bag gives Regina the answer she was looking for. Eleanor must have followed her gaze, because she exclaims with force. "Hansel! What did you do?" Abandoning her son's socks that she was repairing, she moved briskly towards Hansel and Regina, crouching in front of her son. "Ransacking people's stuff is forbidden! Your father and I have told you that many times!"
The little boy looks down sheepishly, twisting his lips in an adorable pout, but is mother is not impressed.
"There's something you should say to Regina, don't you think Hansel?"
He looks up at his mother, then shyly looks at Regina, who's waiting in silence, not wanting to intrude. "Sorry, Regina."
The brunette brushes the boy's cheek tenderly, smiling softly. "Apologies accepted, Hansel."
"I'm sorry, Regina." Eleanor takes the picture from her son and hands it to her. "I warned Robin when you arrived but I forgot to tell you too."
Regina shakes her head. "That's fine, Ellie. He won't do it again, right Hansel?"
Understanding that he's out of the dog house, Hansel grins and shakes his head proudly. Regina holds the image in front of the boy so he can see better, while Eleanor sits back at the table. "This is my father. His name is Henry."
The boy's mouth opens in awe, nose scrunching adorably when he lets out a small giggle and leans against her shoulder, cuddling close.
"Picture broken." Hansel says, pointing at the creased lines distorting the image.
"Yes, it's been damaged by very mean people."
Eleanor looks up from repairing her son's socks. "The ones who attacked you?"
Regina gives her a nod. "Yes. They didn't show much care for the picture of an old man."
"Where is your father?"
"I don't know." Regina replies honestly. "My life was... complicated. He was the only one who supported me in my decisions, even when he sometimes didn't completely agree."
"You were close to him." Eleanor states quietly.
Regina gives her a teary smile. "I was. I loved him more than anything, and I think he was the only one who loved me that much."
"Maybe you'll see him again one day."
"I'd love nothing more. But that's very unlikely. He stayed there," the brunette says vaguely. "While I'm heading in the opposite direction with no intention to come back."
"Well..." Eleanor walks closer and takes the picture from Regina's, observing it quickly. "He looks like a kind man."
"He is." Regina confirms.
"Surely he must know that you're doing what you think is best for you. I don't know your story, but if he really is the father you depict, then I have no doubt that he understands why his child is gone and won't come back. Trust a mother on that." She adds with a wink.
"Thank you, Ell-"
"Mommy! Mommy!"
Gretel storms inside the house, excitingly running to her mother with a paper in hand held so tight it's partially creased, startling everyone and cutting Regina off.
"Gretel!" Eleanor scolds, a hand over her racing heart. "How many times did I tell you not to run inside screaming like you just did?"
It stops the little girl right in her tracks, has her looking down, arms falling by her side. "Sorry, mommy." She says shyly.
Eleanor drops the picture on the table and crouches in front of her daughter, tilting her chin up with her finger. "That's good, sweetheart. Now, what has you so excited that you scared your brother, Regina and I to death?"
The tenderness of her mother's smile has Gretel grinning back at her, proudly showing her what's in her hand.
"Robin make me!"
"He what?" Eleanor questions, taking the sheet of paper from her daughter to get a better look at it and understand such enthusiasm.
Regina gets up slowly, taking support on the wall before walking the few steps separating her from the woman. She peaks over Eleanor's shoulder and gasps when she discovers the girl's sketch. What surprises her even more, is the quality of the drawing. The lines are delicately traced, the details incredibly well done. It's excellent, could be mistaken for the real child had it not been made with a pencil but with painting.
"Gretel!" Hansel exclaims happily, pointing at the drawing, recognizing his sister.
"Wow..." Eleanor breathes out. "That's art." She looks up at Regina, but the brunette is silent, staring at the sketch in astonishment. "You didn't know?" She asks quietly, slowly bringing Regina back from her thoughts.
"No." She breathes. "He never told me he was so gifted in drawing... Or that he even drew to begin with." She finally looks up from the paper, waving her hand through Hansel's ebony locks absentmindedly, the little boy snuggled against her legs. "I never imagined him as someone who makes portraits to be honest."
"And I didn't really plan for you to find out." A strong voice comes from behind, everyone's attention on the man standing in the entrance. Robin's face is unreadable when he steps inside the house and strolls his way towards them, stopping next to Regina. "How do you feel?"
He hasn't seen her since he left with Michael this morning, and when they came back she was asleep. Her condition is improving, but she still needs lots of rest, which forbids them to leave yet. Also, Amelia insisted that Regina isn't completely healed and needs more time, so here they are, a good week after Regina's accident, still sleeping on the ground of a small house with strangers who are becoming friends, despite Robin's best efforts.
But is he really trying to keep some distance with them anymore?
He was careful at first, made sure not to get attached, not to find the children adorable, to tell himself Eleanor and Michael were just people he didn't give a damn about, that Regina was only his target and he would execute her the second they're out of here.
But after his talk with Michael a few days ago, noticing his growing need to be near Regina along with the evidence that there was no spell enchanting him, Robin progressively changed his mind. It changed him. She's not enchanting him. She can't. Not when he witnesses the tiredness of her eyes and smile on her face when she welcomes him back from his day working in the forest. That's certain now. No magic is involved in his feelings for her, although Robin is not sure of how he feels about this.
What he's certain of though, is that he can't suppress the smile that grows when Gretel comes peak over his shoulder, and asks him curiously what he's doing, or when Hansel shyly asks him to play hide and seek. Nor when Eleanor arranges their makeshift beds to make sure they are comfortable enough. The time spent with Michael isn't filled with long silences anymore, just like he cannot stay passive during animated and cheerful meals. So, when he realized that Eleanor and Michael were rationing themselves so he and Regina would have enough to eat, the decision to start hunting after helping Michael in his job had been easy.
He's changing, and it scares him. But Robin has to admit... it feels nice. Being appreciated and considered as a friend, is something that he enjoys. So yeah, maybe Michael's right. Maybe he wants a new life. The question is... Will Regina want that life with him?
"I'm fine. But I didn't know you were an artist."
Robin blinks.
What? An artist? His gaze lands on the portrait in her hand. Right!
"I'm not." He shrugs nonchalantly. "It's just a habit I took when I began traveling alone."
"That's an excellent job." Regina comments, tracing the line of Gretel's portrait. "It looks real."
Robin awkwardly stands next to her, silent. His attention has just been caught by something resting on the table, something he's only seen twice. The picture of an old man he discovered is Regina's father. The paper is damaged and creased, but she kept it. This man obviously means a lot to her...
It's Regina's voice that brings him back to the current conversation. "I'm honest, Robin. You have a real gift, many people would be jealous."
"I second Regina." Eleanor adds. "Has anyone taught you?"
Robin shakes his head. "Not really, no. One day I was given a pen, and it just came naturally. I know I'm not too bad, I never thought it was good."
"It's more than just good."Regina hands him the drawing. "It's beautiful."
Robin takes it, glances at Gretel staring at him with shining eyes, and can't help but admit that yeah, it is resembling. The hopeful eyes of the blonde child are fixed upon the sheet of paper, and has Robin smiling and crouching in front of her.
"Do you want to keep it, Gretel?"
The toddler nods eagerly, grinning.
Robin chuckles, and hands her the drawing. Why keep it for himself when it so clearly makes the little girl so happy?
"It's yours then. I'm giving it to you."
Gretel's mouth opens wide in excitement, and she carefully takes it, stars shining in her eyes.
"What are you supposed to say, Gretel?"
The girl looks up at her mother, then back at Robin.
"Thank you."
Robin cups her cheek, thumb brushing the girl's temple, and lets this warm feeling of contentment and satisfaction take possession of him.
"You're very welcome."
xxx
"Where did you go next?" Michael questions, wrapping an arm around his wife's shoulders, Eleanor leaning against his chest.
"Arendelle."
Regina watches Robin with eyes full of interest. "I've read about this land. Winters there can be extremely difficult."
"They are." Robin confirms. "But summers are sunny and hot. Although trading can be stopped during some snowstorms, people there live perfectly normal lives."
"Is it true that the Queen there possesses the power to wield the ice?" Regina asks. This wasn't written in any book, but rumors travel far, and she's heard about it a few years ago. She couldn't help but be fascinated by the possibility of a land where magic is accepted by all.
Robin nods. "Yes."
"A witch?" Michael chokes on his beverage. "They let a witch took over the throne?"
Robin shakes his head, crosses his fingers on the table. "No. She's the rightful Queen by blood. Her magic scared people at first, and even now some are reluctant to see her on the throne. But in the end, she won her subjects' hearts. You can trust me when I tell you that she's fair and kind. I've seen different kind of magics, I met witches and sorcerers, but this Queen is deeply good. She uses her powers to help her people, not to harm them. The natural consequence is that they respect and love her. She's a better ruler than most Kings I've seen. She doesn't mind mixing with the crowd, she doesn't care about titles. Yes, she has her privileges, but she also makes sure that no one in her land is starving or bullied. I don't think many rulers can pretend the same thing."
"Most of them don't even care if you want my opinion." Michael mutters.
There's a silence following the conversation, and Robin can't help but notice the way Regina looks down at her cup of tea, fingers fidgeting, brow furrowed. Definitely thoughtful. This must remind her of her old life, the one she's hiding from them. If only he knew her version of the story, if he could understand what led Kind Leopold to ask for the head of such a wonderful woman -Damn, he called her wonderful again, luckily, he didn't say it out loud.
"Well..." Eleanor speaks in her usual king and sweet voice, interrupting his thoughts. "Such a land must be an amazing place to live."
Robin can only agree. During his travels, despite the way he was raised as an unwanted child and then a mercenary, Robin's vision of the world changed. His naturally open mind allowed him to see the good where it was, and not where people told him it was supposed to be.
He witnessed a beggar share a fruit with a starving kid. He helped villagers put a dog out of a well. He gritted his teeth in front of a King dressed with the finest clothes and carrying jewels made of gold and diamonds, ordering his soldiers to turn houses barely big enough to host a whole family upside down, in search of anything of value, to destroy everything, to take away the small amount of food they had to pay their due.
So Robin knows.
Robin knows that sometimes, a title doesn't make someone a good person. A title doesn't justify every action.
And, looking at the woman next to him while she brings her cup of tea to her lips and sips slowly, reality suddenly strikes him.
For the first time in years, Robin realizes what he did. What he does. What his job implies. He never understood before. He never grasped the consequences of his actions, what it means and what he leaves behind.
Shattered families.
Orphan children.
Widows and widowers.
Mourning parents.
He tramples upon people's rights. He disrespects their lives. He doesn't question the motivations of those who pay for his abilities, but never up until now did he catch on the fact that his targets may be the victims and might not deserve their fate. That the ones who can afford his services might be the real culprits.
The situation is still unclear, tricky and complicated, but as he observes her smile gently to their host, he realizes that Regina is one of them. She's a victim. And whatever reason her husband might have to want her dead, it is not his place to execute someone who might be an innocent.
xxx
His steps are quiet. He learned how to be silent and invisible, that's an ability he mastered quickly when he joined the mercenaries. She shouldn't hear him coming.
He looks up to the dark sky, spots the moon between trees' leaves and branches. A crescent moon so bright it lights up the forest. The screech of an owl resonates in the silent night, covering the ruffle of leaves as a slight breeze passes, disturbing the quietness of the forest.
Almost there, he tells himself. Almost done. Almost free. In a few minutes, his mission will be fulfilled.
He spotted her a bit further, her figure curled up on the ground at the base of a tree. He observes her, her stillness, chest regularly moving up and down with every slow breath she takes. Her sleep is never really deep, but for once, she seems to have succumbed to her exhaustion.
He walks closer, making sure not to wake her up, and kneels next to her, hand over his dagger, fingers closing over the hilt.
She's beautiful. Even more than that. If he's being honest, she's the most attractive and gorgeous woman he's ever seen in every kingdom. Her hair, her lips, her skin, her body, her eyes... Her eyes. Brown orbs he almost lost himself into while he was spying her over the last days. But a contract is a contract, and as splendid as she might be, she has to die.
"Who are you?"
Shit!
She moves on her elbows, sleep covering her eyes, so she blinks repeatedly, forehead wrinkling in confusion, but mostly, in fear.
"What do you want?"
He releases his dagger into its sheath without drawing her attention.
Kill her now, a voice murmurs in his head. Now, before it's too late.
"I- I just... I want-"
You, a voice screams in his head.
Their gaze lock and suddenly nothing else exists. She sits up, not breaking eye-contact, staring into his blue eyes, into his soul, invading his mind, his body, his heart. Her hand tenderly cups his cheek, and the simple touch has goosebumps flaring everywhere on his skin, stomach fluttering, head dizzy. He's hypnotized by her eyes, the sparkle dancing in them that forbids him to look away. He leans in her palm, and his hand settles at her hip, a light touch, anchoring him to her.
"Trust me." She murmurs between them.
Robin's will is gone, and he totally abandons himself to her, to this bubble of comfort, of tenderness, of a feeling he never quite fully experienced before, or at least never allowed himself to feel. No more contracts. No more killing. Only safety. Only...
Their lip touch, and his whole world disappear into a gulf of wind, and when Robin opens his eyes, it's plain day, sunrays hitting him square in the face. He squints against the light, searching for the person pulling on his hand, facing Regina's radiant face, her bright smile only meant for him. There's a small cabin a bit further, where she seems to be dragging him.
"Come on! Lunch's ready."
That's when he notices it. The large, round curve of her stomach, her hand protectively wrapped around it. Glancing back at her face, he understands. She's glowing, resplendent with happiness, with the promise of a new life to come.
Too stunned and confused to react, Robin obediently follows, unaware of the small smile tugging at his lips, of the wellness that has taken possession of his whole self, the calmness and joy that has settled upon him.
"I cooked your favorite meal."
The door opens wide, and Robin's laugh dies down, stomach twisting in pain, bile rising in his throat.
"You belong to me!"
The blade digs deep into Regina's stomach, the King removing it before stabbing her again, spitting words of hate as he stares at her face contorted in pain, her scream sending shivers through Robin's body, as if his heart had just been split in two. He watches, powerless, as she falls on the floor in a loud thud, blood flowing heavily from her curve of her belly, her gaze fixed upon him.
"Save me, Robin." Is the last thing he hears before life abandons her, the sparkling of her eyes turning into a dull grey.
In front of him, King Leopold is smirking smugly, victorious, holding the bloodied blade. Robin can't move, he can't breathe, he can't think, the pain tearing his inside worse than anything he ever experienced. His chest is about to explode, heart stumping fast and strong in his ribcage, pounding in his head, in his ears, overwhelming, excruciating...
"She's mine."
"Robin, wake up!"
A gulf of air enters his lung, breath and life returning to him, and suddenly Robin sits up, coughing, sweating, panicked, a hand over his chest to ease his burning throat.
"Hey, you're alright. It's okay, Robin. You're okay."
This voice...
It takes all of his strength, but Robin opens his eyes, facing Regina's reassuring and kind smile. Her hand is rubbing his back in circles, her other palm is on his forehead, his cheek, wincing at the burning skin, the coolness of her touch soothing Robin's body and soul.
"You just had a nightmare." She tells him, always with this soft voice, this calmness that slowly becomes contagious, easing his anxiety, helping him come back to his own self.
A nightmare, he repeats. Only a nightmare.
But as contagious as her calmness might be, her dead body is still dancing in front of his eyes, and this dream has awoken his own struggle, brought back the dilemma he's been fighting with to the foreground, knocking the last bit of air he has left out of his lungs. As soothing as her touch might be, he needs to put some distance between them if he wants to recover completely.
"I need some air." He manages, and Regina nods, pulls away to give him enough space to get up and exit the room.
The fresh air of the night makes him shiver, but Robin sighs contently, closing his eyes and taking a moment to center himself.
What was that?
That wasn't a simple nightmare. He remembers how he felt, his state of mind, in every scene.
He was the heartless assassin about to murder his victim in his sleep.
He was the happy lover of a beautiful woman about to give birth to their child.
He was the man who witnessed his love and unborn baby being murdered by a fool.
Again, what was this? A dream? A premonition? His own twisted mind playing with him? A secret desire?
But as Robin tries to understand, only one thing comes back to him repeatedly, not giving him a moment rest. Pain. The agonizing pain of losing a lover and a child. King Leopold's mad laugh. And above all this, Regina's pleading voice.
Save me, Robin.
Save me.
And then, her elusive smile staring right back at him, hitting him square in the heart and taking his breath away. The same one that's been on his mind since the first time she granted him with such gift.
Croak. Croak.
Robin looks up at the familiar sound, shoulders sagging. His forearm lifts to let the raven land, and he affectionately brushes the bird's feathering, before retrieving the message attached to its leg.
Robin's heart fills with anger.
Where's her dead body? You should have brought it to me weeks ago!
What did I pay you for?
He creases the paper, is about to throw it on the ground, but thinks twice, remembers where he is, that someone could find this note in the morning, and then everything would be over.
Because now, Robin has chosen his path.
No matter what it takes, no matter the risks, he's putting an end to his contract with the King. His assassin's life is over. He's not sure if Regina shares his feeling, but even if she doesn't, saving her life is the only thing that matters now.
Coming next : While Robin slowly accepts his decision and Regina's state improves, they also have to ready themselves to leave.
Feedbacks are always appreciated.
