Chapter 7: The Heart

Roland pumped his little legs as he urged the swing to go higher and higher. His laughter carried on the breeze blowing through the park as Regina stood nearby, ready to jump in if something went wrong and he needed help. But for now, he came as close to flying as he could as his curls moved in the breeze.

Watching his unbridled joy warmed her heart and made it feel lighter than it had in months.

"Look at me, Regina!" he called out. "Look at high I'm going."

She nodded. "I see. Just be careful, okay?"

"I will," he replied, his voice carrying on the wind. "I promise."

Regina relaxed as she watched him continue to swing. But she did glance at the path where Robin and Henry had disappeared down shortly after they had met up in the park. She wondered how their talk was going and hoped that Robin was able to get Henry to be more open to her. It was one of her last chances as Dr. Hopper's sessions seemed to be going nowhere with Henry.

But Regina's hopes weren't high. She feared she had lost her son for good to that blasted Savior.

And she didn't know how she would cope if that was the case.

"Regina!"

She blinked as Roland's panicked cry startled her out of her downward spiral of dark thoughts. Regina's stomach turned when she saw that he was now going way too high and losing grip on the ropes holding up the swings. Moving forward, she called out: "Stop pumping your legs. That will slow the swing down."

"I'm scared!" he said, though he stopped moving his legs. To her relief, he was starting to quickly lose speed but she still worried he would let go before the swing came to a stop.

"It's okay, sweetheart," she assured him, positioning herself below him. "I'm right here. I've got you."

Roland glanced down at her rather than waiting until he was on the downswing. She knew that was the wrong decision even before he lost all color in his face. As he came down, he leaned too far forward and the rubber material of the swing seat started to bend the wrong way. Regina didn't know if it forced him to let go of the ropes or if he let go on his own but either way, he started to fly toward her. Widening her stance, she braced herself for impact as she reached out to catch him.

His small body collided with hers. Roland wrapped his arms around her neck and his legs around her body as she stumbled backwards, propelled by the force he had created. She felt something hard against her legs and when she fell backwards, a bench broke her fall. Pain radiated throughout her ass and tailbone but it was much better than hitting her back or head on the ground.

Quickly orienting herself, she rubbed Roland's back as she tried to comfort the shaking boy. "I've got you," she assured him. "You're alright. You're safe."

Roland sobbed, no doubt more from fear than pain, and she rocked him as he let it out. She kept murmuring reassuring words into his hair, slowly comforting the young boy until he was only sniffing and hiccupping.

"Roland? Roland, what's wrong?" Robin knelt in front of the bench, his eyes focused on his son as he frowned. "What happened?"

"We had a bit of a scare," Regina replied, still rubbing Roland's back. "But I think we're feeling better and have learned about our limits on the swings. Do you agree, Roland?"

He nodded, sniffing. "Regina saved me."

"I caught him when he fell off," Regina said, kissing the top of his head. "And I would happily do it again."

Robin glanced up at her with a soft smile. "I have no doubt about that."

Warmth spread through her at how much he trusted her with his son as she ran her fingers through his curls. Robin quickly checked Roland for any possible injuries and once he was certain his son was fine, he kissed Roland's forehead. "You need to be more careful, okay?"

"Okay," Roland said, cuddling against Regina as Robin stood. She glanced over at Henry, who watched the scene intently. It caused something to flutter in her stomach as she asked: "How was your walk?"

"Good," Robin said, squeezing Henry's shoulder. "I think we had a good talk."

Henry nodded. "We did. And Robin knows a lot about the woods."

Robin chuckled. "When the weather gets warmer, I can take you and Roland camping."

"What about Regina?" Roland asked, looking up at her with his big brown eyes.

"I'm not much for camping," she told him. "I prefer to go home to my own bed at the end of the day."

Robin rubbed his son's legs. "We can find other activities we can do with Regina. Camping can be just for us boys, how does that sound?"

"That sounds good," Roland said, seemingly placated. "Can I go on the jungle gym now?"

Amused at how resilient children could be, Regina glanced up at Roland. He smiled, nodding. "Of course you can," he said.

"I'll come with you, Roland," Henry replied, taking Roland's hand once he hopped off Regina's lap. The two walked off, leaving their parents behind to talk with as much privacy a park bench afforded.

Robin sat down next to Regina, who moved a bit closer to him. "How was the walk really?"

"It really was just as I said," he said. "We had a good talk and I think I gave Henry some things to really think about when it came to you."

"Like what?" she asked, curious.

He rested his elbow on the back of the bench as he angled his body to face her better. "Like maybe he should trust his own experiences of you rather than some storybook that portrays you as the Evil Queen and me as the Prince of Thieves."

"So he thinks you're Robin Hood," she said, knowing that was his true identity and not surprised that Henry had figured it out. She just hoped it didn't start to awaken Robin's memory as it had Graham's.

"He does," Robin said. "And I'm honored. Robin Hood was a great man who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. But other than our intense hatred of injustice, I don't really identify much with him – even given my name."

She chuckled, feeling a bit relieved but still curious. "What else did he tell you about the book?"

"Told me who others in the town are supposed in the book," he replied, shrugging. "How we're all cursed, yada yada ya. He has a very active imagination but needs to learn when he can and cannot blur the line between fiction and reality. And when it hurts someone else, that is definitely a time not to."

"Yeah," she said, glad that Robin didn't believe Henry's theory and that he was on her side.

He took her hand. "And I do think I had a breakthrough with him and I think he's slowly going to learn where to draw the line."

"I hope so," Regina said, looking over at where Henry was helping Roland cross the monkey bars. He smiled brightly and her heart skipped a beat, hoping that soon that smile would be directed at her again.

"We just have to take this one day at a time," Robin told her, wrapping his arm around her now. "It will take some time but we'll get through this."

She looked up at him. "We?"

He nodded. "We. I'm in this with you for the long haul. You don't have to do this alone."

"You mean that?" she asked, wondering if she was about to wake up from a dream. She really hoped not because even if it was a dream, it was a wonderful one.

- "I do," he replied. "You've got a partner."

She smiled, her heart skipping a beat. "I like the sound of that."

"Good," he said, gently cupping her chin. He leaned forward and captured her lips in a sweet kiss full of promise. She melted into it, enjoying this moment where she was able to kiss the man she loved while their children played in the background.

Regina had never felt happier.

And perhaps that should've worried her more.

"Madam Mayor?"

Regina looked up to find her assistant standing in the doorway, looking nervous. Frowning, Regina asked: "What is it?"

"Sheriff Swan just called," she said. "She said she had a break in the disappearance of Kathryn Nolan and wants you to meet her by the toll bridge over the Storybrooke reservoir."

"The toll bridge?" Regina asked, her heart sinking. It was too close to the town line for her comfort. Why was Gold holding Kathryn out there? And where was he holding her out there? To Regina's knowledge, there was nothing for a couple miles all around except trees and wildlife.

Her assistant nodded. "Shall I postpone your meetings?"

"Yes, please," Regina said. "Reschedule them for later in the week, please."

"Not tomorrow?" her assistant asked, frowning.

Regina hesitated before shaking her head. "I don't know what Sheriff Swan found and what it means. So I'd rather be safe than sorry."

"Understandable," the woman replied. "I'll start postponing them."

After putting on her coat, Regina picked up her purse and headed for the door. "I should see you tomorrow."

Regina didn't wait for an answer as she walked as fast as she could without running to the front doors of Town Hall. She pulled them open and crossed to her car, glad she gave herself such a convenient spot. Within minutes, she had pulled away from Town Hall and was on her way to the Toll Bridge.

She spotted the ambulance as she approached the bridge. Her heart had jumped into her throat as she parked next to it. Was Kathryn hurt? Did Gold do something to her? Or did had whoever he had hired to kidnap her hurt her – or worse?

If anything happened to Kathryn, Regina vowed to make Gold pay.

Regina stood at the top of the hill, noting that Robin and Will were tending to Ruby. Frowning, she started to navigate down the hill but her heels were not meant for the terrain. She nearly slipped a few times, crying out when she nearly fell backwards. It caught Robin's attention and he jogged up to her. "Here, let me help you," he said, taking her arm.

"Thank you," she replied. "What's wrong with Ruby?"

"Likely a panic attack," he said. "She got a good scare."

That made her stomach sink as they reached flat terrain. She swallowed as she asked: "Do you know what scared her?"

"I don't know," he replied. He then frowned. "Why are you here?"

"Miss Swan called me saying that she had found something associated with Kathryn's disappearance," Regina explained, now really worried about what had happened to her friend.

He gave her hand a squeeze. "Do you want me to come with you?"

For a moment, she considered accepting his offer before shaking her head. Regina didn't need a man like some damsel in distress. She could handle getting bad news. "I'll be fine," she assured him.

"Alright," he said, releasing her hand. "I'll be right here."

She walked toward the bridge, where Emma stood staring at something on the ground. Regina's blood pounded in her ear as she approached the sheriff. "What do you have?" she asked.

Emma looked at her and Regina saw the blood had drained from her face. Her green eyes were wide. "We, um, well Ruby found that box. When she opened it…there's a…Well, it's…"

"Spit it out, Miss Swan," Regina snapped, not in the mood for the sheriff's stalling. Her nerves were already on edge.

All Emma could do was just point at the box. Regina sighed, stepping up to it. She looked down and felt her lunch rise back up her throat. It burned the back of her mouth as she pressed her hand there, trying to keep it down as her mind processed what was in the box.

It was a heart.

And Regina was pretty sure it was human.

"Please tell me we don't think that's Kathryn's heart," Regina said, feeling her stomach churn while her blood boiled. Gold was going to pay for this if it was.

"I don't know what to think," Emma said. "Someone is coming from the hospital to run some tests on it for me."

Regina nodded. "Good. Maybe you can get a lead from the box its in."

Emma hesitated after that, her eyes darting to the box and back to Regina very rapidly. Regina frowned. "Do you already have a lead about the box?"

"I'm not sure," Emma said slowly. It was almost as if she didn't want to tell Regina what she knew.

Regina, though, was not going to let Emma hold anything back when her friend's life was on the line. "Just tell me."

"I think it's Mary Margaret's," Emma blurted out.

"What?" Regina asked, wondering how Gold managed to get something like that to implicate Snow White.

Emma shifted from foot to foot. "It looks like a jewelry case she keeps in her room. But there's no way she would want to kill Kathryn."

"Except that she's having an affair with Kathryn's husband," Regina reminded her coldly.

"But David and Kathryn are getting a divorce," Emma replied. "He could be with her openly now."

Regina hummed, her mind working as she tried to figure out what Rumple's plan would be. "A divorce can take a while, even with both parties agreeing to it and it being mostly amicable. Maybe Mary Margaret thought it would be quicker if Kathryn was out of the picture. David would probably get everything rather than half as well."

"Mary Margaret wouldn't do something like this," Emma insisted. "You know her, what she's like. Does she seem like someone who would kill someone else?"

"No, but in my life, Miss Swan, I've found that people are capable of doing anything, especially when it comes to love," Regina replied, thinking of everything she had done to avenge Daniel's untimely death.

That seemed to give Emma pause and Regina stepped forward. "Are you able to continue investigating this, Miss Swan? Or should I ask for help elsewhere?"

Doubt flickered in Emma's eyes before they hardened again. When she spoke, her voice was firm. "No, Madam Mayor. I will be able to handle this."

"Good," Regina said. "Please keep me updated."

Without waiting for Emma's response, Regina turned and headed back out to Robin. Her mind was spinning as she worried that their plan could backfire. That maybe Emma would be able to prove Mary Margaret's innocence or even vow to stay in Storybrooke until she could. If that was the case, Regina worried she would never be rid of that pesky savior.

No, she told herself. You know the type of person Emma Swan is. She is cynical and will run once her belief is broken. Just stick to this plan and pray that Kathryn really isn't dead.

Robin approached her as she emerged from under the bridge. "What's going on?"

"Ruby found a heart in a chest," Regina said, her voice cracking as she said it. "Someone is coming to run some tests on it."

"Do…Do you think it's Kathryn's?" he asked, the color draining from his face as well.

She swallowed as her chest constricted. "I don't know but I really hope not."

He pulled her in for a hug, kissing the top of her head. "We need to stay positive, okay? I'm sure Kathryn's fine."

"I am trying to believe that," she said, feeling the tears from the anger raging inside her prick her eyes. "But it's so difficult sometimes and especially now with that heart..."

"We don't know whose heart it is," he assured her. "Let's not assume the worst, yeah?"

She swallowed. "It's all I can do."

He leaned back, looking concerned as he gazed down at her. "Do you want me to come over tonight?"

"I don't want to keep interrupting your schedule," she said, feeling guilty. "You and Roland."

"It's fine. Roland asks for you now," he replied. "He likes visiting your house."

That made her heart melt. "I like having him in my house."

He grinned before it fell. "Do you think Henry would mind? I wouldn't want to make things worse between you by constantly invading his space."

"I don't know," she replied honestly. "I don't think he minds having you over but he's not really telling me anything these days."

She glanced over at the bridge and saw Emma walking away from it. Regina prayed that Gold's plan would work and she would be free of the woman so she could get her life back on track. Her happy ending would not slip through her fingers.

Not this time.

"How about I stop by later and we can see if Henry is up for visitors?" Robin suggested, rubbing her back.

Regina nodded. "That sounds good."

It did sound good. She could always use Henry as an excuse if she decided that she didn't want Robin around after all. Regina knew she couldn't become too reliant on him, not until her happy ending was secured again. Until then, she worried she could lose him at any time.

Just another reason Gold's plan had to work.

She had too much at stake for it too fail.

"Will and I have to get back to the station," he told her, kissing her cheek. "I'll see you later."

"See you," she said, watching as he climbed into the ambulance with Will. She stood there as he drove it away, heading back to his station.

Pressing a hand to her stomach, she took a deep breath before approaching a still shaken Ruby. "Are you okay, Miss Lucas?" she asked. "Do you need a ride somewhere?"

"I've got her," Emma said, giving Regina a hard look as if she suspected Regina had something to do with Kathryn's demise. She gently took Ruby's arm and guided the other woman away from the mayor.

Regina tried not to huff as she headed back to her car. She climbed in and briefly worried that Emma suspected her in Kathryn's disappearance. But she brushed it aside – she had an alibi after all. And she honestly didn't know what Gold had done with her friend. If Emma tried to go after her, she wouldn't find anything.

Starting the car, Regina decided she still needed to have a talk with Gold to find out if Kathryn was alive or not. Putting her car into drive, she drove back toward town and hoped that her former mentor had some answers for her.

Because if he didn't, he would regret it.

"Any updates on the heart?" Robin asked Regina, handing her a cup of coffee after leaving Granny's.

She shook her head as they walked down the street together. "The hospital is still waiting for the tests to come back and I'm still stuck in limbo."

"Is Mary Margaret still the main suspect?" he asked, taking her hand and lacing his fingers with hers. "I still can't believe she would do it."

"Would you believe she was having an affair with a married man before last month?" Regina asked him, studying him.

He seemed to think it over before sighing, shaking his head. "I guess we may think we really know a person and then we find out we don't at all."

Regina's stomach twisted in a knot, knowing that was true of her. And she worried that one day he would find out that he didn't know her at all either. For now, though, she swallowed it down and focused on something else. "Well, how well did you think you knew Mary Margaret Blanchard before this?"

"Well, I wouldn't have called her a friend," he said. "Just someone I knew. But I thought she was pretty much what you see is what you get, if you know what I mean."

"I do," she replied, knowing that was a pretty apt description of who she made Mary Margaret Blanchard to be.

He nodded. "I guess everyone has layers we may never know about."

"True," she said. "And who knows? Maybe we're just discovering how many Mary Margaret Blanchard really has."

"And do you think one of those layers is a killer?" he asked, taking another sip of his coffee as he studied her now.

She shrugged, knowing the truth. "Maybe. But I think anyone could be pushed to murder under the right circumstances."

"Could you murder someone?" he asked, eyeing her. "Under the right circumstances?"

"Yes," she said without hesitation. She met his gaze. "You?"

He paused for a moment before nodding. "Under the right circumstances, yes."

Relief filled her and she found she was glad that he had some darkness in him as well. She didn't know if it would work between them if he didn't at least understand that part of her as her darkness would always be part of who she was.

And if they were to make it, no matter what happened with the curse, he would need to understand that.

"Well, now that we established that, why don't we switch to a lighter topic?" he asked, clearing his throat as well.

She nodded, feeling like they were skirting a topic that could be dangerous and so grateful to discuss something else. "What do you have in mind?"

"Our next date," he replied. "Why don't I cook for you at my house this time? Just the two of us."

"What about Roland? And doesn't your friend John live with you?" she asked, feeling confused.

He nodded. "But John has another place he can go with Roland if I ask him for the house. He's done it before."

"Oh?" she asked, fighting the jealousy that rose through her. She had thought she was the first serious relationship Robin had had since losing his wife. But had there been some brief flings or one-night stands he hadn't disclosed? Not that he really had to – it was his life. He could do whatever he wanted with whoever he wanted, especially before they had met.

Still, she hated the thought of him being with anyone else.

Robin tilted his head, an amused look in his eyes. "Yes. I like to have wild sex parties, you know."

"Ha, ha," she said, narrowing her eyes at his poor attempt to rattle her. "Very funny."

"Sorry, but I could see the jealousy in your eyes and I thought I would have a little fun," he said, kissing her forehead. "I honestly feel like a monk since Marian died. There's been no one."

Relief filled her as well as remorse. "Sorry. You didn't need to defend your love life to me. But if we're being honest, I used to have an…arrangement with Graham. I wouldn't really classify it as a relationship. We just scratched each other's itches, you know?"

He nodded, rubbing her back. "I understand. And just like you said, you don't need to defend anything to me. We all handle our needs the way we think is best. And as long as it's not illegal or ultimately self-destructive, there's nothing wrong with that."

"What did I do to deserve someone so accepting like you?" she asked, wishing that she didn't feel so guilty. She knew she didn't really deserve him but she wasn't going to let him go.

She always had been selfish like that.

"I'm sure you've done plenty," he replied, "but I'm the lucky one to be considered worthy of you."

Her heart melted and she leaned closer to him, praying that she didn't lose him the way she lost all the good things in her life. She didn't know if she could survive it, especially if she was also unable to get her son back as well.

"So, is that a yes?" he asked. "You'll come over and let me cook dinner for you at my place? Just the two of us?"

Regina laughed, nodding. "It's a yes. I'm looking forward to it. When will this be?"

"How much time will you need to find someone to watch Henry?" he asked.

"Oh," she replied, her heart sinking as she realized she didn't have many options. "I don't know. I would've turned to Kathryn but…"

She paused as a lump formed in her throat. Regina took a deep breath, trying to keep the tears at bay as Robin rubbed her back. "I know. Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked softly.

"Not for this," she said softly. "I'll, um, I'll ask Dr. Hopper. He's watched Henry in the past for me and they have a good bond."

"Okay," he replied. "But if not, I'm sure John wouldn't mind watching Henry as well, if you're okay with it."

She hesitated. While Robin trusted John with his son, she didn't know if she could trust him with hers – or if John was prepared to handle a child who was twice Roland's age and rather sullen most of the time. "I don't know him," she told Robin.

"Right," he said. He let out a little laugh. "It feels like you've always been in my life that I forget we really only just met and you don't know many of my friends."

"I want to," she said, surprised. "I got a glimpse at your life in the firehouse and I really want to get to know the people who are important to you. You already know the people important to me. It only seems fair."

He smiled, nodding. "Alright. I'll plan a big barbecue once it gets warmer. And hopefully, Kathryn is found safe and sound and she can come too."

Regina imagined sitting with Kathryn at a barbecue while Robin manned the grill and smiled at the thought. It felt very normal and everything she had not yet gotten in the curse. "I would love that," she said.

"Good," he replied. He then checked his watch and frowned. "Damn. I need to get going. Give me a call once everything is arranged for Henry, okay?"

"I will," she said. "What day am I aiming for?"

"Whatever works best for you," Robin said. "John is flexible."

She chuckled, nodding. "Alright. I'll see what Archie can do this week and let you know."

He grinned, tucking some fingers under her chin. Robin gently lifted her head before giving her a sweet kiss. She sighed into it, not caring they were standing in the middle of the street and kissing in the open.

For a moment, she felt like a heroine rather than a villain.

Robin broke the kiss and gently bumped her nose with his as he grinned. "I'll see you soon."

"Yes, you will," she replied, grinning as well. His hand slipped from hers and walked backwards for a few steps, eyes fixed on hers. Robin paused for a moment before turning and walking away. She watched as he rounded a corner, feeling almost light enough to float away.

"Earth to Regina," a cold voice said, sending a chill down her spine. "Come in, Regina."

She closed her eyes and counted to five before slowly turning to face the speaker. Annoyance flooded her as she asked: "What do you want, Gold?"

"For my partner-in-crime to not be starry-eyed over some man," he snapped, leaning against his cane. "You need to keep your wits about you."

"I'm fine," she replied, trying to keep her cool. She then lowered her voice: "And I wouldn't be giving ultimatums if I was you. I never agreed to hurting Kathryn."

He sighed, shaking his head. "You really are going soft. "

"Is 'soft' your code for 'not blindly obeying me'?" she countered hotly.

"Soft is my code for not screwing up our plan," he hissed. "Do you want to get rid of Snow White or not?"

She crossed her arms. "Of course I do. And have I done anything to mess up our plan? All I want to know is if Kathryn is safe or not."

He studied her. "That's not important. Just follow the plan. Got it?"

"That's what I'm doing, right?" she asked. "After all, does anyone know that you did something to Kathryn?"

Gold scowled. "Things are about to start moving fast. You can't be distracted."

"I'm fine," she told him. "Worry less about me and more about getting rid of Snow White. Got it?"

"I do," he replied. "I hope you do."

Before she could respond, he turned and walked away. Regina watched him, clenching her fists. He always needed to have the last word. It was infuriating and she once again regretted teaming up with him.

Regina took a deep breath before walking to Town Hall. She had work to do and a date to plan – Gold be damned.

"So, Robin and I have a date on Friday night," Regina said, placing a plate in front of Henry that night at dinner.

Henry frowned, looking up at her. "You're going on a date? I thought you were so distraught about Kathryn being missing?"

"I am upset about Kathryn," Regina told him, hurt and guilt building inside her. "Sheriff Swan is looking for her. The best thing I can do for Kathryn now is let the professionals handle this and keep myself busy."

She sat down with her own plate and laid a napkin over her lap. Regina motioned to Henry's plate with her fork. "Eat before it gets cold."

He rolled his eyes before taking a bite of the chicken she had made for them. "So if you're going on a date, can I stay with Emma?"

"No," she said quickly, knowing he would likely ask that. "I've already asked Dr. Hopper to watch you."

"But why can't Emma?" he pressed, though he didn't seem totally opposed to Archie watching him. She took that as a good sign.

Setting down her fork, she looked Henry in the eyes. "Because she's busy trying to find Kathryn so we can all get answers about what happened and start moving on from this awful episode."

Henry looked thoughtful, studying her. The clock hanging on her kitchen wall ticked the seconds away before he asked: "Is Pongo coming too?"

"Yes," she replied, relieved and pleased that he was okay with having Archie babysit him. "I know how much you love Pongo."

"Will you be gone all night?" he asked.

She wondered why he wanted to know before figuring he was just a son who wanted to know where his mother was going to be. "Yes, I believe I will be gone all night. But I promise to say goodnight to you and be here in the morning for you."

"Okay," Henry replied. "Mom?"

"Yes?" she asked, picking up her fork again but not taking any food as she waited for whatever he had to say.

He fiddled with his fork before asking: "Are you and Robin serious?"

She took a deep breath before nodding. "We are. We both care a great deal about each other."

"Do you love him?" he asked, catching Regina off-guard.

It had been a question she had been asking herself as well. She enjoyed spending time with Robin and felt more herself than she had in years when she was around him. He understood her and didn't judge her. Nor did he have any expectations for her – she was not a replacement wife or someone to be used as a pawn. Robin treated her as a person and only saw Regina.

But did she love him?

Did he love her?

"I don't know," she finally answered. "I think we both need a little more time to figure out our feelings. But I think I could love him. I think I might already."

"And you're happy?" he asked, looking thoughtful.

She nodded, turning back to her meal. "I am happy with him."

"Oh," Henry said, also taking another bite. He chewed and swallowed before saying: "So would you consider this your happy ending?"

"Yes," she said, smiling. She had a good job, a town where she felt at home, a son she loved dearly and a budding romance with a good man who wanted her for her. "I would."

He nodded. "I see."

They finished dinner and he pushed his plate away. "May I be excused?"

"You may," Regina said, wishing he would stay and tell her all about his day like he used to. But they did have a good conversation earlier so she didn't want to push it. "I'll call you for dessert?"

"Thanks, Mom," he said, picking up his plate and taking it to the sink. Once that was done, he left the kitchen and she heard him head up to his room.

Sighing, she leaned back and closed her eyes. They had had a relatively peaceful dinner together, probably the best they had had in a long time. Even though it frustrated her, she knew they would need to take baby steps to get back what they once again. She had to be happy with this start and hope it would continue.

But between her relationship with Henry and Kathryn being missing, she needed to relieve some stress. And she had a feeling an overnight date with Robin would be just what she needed to feel better at least for a little while.

A/N: I'm sorry for the delay! As I noted, I had a busy weekend – busier than I had expected and I admit I should've made sure to have the chapter ready before Saturday. But I also felt like it needed another scene, which delayed it even more. That's why I didn't post it on Wednesday. And after I passed my new Wednesday deadline, it made more sense to just wait until today.

I hope it was worth the wait.

I think I have a better idea of how long this particular story will be – likely 12 or 13 chapters. If all goes well, that should mean it will finish sometime in October. That will give me a chance to pause and focus on the holiday stories while I work on the second story. And I hope to have "A Royal Affair" ready to post while I work on it as well.

Anyway, I hope you all have a great week!

-Mac