Keeping secrets safe
Every move we make

Will we ever have our happy ending?
Or will we forever only be pretending?

("Pretending," Glee)

Chapter 11: Pretending

I was back in the Winter Palace, in Zelena's parlor. Zelena herself, as well as her wicked mother, were nowhere to be seen. I moved about, trying to find the door to the secret prison. Perhaps I could save Belle from this awful place.

As I studied the wall, I heard a cough behind me. My heart sped up as I turned around. No one was there, but the coughing continued. I searched for it and my heart stopped as my blood ran cold.

Daniel lay on the floor, his face ashen. He was struggling for air and clutching his chest. I knelt next to him, grabbing his hand. "What's wrong? Daniel, where does it hurt?"

He groaned in response. There was no blood, no visible injuries. So what was wrong with him?

"It's his heart, dear." The voice froze me—Mother.

I turned around to find Mother standing behind me. No, it wasn't Mother. This woman was wearing a long black satin gown that grew wider in the skirts. It wasn't something my mother would wear. No, this was Cora, Zelena's mother. And in her hands was a glowing red heart.

Daniel's heart.

"Give it back," I pleaded. "Give me his heart."

Cora tsked. "I'm afraid I can't do that. Would you care to tell her why, daughter?"

"Yes, Mother." Zelena emerged from the shadows. "I told you, Regina, that there would be consequences. And your husband is paying for you."

"No. Leave him alone. It's me you want."

Zelena's smile was terrifying. "I like the pleading. Keep going. It won't help, but it'll make this more pleasurable."

I clutched Cora's skirts, begging her to give me my husband's heart. She smiled and squeezed it until it became dust in her hand. Behind me, Daniel gasped. I crawled over to his body. He was still and his blue eyes stared up at the ceiling. I knew he was dead.

Lying my head on his chest, I sobbed while Cora and Zelena laughed in delight. I felt Zelena crouching behind me. "Too bad about your husband. At least you have that dashing rogue as back up."

What did she mean? I lifted my head and through tear-filled eyes I saw Robin lying a few feet away from Daniel. His limbs were akimbo and his face was turned toward me. I saw the same nothingness in his blue eyes that I saw in Daniel's. Robin was dead as well.

"Oh, wait," Zelena said. "You don't."

I sat up, panting as Zelena's awful laughter echoed in my head. My returned heart beat against my chest as if trying to escape again. As my eyes darted about the room, I took in my surroundings. Four poster bed, trunk, white wardrobe, vanity…I was in my room in Snow's palace. I was far away from Zelena and her mother. So was Daniel, safe in another world. Though I longed to see him just to assure myself of that.

Someone knocked on my door before opening it. Red stuck her head in. "Regina? Are you all right? Granny and I thought we heard…Have you been crying?"

Raising my hand to my cheek, I found it was wet. "I was in the dream. I guess I started crying for real."

"Nightmare?" Red stepped inside, closing my door behind her. She hopped up onto my bed and took my hand. "It was to be expected."

"I know and I did. But it was still awful."

Red hugged me and I enjoyed the comfort. She pulled away. "You hungry? Granny has some breakfast outside for you."

"Thank you. Is there a fresh change of clothing for me?"

"Yes, there is. Get out of bed and I'll help you." Red climbed out of my bed and I followed her, ready to put the nightmare behind me.

It felt good to be back in my own clothing again. Red helped me into a simple brown dress that was still far more elegant than the dresses I had been wearing the past week. Part of me was sad that I wasn't going to see my purple ball gown again but in the end, it was just a dress. There would probably be more balls and more gowns before I returned home at the Midsummer.

Granny left a tray of food on the table for me and I smelled sausages as well as eggs. My stomach rumbled and my mouth watered just looking at my meal. "Oh, this is great," I said.

Red chuckled as someone knocked on the door. "I'll go see who that is. You eat."

I sat down, taking a bit of sausage to chew while putting some eggs onto my plate. Red crossed to the door, opening it. I could see Robin standing on the other side. "Good morning, Red," he said. "We were hoping to see Regina."

Roland leaned past Red, his face lighting up when he saw me. He ran toward me, despite his father's command not to do so. I pushed my chair back to catch him as he launched himself into my lap. He knelt on my lap, wrapping his arms around my neck. "I missed you, Lady Regina."

"I missed you too, Roland." I hugged him back.

"I'm glad Papa rescued you."

I smiled at Robin over his son's dark curls. "Me too."

"Roland, why don't you come with me? Maybe there are cookies in the kitchens," Red said.

Roland looked torn. He stared up at me but I had seen how his eyes lit up when Red mentioned cookies. So I set him down. "Go ahead. I think your Papa wants to talk to me about stuff that would bore a kid anyway."

"Will you play with me later?" Roland asked, big brown eyes pleading with me.

I nodded. "Of course. I'll come find you when I'm ready."

Appeased with the promise of playtime, Roland took Red's hand and the two left. Robin closed the door behind them before taking the chair across from me. I held out some sausages to him but he shook his head. "I ate already. Thank you, though."

"Suit yourself. More for me." I had no shame in digging into my eggs. Not with how famished I still was.

Robin smiled. "I'm glad to see your appetite is healthy, milady. We were worried about what they were feeding you. If they fed you."

"They did, but not much. I need to replenish what I lost." I looked around at my breakfast. "Some fruit would've helped, but I can always grab some from the kitchens later."

He laughed before growing serious. Reaching into his sack, he pulled something out. "By the way, I wanted to return this to you."

I took my knife from him and held it close. "Thank you. I feel safer with this back now."

"I feel better knowing you have it back as well." Robin shifted a bit and for the first time since I met him, he refused to meet my eyes.

Putting my knife to the side, I focused on him. "What's wrong, Robin?"

"Nothing."

"Liar."

He sighed. "You're right. It's about the spell."

"What about it?"

"A few of us continued to discuss it after you went to sleep. I know we probably should've waited for you but there were just a few details to work out."

"Like?"

"We agreed it is best if only a few of us know about the spell. So only the council and the Merry Men will know."

I nodded. "That makes sense. So what's the problem?"

"Everyone else," he sighed. "We wondered how to explain how much time we would suddenly be spending together."

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow. "We already spend a lot of time together."

"True. Which is why it wouldn't be too weird to disguise the binding spell as a marriage."

I blinked a few times. "Wait, we're going to pretend to be husband and wife?"

"Essentially," he said. "Of course, you'd have to move into the rooms Roland and I share. We'd also have to wear rings and you'll be addressed as Lady Locksley."

"Right. Of course." My stomach flip-flopped at the idea, which made me nervous. I just wasn't sure what I was so nervous about. So I tried to find one. "What about Roland?"

Robin closed his eyes. "We're going to have to lie and tell him that you're his mother. I don't like having to do it, but I don't have much of a choice."

I understood. Roland was only four years old. He wouldn't be able to comprehend what was going on between his father and me. There was also a chance he could tell the wrong person about the spell. Our farce of a marriage was our best option, no matter how much it made me uneasy. Part of me still felt like it was betraying Daniel.

So I took a deep breath. "If it would be better, I could choose someone else. Red or Granny, perhaps? Then neither of us would have to really lie."

I expected him to look relieved. However, Robin looked hurt. "If that's what you wish, I'll respect it."

"Robin…" I tried to plead with him as he stood.

He held up his hand. "You don't have to explain anything, Regina. We've thrown a lot at you since you've returned and it hasn't been a day. You need time to think. I understand."

Before I could protest, Robin left the room. Once the door shut behind him, the room seemed too small. I had to get out and go somewhere…anywhere…else. My eyes landed on my bow and quiver. Grabbing them, I hurried out myself.

Down at the practice area, I fired off arrow after arrow. One arrow would have a reason to continue to use Robin for the spell, the next had a reason to use either Granny or Red. I trusted Granny and Red—both had shown me nothing but kindness since I arrived. But the same could be said of Robin as well. I always found I could tell him anything and knew he wouldn't judge me for it.

I knew his feelings for me were more than platonic. He would never act on it for he was an honorable man, something I admired him for. I had, though, planned to put more distance between us in order to keep his flames from being fanned. Would this do that?

Then there was Roland. He deserved to have a mother but not one who planned to disappear from his life in seven months. It wouldn't be fair to have him bond with me in that time only for me to break his young heart. At the same time, though, we had already bonded. I loved spending time with him. This would allow me to do it more.

I fired off my last arrow and had to go collect them from the targets. As I did, I focused on myself. I recalled my time spent in the Queen's dungeons, hoping to be rescued. The one person I knew would come for me was Robin and he did.

I guess, then, I had my answer.

"Lady Regina! Lady Regina!" Roland's high, eager voice met my ears. I turned around to find him running toward me with several other children following. I caught him as he leaped up, laughing the entire time. He wound his arms around my neck. "Can we play now? Please?"

The other children stared up at me, pleading with their eyes. I laughed and nodded. "Fine. We can play for a little bit."

Cheers rose up from the children and I put Roland down. I made my hands look like claws and made a scary face. "I'm the mean ogre and I'm going to catch you!"

They shouted and began running. I gave chase, though not as fast as I could go. It wouldn't be fair to them if I overtook them in a few strides. We chased each other around and I caught Pinocchio, making him the Ogre. He wanted to be rid of being the Ogre as soon as possible and so went after Roland, the smallest of the children. I watched the two boys ran circles around each other before Pinocchio took a chance. He snapped out his hand, grabbing Roland's shirt.

What happened next seemed to happen in slow-motion. Roland lost his footing and began to tumble to the ground. I tried to race toward him to catch him but I was too late. He landed on his arm and I thought I heard a sickening crunch. As I gathered him in my arms, he began to cry from the pain.

Pinocchio's face turned white. "I'm sorry, Lady Regina. I didn't mean to hurt him."

"I know. It was an accident." I felt Roland's arm and he kept whimpering in pain. Muttering my apologies and soothing words, I determined that he hadn't broken anything but rather had sprained his wrist.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Pinocchio still hovered over me, on the verge of tears.

Roland started crying. "I want Papa!"

"I'll get him!" Pinocchio took off before I could stop him. So instead, I cuddled Regina closer and ran my hand through his hair. The other children sat down around me, trying to comfort their friend as best they could.

"Roland!" Robin's voice echoed over the field. I glanced up to find him running toward us at full speed. Pinocchio followed, trying to keep up. But his legs were too small to keep up with a grown man fueled by the adrenaline of a panicked father.

Robin knelt next to me, taking his son into his arms. He held Roland close, a hand cradling his head. "It's okay, boy. I'm here."

I stood, clapping a hand on Pinocchio's shoulder as she panted. "Come on. I'll escort you back to your own father before I go get some healing potion for Roland."

Pinocchio nodded and I glanced back at Robin, who was still cradling his crying son. It was a sight that made my heart hurt and I had to swallow past a lump forming in my throat. "I'll see you in your rooms, Robin."

I found Robin's rooms easy enough as they weren't too far from the ones I shared with Granny and Red. Something told me that wasn't a coincidence. When I entered them, I found Robin in his son's room. Robin had laid Roland on his bed, the boy still whimpering in pain. Roland's arm rested on a pillow, elevating it.

He looked up at Robin. "Can you sing me a lullaby?"

"Of course, my boy." Robin sat on the edge of Roland's bed. Neither noticed me lurking by the door and so I tried to keep out of sight to listen to Robin's singing. I had to admit he was a good song, better than I would've thought. He sang some old lullaby that sounded a bit like "Hush, Little Baby." My eyes teared up as I remembered Dad singing it to me when I was sick, even when I was no longer a child let alone a baby.

I stepped away to wipe my eyes as Robin ended his song but I was caught as he called out: "Regina, is something wrong?"

"No," I lied. I held up the bottle. "I have the healing potion."

Robin though stood and crossed the room to me in a few long strides. He cupped my cheek. "You can tell me."

"You have a nice singing voice."

"So nice it moved you to tears?" Robin's thumb brushed a few stray tears from my cheek. "What's really wrong, milady?"

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "The song…My father used to sing me one just like it."

"It's alright to cry, Regina. I'm the only one here."

"It's fine. I'm fine."

"Regina…"

I held up my hand. "If you keep going, I will start crying and then I won't be able to help Roland. Let's get the potion on his arm."

Robin allowed me to pass and I did my best to rub the potion on Roland's sprained wrist without waking him. He needed his rest. I knew how draining physical pain could be.

Once I was assured the potion worked and Roland was resting comfortably, I joined Robin back in his sitting room. He was leaning against his table, eyes transfixed on a spot on the floor. Concerned, I approached him and placed a hand on his arm. "Robin? Is something wrong?"

I felt his muscles tense up, telling me I had startled him out of his thoughts. He looked up, relaxing when he realized it was me. "Sorry, milady. I'm afraid I was just thinking about Roland and his injury. I was just so worried."

"Of course. But he'll be fine."

Robin nodded before looking at me. "What about you?"

"Me? My heart's back and I had a brief moment of grief. I'm fine now."

"For now, you mean. The Queen wants you. Dead, preferably, I have no doubt."

"And we're back to this." I took a deep breath, realizing it was now or never. "Robin, I…"

He held up his hand. "No, wait, Regina. There's something I feel I must say. In the Winter Palace, I was in that room for longer than you know. I saw what she did to you—how she hurt and humiliated you. It took everything I had to not run out and kill her for fear her evil mother would kill you before I could kill her. I vowed to always keep you safe, no matter what I had to do.

"So," Robin said as he took my hands. "If that means I have to fool my son, then so be it. I just hope forgives me."

I took a deep breath. "You mean us. I've decided to continue with you as my choice. Since I've arrived here, you've been the most concerned about me and my wellbeing. I do trust you the most of everyone here."

He smiled, revealing his dimples. I gave in this time, kissing his cheek. His scruff scratched but I found I didn't mind like I did when Daniel forgot to shave.

"Well, I guess we should tell the others," Robin said. "We have a spell that needs to be cast. And soon."

We agreed to undergo the spell the next night. It gave me time to move my things from my room with Granny and Red to Robin's room. He had apologized when we realized I wouldn't be able to have my own room. "I can sleep on the floor if you want," he offered.

I shook my head. "We're adults, Robin. I think we can share a bed."

"Of course, milady." Robin glanced at his room. "And I do believe it will be big enough so that neither of us will touch during the night."

"I'm not worried about anything," I said, though I fiddled with my pearls. Robin had given them back to me after having them fixed. He insisted I no longer had a reason to refuse them and I realized he was right. If I was to pretend to be his wife, it would make sense for me to wear the pearls.

Robin raised an eyebrow. "You're worried about something."

"It's not our sleeping arrangements, Robin."

"Then it's the spell."

"Of course it's the spell," I snapped. Sighing, I shook my head. "Sorry. I shouldn't take it out on you."

"No, you shouldn't." He stepped closer to me, taking my hand. "You should talk to me about it instead. I promise it'll make you feel better."

I gave him a withering look but he didn't budge. My shoulders sagged as I collapsed into a nearby chair. "Fine. I'm about to become invisible to everyone unless you decide to tell them I'm there. But what if it doesn't work? What if no one—not even you—can see me? What then?"

"Then we get working on how to reverse the spell and put everything right," Robin replied.

But I wasn't done. "Or what if it doesn't work at all? That everyone can see me and Zelena can track me? What then?"

"I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. How do you feel about living in the woods?"

"Robin, be serious."

He moved his chair closer to me and lowered his voice. "I am. Before I pledged my loyalty to Snow and Charming, my men and I lived in our own little village in the middle of the forest. No one found us until the Sheriff abducted Marian. I can disappear and take you with me. Whatever will be necessary to uphold my vow, I'll do it."

Warmth spread though my lower body at the intense look he gave me. I licked my dry lips, nodding. "Thank you."

Alan-a-dale arrived to sit with Roland while Robin and I were at the ceremony to enact the spell. The musician smiled, raising my hand to his lips. "Good luck, milady."

"Thank you, Alan. And for watching Roland."

"For Roland, anything," he replied. "I love spending time with the lad, though I do expect him to remain asleep while I'm here."

Robin approached us. "Alan, if you need anything…"

Alan nodded. "I know, Robin. The others are prepared to come help at a moment's notice. But let's be honest—Roland's never been a handful. I doubt I'll have any problems. So stop stalling and go!"

He pushed us from the room and Robin led down several hallways. I noted we were going in the opposite direction from the council room. Rather, we stopped in front of a small wooden door. "Where does this lead?" I asked.

"A room at the top of the North Tower. That's where Charming said to meet him." Robin opened the door and grabbed a torch from the wall. The flame illuminating the dark, dank and drafty stairwell, revealing it to be very narrow. "You'll have to go ahead of me. We won't fit side-by-side."

He handed me the torch before pulling out his knife. I glanced down at it, my eyes growing wide. When I looked back up, Robin was still solemn. "Can't take any chances."

Worry consumed me again and I wasn't sure if I shook from nerves or the cold. My hand found Robin's and he squeezed it. "Don't worry," he whispered. "We'll be fine. We're almost there."

Charming met us at the top of the staircase. He took the torch away from me and the fire illuminated his own blue eyes, showing the concern in them. "Are you ready?"

I took a deep breath as I nodded. Reaching out, I grabbed Charming's free hand. "I want to thank you. I know you don't trust me, so I appreciate the fact you're all protecting me like this."

Charming's expression softened. "No, I didn't trust you at first. But you showed us loyalty in the Queen's palace and protected us, risking your life. I'd say you earned that trust. The least we can do is protect you now."

He escorted us into a large, circular room. A large wooden desk sat in the center, bathed in moonlight. A bowl filled with something that looked like water sat on it, a silver ribbon soaking in it. Those witnessing the ceremony—the council as well as Little John and Much—stood around the desk.

"It's almost ready. Once the potion absorbs enough moonlight, we can begin," Blue said.

I studied the bowl again and realized the liquid inside was nothing like water. Its texture was too thick, almost gel-like, and pulsated blue and silver. My life had gone from fairy tale to fantasy novel. Staring at the bowl, I asked: "Will this hurt?"

"No." Blue floated down to be level with my head. "I understand it is painless. It may tickle, though."

A spattering of nervous laughter broke out but I remained somber. My stomach was twisted in knots and I felt nauseous. I wanted to get this over with and go back to Robin's rooms.

"Robin, I need you and Regina to stand in the moonlight as well. And you need to face each other," Blue said.

He placed his hand on my back, turning me toward him. "Like this?" he asked.

"Yes. Now, clasp your right hands." Blue tugged on our hands so I grabbed Robin's like I was giving him a handshake.

Blue flew over to the bowl. "Prince Charming, can you take the ribbon and wrap it around their hands?"

Charming removed the ribbon and I noticed nothing dripped off it. Whatever was in the bowl had coated it well. It made the ribbon cool to the touch but as he kept wrapping it tighter, it grew warmer. I stared at it, my breaths coming in short gasps.

"Regina, look at me." Robin's voice was soft yet firm. I looked up into his eyes and he smiled. "Just focus on me. Nothing else."

My breathing evened out as low chanting echoed around us. The ribbon binding our hand grew hotter as it began to emit a white light. Pins and needles ran up my arm and through my body, growing more intense as the light grew brighter. I held my breath, fearing we were going to explode.

I jerked forward, crashing into Robin's chest. He wrapped his free arm around me as he buried his face in my hair. The light engulfed us and we waited for it to die down, entwined together.

Silence descended upon as the tingling sensation died down. I opened my eyes to find Robin watching me. "How are you feeling, milady?" he asked, voice soft.

"I don't feel much different," I replied with a frown. "Do you think it worked?"

"Robin? Is…Is Regina still in the room?" Snow stepped forward, eyes searching the room. Searching for me. Panic-filled, they returned to Robin. "Nothing happened to her during the spell, right? We saw the bright light and then…"

He released our hands—making me realize the ribbon had disappeared—and placed on one Snow's shoulder. "Peace, Your Highness. Regina is fine. Yes, she's here. She's standing right next to me."

Snow turned to me, her eyes growing wide. I heard gasps from the others as she stepped forward. "Regina. I can see you now!"

She embraced me and I realized the spell worked. I still hadn't decided if that was a good thing or not. Life was going to be very interesting for the next seven months.

A/N: Everyone surviving the hiatus? I know I'm doing my best. I have plans to go see Into the Woods tonight with a friend so hopefully that'll help with the fairy tale aspect I've been missing. And all the wonderful fanfics I've been reading have helped with the Outlaw Queen aspect. (I really should start reviewing or commenting though. Sorry, authors!) If you need any OQ fic recs, my I do Fanfic Rec Friday on my tumblr. So far, it's mostly been OQ fics, but that might change as time goes on. (I do, after all, read some Captain Swan fics).

Speaking of tumblr, I just realized I didn't have my ask on this entire time! It's on now, so don't be afraid to stop by and say hi!

Thanks and love to everyone who favorited, followed, and/or reviewed this story! You all keep me going (as well as the fact that I love writing this story)!

-Mac