Hello guys.
So, I am aware that it has been almost half a year since I updated this fic, but I'm afraid the muse for this one has been somewhat lacking, and I've been having some stuff to deal with. However, at 12,718 words and 30 pages, I'm hoping that this - my longest chapter yet - makes up for it.
As usual, reviews are greatly appreciated, and for the trouble and frustration this chapter has put me through, any feedback at all would make it worth it.
So, if you are still with me, then thank you so so much. I hope you guys like this one and don't want to hunt me down too much :D
Mwah
(Also, just a little shoutout to Brooke because I said I'd try to update for her birthday which was over a week ago, so here's your little shoutout: 'Happy Belated Birthday!')
…
As promised, Roland visited Regina the next day, dragging Friar Tuck around corners and down corridors until they were standing outside of Regina's room.
"I'm not sure we're supposed to be here, my boy," the Friar said warily, looking around him as if on the lookout for witnesses.
"But Regina said I can come see her," Roland declared, coming to a stop outside the ornately carved door, "and this is her room."
The Friar scoffed. "You can't just let yourself into the Queen's chambers, Roland."
"Papa does, he said so."
"Yes, well, your father is…" Fortunately, Friar Tuck stopped the rest of his intended sentence when he realised who was by his side, choosing to censor his words and instead state; "Your father knows the Queen a lot better than you do."
"But she said I'm her favourite. That's why she lets me call her Regina. And her favourite food is lasna, and apples, and she likes red and dark blue..." Roland pointed out, listing the favourite things he and Regina had talked about when they baked a week before last. "See? I do know her."
Friar Tuck narrowed his eyes. "Alright, but if she says we're not welcome here then we're to listen to her, okay?"
"Okay," Roland agreed, and then without hesitation, knocked on the Queen's door.
The Friar waited and shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other, shifting quicker when Roland knocked again in his childish impatience.
When the Queen opened the door, Friar Tuck momentarily thought they had come to the wrong room, taking a second to recognise the woman standing before him as the ruler of the kingdom.
In a stark contrast to the usual, elaborate dresses and cloaks, the monarch was dressed down in what he could possibly label as casual. Cream trousers, white blouse, a black jacket longer at the back than at the front… Even her hair was loosely braided over her shoulder instead of pinned high on her head.
"Specific plans for today, Your Majesty?" The Friar couldn't help but ask, distractedly taking in the neutral tones painting her face instead of the usual bright lips and dark eyes.
"I was planning on spending some time in the stables," she answered, looking from him to the young boy at his side.
The Friar also looked to Roland and opened his mouth to speak, but the young boy interrupted him.
"Can I go too?" He asked, and then adding on an exaggerated; "please."
"Roland, I don't think Her Majesty-"
"He's fine to come too," Regina intervened. "A little human company might be nice."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure," Regina retorted, somewhat proud of keeping the harshness out of her voice. "And I did promise he could spend some time with me today."
The Friar narrowed his eyes at the Queen, but then softened and agreed. "Alright."
Roland jumped up and down, racing into Regina's room and once again familiarising himself with the Queen's chambers. Regina smiled at the young boy's energy, hoping he'd transfer some of it to her throughout the day.
She was brought out of her musings by Friar Tuck's order: "Don't let him out of your sight."
Regina bit back the urge to snap 'I know how to take care of a little boy', warding off any further comments to claw at the wound of her missing, little prince. Instead, she just glared and firmly declared; "I won't."
She didn't need to be told how to look after Robin's son; she could remember all the trouble Henry used to get into the second her back was turned. The first trip to the emergency room almost had him glued to her side for the rest of the year.
But she couldn't dwell, not today, not when she was going to spend time with another little boy she needed to be her best self for. The adorable, little Merry Man deserved that at the very least. And today, the pain of being a mother without her son was somewhat bearable. Regina was determined to try and keep it that way.
"Good." The Friar looked past the Queen to where his friend's son was grasping the luxury bedcovers, trying to hoist himself up onto Regina's bed, but giving up when all he succeeded in doing was pulling the bedding towards him. "He's a precious little boy. Robin would be lost if anything happened to him."
"He's not the only one," Regina mused, so quiet the Friar almost didn't hear. She turned back to the boy's minder, declaring; "I'll get him back to you for supper."
"Thank you." After an awkward pause, Friar Tuck turned to Roland and told him; "You have a good day, and behave."
"I will!" The boy shouted before running over to Regina, grasping her hand in his as he asked; "Can we go now?"
…
Roland kept hold of Regina all the way to the stables, swinging their joined hands between them as he chatted incessantly about something or other. Regina merely smiled at the boy, offering contribution whenever he paused for breath, feeling herself become a little lighter with each step away from the castle.
She let Roland choose the horse they travelled on, allowing them a few moments to get acquainted before she double-checked the wicker basket of picnic goodies she had brought for their trip. She hadn't told Roland where they were going, instead, she'd called it a 'special surprise', creating nothing but excitement within the boy. And as they'd loaded the black freisian with supplies, the lad had practically been vibrating with energy.
Regina had been sure that Roland's enthusiasm would dwindle once they'd climbed atop Celestian and made their way into the forest, but no... The youngest Merry Man clearly had an unlimited supply of excitement, and as a small smile made its way onto her face, Regina found it to be somewhat contagious.
...
For the first part of their journey, they trotted down a forest path, a dirt road that had too many tree roots above the surface to be comfortable for carriages, but enough even ground that riding on a horse was relatively smooth.
Roland's head turned this way and that, taking in the dense trees and green leaves and the occasional dash of colour from wild flowers.
"Can we go faster, Regina?" The young boy asked, twisting to look up at the woman sat behind him.
She replied in the affirmative, but reminded Roland to hold on tightly - she'd trapped him between her arms as she held onto the reigns, though young boys weren't exactly ones to follow every order they were given. Regina didn't go fast enough to be considered dangerous, just quickening her pace so the summer breeze ruffled his curls.
His small hand reached out and collected a handful of leaves from overgrown branches, letting them get carried away in the wind by one before he collected some more and did it again - until Regina tucked his hand into his chest to prevent any possible injuries from loose twigs.
The boy contented himself with humming tunes as he continued to take in the view around him, but as they reached the end of the path - and made a right turn onto a carriage road - the boy turned silent and his jaw dropped. Next to them was low shrubbery, a tree planted every few metres, and then there was a slow moving river, the ripples on the water shining like diamonds with light reflected from the sun.
A beautiful sight.
Regina peeked over the boy's shoulder, smiling at the look of wonder on his face as he pointed out flowers on the embankment at other side, and then the fish swimming just below the surface, and then a deer on the road ahead that ran away when Roland shouted an excited "Hello!".
The young boy's pout lasted all of two seconds before he got distracted again.
...
After travelling a short while - with Regina straightening Roland whenever he leaned a bit too far to either side - the river gradually became shallower, so much so that they could see the rocks and stones on the bed. But that was when the path took them into the forest and Roland lost sight of the river for a short while, only seeing peeks between the dense trees.
Fortunately, Roland's frown only lasted until they reached a clearing, and then the young boy started squirming in excitement again.
Regina dismounted Celestian, and Roland practically threw himself at her in his impatience to get to the ground. The moment his feet touched solid earth he ran to the edge towards the water, but halted at Regina's authoritative; "don't put one foot in that water, young man."
Roland's frown returned, but he obeyed the Queen's orders, choosing to explore the forest nearby instead.
His hands trailed over the thin trunks belonging to the trees surrounding them, his fingers catching on knots in the wood and his toes hitting open roots hidden beneath long blades of grass. The long branches swept over them, forming shade from the summer sun, with rays of brightness peeking through as they shifted in the wind.
"Roland?" Regina called, beckoning him over to where she was tying Celestian to a highline between the trees.
"Why are you tying the horsey up, Regina?" Roland pouted. "Can't he come with us?"
"I'm afraid not, honey," Regina answered, pointing over to the other side of the stream. "The other side is fenced to protect the land, Celestian can't pass through."
"Oh..."
"But he'll be fine here for a short time, and we'll treat him to a few apples, how about that?"
Roland considered the Queen's deal, eyeing the bright red apple that she pulled from her bag and conceding; "okay."
Regina smiled as she watched Roland feed their horse some fruit, laughing at his face when he pulled his hand away and glared at his palm coated in shiny slobber.
"Can we go now, Regina?" he asked, trying to work out where was best to clean his hand and settling for the underside of his tunic.
"Alright," she chuckled, picking up the picnic basket in one hand, and taking one of Roland's in the other.
She led him towards the shallow water about a foot deep, and as he got nearer, Roland spotted a series of large rocks placed from one side of the riverbed to the other, each with a flat surface protruding above the stream.
"Stepping stones!" Roland gasped, jumping with excitement before tugging them both forward. "I wanna go first."
"I want you to hold my hand though, alright? I want no injuries today."
Roland had no qualms with that; in seconds he had grasped hold of Regina's fingers and was stepping out onto the first stone.
Regina needn't have worried about the boy; Roland hopped the stones with such ease that he could probably do it blindfolded. She forgot quite often that the Merry Men had lived in the forest for decades, that they were used to treading unknown paths, following difficult routes, navigating rough terrain... Roland had grown up with it.
And as they reached the last step, Regina mused that he was probably even better suited for this walk than she was.
...
"Regina, where are we going?" Roland asked a few minutes after they had crossed the stream. He had looked back at Celestian and waved until Regina had assured him that the horse would be fine, and then he had started becoming more and more excited with every step.
"I told you; we're going to a special, secret place," Regina explained, watching the child's eyes go wide in wonder.
"Are we nearly there yet?"
Regina chuckled and ruffled the boy's hair, noting things didn't differ all that much in the way of childish habits between Storybrooke and the Enchanted Forest.
"Nearly," Regina grinned, pointing a little ahead of them and telling him; "just a couple of more minutes."
Roland huffed but grasped Regina's hand, charging forward and pulling her behind him in his quest to reach the secret location faster. They avoided the odd rocks that had fallen from the beginnings of a wall - which was only formed from odd stones just piled on top of each other in the hopes it would stay standing - and Regina insisted on walking on the side of the path that sloped down into dense trees and foliage; she didn't want Roland to get a little too curious and take a tumble.
The young boy's love of exploring brought a smile to the Queen's face, reminding her of another child who found such joy in discovering new things. Regina knew she promised herself that there would be no wallowing today, but Henry would have loved Roland. There were so many traits shared between the two; kindness, bravery, a thirst for an adventure... They would have gotten along brilliantly, been great friends, perhaps Henry could even play big brother – lord knew he had asked Regina for a sibling enough times as a child.
"Regina! Regina! Look!" Roland shouted, drawing her out of her musings as each of his excited jumps tugged on her hand.
Regina smiled, looking ahead and seeing the stone ruins that she had spent many an hour in. "See? I told you we weren't that far away."
Roland stopped the moment he reached the steps. The uneven stone blocks that had two straight ahead, and then a further ten after a turn to the left, with a wall on either side. Once he had looked back to Regina and saw her approving nod, he bounded upwards, stopping at the top to poke at the green moss covering the tops of the walls whilst the Queen followed.
They took a couple of steps to the right, before they passed through the archway that used to be the door, and Roland only took a second to look at the space in front of him before stepping forward and running around it.
The ground was flat, a smattering of dust in the middle with more at the edges where the wind had blown it into piles - the lack of a roof leaving the building open to the elements.
But in the summer sun, with rays of light filtering through the trees nearby and the gaps in the walls, it looked lovely and welcoming.
"What do you think?" Regina asked, half-knowing Roland liked it already due to his enthusiastic exploring.
He didn't even stop in his running to shout back; "I love it!"
"I'm glad," she smiled, looking around the place she had escaped to on several occasions - both before she cast the curse and since they had returned. It was quiet, peaceful, and - as far as she knew - unknown to the other inhabitants of the castle.
Regina wasn't sure what the full story behind it was, only that there was a young girl who had escaped a wretched life to live in solitude, relying only upon herself to survive, and succeeding in doing so until she vanished without a trace decades later. The Queen could relate to that, and hoped the girl found what she was looking for, hoped that her life had turned out somewhat better than what Regina had experienced.
But then Roland ran up to her, wrapped his arms around her waist and thanked her for showing him her secret place, and Regina mused that perhaps her life wasn't as hopeless as it used to be anymore.
...
It was after they'd shaken the blanket out and placed it wherever Roland deemed acceptable to rest for a short time that they start eating, taking out sandwiches and fruit and water that Regina had gathered that morning.
Roland still found ways to distract himself, using a twig to draw in the dirt on the floor and forgetting about the half-chewed food he had still in his mouth until Regina reminded him to eat properly.
Roland started with his name, then Regina's, and then moved on to trees and flowers and animals, anything that came into his mind. But it wasn't too long after that when Roland's enthusiasm for drawing dwindled, his content smile fading as he ground to a halt, sitting there with a forlorn frown on his face as his eyes suddenly filled with tears and oh how it hurt Regina's heart.
"Honey, what's the matter?" She asked, placing her food down and giving him her attention.
He looked up at her for a moment before downturning his gaze, mumbling; "nothing."
"Roland..." Regina implored, tilting her head so he met her eye again, giving him a small, comforting smile as she tried to work out what could be troubling the boy, and only coming to one main conclusion; "Is this about your father?"
"I'm not scared," he protested. "Being scared is for babies."
"Now, that's not true at all," Regina corrected, assuring him; "Everyone gets scared sometimes."
His big eyes looked up at her in wonder. "Even you?"
"Even me."
Roland was quiet for a moment, before he tentatively asked; "Are you scared about papa too?"
"I'm a little worried, yes," Regina admitted, not wanting to lie to the boy and needing to reiterate that being scared wasn't something one grew out of. "But I believe that he can take care of himself."
"Daddy is very brave," Roland mused, the seriousness of his deliverance having Regina chuckling.
"That he is."
"He's a hero," he added, and Regina nodded as a smile quirked at the corner of her lips.
"If you say so, dear."
"Like you."
Regina froze, looking at Roland with wide eyes as she stammered over nonsensical syllables.
Roland seemed to be oblivious to the stupor he just put Regina in, asking; "Can I get some more food, please?"
Regina all but managed a nod in the affirmative, a stuttered 'uh-huh' leaving her lips as Roland dug into the basket she brought to feed his ever-empty belly.
She had barely gotten over that shock before Roland dealt her another.
He tentatively called her name, waiting until she met his eyes and nodded to show him he had her attention before asking; "Do you have a papa?"
The painful constriction around her heart whenever Regina thought about her father and his fate returned, and it was after she had taken a moment to compose herself that she replied with a quiet, "no, I don't..."
Roland stilled in eating his apple, looking up at Regina with a sad frown. "Why not?"
The Queen deliberated on what to tell the boy, opening and closing her mouth a couple of times before she settled on a simple, "he died."
"Like my mama," Roland mumbled, diverting his gaze to the ground when Regina hummed in confirmation. "Did your papa get sick too?"
Oh, the innocence of a child...
"No," Regina breathed, distracting herself by watching her fingers twist in her grasp, trying to keep the tears at bay. "No, he didn't."
For a fleeting moment, Regina wondered what her father would say if he saw her now. Would he be proud? He had always had unwavering faith in her, believing that she would one day find happiness, that she could put everything behind her and move on from revenge. But now that she had, he was no longer here to see it, because she had thought that her quest to destroy Snow White was more important.
The one good thing to come out of her father's death had been the result of the curse; his namesake, her little prince. But it now occurred to Regina that he too was gone, and she had nothing. It had all been for nothing.
"I'm sorry, majesty," Regina heard, before the little boy had crawled his way over the picnic blanket and sat beside her, wrapping his arms around her waist and sounding close to tears himself when he said: "I didn't mean to make you cry."
With a startled blink, Regina realised the moisture collected in her eyes had escaped and rolled down her cheeks. Looking down at the little boy wrapped around her, she hated herself just that little bit more for upsetting him.
"It's not your fault, honey," she promised, scooping him into her lap and pressing a kiss to the top of his head.
"Really?"
"Really. And I'll make you a deal; if you smile, I'll smile. How about that?"
"Okay." Roland sniffed, using the back of his hand to wipe his nose before he looked up and smiled at the Queen.
"There we are," Regina said, forcing her own lips to curve in response - though she felt her smile become a little more real when the boy threw his arms around her neck in a tight hug.
Passing a hand through his head of curls, Regina already felt a little less at war with herself.
It appeared the ability to ease her mind by a simple embrace was owned by both father and son.
...
The remaining food for lunch was eaten rather quickly, the young boy never leaving the Queen's lap unless it was to grab something else to feed himself - or a grape to feed to Regina through their giggles. And over the short amount of time taken to clear the plates and containers, the clear, blue, summer sky had filled with grey clouds that held the promise of a rain shower.
"Roland, I think we should get going, dear," Regina called out, watching the boy hop and jump over the line of twigs he had made on the floor.
"Do we have to?" Roland whined, taking one look at Regina's raised eyebrow to deflate and take the hand she had offered to lead him out.
Despite the possible rain, the walk back to the stream was still relatively leisurely, still filled with conversation about this and that - mainly from Roland.
When they reached the stepping stones, Roland didn't wait for Regina before skipping across them. He even had the nerve to call back to her and shout; "hurry up, Majesty."
It was something so typical of the boy's father that she had to smile - and then she felt a little clench in her heart as she was reminded that the thief was still going to be away from her for another ten days. It felt too long.
Whilst Regina untied the horse from the high line, Roland spend a moment stroking the horse's belly, muttering apologies about leaving but telling him that they had a great time, and next time they'd go somewhere that he could come too.
Regina smiled, hoisting the boy back up onto the horse and then situating herself right behind him, taking the reins and starting them on their return journey to the castle in the hopes they would beat the rain.
They didn't.
After half of their trip back, the skies opened, and down fell the water droplets that clung to their hair and skin and clothing as Regina hurried Celestian along.
It didn't sour their spirits though; the fun day away from the castle being a welcome distraction for the both of them, and they couldn't help but laugh as they became absolutely sodden and were powerless to do anything about it.
...
After the impromptu downpour that had their hair matted to their heads and their boots squelching with every step, Regina and Roland made their way towards the Merry Men's corridor.
Regina's original plan was to take Roland back to Friar Tuck and ask him to sort the boy out whilst she changed. But the young lad refused to let Regina stop until he had tugged her all the way to the room he shared with his dad.
"I wanna show you my room," he insisted, completely missing Regina's smirk as she suppressed the urge to tell the boy she had already seen his room - though she may have been somewhat distracted by his father at the time to take note of anything but the bed...
When the door was opened and they had both stepped forward into the homely bedroom, Regina was overwhelmed by the scent of Robin, unable to do anything but inhale deeply as a smile tugged at her lips, the scent of pine and petrichor that she had once mercilessly teased the thief about now a familiar comfort to her.
Upon noticing Roland was stood there, wringing out his clothing, she encouraged him into the bathroom, stating if he needed any help then she was right outside.
The thought of waiting in her uncomfortably wet clothes made Regina grimace, and after a quick wave of her hand her clothes and hair were magically dry, her grimace turning into a sigh of relief.
Once she had called through the door to ensure Roland was okay, Regina turned her attention to the rest of the room, taking in details that she wouldn't normally observe when she was being divested of her clothing with nimble fingers or robbed of her thought processes with kisses.
There were a few things that immediately drew a smile to her face; a couple of drawings from Roland scattered about, some wooden toys that were obviously loved and had not been put away, and a few of Robin's crumpled shirts strewn across the floor - she expected nothing less from a thief that had lived in a forest up until now. Though, it was generally clean, and Regina couldn't help but feel a little impressed.
Her eyes glanced over a wooden box hidden underneath the table to the right wall, just before the door Roland had gone through, and despite her best efforts, curiosity tempted Regina over and had her pulling it towards her.
The box was wonderfully carved - not quite the exquisite designs she had seen Gepetto create, but impressive all the same. When she raised the lid, the first thing she noticed was a small bouquet of dried flowers, pink blossom, white and pink roses, and daisies, tied together with green twine. Then her attention was drawn to a clay figure about the size of her palm, obviously made by Roland and was something that he would have to explain to her.
Regina carefully withdrew both the flowers and the clay figure, placing them on the floor by her right knee before taking out a folded square of paper. When she revealed the drawing inside it, she couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her.
There were a series of large rectangles at the back, and a black shape with oranges and reds sprouting from one end, and Regina interpreted it as a dragon guarding a castle. And then at the front there were several small stick figures at the bottom of the page, most with smiles, some with grins, hairstyles ranging from short spikes of yellow, to a blob of brown, to long lines of black, to absolutely nothing at all.
The drawing was definitely one to showcase. There had obviously been a lot of time spent on it - for the attention span of a four-year-old - and Regina couldn't help but feel proud of the boy.
Then Regina noticed another folded sheet underneath it, and a smile grew on her face in anticipation of what Roland had drawn on this one.
Only it wasn't Roland who had drawn on it... It was Robin.
A sketch of her - from goodness knows when - brilliantly drawn. She looked... Well, she looked stunning. Not the view that she saw in her mirror, but apparently what Robin saw whenever he looked at her. The light illuminated her features, reflected in her eyes, and the serene expression on her face was one that she couldn't ever remember feeling.
He had sat, watched her, drawn her, mapped her skin with pencil and paper - which somehow felt just as intimate as when he would trace her body with his lips. And since this cloak had been torn months ago, it surprised her to work out that this was done before they had even kissed.
The damn thief had been fond of her for longer than she thought, and had still made it his personal mission to fill her with ire every time they were in the same general vicinity.
The bastard, she thought with a fond smile.
Though looking back, Regina supposed she did the exact same thing.
...
By the time Roland had come out of the bathroom, Regina had put the box and it's contents away, and if Roland was confused about the proud smile or surprise hug she gave him the moment she saw him, he didn't say anything.
But the boy's patience to talk to his father was wearing thin, and he kept glaring at the pendant hanging around the Queen's neck as if willing it to glow.
"What do you feel like doing now?" Regina asked, in an attempt to entertain him and keep their good mood in tact.
"Talk to papa," the boy answered, and Regina let out a short sigh.
"How about we do something to keep busy until he can call?" She suggested. "Perhaps draw him a picture? Or we can walk around the castle for a short while?"
"Papa already showed me the castle," Roland said, and Regina narrowed her eyes at the thought of Robin sneaking around and exploring parts of the castle she didn't permit. Though she eased a little when Roland added: "but he only showed the big rooms like the kitchen, and the grand hall, and the room where all the royal people talk about stuff."
"Well," Regina started, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret; "how about I show you some of the more interesting rooms?"
As the boy's eyes widened and he nodded his head so hard Regina thought he'd have a headache, the Queen smiled at the knowledge that she had brought Roland's excitement back.
...
The tour was only supposed to last an hour or so, but Regina found that she quite enjoyed showing the little boy the secret rooms she had found over the years, and so it was nearing supper time when they came back to the Merry Men's hallway. They'd stopped by Friar Tuck's room, explained that Robin still hadn't called and Roland would be staying with Regina until he did - the man had opened his mouth to protest but took one look at the young boy's hopeful expression and had reluctantly agreed.
They'd returned to Roland's room, Regina setting out pencils and paper and Roland choosing to practice his writing so he could show his father when he returned.
And as if Robin could sense it, the moment the boy had finished writing 'papa, I love you' Regina's pendant started to glow.
"Papa!" Roland shouted the moment he noticed, and he didn't even wait for Regina to remove it from around her neck before he'd grasped it and tugged it towards him with another shout; "Daddy!"
Wincing as the braided leather dug into her skin and forced her to bend until she almost headbutted the table they were writing on, Regina eased the necklace off before sitting straight again, rubbing her sore skin with a pout.
The young boy started discussing his day starting at the moment he woke up and giving minute-by-minute detail…
"...and then after we got changed Regina took me on a tour of the Castle. Did you know there's a music room, papa? And there's a room full of paintings that aren't on the walls. And there's rooms that are empty. We could have a bed chamber each, papa!"
There was a pause whilst Robin talked and Roland nodded along even though his father couldn't hear, then the boy turned to look at the Queen as he stated; "Yeah, I like Regina."
A smile broke out on Regina's face as she ruffled his hair, but then she saw the boy frown and her face followed suit. "No, I like her more."
Regina blinked, a little taken aback. Were they really arguing about who liked her the most?
"No, I do."
Apparently, yes.
Regina's surprise faded somewhat with each indignant protest from Roland - presumably after a matching one from Robin - and her frown morphed into a smile, wondering what these Locksleys had seen in her to warrant their fierce affection.
Roland paused for a moment, his features scrunching as he deliberated a suggestion his father made before agreeing, waiting another moment before he divulged; "yes, and she said she was worried about you."
Regina sent a glare over to the boy.
What was it with kids and revealing her secrets?
Roland nodded once before handing the necklace over to her. "Papa wants to talk to you."
"I bet he does," Regina mumbled under her breath, not even letting Robin getting a word in before starting; "Your son has been overdosed with fresh air and is probably exhausted and doesn't even know-"
"I love that I can make you worry," Robin stated, interrupting her.
Regina could practically see his smug-ass grin on his face and sighed. What was the point in even denying it? "You said this wasn't to make me worried."
"You said you weren't straight after I said that."
"Well… I lied," Regina admitted, before countering; "But you lied first."
Robin hummed in acknowledgement before turning a little serious. "I worry about you too, you know?"
"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself," she reminded him.
"Of that I have no doubt," Robin assured her. "And yet I still worry, milady."
"Well then… I guess we're even."
"I guess so. How about you keep yourself safe, and I'll keep myself safe?" he offered, and Regina narrowed her eyes as she deliberated.
"You better."
He damn well better.
Robin was quiet for a short while before he asked; "Will Her Majesty be available later?"
Regina chuckled. "Her Majesty has no plans."
"Then I will talk to you again this evening," Robin declared. "We have to hike up this rather large hill and I'm afraid I'll be too out of breath to talk to you."
"Wouldn't be the first time," Regina teased with a smirk.
Robin's dirty chuckle in her ear had her smile growing. "In all fairness, that was your fault."
"I didn't hear you complaining."
"There was nothing to complain about, milady."
Regina bit her lip, stifling a grin before she registered movement in the corner of her eye and realised the topic of conversation was not exactly suitable for when a child was sat nearby.
"I'll talk to you later."
"I look forward to it," Robin drawled, bringing forth a smile from Regina, one that faded along with the pendant's glow as Robin returned his attention to whatever he was doing, wherever he was.
...
Despite all protestations that he was absolutely not tired at all, Roland had found himself in his sleepwear and being tucked into bed by the former Evil Queen.
"The sooner you go to sleep, the less time you have to wait to speak with your father tomorrow," Regina bargained, and it seemed to succeed in quelling the boy's impending tantrum.
"Regina... Do you really think papa will be okay?"
"I do," Regina smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Your papa is strong, and clever, and brave. He will be back before you know it, dear."
Roland paused, twisting his bedcovers in his hands before quietly mumbling; "I'm scared."
"I know, honey," Regina soothed, placing a hand over both of his. "And things like this can be scary, but you are very brave, just like your father. As I've told you before; you're my knight in shining armour."
"I want to be a knight." Roland said enthusiastically, before his bottom lip pouted and he looked down, "but papa won't let me."
"He won't let you?" Regina asked, and she felt herself becoming irate at the thought of Robin – of any parent – telling their child what they could or could not be, her own prejudiced experience adding fuel to the fire.
"Papa says I'm not old enough yet. He said I could get hurt."
With a lick of shame, Regina's anger melted away, leaving behind a wave of guilt. Of course Robin was not going force ideals onto his son. He wasn't anything like that, and Regina felt the need to apologise for the mere thought entering her head. She had to remind herself that not all parents were like hers, not all children had their life mapped out before they were even born. Certainly not Roland.
"Do you think I'm old enough, Majesty?" he asked, looking up at her.
"I think anyone is old enough to be a knight," Regina stated, and Roland frowned and folded his arms with a huff, no doubt annoyed at his father for telling him otherwise.
"But," Regina continued, "I don't think you're old enough to fight yet."
Roland looked at Regina, a questioning look on his face. "If I'm not old enough to fight, how can I be a knight?"
"Knights have lots of different jobs, Roland. It's not just going into battle."
"It's not?"
"No." Regina shook her head with a smile, and set about proving it. "When your papa goes away, when he has something important he needs to do, does he take you with him?"
"Sometimes," Roland responded. "But usually he tells me to stay with Fry Tuck or Uncle John."
"Does he say why?"
Roland shook his head. "Sometimes he says I'm too little."
"Well, when I leave my castle – when I have important business to attend to – I always leave my bravest knights here, to protect the Kingdom."
"Really?"
"Really. That's what your father's doing; he's leaving you with Friar Tuck or Little John so you can protect everyone." Regina beamed at the way he listened to her with rapt attention. "See? You're already a knight."
"I'm a knight?" Roland whispered in awe.
"You are to me," Regina said, warmth seeping into her tone and her eyes alike. "Now then, sleep time."
"Majesty?"
Regina paused in standing from the bed, sitting back down at Roland's serious face. "Yes, honey?"
"Why did that man call you the Evil Queen?"
Regina bristled, remembering bumping into Grumpy whilst showing Roland around the castle, recollecting when he commented on how far she'd come from destroying lives to looking after a stranger's child. She could strangle that dwarf right about now.
But Regina kept her temper in check, swallowing down her rising anger as she admitted; "Because that's what I used to be known as."
"Why?"
Biting her lip, Regina spent a moment trying to collect her thoughts, trying to work out a way to explain to a young child the reasons for her past.
"For a long time, I wasn't a good person," Regina started. "I did some very bad things and I hurt a lot of people."
"Why?" Roland asked again, and for once, Regina cursed childhood curiosity.
"Because I was sad," she stated. "And I thought that if I could make other people sad then it would make me happier."
Roland paused, pursing his lips as he took in the information before he quietly asked; "Did it?"
Regina slowly shook her head. "No, not really. I was still unhappy, but it just made my life seem that little bit better."
"Oh..."
Regina watched as Roland went quiet, and for a moment she wished he'd be back to asking her questions. "But no matter what you hear, no matter what anyone tells you, I would never hurt you, Roland," she vowed, reaching out to gently cup his chin. "Never."
"I know," Roland smiled, taking her hand in both of his, and Regina almost felt like crying from this boy's unwavering faith in her. "Just like you wouldn't hurt papa."
"Well, sometimes your father can be very annoying and I might be tempted," Regina teased, drawing a chuckle from both of them before Regina sobered somewhat. "But no, I don't want to hurt your papa, Roland."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
Roland shifted under the covers, sitting and outstretching his arms so he could hug her. "Thank you, 'Gina."
"You're welcome, sweetheart," Regina said as she wrapped her arms around him, resting her cheek on the top of his head for a moment and enjoying the comfort he brought. "Now then, I think it's time for this little Merry Man to go to sleep."
And for once, the boy didn't argue, shifting back down under the covers and smiling at her.
"Okay. Night, Regina."
Regina kissed his forehead and smoothed out his covers. "Goodnight, Roland."
She blew out the candle on his bedside table, making her way to the door when she heard Roland call out her name.
"Yes, Roland?"
The boy paused, looking slightly nervous for a second before he looked her in the eye and declared; "I don't think you're evil."
Regina's breath caught in her throat, and it was a fight to keep the emotional tears in her eyes from tumbling down her cheeks - but she managed it. Just.
"Thank you," she choked out, swallowing and clearing her throat before bidding him a final goodnight; "Sweet dreams, my dear."
…
On her way back to her chambers, a couple of those tears she tried to fight managed to escape, and Regina wiped them away before they even made it past her cheekbone.
This young boy… He had so much faith in her - despite only knowing her for several months, and only being comfortable enough to talk to her for mere weeks.
Regina remembered the young boy in the earlier time they spent here, the way he'd shy away behind his father whenever she'd walk past, or glance at her in the dining hall only to quickly avert his eyes when she tried to meet his gaze.
She supposed that she wasn't the most welcoming of people, and her general aura of 'leave me the fuck alone' had scared a few people into avoiding her at whatever cost. But as she'd warmed up to others, he'd warmed up to her, and now she couldn't imagine what she'd do without him. The little ray of sunshine who never failed to bring a smile to her face…
The Queen entered her own chambers with her lips curved upwards, a testament to the young boy's effect on her, though her content smile faded when she paused and realised just how tired she actually was.
She'd forgotten just how fatiguing taking care of a young child could be.
Deciding that she wasn't going to leave this room until the next day, she started removing her clothes on the way to her wardrobe. The coat was divested before she was even halfway there, placed over the back of her dresser chair along with her white blouse to deal with the next day. Just before she reached her wardrobe she started pushing down her trousers, pausing to step out of them and then spending her last few steps righting them - and then throwing them to join the rest of her dirty clothes a few feet away.
Her fingers trailed over the hangers holding her nightclothes, wondering what she should wear. She came to rest on a silk nightdress, it was light enough that she'd keep cool throughout the night, and it's deep green colour and laced hem that fell just above her thigh was something that she knew the thief would appreciate. And so, telling herself that she wasn't being a sentimental fool, she took it off of the hanger and slipped it on, removing her underwear and breathing a deep, freeing sigh.
As she climbed into her bed she noticed the book on her bedside table that she had started to read a few nights ago, but of which she hadn't perused any further.
Reclining back into her pillows, Regina grasped the bookmark protruding from the top and opened to her current page - and then remembered why she hadn't been eager to read any more. The writing was Old Elvish, a language she used to be able to translate in her sleep, but had somewhat become out of practice as of late. It was tiring on her brain, made her brow furrow and a headache start to announce its presence...
And, as if answering an unspoken prayer, that was when the pendant around her neck started to glow.
With a growing smile, Regina wrapped her fingers around the enchanted gemstone, waiting a moment before commenting; "Good evening."
He returned the sentiment, and she couldn't help but add a mocking; "it's been so long since I last heard from you."
Robin chuckled. "What can I say? I just can't seem to stay away."
"Oh, how problematic for you."
"I find I don't seem to mind all that much," Robin admitted, and Regina couldn't fight the grin appearing on her face - though it quickly dropped when he asked; "Can I inquire as to what are you wearing?"
"What? How… Uh..." Regina stammered, before she managed to collect her thoughts. "Who told you about that?"
"About what?" Robin asked, and he genuinely sounded confused, which, in turn, also made Regina confused.
"Why are you asking me what I'm wearing?"
"Because I was thinking about it earlier," Robin answered, as if it was the only logical explanation. "Why do you think I'm asking?"
An internal war raged in Regina's head whether to explain, but thinking it too complicated and too out of Robin's grasp of modern culture, she replied; "No reason…"
Though he was apparently having none of it. "Regina…"
Regina rolled her eyes and sighed, simply explaining; "In Storybrooke, when two people were apart who usually sleep together, they'd use telephones to talk."
"About each other's clothing?"
"More along the lines of; how they'd remove it."
Regina waited for a second, trying to predict his reaction, and when he simply breathed a comprehending 'ah' she could practically see the thief's smirk.
"So... what would be said during these conversations?"
Regina rolled her eyes again at the unexpected turn of her evening. "Well 'what are you wearing?' is the cliché starter, then 'what are you doing?' or 'what are you thinking of?' before leading into... Other stuff.'"
"Oh, is this something you have done before?"
Regina shook her head, then remembered that Robin couldn't see and verbally answered him. "No. But spend enough time around Ruby and you learn things you didn't even need to know."
Robin laughed, and the sound drew a small chuckle of her own.
"So…" she heard, before Robin breathed in and asked again; "What are you wearing?"
Oh. Okay. So that wasn't where she thought this conversation would go.
She'd never dismiss it entirely, it was just... She'd learned that Robin was very physical in his touches, satisfying themselves when the other couldn't didn't really occur to her as something he'd be interested in.
But then again, her thief was full of surprises.
And really, who was she to say 'no' to having a sexy, British man talk dirty to her?
"My nightdress." And then because if they were trying this then they might as well start as they meant to go on, she added a low; "nothing else."
Robin hummed in approval. "What does it look like?"
Regina looked down, feeling rather foolish at wearing green just because it reminded her of the outlaw.
But she could just say it was a coincidence.
It wasn't. But it could have been.
"Green, silk, cream lace around the edges."
"Is it one of the long ones?" Robin asked, before his voice lowered again; "Or one of the sexy ones that only reach partway down your thigh?"
"The sexy ones," she admitted, feeling amused that she already knew what the thief liked.
"What are you doing?"
Regina looked at the book next to her that she had been trying to make sense of. "Reading."
"Anything exciting?"
"Well… It's not the Karma Sutra," she joked.
Robin stammered, sounding rather confused as he asked; "The what?"
Regina grimaced, forgetting about the culture difference between the two and trying to work out how to describe the Karma Sutra, of all things. "Um, it's a book... about sex."
"Are there some poor, unfortunate souls who do not know how it works?"
Regina giggled. "Apparently so."
"Well," he started, and Regina could imagine him puffing up his chest before he declared; "aren't you fortunate that you have me, Your Majesty?"
"You think I can't handle myself?"
"Oh I'm certain you can," he quipped. "But as I have previously stated; I'm better."
Regina rolled her eyes. "You're also big-headed."
"Well, I'd love to come and prove it to you, but I'm afraid I'm a bit tied up at the moment with everything going on here."
Regina smirked. "Tied up, huh?"
Robin gave a dirty chuckle. "We both know you're the one who likes to be tied up, Regina."
His low voice had Regina swallowing, her mind flashing with images of being restrained to the headboard, of being held down whilst Robin's hips knocked into hers, and from the sudden clench in her core she had to admit that the man had a point there.
"But perhaps I like to do the tying too," she teased, and oh that was also a nice image; the outlaw bound to a chair half naked whilst she did everything in her power to drive him to frustration...
Regina's hand slipped under her nightdress before she could process it, drawing feather light strokes that had her releasing a soft gasp before biting her lip.
"Well, Your Majesty," Robin drawled. "Now you seem to have created a small problem."
Regina chuckled. "'Small'?"
"Oh, I knew there was a reason I liked you," Robin remarked. "Though I'm sure thinking about what I could do to you is not as good as feeling it."
"It's certainly helping…"
Robin went quiet for a moment before inquiring; "Are you…?"
Regina paused, muttering a breathy 'uh-huh' and grinning at the answering moan.
"Told you I could handle myself," she quipped.
Robin chuckled, "I'd prefer to do that myself, milady."
"If it makes you feel any better, I'd prefer you to be here too," she admitted, and she could just imagine the thief's lopsided smirk and dimples.
"As do I, Your Majesty," Robin stated, before lowering his voice and teasing; "then it would be your hands on me instead of my own."
Regina's curiosity piqued, her gaze turning hazy as she imagined the situation he was in and asked; "What are you doing?"
The thief didn't disappoint; "I'm stroking myself, thinking of you, thinking of how good you feel..."
Regina bit her lip, trying to hold back a moan and failing. She opened her mouth, preparing to say how good he felt when he interrupted her.
"I want to kiss you."
Closing her eyes and smiling, Regina thought of the thief's kiss, but then suddenly felt a pang of longing for his lips on hers.
"Everywhere," he continued. "Your lips, your neck, your stomach, your thighs…"
"I'd like that," Regina breathed, thinking of something to say in return but getting interrupted-
"I love the way you taste, the way you kiss." Robin paused for a second before complimenting; "you're such a good kisser."
"You're not so bad yourself," Regina drawled, remembering times she'd spend staring at the thief's mouth and feeling his lips over her skin, his stubble setting her nerves alight as his tongue traced illegible patterns... "It's all I thought about for a while."
Robin hummed in interest. "Am I that irresistible?"
"Don't get too cocky, thief."
"When I think of you all I am is cocky..." he joked, before groaning and confessing, "you have no idea what you do to me."
The rough tone of his voice, the low, husky timber, had Regina's movements becoming more focused, the fingertips tracing uneven patterns over her slick flesh starting to draw circles around her clit. "Tell me."
"You wear all these outfits that drive me insane, always have…" he started. "The way they cling to you, push up your tits, showcase your arse... I don't know how anyone could ever concentrate around you. I couldn't get you out of my head."
"You've… Have you thought of me whilst doing this before?"
"Oh, more than once, milady," he admitted, not sounding even the slightest reserved at revealing such personal information. "Have you?"
"Might have," she stated, pausing before admitting; "several might haves, actually."
"And here was me thinking you hated me."
Regina chuckled, remembering her annoyance for the thief bordering between knocking him to the ground and fucking him into it. "You don't have to like someone to fantasize about screwing them."
"Point taken, milady."
There was quiet for a moment, where the only sounds either of them heard were heavy breaths and stifled moans as they thought about the other pleasuring themselves to the thought of them.
"Were there any fantasies in particular?" Regina asked, remembering one of her own that she had already half-fulfilled under the table during a certain council meeting.
"So many things…" Robin answered. "But that was when I didn't think I'd ever have you."
"Anything you'd want to try now you do?"
Robin paused, hmmm-ing as he thought it over before he declared; "I want to do this again, but I want to be there, I want to watch you..."
"You wouldn't be able to not touch, Robin," Regina smirked. "You love to use your hands."
"I love the reaction I get out of you," he corrected, before drawling; "don't pretend you don't love it when I touch you."
Regina's lips parted on a gasp as the hand she had around the pendant tightened its grasp. "Well… Archers are known to be incredibly dexterous."
"I'm rather talented with my tongue too, milady."
She moaned in response.
"You like when I use my mouth on you?"
Regina hmmm'd in affirmation, biting her lip and circling her fingers a little quicker at the thought. "Though I like using my mouth on you too."
Robin groaned, and Regina heard his breath hitch. "You're so good at that..."
"Just wait 'till you come back," Regina teased, chuckling at Robin's pained groan.
"You're making staying away very hard, Regina."
"I bet that's not the only thing I make hard," she quipped.
"You know damn well it isn't," Robin growled, drawing a grin from Regina's lips. "Though I'm willing to bet you're plenty wet right now."
Regina moaned, sliding her fingers further down and finding them coated in slickness before they even dipped into her entrance. "So wet," she breathed, stroking her rough inner wall as the heel of her palm ground against her clit.
"Fuck yourself harder," Robin ordered, his voice strained enough for Regina to know he was starting to get close.
With a groan, she complied, her breath hitching and coming out in short gasps as her fingers curled deeper, her hips lifting to meet the thrust of her hand. Robin's moan drew out one from her too, and Regina found herself biting her lip to stifle a whimper, her head grinding back into her pillows as her body started squirming.
It was when she bit back a moan that Robin spoke again, a warning 'no' before he stated; "I want to hear you."
And so Regina let the next moan go free, smiling at Robin's breathy, "that's it."
For a few moments they exchanged gasps and moans and utterances of the other's name, altering their rhythms to suit the coiling tension within them. Regina's fingers withdrew back to her clit, pressing and rubbing quick circles that had her back arching off of her sheet and Robin's name leaving her lips in a breathy cry.
"Regina..." he moaned in return. "Fuck, I need you..."
Lost in the sweeping tides of arousal, Regina didn't think twice about replying; "I need you too."
"Go... Go harder," Robin stammered, a groan leaving his throat the very next second.
Regina complied, suddenly so close and unable to utter anything more than a high, breathy, "Robin-"
"Regina… I'm-"
Whatever else Robin was going to say was lost in his grunts, groans and curses, and then drowned out by the blood pounding in Regina's ears, her breathy cries getting stuck in her throat as her pleasure peaked.
The following moments were spent easing down from their high, regulating their breathing and heartrates until they were something resembling even.
"Well..." Regina started with a slight chuckle, "that was less awkward than I ever thought it'd be."
"I think I found my new favourite way of passing the time until I return."
"And to think you used to be so vehemently against anything magical..." Regina quipped with a smirk.
"What can I say?" Robin chuckled. "You've changed my mind on a lot of things."
Regina paused, humming non-committedly as she chose not to read into any meanings.
"I look forward to returning," he added, filling in the conversational gap Regina created.
"As do I," she replied, adding a firm; "safe and sound."
Robin sighed, and she could practically see the thief roll his eyes. "Stop worrying so much; I'll be fine. Trust me."
Regina shrugged, even if he couldn't see her, muttering; "m'kay."
"Promise?"
Regina let out a displeased scoff, but Robin spoke her name in a warning tone, and she rolled her eyes and smiled as she caved; "Okay, fine... I promise. Are you happy now?"
"Very," he answered, before saying; "and I promise I'll talk to you and Roland tomorrow."
"Look forward to it."
"I bet you do," he teased.
"Oh, shut up."
She almost missed his 'goodnight' that was hidden behind his low chuckle.
And hers was whispered several moments after the pendant had stopped glowing.
…
The next day, Regina didn't collect Roland until lunch time - too busy enjoying the rare occurrence of sleeping in, and then spending a little time with the Charmings until their stupidity became too much for her to cope with. The boy was already impatient about talking with his father again, and so Regina had been extensively busy trying to keep the lad occupied.
She'd used up some of his energy by taking him into the castle grounds, spending a couple of hours picking flowers, chasing butterflies, playing hide and seek, and whatever other activity came into mind. Then as they were resting, they spent a little while baking, delving into the world of apple turnovers and igniting the boy's love for Storybrooke food. She'd even resorted to some under-hand tricks, distracting him with a colourful display of magic to make the transition into the evening less noticeable.
Time had still passed slowly. And Regina had stolen glances out the window as the sun set upon her grounds, casting an orange glow over the trees and grass as the birds sang. It was when the entire sky had turned dark and Roland had been forced to go to bed without speaking to his father that Regina started to worry about her thief.
It wasn't like Robin to go back on his word, at least not without dropping a quick explanation first. A simple 'I'm fine, just more busy than expected' would have sufficed. But she had heard nothing, he hadn't even responded when his son had tried to contact him first - not even when she had dropped warnings to 'answer her if he knew what was good for him'.
So... To say the Queen was concerned would have been an understatement.
The thought of tracking him down entered her head, but goodness knows how that would look if she suddenly turned up full of worry and he was fine. There'd be no downplaying their relationship then. And then the thought of spying through her mirror occurred, but the thought of breaching his privacy like that irked her, and so she decided not to do that either.
She had promised that she'd trust him, trust that he'd be okay, and though she had such a strong urge to check on the thief, she had to believe that he'd be safe. He had faith in her abilities to protect herself, so she'd have faith in his.
He'd be fine.
He'd. Be. Fine.
She'd go to sleep, spend another day with Roland tomorrow, and then she could worry about her thief and make plans tomorrow evening if they still hadn't heard from him.
Only sleep was hard to come by; her mind was whirring with endless scenarios that Robin could be in, none of them pleasant, and all worse than the previous.
She couldn't do this, she needed to focus on something else. She'd drive herself insane if she continued over-thinking.
So, when she should have been sleeping, Regina Mills found herself wandering around the castle, no clear destination in mind, just somewhere she could distract herself for a short while.
For some reason she ended up at the room where all the liquor was kept. Though with a shrug of her shoulders she mused that alcohol wouldn't necessarily be a bad idea. In fact, it could rather work in her favour; distract her mind, lift her spirits, and make her sleepy enough to get into bed and go straight to sleep.
So... Alcohol it was.
At least, that was what she intended. But the moment she opened the door, she soon realised the room was already occupied.
"What are you doing in here?"
Friar Tuck looked up at her, a mug of something in his hand lifted partway up to his mouth.
"It's where the alcohol is," he stated, before continuing with his drink.
Regina crossed her arms in front of her. "This room is not intended for public use."
"Well, I needed a drink," he declared, before mumbling; "didn't really care where I got it from."
"Aren't you supposed to be minding Roland?"
"The boy's deep in slumber," he dismissed. "And I asked one of the fairies to stay with him for a while."
Regina narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "Which one?"
"Does it matter?"
"As long as it's not Blue, no."
The Friar paused, frowning as he tried to remember who had volunteered to watch Robin Hood's little boy. "Well, she was wearing green, so..."
"Tinkerbelle," Regina stated, interrupting him, and at the Friar's confused frown she explained; "The fairy in green, her name is Tinkerbelle."
"Good for her."
Regina opened her mouth to deliver a retort, but then she saw the look on the man's face as he deflated. She paused for a moment, before softening her voice slightly and asking; "Rough night?"
He scoffed. "Not one of my favourites."
Regina could relate, and she before she could fully think it over, she was inquiring; "Room for another?"
The Friar looked at the Queen, a wary frown creasing his forehead, but still, he inclined his head towards the bench on the other side of the table and offered; "Go ahead."
With her head high she walked to the available seat, collecting a glass on the way. The moment she sat and scooted to the middle, she poured herself a heavy measure of whatever was on the table.
Friar Tuck looked impressed.
"So... What brings the Queen to drink with commoners?" he asked.
Regina paused after the first mouthful, slightly grimacing as the alcohol burned her throat before it soothed and warmed her from the inside. "Nothing..."
The Friar blinked and glared. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I don't believe you."
Regina sighed, her fingers subconsciously toying with the gemstone around her neck, "Robin's not answering."
"Perhaps he's busy," the Friar offered.
"Perhaps. I just... I have a bad feeling about it."
Friar Tuck nodded. "Are your feelings usually right?"
Her look told him all he needed to know.
"I'm sure he's fine. He's a tough lad; been through a lot and come out the other side just fine," he comforted, before adding; "he's a survivor. You'll see."
Regina offered the man a smile, taking another sip of her drink after she mumbled; "Thanks."
"You're welcome," he smiled back. "Though if you really wanted to thank me then you'd keep supplying me with this. It's good stuff."
"I'm well aware," Regina remarked.
She remembered the last night she had this specific brand of alcohol. Well… She vaguely remembered.
Charming was being an ass - as per usual - and not shutting up about all the heroic things he's done. And there was a few seconds' worth of memory where she was stumbling down the corridor with Snow, feeling more maternal towards the girl than she had in a long time. There was someone else too, a faceless person that she thought she threw a shoe at - but couldn't quite remember.
"Forgive me for intruding, Your Majesty," Friar Tuck started, interrupting the Queen trying to piece her memories together. "...But you and Robin seem to have become very close as of late, I was just-"
"Now that's not exactly any of your business, is it?" Regina quipped, wanting to shut the following conversation down before it went anywhere.
"Actually, it is," he challenged, ignoring the glare sent his way. "You see, I have seen my fair share of heartbreak - both from Robin Hood and from the people who came to me to seek religious advice - I have no desire to see any more."
"Robin will be fine."
"And you?"
"I'm no stranger to heartbreak either," she shrugged. "I'd rather steer clear of it."
"Is that what caused…This?" he asked, gesturing towards her - not even flinching at another glare directed at him. "As I've said; I've seen a lot of heartbreak, Your Majesty. I know what it can do to a person."
"A lot of things caused 'this'," she quipped, trying not to give in and soften at lack of judgement in his voice - and failing; "but heartbreak was certainly one of them."
"I'm sorry."
Regina's glare melted at his genuine smile, and she nodded her thanks before taking another large gulp of her drink.
"What about you?" she asked.
The Friar looked confused. "What about me?"
"Your drinking habits are not exactly a secret throughout this castle," Regina explained. "Was that heartbreak too?"
"Not exactly," he answered, taking a look at Regina's gaze before continuing; "I was expelled from St Mary's Abbey, and have never been allowed back into the church. It's rather unfortunate that what I love doing is impossible to me."
Regina nodded in acknowledgement, before inquiring; "Why were you expelled?"
"Apparently I 'didn't respect authority'," he spat. "Which is - as you Storybrooke folk say - 'bullshit'. I respect authority just fine, I just can't abide stupidity."
Regina couldn't help her smile, musing that her and the Friar had more in common than she originally thought.
"Here's to that," she declared, raising her glass towards him and grinning when he chuckled and clinked his drink with hers. And for a short time there was a comfortable silence between them.
"To say you're the Evil Queen, you're remarkably friendly," Tuck commented.
Regina laughed. "Trust me; 'friendly' is not a trait I possess."
"Yes, it is," he argued. "I don't think you are aware, but you have already gained the approval of half the Merry Men."
Regina frowned, blinking, as she tried to work out if she had misheard him. "What?"
"Obviously, Robin and Roland are quite smitten with you; George makes it no secret that he considers you a friend; Will has eventually come around despite his initial skepticism; and I wouldn't be drinking with you if I didn't like you."
Regina paused, unsure how to respond, spending a few moments trying to come up with something other than her mumbled, "thanks."
She settled on a teasing; "If I'd have known it'd only take alcohol to win you over, I could have done that months ago."
Tuck's booming laugh took longer than Regina would have thought to calm into chuckles. But then he sobered further before confessing; "it wasn't just the alcohol."
Regina frowned, taking another sip of her drink and finally feeling some of the fuzziness soothe her mind somewhat.
"I heard you converse with Roland earlier, as you were putting him to bed."
Regina bristled, feeling defensive about the Friar breaching what she thought was a private moment.
"I didn't mean to intrude," he continued, looking genuinely apologetic. "I just wanted to ensure the boy was okay."
"I'd never hurt him," Regina defended, her voice harsh, and the Friar was quick to soothe her.
"I know that. I know that now, seeing you with him, I..." Tuck shook his head, looking down to the table as he admitted; "I should never have doubted you."
"You were right to be wary," Regina conceded after a few seconds, before gesturing to herself; "Evil Queen and all that."
"No; Robin told us you weren't a threat - has done so right from the beginning - but we never really listened."
Regina stared into her drink. Robin couldn't have known that she wasn't a threat from when they first arrived at the castle. Hell, even she didn't know that she wasn't a threat back then.
Once again, the thief's apparent faith in her left her a little stunned.
The Friar suddenly burst into laughter, right from the bottom of his rotund belly, and it's volume startled her.
"Did he ever tell you about that time he shot himself in the foot?"
"Robin?" she asked, shaking her head when Tuck answered in the affirmative. "By doing what?"
"No, he literally shot himself in the foot."
"How the hell did he manage that?" Regina asked once her burst of laughter had subsided. "He's one of the finest archers in the Kingdom."
"Oh, is that what he tells you?" He chuckled, before leaning forwards and conspiratorially whispering; "Let me tell you some stories about the 'great and legendary Robin Hood'."
Regina laughed, topping up their glasses and feeling as if they were in for a very long night.
...
Over a couple of hours later, the duo were about ready to pass out. Tuck was much heavier than he looked - which was already a lot - and Regina could barely even support the arm he had around her shoulders as they walked in the direction of their chambers.
The Friar would occasionally stumble, and Regina was more than ready to let him land flat on his face than try to catch him; she'd end up imprinted into the floor.
The Queen would occasionally burst into fits of giggles, remembering tales of pranks and nicknames and oh how she wanted to rub it in Robin's face when he returned. And after learning about the whole arrow incident - where he had been proving 'what goes up must come down' and had forgotten to move out of the way - Regina would never let him hear the end of it. It made for suitable bargaining material. Though what she'd be bargaining for she had no idea.
When they passed Friar Tuck's room she practically pushed him into the door, assuring him that she could look after Roland the next day - he'd be too busy nursing his inevitable hang-over from drinking twice as much as she had - and that she'd tell one of the kitchen staff to send some medication in the morning that would soothe his alcohol-induced illness.
The Friar had grunted in acknowledgement before going into his room, a deep 'thud' indicating he had just collapsed onto his bed and would stay there until he deemed it necessary to move.
Regina couldn't help but check on Roland before she left to go to her own room, peeking around the door and smiling at the sight of him tucked in with the stuffed monkey she gave him the day she met him, curls wild about his head and a comforting thumb in his mouth. Tink was laying atop Robin's bed covers, merely a thin sheet covering her, and Regina's smile turned into a grin.
She wished them both a silent 'sweet dreams' before making her way to her own chambers, and this time, when she closed her eyes to sleep, the only thoughts of her thief were his laughter and smiles.
…
The next morning, Regina woke up with a dry mouth and a niggling headache, but it was mainly bearable, and the thought of spending time with Roland as a distraction lifted her spirits considerably.
Though the notion of donning corsets and capes filled her with a sense of dread, and so she settled for a leather pair of trousers and a red coat, letting her black, lace underwear peek out of the low neckline. It'd do. She looked good and she was comfy. And nothing of importance was happening that day anyway.
When she peeked into Roland's room, things were a lot more hectic than the previous night; the boy was leaping from his father's bed into the waiting arms of Tinkerbell, both of them bubbling with laughter and squeals.
Regina winced. Perhaps spending time with a child and an excitable fairy was not the best thing to do after consuming copious amounts of alcohol the night before.
"You two having fun?" Regina asked, putting a stop to the noisy fun.
They both nodded emphatically before Roland ran towards the desk, grabbed something, and brought it back to show Regina.
"Look! Look! Tink can draw butterflies."
"That she can, my dear," Regina smiled.
Roland nodded, before frowning, looking to Regina and loudly whispering; "though not as good as you."
Tink shouted out an indignant "Hey!" and Regina glared at her. But then her attention was drawn back to Roland, listening intently as he retold the bedtime story that Tinkerbell told him, about a fairy who couldn't fly until she believed in herself...
Tinkerbell turned and sat on the edge of Robin's bed, watching Regina and the boy with a smile. It wasn't often the Queen's eyes lit up the way they did now. The only time Tink ever remembered seeing Regina like that was when she spoke of her son in Neverland, or when she spotted them in Granny's sharing a milkshake... Obviously with Henry not being in the Enchanted Forest with them, Tink was worried about how the Queen would cope, whether she'd even have a reason to smile. But watching her with Roland... Regina lit up. The plaguing darkness that hung around her was nothing compared to the lightness the boy brought out in her.
It was a beautiful sight to see her so happy.
The door opening brought the trio's attention to the man stood in the doorway. The bald, rotund, jolly man Regina had the pleasure of sharing a drink with the previous night - that looked as if the last thing he wanted to be doing was standing there.
"Didn't think you'd be up yet," she joked, her easy smile fading when the man didn't even blink.
"May I have a word?" he asked, and an uneasy feeling took residence in Regina's stomach.
She turned back to Tinkerbell, asking; "would you mind taking care of Roland for a short while longer?"
The fairy assured her it was fine, and Regina made her way over to the Friar.
"What?" she asked, not comforted at all by the way he beckoned her outside of the room and closed the door behind her.
"What?" she asked again, patience running thin.
"The search party has returned."
"Already? But they weren't due back for..." Regina trailed off as reality caught up. "What happened?"
"There was an attack," Tuck stated. "Zelena's apes... They-"
"Any casualties?"
Friar Tuck's mouth set in a grim line. "Four are dead, three more are missing."
Regina's heart dropped, the simple, innate task of inflating her lungs with oxygen paused, coming second to her next inquiry; "Robin?"
"I'm afraid I don't know, Your Majesty. Although knowing Robin as well as I do…" Friar Tuck paused, taking in a deep breath before stating; "He's a man of honour, Regina, and knowing his stance on leaving men behind, I'm afraid I'm not holding much hope."
Regina felt her breath leave her.
Oh god,
Robin...
