A/N: I wanted to spend a word about the Missing Year dynamic: I'll stay loyal to canon, so Robin and Regina are not in a proper relationship, but they are already connected. Of course, she's the Queen of Sass and she keeps treating him badly, but they have also a few quiet moments and she opens up to him, especially when she's caught off guard.
Set in the Enchanted Forest - Missing Year - Late Evening
#14 Can I have this dance?
Robin watched as the couples began to move gracefully on the floor. In the middle of the Great Hall there were the prince and the princess, already dancing. He scanned the room once more, because the only woman he wanted to dance with … wasn't there. His son was busy with Little John – apparently, they were trying to eat as many pastries as possible under Granny's watchful eyes. Roland was clearly in good hands, so he exited the room, in search of her.
If I were the Queen, where would I hide? he thought. He tried to look in the court and even to pass by her bedchambers, but was met by an overwhelming silence. Then he heard a sigh. The library.
And obviously, she was there. – Milady – he said, entering the large room. He could only see her back, for she was sitting on a high chair next to the window, staring at the moon.
- Thief – she said simply. And then nothing.
- You were missed at the ball, your majesty – he tempted.
- Who could possibly miss me? – she asked, looking at him with her sad, deep eyes.
- I could – he answered – and I think the princess is worried too.. surely, she'll come within minutes if I don't come back with you –
- Surely – she agreed, diverting her gaze to look at the sky.
- He got closer to her. – You have two options – he said smiling – you can come at the ball… or you can dance here –
She looked at him. – Here? –
He extended his hand. – Can I have this dance, your majesty? –
She sighed, standing up, as walking in a dream. – I suppose you may, yes –
When Snow entered, twenty minutes later, she found the thief and the queen swinging slowly. Regina's head was placed on his shoulder, her face hidden from her sight, and she was sobbing quietly. He was rubbing her forearm, gently. The princess exited in silence, with the feeling that Regina, for that evening, was in good hands.