Word of Regina's condition had clearly spread throughout the palace for when Robin entered her room, all her advisors were gathered at the foot of her bed. They argued amongst themselves before turning on Henry the moment he stepped in, accusing him of not doing enough to stop his daughter from doing something so rash. None seemed concerned about Regina herself except for two of her ladies in waiting—Lady Mary Margaret and Lady Kathryn—who stood at her bedside, crying.
Robin ignored the advisors, approaching Regina's bed. She laid there, hands clasped on her chest and dark curls spilling over her shoulders. Her chest rose and fell, though the movements were so slight they would be easy to miss. But Regina was definitely asleep, though she didn't look as peaceful as she probably had thought she would be when she took the potion. He brushed his fingers against her cheek, wondering what she was dreaming about in this cursed sleep.
"You're going to save her, right?" Lady Mary Margaret asked him, eyes as red as Prince Henry's. "Please."
He nodded as the advisors started to yell about succession and the audacity of the queen to leave them in such a position. Tightening his fists, Robin whirled on them. "GET OUT!" he bellowed.
They fell silent, staring at him. He glared at them. "I mean it, get out. You're part of the reason why she did this. Somewhere along the way, you forgot your queen is also a person. Maybe you need to start treating her like one."
Chastened, the councilors left the queen's room. Robin turned back to Regina and took a deep breath. This was his final test—they either loved each other or they didn't. And if they didn't, she would sleep forever.
He bent over her, face hovering over hers. Closing his eyes, he closed the gap and pressed his lips to hers. A pulse blew past him, his hair blowing in a breeze. The others in the room gasped at it and he pulled back, hoping it meant there was a change in Regina.
Regina's eyes opened as she took in a big gulp of air. She shot up and he caught her, holding her close. Regina clutched onto him, gasping for air and he felt her heart race against his chest. He rubbed her back, rocking her gently.
"You did it," she whispered. "You passed."
"Honorably," he whispered back.
She leaned back, cupping his cheek with her hand. "I'm sorry. I should've talked to you rather than assuming the worst about you."
"You're forgiven." He kissed the underside of her wrist. "Just promise me you won't do something like this again."
Regina nodded, her eyes haunted. "I never want to go back there."
"Where?" he asked, concerned. It had to be an awful place and he wondered what she had experienced while asleep.
She shook her head. "Never mind. Help me stand, please."
Robin did as she asked, helping her out of bed. He wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her close though she seemed strong enough to stand on her own. Regina didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned closer to him as she smiled at her father. "Daddy."
"Oh, Regina." He rushed forward and the two embraced, each apologizing to the other.
Robin stood back, watching the tender father-daughter moment, when Lady Mary Margaret embraced him. "Thank you so much," she sobbed.
He patted her back awkwardly, keeping his eyes fixed on Regina as her father rocked her. Robin hoped she finally saw how many people really did care for her and that it would help her start healing.
As Lady Kathryn pulled Mary Margaret off him, Regina let go of her father and returned to Robin's embrace. He held her close, a hand tangling in her soft black hair as he held her head against his chest. Robin dropped a kiss to the top of her head. "Does this mean I get to marry you now?"
"If you want a wife with all my issues," she replied, letting out a soft chuckle.
"I see you more as a mystery I'm willing to spend the rest of my life solving."
Will groaned. "This is going to be my life now. Why don't you just leave me in Sherwood?"
"I do want to see it," Regina said, looking up at Robin. "Before we get married. I want to get to know your kingdom and your people the way you've gotten to know mine."
Happiness and pride filled Robin and he smiled, nodding. "Then we shall go to Sherwood."
The carriage bounced around on the uneven dirt road and Regina bit back another groan. "I hate traveling like this. Everything would be so much easier if I could ride my own horse. Or better yet, use my magic."
Across from her, Henry chuckled. "I know, my dear. But this makes the council feel much better about your safety."
"My magic would be the safest," Regina replied. "And faster."
Henry chuckled again. "Eager to see Robin again?"
Regina nodded, glancing out the window. Robin had returned to Sherwood a few weeks prior to prepare for her visit. She missed him and his bright smile daily, but she missed him most of all at night. Maleficent had been right about saving that curse for her worst enemy. Regina hadn't slipped into a peaceful sleep but had gone to a room filled with fire. She felt its heat, trapped and unable to move for fear of being burnt. Now every night, she returned to that room and would toss and turn until she would awaken.
After a few nights of that torment, Regina had lain in bed and wished she could find some way to chase off the nightmares. Her bed had dipped as a weight had landed on it and she sat up to find a surprised Robin in her bed. His suggestive smile fell as he grew concerned, sitting up to cup her cheek. "What's wrong, love?"
Everything about her nightmares spilled out and he held her close, promising to stay with her the night. They fell asleep in each other's arms and for the first time, Regina did not dream about the room.
After that, Robin spent his remaining nights in Misthaven sleeping in her bed. Regina cherished the feeling of being in his arms and the knowledge of how much he cared for her. But once he had gone, her nightmares had returned and she longed for the safety his arms once more.
The carriage stopped and she frowned. "What's going on?"
"I don't know but I hope it's not bandits," Henry replied as Regina conjured a fireball as the door opened, ready to attack whoever dared mess with her.
Robin's smiling face appeared, blue eyes lit up as they laid eyes on her. "Peace, milady, we're not bandits."
"Robin!" Her fireball died down as she smiled at him. "What are you doing here?"
"I couldn't wait to see you, so I rode out to meet you." He held out his arms and she slid into them as he lifted her from the carriage. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he held her aloft, running her fingers through his hair as she pressed her forehead to his. "You're more beautiful than I remember."
She smiled as she rolled her eyes. "I forgot how much of a flatterer you are."
"You love it," he replied, setting her on her feet as he leaned down to kiss her. She melted into it, having forgotten the fire he could ignite within her.
Behind them, Henry cleared his throat and the two broke apart. Robin smiled at the older man, holding out his hand. "Your Highness," he greeted.
"It is good to see you, Robin," Henry replied, shaking the prince's hand. "Though you did startle us."
Robin bowed his head. "My apologies. I hope you will permit me to spirit your daughter away, to ride with me instead of the carriage."
She had curled herself into Robin's embrace, her head resting on his shoulder as she believed she could fall asleep standing up. Regina lifted it, alert though confused. "What do you mean?"
"Come with me and I'll show you." He took her hand and led her toward the front of his company, where a large man with dark hair tied back and wearing a green tunic paired with black breeches held a white stallion she recognized as Robin's steed. Beside him stood a beautiful gray mare whose coat also had a few white splotches. Will held her, smiling at Regina.
Regina looked up at Robin. "Is she...Is she mine?"
"Yes, she is," Robin replied. "It took a bit longer than I expected, but she will now take a saddle and rider. But she still has some fire. I thought you'd like that."
"I do." She let go of his hand, approaching the horse. The mare let her pet her and Regina glanced back at Robin. "Does she have a name?"
"Not yet. I left you that honor." Robin stood next to her, hand on his back.
She turned back to the horse, considering her choices before she said, "There's a spell I use where the word for fire is Azar. I think I'll call her that."
"A good choice," Robin said before tilting her head toward him. He kissed her and she threw her arms around his neck, deepening it.
Someone cleared their throat and the royal couple broke apart. Will had an eyebrow raised and a smirk on his face. "Sorry to break that up, but we need to get going, Your Highness. Your parents and the people are waiting."
"People?" Regina asked. "What do you mean?"
Robin laced their fingers together. "Everyone is eager to meet the queen who saved them during the great sickness. They have lined the roads of Sherwood to see you. That's one of the reasons why we're riding the rest of the way."
"They are?" Regina was touched and nervous at the same time.
"They already love you as much as..." Robin trailed off as if realizing what he was about to say. Her heart sped up knowing what he was going to say. It had been too long since someone had loved her like that and the thought Robin did made her as giddy as a little girl.
He patted Azar's neck. "Let's get you on your steed, milady. Your admirers await."
Regina rode next to Robin, listening as he told her more about Sherwood and his people. His eyes lit up and pride filled his voice as he talked. She found herself watching him more than listening and believed she was falling harder for the man. Harder than she ever had for Daniel. And her heart skipped a beat knowing he was falling as hard for her.
Cheering reached her ears and she turned her eyes from Robin back to the road. People-mostly farmers, she gathered from their clothes made from homespun wool and dyed darker colors, no doubt made from organic ingredients they could find in the woods—lined the dirt road. They cheered and waved at the royal procession. A few held up wildflowers as she passed. "For the Merciful Queen," one said.
The title touched her. She smiled at the woman, thanking her for the flowers as she took the bouquet.
It was the same as she continued down the road. More people appeared to get a glimpse of her, handing her flowers and shouting kind words at her as she passed. She had amassed a large bouquet before she had even arrived at the city and she turned to Robin, smiling. "What should I do with these?"
"Will can take them," Robin said, motioning for his man to come forward. "We'll figure out what to do with them once we get to the palace."
"Thank you," she said, handing the flowers to Will. "I think there's just going to be one room just full of flowers."
Robin chuckled. "I think you're right."
Trumpets blared as they entered the main city, people lining the street and others hanging from windows of the houses that lined the road. Children sat on their parents' shoulders and a few bigger boys had climbed trees to see her and Prince Robin as they processed through.
More flowers were thrusted up at her. She tried to take as many as she could but Will and Little John had to help her. Robin also took some of the flowers, promising his people the Queen would get them. They exchanged smiles as Regina caught sight of a group of girls ahead, who were jumping up and down as she approached.
She brought Azar to a halt and dismounted, passing the reins to Will. Approaching the children, she knelt down to be eye-level with them. "Hello there," she said, smiling.
"Are you the Queen who gave us the medicine?" one of the little girls asked.
Regina nodded. "Did it help you get better?"
"Yes it did!" the girl exclaimed. She threw her arms around Regina. "Thank you so much."
She hugged the girl back before opening her arms to hug more of the children. They squeezed into her embrace, everyone laughing as she tried to hug them all. One little girl placed a flower crown on her head. "Every queen deserves a crown," she said.
"Thank you. It's my favorite crown yet," Regina said, kissing the girl's cheek.
Robin knelt next to her. "Mine as well."
The girls giggled as one produced another flower crown. "This one is for you, Your Highness."
"Well, thank you," he said, bowing his head so the girl could place it on his hair. He looked up, smiling. "How do I look?"
"Very handsome," they chorused.
Regina smiled as she met Robin's eyes. "I have to agree."
The girls giggled before one patted her shoulder. Regina leaned down as the girl asked: "Are you going to marry the prince?"
"I am," Regina replied, giving Robin a coy look. He gave her a half-smile in return as the girls burst into excited chatter over the thought of a royal wedding.
Robin leaned closer, resting his forehead against hers. "Shall we continue, milady?"
"Do we have to?" she asked as the girls cuddled closer to her. "I'm enjoying myself."
"I can see that. But my parents are waiting," he said. "I'm afraid we have to go."
Regina hugged the disappointed girls before allowing Robin to help her up. He pulled her close, whispering: "You have the touch of a mother, Regina. You are destined to be one, I know it."
She smiled, locking her fingers with his as they continued greeting people as they walked down the road to the palace.
Robin and Regina rode side by side through the palace gate. Every member of the Sherwood royal court lined the courtyard, watching as the two royals approached the many stone steps that led into the small palace Robin and his family called home.
Even had King Roland and Queen Isabelle not been wearing their finery and best jewels, Regina would've recognized them. Robin was a perfect blend of them-his father's blonde hair and strong jaw matched with his mother's bright blue eyes and smile. They watched as their son helped her dismount and, hand-in-hand, they approached the Sherwood monarchs.
"Mother, Father, may I introduce Regina, Queen of Misthaven," he said, stepping back so Regina was front and center.
She bobbed a curtsy, though it was a bit awkward in her breeches and riding coat. King Roland took her hands and helped her up. "There is no need to bow to us. We are equals, Your Majesty."
Queen Isabelle stepped forward and wrapped the younger monarch in a warm hug. "We are so pleased to finally meet the woman who has stolen our Robin's heart."
Regina's own heart skipped a beat to hear that. She pulled away from the other queen, smiling. "I am so happy to be here in Robin's beloved Sherwood."
"Let's get you and your father inside so you can rest from your long journey. Then we'll have a banquet in your honor," Isabelle declared.
Robin took Regina's hand again, helping her inside the palace as Henry followed them ahead of the court. She wrapped her hand around his arm instead, leaning against him to murmur: "I feel like I'm coming home."
"Good," he whispered, kissing the side of her head. "Because I want this to be your home as well."
Regina snuck into Robin's room her first night in Sherwood, using her magic to appear in his bed. He was still up and waiting for her, though he frowned when she appeared. "You're still having the nightmares?"
"Yes," she said, curling close to him. "You're the only thing that keeps them away."
He kissed her forehead before blowing out the candles. Wrapping his arms around her, they fell asleep. And for the first time in a month, Regina had a peaceful sleep.
Will and Henry knew where Regina spent her nights. If anyone else at court did, they didn't say anything. When she brought it up to Robin, he chuckled. "We're betrothed. It is acceptable in Sherwood for a betrothed couple to share a bed before the wedding," he explained. "Many a bride has gone down the aisle already with child."
"Is that your plan for me?" she asked.
He smiled. "Something tells me your advisors would be thrilled if it were."
"Forget them," she replied, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I would be thrilled."
Robin's smile grew. "Well, then, milady, I suggest we get started on making that wish come true."
She nuzzled him as he pulled off her shift, letting it drop to the floor. A few seconds later, his own nightshirt joined it as they consummated their betrothal.
Regina enjoyed her time in Sherwood. Everything seemed so much simpler in Robin's rural kingdom and she felt freer. She suspected it was because she wasn't the ruler and didn't have to make complex decisions each day, though Robin did include her in many of his meetings.
"You said you wanted to just be my consort," Regina said early on, curled up next to Robin as he went over a legal document for some trade agreement. "I'm happy just being yours."
He kissed her forehead. "I know, but you said that should anything happen to you before our children are old enough to take the throne, you want me to govern Misthaven. I feel the same about you and Sherwood."
She kissed him before nuzzling their noses together. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For trusting me," she whispered.
He brushed her cheek with his thumb. "I love you."
"Look at them," King Roland teased as he escorted Queen Isabelle into the room. "Warms my heart to see two people in love."
Regina smirked as she turned to Robin. "I see where you get from."
"It's only going to get worse, my dear," Queen Isabelle replied with a chuckle.
"I guess it's something to look forward to." Regina took Robin's hand, lacing their fingers together as he smiled at her.
"We are so pleased that you are joining our family, Regina," the queen said. "Especially after seeing how happy Robin is around you. That's all we've ever wanted for him."
King Roland smiled at his queen, placing his hand on hers. "We were a love match and had hoped Robin would experience the same."
"I wanted love as well," Regina admitted. "And I found it in your son."
Robin pulled her close, kissing her head. Queen Isabelle smiled, leaning forward. "So, I guess the only question that remains is: When is the wedding?"
It was decided that Robin and Regina would marry one month after she left Sherwood. She returned to Misthaven, ready to plan her wedding while Robin attended to his duties in his own kingdom. Preparations though were not enough to distract her from how much she missed Robin, especially at night as the images of a room engulfed in flames haunted her again. Regina slept in fits, counting the days until she was back in Robin's arms.
Soon, she stood on the steps of her own palace in a beautiful gold gown and with her dark hair pulled up into a bun, her crown of diamonds encircling it. They caught the morning sun as she watched the party from Sherwood ride into her court. Robin once again rode his white stallion, halting the animal before her stairs. He dismounted and she smiled to see he had worn a golden tunic, as if he had read her mind and known to match her.
"Your Majesty," he said, bowing low before her.
She took his hands, pulling him back up. "No need to bow to me anymore, Robin," she whispered. "We're equals."
He smiled and tried to raise her hand to his lips. Instead, she pulled him down until their lips met. A cheer rose from the crowd and the two smiled as their kiss continued.
They were married the next day in front of her entire court. She wore a white gown with gold embroidery in the bodice. Her handmaidens had twisted her hair into an elaborate hairstyle of curls and gems, once again containing it inside her diamond-encrusted tiara. Will had shown up at her door with a necklace for her, Robin's wedding present to her. It was a beautiful gold necklace with his family's crest-a roaring lion-hanging from the edge of the chain. He placed it around her neck as she admired it in the mirror. "Tell him that I love it," she told Will.
"If you say it a little louder, he'll be able to hear you where he's lurking in the hallway," Will said, motioning outside her room with his thumb. Robin's indignant bark of his friend's name proved his presence.
Regina laughed as she pulled out a gold crown, handing it to Will. "Can you give this to him? It's tradition for new kings to wear this at their wedding here in Misthaven."
"Of course, Your Majesty. I'm certain he'll be happy to wear it," Will said. Then louder: "Right, Robin?"
"Honored, my love," Robin yelled back.
She smiled, shaking her head. "Will, what would he ever do without you?"
"Let's hope we never find out," Will replied, bowing to Regina. "My queen."
She curtsied in response before Henry appeared, looking amused. "I see Robin was lurking around. Will is chasing him down to ride out to the cathedral now."
"He couldn't stay away for too long. But don't worry, we didn't see each other," Regina assured him. "We don't want to jinx this."
Henry took her hands. "I think this marriage is blessed, Regina. You two will be happy, no matter what the outside world throws at you."
"Thank you, Daddy," she said, hugging him. She then whispered something into his ear and his smile grew brighter.
He patted her hands. "Come on, my girl. Let's go get you married."
When she spotted Robin waiting for her in front of the archbishop, Regina wanted nothing more than to sprint down the aisle to him. But Henry kept a good grip on her arm, guiding her down the aisle while she looked as poised as possible. Cora would've been proud…if Regina believed her mother capable of actually feeling anything but contempt. Robin bowed to Henry when they reached him before taking Regina's hand to lead her the rest of the way.
The ceremony itself was a blur. She focused on Robin's warm hand wrapped around hers, the twinkle in his eyes and how the golden crown went well with his hair. He slid a large diamond ring onto her finger as he promised to spend the rest of his life by her side. She promised the same, regretting tradition did not call for her to give him a ring as well. As the Archbishop proclaimed them husband and wife, Robin drew her close and kissed her. Cheers erupted from the crowd and Regina smiled against his lips.
Robin led her back down the aisle to the waiting carriage. People lined the streets back to the palace, eager to catch a glimpse of their new king. The two waved as flowers were tossed up and their subjects shouted best wishes for a long and happy marriage.
An older woman emerged from the crowd and Regina felt pulled to her. She leaned forward, asking the driver to stop the carriage. Robin frowned. "Is something wrong?"
"No," she replied. "There's just someone I think I need to talk to."
Will helped her out of the carriage and she approached the woman. A film covered both her eyes and Regina realized she was blind. But something in the air around her told the queen that this woman was not some helpless crone who needed help.
She held out a rose to the queen. "A gift for the beautiful bride."
"Thank you," Regina said, taking the flower. "This may be simple but I can tell it is given with love. I am honored by your presence."
"Such a sweet young woman. Your mother did you wrong to try and harden your heart. It is your greatest strength."
Regina smiled, tears filling her eyes. "May I have your blessing?"
"Of course, but you don't need it. You've got him." The woman motioned to a confused Robin, who was still sitting in the carriage. "As long as you two stay true to each other, you can weather any storm."
Robin met her eyes and smiled at her. She nodded. "Thank you. Is there anything we can do for you?"
"Oh, no. I'm quite content with my lot in life. I just wanted to wish you luck." The woman released Regina's hand, giving her a knowing look. "And to tell you that your king is a very virile man. I see many children in your future."
Flushing, Regina returned to the carriage. Robin helped her in, wrapping his arm around her as she settled back in the red plush seat. He leaned close, whispering: "Is everything all right?"
"Everything is perfect," she replied, resting her head on his shoulder.
That night, Robin and Regina laid entwined in their bed with her head resting against his chest. She traced lazy patterns against his skin while he carded his fingers through her hair. "I wish my ring wasn't so big," she said, glancing to where she had left it on her vanity. "It's too burdensome to wear."
"It is, isn't?" Robin reached over, picking up his tunic where it had been discarded. He pulled out a small black box and held it out to her. "Good thing I had these made then."
Regina opened the box to reveal two silver rings. The smaller one had several diamonds encrusted in it and Robin took it out. "Give me your hand, please," he said.
Smiling, she obliged and watched as he slid the ring on her finger. He kissed her hand before laying it over his heart. "In Sherwood, rings don't represent ownership. They represent the vow to be faithful and to cherish one's partner."
"I like that," Regina said, pulling out the other ring. "So this one is for you?"
He nodded, holding out his hand. She slid the ring on his finger, smiling. "There. We match."
"Glad you approve." Robin wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against his chest, kissing the top of her head. "Almost a Sherwood bride."
"Oh, I am a true Sherwood bride," she said, smiling.
He had resumed carding his fingers through her hair and they stilled as her meaning sunk in. "Regina?"
"Yes, love?"
"Are you...?" It seemed like the words died in Robin's throat. He swallowed and tried again. "Are you with child?"
She propped herself up, looking into his eyes. Hope and love swirled in their blue depths and she smiled. "Yes, love."
Robin let out a soft chuckle, rolling them over so he could hover over her. "How long have you known?"
"Only a couple days," Regina said, running her hands up and down his arms. "I noticed my courses hadn't come so I asked for the test. The midwife cautioned me not to get my hopes up but my feeling had been right. I left Sherwood with a little piece of you inside me."
"Does anyone else know?" Robin asked. "Besides the midwife?"
"I told my father this morning, before the wedding. That's all."
He bit his lip before lowering himself down to kiss her. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," she said, pressing her forehead to his. "I may not be a fairy tale princess, but I do believe we got a fairy tale ending."
Robin chuckled, holding her closer as they fell asleep, ready to start the rest of their lives together.
A/N: And there's the conclusion! I hope everyone enjoyed it.
I know there were some requests for me to expand this a bit. And I would love to—give you guys the M-rated version of Regina and Robin's nights together—but I'm already swamped with five ongoing Outlaw Queen fics. Maybe one day I'll revisit this story.
For those reading "The Land Without Magic" and wondering where Chapter 8 is…I wasn't happy with it. So I've delayed it to Sunday so I could make it better.
Thanks for your support!
-Mac