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Regina's POV
I looked back as the palace became smaller and smaller with each step I took towards the forest. I moved past the trees and into the jungle, and soon I could no longer see the kingdom. One day. I would have to return but as I got deeper into the forest, the more I wanted to forget about the end of this day. I couldn't think about how I would inevitably have to return to the palace, the king, and the life I despised. I could think about how the king would return and it would be back to the routine of being a prisoner in my supposed home. I couldn't think about that. I had to think of the now. Now I was free and I had a day—twenty-four hours—of freedom to spend. I wanted to enjoy every second of it.
I ran through the forest, the trees and bushes looking like bundles of green as I raced past them quickly. I tried to go faster. Time was everything and I had to find him quickly. I only had so much time and every moment I had I wanted to spend with him. "Now where could he be?" I stopped for a moment to think. I realized running through the forest on a whim wouldn't help me find Robin; I needed to think. "You could have at least given me directions." I had a day with him, but I didn't know where he is. That seemed like a shitty deal given what I agreed to do in return.
I'm a dark one, not a tour guide.
I was on my own and I would have to find him on my own. I went over to this giant tree and attempted to climb it, but I was struggling. I groaned loudly as I fell back to the ground. "How the hell am I supposed to find him?"
"I can help." I noticed a small green light and looked closer. It was a fairy and one I was familiar with.
"You?" I questioned. It was a fairy I met not too long ago. She tried to help me, but I told her not to bother; it was a waste of time. "What are you doing here, Tinkerbell?"
"What fairies do," She answered. "I'm here to help." I should have known. She had told me not too long ago that I needed love. But I didn't believe it. I didn't think it was possible given how little freedom the king gave me. I thought I managed to drive her away with all the threats, but it seemed I was wrong; a part of me was relieved for that. "You're in love."
I nodded. "I am." I didn't bother to ask how she knew that; I knew that wasn't important. "I don't have much time. I need to find him—this man."
"I can take you to him."
"You know where he is?" I asked, almost not believing it. Most people only knew of the Robin Hood legends, let alone where to find him. Of course, I wouldn't question how the fairies knew what they did. Especially if she ended up helping me find him.
"Not exactly."
"Then how will I get to him?" She wasn't making much sense. "I need to get to him as soon as possible. I don't have time to waste."
"I don't know where he is." Tinkerbell grew to be the same size as me. She then took out a small satchel and reached in. "But this will show us." She held in her hand a small amount of pixie dust. "This dust will lead us to your soulmate."
"Soulmate?" She thought that Robin Hood was my soul mate? Could he really be?
"You're in love. Can I say anymore?"
"You are sure it will work?" I asked. I had never been as sure about how I felt about someone since Daniel. And even then, this felt much different. I couldn't deny how I felt about Robin, but I had doubts about this working. Would I be his soulmate? And could this work? Things didn't usually end up the way they were supposed to. "Why are you doing this?" I also wondered why she was willing to help me considering our past. I had told her to never come back. Why didn't she listen?
"Because you deserve love." Tinkerbell answered. "Both of you do."
"So you have seen him?" I asked.
"Yes." She nodded. "And I promise you, this will work. The spell will lead us to your soulmate and I think we know, there is no one else alive whom that it could be other than him." She had a point there. "Do you trust me?" She held out a hand towards me.
I knew I needed to take a leap of faith. "Yes." I took her hand and then she cast the spell, using the dust. We floated over the trees so we could get a better view and we saw a long path heading northwest. We flew, following the path through the forest. I looked around me, unable to hide a smile as we zipped through the trees. We're flying. I looked down as we followed the green path and eventually I could see the makings of a camp. Then we got closer to the ground.
"We're close." Tinkerbell let go of my hand and then took a step in front of me, motioning for me to follow her. "Come on."
"That was…" I couldn't find the right word to describe it. Incredible seemed almost appropriate. I never expected to fly. My mother had used magic to punish me—holding me in the air, against my will. I never imagined I'd be using magic to take to the air by choice.
"Magical?" Tinkerbell guessed and I chuckled slightly. "Magic can be a good thing." I had only vaguely told her about what I had experienced. I didn't go into much detail but I brought up my mother. She was the reason I was wary whenever magic was involved.
"But usually it comes with a price." I pointed out as we walk down the pathway. "So what is the price of you helping me?" I had to ask.
"Just think of it as a win-win." Though that didn't make any sense. "By helping you, you're helping me."
"How so?" What could a fairy get from helping me?
"I'm going to be honest with you." I didn't like how that was sounding. "I was warned not to bother helping you. I was told that you couldn't be helped. That you were surrounded by darkness." Well, it's great to know what the fairies think of me.
"Because of my mother?" I figured that had to be it. "And Leopold?" Those two people brought the most misery to me so I could only assume. "I am not my mother." That is one of the reasons I refused to use magic for so long.
"I know that." It seemed this fairy trusted me. "That is why I stole this to help you."
"You risked so much for me." It was hard to believe that anyone would do that for me. "Why?"
"Everyone deserves a second chance." I smiled upon hearing that. "Both you and Robin deserve it." That statement made me wonder about him. Did he love once before like I had? "We're here." I didn't get to ask as we seemed closer to the destination.
I looked in front of me and noticed the camp. There were a few tents and there were a bunch of men. I made a move to take another step and then the men approached us, drawing their weapons. I wasn't sure why I expected any less. "You're the queen." I heard one man whisper and sighed. Of course someone would know me. It seemed I wouldn't be off to a great start.
"I am looking for someone—a man."
"There are a lot of men here." The shorter man pointed out. I guess I needed to be more specific on whom exactly I was looking for. But I knew that this could be taken in two different ways.
"I am looking for Robin Hood."
They kept a steady hold of their weapons—at least most of them did. Some of the other men, including one shorter man, seemed unsure of themselves.
"What is your business here?" He asked, not lowering the weapon. Considering my identity I couldn't blame them for being cautious. But I didn't get a chance to speak before someone else did.
"Regina?" I looked behind the crowd to see another man. He lowered his hood and I smiled; there he was. And he was even glowing from the pixie dust. He really is my soulmate. The men moved to their lefts and rights, making a path for me to cross. I then ran towards him and he embraced me in his arms.
"I found you." I put my hand to his cheek and smiled, gazing into his eyes. I almost couldn't believe it; I was really here. We were together again.
"Yes, you did and I am very happy to see you." I hoped that he was as happy to see me as I was to see him. "But how are you here? The palace—it was guarded. Even you said so yourself you couldn't leave." I could tell he was not only worried for his men's and his own safeties but also mine.
"That's a long story." I wasn't sure I should tell him the entire story about the deal I made; at least not yet. "But the important thing is we have some time; just today." Robin stroked his thumb up my cheek and placed his other hand on the back of my neck before pulling me in closer, to kiss me.
"And a glorious day it shall be." Robin released me from the kiss and placed his forehead against my own. He put an arm around me and walked towards the men. "I don't think you've been properly introduced." I shook my head. Not only that but we had gotten off on the wrong foot with my arrival. "These are my Merry Men." The name had an interesting ring to it. "Lads, this is Regina."
"She's married to King Leopold." One man pointed out. "Are you sure having her here is wise?"
"Regina is a friend." Robin smiled at me and I returned one.
"I think she is more than a friend." The shorter man with the long curly hair and a bigger build commented. He took a step forward and took a curtsey. "It's an honor, your majesty." I took his hand and gave a nod. "Little John."
"Can we really trust her?" Another voice from the crowd of men spoke. Robin was going to speak, but I put a hand on his chest to stop him. This was something I could handle.
"I hope my marriage to King Leopold will not impair your judgement." I started off by saying. "I know you cannot simply take Robin's word for it. I may have married a royal but truthfully I am no more than a prisoner in this arranged marriage." I had to be honest if they were going to trust me. "I will not lie. Me being here does bring risks, but not for today." As long as I made back in time; which I intended to. "I offer you this peace of mind: The king will never about your camp."
"How do we know we can trust you?" Another man asked.
"I hope you'll put the same trust in her as you put in me." Robin chimed in as he wrapped his arms around me. "Like I said before, Regina is a friend. And I hope you will treat her with respect." It seemed the message got through. "Now go on." The men went back to their daily tasks and then Robin spun me around. "Now, where were we?" I let out a laugh as he was now inches from my face again. But he didn't kiss me as he then noticed Tinkerbell out of the corner of his eyes.
"Hello again." Tinkerbell greeted as she approached us.
"Tinker." It appears Robin had met Tinkerbell before.
"Tinkerbell actually." She corrected.
"I'll take as you've met the fairy as well." I chimed in, but Robin seemed slightly confused.
"Fairy?" He didn't know she was a fairy? How is that possible? "I was having a drink in a tavern. She came up to me and suggested I rob the king while he and his family were away." He explained. So she directed him to the castle.
I turned to her. "You knew I was going to be there."
Tinkerbell nodded. "He just needed a push in the right direction." It was almost like she knew we were soulmates.
"But how did you—?"
"That night you pushed me away, I returned while you were sleeping. I did the same spell I did tonight. It led me to your soulmate." She explained. "I realized if I was going to help you a different approach was needed."
"So you know this fairy?" Robin asked and both Tinkerbell and I laughed in response. I think that much was obvious.
"Tinkerbell is…" I smiled at her before turning back to Robin. "…a really good friend."
"Then it appears she is mine as well."
"Now don't waste your precious hours." Tinkerbell reminded me of the ticking clock before walking off, leaving Robin and I alone once again.
"What did she mean by that?" I knew I was going to have to tell Robin eventually.
"Here's that long story." But maybe I could still leave out the part about the deal I made with the dark one. "I have until sunrise tomorrow to be here with you."
"One day of freedom and you came to find me?"
I didn't have to think twice about that. "I would try to find you even if I only had one hour." That was the truth of it. "I got your letters."
"I know." Robin smirked. "I never miss." He then spun me around once more before holding me in his arms as if I were a bride. "Now milady, how should we spend this day?" I thought for a moment. Up until now the only thing I had on my mind was finding him; and being with him.
"I want to see your life." He knew of mine. It was only fair that I learned of his.
"Well this is it!" Robin then put me back down on the ground and then led me through the camp, pointing out everything. Where they kept their treasure, their food, and all their other supplies. He introduced me personally to all the Merry Men—the ones aside from Little John. Later, when it got dark we all gathered around by a fire. I curled up close to Robin as we ate and then told stories. And then afterwards once everyone was exhausted from the day, I retreated with Robin to his tent. He made a place for me in his bed. "I hope this is alright." He gave some of his old clothes to change into, thinking I would be more comfortable in them.
"A bit big, but I'll manage." I didn't care about that.
Once I changed, I got into the bed with him and snuggled up against his warm body. I laid my head against his chest and he wrapped an arm around me. He ran his other hand through my hair and then down my back gently. "Let me know if you're uncomfortable or if you need anything." I knew why he was telling me. He knew what the king has done to me and was worried about how I could possibly react; I appreciated it. Though it was quite unnecessary here.
"I just need you." His embrace became tighter and he placed a kiss on my forehead. "With you, I'll never be uncomfortable." The one thing I was sure of was that I felt safe with him. His love was pure and real. If only I could stay here forever.
I fell asleep for some time. I wasn't sure how long but at least a good couple of hours. The only reason I woke up was because of Robin. "Regina." I didn't want to wake up.
"Mmmm." I groaned. I felt exhausted and I didn't want to move. It had been the best I had slept in a very long time.
"Regina, it's almost sunrise." That sent me straight out of bed.
"Oh no." I made a deal for this day and he only warned me that I needed to be back within twenty four hours. He never mentioned what would happen if I didn't make it in time. "Oh god." I raced out of bed and then attempted to flee, only to be stopped by Robin grabbing my arm. "I have to go." He had to know I would give anything to stay; but I couldn't.
"I know." Robin led me out of the tent and then to a brown horse. "We might just get you there in time."
"If they catch you near the palace they'll—"
"What matters is getting you back." Robin got onto the horse first and then offered me a hand, which I took. He pulled me up onto the horse and then we went. Robin made the horse go as fast as it could on it's legs and yet I still feared that we wouldn't make it in time. "You'll make it." He attempted to reassure me.
"I don't know what will happen if I don't." Though I had an idea. Rumpelstiltskin had mentioned something about delaying the king's return. I had a feeling sunrise is when he and Snow were set to be back.
"You won't have to find out." That was a promise he intended to keep as he urged the horse to go even faster. The palace was in view and we kept approaching.
"I see their carriage." I might not make it.
"You will." Robin let me off the horse just outside the palace. "Run Regina." Robin took out his bow from his back. "I will give you some time."
"Robin—" I was worried for his safety. I knew an arrow from him would distract them but I worried about him being caught. I would never be able to live with myself if that happened. I didn't get a chance to argue as Robin pulled me into a goodbye kiss.
"Go!" He then took off towards the carriage, firing an arrow at it. I only looked for a moment before running towards the palace going as fast as I possibly could. I managed to make it back in time before Leopold and Snow came inside. Once I got back to bedroom, I tore off the clothes Robin had lent me, noticing I was still wearing them. I threw them in a ball and shoved them under the bed.
"Regina!?" I jumped under the sheets as I heard Leopold's voice. He practically barged into the bedroom, the door slamming against the wall.
I sat up in bed slowly and rubbed my eyes, making it appear as if he just woke me. "Leo?" I faked a yawn. "You're back."
"I apologize for the delay. Snow and I just got in." He threw his shirt across the room and then pulled the covers back. He then smiled devilishly. "Is that just for me?" He remarked, noticing I was wearing nothing but under garments.
"I figured this is what you would be looking forward to." I wouldn't expect any less of him. That was all he used me for; besides being a stepmother for Snow.
"That's my good girl." He tore off the rest of his clothes and slithered his way into the bed. "I knew you would miss me." I moved over to the other end of the bed. "No, my dear, come here." He urged and I reluctantly complied with his wishes. I kept my head turned away and went limp as I felt him go on top of me and pull down my under garments. "It seems the queen has learned her role." He whispered as his hand ran up my side and caressed my breasts.
"Of course." I knew he would take what he wanted either by force. And after the wonderful time I had with Robin today, I was willing to just let him take it. I shut my eyes as he made his way inside of me, trying to be anywhere but here. Robin. Thinking about being him, made it easier to pretend I was anywhere but here and reminding me that my freedom was once again, non-existent.
A/N: I had the worst writer's block with this story for months, which is why it went un-updated. But I finally got an idea for the rest of the story, so there is an update. Anyways, so it seemed that Tinkerbell was stringing thing along from the start. And Regina got to be with Robin.
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