Chapter 11: A Turning Point

Upon returning to camp, John helped Robin dismount with the injured woman in his arms. He then tended to the horse as Robin carried her to his tent, calling for Tuck to come examine her. The friar rushed over with Marian not far behind him and the two entered the tent right behind Robin, who laid the woman down on his bed. He took a step back and sucked in some air as the lantern in his tent illuminated her face, revealing her identity.

It was the Queen.

"Robin, what the hell happened?" Tuck asked, looking confused and concerned at once.

"I don't know, we just found her unconscious on the ground and her horse in distress," Robin replied, still reeling from the revelation of who he had saved. "It was too dark to recognize who she was."

Marian moved toward him as Tuck approached the bed. She wrapped her arm around him. "Do you think she finally crossed the wrong person?" she asked.

"Possibly," he replied. "Though if this person was able to take down the Queen, I'm glad that I didn't run into them."

"I suppose so. But if they did take down the Queen, doesn't it mean they're a hero?" she mused.

Robin shook his head. "Not necessarily. They could just be a stronger villain."

She shuddered. "I don't think I want to know who would be worse than her."

"So, do we know who we saved and how she is doing?" Little John asked, coming into the tent. He stopped short, the color draining from his face. "Bloody hell…"

Tuck straightened up, looking somber. "Marian, I need your help in removing her dress. I need to see how bad the wound on her side is."

Marian pressed her lips together before nodding. She stepped forward to help Tuck while John moved to stand next to Robin. Both men turned around to give the Queen some privacy, staring at the back of the tent. Robin knew it was probably more than she would afford them but it was still the right thing to do.

Robin pressed his hand to his mouth, still processing the fact that the broken woman on the forest floor had been the queen. He had rescued the woman whose Black Guards chased him and his men throughout the forest, though not with the same persistence as the Sheriff of Nottingham. But they were still a threat. And he had no doubt that the queen would issue the same punishment for them as the sheriff.

Death.

"Alright," Tuck said. "You two can turn around again."

Robin and Little John turned to face the bed again. Marian held the queen's dress and the royal was covered by a fur blanket. The candlelight revealed beads of sweat rolling down the Queen's pale face and Robin knew that wasn't a good sign. "How bad is she?" he asked.

"She's in a pretty bad way," Tuck replied. "Her left arm and right leg are broken and she has a nasty bump to the back of her head in addition to cuts there. But I'm mostly worried about the wound on her side. She appears to have been pierced by a sword and I worry infection may already be setting in."

"What do you recommend?" Robin asked.

"We need to set her broken bones immediately," Tuck said. "And there's a poultice I can make that should help fight the infection but the next few days will be critical for her."

Robin processed everything Tuck had said as John asked: "And if we do nothing?"

Tuck narrowed his eyes. "She might recover on her own but it's far more likely she would die."

"We don't necessarily have to go out of our way for her then," John suggested. "Just leave her and see what happens."

"You want to essentially condemn her to death?" Tuck asked, sounding appalled. When put that way, Robin felt appalled as well.

John, though, shrugged. "She may recover. She may not. I'm just saying we don't help her toward either direction. She certainly wouldn't go out of her way for us."

Tuck frowned. "Either way, she will suffer. Her body will get too hot and it will start destroying her internal organs as well as affect her brain. She will become delusional and just be in agony until either her body fights off the infection or she dies."

"It's no less than she deserves," John replied. "She would likely kill us all without hesitation. Why shouldn't we return the favor?"

"Because that would make us no better than her," Tuck argued, his face turning red and fire burning in his eyes.

Robin had to admit both had valid points. The queen would surely hang them all instead of showing them mercy. But that didn't mean they should abandon the honor code he had crafted. They were not evil.

"Robin?" Marian asked, resting her hand on his arm. "What are you thinking?"

He sighed, looking at the Queen yet again. He had only ever caught glimpses of her, usually emerging from her imposing black carriage. She always wore elaborate outfits, preferring black and if she had any color, they were dark ones as well, and had her long black hair done in complex styles. Everything about her was meant to intimidate her subjects and intimidate them she did.

Now, though, she looked very different.

The Queen was smaller than he realized. When he laid in his bed, his feet came to the very edge of it but there was still a good foot or so between her feet and the edge. Robin's experience with other nobles or royals was that their figures tended to be fuller and softer than those who were considered peasants. The Queen, though, was relatively fit and did not appear to gorge herself on the rich, fatty foods often horded by those of her station. He thought of the horse he had found by her side, now eating and resting with the ones the Merry Men owned, and wondered if she was a dedicated equestrienne.

In the quick glimpses of the Queen's foreboding figure, Robin's mind supplied many words to describe her but beautiful had never been one. He didn't think she was ugly by any means but it was hard to gage something like that when one was only watching her for brief moments from the tops of trees. Standing so close to her now, though, Robin was able to admit that she was a very beautiful woman. Free from its elaborate updo, her dark hair fell in soft curls around her head and shoulders, pooling on the pillow placed under her head. It made how pale her skin was due to the fever stand out even more, making her appear even smaller under the blankets. She wasn't some imposing ruler ready to rain destruction down on them, she was just a person who was dangerously ill and injured.

And in that moment, his choice was clear.

"She will stay," he said, "and receive all the medical attention we can give her."

"Robin!" John exclaimed, his cheeks now turning red.

Tuck frowned, glancing at the Queen. "Let's take this conversation outside, shall we?"

"Good. I think all the men should hear this," John said, glaring at Robin before he stormed out of the tent. Tuck followed him with a weary sigh.

Marian took Robin's arm and they left the tent together as John announced the news to the rest of the Merry Men. They glared at Robin as he stepped closer to them. Will crossed his arms as he asked: "The Queen, mate? Really?"

"Yes, really," Robin replied, glaring at John in return. "And if you let me explain…"

"There's nothing to explain, Robin," another man yelled. "She's the queen and deserves to be shown the same amount of mercy she would show us - none!"

Robin held up his hand. "LET ME SPEAK!"

Everyone went silent immediately, stunned as he never raised his voice before. Robin looked around at each member of his Merry Men. "I know she is the last person we would ever want to help. When you joined my band, this band, you agreed to a certain code - and that includes helping those who need it. Not those who could then help us in return or those we deem worthy. Just those who need it. And right now, she needs our help and so we will give it to her."

"Why don't we just let her die?" Much called out. "That would help so many people who actually need it more."

"No," Robin said, glaring at Much. "If anyone believes that it would be the right thing to let her die, you can leave. That isn't anyone I want to be part of the Merry Men."

Silence descended upon his men and he looked around, waiting to see if anyone moved. When no one did, he nodded. "Then she stays. And if anyone tries to hurt her in any way, they will have to answer to me," he told them.

They all bowed their heads and he was certain he had gotten through to them. He nodded. "This discussion is over. Everyone, get some rest."

Robin turned and entered his tent again. He sensed someone behind him and he sighed. "Yes?"

"You know I support you but are you certain about this?" Marian asked, sounding concerned. He turned around, facing his fiancée. She studied him, as if he were a puzzle she was trying to figure out. "She is the Evil Queen, Robin."

"I know. But look at her. She's hardly a threat right now," he replied, motioning to the prone woman lying on the furs and pillows that served as his bed.

Marian nodded. "That's true. But what about when she wakes up? And what if her guards come looking for her?"

"They haven't found us yet," he reminded her, boasting somewhat. "As for when she wakes up, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

"I just hope this doesn't blow up in our faces," she told him, reaching out and taking his hand.

He laced their fingers together. "I know. But I think it's going to be okay in the end. I just need you to trust me, okay?"

She sighed, leaning closer to him. "I trust you, Robin."

"Good," he replied, kissing her. He then pulled back and sighed. "I should collect my things and spend my nights with John and Will until she's better. Unless there's another place I could stay…"

For now, they spent their nights in separate tents. But it was growing more and more difficult to part from her each night. All Robin wanted to do was lay down beside her and fall asleep with her in his arms. Then he would wake her with soft kisses in the morning. And in their own little world, only they would matter and they could talk about anything or nothing at all. Just as long as it was the two of them, he would be happy.

She shook her head. "I would love to have you stay in my tent but we promised my father. And I won't lie to him."

"Nor would I ask you to," he replied, disappointed but still wanting to respect her wishes. "Our word is our bond."

"Thank you, Robin," she said, kissing his cheek. "It won't be for much longer."

He nodded, knowing they had set their wedding for Yule. They would be able to return to Marian's village and spend some time there with her family. Everything would be perfect for their wedding, he was certain of it.

"Do you want me to stay with you while you gather your things?" she asked, glancing over at the queen.

Robin looked at her as well. The queen slept on, tossing fitfully in his bed. "I don't think she's much of a threat right now. So you go, get some rest. I'll see you in the morning."

She nodded, giving him another quick kiss. "Good night, Robin. Sweet dreams."

"You too," he said, watching her leave his tent. Once she was gone, he sighed and he began to gather up the things he would need to bring with him.

Robin quickly packed a bag as Tuck entered the tent again. "How is she doing?" he asked.

"She's fitful but still out," Robin replied. "Is there anything you can do so she can get a more restful sleep?"

Tuck pressed a hand to the queen's forehead before nodding. "Bringing down her fever should help. I'll do that."

"Good," Robin said, slinging his sack over his shoulder. "I'll be with John and Will. Let me know if you need anything."

"Will do. Have a good night, Robin," Tuck said, setting up his stool beside the bed to keep watch over the queen.

Robin started to walk toward the entrance to his tent. He paused, looking back at the queen. She shivered now despite the layers of furs on her and a pang hit Robin's heart, despite everything she had done. He wondered if everything about her was just a facade and about who really lay beneath the exquisite dresses, bold makeup and elaborate hairstyles.

Maybe they would find she wasn't evil after all.

Or maybe she was. After all, his men were right - she had caused devastation across the country. The people lived in fear of her and what she could do if she thought they were the ones hiding Snow White from her. He had helped rebuild far too many villages and provide aid to numerous glassy-eyed victims still trying to process the terror she inflicted on them. Everything pointed to her just being evil.

Yet he still couldn't bring himself to believe that anyone could just be pure evil. His gut told him there was more to the Queen, just like there was more to him and his men. And maybe he would get a chance to figure her out once she woke.

If she didn't kill them all, that was.

He sighed as he approached John and Will's tent. Worrying about the queen wasn't going to do him good now. Robin just had to wait until she woke up and then he would figure out what to do next. For now, he was going to get some rest and find their next mark.

Even with the Queen out of commission, there were always people who needed help and he would always do his best to give it to them.

Robin Hood.

She knew Robin Hood.

Amazed, Regina stared at the page containing an image of Robin Hood carrying her - or rather the Queen. Was this why she had been drawn to the stories of the legendary outlaw? Did something inside her remember that he was important to her? Had she ultimately been part of the Merry Men after all?

Regina paced the office, clutching her well-worn copy of The Adventures of Robin Hood to her chest as she tried to puzzle everything out with the book lying open on the desk. Her heart and gut told her that she had reached the part of the book where her story as the Evil Queen diverted from Snow White's and the one everyone knew. She believed that even if her book counterpart didn't know it, being found by the Merry Men would change her life for the better.

If anyone could appeal to the Evil Queen and show her how to be a better person, it would be the Prince of Thieves and his band of men who stole from the rich to give to the poor.

She paused, frowning. Diana had said that meeting her father had started Regina on her road to redemption. Was her father - Regina's husband - a Merry Man?

Was he Robin Hood?

Regina shook her head. That was impossible - Robin Hood married Maid Marian. Everyone knew that. And she certainly was not Maid Marian. So she must've married one of his Merry Men or at least met her husband and Diana's father through him.

Noting the time, she marked her spot and closed the book. She would just have to wait to see if Robin Hood was a major player in her story or just a stepping stone to her story of redemption. For right now, Regina had some place to be and she didn't want to be late.

She put on her coat and buttoned up as the weather was getting even colder in Storybrooke. Thanksgiving was almost upon them, bringing the holiday season and winter with it. In years past, the winter months were usually the worst for her. Regina had to first watch her neighbors gather and celebrate together, reminding her that she was all alone in the world, and then had to deal with an onslaught of romance as Valentine's Day quickly followed. The cold and dark days did not help her loneliness and sadness either and she was always glad when spring arrived, even if she was still alone. It was easier to pretend otherwise when the town came to life in the warm sunshine and longer days.

But now she wasn't alone.

Regina slipped out the backdoor and closed it so no one grew suspicious that someone was breaking into the library. She shouldered her bag and walked to her house, sneaking back into her yard and entering her house through her backdoor. After putting her book about Robin Hood back in the safety of her bedroom, she left through the front door and prayed no one saw her in the alley. Even though it seemed the mayor was backing off her after Halloween, Regina didn't want to take any chances.

Especially if Diana's theory was true and Mary Margaret was a Snow White who was no longer a hero but a villain. If she had cursed them all to Storybrooke, who knew what else she was capable of doing?

Though Regina still hesitated to believe Diana's theory. On one hand, there was growing proof that it was true. She had done some research and found no other versions of the Snow White fairy tale that even remotely resembled the one the book told. And she had found no evidence that any other copies of the book existed. It had no ISBN nor did it list any publisher. Searches for Isaac Heller had come up with no results either. Everything she found told her that there was no such book as Once Upon a Time...and yet it existed, complete with pictures that depicted people found in Storybrooke as fairy tale characters.

Sherlock Holmes had said that once you eliminate the impossible then whatever remained, however improbable, had to be the truth. But Regina found that in this case, she had eliminated the probable and improbable explanations, leaving only the impossible. Magic - the kind featured in the book and believed by Diana - was not real. Yet it was the only explanation she kept coming back to whenever she hit dead end after dead end.

Despite this, Regina couldn't yet bring herself to believe that magic existed. Believing magic had only ever ended with her heart being broken. She didn't want any more of that and so knew she had to be careful not to get too caught up in the dreams of a ten-years-old girl with a less-than-ideal home life, no matter how much she already cared about - maybe even loved - said little girl. It was likely this would all fizzle out and Diana would just move on to her next fantasy while Regina was left with shattered hopes and nothing yet again.

So as long as she had doubts about Diana's theory, she needed to proceed under the assumption that it wasn't true. Which meant that she had to keep searching for clues as to what happened to the baby she couldn't remember giving birth to.

Which led her to Gold's Pawn Shop, a place she hardly frequented as she rarely interacted with her landlord. He sent her letters regarding rent increases and she dropped off her payments to a lockbox at the bank. And she had nothing of value she would need to pawn nor any need to purchase something from his shop. Mr. Gold was just a shadowy figure in her life, one always ready to mess up her plans and make her life harder.

But there were certain answers only he could give and so she entered his shop, hoping he had them for her.

Regina had made an official request to Town Hall for records of any children turned over to the state from Storybrooke going back twenty years. She knew it would then take a while for her to get any answers, if she got them at all. No doubt the request would have to go through Mayor Nolan and it was likely she would quash it, regardless of the veracity of Diana's theory. Either she would do it to punish Regina or to protect the secret that there was no child that could be linked back to Regina because Diana was really her child and not the Nolans'.

It was well known in Storybrooke that if you couldn't get something through conventional channels, you went to Gold. As long as you were willing to look the other way and not ask questions, he could get it for you. Likewise, if you had something you couldn't get rid of through conventional channels, he would take it off your hands. As much as she hated to consider it, she wondered if she had given her baby to Gold to put up for a black-market adoption and so needed to rule out that option as she continued on in her search.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to the pawn shop and stepped inside. A strange collection of items filled the room and she quickly looked away from a pair of creepy looking dolls she felt she had seen before. Regina approached the counter, passing a spinning wheel. She paused for a moment, giving the wheel a spin before ringing the bell on the counter. "Mr. Gold?" she called out.

"One moment," he called from the backroom. "I'll be there when I'm there."

"Alright," she replied, deciding to busy herself with looking at the items in the counter's case. Most appeared to be jewelry, though there were a few pocket watches as well. Nothing really interested her - she was not one for jewelry - and she was about to look away when something caught her eye. She moved toward it, staring at it. It was a simple ring - a ruby set on a silver band. But it seemed familiar, like something she had once seen in a dream.

"Regina, I give you this ring as a symbol of my never-ending commitment, love and devotion to you. I will be your faithful partner forevermore."

Tap. Thud. Tap. Thud.

She jumped at the sound, looking up to find Mr. Gold staring at her behind the counter. He leaned against his walking cane with a smirk. "Ahh, Ms. Mills. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I was hoping to discuss something with you," she replied, butterflies flying around her stomach. She was going to have to trust her story with Mr. Gold and didn't know how that would turn out.

"I am not going to lower your rent," he said. "I need to pay bills myself you know."

She frowned, doubting that Mr. Gold ever struggled financially the way she did. He owned half the town after all. But that didn't matter at the moment so she shook her head. "No, it's about something else."

He smiled. "Does it have to do with the rings you were admiring?"

"What?" She glanced at them before shaking her head. "No, it has to do with something...personal."

Mr. Gold raised his eyebrow. "Personal? How so?"

Regina took a deep breath before stepping closer to him. "Have I ever asked you for a favor before?"

"A favor?" he asked, tilting his head. "I don't really do favors, dearie."

That word sent a chill through her. Regina shook it off, wondering if maybe it was tied to the memories she had possibly suppressed. She wondered if maybe she had sworn him to secrecy and he was honoring her wish, waiting for her to specifically mention what he may have done for her. Maybe she needed to be blunt.

Or maybe she needed to use another word, she thought as one came to mind.

"Fine. Maybe we made another deal," she said, watching him.

He tilted his head, his lips briefly turning up at the corners. "What kind of deal?"

"This may sound strange but did I ever approach you about brokering an adoption?" she asked, holding her breath. Mr. Gold would now be the third person to know about her possible secret and the first without a legal requirement to maintain confidentiality. Her only comfort was that Mr. Gold did not seem one to gossip.

His lips turned back down to a frown. "Why do you ask it that way?"

"It's a long story but I recently became aware that there's a possible hole in my memories and I'm trying to fill it," she explained.

"And you think one or more of these missing memories involved you trying to adopt a baby?" he asked, studying her.

She swallowed, shaking her head. "No. I think it may have involved me looking to put a baby up for adoption."

His eyes widened a bit. "I see. And why do you think you may have come to me instead of going through official channels?"

"There is no medical record that I gave birth," she replied. "No one remembers me being pregnant. Given my mother's past, I clearly hid it to avoid the town's vitriol."

Mr. Gold looked intrigued. "I see. Given your memory gap, how do you know you were pregnant if there are no medical records of it?"

"Let's just say there's another type of record," she replied. "And it can't give anymore information past that I gave birth at least once."

That seemed to convince him and he leaned closer, smirking. "And what will you give me for this information?"

"What?" she asked, not prepared for that question.

"You don't think I'm just going to give you that information?" he asked with a chuckle. "I'm not a charity, dearie."

She blew out, annoyed. "Fine. I can bake you a pie or something. How does that sound?"

"Do you really think this information is worth so little?" he asked. "I want something more than just a sugary confection."

Regina stared at him, incredulous. "It's just a yes or no question, Gold. Hardly worth a cup of coffee. I think a pie is more than a fair trade."

Mr. Gold shook his head. "You're asking me to go out of my way…"

"I'm not asking you to go find the child or give me any information about him or her," Regina told him, cutting him off. "I'm just asking you to confirm that there was a child."

"Ms. Mills, do you know how I got where I am?" he asked her, his tone becoming sharp.

In the past, Regina would've ducked her head and apologized for inconveniencing him. But she was no longer that Regina Mills. So instead, she retorted: "By swindling half the town?"

"By being a savvy businessman," he replied, fire in his eyes. "You get nothing for nothing. So I make sure I never do anything without getting something in return."

"It's a simple question," Regina repeated, growing frustrated. "I'm not asking you to teach me to make straw into gold and you're not Rumpelstiltskin!"

She slammed her hand down on the counter but he didn't jump. Instead, his eyes widened slightly and he froze. But it only lasted a moment before he schooled his face back into a neutral expression. "No need to be so dramatic, dearie."

"Forget it," she said, pushing herself from the counter. "I'm not going to be indebted to you."

"How do you know you aren't already?" he asked, sending a chill down her spine.

She squared her shoulders, deciding on the perfect answer. "Because you would've already tried to collect."

"Are you certain of that?" he asked, his voice now caressing every word with a new accent. Regina couldn't pinpoint how but he sounded different than he had sounded only minutes earlier.

Her confidence started to wane. Mr. Gold seemed shrewd enough to hold onto his favors until he needed them, particularly if it was something the person didn't want to give or do. Perhaps she was still in his debt and he was biding his time.

But she then realized it didn't back her into the corner he hoped it did and she smiled. "Well, I guess I'll have my answer if you come to collect. Otherwise, I guess I'll have to find another way to get my answers."

"Good luck with that, dearie," he said, almost snarling. "I may be your best bet and you will never get them."

"That's just the chance I'll have to take," she replied, feeling okay with that decision as she believed there were other avenues she could explore that didn't come with dangerous strings attached. "Good evening, Mr. Gold. Pleasure not doing business with you."

Regina turned and walked back toward the door. She opened the door and was about to step outside when Gold called out to her. "I'd be careful, Ms. Mills. You may not like what happens if you go poking around the dark corners of Storybrooke."

Fear jolted through her and she turned to face him. There was a cold look in his eyes but a gleeful smile on his face that made her heart stop for a moment. She thought of the storybook and Diana's theory, of the animosity that had already built up between Queen Regina and the man who had been her teacher. In the book, he seemed to enjoy taunting and torturing her - just like Mr. Gold right now and that made her suspicious.

Was he really Rumpelstiltskin? And was he aware of that like the mayor appeared to know she was Snow White? Had she just made a very powerful enemy? Or rather, rekindled an old animosity?

A warm hand pressed against her back and the smell of pine washed over her as Rob stood by her side. He glared at Mr. Gold as he asked: "Was that a threat?"

"Not at all," Mr. Gold said, his tone going back to neutral. "Just a friendly warning."

Regina glanced up at Rob, who didn't seem convinced by his answer. Instead, he gently guided her out of the shop and onto the sidewalk without saying another word to Mr. Gold. He didn't say anything until they were a few stores away from Gold's Pawn Shop, turning to face her and rubbing her arms. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said. "Just a little shook up but I'll be fine. What brought you to Gold's?"

"I saw you and thought I would ask you to join me for dinner," he said. "I was waiting by the door when I heard what he said to you. And I had to step in."

Her heart melted a bit and she smiled, taking his hand. "Thank you. I did feel better having you there. He was definitely creeping me out."

"Gold certainly is creepy," he agreed. He then tilted his head. "Why was he warning you about poking around dark corners? What were you two talking about?"

She hesitated, not sure how she wanted to answer that - or if she even wanted to. But as she looked in his eyes, she only felt comfort and support from him. Regina knew she could trust him.

"It's a long story," she told him. "And I don't have all the parts to it yet."

"That's okay. Why don't you tell me over dinner?" he suggested, holding out his hand to her.

She took his hand with a smile. "Okay."

"Granny's?" he asked. She nodded and they headed down Main Street hand-in-hand.

Her thoughts returned to the storybook and Diana's theory. She looked up at Rob, wondering who he was in the book. If it was real, she hoped he was one of the Merry Men - he was kind and compassionate enough to be one. Hell, he could even be Robin himself.

If she hadn't been holding Rob's hand, she would've stopped short as her mind started to put the pieces together.

Rob Locksley.

Robin of Locksley.

Robin Hood.

Shit.

Regina felt hot and as if someone had tied her down. Every limb felt made of stone and impossible to move. Her lips were chafed and her throat felt like a desert. She let out a groan, preparing to open her eyes to get someone to bring her water. It took a lot to summon the energy necessary and she focused all her attention on it.

She finally gathered up enough strength to open her eyes, prying them open. Blinding light sent pain coursing through her head, forcing her to close her eyes again. The pain continued as her stomach rolled, threatening to empty its contents. Regina let out another groan as she realized there wasn't a part of her that didn't hurt.

What the hell happened to her?

Slowly, her mind put all the pieces back together. There was her triumph over Snow White and she took a moment to relish the memory of Snow biting the apple and dropping into her cursed sleep. Then she recalled riding Rocinante as fast as she could, remembering how free she had felt in those moments. After that, she had started to return home when Snow's brave but foolish prince had attacked her. Her memories grew foggy there but she dimly remembered being bested by him, which stung almost as much as the pain she had felt in her side as she rode away on Rocinante.

But after that was nothing.

Was she still on the forest floor? Regina pushed past her pain to focus on what else she felt. While she wasn't resting on something as soft as her bed, it wasn't as hard, lumpy or cold as the ground would be. And she believed there was a blanket covering her. So she wasn't alone in the forest, vulnerable to attack, but she wasn't in the safety of her castle.

So where was she?

Regina opened her eyes again and the light did not hurt as much this time. She recognized she was surrounded by canvas and figured it was a tent based on what she had seen her soldiers carry. Though she could barely move, she lifted her head a bit to see a brown fur covering her body. From what she could tell, she was likely lying on another fur. A tree stump near her served as a table judging by the two collapsible chairs set up around it. There was also a wooden chest behind it, meaning someone clearly called this tent home.

But who was it? And did they mean her harm or not?

"I do worry," a male voice just outside the tent said, interrupting her thoughts. She strained to listen to the conversation. "Her fever has not broken despite all my treatments."

"What do you think it means?" another male voice asked. Judging by his accent, she guessed he was from Sherwood Forest, just on the edge of Mist Haven. It was a little corner of her kingdom she barely visited, leaving the Sheriff of Nottingham in charge of patrolling it and keeping the peace for her. As long as he continued to pay the taxes owed to her, she had no reason to turn her attention to it.

Maybe that needed to change.

If Regina had more strength, she would've used her magic to ruin their plans and transport herself home. But as she could barely lift her head, that was not an option. She was at the mercy of whoever was talking outside the tent and that worried her more than the severity of her injuries.

The tent flap was pushed aside and two men entered. Regina looked up to find an older man standing over her, his brown robe designating him a friar. His eyes grew larger as he met her gaze. "You're awake!" he declared.

"She is?" the owner of the second voice asked. The friar backed away to reveal a younger man who appeared to be close to Regina in age. He had blond hair and something on his cheeks that didn't know if it wanted to be an evening shadow or a beard. Blue eyes took her in and he seemed relieved she was awake, most likely for the ransom he hoped to get in exchange for her. Judging by his simple linen shirt, leather jerkin and brown pants, he certainly could use some gold.

He stepped forward. "It is very good to see you awake, milady," he said, almost sounding like he truly cared.

But she wasn't fooled.

Nor would she be so addressed so informally by a man who lived in a tent in the woods.

"It's Your…" She dissolved into a coughing jag, her throat too dry for the way she had just exerted it.

The friar moved away and poured some water from a waterskin into a clay cup. Regina watched him, wondering how a man of the cloth got mixed up in a plot to hold the queen for ransom. Maybe he had just responded to a request to heal a sick woman or maybe he wasn't a real monk at all. It could just be a ruse to make people lower their guard and trust him.

Regina would not be one of those people.

"This should help her," the monk said, turning to the other man. "I'll need you to help her sit up so she doesn't choke on it."

The blond man knelt by her bed. "I promise to be gentle, milady, but you are injured and it may hurt."

She wanted to tell him not to touch her but she also knew the monk was right - she needed to be more upright to drink the water. Regina gritted her teeth as the man did his best to gently lift her into a sitting position. Searing pain tore through her midsection and she cried out.

"Her wound!" the friar scolded. "Careful, Robin!"

"My apologies." The man - Robin - eased her back down a bit, easing pressure on her stomach.

The friar held out the cup with a warm smile. "Here. Drink slowly."

Regina let him hold the cup as she sipped the water. The cool liquid slid down her throat, refreshing it. She took a few more sips before pulling back. "Thank you," she rasped.

"You're welcome," he replied before turning to his companion. "Lay her back down, Robin."

Robin gently lowered her back down before placing his hand on her forehead. "I think her fever has broken," he said.

"Can you all stop talking about me like I'm not here?" she asked, annoyed.

He paused before pressing his hand to his heart. "My apologies, milady."

"It's Your Majesty," she snapped. "Which I know you know. And if you think you can ransom me, you are sorely mistaken. My guards will find me and kill you."

"We are not holding you for ransom. My men and I found you injured in the forest. We brought here to be healed."

She rolled her eyes. "You expect me to believe that? That you just stumbled upon the queen and didn't think you could profit off my impaired state?"

"We didn't know who you were until we got back to camp. Our only intention was to help you," he said.

"And I'm just supposed to take you at your word?" she asked, wishing she could shake her head but her neck was still too stiff. She was not born yesterday.

He shrugged. "Believe it or not. It's still the truth."

"Alright," she said, deciding to call his bluff. "Then take me home."

"I would but you are in no condition to go anywhere just yet," he replied.

The friar stepped forward. "He is right. You have a broken arm, a head injury and a deep wound we've tried to keep from getting infected, to only a certain degree of success. You've been fighting a fever for the past week and it just broke."

"Remember how much pain you were in when I helped you sit up?" Robin asked her, giving her a pointed look.

She frowned, knowing he had a point. Even if they weren't far from her palace, the ride could do more damage than good. But she also couldn't stay there, especially once the friar's words really sank in for her.

"I've been here a week?" she asked. "Where do you have me that no one has found me yet?"

Robin and the friar exchanged a look. It seemed a whole conversation passed between them and she wished she could understand what they weren't saying. Perhaps they didn't want her to know where they were and she wondered who they really were.

"We are deep in the woods, along a path known only to my men and me," Robin finally said. "And it's best for us if you don't know where exactly that is."

The friar nodded. "You are safe, we can promise you that. Now get some rest. Your body is still healing. We'll bring you some food later."

Before she could respond, they left her alone. She let out a groan as she got comfortable on the furs again and took stock of her situation.

While the explanation that she had been taken deep in the forest to a location hard to find seemed the truth to her, she still felt there had been more to the look exchanged between Robin and the friar. She also believed that no matter how difficult they made it to find their camp, it shouldn't take her guards more than a week to find her. And that left Regina with a chilling thought.

What if no one was looking for her? After all, who would miss the Evil Queen?

Maybe they did now that there was no one to run the country. Even after a week, it would be noticeable. She then hesitated as she wondered if maybe it wouldn't. Regina had set up an efficient system to keep the country running and so it could take weeks before anyone would truly need her.

But then would they even want her? Or would they want their precious princess, Snow White, to come to their rescue? There was probably a bigger search going on for her rather than Regina.

No one would want her back.

That's not true, a voice told Regina as her thoughts turned to her father. Her heart jumped into her throat, knowing he no doubt was worried about her. Even if no one else wanted to find her, Daddy would do everything he could to get her back. She imagined him pacing her empty bedroom, pale and wringing his hands as he grew more worried about her. Tears pricked her eyes and she vowed to find a way to tell him she was safe.

As she closed her eyes, she imagined he was hugging her and she drifted off to sleep with a smile.

"Wow," Rob said, leaning back in his chair as he processed Regina's story. She had certainly had an exciting two months and he was impressed with how well she appeared to be dealing with such life-altering news.

Regina bit her lip as she played with her fork. "I know it's a lot. And probably hard to believe. If it wasn't happening to me, I wouldn't believe it. Who forgets being pregnant and giving birth?"

"Hey, hey," he said, hating how hard she was on herself. He reached out and placed his hand on hers. "The mind is such an unknown entity, anything is possible."

She gave him a small smile before sighing. "I've been trying to do some research but haven't gotten any leads yet," she said.

"And you thought Gold might have one?" he asked, not sure why she would believe that.

"Well, no one remembers me being pregnant and there are no medical records," she said. "So I figured maybe I went through some shady channels for adoption."

"Maybe," he agreed, knowing it was a likely scenario. "But Mr. Gold?"

She shrugged. "He's the one with all these connections for someone who is desperate. I hoped I could either get answers or rule him out."

"Well, did you get either?" he asked, still unable to see the kind and honorable woman before him make a deal beyond her rental with such a conniving man as Mr. Gold. Rob always steered clear of the man, especially as he heard rumors of what happened to those who made deals with Gold. He did not want anyone like that having control over his life and possibly forcing him to do something he knew was wrong.

And he didn't want Mr. Gold having such control over Regina either.

So he was relieved when she shook her head. "He wanted me to make a deal and I was not ready to sell my soul."

"I don't blame you," he said, glad she also didn't trust the man either. "So what now?"

"I don't know," she replied. "I guess I hope Dr. Hopper can help me unlock what I've clearly suppressed."

He now took her hand in his. "I hope you get the answers you are looking for."

She gave him a small smile. "Thank you."

Robin gave her hand a squeeze as an idea crossed his mind. "Do you know who the father may be? An old boyfriend or something? Maybe he knows something?"

"I've really only had one boyfriend and he left me because I wouldn't have sex with him. No one else wanted to date me," she explained. She sighed. "Pathetic, huh?"

He frowned, hating how down she was on herself. "You are not pathetic," he told her.

"I feel it sometimes," she confessed. "What's so wrong with me that no one likes me?"

Rob debated telling her how much he liked her, his heart hammering in his chest. But he decided it wasn't the right moment - not after she had revealed such a deep secret to him. So he needed to swallow the true extent of his feelings down and just be her friend.

Besides, Granny's Diner was many things but romantic was not one of them.

"You just haven't found the right person yet," he told her. "I'm sure they're out there, just waiting for your paths to cross."

She nodded, smiling as she tucked some hair behind her ears. "Thank you. Now, do you mind if we change the subject? I think I've had enough of this giant mystery in my life for now."

"Okay, but before we do, let me just say that if you ever need to talk or bounce ideas off someone, I'm just a phone call away," he told her. He gave her hand a squeeze again before asking: "So, what do you want to talk about now?"

"Thanksgiving," she said. "Or as Miriam calls it, Friendsgiving."

He grinned, glad they were going to that topic. "Yes, it's a lot of fun. I'm glad you're coming this year."

"So what happens?" she asked. "I haven't really celebrated Thanksgiving since I left the convent and I'm sure how they celebrated isn't how everyone else celebrates."

"I wouldn't be surprised if that was true," he replied. "Well, we usually rotate who hosts. Last year, I hosted and the year before that it was Ian and Reed - they're roommates."

She nodded, fiddling with her forks. "So this year it's Miriam's turn? Are we all going to fit into her apartment?"

He bit back a chuckle as she scrunched up her nose, no doubt trying to figure out the maximum capacity of their friend's flat. "We can all fit - there's only six of us. I'm sure she's hosting dinner in the cafe but it might be tight for the movie."

"Movie?" she asked. "What movie?"

"Whatever the host chooses. It just has to be a holiday movie," he replied. "Last year, I showed Miracle on 34th Street - the one with Natalie Wood."

Regina smiled. "I love that one! What do you think Miriam will show?"

His heart skipped a beat at the thought they enjoyed the same Christmas movie before she shrugged. "She's a wild card. Could be something new, could be a classic. We'll just have to see."

"Sounds like fun," she replied. "Are you bringing a dish?"

"I am. I make a mean sweet potato casserole," he told her. "Are you bringing dessert? Or will we get to experience another one of your culinary talents?"

Her cheeks turned pink as she said: "I'm going to bring two pies, apple and pumpkin."

Rob licked his lips. "I love your pumpkin pie."

"I know," she replied, looking sheepish. "I'm making it just for you."

"You spoil me," he told her, his heart skipping another beat. He wished he could read her better and could figure out where her true feelings for him lay - were they just friends or could they become something more?

She placed her napkin on the table and pushed her chair back. "I'm just going to run to the ladies' room."

"I'll be here," he assured her, taking another sip of his drink. He watched her disappear into the back of Granny's before waving down their waitress to ask for the bill.

Granny herself delivered the bill. "You and Regina seemed pretty cozy over here," she commented.

"We're friends," he replied, feeling a bit defensive. "I hope we're going to be good friends."

"Good friends...or something more?" Granny asked, looking over the rims of her silver glasses at him.

He paused before sighing, knowing he could trust the older woman. "Good friends, though I hope it could become something more. But I will take my cues from her."

"I'm sure you will. You're a gentleman," Granny told him. "And Regina certainly needs someone like you in her life, either as a friend or something more."

She then leaned closer to him. "But if you hurt her, they will never find the body. Got it?"

He swallowed, certain she could kill him and get away with it. Rob nodded. "Got it."

"Good," she said, handing him the bill. "You can pay this when you two are ready to leave."

"I'd like to settle this now," he replied, pulling out his wallet. "I'm treating Regina."

Granny took his money and walked away just as Regina returned to the table. She took her seat as she asked: "What do I owe for the check?"

"I covered it," he told her. "My treat."

She frowned. "You've already been so kind to listen to my tale of woe. I should've picked up the check as a thank you."

"That's okay," he said. "Besides, I want you to feel like you can call me anytime you want to talk, so we can alternate who pays. Deal?"

"Deal," she replied. "And you can always call me anytime you want to talk, okay?"

He smiled, nodding before they stood. They headed to the door and paused once they got outside. Rob motioned to his truck across the street. "Can I give you a ride home?"

She shook her head. "I live just around the corner and will be home in no time. But thank you for the offer."

"You're welcome," he said, hugging her. "And I'll see you soon."

"Yes, you will. And thank you for listening," she replied, kissing his cheek before pulling away. She gave him a little smile before walking away from him. Rob watched until she disappeared around the corner and then he headed to his own truck, eager for the next time he could see her.

Regina just wanted to go home. She hated being stuck in the tent and longed for her palace as well as a good bath. Each day, she felt her hair grow more knotted and matted as a new layer of grime covered her skin. It didn't help that she had clearly sweated a lot when fighting the infection in her wound and while they had constantly changed her bandages, no one had done so with her shift. And she absolutely refused to look at the bucket she was forced to use as a bathroom.

She did have some hope. With her fever having broken, she was awake more and eating more solid foods. Robin had dragged over the chest in the tent and set it up next to her for her to use as a table. She had managed to save up enough energy one day to unlock the chest and open it to see if there was anything inside she could use. There were mostly men's clothes inside it and if she knew how clean they were, she would have already stolen a shirt or two to wear. Moving them aside with a disgusted feeling, she had been surprised and excited to find paper, ink and a quill at the bottom of the chest.

Regina started writing a letter to her father, assuring him that she was alive and somewhat well. She told him that the people who had found her were taking care of her and that she did not believe she was in any danger, even if her lodgings left much to be desired. After writing everything she could to hopefully prevent her father from worrying too much about her, she then started to relay the instructions to concoct a tracking potion to find her.

It took her days to write it all out as her strength faded quickly. She usually could only write a few sentences at a time before needing to place everything back in the chest so she could get more sleep. And the best way to get it to him was to use magic, so it was going to take even more time for her to build up the strength to manage even a simple transportation spell. It was likely to set her healing back but she knew it would be worth it to at least get word to her father as well as get her rescue put into motion.

After signing her name, she tucked the letter away again and fell asleep. It was time to build up her energy to hopefully send it in a few days. She was so close to getting away from this camp and couldn't afford to mess anything up.

She was woken up by Robin, who brought her dinner. He set a bowl down with an apologetic look in his eyes. "I'm afraid it's stew again. The fish are not yet running."

"This is fine," she said coolly.

He straightened up, watching her as if waiting for something. She shifted under his gaze. "What?" she snapped.

"Where I come from, it's customary to say thank you," he told her.

She scowled at his impertinence. How dare he lecture her on manners? Who did he think he was? "Where you come from, people bathe in the river and use pinecones for money."

Her insult didn't land the way she expected. Instead of retreating or getting mad, Robin's blue eyes sparkled with mirth. "Is that so? I didn't know you were so familiar with where I come from."

"Are you always this insufferable?" she asked.

"Yes," he replied. "Are you?"

She glared at him before waving her hand. "You may go."

He gave a mock bow before leaving the tent. Regina gave a sigh of relief before she tried to lift the spoon. It was a struggle and she felt exhausted after a few bites. She let the spoon fall back into the bowl and decided to rest before trying to continue eating.

The tent flap opened and Robin entered again, carrying another bowl. She watched as he set it down to drag the chair over. "No," she said. "You're not…"

"Joining you? I believe I am," he said, sitting down and picking up his bowl. He glanced at hers. "Is something wrong?"

"No," she replied. "I'm just taking my time."

He didn't look like he believed her and he set his bowl down again. Robin then picked hers up. "Let me help you."

She scowled again. "I am not a child and am capable of feeding myself."

"I am not saying that," he replied. "But you are still recovering and healing, Regina…"

"Your Majesty," she snapped, annoyed. How dare this...peasant...address her so informally and intimately! They were not friends and they never would be.

He paused before continuing: "It's understandable you don't have the strength yet. Let me help you. There's no shame in that."

"Why do you want to help me?" she asked, suspicious of his motives. He had to have a reason for doing this. Perhaps he was trying to poison her or perhaps he believed he would get a greater reward returning her all healed and properly fed.

He wasn't going to get anything.

"Because, believe it or not, I care about you, your health and wellbeing," he said.

"I don't believe you. Do you take me to be some fool? No one just cares," she told him. Everyone had an ulterior motive and was ready to use any sign of weakness as a weapon, whether they were a king or a man who lived in a tent in the middle of the woods.

Robin raised an eyebrow. "Not even your father?"

She tensed up at that question, her heart pounding in her chest as she resisted the urge to glance at the chest where her letter was. "What do you know about my father?"

"That you clearly love him and are worried about him," he said. "And that you care about him and believe he cares about you."

"What makes you think that?"

"Well, this," he said, opening up the chest and pulling out her letter.

Anger coursed through her and her fingertips tinged with the hint of the fireball she could've conjured up if she had her full strength. "That is private! You had no right to read it!"

"Well, considering you used my parchment and my ink - neither of which comes cheap - I disagree," he said, his face remaining neutral.

A jolt went through Regina and she looked around her. She had assumed the tent was the friar's, a medical tent, but as she looked around, there really was nothing that suggested a healer lived in the tent. "This is yours?" she asked him.

He nodded. "As leader, I have the biggest tent since it also doubles as our war room, of sorts. And it is mine alone, for now, so we figured it was the best place to put you."

"War room?" she asked, incredulous at that. "Who are you going to war against?"

"Injustice," he replied. He then held up the letter. "Anyway, how were you going to get this to your father?"

She shrugged, not wanting to reveal her secrets to him. "I would've found a way. I'm a resourceful woman."

He hummed in response. "I'm going to assume you were going to use your magic, which would've likely set your healing back. So what if I took it to him - without the page explaining how to cast a tracking spell?"

Regina hesitated. Agreeing to take out the tracking spell would mean she would have to spend more time here in this tent and with Robin and his men. Since none other than Robin or the friar came into the tent, she didn't know how many men called this camp home but she figured it was a good amount based on the noise. No one had harmed her yet but she believed that the longer she stayed there, the more likely it was that one of them would try to kill her. Killing the Evil Queen would no doubt make them instant legends.

But it was an offer she didn't feel she could refuse. Robin was offering to deliver her letter to at least assure her father that she was alive. He did so at a risk - he could be captured or followed, putting his men in danger as well. She briefly wondered if he had another motive for his offer but there was such earnestness in his gaze and voice, she decided to go against her head and trust him.

"I would like that very much," she said softly. "You would really do that for me?"

He nodded. "If you took the time and effort to write this letter to assure your father, it should get to him. And I would be honored to do that."

"Thank you," she said, unused to people doing nice things for her without expecting anything in return.

Or maybe that would come later.

"You're welcome," he said. "There are a few things I need to do before I can go but I will set off before the week is out."

She was a bit disappointed he wasn't leaving right away but she swallowed it down. He had already done so much for her that she knew she was going to hate how in debt she would be to him when all was said and done. "That sounds good," she said.

He nodded, smiling and revealing those stupid dimples that didn't make her stomach flip. "Good. Now, how about finishing your meal?"

"Fine, but I don't need you feeding me," she said, taking her bowl from him. He chuckled and focused on his own meal as she slowly ate hers, hope filling her. Soon he would deliver her letter and her father would know she was alive.

She realized she wanted that more than to be rescued. Knowing her father was suffering was far worse than being stuck in this ten for a few more weeks. So as long as he was comforted, she would be content.

But she was still going to complain until she was back in her palace.

Diana snuck into the library, shivering. There were no lights on in the place and she worried she was alone. "Regina? Are you here?" she called out.

She heard a door creak open and a thin sliver of light created a path to the office. It then revealed Regina, who beckoned Diana closer. Diana hurried toward her, engulfing her in a big hug. "Hi."

"Hello, sweetheart," Regina replied, rubbing Diana's back. She then pulled back, frowning. "You're freezing! Come in and warm up."

Regina ushered Diana into the warm office and closed the door. She took Diana's coat and hung it up before motioning to a small black box that glowed orange. "Sit by the heater. It will warm you up in no time."

"Thanks," Diana said, sitting down. "What are you working on today?"

"Reading more about my other self," Regina replied, sitting down as well. She tapped the book. "Queen Regina is now recovering in Robin Hood's tent."

"So you've reached the really good part," Diana said, nearly vibrating with excitement. "You're about to learn who the Man With the Lion Tattoo is!"

Regina chuckled. "I figured as much. I'm guessing he's connected to the Merry Men or Robin Hood is the bridge between who she - or rather I - was and who she - I - will become."

Diana bit her lip, eager to blurt out the truth but knowing that Regina had to discover it on her own. Her feelings of love had to be genuine for True Love's Kiss to work. So she just said: "Yes, Robin Hood plays a very important role in the story."

"Good to know," Regina said, glancing at the book.

Leaning forward, Diana checked out the picture on the page. It showed Robin Hood sitting in a tent with an injured Queen Regina. She saw her chance and pretended to be surprised. "He looks like the guy who helped at the Halloween party."

"Yes," Regina replied, smiling softly. "He's a new friend of mine."

"Just a friend?" Diana asked, remembering how they looked at each other at the gym. And she saw how Regina smiled now. She had a crush and that was a good start.

Regina leaned forward, tucking her fingers under Diana's chin. "Yes. Why?"

Diana struggled to pay attention. Her mind had gone blank with Regina's fingers under her chin. It was so comforting and so familiar, almost like something from a dream. Combined with the warmth in Regina's gaze, the gesture awakened something deep inside her. Was it a memory or wishful thinking?

"Diana? Diana, what's wrong?" Regina now frowned, wiping Diana's eyes with a tissue. That was how Diana realized she was crying.

"What you just did...it reminded me of something…" Diana sniffed. "I just think you used to do it as my mom."

"Oh," Regina said softly, looking surprised. "It did feel very natural."

Diana took a tissue and blew her nose. "I just want my family."

Regina pulled her into a hug. "It will be okay, I promise you. Everything will work out in the end."

"I hope so," Diana said, melting into Regina's embrace. Her hugs were everything Mom's weren't - warm, comforting and full of love. This was how she believed a mother's hug should feel.

"Well, I've befriended Robin Hood here in Storybrooke. Maybe that means I'm about to meet your father," Regina told her in a cheerful tone.

Her words did fill Diana with hope. Regina had found Robin Hood and soon would realize he was her husband. From what Diana had seen, they already felt a pull toward each other. Soon they would fall in love again and share the True Love's Kiss that would break the curse. They would all be reunited.

Diana nodded, deciding to drop one vague hint about Robin Hood. "And I think you'll find Robin Hood's story in the book very interesting. Like every other story, it has some twists and turns of its own."

"Of course," Regina replied. Her smile then faltered. "Can you just tell me one thing?"

"I guess," Diana said, a little more willing since Regina had been reading the book since just having Diana give her the answers. "What?"

Regina leaned closer. "Robin Hood is my favorite story. It's the only thing I kept from my childhood. With the Evil Queen possibly being a hero, Snow White apparently turning into a villain and Red Riding Hood also being the Big Bad Wolf, I just don't know if I can handle it if Robin Hood is revealed to be a bad guy. Can you tell me if he is a hero or a villain, please?"

"He's definitely a hero," Diana assured her, happy. The curse had kept her mother connected to her father, even if neither knew it.

Or maybe what connected her parents was stronger than even the Dark Curse.

Regina smiled, nodding as relief filled her eyes. "Thank you. That's a relief."

She then checked her watch before frowned. "I'm afraid I have to go. I have pies to bake for Thanksgiving."

"I wish I could have one of your pies," Diana said, remembering all the other goodies Regina had made for her. They were all delicious and Diana knew her pies would be no different. But her so-called mother would never get a pie - she would rather eat glass than support Regina.

Regina smiled as she put the book in a desk drawer for extra security. "How about I bring you a slice of pie next time we meet?"

"You're the best," Diana said, eager to see Regina again - and not just for the pie. "When?"

"Let's meet next Saturday. We can have our own little Thanksgiving," Regina said, wrapping her arm around Diana.

Diana brightened as she nodded, leaning against Regina. "Sounds great!"

Regina then pulled her into a hug, holding her close. Diana melted against her, feeling the love that radiated off Regina. She wishes their hugs could last forever but it never came to pass. Regina pulled back, smoothing down some of Diana's hair. "You should leave first. I'll close up and then head out once you're clear."

"Alright," Diana said, putting on her coat and wrapping her scarf around her neck. "I'll see you next week."

She left the office and snuck back out into the alley behind the library. Though it had gotten colder, Diana didn't mind. She headed home with a bounce in her step. Regina was close to finding out who her soulmate was and realizing she already had a connection with him in Storybrooke. While she knew they couldn't rush something like True Love's Kiss, Diana couldn't help but hope they would all be together by Christmas.

None of the Merry Men were happy with Robin's decision.

He understood. If any of his men had come to him with this idea, he would've forbidden it. The chance of being caught or followed was too high to risk it but he also believed if anyone could pull this off it was him. Call it arrogance or confidence, Robin knew the plan would work and was worth the risk - even if his men didn't believe the Queen was worth it. And maybe he would've agreed with them if he hadn't read the letter.

Robin had been surprised when he went into his chest for a new shirt and found his parchment out of place along with his ink. He pulled it out, finding someone had written on a few pages. The neat and elaborate cursive indicated it had been the queen and he had to chuckle softly at her attempt to orchestrate an escape. He likely would've just burned the letter had one word not caught his attention.

Daddy.

The great and formidable Evil Queen called her father "Daddy."

Robin had wondered if it was a manipulative tactic - either for him or for her father - so he kept reading, hoping to gain more insight. The feeling he got as he read on was that the sentiments were genuine. He truly believed he was reading a letter from a loving daughter to her father. It tugged on his heartstrings as he imagined her loving father in the palace, worried about his daughter and her wellbeing. Robin wanted to give both of them peace of mind.

His men, though, were not swayed by that argument. Most believed that "Daddy" didn't exist and was her manipulating him. To them, she was a monster who just emerged to terrorize them one day. They did not see her as human.

Robin, though, did. He had spent weeks taking care of her along with Tuck. He changed her bandages, cleaned out and dressed her infected wound, wiped sweat from her brow, and cleaned out the bucket she used as a toilet. She most certainly was human and the letter proved she had a heart and a soul. Robin could not excuse the terror she had caused nor the death and destruction she left in her wake but it was clear she was not some monster sent to kill Princess Snow White. There was more to her story, his heart and gut told him.

There was more to her than the Evil Queen.

He explained all of that to Marian, his toughest audience but the only one who would hear him out completely. She listened with a stony expression, her lips pressed together to form a thin line. When he finished, she sighed. "You are too good sometimes, you know that?"

"I know," he replied, giving her a little smile. It fell as he stepped closer to her, rubbing her arms. "You understand why I have to do this, right?"

She sighed, nodding. "Yes, I do. I may not be happy about it but I understand. Just promise you'll be careful. I don't know what we would do if something happened to you. I don't know what I would do."

He leaned down, giving her a comforting kiss. Pulling away slightly, he assured her that she wouldn't have to worry about that. "I'm coming home to you. I promise," he said.

"You better," she replied, giving him a little smile. She then kissed him. "I'll miss you."

He smiled, biting his lip. "I'll miss you too."

"Then you should get going so you can return even sooner," she told him, trying to pull away from him.

Robin, though, didn't let her go far as there was something he needed to ask her. Something he knew that she wasn't going to like. "I would like to ask a favor," he said.

"What?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Can you help Tuck care for the queen?" he asked. "She's a bit much for just him and if anyone can handle her, I know it's you."

Marian's frown deepened and she shook her head. "I don't know, Robin. I understand why we took her in and I understand why you've been helping Tuck with her. But I don't think I can go in there and show her even a crumb of kindness. Not after everything she's done."

He sighed, knowing she had a point and nodding as he tried to come up with another plan. "I understand, Marian, I do. I worry the others would try to hurt her but I can ask Little John. He won't hurt her if I ask him."

"But," she said, eyeing him.

Robin almost smiled at how well she knew him. "But I think it might be better if another woman tends to her. She's rather wary of all of us and I think sending in Little John would scare her."

"The Evil Queen scared of Little John?" she asked, sounding incredulous.

"She's still human and we all have things that make us uncomfortable," he replied. "Remember your first few weeks with us?"

Marian grew quiet, no doubt recalling how nervous she had been to be surrounded by only men. And they had been welcoming to her and treated her kindly. He could only imagine how much scarier it would've been had she not been welcomed by his men and he hoped Marian was imagining it too.

It seemed she was because her eyes softened and the tension left her body. She nodded. "Alright. I'll help take care of her while you are gone."

"Thank you," he said, pulling her in for a hug. "I appreciate it."

"You can thank me by coming back home to me, alright?" She released him, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him goodbye. "Be safe."

He promised he would be before leaving her tent. Tuck greeted him, handing Robin his satchel. "I've packed some provisions. It should be enough."

Robin thanked him before watching as John approached with his horse. Little John frowned as he handed over the reins. "Where's your bow and quiver?"

"I'm not taking them," Robin said. "I want to ride light so I only have my knife."

"A knife? You are approaching a royal castle with naught but your knife?" John asked, looking like he thought Robin had gone mad.

Robin mounted his horse before saying: "I am just a messenger. I don't think I'll need more than that. I shall be fine."

John tried to protest but Robin shot him a look, one that conveyed that it was not up for debate. His friend scowled but stepped back to stand next to Tuck. Robin then patted a pocket sewn inside his vest, assuring himself that he still had the Queen's letter for her father. With a wave to Marian, who stood by her tent, he urged his horse forward and rode out of camp, ready to deliver the Queen's message and hopefully provide some comfort to her father.

A/N: Here's the latest chapter! Robin and Regina have met in the Enchanted Forest, even if it's not the greatest of starts. But there's definitely more to come and you'll see how their story plays out, as well Storybrooke!Regina.

And there will be some angst coming for Regina as she wrestles with her feelings for Rob and the revelations the book has given her. Just remember that while the course of true love never did run smooth, pixie dust never lies.

I hope everyone has a great week!

-Mac