Regina's eyes fluttered open several hours later. It was still dark outside, and a strong breeze was gusting outside the castle. The sheer, white curtains billowed gently from the draft like ghosts, and shadows danced across the walls and ceiling, but the fire and thick material which hung from around the canopy bed kept them warm.

Robin slept beside her, his chest rising and falling in a slow, steady inhale and exhale of deep sleep. His arm was tucked securely around her middle and his leg draped over hers, keeping her close making her feel safe.

She studied his profile as she lay beside him, testing the strength of her new-found connection. Moving even closer, she ran her hand gently through his hair while trying to sense him and his love for her as she would if she were to use her gift on him.

It was like feeling a whispered breath. His love for her there in sleep filled haze and a sense of peace from whatever he was dreaming. This was strange magic they shared. It was as if she could feel his presence, not his thoughts exactly, but as though they were connected through their emotions. She began to sense it in Sherwood, but more so when they fell into Avalon. And once she knew of it, of what she was feeling was coming from him with each passing hour it had grown more and more. As if the energy of Avalon enhancing the power they carried as flames, coupled with knowledge of their connection and their shared declarations had lifted away the last barrier between them. Their bond filled her with a sensation she could not put into words.

Was it the same for him? Could he feel this magic between them as she?

Wanting to allow herself the luxury of a moment to enjoy being held in his arms, Regina turned and slid gently backward. Her shoulders brushed against his chest and she sighed when Robin's arm automatically rounded her waist, pulling her back against his chest.

Closing her eyes, she relaxed in the sense of comfort and safety he and the castle provided. Though her sense of anxiety had not completely disappeared from her, she was not naive enough to believe it would always be like this. Here, they were without the burden of a price on their heads and free from prying judgmental eyes, but once they returned, once they were home, things would be different. She let herself imagine what the reactions of the people of his camp would be. She believed Snow and Roland would be happy, Mary and Tuck too. But there were those like John and especially Claire who would make their protests known. But thinking about the woman made Regina's determination to make known her love for Robin strengthen in defiance.

Claire would have to accept her and Robin. They would have to find common ground and get along somehow. For the safety of them all and for Roland, who she knew loved them both.

With a deep breath, Regina willed herself to sleep. Later, she would seek assurance from Robin, and he would calm her nerves. But for now, it was enough she was near him this way. She could find sleep, feeling safe and protected in the stillness of Camelot.

Steps echoed around her bedchamber, Regina sat up in bed, blinking at the priestess from the day previous through the drapes where she took to tending to the fire. If Robin sleeping soundly beside her bothered the young woman, she kept it to herself.

"My lady," Istolde murmured, noticing her and rising to her feet. "The king has sent me to ask if you and Lord Robin may come down to his court. Madam Millicent has returned with the wizard Merlin."

Regina's brows rose as the young woman's words sank in. Merlin. "Thank you. Please let him know we'll be down shortly."

The priestess inclined her head. "I will return with your breakfast." With her murmured words, she silently left.

The news of the druids arrival filled her with a renewed sense of energy. Surely, if he were there they would be able to return home soon. Regina turned to Robin who was still sleeping soundly. He was so handsome, even as he slumbered. Lying down beside him once again, she quite deliberately rose above him and kissed him on the lips, smiling as his handsome features as he rose from sleep. She bit her lip to keep from laughing as he groaned, blinking and turning his head away from the light that spilled in from the space between the drapes.

Robin's arms encircled her, and she let her head fall against his chest. His voice was soft and husky in the morning light. "Hmm, is it time to get up already?"

"I'm afraid so. The king has asked for us. Merlin is here."

The hand that was stroking through her hair stilled. "You know, after everything that's happened you would think I wouldn't find this as wondrous as I do. None of this should be possible and yet..."

"Indeed." She knew what he meant without having to say it. It felt like something from a dream. A tale she would tell Snow late at night when she couldn't sleep. Nestling closer, she enjoyed being in his arms on last time that morning before Istolde returned with their breakfast. "We should get up and get ready." She rose up on her elbow and smiled down at him. "You should find some other clothes to wear, otherwise you'll look like a rumpled mess."

He swept his hand along her spine and making her shiver. Turning them on their sides, he stole a kiss, followed by another and another. She hummed, arching her neck giving him more access to trail a row of kisses along her neck and collar. As much as she enjoyed the idea of spending the morning with him doing nothing but this, they needed to get ready. Drawing herself away from him, she sat up, ignoring his groans of protest. "We have breakfast on the way and people waiting on us."

Robin sighed and turned to lie on his back. "Aye, we do."

She chuckled, and leaning forward, with one last kiss to his lips, Regina rose from bed. Taking a seat at the vanity she set on brushing out her tangled hair and gazed at Robin's reflection in the mirror while he straightened his sleep-rumpled clothing. Taking his boots from the floor, he pulled on his tunic, and coming up behind her, she smiled at him as he dropped a kiss to her shoulder. "I'll go change and be back for that breakfast."