Summary: Robin gets to spend time with his children, Killian Jones gets to go sailing, and Emma and Regina discover that the men came back from the dead with new talents!
Storybook Harbour
The Mercedes pulled into the car park, Emma in the passenger seat, Honour in the back. She gasped when she saw the two-masted brig in the near distance, maneuvering into port.
"Dad was right, she looks more than refurbished, she looks brand new! And bigger!"
"How the hell did he get it back? I thought Blackbeard stole it? They only returned yesterday."
She had no answer, noticing the small crowd gathered by the quayside to welcome the ship's arrival. As it drew nearer, Emma spotted the familiar figure of the former pirate at the helm, yelling instructions to the crew, as they lowered the last sails, slowing the vessel as it crept slowly into the dockside. Two minutes later, people onboard started disembarking, among them most of their friends. And not for the first time recently, Emma now felt excluded.
"Hiya?" Ruby yelled up at her girlfriend, Dorothy walking down the gangplank to greet her.
"That was brilliant!" She gave her a side-hug. "That's my first time on a ship, and my first fishing trip! Look what I caught?" She showed her a brace of fish on carrying hooks. Several men followed her down, then the dwarves behind them. Leroy was actually smiling? They were followed by two of the fairies. Then Charming appeared, holding a beaming Neal by the hand for safety, looking up to see a grinning Snow as she'd arrived to welcome them. Emma and Regina took Honour out of the car to join them.
"Did you enjoy that, my love?" Snow wrapped an arm around her son's shoulder. "You didn't feel seasick?" David reached across to wrap his arm around his wife.
"No mum, it was great. We went to a little island, had a barbecue and Robin showed me how to fish! Like what I caught?" He squeaked excitedly, showing her his catch of three decent-sized fish. "And we got to swim!"
Emma walked up to greet them. "Dad, where's Henry and Honour?"
"Up top. Killian's teaching Roland rope tricks, and last I saw of Robin, he was reading little Robyn a story down below. They've all had a wonderful time Emma, so I'm sure they'll sleep well tonight." He leant across to pull his daughter in, giving her a quick kiss on the top of the head.
"Aunty Gina?" her young brother-in-law bounced across from his parents to wrap his arms around her waist. "You should have come. Look at what I caught?"
"That's impressive! Maybe I'll come next time, my love," Regina bent down to hug him as he was getting heavy to lift. Since Robin's death, the former mayor had come to depend heavily on Emma's family, and Neal was a big part of that. Emma's little brother always treated Regina as his big sister, and the pair had become close over recent years. So much so, that when it became apparent, after a small fire, that Neal also had his sister's magical abilities, Regina had calmly taken charge of the situation and helped the young boy to control his emotions, channelling his early magic with lessons in her vault and the woods until they were under some sort of control. She was determined Neal should not suffer the same trauma and isolation that she and Emma went through when they discovered their own powers. Her care for Neal was greatly appreciated by Snow and David, only helping to increase their affection for the woman. So much so, that when Emma and Regina finally admitted they were more than just close friends, it didn't come as too big a surprise to David, though Snow admittedly had serious reservations. But after gentle persuasion from her husband that this is what their daughter needed, Snow finally accepted the inevitable, and Regina was properly welcomed fully into the bosom of the family.
"They're not coming down, so I guess we'd better go up?" said the former queen, as she started walking up the gangplank on to the ship, holding Honour by the arm. Emma reluctantly following.
They climbed aboard, to find the only person on deck was the Captain's boatswain, Sam Smiegel, who was commonly known as Mr. Smee, holding a freshly boiled kettle.
"Good afternoon ladies," the ruddy-cheeked old sailor smiled, "I guess you're looking for the kiddies? They're down below lunchin' with the Cap'n." He nodded his head in the direction of the lower quarters.
Regina and Emma both felt something almost as soon as they went down to the lowest steps. Magic! Not just magic, but immeasurably strong magic. Like a dense field of energy. Concerned for the safety of her children, Regina put Honour down, stepping directly in front to guard her. She walked down the steps cautiously, feeling herself enter the energy field. Emma felt the same thing seconds later, as she and Honour joined her wife at the bottom of the steps into the galley.
Regina couldn't believe the scene. People sat, or stood, around a large oval dining table, on which lay fancy teacakes, tea and soft drinks. There was laughter and the conversation lively. At the head of the table stood Killian Jones, pouring tea into various cups to share out while Henry, also standing, dispensed water and juice to the children. Directly opposite Jones sat Robin, chatting happily to Robyn close on his right whilst Roland sat on his left. What surprised Regina most was the presence of the Blue Fairy, sitting close to Tink. Well that explains the magic wave. Albeit a lot more powerful than usual. But what the hell's she doing here?
"I trust we're not disturbing you?" snarked Regina, unsure why she felt so put out at the happy ight. But she did. Something just felt…odd?
"Papa?" their little girl, jumping out from between the two women, before running to Robin, climbing around Roland, depositing herself forcefully onto her father's left knee.
"Hello, my love! How are you, my other beautiful girl? Would you like some chocolate cake with your sister?"
He wrapped his left arm around her as she pulled in to cuddle him, nodding furiously. "Chocolate? Yes, please papa!"
The little redhead to his right, pleased to see her half-sister, stood, coming closer to Robin's right side with her arms in the air. "Me sit here too, please?" asked Robyn.
"Of course, poppet. Come on up." He scooped her up, placing her on his right knee, beaming at the pair of them while smiling across at Roland. For the first time he and all his children together.
"Mummy, Emma? Can we stay for tea too please?" Honour pleaded.
"Um…well…I'm not sure. We weren't exactly planning to stay. Emma?" she asked her wife, who was equally surprised. Before she could say anything, Regina looked across at the fairies, one of whom she'd never trusted, and the other a close personal friend. "Blue? What brings you away from the convent?"
"I was invited to sail, Mrs. Swan-Mills," she said simply. "Robin was in need of some magical assistance. I also collected little Robyn here from her mother this morning, as he asked. Zelena was…persuaded…that it was in her interest. We've had a lovely sailing trip with Captain Jones, haven't we girls?"
"I'm very grateful to you, Blue," said Robin, grinning. "She's one person I do not want to face right now, or I might do something I'd regret! Still, never mind her. I have my other precious girl with me now..." He dropped a kiss onto the little redhead. "So something good came out of it, after all. I now have not one, but two, wonderful daughters and a handsome son." He paused to kiss the other child. "The fact is, I lost five precious years from these amazing children's lives, and I don't want to lose any more pain or anguish over the past. I already found out I lost someone yesterday, so I think that's enough, don't you?"
That last sentence cut through Regina like a knife. Lost someone? She couldn't understand how he was so calm and objective about the situation when she felt so thoroughly wretched. Although she now had the love of another, Regina still had so many feelings for him.
"Regina, one of the many reasons Blue's joining us today, is because she's told me that you and I have some 'issues' to deal with. I know Tink had a similar conversation with you last night. So I suggest we ask Henry or Emma to take the children home later, once we've finished tea? In the meantime, why don't you two sit down and join us, before Honny and Rolly completely obliterate the cake?"
Emma stood listening. The children were all having a lovely time. Even Blue had been smiling, until they joined them. She still didn't feel comfortable sitting with them, partly because the only two vacant seats now were close to Killian. She looked up to find the pirate staring straight at her with those piercing blue eyes. It was awkward, but she felt now was the time to deal with this.
"Killian, we need to talk as well. Can we go somewhere? Maybe Regina could come join us?"
"No thanks, Swan. You made it quite clear where we stand, yesterday. I'm not about to mess up a nice afternoon tea with these lovely people. So, I suggest you and I deal with anything else later. I'll be gathering provisions for my trip most of tomorrow. So I suggest just the two of us meet at the Rabbit Hole at six tonight? If that isn't too much trouble?"
The last comment felt like a barb. He didn't seem angry, just…resigned. "I guess so." She knew she still had feelings for him, and wanted a chance to talk. To explain. She'd spent most of the previous night lying awake, remembering all the times they'd been together before his death. The fact he'd saved her life, and her family's, several times. He'd changed from a thieving pirate, to a hero, to a Dark One, then finally making the ultimate sacrifice for all of them. His little kindnesses. The flirtations. And finally, the sex. He'd had been very, very good in bed; and after she'd left him in the Underworld it was one of so many things about him she'd missed. But she'd moved on. With another woman, no less? Three years ago, as her feelings for Regina grew, she began to realise that she was probably bisexual. Though she'd never actually been with another woman before Regina. There had been that brief time with Elsa, when they'd kissed in the Sorcerer's mansion, but it had been cut short, when Killian had almost burst in on them. But that wasn't full on. Regina was the first. From the moment Henry first brought her to Storybrooke, Emma had felt something for his other mother, though she couldn't define what exactly. Regina was just so...different? However she also still felt drawn to men. One man in particular. Killian Jones, or Captain Hook, who'd brought something out of her that had been missing since Neal. It was a fun, wanton, promiscuous nature. There was also a hunger, and she'd missed it, and him, terribly when she finally lost him. And so, after she and her family finally returned from the Underworld without him, Emma had grieved. It wasn't as deep, or as long as Regina's, but it was still a very, very painful time she'd rather put behind her.
However, five long years later, that man now stood in front of her.
When she didn't answer, he sat back down, turning to talk to Blue instead.
Although she knew she had no right to, she felt hurt by his dismissal. As though their former relationship stood for nothing? And why should it? You moved on from him. Why shouldn't he move on from you? She felt uncomfortable, and wanted to leave. "Gina, perhaps we should come back later?"
But Regina couldn't hear her. She just stood staring open-mouthed at the archer. The two girls either side of him were now sitting on either knee, heads leaning in, smiling and listening carefully as he whispered something amongst them, laughing and with his arms protectively wrapped around them. Honour and Robyn were both giggling, and it was clear to Regina that they were both now totally smitten with their new father, and him with them, and it made her feel very odd. Robin was just a natural father, and she'd forgotten just how good he'd been with Roland.
Henry sat staring at the trio, chuckling at Robin's story, and seemed to be deliberately ignoring his mothers standing opposite. Though he had only known Robin a short time before his demise, Henry had become very much in awe of the archer, and as the young man leaned in to add to the story her former lover was telling, Regina felt a sense of loss, remembering what they once shared. And now she was being excluded.
Emma brought her back to her senses, linking arms. "Gina?"
"Sorry Emma, what? Oh, no…I think I'll stay a little while longer. I need to talk to Robin about Honour. If you don't mind?"
"What?" The word left Emma's lips a little louder than intended. Now she felt like she was being pushed out, excluded from a conversation between her wife and her wife's former lover. About her step-daughter, no less! "Regina, we can do this later."
"No," said the former mayor, with a sigh, her eyes never leaving the outlaw. "We need to talk about this. Robin's back, and he's their father. Clearly, he needs to be with them some of the time." Robin nodded slowly in agreement, his eyes locked on Regina's, with a look Emma found distinctly unsettling. "Robin, what do you think?"
"Well, my lo…Regina." His clumsy slip-up heard by all. "I agree. There's much to discuss but I don't want to do it now. This is the first time I've ever had all my children together," he smiled at Roland. "I'll work something with you two of you. I'm the newcomer, so I don't want to disturb their lives." He paused, kissing Robyn on the top of her head as she nestled into him. "At some point, I need to do the same thing with Zelena. I'll work something out with the three of you. The only thing I ask - no, actually - I insist on, is a sensible amount of time with all my children."
"Papa, where are you staying tonight?" Roland asked, "I want to stay with you!"
"With Dorothy & Ruby for a couple more nights my boy, then I'll be living at the convent for a month, till I get all my affairs in order. But I'll make sure I see you every day, I promise!"
At the thought of Robin actually living in the convent, Regina nearly choked. "The convent? What on earth are you going to be doing there? With her of all people?" Regina almost snarled the last word, pointing at the head of the fairies, who she really, really didn't trust. The Blue Fairy scowled back at her, arching a brow. Before she could respond in kind, with a suitable jibe of her own, Robin spoke up again.
"Blue and her ladies are going to be giving me lessons over the coming weeks. A bit of guidance in how to control myself? The alternative was either going to Gold, or the two of you. I don't fancy the first option, and I definitely didn't see you and Emma feeling comfortable."
"Lessons? What lessons?" Emma looked confused. "What are you talking about?"
The Blue Fairy stood, speaking to them in her most patronising tone. "I'm surprised you both can't feel it? Use your magic. Who do you feel in the room, right now?"
Regina and Emma glanced at one another, both closing their eyes to focus their magical senses. Within moments, both women picked up on the overwhelming energy field in the galley, much stronger than usual. Opening her eyes again, Regina looked to see where it was coming from. Emma was less experienced in detection, but could also traced it. A distinct glow emanating from the Blue Fairy. No more than usual, yet a glance to her right Emma saw a similar blueish glow centred around the left wrist of the pirate. "It's you? Your hand? Killian, what the hell's going on?"
Killian ignored the question, looking to his left. "Keep going, Swan. What else do you see?"
Emma continued scanning the others around the table, around Tink, before picking up something stronger. Then she finally located it.
Hood?
The white light surrounding the archer was strong. Very strong! How could she have missed that?
The glow was intense; far more intense than anything she'd ever seen before, except on one person. "You've got magic?" She looked back at her former lover. "And you too? What's going on?"
"So it would appear, Emma." Robin spoke softly, not wanting to concern the two little girls looking up at him. "Zeus gave Killian and I a couple of little gifts."
"Little? Hardly!" Blue smirked at him. "Robin, he's turned you into no less than a 'Stage Ten' sorcerer!"
"Stage ten?" Regina mumbled, equally confused. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm surprised you didn't know, Mrs. Swan-Mills? Especially seeing the amount of time you've previously spent learning those dark arts? Most fairies have varying levels between four and five. You're a force, or 'stage' six. In terms of magical ability, as defined by the gods themselves. Your wife here is currently a 'seven', seeing as she has certain gifts regarding detecting truth and a higher level of white magic, resulting from the true-love and soulmate status of her parents. However, it would seem that in gratitude, Zeus has given Robin rare magical abilities on a par with the Sorcerer himself!"
"So he's a 'ten'? What does a ten do?"
"I'm quite sure we'll all see in the fullness of time. However, Robin has asked me for guidance initially. He's anxious to have control over his new powers, to avoid harming others. So he'll join us at the convent for a few weeks, where we'll give him instruction. There's an awful lot to learn."
"And I'm grateful, Reul." Robin smiled at the head fairy. "You've shown me great kindness this morning, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help. I'm looking forward to your guidance."
The fairy's smile grew. Emma thought she almost blushed? Apart from Snow & David, nobody ever called Blue by her first name. It was a mark of intimacy, and the way Robin said it sounded almost flirtatious? Interesting.
"You're welcome, though I suspect one day we'll be taking instruction from you!"
"Hardly!" He laughed at the mere suggestion. "I highly doubt that."
"Well, we'll see. Mr. Jones, that offer extends to you as well, of course? "Although you haven't been given such strong gifts as Robin, you do nonetheless possess significant powers. I'm sure we can help you in getting acclimatised to your new abilities, if you'll allow us?"
"That's very kind of you, love." Killian winked back at her. "Perhaps a day or two would be helpful? Though as I mentioned earlier, I'm sailing next Saturday on the first tide."
"Well then, please free to come with Robin on Wednesday morning?"
Hearing her former lover was planning to leave, Emma was keen to ask where. And why. Though she already knew the answer to the latter. However, she was interrupted by Regina, who seemed upset for a different reason. Scowling, and with her eyes focused on the fairy she despised, she addressed her own former lover.
"Robin, if we're dealing with magic, why in earth didn't you come straight to me?"
"I think we both know the answer to that, don't we?" His voice remained calm through he arched a brow. "You've avoided me since we got back, as Emma's avoided Killian. This has all been a shock for you both, understandably." He looked across at the green fairy. "I assume you've already talked to Tink?"
"She brought the children back for us last night. Yes, we've spoken."
"There's still issues between us, so we do need to talk, especially regarding the children. It seems Killian's planning to meet Emma this evening, so I suggest we do the same?"
"If Emma's happy with that, why don't you come over to the mansion at six?" But she still felt nervous at the thought of him being in her home again.
"Yay, can papa put me to bed and read me a story?" A delighted Honour squeaked.
Hearing her half-sister, Robyn also piped up. " Can I stay with Honny and Rolly tonight too, Aunty Gina? Pretty please?"
She felt awkward, not wanting to upset the girls, but also feeling this wasn't a good idea. "Robyn, I'm not so sure. I need to speak to your mother first. Your papa and I do need to talk, but I don't think he'll be staying long to play with you both."
"Pleeeeaaaasse!" Both girls cried in chorus.
"Gina, I'd love to stay long enough to put my children to bed and read them a story? If Emma doesn't mind, of course."
Emma did mind! She minded a lot! She already knew Robin's return brought out old feelings out in Regina, that she certainly didn't want restored! Tink's comments last night only added to her unease. However, seeing the little girls' faces, she knew she'd live to regret it if she tried to stop their father coming over.
"Um, sure, fine, whatever," she lied, unconvincingly. How the hell do I get fucking forest boy out of our lives, for god's sake?
The archer had seemed amicable enough up until that point, but as she pondered the idea of a forgetting spell, Robin's face suddenly changed into an annoyed frown as he stared at Emma, as though he'd just read her thoughts.
Can you? She stared right back at him. Can you read my mind? She said it to herself, but froze, horrified when Robin looked deep into her eyes and actually nodded!
Yes Emma! Yes I can read you.
Holy fuck?
"Thank you, Emma. And to answer your next question, it appears I can. But I'll try to control it. Either way, you need to know I've no intention of leaving my children!"
As Emma's jaw hung open, Regina noticed the hidden change between them.
"What? Robin, what did you say? Did I miss something? Emma?"
"Nothing important." He continued scowling at the Saviour, before finally turning to focus on his girls. "Now, let's polish off the rest of these cakes, shall we?"
~oOo~
Regina and Emma stayed with the little group on board for another half an hour or so, the minimum amount of time to be polite, and for the children to have enough time with Robin. Despite that, when Emma said they needed to go and 'do things', Honour played up, screaming and shouting that she didn't want to leave. Robyn was also upset that her day with her father was drawing to a close.
"Robby! Now you weren't paying attention, were you?" Regina tried to calm her. "If your mum agrees to it, you're going to let you have a sleepover at our place tonight? If so, your papa will no doubt come up later and read you all a story."
Robin gave a cautious smile, before his eyes turned back to Emma. Was the woman going to try and find a way to get rid of him somehow? Or make him forget about his own children? Could she do that?
"I'll be there. Six o' clock."
Emma almost shivered at the stare he was giving her.
Back in Mifflin street...
Two hours later, Emma received a text from a new number:
[K. We have to push back an hour. There's more provisions than anticipated. We're still loading more provisions than anticipated]
Killian? Who the hell had given him a new phone? She typed a reply:
[E. Ok, but I'd rather we were somewhere more private than the Rabbit Hole?]
His responded in a matter of seconds:
[K. The Hatter has a table at the back reserve].
[E. Ok. See you at seven]
She wasn't sure whether she should even go. It had been her suggestion, but now the thought of being alone with him made her nervous. This is stupid! You're a strong, powerful woman for god's sake? Get a grip, Swan. But seeing him earlier had felt downright awkward. Yesterday, she'd assumed her former lover would still be upset once she told him that she'd moved on. That she'd not only found love again, but this time in the arms of another woman. With Regina, who she suspected had even had a brief history with Killian herself.
In the diner, when she told him that she and Regina were married, Killian took it better than she expected. She imagined he'd get angry, cursing, shouting. Even weeping? But no. His initial shock at the news seemed to merely morph into sadness and finally, resignation. Emma should've been pleased he'd taken it so well; but now she felt almost...disappointed? She knew she was just being stupid, but couldn't help feeling hurt at how quickly he seemed to be getting over her. And if she was honest, also hurt by how quickly he was welcomed by the rest of the town. Hailed as a hero. And also, hurt by not being invited to their welcome home party. Hurt that he planned to leave Storybrooke so soon. Hurt he seemed to be getting his life back on track so quickly, compared to her years in therapy. Most of all, hurt because she knew she still felt something for him.
Earlier, after returning home, Regina and Emma had gone about their day as though on autopilot, barely exchanging a word. Regina made up the beds, so Robyn could stay in Honour's room, then checked over Roland's. It saddened her that Robin's son, now ten, had insisted, not surprisingly, that he stay with his father, in the diner. There was no possibility of persuading him otherwise. Henry had continued snubbing them, and Regina had yet to find out why. Her beloved prince, now a 20-year-old man, had insisted he stay another night in the forest, along with Robin's men, rather than come home. Regina sighed. She missed her boys.
Emma had been cleaning the kitchen and sorting out laundry when as she walked up the stairs, meeting Regina coming down. They exchanged a look, both trying to smile but each reflecting the other's deflated feelings.
"You too, huh? said the blonde. "You look like I feel." She attempted a sad grin.
"Thanks!" Came the harsh response and scowl, causing her to frown. She grabbed her hand.
"Don't be like that! You're as gorgeous as the day I married you, Regina Swan-Mills." She took the brunette in her arms, Regina responding by resting her head against her shoulder.
"I don't feel beautiful. I feel very shitty!"
"Yeah, me too. Hurts, doesn't it? I've felt out-of-sorts ever since they came back. I don't know why, but I just feel...guilty, even though I have no reason to? I mean, it's not as though we didn't mourn over them, for god's sake! All that time we went through with Archie? The therapy? And for what - so we can grieve all over again?"
"We still have feelings for them, Emma, there's no point denying it. They were our supposed true-loves. Our soulmates."
"But I love you! I didn't fall in love with you, as some sort of substitute for Killian. Yes, I loved him, but I also had feelings for you, even before I met him. What we have is real!"
What we have is real? Regina smiled, remembering just over five years ago, when a certain archer said those very same words. The man who gave his life for her. "I feel the same way and yes, I love you too, Emma Swan-Mills, so very much." She hugged her a little tighter, pecking her on the lips. "Though I do believe what Tink said about this residue of feelings between Robin and I? Whatever's happening, perhaps we need professional advice."
"Archie? Again?"
"No, I mean Gold this time."
"Gold? Why the hell do we need him? He's hardly the right one to talk to about relationships, is he? Look what's happened to Belle?" But Emma already knew the answer. This was a magical issue, and they both knew the Dark One was probably the only person who could answer questions about true-love magic, and more importantly, how to remove Regina's pain.
"We both know why. I need to talk to him before I face Robin. To find out what I'm dealing with. I'd like you to come, but unfortunately, Henry isn't back to take care of the girls. Would you mind?"
"Okay, I'll stay. Get back soon, yeah?"
"I'll teleport over there right now." Regina kissed her again, before collecting her bag and shoes, releasing her magic. The familiar purple cloud swirled around her, leaving the blonde alone.
Gold's Antiques
Moments later, Regina reappeared directly in front of the shop, terrifying one little old lady walking her dog. Mouthing an apology, she turned the handle and entered, to find Gold crouched over a tray, mending a timepiece. He didn't look up.
"I wondered how long it would be before you showed up," he sniggered, still not lifting his head.
Even after everything he'd been through, the Dark One was always so unbearably smug. "What do you mean? You've no idea why I'm here!" She rasped, glaring at his back.
"Oh, I think I do, dearie. Your true love and soulmate has returned, and now you're in great pain."
Was it so obvious? Regina was a master at hiding her feelings, but he was also a master at uncovering them. But I haven't even seen him since they came back.
"How do you even know?"
"I know many things, Regina. Including the pain of lost love. But true love, unrequited, can be a heavy burden indeed, made worse by the fact it never goes away, even on death! It get's progressively worse, unless dealt with. Though there are ways…" He finished with an annoying cackle.
"Imp, have you been spying on me?"
The Dark One giggled that insufferable giggle, deliberately taunting her. "Not exactly, but I know your burden. The Prince of Thieves has returned. And his presence has activated your soulmate and true love feelings, has it not? Left unchecked, they will not go away. Even if you banish him from your presence, you can't banish him from your mind. Your pain will grow, as will his, unfortunately. Even your Saviour will not be able to help you."
"Look, can you help me, or not?"
"I can. Though as you would expect, there is always...a price."
"I never doubted it. So what is it this time? Though I warn you, I won't do anything that'll hurt anyone any more, least of all Robin! I'm not that person anymore."
"Hmm, that narrows the options. Maybe you really are a fully reformed hero, after all? Thanks to your annoying wife and her irritating parents, no doubt. At least I thank my son for giving Henry some decent genes."
"Leave Emma and Henry out of this! I don't want him knowing about this conversation."
"Oh, I think your son knows many things, Regina. He already knows about Emma's enquiry yesterday."
"Enquiry? Emma was here?"
"She also wanted to know how to solve your little...problem. I suggested several ways, some of which she didn't like. Others, well…" He sneered, leaving the sentence hanging.
She bristled, desperately wanting to remove that annoying smirk, but at the same time concerned that Emma never thought to say anything. "Okay, out with it, you damn Imp! What did you tell her?"
"Be careful with the insults, Regina? I usually tolerate them, only because Henry is Bae's son. However, if you seek my assistance, you will keep a civil tongue."
He finally lifted his head, and they stared at one another, neither blinking, before Regina decided enough was enough. "Very well. I apologise. What did you tell Emma? I want the truth!"
"Merely the options open to her. Or you, for that matter."
"Get to the point?"
"Well, dearie, the first and most obvious solution is to remove the outlaw to another realm. Preferably one without magic? You will grieve, as you did before, though even more so, knowing you were responsible, yet again, for separating a man from his children. Something you have done with others so many times over the years. But over time, being separated, you will heal."
She remembered the horrible years of depression following Robin's murder. She couldn't face that again.
"The second option requires my services. A forgetting potion for one of you, or even both of you, removing memories of the other. This is not without risk, as you no doubt recall? Though it will break the pain of unrequited or unwanted love, one way or another, unless there is an unfortunate turn of fate. There will of course be a price for my services, as usual."
Regina hated the thought of owing him anything, knowing his magic always came with not just a hefty price, but a catch. Plus, the thought of basically drugging Robin was a horrible one. If Henry ever found out, there would be no forgiveness this time. And certainly not from Roland!
"Then of course, there's the third and easiest solution, which requires no involvement by me, and no price. Can you guess what that is?" He sniggered, a sly grin growing wider.
"I'm listening."
"You consummate your true-love, of course! Simple, yet effective."
She glared back at him. Was he really suggesting what she thought he was suggesting? "You mean that I, I-?"
"Yes, your Majesty. You mate with him! You have sexual intercourse. Save for killing, drugging him or exiling him, that will be the only way to ease the magical bonds that exist, and become manageable. You never know, you may even enjoy it!"
~oOo~