But I am ready to do what is right

The time has come for you to take flight

And though our parting now will cause me to grieve

I am ready I know that you must leave

("Farewell (I Am Ready Reprise)," Outlander the Musical)

Chapter 26: Regina's Choice

The bed was shaking. I cracked open an eye to find Roland jumping between Robin and me. He smiled as he did so.

"Roland, why are you jumping on the bed?" I asked.

"It's time for the picnic!"

I frowned. "What picnic?"

"Roland!" Robin grabbed his son, holding the squirming boy. "That was supposed to be a surprise for later!"

"Oops." Roland giggled and I doubted he was sorry. He had been looking forward to a picnic for far too long.

I sat up, smiling. "A picnic? What's the occasion?"

"It's a picnic," Roland said, as if the answer was obvious. I guess in some ways, it was.

Taking him from his father's arms, I held him close. "Well, I guess we should go get everything ready. Starting with you getting dressed."

Roland hopped down off the bed, running toward his room. My smile fell as I turned to Robin. "This is my goodbye picnic, isn't it?"

"I guess you could call it that." Robin voice was soft and he didn't meet my eyes. I knew there would only be sadness there and wondered if mine reflected it.

I slid out of bed. "I guess we should get ready too. Roland is a boy on a mission."

Robin nodded, following my lead. For the first time in months, he went behind the screen to change. I bit my lip and tried not to cry as I pulled on my own dress. As I stood there, I worried he wouldn't tie my laces and I'd have to use my magic.

But I felt his hands on my back, tightening my dress. I had chosen a bright blue dress, one that matched his eyes. He smiled, leaning forward to whisper: "You look beautiful, milady."

"Thank you. I have two very special men to impress."

"You always impress us," he replied. His hands remained on my hips as if afraid to stray further around my waist.

I turned in his arms, resting my hands on them. "Robin, please don't…"

"Mama? Papa? I'm ready!" Roland yelled from the parlor. I imagined he was standing by the door, hopping from foot to foot.

Robin's hands fell away as he stepped back. "We should go," he said, voice soft. "He's not going to wait much longer."

I nodded. "You go distract him. I still need to do my hair."

Robin left the room and I heard his voice from the other room: "Come on, my boy! We have to go pack our picnic and then we'll come back to get Mama. How does that sound?"

As the door closed behind them, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I'd be able to get through this, I told myself. The pain was only going to be temporary.

Or at least I hoped it would be.

Robin and Roland came back a little while later, a basket in Robin's hands. He paused when he saw me, a smile tugging at his lips. "You left your hair down."

"Someone once told me I look beautiful with it down," I teased, smiling back at him.

Impatient, Roland darted forward and grabbed my hand. He tugged me toward the door. "Come on, Mama!"

"Roland, there's no need to rush," Robin chided his son. "We have plenty of time for this picnic."

I laughed. "It's okay. Come on."

As Roland pulled me out of the room, I grabbed Robin's hand and pulled him along with us. We went a few steps before he smiled and let me pull him. So far, this picnic was turning out great.

It got better once we were outside. Robin found us the perfect spot on a hill not too far away from the palace but still separate enough to allow us some privacy. We overlooked the lake, watching its waves lap the shore around the palace as the sun sparkled on the surface. It was breathtaking.

As Robin laid out the blanket and the food, I chased Roland around the hill. His laughter echoed on the warm breeze toying with my dress as I tried to catch him. I let him escape though to keep our game going a bit longer.

I glanced up at Robin, who now stood watching us with his arms crossed and a smile on his face. Flashing him a smile back, I scooped up Roland and began tickling him. "Looks like I won," I told him.

"Not fair, Mama! You're bigger and faster." Roland pouted as I carried him up the hill. "You were bound to catch me."

"You put a good chase, Roland. Soon you'll be able to outrun me." I kissed his cheek.

Robin took Roland from my arms, holding him straight across his body. "Time to eat, my boy. You hungry?"

"Yes. Are you, Mama?" Roland looked at me.

I turned my head to look him in the eyes. "I am starving. I hope you and Papa packed some really good food."

"We did! I promise," Roland said. I put him down and he ran toward the food, opening his arms wide. "See?"

Kneeling on the blanket, I pretended to study the food. "Well, it does look delicious. Let's see how it tastes. What should I eat first?"

As Roland picked out my first course, Robin sat down beside me. Our shoulders touched but I shifted so that I was leaning against his chest. His arm wrapped around my waist, his hand resting on my stomach. His lips tickled my ear as he whispered: "I hope you're really in the mood for sweets. He packed a lot of desserts."

"I'm sure you got some other foods in there," I whispered back. "Besides, there are worse things than too much cake."

He chuckled as Roland brought over some cheese and meats. "We should start with these," the boy declared, "before we have dessert."

"Good call." I pulled him onto my lap as we all started to eat. As I was once again sandwiched between my Locksley men, I never wanted this picnic to end.

Once Roland was in bed, I dragged Robin into our room. "Sit down, we need to talk."

"If you insist, milady." Robin sat on the edge of our bed, confused. "What's wrong?"

I bit my bottom lip. "You're pulling away."

"What?"

"Don't deny it. You're starting to act like you did when we first met, polite and distant, rather than the passionate and tactile person you really are." I sat down next to him.

He didn't meet my eyes and kept his hands on his knees. "I'm not going to deny it."

"Well, that's a start."

"I just…thought it would be easier for me and you. That it would make saying goodbye easier."

I placed a hand on his cheek, turning his head so I could look him in the eyes. The sadness I saw in their blue depths almost broke my heart more. "I guessed as much. But I don't think anything is going to make our parting easy."

He closed his eyes as I kissed his forehead. I then pressed mine to his and we sat there for a while.

"Part of me wants to be selfish," I admitted softly. "But after everything you've done for me, if I have to sacrifice the last few days of us having physical contact, then fine. Do you want me to move back in with Granny and Red?"

Robin's eyes snapped open. "No, absolutely not. I can't protect you there."

"Okay, so now what do we do?"

"I think we sleep on it for now," he suggested. "Perhaps things will look clearer in the morning."

Things didn't look clearer in the morning. Or the morning after that. Robin and I were awkward around each other, unsure how to react to the other. It wasn't how I planned to spend my last few days with him.

Frustrated when things still weren't clear several mornings later, I grabbed my bow and went down to the Merry Men's camp. My quiver bounced against my back as I stormed down there, ready to unleash my feelings on a poor target or two.

Much and Little John looked up as I approached. "Lady Locksley, is something wrong?" Little John asked.

"Nothing some target practice won't fix." I looked between the two. "Who wants to join me?"

"I believe that honor is mine." I felt Robin's hand on my waist as he stood next to me. He gave me a smile. "Milady."

My heart fluttered at his beautiful smile and the comforting feel of his hand on my hip. I smiled and motioned toward the target area. "Well, then, lead the way."

"Oh no. After you." He held his arm out and I walked toward the target area. Robin stayed close to me and I knew if I stopped short, he'd crash into me.

Once we were out of the Merry Men's sight, Robin grabbed me about the waist again. He spun me and pinned me to a nearby tree, my arms held over my head by his strong hand. I smirked as I saw the lust in his eyes. "This a new training routine?"

He chuckled before kissing my neck. I closed my eyes as he found my pressure point, moaning. We were making out against a tree and I felt a thrill race through me. Robin captured my lips in a searing kiss that went straight to my core. I felt the wetness pooling between my legs as his hardening cock pressed against my thigh. He could take me here and now; I wouldn't care. It felt right for us to be rutting against a tree.

There was a thought I never thought I would have.

Robin released my hands and I wrapped them around his neck. I reached one up, burying my fingers in his thick blond hair. His tongue swept my mouth, swallowing my groan. The bark of the tree scratched my back and I felt pieces of bark falling onto my hair. I doubted Robin wouldn't be happy until I smelt as much of forest as he did.

We broke our kiss, panting heavily. I pressed my forehead to his. "While I'm not complaining, what brought this on?"

"I'm sorry it took me so long to realize that pulling away from you was hurting both of us. Maybe we both need to be selfish in this little time we have together." He pulled back to look me right in the eyes. "I plan to enjoy you while I still have you."

A good shiver ran up my spine. "You're not going to get any objections from me."

He kissed me again, his hand cupping my cheek as I began to open up his shirt. My hand slipped underneath the linen garment, resting against his chest. His heart beat against my palm, its rhythm steady and sure.

Leaves rattled overhead as the wind picked up around us. I broke the kiss, listening intently. Robin panted in my ear, whispering, "Regina, what's wrong?"

I looked him in the eyes as I tried to fight off the wave of panic crashing over me. "We need to go. They're coming."

Robin didn't have to ask who I meant. We had long concluded that I had a sixth sense when it came to flying monkey attacks, believing it part of my magic. He stepped away, fixing his shirt as he retrieved our weapons. He handed me my bow. "Be ready to fight."

"Of course," I said.

We hurried back toward camp and Robin opened his stride, closing in on his men. "To arms. Be vigilant, men."

"Why, Robin? Is something coming?" Little John grabbed his own bow as the other Merry Men grabbed their weapon of choice.

Robin nodded. "Regina has a feeling. She hasn't been wrong yet."

One of the younger Merry Men was dispatched to warn the guards and the boy raced back toward the palace. I had my bow pointed to the sky, ready to fire at the first sight of one of those winged creatures. Robin did the same. "Walk backwards as slowly as possible. Try not to fall," he instructed me.

I followed his instructions, leading us back toward the palace as Robin covered me. My heart was pounding and blood pounded in my ears. Every fiber of my being was on edge as the winds grew more powerful. They were coming and this was going to be the worst onslaught yet, I feared.

We made it back to the courtyard. Guards filled the area and even Charming had come out, brandishing his sword. He met Robin and me. "We knew this was coming," he said. "She's trying to get the Dark One back."

"Or trying to destroy our morale," Robin said. "I don't think the Dark One matters that much to her."

I shrugged. "I don't know. I get the feeling he's more important to her than just as a means to cast the Dark Curse."

"You think she loves him?" Charming asked.

"I don't know," I said, honestly. "But I do know it's taking a long time for these monkeys to appear. What's going on?"

Grumpy glared at me. "Maybe someone raised a false alarm."

"Regina's never been wrong before." Robin turned his bow on the dwarf. I filed this moment away for the next time he chided me for threatening Grumpy with a fireball.

"It's not just Regina. I can smell something in the air," Red said, coming up behind us.

"Can you tell where it's going to come from?" Grumpy asked her.

Charming held up his hand. "We can't afford to fight amongst ourselves. It's time to band closer together so we can defeat whatever the Queen throws at us."

We waited, continuing to watch the skies. After several more minutes passed with no threat, everyone started to relax. The winds died down and I sighed. "I guess it was a false alarm."

"Or she's playing with us," Grumpy suggested. "I wouldn't put it past her."

Charming nodded. "Everyone stand down but remain alert. Danger has not passed."

"Come on, Regina. Let's head inside." Robin lowered his bow and held his hand out for me. I took his hand though I kept a firm grip on my bow. Something was coming and I wanted to be ready.

After supper, Robin remained behind to talk with Charming. Roland and I cuddled on the couch as I finished the story of James and the Giant Peach. He looked up at me with his wide brown eyes. "Can we go to New York City, Mama?"

"I don't think so, sweetie," I said. "It's very far away."

"Oh." He squirmed in my grasp, moving to look me in the eyes easier. "What if we found a peach? Could you use your magic to make it take us to New York City?"

I shook my head. "I don't think my magic is strong enough to do that."

How I wish it were though. I wish I could make a fruit large enough I could fit myself, Roland and Robin inside and then float it to safety, far away from the Queen and her curse. We would then start our lives over there, happy and free.

"Mama?" Roland patted my cheek and I knew I had zoned out on him. "Is something wrong?"

"No, I was just thinking." I scooped him up and carried him to his room. "Now, it's time for bed."

Roland did not put up a fight, instead wrapping his little arms around my neck and lying his head on my shoulder. I laid him in his bed and covered him with his blankets before planting a kiss on his forehead. "Good night, my little knight."

"Good night, Mama. I love you."

I smiled. "I love you, too."

Sitting on the edge of his bed, I held his hand until I was certain he was asleep. I relished these little moments with him as I tried to ignore how few of them I had left to experience. Closing the door behind me, I smiled.

Robin stepped inside at that moment. "What has you so happy?"

"A night with my little knight." I approached him, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Where have you been? Is everything all right?"

"There was an attack." Robin sighed.

I frowned. "Where?"

"A town not far from here. Several flying monkeys descended upon it and made off with quite a few villagers before the guards could chase them off."

"How awful." I shook my head. "Am I starting to predict all attacks and not just the palace? Or was it so close to us it triggered me?"

Robin kissed my forehead before scooping me into his arms. As I let out a little squeak and wrapped my arms around his neck, he chuckled. "Those are excellent questions, milady," he said. "But they'll have to wait until morning. I have some lost time to make up for."

A niggling feeling roused me. Robin's arm was warm weight against my bare waist and I felt his breath on my neck as he slept on. I laid there, wondering if it was another false alarm like that afternoon. Unable to ignore it, I swallowed before whispering: "Robin?"

He grunted, pulling me closer. His scruff tickled my shoulder as he rested his head against it. Soft snores drifted up from him as I realized he slept on.

My feeling intensified. So I elbowed him, connecting with his stomach. He let out an "oof" before sitting up. "Regina? Is something wrong?"

"My feeling is back."

Robin nodded. "Let's get dressed. I might be able to send a warning to Charming."

As I slid out of bed, something scratched our window. I spun, backing into Robin. He held his sword out in front of me, ready to take down the creature battering at the glass. "You think they know I'm here?" I asked.

"I don't know. But I think you should get Roland and find some place safe. Understand?"

I nodded, wrapping my dressing gown around me. There was no time now to change into proper clothing. I rushed into Roland's room and picked up the sleeping child. He settled his head on my shoulder, sleeping on. As I carried him into the parlor, Robin met us. He kissed Roland's head before kissing me. "Good luck, Regina."

"You too. Be careful," I told him, kissing him once more before leaving.

Keeping a good grip on Roland, I hurried down the hallway. I had made up my mind to go to the little chapel by the library. The small space meant I would be able to cast a good protection spell. Or at least try to do that.

People scurried past us, shouting orders and crying. Roland roused, lifting his head from my shoulder. "Mama? What's going on? Where's Papa?"

"The palace is under attack. I'm taking you someplace safe while Papa helps fight off the attack." I kissed his forehead. "We are going to keep you safe."

Roland laid his head back on my shoulder but he tightened his arms around my shoulder. I rubbed his back as I weaved between the panicked masses surrounding us. Nothing was going to stop me until I reached the chapel until I heard "Lady Locksley!"

I turned and found Gepetto rushing toward me, Pinocchio running to keep up with his father. The boy clung to the man, as frightened by everything as Roland was. Gepetto stopped and held out Pinocchio's hand to me. "Take my son, please. Keep him safe."

"Of course. But where are you going?" I took Pinocchio's hand and pulled him close. His other hand clasped my dressing gown.

Gepetto's eyes grew sad. "I'm going to help. I may not be much of a soldier but this is my home. And I'm going to defend it."

I nodded. "Good luck."

He stood there and I felt his eyes on us as I resumed my flight to the chapel. The crowd thinned out as I turned the corner to the room and I wondered where everyone was heading. Robin hadn't told me to go to a certain place and I didn't recall any such gathering place ever pointed out to me before tonight. I prayed they were not heading into the fray.

Once we were safe in the room, I managed to cast a protection spell on the door and the larger windows. I prayed they wouldn't be able to fit through the smaller windows.

"Mama? Are we safe?" Roland asked me, now clinging to my dressing gown. Pinocchio resumed his vise like grip on the other side.

I ran my hands through their hair before kneeling down to pull them close. "We should be."

We sat on the floor, the boys lying on my lap, and waited. They dozed off while I remained alert, wishing I had brought my bow with me. I hoped I wouldn't have need of it but I would've felt safer if I had it.

Something scratched at the window and I tensed up. No doubt a flying monkeys was trying to get into the room. It was joined by others as scratching was heard against the other windows. Roland and Pinocchio sat up. "What do we do?" Pinocchio asked.

"Stay here." My protection spell held on the larger windows as I saw monkey shadows float away from them. But then they returned to the ones I wasn't able to protect. I stood, conjuring a fireball. My magic was all I had now and it would have to save at least the boys.

A window shattered as the boys screamed. One hairy arm reached inside but it was the only part that fit through the narrow opening. I hurled my fireball at it. Angry screeches echoed around the room before dying down. I peered out the window, avoiding the jagged pieces of glass still attached to the pane. The silhouettes of the monkeys disappeared against the dark sky.

I turned around to find Roland and Pinocchio huddled in a corner. Pinocchio was shaking while Roland had tears streaming down his face. Conjuring up a handkerchief, I wiped my son's face before hugging both of them. "It's okay. They're gone now," I assured them.

"There are people outside," Pinocchio whispered. "I think it's the Black Guard."

My heart sped up but I kept my features calm. "They can't get in. I protected the door."

The boys nodded, but remained huddled in the corner as I approached the door. Lying my ear against the wood, I waited to hear something. It didn't take long before muffled voices reached me.

"We need to find the one who travelled between worlds. Regina, I believe they call her."

"We've searched the entire palace. No one knows where she is."

"Then look harder. We cannot return to the Queen empty-handed again."

"Her Majesty doesn't know where this Regina person is. She has us looking for a needle in a haystack."

I pressed my finger to my lips, telling the boys to stay quiet. They nodded as I continued to listen in on the conversation between the Black Guards.

"So what do we do?"

"Go back over the palace. You take the west wing and I'll start with the east."

"How about you just stay here?" Even through the door I recognized Charming's voice. "Now I suggest you throw down your weapons and pray for mercy."

Relieved to know Charming had the upper hand, I moved back toward the boys and gathered them in my arms. "Prince Charming is here. It's almost over," I told them.

Someone knocked on the door and I held the boys closer. "Regina? It's Robin. Are you in there? I can feel your magic."

"Prove it," I yelled back. "Tell me something only Robin would know."

"Your favorite beetle is John though you danced to a song by Paul at your wedding."

"It's him," I assured the boys. They let me release them and I crossed to the door, throwing it open.

Robin looked relieved as he saw me, gathering me in his arms for a hug. "Are you okay? Did any get to you?"

"No, we're fine." I motioned toward the boys in the corner. Pinocchio ran toward me as Roland leaped into his father's arms.

Robin held his son close, cupping his head as he turned back to me. "The threat is gone for now. Let's get Pinocchio back to his father and see if we can get any more sleep tonight."

We didn't get any more sleep. Roland did, though I had to lie with him. He kept one little hand clenched around my nightshirt while the other one held onto his blanket. Robin sat on the floor, back leaning against his son's bed. I ran my hands through both chocolate curls and golden locks.

"They were looking for you," Robin whispered.

"I know. I heard them through the door." I sighed. "I don't know what she wants me for."

"I can think of a few things. None of them are good."

I sighed. "Now what?"

"We get you back to the Land Without Magic. It's the safest place for you." Robin sounded determined though I could hear an undercurrent of sorrow.

Leaning back against the pillows, I lapsed into silence. I had nothing to say to that. One part of me knew Robin was right—I needed to return to the Land Without Magic. Yet another part told me I needed to stay here and help them try defeat Zelena. In the end, that part lost out.

My days in the Enchanted Forest were over.

On my last night in the palace, I chose to spend it with Roland. Even his laughter, though, wasn't able to raise my spirits. I did my best to put on a happy face. Roland was a perceptive boy and would know I was sad. I didn't want his last memories of me to be me in tears.

I held Roland as he slept, unable to put him in his bed. His warm weight was both comforting and torturing. This was the last time I would be his mother. For months, I worried about how this moment would affect Roland. I never stopped to think how it would affect me. This little boy had changed my life the moment he held out his plate and asked me to cut his food back in the camp. I couldn't imagine my life without him now.

A hand brushed away tears from my face. I glanced up to find Robin standing over me. He knelt down, hand still on my cheek. "Regina? What's wrong?"

"I can't say goodbye." Fresh tears poured down my face.

Robin pulled out a handkerchief and wiped my face. "Do not worry. I can explain everything to him."

"But I should be able to do it. I shouldn't be such a coward."

"You're not a coward." He kissed my forehead before taking Roland. "I'll put him to bed. You should get some sleep as well. We have a long journey ahead of us."

I nodded but didn't move. Going to bed meant this day would actually end and tomorrow would have to arrive. I'd have to leave my friends, my new home, my son…and Robin. Pressing the handkerchief to my face, I began sobbing again.

"Regina?" Robin pulled me into his arms, rubbing my back. He didn't say anything, probably because he didn't know what to say. There wasn't much I believed would be able to comfort me now.

So he held me until I could cry no more. Robin kissed my forehead. "You ready?" he asked.

"No," I admitted. "But I have to do this anyway."

We turned in for the night. Once we were settled under the covers, I rolled over and pressed myself against him. He wrapped his arm around me as I laid my ear over his heart. Its steady beat lulled me to sleep as it imprinted itself on my mind.

The morning came too soon for my liking. I studied myself in the mirror—white linen shirt, leather vest and tan breeches paired with brown boots. My dark hair was braided in two plaits. A leather pouch was tied around my waist and included a holster for my knife. This look would go away once I went back and I found I was going to miss it.

"Regina? You ready?" Robin leaned against the doorframe.

"Physically? Yes. Emotionally?" I looked at him. "No."

He held out his hand. "Come on. Everyone is waiting to say goodbye."

"I'm going to be even more of a teary mess than I was last night. Do you have a mop?" I took his hand as he kissed my forehead. Glancing up at him, I sighed. "Is this where you tell me everything will be fine?"

"No. Because I'm not going to lie to you. I'm just going to stand by your side and dry your tears." He gave my hand a tug and, with one last glance, led me from our room.

Everyone was lined up in the courtyard, ready to say our last goodbyes. I squeezed Robin's hand before approaching the dwarves. Happy and I shared a hug while the others, even Grumpy, shook my hand. I thanked them all for their help before moving down the line to Gepetto. Pausing, I hugged him. "Tell Pinocchio I love him and that I was so happy to be his surrogate mother."

"I will, milady. And thank you." Gepetto pulled back. "Safe travels."

Granny and Red were next and I felt the tears start to prick my eyes. We hugged each other as I tried to thank them for all their kindness and generosity over the past year. Granny patted my cheek. "You just go back to Boston and live your life to the fullest. Got it?"

I nodded. "And I hope you two find all the happiness you deserve."

As I stepped away from them, I found myself buried under a pile of Merry Men. It seemed they all decided to hug me at the same time. Not that I minded, enjoying their combined company for a few minutes more. "We'll miss you, Lady Locksley," I heard Friar Tuck say. "Remember you're always one of us."

"That's enough, men. Let Regina breathe," Robin said, pulling me from under them. He waited for them to assemble in something that resembled a line. "I'm counting on you to keep the palace and Roland safe while I'm gone. Understood?"

They nodded and I stepped up to hug Much. "Thank you for being such a great friend," I whispered in his ear.

I moved onto Little John, who swept me up in a bear hug. "Thank you for bringing Robin back to us," he told me.

"You're welcome," I replied. "I just regret I won't ever hear the rest of that skinny-dipping story."

Little John smiled. "We have some time, if you want…"

"Time to say goodbye to the Prince and Princess," Robin said, hurrying me along as Little John shook his head. What was so bad about this story?

Snow hugged me and I felt her tears against my cheek. "I'm going to miss you, Regina."

"I'm going to miss you, too. Now, I need you to stay positive. You will defeat your wicked stepmother and you're going to be a great mother to your little girl." I pulled away, wiping away her tears. "But if you have to come to the Land Without Magic, I will find you."

"Hey now, that's my line," Charming teased before hugging me. "Safe travels, Regina."

Robin took my hand again. "This is it. You ready?"

"No," I replied. "But it's now or never."

Robin and I walked away from the palace, entering the woods. His footing was sure and he set a brisk pace. While I still wobbled a bit and battled a few branches, I was able to keep up with him. What a difference a year made!

As the sun climbed higher, the day grew hotter. I tried to ration out my water, but by the time noon arrive—judging by the sun—my canteen was empty. Robin found a little creek and refilled our supplies. We sat on the rocks, sharing a bit of the meat Granny had packed for us before continuing on our way.

Silence dominated our journey and I knew it just wasn't because we were avoiding unwanted attention. What would we say to each other? If I did speak, I feared I would start crying and never stop. I dreaded the moment we would have to say goodbye for good.

I ducked my head in order to hide my tears. As I stepped forward, I hit into Robin's back and bounced away from him. "Robin? Is something wrong?"

"Wrong? No." He looped his arm around my waist to pull me closer. "This is where we first met."

I glanced around the glen. Nothing seemed familiar but then again, I was in no mindset to memorize my surroundings last year. Still, I glanced up at Robin. "Are you sure?"

He chuckled, nuzzling my hair. "Quite sure, milady. This isn't a place I'd forget."

"Of course." I tried to smile but feared it came off as more of a grimace. "Sorry I don't remember."

"Don't apologize. You had other things on your mind." He tilted my chin up, capturing my lips in a quick but passionate kiss.

We moved on, though this time we held hands as Robin guided me through the woods. As we passed a large bush, something glinted in the afternoon sun. Robin held up his hand. "Stay here," he whispered. "I'll check it out."

I watched as Robin pulled out his knife. My hand went to my own as he pushed back. He bent down and pulled out a metal cylindrical object. It was slightly rusted from exposure but still familiar to me.

"Cassie's flashlight!" I smiled as I reached for it. "I thought I lost it forever."

Robin let me have it. "You were here?"

I nodded. "Encountered my first flying monkey here."

"Well, then we're definitely going the right way." He glanced up at the sky. "We should go before we start losing daylight."

"Don't worry about that." I clicked on the flashlight, its beam still bright.

Robin tilted his head. "More magic?"

"Science," I said. The word felt foreign now. I would have to adjust to a life without magic while going back to my lab. Yet as we resumed walking, I couldn't picture it though I tried hard to.

We made camp shortly after nightfall. Robin set up a tent for me. "I'll stay out here and keep watch," he said.

I frowned. "You need to sleep as well."

"I will, don't worry." He kissed me before giving me a little push toward the tent. "Good night, Regina."

I slipped into the tent and thankfully fell into a dreamless sleep. When I awoke in the morning, it felt odd not to have Robin next to me. Don't worry, I told myself. Soon it'll be Daniel beside you again.

That wasn't as comforting as it used to be.

Our second day was uneventful as Robin and I continued trekking through the forest. Underbrush tripped me up a few times but Robin was always there to catch me. He took breaks when he sensed I needed them and made sure I wasn't too tired. "I don't want to return you to Daniel sore and exhausted," he said.

"I think you're just going to return me smelling like forest." Like him. I believed I would think of him every time I smelled something woodsy. Even when I was surrounded by Daniel's…

I frowned as I tried to recall what my husband smelled like. He had worn the same aftershave during our entire relationship. I thought the smell was forever imprinted on me but now I was only drawing a blank.

Would I be like this a year from now when trying to recall Robin? I studied him, afraid I wouldn't remember the little things—how he smelled, the dimples revealed when he smiled, the way his eyelids fluttered as he awoke in the mornings, how his kisses could set my whole being on fire…

That night, Robin once again stayed outside while I slept in the tent. He assured me he was getting sleep and that he was fine. "We've been lucky so far. But we can't assume there aren't flying monkeys everywhere in this forest. I need to stay vigilant."

"Okay. I'll see you in the morning." I rose up on my tiptoes, kissing him. What I really wanted to do was pull him inside the tent with me and enjoy our last night together. But Robin was right, so I fought that urge.

Unlike the night before, sleep did not come easy to me. I lay on top of the furs Robin threw down as a bed, my cape serving as a lightweight blanket, and I was comfortable. But here I was still awake and staring at the top of tent. Counting sheep hadn't worked as right before I surrendered to sleep, they turned into flying monkeys and I woke back up with a start.

Settling myself, I decided to focus on something more pleasant—the baby girl Snow's necklace promised I would have. I closed my eyes and tried to imagine the little girl toddling about my Boston home, arms outstretched as I came home from work. Or us having a tea party with her dolls before I braided her long, dark hair. I tried to see her running toward Daniel in Boston Commons…

Yet every time I tried to picture Daniel and this little girl together, it never happened. Boston Commons morphed into Locksley, or at least the part I had seen from the woods. Instead of Daniel, she was swooped up by Robin and tossed up into the air by him. She giggled as he set her on his hip—just like we did now with Roland—and pressed butterfly kisses to his cheek. Robin held out his other hand to me, pulling me to his side as I held onto Roland. We were a beautiful and happy family.

I sat up and crept out of the tent. The fire was still going, giving off enough light for me to find Robin as he reclined against a tree. He opened an eye as I approached, frowning. "Is something wrong?"

"I couldn't sleep." I laid down next to him, resting my head on his lap. After a few minutes, he started to stroke my hair and sleep found me at last.

The morning came too fast for my liking. Robin shook me awake, saying we needed to break camp and continue walking. This was our last day together and I didn't know what to say to him.

Honestly, I had plenty I wanted to say to him. I wanted to thank him for everything he had done for me since I had arrived in the Enchanted Forest. For saving me more times than I had ever thought I'd need to be saved, for loving me, for letting me mother his child. To tell him how much he and Roland had come to mean to me. To assure him that I would always remember him. But even I doubted that last one when I still couldn't remember what Daniel smelled like.

Yet nothing came out of my mouth. We just walked in silence and I soon found myself wondering what was going through Robin's mind. Did part of him hope that this didn't work? Or did he want to throw me over his shoulder and carry me all the way back to the palace, keeping me with him forever? I smiled at the image. That would never happen. Robin's honor wouldn't let him keep me when there was a chance he could return me to my husband.

Of course, he didn't know that I wouldn't fight him and would go willingly.

Robin stopped at a place where a circle of logs surrounded a good sized opening. My heart sunk as I realized this is where the Sheriff and the Huntsman had camped with the Black Guards. The spot where I had spent my first night in the Enchanted Forest. Robin had brought me back to the part of the woods I fell into a year ago.

He set up the tent and turned to me. "You brought the clothes you were wearing?"

I nodded, patting my bag. Robin sighed. "Then you better get changed while I get the fire lit."

It felt weird wearing my clothing from the Land Without Magic. Even my jeans felt foreign after months of wearing either skirts or breeches. Perhaps it was because they had been starched after being laundered. Which reminded me that they were too clean for someone who had supposedly been wearing the same clothing for a year. I debated rolling around in the dirt to give the impression I had been lost in the woods, but decided against it. There were so many questions I wouldn't be able to answer, what was one more?

Taking one last deep breath, I stepped out of the tent. Robin sat on a log next to the fire, stoking it with a stick. He stared into it, an emptiness in his blue eyes. I recalled Friar Tuck's story about how Robin had changed after Marian died and prayed that Robin wasn't coming back now I was leaving.

"Robin?" My voice was soft but he still looked up. Sadness filled his eyes.

He stood, approaching me. "Are you ready?"

"I guess so," I replied. "Robin…"

He pointed into the woods in front of us. "Just follow that trail there. It should lead you to where you fell through. Don't stray off it if you….if you need to return. Got it?"

I nodded before throwing my arms around his neck. He cupped my head, his fingers entwined in my hair. I was going to miss how he hugged me this way. Miss how I always felt safe in his arms. I held him closer, trying to memorize everything I could about him. How our bodies melded together, how his arm muscles rippled under my hands and how he smelled like the forest.

We pulled apart. I looked up into his eyes. "Robin, I…"

"I know," he said. He kissed my forehead. "Good luck, Regina."

I nodded, taking his hands. "I'll miss you, Robin."

"I'll miss you too." He raised my hands to his lips, kissing both of them. "You best be going. The night is short."

He stepped aside, watching as I started walking toward the forest. Our right hands, the ones with our silver rings, remained entwined until my fingers slipped from his. I refused to look back, knowing it would be my undoing. Still, I could feel his eyes on my back for a long time.

With every step, my heart broke into smaller and smaller pieces. I believed that if I turned around, I'd find the pieces scattered on the ground behind me. Breathing grew difficult and I realized I was crying. As tears ran down my face, I stopped and leaned against a tree. My knees grew weak and I slid down the bark to sit on the ground below it.

I cried until my sides were sore and my lungs burned. Until I had no more tears and I felt spent. Part of me wanted to curl up under the tree and just sleep. I knew that was unsafe, though. So I pulled myself up and stared ahead of me.

Off in the distance, I could see lights. Were they from the people of Edwinstowe as they celebrated another Midsummer? Or were they just figments of my imagination? Would I walk out into my world? Or would I just keep walking deeper into the woods?

Alone in the woods, I asked myself the same question I had been asking for weeks: Did I want to go back?

For the first time, I allowed myself to answer: No.

The truth of it washed over me. I couldn't pinpoint the exact moment when it happened—discovering Snow's pregnancy? Robin's confession of love? The first time Roland called me "Mama"?—but I knew that for a long time, I hadn't wanted to leave this world of fairy tales. I just hadn't admitted it to myself, kept telling myself that I wanted to go back. Kept trying to convince myself it was what I wanted.

It was clear now it wasn't. I wasn't the same person who had walked into Sherwood Forest a year ago. Regina Mills-Aherns was a grief-stricken wife and scientist who only dreamed of being a mother. A woman whose main concerns were the breakthrough she had almost made in the lab as well as the fear her grief was creating a growing divide between her and her husband. Lady Regina of Locksley was a beloved wife, mother and friend who could defend herself with a fireball, arrows, knife and a sword—to some extent. Her main concern was a wicked queen driven mad with jealousy who wanted to harm her as well as those she held dear in her heart. Especially Robin.

Regina Mills-Aherns belonged to the past though she would always be a part of me. But going forward, I would only be Lady Regina of Locksley. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Robin and Roland, surrounded by the fairy tales that had become my friends.

My choice made, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I took deep breath and looked at the lights still dancing ahead of me. "Goodbye, Daniel. Thank you for loving me. I hope you find someone who loves you as much as Robin loves me. You deserve it. A part of me will always love you, but it's time for us to move on."

There was no response. I hadn't expected one but at the same time, I knew Daniel had heard me somehow.

Happiness coursing through me, I raced back toward camp.

Robin sat on the log, facing the woods. He stared into the fire, not paying attention. I leaned against a tree, watching him. Shadows crossed his face but they could not hide the pain etched on his features. My heart skipped a beat.

I stepped into the clearing. Robin glanced up, a look of wonder, relief and hope crossing his face. "Regina," he breathed. He stood as I approached him. "It didn't work?"

"I didn't try."

"What? Why not?" Robin tucked a stray piece of my hair behind my ear. "You would be safer there."

It was true. While there were dangers back in the Land Without Magic, they weren't as looming as the ones I faced here in the Enchanted Forest. Not with a queen with a strange grudge against me and Robin's father still lurking about. "I would be," I agreed. "But I'd be miserable without you and Roland."

Robin fought his smile, pressing on. "What about Daniel?"

"There will be a part of me that will always love him just like I know there will always be a part of you that loves Marian. But I believe you're my forever love. I hope I'm yours as well." When I saw him still hesitate, I took his head in my hands. "Robin, I'm choosing you. I want to stay here with you."

At last, he kissed me. We poured every ounce of passion and love into it. Everything I had been unable to say came bubbling to the surface.

I pulled away and Robin's brow furrowed in confusion. "Is something wrong?"

"I love you," I said.

He let out a little laugh before biting his lower lip. "I've waited a long time to hear that."

"Well, you won't have to wait long to hear it again." I leaned closer, rubbing noses with him. "I love you. I love you. I love you."

We kissed again, crashing our lips together at the same time. He slid his arms under my ass—I smiled against his lips as I remembered how much he adored it—and lifted me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist, letting him carry me into our tent.

He laid me down on the furs, tugging at my shirt. I pulled back, raising my arms over my head to help him. Robin tossed the shirt into a corner before turning his attention to my bra. I was about to undo it for him like last time when he reached around and undid the clasp with one hand. He looked smug as he pulled it off. "I figured that out."

"Good. Because I plan on wearing that until it falls apart." I motioned to where he had dropped my bra.

"Regina?" Robin pulled off his own shirt, revealing his bare chest. "Shut up and kiss me."

Laughing, I did just that and pulled him down on top of me. We shed our pants and my panties were discarded. This wasn't a slow and gentle coupling like our first time in front of the fire or when he had comforted me over Dad's death. We were hurried, rougher with each other as we assured ourselves that this was real. That I was staying and that we belonged to each other now.

My back arched as he hit my sweet spot, my nails clawing at his back. He sat back on his heels, pulling me with him. I gasped at the sensations our new positions caused and he smiled against my shoulder, no doubt proud of himself. My fingers threaded through his hair as his hot breath ghosted over my skin. I climaxed, his name tumbling from my lips.

He followed me, releasing with a shuddering moan. I smiled against his hair as warmth spread through me. At last, I fully was his as he fully was mine. We stayed like that for a while, just wrapped up in each other.

Robin laid me down, pulling away to grab another fur to cover us. I pressed myself against him, resting my head under his chin. He began singing to me, once again the song about the knight and his search for the rare jewel. As I floated off to sleep, I smiled and wrapped my arms around my rare jewel.

Sunlight woke me. I blinked my eyes open, smiling to see the tent above me. Rolling over, I found Robin was already awake. He was propped up on his elbow, watching me with a smile of his own. "Good morning," he said.

"Morning. How long have you been up?"

He shrugged. "Not long. I just needed to assure myself you were still here."

"I am. And I'm not going anywhere." I raised myself up but Robin met me halfway, kissing me. He felt like home and I knew that wherever Roland and he were, that was home for me now. It didn't matter if it was at the palace, at Locksley or in a tent in the middle of the woods. All I needed was them and I'd be happy.

We broke apart and I let my hand run down his muscled arm. I gave him a bright smile. "Happy birthday, Robin of Locksley."

And I am ready the die is cast

The time has come to forget my past

And from this day forth I'll start life anew

And I am ready to give myself to only you

("Farewell (I Am Ready Reprise)," Outlander the Musical)

A/N: There you go! Regina's made her choice. I hope you're all happy with it.

Yes, this chapter got lyrics at the start and at the end. I couldn't pick between the two verses so I decided to use both! Both are fitting, no?

How's the hiatus treating everyone? Anyone else feel a bit lost during Once's timeslot on Sundays? I know it can't just be me.

I know a few people have started to read and/or watch Outlander because of this story. Yay! I hope you enjoy it. I do want to warn people that it can get a lot darker than my story and it can be triggering with graphic depictions of violence, sex and rape. Read with caution.

I hope everyone has a good week!

-Mac