Chapter 31: A Lovely Night
"Thank you again, Your Majesty, for your hospitality and for giving us a safe place to stay during the floods," a farmer said. "We appreciate it."
"You're welcome," Regina replied. "I hope the floods didn't do too much damage to your fields."
He smiled. "Thank you but the floods usually help the fields, just as long as it's not too much."
"Well, then, I hope it flooded just enough," she told him, laughing along with the family before they moved on.
She turned away, rubbing her neck as she closed her eyes. Her body felt weary and all she wanted to do was curl up in bed with Robin. Then she would sleep for several days until she felt refreshed.
A familiar hand pressed against her back and she smelled her husband's woodsy scent as he drew closer to her. "Most of the villagers have left. We can take our leave if you want," he whispered.
"That sounds good," she said. "What about the rest of your family? And Snow White?"
"All of them have left already as well. We're the last," he assured her. She nodded and they waved to the remaining few villagers before leaving the hall themselves.
Tink greeted them when they returned to their rooms. "Prince Henry is asleep for his afternoon nap. Is there anything you need?" she asked them.
"A nap of our own," Regina said with a sigh. She then took Tink's hand. "Do you mind tending to Henry a bit longer?"
"Of course not," Tink assured her. "You two go get some rest. You both deserve it."
Regina thanked her as Robin wrapped his arm around her waist. He then asked Tink to make certain no one disturbed them except for a true emergency, which she promised she would do. She then turned back to the cradle while Robin guided Regina into their bedroom, closing the door behind them.
He started to untie her laces. "Let's get you out of these tight clothes and into something more comfortable."
"Are you trying to seduce me, my king?" she teased him, glancing over her shoulder at him.
"Always, milady," he replied, winking at her. "But right now, I am more focused on your comfort than my desire."
She leaned against him, feeling as if the bones in her body had gained a great amount of weight in a short time. He held her up, kissing the side of her head. "I do just want to sleep," she confessed.
"And that's all we're going to do," he assured her, helping her out of her dress. She was then able to shed the undergarments easily enough as he took off his own clothes.
Soon they were curled up together in bed, his arm wrapped around her as they snuggled together. "Sweet dreams, my love," he whispered.
"You too," she whispered back, closing her eyes. She waited for sleep to claim her but despite how tired she was, it didn't. One thought kept circling around her head and she opened her eyes, wondering if talking about it might help. "Robin? Are you still awake?"
He hummed in response, opening one eye as he frowned. "Regina? Is something wrong?"
"Well, no, not really," she admitted. "It's just…When are we going to be intimate again? It's been a long time."
"I know but your body needed time to heal and you needed to build up your strength. I was more focused on getting you back to health than anything else," he replied, both eyes now open.
She knew he had a point. Having sex with him hadn't crossed her mind until now. But now it wouldn't leave it. "Well, I'm fine now."
He smiled. "Yes, you are. Though I thought we agreed we were just going to rest for now."
"We did and I still intend do that," she replied. "But I also want to know when we can be together again."
"Whenever you want, sweetheart," he told her. "I will take my cue from you."
She reached out and took his hand. "I'd like it to be sooner rather than later."
He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. "Then I will plan a romantic evening for us."
"You don't have to do something special," she replied, though she smiled as she rested against him. "I just want to have that connection with you again."
"I know, but it's been far too long since it was just the two of us. I love Henry but I think we need some time to ourselves, don't you agree?" he asked.
She bit her lip before nodding. "I do. And I guess it wouldn't hurt to be away from him for one night."
"And it's not like he'd be terribly far. Probably would be with either your father or my mother," Robin pointed out.
"Alright, you've convinced me," she replied, smiling. "A romantic night together it is then."
He kissed her forehead again. "Good. I promise you it will be a night you will never forget."
She cuddled closer to him, her eyes starting to close now that her mind was settled. "I haven't forgotten a single one of our nights together yet."
"Neither have I," he replied, "so let's not ruin our streak."
Regina laughed, feeling herself start to drift off. She and Robin held each other as sleep claimed them, bringing them much needed rest.
"While I am happy to see my father again, I am sad to leave Sherwood. I feel like I've learned so much here," Snow said, walking arm-in-arm with Regina.
Regina patted her hand. "We've loved having you here and you are always welcome to visit."
"I will definitely visit again," she replied. "Though it will probably be after the winter and the snows melt."
"Henry might be walking by then," Regina mused, thinking about how big her baby was going to be by the time Snow White could see him again.
Snow then smirked. "You might be with child again."
"Oh, I don't know about that," Regina said, not certain you wanted to have children that close in age. "Nature will just have to take its course."
"I suppose so," Snow said. She then looked at Regina. "You and Robin do want more children, right?"
Regina nodded. "We've talked about it and we do want more children, especially as we were both only children. We want Henry to have siblings."
"Good. I plan to spoil all of them," Snow told her.
They arrived at a double door made of dark wood. Regina rapped on one door twice and it swung open, a butler bowing as she and Snow entered the room beyond the door. A table was set up for midday tea and several ladies of the court milled about the room, waiting for her so they could take their seats.
Regina paused, looking around before taking a deep breath. This was her first tea since giving birth to Henry and she was a bit nervous about facing the ladies of the court again. Most had been kind to her before but she didn't know what had happened while she was stuck in her rooms, focused on her son and her own healing. While Lady Ellis was gone, she didn't know who else was sympathetic to her cause and could've been spreading rumors in her absence.
However, she did have some allies in the room in addition to Snow White. Anastasia and Ella were both there as well as Chloe, who looked very relieved to see Regina. She took a deep breath before moving forward.
"Good afternoon, ladies," she greeted them. She motioned to the table. "Please have a seat and we can begin."
Everyone gathered around the tables, standing behind the chairs they had chosen. Regina moved toward one of the empty ones, guiding Snow forward as well. She motioned for the princess to take the chair on her right and they sat down together before the other ladies followed suit.
Robin's Aunt Maggie smiled as she addressed Regina. "Your Majesty, we are so glad you are feeling better and have been able to return to your public duties."
"Yes," another lady agreed. "We were all very worried about you while you were ill and were relieved that you recovered."
"Well, I am grateful for all your well wishes. It was a scary time but I am glad to be restored to full health," Regina replied, motioning for the servants to start serving the tea.
As they served the tea, Regina picked up the plate of cookies and passed it around so everyone could take one. "I hope the rains did not damage your lands or the surrounding villages," she said.
"Thankfully, they did not," one lady replied. "But I do know some of the neighboring villages to our lands were not as fortunate. We ended up giving them shelter as well, much like you did here."
"I am glad to hear that," Regina said, pleased others were following her example. Especially as a few other ladies chimed in that they had done the same. It warmed her heart.
Snow took a cookie before handing the plate to Regina. "Here you go," she said.
"Thank you," Regina replied, taking the last cookie and placing it on her plate. A servant stepped forward and Regina handed her the empty plate before the young woman bobbed a curtsy.
Aunt Maggie placed two sugar cubes into her cup of tea. "Princess Snow White, have you enjoyed your time here in Sherwood?"
"Oh, yes," Snow replied, her green eyes lighting up. "I love spending time with Regina and Robin. I feel I always learn so much when I'm around them."
"Like what?" Chloe asked, clearly curious as she abandoned her half-eaten cookie to lean closer to the princess.
Snow sat up straighter as everyone's attention turned to her. "Well, I've learned that to lead people means to serve them. And sometimes that might entail you actually serving them. Everyone who came to the hall during the floods was so grateful and greatly respected Regina."
"They do," Anastasia agreed, sipping her tea. "They all know that she cares for them because she has shown them so rather than just told them."
Aunt Maggie nodded. "Actions speak louder than words."
Snow grew thoughtful. "I will keep that in mind."
"You are going to be a great queen," Regina assured her, patting her hand. "You can always ask me for any advice you need."
"I know," Snow assured her, smiling softly.
One woman sniffed. "So is Sherwood now to become part of Mist Haven?"
Regina frowned, not understanding how that woman decided that. "Why do you ask that?" she asked.
"Because it seems the obvious conclusion," the woman replied. "First, our king marries you, then you convince him to let the future queen of Mist Haven have guardianship of the heir to our throne and now you are advising said future queen. I have no doubt that once she becomes queen, you will kill our king and let Mist Haven take over."
Silence filled the room and Regina felt a chill run down her back as she tried to come up with a proper response. Aunt Maggie spoke first, giving her some more time to think.
"You are skirting with treason, Lady Phoebe," Aunt Maggie warned. "I would be very careful if I were you."
Lady Phoebe pressed her lips together as she sat up straighter. "I think your husband and son were right about the queen."
"They certainly were not," Aunt Maggie replied tersely.
Regina took a deep breath, hoping her voice stayed even as she said: "My loyalty is to Sherwood and to my husband."
"That remains to be seen," Lady Phoebe said disdainfully.
"Maybe to you," Ella replied, "but our family knows that the queen loves the king and would never hurt him."
Chloe cleared her throat. "Why don't we change the topic?" she suggested.
"Good idea," Lady Phoebe replied with a smile that chilled Regina to the bone. "Why don't we discuss why a known witch was invited to the prince's presentation ceremony, Your Majesty?"
Regina straightened up in her chair. "Maleficent helped me when I was sick. And there is nothing wrong with being a witch."
"The Great Being says otherwise," Lady Phoebe told her.
"No," Regina replied, holding her ground. "The Abbot said otherwise. Witches do the Great Being's work."
Aunt Maggie nodded. "Her Majesty is correct there. I remember when I was younger that it was very common to have witches at court."
Lady Phoebe's eyes widened. "You lie."
"Why would I lie about that?" Aunt Maggie countered, raising an eyebrow.
"To protect the queen," Lady Phoebe replied. "Because she has the entire royal family under some spell."
Anastasia scoffed. "That is ridiculous."
"Lady Phoebe, please stop," Chloe pleaded, clearly reflecting the feelings of almost every woman around the table.
Regina knew she had to take control and she held her head high. "Lady Phoebe, it would seem you would be happier having tea elsewhere. You may leave."
Lady Phoebe shook her head. "You cannot silence me. I will stay and find out your true intentions."
"I have told you my true intentions. Whether you believe them or not doesn't make them less true," Regina replied. "And that wasn't really a request."
"So you are throwing me out?" Lady Phoebe asked, as if she were trying to trap Regina into something.
Regina just wasn't certain what that something was.
"I am the queen," she replied, "and I am telling you to leave."
"You should leave before you are escorted out," Ana warned Lady Phoebe.
The noblewoman looked around the room, sniffing as she stood. "I see I'm the only one who has not fallen under her spell. You will all regret it."
Silence filled the room as Lady Phoebe stalked out of the room. Once the door closed behind her, Snow looked up at Regina. "Are you alright?" she asked softly.
"Yes," Regina lied, hoping no one else could see how she was trembling. But she wasn't going to let Lady Phoebe ruin this afternoon for her. "Let's continue with our tea, shall we?"
Everyone took their cue from them and they resumed with more pleasant topics. Regina didn't join in right away, sipping her tea as she calmed herself down. For several months, she had been in a bubble where those who wanted to destroy her didn't exist. Now that she had returned to her royal duties, it meant dealing with the suspicions of those at court who had never accepted her as their queen. She needed to be careful about those she allowed near her but they would not beat her. In the end, she knew she and Robin would be triumphant.
No matter how long it took.
"Do the people really suspect that you're trying to claim Sherwood for Mist Haven?" Snow asked once the tea was over.
"The people? No," Ella replied. "Several members of the court? Unfortunately, yes. There used to be a lot more but Regina's slowly been winning them over."
Snow frowned, locking arms with Regina. "I hope your friendship with me doesn't put you in danger."
"I'm Sherwood's first foreign-born queen," Regina replied. "I think I would be in danger even if I wasn't friends with you."
"It's still not fair to you," Snow said, shaking her head. "You love Sherwood so much. Why can't they see that?"
Ella hooked her arm through Snow's other arm. "They only see what they want to see."
Regina nodded in agreement. "So all I do is continue to be myself and show everyone else how much I love Sherwood so that when they fling such accusations at me, no one else really believes them."
"Can't Robin just have them all executed for treason against the Crown?" Snow asked, still frowning.
Anastasia shook her head. "We have laws governing treason and none allows the king to just execute someone. They must be tried and found guilty first."
"Oh," Snow replied. "Father would just have them executed."
"How does he know they weren't falsely accused? That it wasn't someone who wanted that person dead? Or how do the people know that the king won't just declare them traitors and kill them if they displease him?" Anastasia asked.
Snow frowned and Regina felt her tense up. "My father wouldn't do that."
Regina patted her hand. "She was just talking in general, not accusing your father of anything."
"Yes, what Regina just said," Ana agreed, softening her tone. "I apologize though that my statement upset you."
Snow paused for a moment before nodded. "Thank you. I am sorry for snapping at you."
"It's forgiven and forgotten," Ana assured her, restoring peace in their small group.
They headed up the stairs that led to the royal apartments when Regina spotted some movement on the flight ahead of them. As they reached the landing, she smiled when she realized it was Robin. "Hello," she said.
He bowed to them. "Ladies. I was just coming to see if you were finished with your tea," he said.
"We are," Regina replied, releasing Snow's arm and reaching out to her husband. He took her hand and kissed it. "Would you like to escort us back to our rooms?"
"It would be my honor," he said, holding out his arm to her. She took it before he held out his other arm to Snow White. "Your Highness?"
She took his arm with a soft smile. "Thank you, Robin."
He led them back to his mother's rooms and everyone spread out throughout the room. Regina went straight to the cradle in the room, checking on her son. Henry slept soundly, his little chest rising and falling as she hoped he had pleasant dreams.
"He looks like an angel when he's asleep," Robin said, hugging her from behind.
She nodded, leaning against her. "He looks like you when you're asleep."
"You think so?" he asked, sounding surprised.
"I do," she replied. "He even has the little smile you have while you're asleep."
Catherine approached the cradle, nodding. "He does look exactly like you when you were a baby when he's asleep."
"Why don't I see it?" Robin asked.
"Probably because you never saw yourself as a baby," his mother told him.
Regina nodded. "And you can't see yourself when you're asleep."
"That is true," he acknowledged. He glanced down, smiling at Henry. "So he looks like me?"
"Yes," Regina and Catherine said.
His chest puffed out a bit. "I like the sound of that."
Regina chuckled, kissing his cheek before pulling on his arm. "Come on. This is our last day with Snow and I want to spend as much time as possible with her."
"Alright," he said, letting her pull him away from the cradle. She walked him over to the couch, where Snow sat with Ella and Ana.
Sitting down next to Snow, Regina took her hand. "I am going to miss you."
"I'm going to miss you too," Snow replied. "I promise to write you every day."
Regina chuckled. "That might be a bit much. How about every week?"
"Alright," Snow relented. "I can do every week. Just as long as you promise to write every week too."
"I do," Regina vowed, hugging the younger woman. "And then I'll invite you to visit as soon as the winter snow is gone."
Snow hugged her tightly before pulling back. "Would that upset the people again?"
"If you mean if that would upset the Lady Phoebes of the court, don't worry about them," Aunt Maggie said. "Their opinion doesn't matter."
Robin frowned, placing his and on Regina's knee. "What happened with Lady Phoebe?"
"She accused Regina of being a traitor," Ella told her cousin. "She's just repeating the Ellis' claims."
"Though she wanted to know why Maleficent was invited to Henry's party," Ana said, giving him a pointed look. "She probably won't be the last to ask."
He nodded and Regina's stomach twisted in a knot. While they had both agreed that Maleficent deserved to come to the ball, she wondered if she had left him open to attack from their enemies.
"We'll tell them the truth," he said.
"And you're going to have to repeat it over and over," Aunt Maggie warned him. "It's going to take time to undo the Abbot's teachings."
Robin nodded. "I know. And I am ready."
"So am I," Regina vowed, taking his hand. She would always be a united front with him. "We'll do this together."
He smiled, giving her hand a squeeze. "Together."
"And you'll both have our support," Ana assured them. "Will and I are with you until the end."
Ella nodded. "Me too."
Catherine stood from her seat, approaching them. "You have far more friends than enemies. Never forget that."
"We won't," Regina replied, glancing around the room to take in the people who had become her family. She and Robin had plenty of friends ready to fight with and for them.
"Enough of this talk for now," Catherine said. "We want to send the princess home with a smile, right?"
Regina laughed, nodding as she took Snow's hand. "Exactly."
"So I say we have a nice supper here and enjoy a fun evening together," Catherine replied. "All in favor?"
Everyone raised their hands and she nodded. "Good. Then I'll ask the kitchens to send us up a great supper to enjoy tonight and we'll just focus on happy thoughts."
"That sounds perfect," Regina agreed. "Thank you."
"We'll give you the best sendoff, Snow," Robin promised. "It'll make you smile all the way back to Mist Haven."
As they debated what to ask the kitchens to prepare, Regina leaned against Robin. He wrapped his arm around her and held her close. While her conversation with Lady Phoebe had left her shaken, Regina knew that in the end, she and Robin would be triumphant.
Together.
Regina hugged Snow as her carriage waited in the courtyard. "Have a safe journey home. I will write you soon, I promise."
"I look forward to receiving your letter," Snow replied. "And I promise to write as soon as I'm home as well."
"It's time to go, Your Highness," a guard said. "We want to make the border by sundown."
Regina pulled away from Snow, gently cupping her chin. "I love you, my sister."
Snow smiled. "Love you too."
"May I?" Robin asked, holding out his arm. Snow gave Regina one last smile before taking his arm, letting him escort her to the carriage.
Once she was inside, she leaned out the window and waved to them all. "Thank you for making me feel at home. I will miss you all!"
"We will miss you too," Regina called out. "Safe travels!"
The carriage started to roll forward and Snow continued to wave as the horses headed toward the gate. Everyone stayed in the courtyard, watching as her carriage left the palace grounds and grew smaller as it made its way through the village. Soon, it disappeared from sight, no doubt turning onto the main road that would take Snow away from Sherwood and back to Mist Haven.
Her visit with them was officially over.
"Milady?" Robin asked softly. He held out his arm to her. "Shall we return to our rooms?"
She took his arm with a soft smile. "We shall."
He led her from the courtyard and though she was sad to see Snow White leave, she was excited for that night. Catherine and Tink were going to care for Henry while she and Robin had some alone time at last.
It was going to be an amazing night.
"Goodnight, sweetheart," Regina said, kissing Henry's forehead. "Be a good boy for your grandmother and we'll see you in the morning."
If Henry understood her, he didn't give any indication. He just let out a little laugh as Robin took him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight, my boy. We love you," he said.
"Have a good night, you two," Catherine said, hugging Regina. "Don't worry about him. Henry is in very good hands."
"We know. Thank you," Regina replied, giving her mother-in-law a squeeze before stepping back. Robin wrapped his arm around her shoulders and they watched as Catherine and Tink left with their son.
They were alone at last.
Robin turned to her, offering her his arm. "Supper is waiting for us. Shall we go enjoy it?"
"We shall," she replied, taking his arm. They walked over to their table and he pulled out a chair for her. Once she was seated, he took his own place.
He raised his goblet to her. "To a wonderful night with my beautiful, amazing wife."
"Well then," she said, raising her own goblet. "To a wonderful night with my handsome, loving husband."
"Cheers," he replied and they clinked their goblets together.
After taking a sip of their wine, Robin removed the lid to reveal two grilled fish surrounded by potatoes and vegetables. He smiled as he handed her a serving fork. "Ladies first."
"Thank you," she said, taking it. She placed one of the fish on her plate and scooped some vegetables and potatoes onto it as well before handing the fork back to him. "Now you."
He took the fork and filled his plate. "This looks delicious. I believe the cooks outdid themselves."
"They certainly did," she agreed. "I am always amazed by what our cooks can create for us each night."
"I think they enjoy it," he said. "They consider it a challenge."
She frowned, imagining the cooks growing frustrated and stressed over planning their next meal. "I hope they aren't putting too much pressure on themselves. I would like anything they make. They don't have to make something too elaborate."
He paused, smiling. "You care about our staff so much."
"Of course I do," she replied. "They are people too."
"I know. Though you're right. There are plenty of us who sometimes forget that," he said. "I'll make certain to compliment and thank them tomorrow."
She smiled. "When you do, I want to come with you."
He chuckled. "Of course. We can go together."
"Thank you," she replied, taking another bite. "Now, what else shall we discuss? As much as I care about our servants, they don't make for a romantic conversation."
Robin nodded. "Fair point. So what else do you want to discuss?"
"You're the more romantic one," she reminded him, sipping her wine. "You pick."
He set his silverware down and thought about it. Robin then smiled. "Have you finished the book of poems I gave you?"
"I haven't honestly seen it since before I gave birth," she admitted, feeling a bit sheepish. "I just haven't had the time."
"Sorry, I should've considered that," he replied, looking sheepish.
"It was a fair question," she assured him. "Maybe I'll have some time between Snow's departure and the official return of the court."
He nodded. "You probably will. Though I believe you will also want to resume your law studies as well, right?"
That was something else she hadn't thought about since waking back up from her magically induced coma. Now that he mentioned it, though, she was eager to resume her lessons with Lady Wellingsbury. She nodded. "I do."
"We'll have to figure out our new schedules now that we are parents," he replied, "but I don't mind."
She smiled, thinking of their sweet and beautiful baby boy. "Neither do I."
He nodded, pushing his chair back. "Shall we call for someone to clear the table?"
"That sounds like a good idea," she agreed, standing as well and taking his hand. "What do you have planned next?"
"I thought we could cuddle by the fire and maybe I would read some poetry to you," he said, picking up the book she had abandoned. He gave her a smile, flashing his dimples.
She smiled, wrapping her arms around him. "That sounds perfect except I think we should take turns reading the poems."
"That sounds much better," he agreed, helping her sit down on the couch before pulling the cord that would summon a servant to clean their dishes. "You always know how to improve my ideas."
"I wouldn't say always," she replied. She then smirked as she said: "I'd say mostly."
He laughed as he sat down next to her, opening the book. "Do you want to start or shall I?"
"It was your idea so you should start," she said, resting her head on his shoulder. She watched as he flipped through the pages, stopping him at one particular. "Start here. This one is my favorite."
"Well, then, how can I refuse?" he asked. He cleared his throat and started reading the poem, his voice washing over her. Regina closed her eyes and smiled, letting him take her away and envelope her in his love.
"Your turn," Robin said, handing the book back to Regina. He then pulled her closer, pressing their bodies together.
She flipped through the pages, trying to find the right poem to read. However, she barely read anything as Robin's lips found her neck. Regina let out a soft gasp as he found a pressure point, sucking at it. The book fell from her lap, no more need for poetry.
And she wasn't complaining.
Regina reached up, cupping the back of his head as she entwined her finger in his hair. She leaned closer to him as she sighed. "Maybe we should move to the bedroom."
He pulled away, pressing his forehead to hers. "An excellent suggestion, milady. Just let me go get it ready."
"Get ready?" she asked, watching as he stood. "What exactly do you need to get ready?"
"You'll see," he replied, winking before he disappeared in their bedroom.
Regina relaxed against the couch before hearing something clinking behind her. She peaked over the couch to see a servant gathering up their plates and cups. The young woman noticed her and her eyes widened before she bobbed a curtsy. "My apologies, Your Majesty. I didn't mean to startle you," she said.
"It's alright," Regina assured her. "You may continue and then I hope you have a good night."
"You too, Your Majesty," the servant said, curtsying once more before turning back to the table.
The door the bedroom opened again and Robin leaned out of the room. "All ready for you now, milady."
Regina stood and approached the bedroom with a smile. "Should I close my eyes or can I just walk in?"
"You may just walk in," he said, stepping aside and motioning for her to enter the room.
She walked into the room and gasped as she looked around the room. Robin had set up several small candles around the room and scattered rose petals on their bed, creating a very romantic mood. "Oh, Robin, it's perfect," she sighed.
"You deserve nothing less," he told her, kissing her head as he wrapped his arms around her. "And this is a night almost as special as our wedding night."
"That might be a bit of a stretch," she replied, though she was still touched by his thoughtful touches.
He chuckled. "Maybe. So let me say I want it be as special as our wedding night."
She smiled, turning in his arms to face him. "Well, I'm not going to complain about that."
"I hope not," he replied. "I want this to be an amazing night for you."
"For us,' she said, tapping his chest.
He chuckled, nodding as he tightened his hold on. "Yes, this will be an amazing night for us."
"Good," she replied, kissing the end of his nose. "Shall we remove our clothes or do you have other ideas?"
"No, getting naked was pretty much my main plan," he said, grinning. "Of course, that does mean I have to let you go."
She frowned, comfortable in his arms, but she knew there was no other choice. "Alright, but only if you promise to hold me as soon as you can."
"I promise," he said, removing his arms from around her. "Turn around, please."
Regina did as he said and felt him untie the laces of her dress. She helped him slide it off her before stepping out of the dress. He picked it up and laid it over a chair before his hand when to her stays, loosing those binds. The stays fell away and she stood there in her shift.
"What about this?" she asked, pointing to it.
"All in good time," he told her, kissing her forehead before stepping back. "Let me get my things off first."
She, though, stepped closer and placed her hand on the laces of his vest as she smiled coyly. "Can I help?"
He let his arms fall to his side as he nodded. "Yes, please."
Regina untied the laces and slid his vest down his arms. She placed it on the chair with her dress before working on the buttons the held his breeches closed. He helped her remove those and set them aside, leaving him standing in the silk white shirt that fell to his knees. She eyed it and smiled sweetly. "Should I leave this on for now?" she asked.
"If you want," he replied. "But it's not as easy to take off as your shift is once we're lying down."
She knew he had a point and so she started to undo the buttons at his collar. "Alright, but let the record show I think it is unfair that you will be naked and I won't."
"Oh, do not worry," he told her. "It is noted."
Together, they pulled off his shirt until he stood there with nothing on. She ran a hand over his chest, toying with some of the coarse hairs there. "So, shall we head to the bed?" she asked, leaning closer to him.
"You can," he said, kissing her forehead. "I'll be there in a moment."
She frowned, wondering what the delay was. "Why aren't you coming now?"
"I want to stoke the fire and I have another surprise for you," he told her, gently urging her to sit on the bed.
"A surprise?" she asked, both curious and feeling guilty. "I didn't do anything else for you, Robin."
He pressed his hand to her cheek, smiling softly at her. "You've done enough for me already, Regina. Let me spoil you."
She melted a bit, gently gripping his arms. "You spoil me enough."
"There's no such thing as enough when it comes to that," he replied, kissing her forehead. "I'll be right back."
He walked toward the fireplace and Regina moved further up the bed. She reached their pillows and she reclined against them on her side, curling her legs so that her shift rode up to expose more of her body. Regina smiled coyly, watching Robin as her hunger for him grew even more.
When Robin was done with the fire, he then opened his wardrobe and pulled something from it. He climbed onto the bed and moved toward her, holding the item toward her. "For you," he said.
She took the cloth and slowly unwrapped it, revealing a beautiful ruby-studded gold heart on a gold chain. Regina gasped. "Oh, Robin," she sighed.
"I had this made for you," he said. He pointed to one side. "You'll notice there's a little hinge here."
"A hinge?" she asked, studying it. "Why would a necklace need a hinge?"
He smiled, reaching to the other side and opening the necklace to reveal the inside was hollow. "Because it's a locket."
"I've heard about these," she said, awestruck. "I've never seen one before. Isn't there supposed to be something inside?"
"Yes," he replied, "and there will be. I've already arranged for an artist to paint Henry's portrait as well as one of us as a family."
Regina looked up, meeting his eyes as awe swept through her. "You have?"
He nodded. "It's tradition but I also thought it would be good to have, especially after how close…well…you know."
"I know," she said softly, knowing how painful reminders of her time between life and death was for him.
She smiled, moving closer to him as she pressed her hand to his cheek. "I can't wait to see our first family portrait."
"Good," he said. He then tapped the locket. "And I'll have them paint a miniature of Henry for you to put in here."
"I would like that," she replied, opening the locket again. She tapped the other side. "Maybe I should put your miniature in it as well."
He chuckled, rubbing his chin. "You really want to wear this face around your neck?"
"Yes," she told him, caressing his cheek now. "Because I love this face so much as well as the man who bears it."
"Well, he loves you too," he said, leaning closer to kiss her. She hummed against his lips, setting her locket aside before lying back against the pillows with him on top of her.
Robin broke the kiss, tugging on her shift. "Good news, my love. It's time for this to go."
She grinned, raising her arms over her head. "Be my guest."
"Gladly," he replied, pulling the shift up and over her head. He gently tossed it over to the side, his eyes roaming her naked body.
Regina squirmed, feeling a bit self-conscious. She knew she still carried some weight from her pregnancy with Henry and she had noticed what Widow Lucas called stretchmarks across her stomach. Mal had given her a salve to lessen their appearance but it was more natural than magical, so the marks were still visible. While she knew that Robin loved her no matter what she looked like, she still knew that the changes could affect his attraction to her.
"What's wrong?" Robin asked, frowning. "You've tensed up."
"It's my body," she replied. "It's…changed."
He nodded, making her heart race. "Yes. It's gotten even more beautiful after carrying and nourishing our son."
She melted a little bit. "How do you always know the right thing to say?"
"It's a family gift," he replied.
"Clearly," Regina said, before glancing down at her body. Despite the look in his eyes and his words, the insecurity still crept back in. "You really think I look beautiful?"
He nodded. "Absolutely."
Robin closed the gap between them and kissed her, gently easing her down until she was flat on her back. He then pulled back, smiling. "How about I show you how beautiful you are?"
"And how do you propose to do that?" she asked, butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
He grinned. "Watch."
Robin leaned down and placed a kiss between her breasts. She watched as he trailed kisses down her body, placing extra ones on the marks that now covered her skin. His lips ghosted over her and he seemed to worship every inch of her like she was some goddess come to earth.
And in that moment, she felt like one.
He pressed one last kiss just above her sex before looking up at her with a soft smile. "How do you feel now?"
"Beautiful," she told him with a smile. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he replied, smirking now. "And for my next trick, I'm going to make you feel really good."
She chuckled. "I have no doubt about that."
"Good," he said, gently opening her legs. "Just relax and let me do all the work for now."
"Happily, good sir," she replied, gripping the pillow behind her to anchor herself as he brushed his thumb against her clit. It sent a jolt through her body and she moan, pleased with the feeling.
Oh, it was going to be a good night indeed.
Sunshine woke them in the morning. Robin gave her a quick kiss before brushing some hair from her face. "How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Very good," she said, wincing when she shifted under the blankets to get closer to him. "Though a bit sore. But in a good way."
He smiled, looking very pleased with himself. "As long as it's in a good way and you are satisfied…"
She laughed, giving him a quick kiss before saying: "Oh, I am very satisfied. Are you?"
"Why, yes, I am," he replied, tucking his free arm under his head. "What do you think we should do now?"
"I'm torn," she admitted. "Part of me wants to stay in this bed with you for the rest of the morning but the other part really wants to go see our son."
He hummed, nuzzling her. "I understand. I feel the same way. So why don't we lay here a little bit longer and then go see Henry?"
She smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his chest. "I think that sounds like a great idea."
"So how do you want to spend our remaining time in bed?" he asked. "Cuddling or round two?"
Regina bit her lip as she debated between the two. Finally, she said: "Let's just cuddle. If we start round two, we may get to Henry even later than we want."
He smiled, nodding. "You're probably right. So cuddling it is."
"Thank you," she said, laying her head back on his chest. "Last night was amazing and just what I needed."
"It was just what I needed too," he told her, rubbing her back. "As much as I love holding you at night, there's just something so sacred about being inside you."
Her cheeks heated up and she glanced up at him. "Sacred? Isn't that a bit much?"
"Not at all," he replied, running his fingers through her hair. "Not at all."
She smiled, closing her eyes as she enjoyed their last few moments of solitude before returning to their son. While Regina looked forward to seeing Henry again, she loved the tiny world she and Robin had created with their love and wanted to spend as much time as possible in it before the outside world intruded once again.
A/N: Here's my third entry for OQ Update Month. I hope you enjoyed this update to Crown My Heart – some Snow Queen friendship, some court intrigued, and some Outlaw Queen smut. Oh, and sprinklings of adorable baby Henry.
I'm sure you can tell I'm trying to post my updates every Saturday in May. So expect another one next Saturday and then the Saturday after that!
If you want the full smut scene between Regina and Robin, please go to either AO3 or Wattpad.
I hope everyone has a great week!
-Mac