A/N: I present you my new story. About a third to half of it is already written, and I truly want to avoid dragging it for as long as Jtf, WIRM or Chase. I'll do my best to update regularly. Chase will be prioritized in the updates until it is completed, and I will make sure it is before the end of the year. However, Broken Vow won't be left out, don't worry.
Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine, they belong to OUAT's producers. However, I took the liberty of changing the relationships between most of them, often creating versions of the characters that you are not used to seeing. I hope this won't be too disturbing.
This story takes place in the world of OUAT, but in a non-magical version of the Enchanted Forest.
It will be told mostly from Robin's point of view, and in some chapters from Regina's as well.
This story is the basis of a deep inner turmoil and questioning for our two main characters, which makes me say that it is in a way, a little dark. As usual, the angst will be present, and if there won't really be any physical suffering as it was the case in my other stories, the pain here will be rather psychological... but with moderation. I don't think I've gone as far as I could in my previous stories.
For those who are interested, yes, there will be some smut, possibly even a little more than I am used to writing. We'll see if my muse takes me as far as my imagination when I come to write these passages.
This story has not been proofread, so I apologize in advance for any errors you may find in it, especially since English is not my native language.
Please, do not forget to review. Thank you.
Prologue
He's standing in the middle of the room, letting the servants chatter around him, dressing him in his executioner's attire.
Silk shirt.
Black velvet jacket with silver buttons.
Leather belt around his waist.
Black corduroy trousers embroidered with gold threads.
Mid-calf leather boots.
Sheathed sword.
The ritual is the same every time, so much so that each of his movements is instinctive, habit taking precedence over reflection.
When the last button is fastened, the servant steps aside, letting him judge his outfit in the mirror facing him. As usual, he gives his approval with a barely perceptible nod, a signal that it is time to add the final touch.
A long velvet cape is placed on his shoulders, fixed to his torso by the family crest made of gold and silver intertwined around a diamond.
He smiles at the image reflected in the mirror, satisfied. It's time.
xxx
The crowd applauses and cheers at this appearance, so loudly that it has him smiling without forcing it. His hand is in the air, waving at them, greeting his people. He steps forward, holding out his hands, motioning for silence, that he obtains immediately.
"My loving people," he begins, his voice strong and loud, covering the whole crowd. "Many of you, concerned for our safety, have taken part in the fight that unites us against the rebels in the North, who plunder and destroy our beloved land, who rape your mothers, your sisters and your daughters. Who murder your fathers, your brothers and your sons. Let the dissidents be afraid. I have always behaved in such a way that I have placed my greatest strength and my greatest safeguard in the loyal hearts and good will of my subjects; and that is why I, Robin Sebastian, Crown Prince of this kingdom, called the Dark Prince by the rebels for having taken up arms to defend you, stand before you, as you see, at this moment, not to entertain myself, but to announce to you that on this solemn day we have taken one more step towards victory. For the leader of the rebels stands before us. This man you see has been recognized as such. When the snake's head is cut off, the rest is just a rope. On this day, I tell you, the end of the rebellion has come. We will soon have a famous victory over these enemies of my kingdom and my people. In the meantime, as the merciful prince that I am, I will give this man one last chance to speak before his execution."
He looks sternly at the man in shackles knelt in front of him, his head high and facing the crowd, defiant.
"Before fate descends upon you, do you have any final wishes?"
Robin stares expectantly, but when he believed that the leader of the rebel would try to speak out against the Crown, he's surprised to see him stay silent, slowly, almost imperceptibly, shaking his head, not once looking away from the crowd.
"Very well then."
He raises his sword to the acclamation of the people, preparing to deliver the fatal blow that he hopes will bring an end to the war that has been waged since before his birth.
As the blade falls, separating the head from the body of the man responsible for hundreds of deaths, Robin is certain: He has fulfilled his destiny.
The next chapter takes place two years later, as Robin prepares to spend a month's vacation at his family's summer home. Little does he really know what to expect there...
TBC? Or should I leave it here? What did you think of this prologue?