It's burning, hot and prickling through the torn flesh. Breathing becomes a labour as consciousness begins to come to. It's bright where she is, too bright, but thankfully the mattress is soft enough under her back. Wincing her fingers find the searing edges, sorching to her touch. She groans, clenching her eyes shut to avoid the waking dawn. There is a faint smell of honey and mint, and maybe a touch of nature, arbour pine, it's familiar to home.
She can hear voices muffled as they are, somewhere in the distance, but their inflections and tones escape her in the moment. It could be her guards, but it doesn't quite sound like them. Her council members possibly, but again it's not the same. Something is off. She tries to move, but her body feels as though it's been through a blender and whatever the ricocheting pain in her side is renders her nearly immobile.
Thick eyelashes flicker open to find pale white ceilings, and her heart jolts. She doesn't know this place, where is she? The last memories are of the dead lake, the black and purple swirling magic before prisoners had been reported escaped.
Wait…. The prisoners…. It hits her like a brick wall, Snow White and her revolting Prince Charming, the blonde woman, the hazel eyes of the boy who called her mom, and that thief, his blue ocean eyes. She begins to shake slightly, they must have taken her, after the thief blinded her with poppy dust, they kidnapped her. Whether this was a better prison than the other she doesn't yet know, but dammit she is about to figure it out and torch them all.
Through the white hot pain, she near screams as she sits up, teeth clenching so tight they threaten to break as sweat beads on her forehead. This won't do. Her palm ghosts up to her abdomen and a sudden surprising shock happens when she finds herself in a black silk and rather short laced nightgown, one that is most definitely not hers. But who's ever it is, she has to admit they do have rather fine taste. The bandages pucker from the silk and she calls on her magic, but it fails her, flickering under her fingers but not emerging.
Regina growls, annoyed and slightly concerned. Her gaze moves around the room, it's tasteful, pale blue walls, white wooden elegant furniture, a vanity with a plethora of jewellery and makeup. The bed is large, light grey silk sheets, and a thick dark blue blanket. Wherever she is, it's better than the cavernous dungeon of the Underworld, but she smirks to the fact it doesn't have the dark fearful beautiful quality of her chambers in her own castle.
Her wanderings are interrupted by the crack of the door opening, and there is the thief, wary and yet there is a lingering relief in his blue eyes as a small smile parts against his stubbled jaw.
"You're awake. How are you feeling?" He questions as the door closes, a plate of toast, fruit and a small glass of orange juice. She stares, but says nothing as he moves towards the bed, setting down the tray at the foot of the bed. He stands somewhat shyly in front of her, almost waiting to see if she would say something or not.
He's handsome, ridiculously handsome. The tailored cut of the black tight cotton shirt that tucks into the dark denim jeans that hug his hips. His chest is broad, arms thick and strong, the stubble of his chin coarse hiding the dimples that lie underneath. And then there are his eyes, blue as the sky, but flecked with gentle green sparks.
Robin waits, watching her take him in as though she has never laid eyes on his before. The curious heat behind them make his skin flush and it takes everything he has not to pounce and claim her lips. He does move, closer to and she flinches, halting his motion with a small sigh.
"Regina – "
"You're quite frank, using my first name thief." She cuts him off hotly.
Robin chuckles and sits on the bed beside her, so close his thigh touches hers. She moves quickly, ceasing the warm electricity that had been elicited. He bites down on his lower lip, eyes coasting up the black silk of her torso, finding the bandage pattern underneath. Frowning at the wound that lies beneath, abrading the perfect olive skin.
"Are you doing okay? It's time to change your wound"
Their eyes meet, glaring uncertainty in chocolate orbs matched with concerned pain in blue ones. His heart pounds with an aching need to touch her, but the fear in her eyes keeps him still.
"I don't need your help thief, you've done quite enough" she snarls, moving farther away, but the action causes a shock of violent pain to rip through her and she whinces harshly. To harsh for Robin to not move. His hand grasps hers softly "Hey, easy. Let me help you"
She wants to retract from his grip but the pain is blinding enough that it makes her clutch him tighter as it passes. A heavy exhales parts through her ruby lips.
"Regina please" He begs gently moving closer to her. She hates being this weak, but without her magic she knows that if the wound isn't cleaned it will certainly give in to infection. With a huff she nods, but halts his hand that moves to the hemline of her nightgown.
She glares at the thief, and he smiles knowingly, standing up and letting his fingers reluctantly part from hers for the moment. Walking to the dresser, he pulls out a black pair of sleeping pants and a matching tank top, passing them to her in kind.
"Do you need help to change?"
"No!" she scowls "Just give me a minute"
Robin nods and leaves her alone for a few moments, but the hard whimper pulls him back into the bedroom quickly. She hasn't moved much, her palm resting on her stomach, the folded clothes still lay beside her. He chews his lip for a moment, questioning if he should try and help, she's not herself right now and surely would not appreciate him intruding. He steps back but she cries out at the same time, a few choice expletives dropping from her mouth.
"Hey, hey, hey. Let me help you" He jogs to the side of the bed.
"I don't need your help thief" Regina shifts again but clenches her teeth through the pain.
Robin lightly scoffs through a breathy laugh "You are so stubborn you know that"
If looks could kill, he would be a pile of ash on the duvet right now. They sit staring at each other for a minute before Robin cocks his head to the side with playfully raised eyebrows.
"You are irritatingly persistent you know that" She snarks but pushes the blanket down to settle on her waist.
"Yes well, I kind of have to be with you" He smiles.
"If you so much as touch me in anyway other than cleaning this bandage I will break your fingers, understood?" she dead pans.
He throws his palms up in surrender "I will be nothing but a gentleman, I promise"
"Who knew a thief had such honor" She quips back with a tight smile. His heart aches over her words. He will get her back, time won't matter, he will do everything possible to bring his Regina back.
He slides closer, her eyes glues to his motion as his fingers skate the the hem of her dress, slowly pulling it up to reveal the smooth creamy skin on her thighs. She can see the flicker of desire in his blue eyes as they drop a shade darker, but before she can make a smart ass comment, he pulls the blanket up to cover her black laced undergarments. It's surprising, men usually drool over this type of opportunity, but not him, he's keeping his promise. The nightgown rests just under her breasts, exposing her stomach and the massive bandage on her right side.
She grimaces, annoyed at the fact she can't just heal herself and be out of this bedchamber. His fingers are gentle as he removes the bandage carefully, frowning at the angry red skin below. They had done their best to clean it and stitch her wound back up but the dark red dried blood and scarred tissue pained him.
"I need to go get some warm water, salve and a new bandage, one second"
Regina watches as he escapes to the bathroom before glancing down at the injury. It looks terrible, spanning from her hip bone up to the underside of her ribs. It's deep, she can feel the spasms in her muscles, the burning of the torn skin. It will leave a nasty scar, another for the collection.
He returns, and places a bowl on the bedside table and squeezes out a washcloth.
"This may sting" he comments sadly and he slowly presses the cloth to the corner of the wound. Regina hisses and sends a glare at him, but the anguish in his eyes makes her heart stutter.
"Why are you taking care of me? I'm the Evil Queen" she questions, more hesitantly than planned.
His eyes flicker up to hers, "You're not the Evil Queen, you're just Regina. And taking care of you is part of my job"
"And why would that be in your job description?"
Robin smiles, exhales lightly before staring straight into her eyes "Because I love you"
Her eyebrows furrow at his words as she sharply inhales, but the warm glow in her heart is something she can't quite figure out. She stays silent, breaks his strong gaze as she gazes back down to where his hand lays gently with the wet cloth on her stomach.
Robin allows her to stay silent, knowing she doesn't understand what is truly going on. He cleans her wound quietly, wiping away the blood smears before grabbing the salve. Coating his fingers generously, he slowly coats her skin in it, and is thankful when she breathes a sigh of relief. The balm is cool, fighting against the hot prickle, numbing it quickly in reprieve.
"Are you alright?"
She hums and nods but doesn't dare look at him. The bandage comes next, covering the wound and soaking in the rest of the salve. He gently pulls back down the nightgown, covering her once more.
"All done, we will have to change that bandage every few hours to ensure it's not becoming infected" He grabs the bowl and heads back to the bathroom, dumping the light red contents down the sink and replacing the balm.
When he comes back he smiles at the fact she is eating some of the fruit on the plate. He watches her from the door frame, her hair long and tousled framing her face, void of any makeup. She is stunning. Just how she is, like this, small and tucked into their bed, not a sign of the once Evil Queen hanging around her.
"Are you done staring, or is there something else you wish to talk about?" She smirks facing away from him and staring out the window. He laughs, and moves back to the bed, popping a few grapes in his mouth as he moves around her.
"I think you should rest, I'll be back in a little while to check on you"
There is a lurge in her heart, and for whatever god unknown reason, she doesn't actually want him to leave. But she will be damned if he knows that. So instead she shrugs. He places a device beside her, "press the 1 button if you need to reach me". She rolls the black box in her hands, "I'm sure i'll survive without you" she quips back, putting the phone back on the bedside table.
He doesn't move, just stands at the edge of the bed beside her. She raises an eyebrow in question and is stunned when he takes her palm and presses a gentle kiss to her knuckles. There is a humming sensation as his lips hit her skin, and the sudden fog in her brain is rolling in hard.
"I'll see you later M'lady" he smiles and drops her hand. Leaving her with a bewildered expression to his actions as the door closes behind. Her head begins to pound with the pressing fog, cloudy voices and fuzzy faces force into her head. It's confusing and irritating. How and Why is she here? Why would a thief kidnap her from Hades? There had to be a proper explanation, and whatever cock and bull he was feeding her about love was simply impossible. No one loves the Evil Queen.
She blinks back the brimming of tears, and settles back into the bed, exhaustion pulling at her. Just a few hours, that's all she needs to gain her magic back, just a few hours and this will all be sorted out and she can go home.
There is a small voice talking quietly beside her, through the haze of her dreams she isn't quite sure if it is real or not. The picture swirling in her mind begins to fade, the strange movie of a fuzzy world slowly drifts out as she comes into consciousness. The voice is definitely real. She keeps her eyes closed, listening to the tiny voice. It's a boy, that much she can tell, and the happy bubble of his tone is strangely soothing.
"one day, Mowgli and Baloo were swimming in the river, singing their favorite song together, eating berries and playing in the water. When all of a sudden monkeys came out from the trees…."
Her eyes crack open, finding a small boy, curly brown hair, dimpled chubby cheeks and focused brown eyes staring at a book. She listened to him read, trying to place where she knew him from. A small smile cracks her lips when he becomes animatedly involved in the book, something about monkeys grabbing a boy and swinging him through the trees.
Strange book for a child to read she hums to herself. His words stumble, and he frowns at the pages, trying to figure out the letters below. Her head tilts slightly, it's impressive the boy knows how to read this well, he couldn't be more than 7.
"Nec-sis- Ne-sis- " he chews his lip, growing impatient at the hard word.
"Necessities" she whispers.
The book falls in the boy's lap as he stares at her with wide chocolate button eyes. A sudden beaming smile rips across his adorable face, the dimples cratering in his chubby cheeks.
"GINA!" he squeals, throwing himself onto her chest, thankfully not hitting the wound on the other side. She is stunned, as his arms grip her neck, his face burying into her neck. Her arms freeze in the air around him, and she is about to push him off, but then his little whisper "I missed you mommy" cracks her resolve and her arms wrapped tenderly around his little body. She doesn't say anything, simply hugs the little stranger back for a moment.
He pulls back, smiling brightly, his palms pressed against her cheeks "Are you still hurt?", he questions.
"I've been better" she replies, still not exactly sure what to make of this situation.
"Papa said that you have a bad owie" He frowns, a puppy eyed expression molding to his face.
Her heart thunders, she should have recognized the similarities, the sweet eyes, gentle smile and those damn dimples, they should have been the first give away that this little boy was the thief's son. A wave of nausea rolls through her suddenly. The hazel eye'd boy calling her mom in the Underworld, the thief's profession of love, the story of them having a life together….and then this little boy calling her mommy….it couldn't be. She couldn't have children, she made sure of that a long time ago. But then how is this possible?
She grows uncomfortable under the tot's penetrating stare. Swallowing hard she goes to move the boy from her side, but is interrupted by the opening of the bedroom door.
"Roland! Son what are you doing?" The thief jogs into the room, slightly concerned at the fact his boy is casually laying beside the Queen who isn't quite in her right mind, though Robin knows from their history, if there is one person that could climb the high walls she built, it was his little boy. He had done it before, and Robin was calming certain he could certainly do it once more.
"I was reading mommy a book!" He smiled, jumping into Robin's arms with a giggle. Robin's eyes find Regina's with a smile. She looks stunned, but almost at ease as she looks at father and son.
"Roland, what did I say about letting mommy rest?" He gave his son a knowing look before settling down on the bed beside Regina. The boy grimaced, chewed his lip in shame "that she needed to sleep…. But daddy! I just wanted to read her the Jungle Book. It's her favorite one and I missed her" he whined.
My favorite book? I've never even heard of it before…. She internally wonders, but the way Roland said he missed her, has her stomach in knots. Robin seems to feel her discomfort through his side glance, watching as she fiddles with the hem of the blanket.
"Roland, why don't you go downstairs, I'll make us some lunch and then we can go pick up Henry?"
The young boy bounces in his father's lap, with a cheery "YES! I want pancakes!"
Robin laughs "How about a sandwich, pancakes are for breakfast"
Roland groans "but I like pancakes, apple pancakes‼"
Regina smiles at the boys puppy eyes once more, obviously knowing they will work on his father like a charm, and to his satisfaction, Robin gives in, "fine, fine. I'll make you apple pancakes"
Roland cheers and jumps off the bed, running out of the room without a second thought. Robin watches his son take off, smiling at his carefree nature. He turns to Regina, whose eyes have fallen to the blanket, a grimace on her face, full of unknowing and annoyance. This can't be easy for her.
"Care for some pancakes M'lady?"
"It's your Majesty" she snipes back, irritated at this entire situation.
Robin sighs, "I apologize. Can I make you some pancakes Your Majesty?"
Regina sinks back into the bed, "I'm not hungry" huffing out as she shuts her eyes closed again.
"Is there anything I can get you?"
She hums "Not unless, you have a bath I can get this grin off of me with"
To that Robin smiles, "That is a request I can most definitely fill. I'll draw you a bath" He stands to her shock, walking into what she can only assume is the bathing chamber. The water begins to run, Robin adding some lavender oils he knows she loves.
Walking back into the room he extends out a hand "Your Majesty". She stares back, split between needing his help and not wanting it. She knows that she probably won't be able to make it there without his annoying assistance.
Just excellent, having to limp around like an injured puppy
But the grin on her skin is more pressing. With a shove of the blanket she grabs his hand, standing gingerly into his arms with a whimper. Dizziness surrounds her and she stumbles for a moment, his warm palms gently steadying her hips. They are chest to chest, she can feel his breath against her skin, and there it is, that arbor pine smell. She lingers longer than intended, soaking in the steady beat of his heart, the gently expanding of his lungs.
He swallows hard, being this close to her is near impossible to not lean in and kiss her. But there is hesitation in her movements as her chin tilts up, a lingering uncertain fear in her eyes. He smiles, and moves to her side, letting her step on her own, being there only if she needs. They make their way into the bathroom, and she freezes. There is no way she will be able to get into that tub herself.
She groans, letting out a harsh irritated huff.
Dammit!
He understands why she stopped, knows that the Queen is aborted at the idea of asking for help. She isn't some kicked puppy, but he is hers, and that is enough for him.
"I promised to be a gentleman, I won't go back on my word Your Majesty"
She rolls her eyes, but turns to face him with a threatening arched eyebrow. She is surprised when he grabs a fluffy white towel, passing it to her with a small smile. Regina takes it, and covers her body from him as he slides the thin black straps off her shoulders, the nightgown pooling at her feet. He bends down, the towel obstructing her body from his eyes as his fingers pull down the lace undergarment.
She steps back, still clinging to the towel as he stands back up, the rouge on his neck makes her blush slightly. If she wasn't so incapacitated she would have thrown this towel to the floor a long time ago, and had her way with the handsome outlaw. Maybe another night….
Robin moves to her side, holding her waist as she steps slowly into the heated water. With ease he bends with her as she lowers her body into the bath, taking the towel with her as she sits into the beautiful tub. His forearms soak as he follows her till her back hits the bathtub wall.
She is thankful for the bubbles that shield her from his eyes, though he never does take advantage of her naked self. He removes the towel from her grasp, wringing the water out before hanging it on the door frame, settling a second dry one beside her.
"Call me when you're ready to get out" He smiles, kissing her hand again just like this morning. Its incredible to herself that she actually allows it to happen. But there is something about him, something familiar and safe.
She nods and drifts off into the water.
Downstairs, the kitchen is suddenly bustling with new incomers. The Charmings, chatting with Roland who continues to plow through his pancakes, Emma and Henry each having a few of their own.
"Robin!" Snow calls out as he enters the room "How is she? How's the wound? Is she remembering anything?" Her inquisition is about to become never ending as he holds up a hand to answer.
"She's okay, still healing, and fairly exhausted. And no, she doesn't remember anything" His tone disheartened as he grabs the coffee pot.
"She will, don't lose hope" Snow walks over to place a gentle palm on his forearm. "We all know it will work out. You fell in love before, it will happen again" She smiles.
But Robin exhales "That was when we were in Storybrooke….under different circumstances and –"
David is the one to interrupt his rambling "And in the Enchanted Forest" he smirks to Robin's wide eyed expression "What?"
The Charmings laugh in unison, before Snow chuckles "Oh please, the two of you thought you had everyone fooled. But your skills at hiding the fact you were both together were terrible, truly"
Robin feels the heat flush in his cheeks. Sure, back in the Enchanted Forest, they had something….but they never defined it as anything….just a distraction…. A way to relax…. At least that's what they told themselves. But there was more to it than that. They both knew, but were either too proud or to scared to actually voice any true feelings.
"I have nothing but faith in the two of you" David chimes in.
Robin smiles, staring down at the black liquid in the mug, it was easy for them to have hope, and though he wouldn't give up on it, or give up on her, it was going to be a long road.
He is surprised when he see's her back in bed, clothed and sleeping soundly. She is stubborn that is for certain. His heart glows when he see's the child's book resting on her lap. It seems Roland may already be climbing those walls. He changes into sweats, gently eases the book from her hands and places it on the bed side table. The glow of the bedside lamp basks her skin in a soft yellow and he can't help but take a minute to just look at her.
They had been through so much together, most of it filled with sorrow and longing, but no matter what, they found their way back to each other each time. He sighs, guilt rising over the anguish she has lived through, a lot due to him. His fingers brush a strand of hair out of her eyes, and she hums at the contact. He flicks off the light, dropping the room in darkness.
He slides into the other side of the bed, watching the way her chest rises and falls slowly. He itches to touch her, but knows that she wouldn't allow anything of the sort. But he can't help it, help himself from just feeling her. His hand reaches out, and gently so not to wake her, interlaces their fingers together. A beat of silence goes by as he waits for her to wake up and torch him, but his heart blooms when he feels her fingers grip his a fraction harder.
Maybe there is hope after all
A week has gone and passed, and the Evil Queen still remains. There is more strength in her now though, and though he is happy to see her moving more, it also is selfishly building in his stomach at the fact she doesn't need him as much. She can change and bathe herself, and has even taken up to walking around the house when he isn't around.
They haven't made any progress on the type of potion that has taken her mind, and unfortunately Mr. Gold is out god knows where with Belle right now. He would probably be the only person who would have some insight into what is happening with her. Snow had continued to suggest True Love's Kiss, but Robin would shake his head each time. It's not that he doesn't think it wouldn't work, they are soulmates, but he also doesn't want to press her, force her into something she doesn't want.
So he waits, day after day, missing her more with each. Her temper is short, and he knows she is restless to get "home" as she calls it. It breaks his heart everytime she moves away from him, the hours she spends silent in bed, frowning in annoyance. His only saving grace is Roland, who has thankfully been the only one the Queen truly allows around her. Even Henry hasn't had much luck….
****2 Days Ago****
She walks around the mansion, fingers lingering on the mantle piece as she stares at the silver frames. There are photos of her, with a young brown haired boy, throughout the years, from a baby to a teen. They look happy, well save for a few photo's when their smiles seem forced, he couldn't be more than 10 in those pictures. One particularly sparks her interest, and she grabs the frame from it's place.
Her arms are around him from behind, a bright smile on her face as she nuzzles into his neck, his own face red as he laughs happily at her affection. He is older in this photo, around the same age as he must be now. She had seen him once, the day after she woke up. It was awkward as he tried to explain what was going on. She sat like a statue, listening to a boy she'd barely met call her mom and speak of their entire life together.
Her fingers trace the photo.
"Robin took that about a month before you went to the Underworld"
The voice shocks her from the quiet moment. Spinning on the spot, the teen stands, hands shoved into his pocket as he frowns. Either move for a moment, unsure of what to say. Henry swallows and finally steps into the room.
"It was a surprise party we threw for David's birthday. The entire town was there. You made probably 8 trays of lasagna, which were all completely devoured" He laughs lightly at the memory.
Regina says nothing, just watches at Henry moves closer to her, standing right beside her as he looks at the photo with a smile. She could see the pain in his eyes, but she couldn't help him. There was no memory of them, of this life. She knew they all were trying to get her to remember, but it was futile. She didn't live this life. It was a lie, another curse that Hades must have put on her.
Why she didn't know…. But it had to be true, she had no family.
"I miss you mom" Henry whispered as a tear fell from his eyes. She was torn, he looked so sad, but if she gave into this fantasy they were all creating it would only end up worse.
"I'm sorry, but you really need to stop calling me that. I'm not your mother" She sighed, placing the frame back on the mantlepiece.
"Yes you are! You just have to try and remember" he pleaded.
Irritation flooded her "Henry, there is nothing to remember. I am the Queen of the Enchanted Forest. I am not who you all think I am" her tone sharp as she moved away from him.
"You're not even trying" he gruffed back.
Regina scoffed, how dare this petulant child speak to her like this.
"I can't try to remember things that aren't real"
"BUT THEY ARE REAL! IF YOU WANTED TO REMEMBER YOU WOULD!" Henry yelled back in frustration. He knew it wasn't that simple, but he wanted his mother back desperately.
"You need to leave" She snarled "Before I make you"
Henry shook his head, defeated and angry through the tears that had built. He turned on his heel and walked from the room as she sat angrily on the couch. Her eyes clenched shut as she growled. She needed her magic back and for whatever reason it still was evading her.
A hard thump hit the cushion beside her, and she turned to glare at the stubborn teen. "I thought I told you to leave"
"I am, but if you won't listen to me, at least read that. Maybe it will help" A heavy brown leather book rested beside her
"Once Upon A Time? I think I'm a little over childish fairy tales" She snapped.
Henry said nothing, just shrugged and walked out of the room, leaving the Queen and the book behind.
***Present Day***
She hadn't touched the book. It sat on the coffee table for two days. A child's notion.
Regina had recluded to herself after that day, stone walling herself to everyone. The blonde had tried to come talk to her but had left in equal annoyance. Even Roland had been neglected, much to his dismay. She rarely showed affection for the boy, thought wouldn't completely stonewall him either. He'd read her stories, tell her about tales of his father and the Merry Men, to which she would roll her eyes. But Robin was thankful she was at least letting someone be close.
They hadn't spoken, besides him trying to talk and her brushing him off. It was aggravating.
That afternoon the walls of the mansion were becoming suffocating and she needed air. Needed to get out. The house was silent, Robin and Roland were at the park so she pulled on a tight black dress, leather boots and a dark purple coat cashmere coat and flung the front door open.
The air was incredible, crisp as she inhaled. She didn't know where she was walking, but she did so just the same. Making her way down a few streets, until she saw someone she hadn't been expecting. Someone who made her blood boil.
Snow White.