Author's Notes:

Special Thanks to my co-author ale_nena for her contributions to this chapter!

Setting: Misthaven non-magical modern AU. The society and political system will be based on a combination of modern countries, with a probable bias toward the American system as I am an American. However, all characters are fictional and resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidence.

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Robin woke early the next morning to his usual alarm. He immediately felt different, though.

Rolling over he grabbed his phone and turned off the alarm, dropping it as he sunk back down into bed.

He knew where he was even in the dark. He'd been in this bed often enough. This was the first time hadn't been forced to leave it in a hurry, though.

Turning over onto his side he shifted toward the warmth of Regina's body, sliding his arms around her.

She let out contented sigh, settling back into his arms.

He smiled.

The previous night had been chaotic. Getting his things moved into Regina's suite and working things out with Drake.

The older man had given him glares to kill, but when Mr. and Mrs. Mills both confirmed he'd be staying on with the security team, he'd finally agreed to put Robin on the security schedule for Wednesday.

It was Monday but he was certain he wasn't being given a long weekend as a kindness.

He'd hardly seen any of the other staff the day before. Ruby and Dora were sent to move his things in and they pointedly avoided conversation, or even looking either of them in the eye.

He sighed. He knew this would be an adjustment for everyone, and, honestly, wasn't even sure himself how him working for security and living with Regina would work. He was determined to do it somehow, though.

He couldn't very well go out and get a different job now.

Shaking away those thoughts, he leaned over and pressed a kiss against Regina's shoulder.

He could see a smile playing at her lips as she shifted, waking up slowly.

"Good morning," he whispered.

"Mmm, good morning," she answered, rolling over onto her back. He drank her in as she stared up at him, those big brown eyes of hers soft with sleep.

After a moment, she laughed, "What?"

"Nothing," he shook his head.

She smiled up at him again, turning her head toward the nightstand, "What time is it?"

He stopped her hand as she was reaching for her phone, "Don't worry about that."

"What?"

Sliding his hands down to her legs, he pulled her over to him, "I'm not done with you yet."

"Oh yeah?" she challenged.

"Yeah," he said as he claimed her lips.

It had only been 24 hours but already he could tell that everything was different. No more looking over their shoulders, no more waiting for texts...now that he could kiss her, touch her, and make love to her whenever he wanted he was going to take the opportunity.

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"Yes," Cora said into her phone, "I want the office ready by the end of the day!"

As she hung up the phone, she looked across the table at her husband who, out of his character, was also on his phone.

"Alright, sweetheart, we'll see you tonight. I'll make sure, Mrs. Lucas was your suite ready by the time you get here. I love you too, bye. Drive safely."

As he hung up the phone, Cora frowned at him. She was still very angry about the previous day. It was more than obvious to her that Henry had known something about this nonsense with Regina and that man, and the fact that he'd kept it from her...the betrayal stung.

She swallowed the bitterness for a moment, though. Everything was in such upheaval that she had to focus on just keeping everything together.

Still, though, she'd spent the previous night in a guest room.

Clearing her throat, she caught Henry's attention, "Zelena?"

"Yes, they've just left the Federal District," he answered, "They expect to get here this afternoon."

She sighed, "What a mess."

He looked at her sadly, "I don't think it's really that bad."

Anger surged inside her, "Yes, well you clearly aren't concerned about preserving this family or the campaign, so why don't you just stay out of this and leave it to me!"

"Cora-"

Henry tried to interrupt but she wasn't in the mood, "Where is Regina?"

"I haven't seen her. She must still be upstairs," he answered with a sigh.

"It's almost 9:30! What the hell is she doing?!"

Henry paused raising his coffee cup to his lips and shifted uncomfortably. Figuring out where his mind had gone, Cora groaned in disgust. She really didn't want to think about that. The thought of having to tolerate that criminal doing who knows what to her daughter under her own roof was infuriating!

Picking up her phone, she typed out a message, "Regina, I need to speak to you now!"

Setting her phone down angrily, she glanced at her plate but found she had no appetite. Shoving it away, she rose from the table and stormed out, her heels clicking as she walked through the foyer.

She picked up her coat and briefcase when she got to the door, letting it slam behind her. It was sunny but cold out, and she was angry to find that her car was not waiting for her.

After typing out angry message to Drake, and getting a quick response, she tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for the car to arrive, also checking her phone periodically for a response from Regina.

When Drake arrived with the car, she got in the backseat and slammed the door behind her, barking an order to take her to the office.

As they drove toward the frontgate, she checked her phone one last time but Regina still hadn't responded.

She glared angrily, that girl was really starting to rankle. First this stunt now she thought she could get away with flat out ignoring her? She needed to correct that notion and hopefully sooner rather than later!

Regina may have successfully boxed her into a corner when it came to accepting this so-called marriage, but Cora Mills wasn't going to accept defeat that easily!

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"What in the name of all the gods?!" Lily's voice echoed off the walls as soon as Regina stepped up to her desk, causing everyone at open desks on their floor to look up.

Pasting on a smile, Regina nodded to them, "Everything's fine. Go back to work."

With that she walked into her office, Lily at her heels. After she and Robin finally tore themselves away from each other that morning, she'd spoken briefly to her father who informed her that her mother was, unsurprisingly, in a very bad mood.

Before her and Robin could even discuss plans for the day they were confronted by a very frazzled looking Belle who arrived at the estate with a to-do list for both of them from Cora. Regina's, unsurprisingly, involved getting all the paperwork for her transfer to the political office in order. Irritating, though less insulting than Robin's taks of 'purchase clothing appropriate for a Presidential campaign.'

Robin took the order instride, all things considered, and they ended up parting quickly without even having the chance to eat breakfast that morning.

Regina had considered calling up Cora to confront her, but found herself at the foundation before making a decision and the entire place was abuzz...a fact which brought her attention back to Lily.

Her assistant shoved her office door closed and asked again, "Seriously! What the fuck, Regina?!"

She sighed, "Can you keep your voice down a little bit?"

"Well I'm sorry but it's been kind of a whirlwind here!" Lily shot back, "First you're all over the tabloids making out with your security guy and now you're all over the tabloids having married him?! What are you doing, Regina?"

"Getting married," she answered simply.

"Yeah!" Lily shot back, "But that's kind of an extreme reaction isn't it?"

"I didn't do it because of the story in The Mirror...well not just because of that!"

Lily looked at her skeptically.

"Lily, there's a lot of history here that you don't really know," she explained, "It's a long story. I know you thought Robin and I were just fooling around but we were a lot more serious than that. We just kept it a secret."

"A lot more serious? You just broke up with James a few months ago!"

"As I said, there was a lot going in the background that you don't know about," she explained, "James and I were never really dating. It was just for the press and our parents."

"Seriously?"

"Yes," she answered, "I know this is very unexpected but...this is good."

"So you and this guy...Robin...you're really that serious? I mean...you're..."

"Yes," she repeated.

"Wow," Lily said after a long pause, "Okay um...congratulations."

Regina smiled warily. The dark haired woman seemed floored by the idea but she understood why. Apparently they'd hidden their relationship better than they knew.

"Thanks," she answered, "I'm sorry you were blindsided by this."

Lily shrugged, "Well, hey, I mean...I guess it's not really my business."

"Yeah well, there's some more news and this does involve you."

"Okay?" she asked warily.

"I came in today to talk to HR and let them know that I'm leaving, at least for a while."

"What?!"

"I'm moving to Mother's political office."

"I...what?" Lily repeated.

"She'll announce that she's running soon so the campaign is going to get kicked off and Mother wants me as director of the Unity City office."

"Alright," Lily said cautiously.

"I'll need an assistant there," Regina went on, "I'm hoping you'll come with me. It'd be nice to have someone I know I can trust there. Who knows how Mother and Blake have arranged things."

"Of course I'll come with you, if that's what you want."

"Thank you," Regina let out a sigh of relief checking her watch, "Well I only stopped in for a moment. I'll talk with HR and have them email you paperwork but I have to run. Really, if you want you should go home."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah," Regina answered, "Between moving to the political office and planning the wedding reception Mother wants, I won't be in the office much this week. No reason for you to sit here doing nothing. Get some rest. No doubt things will get crazy for both of us once the campaign starts!"

"Okay," Lily answered, "Good luck!"

"Thanks! I'll see you and your mom at the reception!"

"Okay," her assistant answered, still sounding a bit doubtful but not making any further comments.

Lot jumped up from his seat as she opened the door and stepped out of her office, "I'm ready to go, Lot."

"Yes, Ma'am," he answered dutifully, motioning for her to walk ahead.

She led him over to the elevator and once they were both inside, she considered briefly and then hit the button for the parking garage. She had planned to go up to HR but after this morning she was exhausted, so she decided, instead, to email them.

She and Lot got off the elevator in the garage and walked to her car. At her car, she got into the back. Normally she sat in the passenger's side door with security, but she wanted a little more privacy this time.

Before she could dig her phone out of her bag, it started buzzing. Dumping it out, she snatched up her phone.

The name 'Cruella' flashed across the screen.

Furrowing her brow in confusion, she swiped to answer, "Hello?"

"What the bloody hell, Regina?!" Cruella yelled on the other end of the phone, the Southern Provinces accent that she tried usually tried to minimize coming across very thickly.

Regina sighed, "So I take it you saw The Mirror the last few days?"

"No fucking shit!" the other woman answered, "What the hell is going on? You're married to your bodyguard?!"

"I am," Regina answered.

"Fuck, Regina! You can't just stop there!" Cruella shot back.

Before she could answer the phone buzzed against her ear. Pulling it back, she saw a new text from Ursula.

Like Cruella, Ursula was a friend of hers from college.

The text read simply, "WTF?!"

"I just got a text from Ursula," Regina commented.

"I'm not fucking surprised!"

"Yeah, I know. Look where are you? The Federal District?" she asked.

"At the moment, but I'm actually leaving for Sonar City in a few days."

"What do you think about a stop over in U-City?" Regina asked, "Ursula is here too, the three of us can have lunch. I'll need you guys to come anyway. We're having a wedding reception."

"And so you avoid actually answering our questions until then?" Cruella asked.

"No," Regina said innocently, "So that I answer them in person."

"Uh huh," Cruella said skeptically, "I see you, Regina, but fine...I always like an excuse for a U-City shopping spree."

"Yeah, I know you do!" Regina laughed. "I'll text Ursula about getting together."

"Alright, fine," Cruella agreed, "You bought yourself some time but I'm not going to forget this!"

After hanging up with Cruella, Regina spent the next 10 minutes having a similar text conversation with Ursula until both her friends agreed to a get together in a week's time.

Pausing tiredly as Lot merged onto the highway, Regina remembered her original plan and pulled up Robin's number.

He answered after a few rings, "Hello?"

"Hey, it's me. How's it going?"

"Oh fine," he answered, "How about you? Everything go alright at the foundation."

"Yes, I got in and out pretty quickly," she answered, "Are you still at Galleria?"

"I left about 20 minutes ago," he answered, "Why?"

"You mind meeting me there? There's something I wanted us to look for together."

"No, I can turn around," Robin answered, "I borrowed Marco's car and I don't think he's planning to go anywhere today."

Regina frowned, making a mental note of that. She let it go for the moment, though, and answered, "Great, I'll see you soon! I love you."

"I love you too."

After hanging up with Robin she redirected Lot to Galleria, to which he agreed wordlessly.

They arrived fairly quickly, since they'd left before afternoon rush hour started. They parked in the lot and got out. Sending Robin a quick text, she arranged to meet with him at the front entrance.

"Hey," he greeted.

"Hi," she stepped up and gave him a quick kiss, still feeling a little thrill at doing so in the open.

If Lot had an opinion on the exchange, he didn't show it, standing a close enough to keep an eye on her but blending seamlessly into the background.

Taking his hand, she started leading him along the shops.

"What was it you wanted us to look for?"

Stopping in front of a jewelry boutique, she answered, "I figured it was time we get real wedding rings."

He was quiet only a moment, asking, "Are you sure?"

"Yes," she laughed, pulling him inside, "Of course."

With the help of the friendly clerk they looked through several options of matching sets before settling on white gold bands. They were simple but elegant, and hers went well with his mother's engagement ring.

As they slipped them on, she felt her heart flutter and could tell by the look in his eyes that he was thinking the same.

Finally being forced to break the trance by the clerk giving her the sales receipt to sign, she reluctantly turned away from her husband and got everything settled.

Stepping out of the store, she took a deep breath. He rubbed the small of her back, "You okay?"

"Yes, just tired."

"I know," he sighed, "It's been a long day."

"Well it's not over yet," she laughed, "Blake and Zelena are coming down from the Federal District."

"Really?"

"Yeah, Blake is going to be traveling with Mother for the campaign so Zelena is moving back in," she explained, "They weren't supposed to arrive until next week but...they moved that up after news of our wedding hit the press."

"I see," he answered.

"I'll see you back at home?"

"Yes," he said, giving her a kiss goodbye and a quick stroke over the new ring on her finger.

She smiled as she broke away and walked with Lot back to the car.

The drive back to the estate was quiet and Lot dropped her off at the front door before driving her car back to the garage.

Once inside, she didn't check to see if her parents were in, instead riding the elevator up to the second floor and to her suite.

Inside she hung up her purse and coat, stretching the cramps out of her neck.

Hearing the living room door open, she walked out to find Robin there.

He smiled tiredly at her, opening his arms as she stepped into them and leaned up to meet the kiss.

"Mmm," she moaned into his shoulder, "This day."

"Yeah," he agreed.

They held each other for a moment before a chime from her phone interrupted them.

With a groan, she broke away and dug her phone out of her purse.

"Where are you, Regina?!" the text from her mother demanded.

With a sigh, she typed out an answer, "I'm home. I'm upstairs."

"Well, get down here!" the return text arrived almost immediately, "Your sister is here and we're holding dinner for you!"

"On my way," she answered, looking up at Robin.

"Mother wants us downstairs for dinner."

"Both of us?" he asked.

It hadn't escaped her notice that the texts had only requested her presence and apparently Robin already knew Cora well enough to expect that. Well, she'd just have to get over that, though!

Blake was welcomed into the family and by the Gods Robin would be too!

Drawing herself up, she answered, "Yes."

They rode the elevator downstairs and walked into the dining room hand-in-hand. Four sets of eyes immediately went to them as they walked in. Henry looked uncomfortable and tired, Cora's face immediately fell into a murderous expression, Blake raised one eyebrow, and Zelena didn't even bother with that much nuance.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me!"

"Good to see you too, Zelena," Regina answered dryly, taking note of the 5 plates rather than 6 laid out. Moving over to her chair, she stopped at the end were a extra plates and silverware, in case anyone needed extra during the meal, were set aside. Picking up a plate and fork, she pointedly set it down next to her place.

"Did you have a good drive from FD?" she asked as she slid into her chair.

"No, not particularly!" her sister complained, "We had to move our travel plans up by weeks to avoid all the paparazzi asking us questions we didn't know how to answer!"

"Oh, well that's unfortunate. Although there's not really much to answer," she said, "The press already knows everything."

"Well that's more than your own family!" Blake finally jumped in, "Care to fill us in?"

"Sure," Regina said as she served herself some salad, "What do you want to know?"

"You could start with why...he is sitting at this table right now?" Zelena sneered toward Robin.

She felt him tense beside her, but seamlessly answered, "Why wouldn't he be? Your husband is here."

The red-head opened her mouth to argue, but Cora interrupted, "Alright! That's enough! We all know the situation here. Your sister...decided to elope. The timing is unfortunate so we're going to have to adjust plans a little bit. We're having a wedding reception in two weeks and then we'll go ahead with our original schedule from there."

"So this is just happening?" Zelena asked, "Seriously?"

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Cora?"

"Enough!" Henry interrupted this time, "We've been discussing scheduling all day, let's just try to have a nice dinner as a family!"

Cora, surprisingly, didn't argue. Silently reaching her hand out for the salad, serving herself, and passing it along.

Zelena and Blake looked at each other skeptically.

The rest of dinner was a tense affair with only a little small talk, led by Henry, about Blake and Zelena's departure from the Federal District.

Once everyone was finally finished eating, the six awkwardly made their way out out the dining room.

"Well, would anyone like a drink?" Henry asked, attempting to be cheerful.

"I have some work I need to finish," Cora answered coldly, moving past him to the elevator.

Regina could see the sadness in his eyes, but he covered it quickly, "Anyone else? Zelena, I asked Mrs. Fa to buy some of the sparkling water you like."

"Thank you, Daddy," she smiled, rubbing her growing belly.

He smiled back, turning to the other three, "I also have some new whiskey from Dunbroch in my office if you'd like to try it."

Everyone agreed that alcohol sounded good, and agreed to meet Henry in his office as he went off the kitchen for Zelena's water.

In the study, Blake found the bottle near Henry's chess set and opened it up, pouring himself a glass.

As Regina picked up two others, he frowned at her.

"Don't think I'm just going to let this go like, Henry, Regina. We've worked too long and hard preparing for this campaign. I don't care that you're her daughter, I'm not going to let you screw this up on this guy!" he sneered at Robin.

"Well good thing I didn't give a shit about your opinion," Regina said coldly.

Not bothering to add anything else, Robin reached out and snatched the bottle out of his hand. He blinked in surprise, seemed to consider doing something about it, but then changed his mind.

She met Robin's eyes gratefully as he poured them two generous glasses.

From the chair she'd taken, Zelena shook her head, "I suppose I should thank you for not doing this the week we announced the baby!"

Regina sighed, lowering her glass, "Zelena, we aren't kids anymore! My life doesn't revolve around showing you up!"

"And yet it somehow works out that way," the older woman murmured bitterly.

"So..." Blake said, sitting down across from the two of them, "...Locksley, right?"

"Robin's fine," he answered.

"Robin, right!" the other man said, "You'll have to excuse me. I've seen you around but we have a lot of employees, I can't remember all their names."

Regina frowned.

"Oh that's fine," Robin answered calmly, "If you didn't visit for holidays, I'd have no idea who you are either."

Regina bit her lip, feeling pride swelling her chest at how astutely he'd discerned that a comment like that would rankle Blake more than anything else. Between his family background, his married into the Mills clan, and his work in politics he fancied himself somewhat of a celebrity elite.

Henry stepped into the room at the moment with a glass of sparkling water and lime for Zelena.

"Well," he settled down into a chair, "This is nice."

The four younger people smiled politely, but everyone could feel the tension still thick in the air.

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Regina woke up at the normal time the next morning. As much as she would have liked a repeat of the previous day, she knew that wouldn't fly more than once.

She lot Robin sleep a little longer, though, quietly sliding out of bed and padding to the bathroom to start up the shower.

She washed up fairly quickly and shut off the water. As she was stepping out and wrapping up in a towel, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist.

She smiled as Robin pulled her back against him.

"Morning," he said into her ear, this voice tired and gravely.

"Good morning," she smiled.

He ran his hands gently down her arms and gently kissed her shoulder, "What's on the agenda for today?"

"Wedding reception planning then I'm having lunch with some friends from college," she answered, "You?"

"First day back on the job," he sighed, "I suspect it'll be awkward."

She smiled, giving him a sympathetic kiss.

"Are you going to come down for breakfast?"

He looked thoughtful, "I had thought I'd grab something from the staff breakfast."

"No," she told him, "Come get something in the dining room."

He chuckled, "Yes, Ma'am."

She stepped aside, walking out to her vanity mirror as he started up the shower.

Regina dried her hair and dressed fairly quickly and went ahead down to the dining room for breakfast.

Her mother was sitting there alone sipping a coffee.

"Where is everyone?" Regina asked as she served herself a coffee and some fruit salad.

"Your father left for the foundation early today, Blake is at the political office, and Zelena wasn't feeling well so I saw no harm in her sleeping in," Cora answered flatly.

Obviously she was still unhappy. Regina tried to ignore it, though, as she took a seat at the table.

"I made you an appointment at Arendelle to be fitted for a new dress," Cora said, "And I think you should get your hair trimmed."

"Yes, Mother," Regina answered.

"I also need you to take care of the caterer and florist," her mother went on, "If I have Belle send their information to you I trust you'll make sure everything is ready by next week?"

"Of course."

Seemingly satisfied, Cora looked away and went back to her coffee.

Regina ate her breakfast quietly until they were interrupted by Mrs. Lucas, "Excuse me."

"Yes?" Cora asked.

"This came for you by courier, Miss Mills," Mrs. Lucas said, stepping over and handing Regina an envelope.

"Oh," Regina set down her fork to take it, "Thank you, Mrs. Lucas."

The estate manager nodded, leaving quietly.

"What is that?" Cora asked as Regina opened the envelope.

"Just some legal stuff I wanted to get filed as soon as possible," she answered.

Setting aside her cup, Cora stood and stepped over behind her to look. She took a sharp audible breath when she saw the form.

"Change of name form?" she asked, her voice low and dangerous. Regina turned to her, not commenting. "You're taking that...street rat's name?"

"He's not a street rat, but, yes, I'm taking his name. Why?"

"Do you have any idea what you're doing?!"

"Zelena took Blake's name."

"That's entirely different! By the Gods, Regina really are determined to anger me in any possible way, aren't you?"

"This isn't about you, Mother!"

"Oh, of course it is! We both know this entire thing is about some attempt at rebellion against me!" Cora shot back, "Well you aren't a teenager anymore, Regina!"

"No, I'm not," she agreed, "I'm a grown woman, and now a married woman-"

"What do you think people are going to think of you with some name like Locksley?"

"I don't, honestly, think that they'll think anything," Regina answered, "Although if you really want to get into name quality, there isn't a much more common one than 'Mills.""

Anger boiling over, Cora snatched the page out of Regina's hand and tore it in half.

"Really, Mother?" she asked, "And you call me childish!"

"What did you just say to me?!"

She didn't answer, so Cora grabbed her arm and forced her to face her, "You listen to me! I've put up with enough of this! You make think you're clever but one well thought-out plan doesn't mean you get to do whatever you want, so stop playing with fire or I guarantee you'll burn!"

Regina stared at her mother incredulously, not sure what to say in response.

Their staredown was broken, unfortunately, by Robin who walked into the dining room.

"What's going on in here?"

Hearing his voice was too much for Cora. Race coursing through her, she dropped Regina's arm and whirled on him, slapping him hard across the face.

TBC...