Chapter 11-The Talk
Robin stands frozen for a beat before he is running toward the approaching child and lifting the boy up, throwing him in the air all the while laughing.
"Papa! Papa! We missed you!" Roland's voice cracks and Robin is clutching the boy to his chest for dear life,
"I missed you too my boy, I missed you too!" Robin's voice is not entirely stable either. Regina can barely keep her eyes from misting at the scene before her. The look of happiness on both of her boys faces, the way Robin clutches his boy and the tears that misted his eyes; Regina would cherish this memory forever, whatever may come.
"You surprised papa? Did we get you?" Roland pats his father's cheeks with his hand while Robin nods vigorously, as he brings his son closer to plant a kiss on his boy's brow.
"I am Roland it's the best surprise ever" Roland's smile grows if possible,
"It was mama's idea, she surprised me too" and now Robin looks at her for the first time and she offers him a small but genuine smile, one which he returns. His eyes bear into hers in a way that has her heating up and melting, she sees him move a step toward her and she panics, she must get out. She's missed him terribly and no matter how much she reminds herself of the reason she should keep her distance, seeing him now, with their son, it's nearly unbearable. She needs to leave before she does something foolish like say she's missed him or worse embrace him.
Regina gets up, slowly and approaches the duo and reaches up to brush back some of Roland's unruly curls, avoiding Robins gaze like a shy girl which peeves her a bit inside, get it together she chides herself.
"Roland your papa is tiered and has missed you so much, I have packages from Granny for the wounded, how about you stay here, with your papa and have some big boys time while I visit the wounded" Roland is happy and nods his head, leans over and kisses her cheek before turning to his father who give her an appreciative smile, though she can see he wants her to stay. Regina wears her cloak, puts on her hood before grabbing some of the bags from Emma and follows her out, David and Killian accompany them.
"Are you married to the man or are you his hired Nanny" Emma mutters as they walk and Regina sees David look at Emma with wide eyes before looking at Killian who is shaking his head, clearly having given up.
"Swan I'm here for one person and one person only so if what you say does not pertain to him don't say anything at all" Regina snaps at the blond
The number of poisoned are staggering, the greeting she gets even better
"I don't let whores in here, even the kings" The old medic growls in her face and Emma glares at Regina, as if to say 'you see?' while David swears and Killian smack his face with his hand while all Regina does is lower her hood.
"What about his Queens do you let them in here?" The old man begins stammering apologies, clearly distraught.
"The Gracious Queen is dead"
A spent voice wheezes the statement out with difficulty and Regina turns and walks over to a boy, barely a man who's lying on a cot, close to the entrance. His eyes are beady and he has a light sheen of sweat covering him, just like Roland does when he wakes from nightmares. Except it's clear that this boy can't escape the torture once he wakes.
"That she is" Regina concedes and the sentence is like a weight that falls of her shoulder. The Gracious Queen was Marian's title; one Regina has been trying to foolishly claim. For many things she may be, but Gracious is not one of them and finally, admitting it out loud is a relief. No, she is not gracious, but she is the Queen and its time, she realizes to claim her title and make it her own.
"I'm the spare they could find" she mutters studying the red spots on his neck. The boy's tired eyes twinkle and he and a few around him wheeze a laugh.
"You have guts lady" another soldier rasps and Regina takes of her cloak and walks closer
"But no glory, that belongs to you all" and even in there half state they hoorah for their win, for while Robins men are sick they still have endured and not retreated. Most of the other armies have retreated and conceded to Robins demands. It's a frustrating game theses kings play she thinks. No outright war but they meet and show their strength, use underhanded measures to try to weaken the other army. The last remaining army still able to fight, if need be gets the upper hand. So far, out of the seven kings that have met six have gone home, two remain her husband and King Midas's army.
"What is the fever caused by?" she asks the old man who insulted her, the main healer, as she sits on a small bench next to the first man who had called to her.
"Those cowards deal with poison, its night shade"a gruff voice grumbles from one side, Regina look them over before turning and calling Emma. Regina knows nightshade, this is not it.
"It's not night shade or else you'd be dead by now" Emma mutters as she approaches and her brows are drawn in a frown too. They share a glance and some hushed words before Emma leaves with instructions from Regina.
"You've dealt in night shade?" an older man asks, he reminds Regina of her own father, ironically his name is pop, and Regina shakes her head no
"My mother did" she admits truthfully, secrets are useless, that is something Cora taught her. Secrets should be avoided for they are traps that one creates beneath their own feet. Traps that you enemies can activate.
"Why? What would a lady need with such poison" and Regina hmm as she gently take notes of other signs of the ailment
"She didn't like my first suitor, turned the second into a pigeon" there is a pause and then they are laughing and speaking with her of everything and nothing; There health may be low, but their spirits are high.
"So not night shade what is it then?" One mutters as she sits amidst them all
"Who cares, how do we get rid of it?" another asks and Regina speaks patiently
"I'm no healer" she urges but they have seen Emma come and go with a bowl of green liquid, have seen Emma show Regina the bowl time and again. Regina who has nayed the content each time with further instructions and so now they press her.
"It's called Calypsos burn, makes you feverish inside, so cooling the outside will not help, so we boil the aloe and mint and give you the extract" Regina explains just as Emma enters with a bowl, one which gets the nod of approval.
Surprisingly it's Clive, the boy-soldier who has who first spoke to her that volunteers and Regina brings the drink over to him and sits by his bed. After helping him sit up, she brings the drink to his lips and he takes a long sip,
"It's warm" he mutters and Regina nods, knowingly,
"Easier to go down this way" she explains and he nods and takes a second sip when he suddenly shivers.
"What's happening?" A man asks but the soldier who drank laughs
"It's like cold water in my stomach, swirling about" he breathes twice each breath coming out easier.
"Slowly, your inside are warm, too much, too soon and you'll hurt yourself" Regina warns as she helps him take another sip
"Thank you, your highness" the soldier tells her as Emma comes in with a tray full of bowls
"You said it yourself, the gracious queen is dead" she says simply
"My name is Regina"
A few murmur, their thanks, when Pop laughs and calls out to her,
"Doesn't Regina mean Queen anyway?" he keeps laughing and soon she is smiling a smile she can't fight, so she rolls her eyes and plays up the antics.
"You have uncovered my secret plan" she says the sentence in a monotone voice and they laugh, holler, call and banter with her as medicine is served.
It's much later, she has switched with Emma done some of the cooking while Emma has talked to them, and she does to grab her cloak before heading back to the hut that the first soldier calls her over. He can't be more than twenty; his youth has him recovering fast already.
"Why do this?" He asks earnestly and others are listening some blatantly other discreetly, she knows what they must have expected from a foreign queen, one who was also the daughter of the terrible Cora Mills, again she gives an honest answer.
"I have a son now, my Roland" she begins and they nod most have seen him, at one point or another, it's inevitable when you are in close proximity to Robin who is never too far from his son.
"One day, he might be in your place and I will destroy the person who can help but won't; further I know that once you, all of you were someone's Roland. And they too have done what I did for others and lastly spare or not, I am all the Queen you've got, my job is to take care of my people. I do not shrink from my job" the soldier's eyes are misty and his thank you is one in earnest and echoed by others but Regina shakes her head
"No, thank you. Because of you my Roland and others get to grow in the future without living these horrors, hopefully. So thank you" and when she gets to leave they lift there bowls and toast to her,
"Long live the Queen" they call and she smiles before slipping out. No the Gracious Queen she may not be but the Queen she is.
She joins the other as super is being cleaned away and waves of the question of food, away from the healing hut and its troubles, her personal demons rear their head.
"Gina where were you? You missed seeing Uncle Phoebus, he hugged Zephyr and kissed aunt Esme which was yucky and she cried, but it was happy cry and did you know my uncle Phoebus is Zephyr's papa?" Roland rambles on as he scrambles toward her pulling her to sit amongst the cushions with the others before snuggling close to her. Regina hm-s and ha-s at the right places hoping that with the new development Roland's nightmares are gone for good.
"I was visiting some of the men who have gotten sick fighting for us, I'm sure they would like to meet you tomorrow" her boy nods enthusiastically
"They get better soon?" Roland asks rubbing his eyes with his small fists and Regina hms as she wraps her arms tightly about her boy.
"Hopefully" she answers but a servant serving man smiles at Roland assuring him,
"With the medicine the Queen and Scout Emma cooked up most of the boys will be good as new tomorrow young prince, don't worry" Regina is too busy humming to Roland to see the admiring glance her husband throws her way. She also missed the look of longing Robin has while staring at her, one both Emma and Killian catch.
They set up a bunk in his tent, they assume it's for Roland and in a way Robin thinks they're right. Regina gets in it however after tucking their boy in Robin's bed but a few moments after she has laid down Roland wiggles out and goes to her side and stands expectantly. Robin watches from outside through the crack in the flap, he sees Regina look apprehensively at the bed and then at their son
"Roland, your papa will want to snuggle with you"
"But mama" their boy's voice is soft and he sees his wife shoulders slump as she moves back to make room for him, she can't deny him.
"All right little dragon, hop in" his boy happily scrambles into her embrace and snuggles into her embrace.
"Night, night love you" his boy's voice is melodic and he hears her humming a soft tune after she mutters
"love you more" it's a beautiful scene and Robin is mesmerized, by both their beauties but then something glistens and catches his eye. Where Robin expects to find a jewel he finds tears streaming down his wife's cheeks, her hands tighten around the now sleeping boy and she remains silent but she cries silently.
Robin steps back in shock. The image has him reeling as though he has been dealt a hard blow to his chest. He may have been busy with Roland today but he noticed everything about his wife who has lost weight, there are hints of circles under her eyes no doubt covered. He had thought it was stress of new life and the extra work but when he had left Regina was slowly but surely thriving, what had changed? He didn't dare be bold enough to think she missed him, so what was it? He needed answers.
He walked toward Killian's hut as he approached he slowed down his pace, as voices could be heard,
"-Emma! And don't think I can't see that half of your vigor for wanting to talk to Robin is due to your guilt" Killian's voice is sharp before it softens
"You feel guilty that you didn't protect the girl who saved your life, but come love Regina is not a child anymore. She's resilient" Robin hears Emma sigh
"I'm well aware Killian, aware that the eleven year old girl who sneaked into a slave trader's camp and freed their cargo is not the Queen we see today; but, Killian I know Regina! She knows more than we can imagine. The people at council speaking out against her, the mothers trying to get Granny to take Roland, knowing about the women gifted to Robin all this? This is all she lets us know she is aware of! Spirits knows what else she is dealing with" he hears a pause and Killian's voice
"I know Swan, you know I do; You also must know that if this was any other man but Robin, I would be either helping her escape or giving the man a good talking and beating to, please tell me you believe me on that love"
"You know I do-"
"Good. But, it is Robin and he is-" Robin hears shuffling
"A good man I know" Emma's voice makes the word good sound like anything but
"Everyone says it, a good man, a great leader, a spectacular father and I don't dispute that. the part I dispute is the fact that he is a lousy husband who got a wife to have a built in nanny and the ingenious of the plan is that now Regina is in love with the boy heart and soul and will live the rest of her life in fear and mercy of her husband taking that boy away. All the while our king enjoys the fine selection of women that his brother-in-law supplies him" Robin hear steps and quickly hides to the side of the tent as a storming Emma comes stomping out ignoring Killian's cries of
"Emma wait!"
Robin is beyond confused, an overload of information which makes little sense to him, but before he can go in, Killian exits heading toward the hill top swearing as he goes. Not halfway up Killian senses someone and turns high on alert before dropping his stance, seeing who it is.
"What was Emma speaking about?" Robin demand without preamble as they continue to climb and Killian is not all that's shocked. Robin had mentioned to him how he had felt as though there was a good deal he was not aware of since Gothel's outburst.
"Which part we talking about your majesty?" Killian asks as they reach the top and sit about the rocks overlooking the camp.
"Killian, tell me all of it. Was I right? When I said I felt there was something going on with Regina that everyone was hiding from me? Has she heard things that greatly upset her?" Robin is asking as his friend and the other man can hardly deny him. So even though Killian knows Robin will be mad, he nods his head as Robin lets out a curse.
"I will tell you, all of it. But let me be clear that I'm doing this as much for you, as I am for Roland and Regina" Robin nods in understanding and Killian continues.
"Regina's presence caused a stir, you know this. We all knew this but, the extent of what she has gone through it's beyond the caliber which we assumed. I only began to notice something amiss one of my visits a few month into your marriage. I spar with Regina when I visit and on occasion, as you know and she asked about political matters afterwards; asked my opinion and what not and I never gave much thought into this, a week after our first border crises in summer, we had an emergency council meeting a small group of nomad soldier been spotted not too far from here" Robin nodded remembering the events
"Yes you came and gave us the warning, they never attacked must have changed their mind" Killian presses his lips into a thin line.
"Not quite, you see we knew that the small group would do two things either make an attack on you, or attack the trading town by the southern border, we only had reinforcement for one, those men they did attack, just not here" Robins face becomes angry and troubled
"What where the damages? Why wasn't I told? Wh-wait we never received reinforcement you sent them to the village" he looks relived now
"The damage was a few burned huts no casualties, and the reason you were not told is because the situation was handled and the council voted to not tell you and well Regina didn't want to fight them on that too"
"Too?" Robin echoes confused and Killian nodded
"The council wanted to send you reinforcement, it was clear so Regina for went the vote and ordered troops to the village. She had sound reasoning though I do think the manner she did it was to smoke out the ones most disgruntled by her. She spoke of her brother in law and how he had said to her mother that an attempt on your life would be foolish Regina believed that your reputation had enough fear behind it that the nomad army would rather hit a town for valuables and terror than attack you, she also said you would prefer for the people to get help" Robin nods pensively"
"She was right on both accounts" Killian nods agreeing he lets out his breath
"Yes but then some council members decided to accuse her of wanting to kill you and called her a liar" Robins face is stoic but his eyes reveal his anger
"Which council members? Why didn't you tell me this before?" He is demanding but Killian won't answer the first but is happy to give him the second
"Your wife asked for my silence, though she knew I would tell you eventually, she reasoned that you would not care" he has said he'll tell all and he shall
"She's of the opinion that you do not care what people say of her. Said she doesn't like a man fighting her fights a commendable notion, much like my Swan" Robin is conflicted he had never meant to give the impression that he was indifferent. He had stayed quiet for those fools opinion never had mattered and Regina had never seemed to like him meddling in any of her affairs.
"Do you believe it's because of the words she heard people say in our dialect and me not putting a stop to it?" Killian is taken back by the suggestion and rubs at his chin absentmindedly.
"I did not even think of that mate, I think it's because of what she has heard people say inner council meeting" Robins brows furrows in confusion as he straightens up with interest
"She has never been to those" he sounds sure until he sees the look in Killian eye
"Has she?" And Killian can only look at his friend
"She has, and it did good I'll say; your stay here is important and she understands that; and she held off interfering but after the one month mark she has taken to organizing your agenda. Answers diplomatic letters, and has settled the many domestic affairs. The council always keeps an eye on her though and I do believe she is working the head of the manner presenting Granny as the front; the council let her for they do not want to openly embrace her leader role but need her advice still"
Robin is in deep thought when his hand goes to his vest and he pulls out the last letter Killian had brought. Three sheets worse of letter filled with tiny words
"Granny hasn't hired an assistant" he says with sudden realization
"These all of these have been from her" his voice has a sense of wonder to it and Killian is the surprised on now. He pulls out a memo he had gotten from Regina and hands the paper to Robin, the hand writing is a match
"She had such vivid voice I thought Granny had hired a scholar for an assistance. She signed her name as…Sillm" Robin closes his eyes, feeling like the world's biggest fool, Sillm was just Mills backward, his wife maiden name. Killian shakes his head
"I doubt Emma knows of these. Regina had us believe the messenger hawk was your correspondent with Granny. Emma did say that Regina probably knows more than she lets on" Robin is now intrigued, this women his wife had grabbed his attention from the moment she had arrived, her will to adapt as well as her way with his son had made him want to know her more, there had been a pull towards her that he had not felt, not even with his wife and that scarred him. But before he could make a move, barely a week into their marriage affairs called him away and now he was at a loss.
"Emma spoke of other matters, the gifts Leopold send? Is Regina aware of them? "Killian snorts
"It was her who told Emma she apparently found by seeing the letters that accompany the girls" and Robin feels confused for once more but now he feels anger, he is the leader here though it seems he is missing so much
"There have been no letters, or if there are I have never seen them! And the girls that bastard sends, I only saw one of them briefly, had Granny take care of her and whatever else that sick man wanted to send" Robin rambles on, clearly upset and Killian looks confused
"Well then I can say that while you get the package your lady gets the letter" there is something amiss here though and both seem to sense it
"Do believe it is Regina who sends the girl to my camp? The, girls started arriving the moment we got married but Granny took care of it, relocating them, finding them job, since I came here, two have showed up. Both times I have been away and David escorts them back to Granny" The thought is preposterous and Killian isn't buying the idea
"In the great spirits name why, would she do that? That would require her to retrieve the girls back home and while I know not how she gets the letters I do know I have never seen or heard mention of Ladies in cloaks, let alone two in one month" Killian sees the perplexed questioning look upon the kings face and realizes that he has no clue what his "gifts" even look like.
"Ah well, let's just say that your wife was mistaken as an entertainer twice since we have arrived, once overhearing two guards and the second time being denied entrance to the healing hut for, and I quote "even the kings whores are not welcome" so she is quite aware"
Robin rubs a hand down his face and tries to breathe through the nightmare that has surrounded him and his wife. But with every answer so many more questions pop up.
"I could tell she has lost weight, she looks pale and there are circles under her eyes, I had thought she was sick but all this time, all this stress; I can't leave the business here" he is muttering to himself more than anything and this is the hard part, the moment of truth. Till now Killian can see that Robin has been in Regina's corner and on her side.
"All we have spoken does contribute to her state but it's not the main cause, apparently there is like I said a lot your wife has dealt with" and Robin stops his pacing to face Killian looking defeated and guilty,
"No? Then what ails her" he is truly concerned, his eyes reveal it.
"Fear" Killian states simply struggling with words
"Of what?" Robin cannot fathom Regina being afraid of anything
"Of you" the words are like a dash of cold water in the kings face
"Of me? She fears me? Of all things" he sounds disbelieving and Killian nods slowly
"What- why? What does she fear about me" Robin is now distress for all he wished his wife to feel for him fear was never part of it.
"It's not you, personally she fears but rather what'll you'll do or support" Robin is stoic now
"Killian speak plainly for this no fiddling manner. Is she afraid I shall shame her? Does she think I have shamed her? Or-" now he looks beyond troubled as his brows scrunch as he begins to ramble once again
"This is why I gave her so much space, why I didn't ever intervene I was so worried she would feel entrap and now she fear Ill force myse-" and Killian stands with shocked eyes
"No, No believe when I tell you she is a firm believer and advocate of your honor as a man and a father, she is very observant and has stood to your defense when one hints at your prolonged stay here. No tis not that"
Robin's shoulders relax a hint and horror leaves him and only concern remains once more, "Then what?" he asks perplexed and Killian runs a hand through his hair nervously
"She's- she's petrified that you shall take the one person she has come to love away from her." And he doesn't need to say a name for Robin to understand
"Why would I take Roland from her?" He is confused and Killian continues with apprehension
"There is talk that Roland is forgetting Marian, many feel there should be action taken" Killian begins tentatively knowing that though Robin has made peace with his first wife's passing, his biggest fear is Roland forgetting the mother who birthed him. Robins face is blank as he pieces together information Killian gives and the sea captain goes in for the kill,
"There is talk of taking Roland from Regina if you stay longer" the one sentence has Robin's eyes widening in alarm.
"They plan to test him, to see how much 'enchanted influence' they are calling it he has received and if they deem it too high well they plan to take him and send him to his mother family-"
"Regina is his mother" the anger that seeps from Robins tone is palpable and has Killian raising his arms in surrender. Killian has never in his life seen Robin so angry; the man is seething and looks ready to tear everything in his path. So, quickly Killian keeps talking about a subject he knows will intrigue Robin,
"Regina...she said that people needed to talk more of Marian, that Roland begged her stories about his birth mother" Robin's eyes snaps to his captains his anger momentarily forgotten
"and...what, does Regina tells him?" he can see Killian eyes are conflicted and indeed the man turn his harsh movements revealing his anger
"Dam it Robin! I'm not your spy! I'm telling you these things so you would talk to your wife man. Ask her these questions; I'm your Naval Captain not your domestic spy. Especially on your wife man, she doesn't deserve that, Emma doesn't deserve that heck I don't deserve that" and Robin knows this, swears he will speak to Regina but right now he need answers
"What, did, she, say to him?" and Killian is angry enough that he rips into his king, lets loose his own guilt for hiding things from Robin, for not being able to help Regina, for being helpless in this mess,
"She went to Granny, to Ruby to anyone who would talk and got them to tell her stories and she recites them to the boy and then writes them all down in a book. Once a week she takes him at sunset on the last day of the week and creates an animal with him out of leaves and fallen branches; then she lets him tell his stories to the figure. All he would wish to say to his mother; then they set the figure aflame. She…she has told Roland the figure will take his secrets to his mother and they wait until the figure is done" he is panting after his rant and Robin has tears in his eye, one manages to escape and Killian nods for he too had cried when he had stumbled upon them one afternoon as he had stood witness hidden in a corner.
"And do you know what she gets in return for all this?" Killian's voice is ice cold for busy or not Robin has truly let his personal life fall in shambles.
"She gets people calling her names, they speak about her as though she is a parasite, they say she is power hungry, that Roland should be taken from her, that she can't keep you happy and that's why you have stayed here for so long and the best? The best came from a women who spat in her face and said they all were wishing her dead. Saying they would offer her over if that would mean they would get Marian back and if she thought for a moment that the king didn't share the sentiment then she was more of an idiot than they had thought; all because she asked for stories on behalf of your boy" the tears in Robins eyes are gone. Instead his fists are clenched, knuckles white, he is vibrating with anger again, and that pleases Killian for it shows him that he was not wrong about who his brother is .
"But she refuses to let any of us intervene; for she says she doesn't care. Only cares that Roland is happy; he asks for stories and she endures all to deliver them, the boy showed signs of ailment from missing you and she risks unwarranted wrath to bring him here; she has endured all without a sign of distress and I truly thought her unbreakable, until last night. "And Killian has to take a breath for Regina broken is a sight he never thought he see and when he had, well he wished he hadn't
"She broke. She was utterly sure that you would take Roland. That the number of times she will get to tuck Roland and tell him she love him are now in the single digits. She is convinced that you will side with council, get an annulment and when Emma suggested that you would not risk coming out a liar Regina said that they would hail you a gentlemen and she a failure for being unable to entice you, she cried herself to sleep. That was the best defense your loyal scout could come up with, that you wouldn't risk being seen as liar" Shame course through Robin for indeed once, not too long ago he had tried to separate the too. He was undeserving to be called a man, he was monster, he was sure of it.
"Emma was about to have my head when they saw I had heard, I have never hated being loyal to you Robin but in that moment, I wished I wasn't. But still, even then, Regina said she understood; so now brother I ask you this; will you prove to be the man she fears, will you tear these two who have found happiness and peace within each other apart?" Killian can't help but pin Robin with his gaze
"Or, will you be the man I swear to her you are, the brother I have known all my life and the family man I know you can be" Robin stands frozen as Killian begins to leave but Robin grabs his arm,
"I want you to protect her, protect both of them from the council until I can return" Robin is earnest but Killian shakes his head
"I offered, she dismissed me said I was not her father nor her husband" and Robin knows this too, her stubborn streak has been evident from day one
"And you think she'll do as I say? Me, who have proven to be nothing but an incompetent fool? " Robin asks incredulously and gets an answer he did not ask for
"She will if she believes her disobedience will cost her Roland" Killian knows it mean but he need to do this test on Robin, unsurprisingly the king passes when he gets very angry,
"That's not what I want, my boy is not a manipulation device and neither is her love for him. They are not to be manipulated or trifled with and I want you there to ensure both their safety, physically and emotionally" Killian nods
"Are you going to take him away and ask for an annulment?" Robin looks momentarily hurt for even the suggestion but pinches the bridge of his nose and lets out a sigh.
"No, I plan to do neither, but she will not believe me" and now Killian is confused
"I might have to send Roland for the mountain trip, I'll resist as best I can but, Lord Rumple is calling on his rights as the boy's uncle and I fear he will take things further if I do not give him something." And Killian understands his reasoning but knows Regina will be crushed
"How long?"
"No trip if I can help it but Rumple will fight, what am I to do?" Robin asks the stars
"Be honest with her and warn her now" Killian advices, there is so much to do and so little time but his family is at stake here and so Robin vows to make things right.
Regina is surprised when Robin asks her to stay and have breakfast with them the next day, even more so when he visits the wounded with her and Roland. The man are happy to have them, they tease Robin about her, how his enemies will be nothing compared to her wit, when one of the men brings up her comment about being a spare he darkens and shoots Regina a disapproving look, she ignores it but the men take note and don't mention it again.
She knows something is up when he asks her to accompany him to the army camp while Roland takes his afternoon nap.
She hesitates but Emma offers to watch the boy and so Regina goes. They ride there, side by side, when she asks why; his answer is simple and honest. She had boosted the moral of the wounded so highly, the other soldiers needed to see her too, their queen supporting them will be a good lift. She is skeptical of him, will not let her heart hope but she shall enjoy the now.
The men are surprised to see her at first, she wears a simple green velvet dress and her hair is in a single braid; her mother would have a fit to see her thus but Regina does not care anymore.
Robin is greeted warmly and when they dismount offers her his hand, not his arm, much more intimate but it places her on a more equal footing, shows her as a partner whom offers comfort as much as she gives rather than an ornament, a political move, not personal. She has to remind herself this several time as her insides warm due to his hold, political. When he goes to speak to officers she goes to the average soldiers who are practicing archery. Ruby is relentless teacher and a great aim; they make way for her and stare. Regina picks a bow she and looks at the man who was about to aim
"Care for a friendly game?" And the man is dumbstruck and stares but another takes her challenge, and skit begins. They are condescending at first she hears whispers as the archer takes aim and hits a centimeter away from the dead Center; whispers of approval rise. She takes aim hears a couple of snickers; release, and silence. Dead center, ruby would be proud. The soldier thankfully is of god nature and says it figures their king would have a wife with equally good aim.
"That's yet to be seen for the poor man picked me as his wife" they laugh and holler and another man steps up and so competitions begin, she pretends not to see wagers being placed as man after man challenge her and she bares their jokes and try's to remember that her Roland may one day be here that they were all somebody's Roland.
"You make us all seem like a bunch of tossed up drunks with arrows" and she rolls her eye for none of the men have hit anywhere but the smallest circle, and good many had beat her with their precision
"Flattery, will get you no where my friend" she begins and decides that they could use some boost to their egos
"I heard King Leopold himself say that none would dare attack the king for his troops are too fearsome to be trifled with" and the men's expressions fall blank and shocked, oh men and their precious ego
"You jest" one accuses and she firmly shakes her head when she catches the accusers eye
"He said it my mother when they dropped me at the border" a moment passes and Regina can feel the energy to be lifted in the crowd
"And why should he not, I have yet to see one of you hits anywhere but the center" and a cheer goes up at her statement and they are buzzing with excitement,
"Though let's see if more of you can hit the bulls eye" they jeer and encourage the next and now she ties with almost all, though her arm is getting heaven she will not relent; she has acquired her own group of supporters and the shouts of Long live the Queen fill the air every time she aims.
She doesn't know when Robin has joined to watch her, doesn't realize until, hears them speak of him finding a queen who can out match him.
"Hitting the center is easy when all is calm it's when the pressure is high and distractions at hand that one should still be able to aim true" he is jesting but she can't help lifting a brow at him and the man 'ooohhh' at her look and begin chanting 'race! race!' over and over and Robin steps forward and holds out a hand
"Care for a friendly competition Milady" and Regina rolls her eyes and places an arrow in his hand and can't help the smile that comes to her face
"If you are up to it your majesty" and she does not realize the innuendo until the men laughing and calling out.
She worries for a second but Robins eyes are twinkling with mischief and he bites his lower lips before his mouth forms a huge smile
"Well, ladies first" he says with a mock bow and twirls the arrow in his finger and she has inkling of what he may do. She draws a breath as the men begin screaming and shouting creating a distraction, and draws the bow, she is about to release when she feels the sweep of a feather about the slope of her neck. The arrow flies but instead of center it hits the second outer layer.
The men ooohhh others groan and Regina smiles ruefully before looking back at Robin who is twirling and arrow with a mischievous smile
"Sorry" he offers sounding anything but; two can play she thinks as she shrugs
"All's fair in love and war" he nods as he takes her place, he turn to offer her the arrow teasingly and she shakes her head no, he shrugs as though to say suit yourself and loads his bow. The men begin screaming once more, he draws and ever so gently Regina slides forward until she is right by his shoulder overlooking the mark he plans to hit.
He is aware she can tell from his tense shoulders. She sees him swallow and focus on the aim once more but just as he is releasing, she blows ever so softly upon his ear. The arrow flies by the mark completely the men's shouts are unbelievable and Robin is smiling at her with mock disapproval
"Distracted?" She asks ever so innocently and he shakes his head chuckling softly
"You are the best archer in the land your majesty" he gives a sweeping bow and the men cheer for him and she can't help push his shoulder so he will stop bowing
"Yes dear and don't you forget that" He grabs the hand that pushes him upwards and lays a quick kiss on it, before holding it in his own. She would think this all for show, except for the fact that his eyes have not left hers once and they burn into her intensely and she can clearly see a series of emotions battling in them.
One man calls "a kiss to console his majesty" and suddenly they are all chanting kiss and all Robin does is Kiss her hand and raise it. While some cheer pacified most keep up the Chant and she can see he will not make her, not even here. And as much as she wishes to pretend that she does it for the men, she is truly curious to kiss her husband after she sees a flash of something keen to desire in his eyes.
She places a gentle hand on his cheek and turns his head and kisses him, it takes a moment for him to respond but when he does his hand let's go of her hand and wraps his around her waist pulling her closer, and Regina is lost. what she planned to be a quick peck has set her insides a flame and she does not want it to end but it has to for the men are cheering and she pulls back. He looks at her with a warm smile eyes half dazed, before the crowd draws his attention and he simply smiles as he draws her closer till she is tucked in his side
"I'm sure the Queen would love nothing more than to stay here in your company today. But unfortunately our boy will be requiring her back, for he has sworn to me that he will fight any big bad dragy that comes for her" And the men cheer them on with calls of long live the king, long live the queen as Robin guides her to their horses, once more. He holds her horses reign while she mounts before mounting his steed as we and they are off, Regina is utterly happy and very confused.
She has halfway convinced herself that this afternoon, was all a show. A political maneuver except when the camp comes into their view in the distance, Robin slows his steed and she follows his example, curious.
"Walk with me?"
Regina pauses and looks at Robin, who now stands between their two horses, with a distrusting eye. The man is good, he has brought her to the middle of nowhere positioned her in a place where she can't hide nor run from a discussion about them. Still, she is not keen to have this conversation,
"Wouldn't you rather go to your son sir?" She says the sentence absentmindedly, trying to think of a better excuse and so it takes her moment to realize Robin is starring at her with a pained expression.
"Please don't call me that" his voice is soft and his gaze wounded enough that Regina swallows and looks away, hoping to compose herself. Her horse stamps its hooves, restless and her eyes are drawn back to her husbands who waits patiently now by her horse. It's unfair she thinks as she dismounts and turn coming faced to face with Robin who now is inches from her as they are both squished between their horses. How he effects her is unfair, completely so. Slowly they begin to walk, she fiddles with the rein of her horse and he looks at the horizon clearly thinking things he plans to say over.
"I meant to speak with you when I returned" he begins softly, glancing at her.
"I thought I had time but it seems that is hardly available here. It could be excusable perhaps except that my miscalculation seems to have much bigger consequences than I could imagine. For that, and so much more, I desperately ask for your forgiveness" He looks straight at her and Regina instantly realizes that her husband has come to be aware.
"You spoke with Killian" though she is filled with dread she will not fall apart in front of him.
"I have and Milady I ask you to believe me that what, I'm about to say is the truth I believe and think without the influence of others, can you do that for me?" and Regina wants to say no for everyone want something and have a price, her mother drilled that into her but instead she can also see his eyes and they speak of only truth
"First let me swear to you now that I will never use my boy or your feelings for him, To manipulate you, so please speak honestly and openly with me and I will swear to do the same for you disregarding how unpleasant the topic" Regina ponders this
"I know you are aware who my mother is, in what kind of family I was raised in; that being said I can promise you that I will try, lest you give me reason to do otherwise" and Robin nods
"That's fair, I have several things I wish to discuss with you, first being the opposition and rudeness you seem to face back at home; please believe me when I say I am indifferent to how they speak of you. I now know that not only have you been witness to the harsh words spoken against in our inner council but are quite aware what some have been muttering in your presence, I am truly sorry" and he is, remorse has settled into those sky blue eyes
"Again you forget where I was raised, si- Robin. Words have stopped hurting me long ago" Robin stops her by softly grasping her hand slowing down her pace.
"Please don't call me that, no sir, robin is just fine; I thought we had passed this and perhaps the words have stopped hurting, but my in action to not stand for you has hurt, I'm truly sorry; it was not my desire to hurt you and in my carelessness and trying to be good leader I have been a terrible husband." He pauses and Regina cannot believe her eyes as she saw a hint of red bloom on his ears, when he looked at her again she could see shame and guilt dancing together in his blue orbs.
"I let them run their mouth, convincing myself that what they thought or said didn't matter, and it doesn't. I had hoped with time they would tire from it, now I see it was a foolish plan and it only brought you pain. Pain I had never meant to cause you. Believe me when I say, I will not stand for this, for anyone to speak badly of you or to belittle you in comparison to the previous Queen" Regina is in turmoil for she has never had such trouble disregarding someone's promise, usually she can do it easily. Robin must sense her hesitation and turmoil.
"You do not believe me" Robin states and Regina looks at him to find him starring at her intently
"You are not curious as to how I got into the council? Don't mind that I have been spying or that I kept this a secret from you?" Robin begins walking once more still not letting go of her hand.
"I don't doubt that you most likely found Roland hiding in the meeting hut once and knowing our son, most likely in the beams in the roof; and since then while you made sure he never went there again, you yourself were a frequent visitor. I am not upset for your spying for you have a right to be there. A right I have robbed you of and I'm terribly sorry and ashamed of, I thought you didn't know the language and had no interest in that aspect of our politics. It was utterly foolish on my part, as for your hidden talent, I do not go around telling people the languages I speak for fun and to expect you to do that is rather silly" Regina can't help but smile, no matter how little she may know of her husband, she has always been able to tell when he is speaking the truth, as he is know. Being the daughter of a sociopath has long made her apt in reading people,
"Killian also told me what you have been doing for Roland, in regard of his mother" Regina turns wide eyed for she was not aware Killian was aware she had not even told Emma, she may be able to read people it seems but still has trouble hiding things from others.
"I will never be able to repay you milady" Robins eyes are looking at her admirably and Regina shakes her head. She did it for her son,
"It was for Roland, only for him" Regina explains and Robin nods
"I know, you have eased my boy in a way that I have failed to do these past five years. I will never be able to repay you, not fully. Though I do hope you will allow me to participate in your weekly ritual?" Robin looks at her unsure now And Regina knows in her heart her boy will be over the moon
"Roland will love that and all stories you can tell him, he will truly love it" Robin sees the happiness that come to her at the mere thought of doing something Roland will love and he has never felt more fortunate in being with her
"I do have another request lady-"
"Regina, I am your wife. If you are Robin then I'm Regina and you are right we were pass these formalities your absence- this distance has made us stiff with each other once more it seems" he chuckles and nods
"Regina, while Killian told me many things he did absolve something that I hope you will grant me" Regina pauses wondering what it is he wants, what it is the Killian has kept from his brother
"What do you seek?" she asks softly and realizes that Robin has gone stiff, that his grasp on the horses Reign is knuckle white. Clearly he is angry
"Give me the name of the person who told you I would wish you dead and trade your life to bring Marian 'who..." And his jaw is tense
"who spat at you" and she wants to curse Emma for she knows that Killian most likely found out by restraining the girl from murdering the women in question
"It matters not-"
"Oh it's of a great deal of matter Regina, the rudeness of the gesture aside; to even suggest that I would trade you-" Regina now snaps
"Wouldn't you?" Her eyes are a blaze and they lock in his,
"Don't mock me Robin she is your first love, your first wife and your first queen, I'm your second in all matters. It's ok, I do not fault this with you. But while I will thank you for your concern do not hand me a bold face lie, you would do anything to bring Roland's mother back, and I don't blame you for it but don't take me for a fool who shall fall for your pretty lines." She tries to stomp past him but he grasps her arms and stops her, turning her so they could be eye to eye once more his face was set as he spoke
"I know I have given you a poor impression of myself, but if you believe my words to be nothing but pretty ornaments I am handing to you to glorify my image in your heart, then I have made a bigger mess than I have yet realized. Perhaps you're right, if I had the chance to bring Marian back I would, but only for Roland. I have made my peace with her passing and come to terms with it for some time; my only wish in regard to her is that she could have seen Roland grow and he would get to know his mother. But all this I would not tempt at the expense of anyone else's life especially yours Regina. Marian was my first love and while I can't profess my love for you, now there is something between us that I have never felt before." His hands slide down her arm and grasped both her hands in his
"I am drawn to you, I only got to know you for a very short time but I found myself wanting to know more, and that made me scared so I let my job consume me, tis no excuse but it's true." He sighs
"I will admit that I have done something shameful and I knew I must confess to you when I saw you next" Regina stiffens ready to hear about the women he's been receiving
"I have been corresponding with someone recently and I had begun confiding in them and they in me, we have become close and I would consider them my very good friend if not the best. It began with only them telling me of what they had seen Roland do but after a while they began speaking to me of their political aspirations and concerns and I in turn have confided in them. I have been so ashamed that I had not been corresponding with you and was ready to bare this truth at your feet, for I wondered about my friend often and constantly wanted to know more" he then let's go of one of her hands and reaches into his pocket and pulls out a familiar sheet of paper. She knew it was stupid, to hide behind an alias. Knew that he would find out, but it was so much easier to speak to him freely, hiding behind another name. She can feel her cheeks aflame as Robin leafs through the pages, making sure they are all there before handing them to Regina.
"Imagine my surprise when I learnt that this writer I have been corresponding with was no other than my own, deliciously cunning wife" Regina feels heat spread from her cheeks at his words. She too has taken solace in the friendship she had struck with her husband through these letters
"I promise you, that while yes, Marian coming back would be wonderful, it would be but a bitter sweet dream; I am no longer the same man she was married to, I would like to think she's in peace now and to rip that from her would be cruel. In her last moments she asked me to move on to love again and make sure to take care of our boy and I have. Beyond all this Regina, my boy never knew his mother and there is only one person who he has known all his life as his mama" Regina's breathe hitches and she can't help the tear that come to her eyes. Having Robin acknowledge her bond with Roland meant so much to her.
"And that's you. Believe whatever is to come; I will not, willingly separate you and him. Never. and I will have word with whomever challenges you on this matter or says otherwise" He sees pain and relief mixed with disbelief in her eyes and for the first time he sees her without her guard up. He lifts a hand and cups her cheek wiping away the tear with his thumb before resting his forehead against hers
"you are my wife and I your husband; my son calling you mama will cause me nothing but joy" Regina can't help but feel relief at his very words bloom and take over in her
"And while yes, when Roland first called you Mama I, I acted shamefully. I did nothing but panic, it was only due to my fear of him forgetting her, something I had vowed not do, something you made sure would never happen. So whatever you fear, know I will not leave your side, until you wish me to go" he pulls back and Regina nods in understanding. Robin, wants her as a friend and as Roland's mother. Though a part of her recoils as his voice from long ago utters his disgust over and over again, a bigger part of her rejoices in the platonic companionship and mutual respect he offers. There remains one other matter though…
"is your friend who writes to you all you have to confess, no regret for the personal brothel Leopold is supplying you" and she looks at their joint hands but Robin grasps her chin and lifts her face until their eyes are at one level
"I swear to you Regina, on my sons life I have not laid with another since the moment I was engaged to you" Regina sees the honesty in his gaze as his fingers fall
"Do not swear on Roland's life for such trifle matters" Regina murmurs deep in thought and now Robin brows furrow
"Our fidelity to each other is not a trifling matter. . . Regina, I do not take my oath lightly and I do hope neither do you" furry builds in her and she slams a hand down hard on his chest
"How dare you, you're the one with the personal brothel and you accuse me" she attacks again and he lets an oomf
"Spirits women, I meant that if you do not feel like our vows are words you feel in your heart I will not fault you for waning to leave me, no matter what happens between us you will always be in Roland's life. And there is no personal brothel. I freed the girls once they arrived, well, I had Granny do it but under my orders. She found them jobs if they required it but none are under my care or my command. But I am serious our oath to each other is a serious matter you are my wife and I your husband" Regina shakes her head, he wants her loyalty and he will have it, for she believe in him as a king.
"They are just titles," Regina says tiredly and Robin nods his ascent
"But they mean something" and Regina can't help but nod, they do
"Speaking of Leopold, I would like to see these letters you've found, I only ever got the packages" and Regina's face show confusion
"They were opened and left on my bed, these I did not hunt down" Regina's statement now have Robin confused
"You sure they were real? No forgery to mess with you?" Regina nods
"They had his official seal and I know his hand, they were his, you never saw them?" She asks and there is a special tone to her voice one she tries to hide
"No, but I would like to" and he sees that she tries to avert her respond
"Regina, what did the letters say?" her silence clearly having peeked Robin's interest but she won't answer now.
"I'll suppose you'll see" not wanting to ruin this dream and understanding courses through Robin. They walk in silence, both feeling a bit lighter. Both confused as to why they had put off speaking of these matters for so long. Though they have spoke of much Robin knows there is still much more to speak about, he can still sense there is much more he has yet to learn about his illusive wife, but he looks forward to it.
"Do you believe me Regina? That I will stand with you?" And no matter how much she wants, Regina can't meet his eyes something Robin notices
"What do I have to do Milady tell me and it shall be done" he is in complete earnest and Regina looks away uneasy for no one before had offered their word to her so openly so all she can manage is small shrug.
"Whatever we discuss today, I will believe when we put in action" and she means it and now Robin looks hopeful,
"You're willing to try? Be honest with me please" and Regina is still hesitant her mother's voice in turmoil her head, but them her gaze drops to their entwined hands and there is something in her that draws her to him; something both terrifying and wonderful. If they try to form a relationship, she knows she is at great risk of falling in love with him, while he only will come to see her as a close friend, she is setting herself up for heartbreak she can sense it. But all she does is re grasps his hand letting her fingers mold with his.
"Yes I'm willing to try"
Roland is over the moon when he sees them both return and for two glorious days Regina enjoys both father and son's attention. On the third she hears of a caravan stopping in a town an hour away and learns that Emma is leaving to visit it, she hands Emma a couple of her gold coins
"Roland has wooden figures and such, but only has one plush toy and I have seen him play with the other children's plush toys; if there's a toy maker there, perhaps an owl? Or a wolf, He's partial to bears" aEmma take the information and goes off. but, returns within three and hurriedly pulls her aside
"We have a problem" she sound sincere and worry takes over Regina
"What is it? What's wrong" and Emma starts twice before she gets it out
"I was pulled aside by a group of slave traders, they offered me to show them their cargo, they saw the old coins I was about to pay for the toy. They have 5 in their cargo now" and Regina is alarmed
"Slave trading is not allowed here, Robin will have their head" Emma nods
"I told them to keep all five and that my mistress would be interested"
"What?! Emma tell Robin he will be back-"
"It's Snow! They have Snow" and Regina feels ice course through her bone
AN: 36 pages people! I love you all but this chapter kicked me while I was studying for my finals. I love and live for your reviews; they were extremely helpful so THANK YOU so, so much and feel free to review this chapter too. Shout out to Justme1330, I know you're looking for kick ass Regina and let me tell you my friend next chapter our girl is kicking it to high gear and will be pretty badass. I felt I had to get my two characters comfortable enough to bring out the sass that we love to watch the two of through back at each other. So I hear ya and its coming, promise. Plus this was more like negotiation we have a war coming, just wait.
Someone asked why this story is an M hopefully if Regina and Robin can get their act together here we will see *ahem* developments in their relationships, though they have a ton to get through. Snow is finally showing up and I hope you guys didn't think it would take one talk for this couple to come together, they are talking now but still there are clear mis-communications and they will actually have their first fight post communication next chapter (yay conflict). Don't worry though after that Robin is going to be stepping it up big time and we'll see some forces that have been working against this couple come to light.
Also don't you all love the outlaw queen on the show right now? I was a puddle on the floor with the last episode, though poor Hook! I might add a bit more CS for my Hooker readers who are feeling the pain, stay strong my friends.
As always I look forward to hearing what you all thought and think, constructive criticism always welcome, spread the love people. As you might have guessed Once is not mine and Thanks for Reading.