O.M.G. IT'S HERE!
First off - A BIG THANK YOU x INFINITY to all of you that have read/reviewed/ favorited & followed! You make my day! And to those of you that take the time to write out heartfelt reviews, please know those do not go unnoticed! We writers are not 'bugged' or 'annoyed' by them! They make us smile because we know that all of the hours of thought & emotions that go into these stories counts for something! So if I can implore any of you - the lovely Rufflete Army! - to do something today, it would be to leave a really heartfelt comment on whatever story you read next that speaks to you, or you think really captures the characters well, or is written wonderfully! Those types of comments inspire people & they are what make us better! (You never know, your favorite author is probably only here because they received enough of those magical comments to push them to keep writing on!)
As well, if you are up to it, I have a new Swan Queen fic that I posted earlier today titled, Just Coffee?, I know some of you have braved the SQ world and read a few of my previous fics & most of you have said you liked them! So if you are a multishipper like myself - or you're daring - feel free to check it out! (Let me know if you do!)
Okay, enough of the mush! Here is the long awaited update to Sir Dimples, Ladies & Gent's, I give you CHAPTER 4!
p.s. if you can spot the Tolkein reference here leave it in the comments! first few to do so, I might have a surprise for you(;
Chapter 4
The Queens smile was captivating. Robin realized he had only ever seen it in it's full glory a few times. When she was holding his son, riding her horses or right then, when she was with him. Robin stood next to her, balancing his weight on the hand behind her head, placed on the tree. Her flushed red lips beckoned him towards her.
Her hair was loose, the small tendrils curling around her face where his hands had mused them and he found he liked her a lot more like this. Natural, her cheeks pink from blushing, a smile on her lips. She looked stunning.
His thoughts were whirling. He still couldn't quite breath correctly, wondering exactly why and how this had come about.
She had kissed him and he had kissed her back.
Whatever it was that had possessed her to do such a thing didn't bother him much at the moment for he could only think about how much he wanted to kiss her again.
He stared at her, looking up at him through her long eyelashes.
She seemed to be thinking along them same lines as he, so he spoke.
"Not that I mean to question, but what was that?"
He saw her release a breath, casting her gaze down, her lashes covering her beautiful eyes from him. "I'm sure I'm just as surprised as you are Thief." She spoke quietly.
He moved a hand to her, causing her to look up when he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Well don't worry, Your Majesty, I don't expect you to put a label to anything right now."
She huffed, her breath hitting his cheeks from their closeness, "What is there to label?"
"Well, you did just kiss me."
The Queen blushed. It wasn't the first time Robin saw her cheeks light up pink, but it made him smile nevertheless.
"Well," She began, "I seem to find myself very attracted to you."
Robins stomach did a flip. Had she just admitted her attraction to him? Maybe he hadn't been reading her signs wrong.
"But for the life of me I can't figure out why." She continued.
"Well, maybe it's because I am ruggedly handsome." He winked at her, moving closer and she hit him playfully. "What, your Majesty doesn't agree?"
Her eyes caught his, "I never said I didn't."
"Uh-huh. Good." Robin said before catching her open mouth in another kiss making her laugh.
He used his arms to box her face, pinning her to the tree. She moaned, sucking on his bottom lip.
He could feel every facet of her moving against him as they stood their under the apple tree.
He couldn't believe it. He was kissing the Queen, and she was kissing him back! Soft moans escaped her throat and he caught everyone. She slid a hand into his hair and the other up to his cheeks, pulling him closer to her.
She was so beautiful.
It was the loud neigh from the horse to the left that finally broke them apart.
Robin found himself cursing the whole equine species, when she moved away from him towards the beast.
"Thief, are you coming?"
For a moment he believed to have heard her wrong, before he turned, realizing she had not, in fact, said what he had thought.
"What?"
She was already on the massive horse, maneuvering the beast over to him with ease. She held out a hand when she reached his side.
"I do believe we've been gone for long enough. We wouldn't want to leave Roland for too long."
Oh right, Roland. Shite!
Robin had completely forgotten that they had left the little boy sleeping under the watchful eye of the Queens other horse. He had been to distracted, trying to taste every corner of her warm mouth, to remember.
He took the hand that she offered him, but stopped mid way in his ascent when he noticed that she hadn't budged backwards one bit for him to sit in front of her again.
"Not letting me lead this time your Majesty?"
"I think your riding lesson has been concluded for the day." She said as he made his way up, settling behind her. "Besides, we do want to get to Roland before the sun goes down don't we?"
"Oh I say, was that a mark against my technique Milady?"
"Well you're good," she said turning to face him, a smirk on her face, "but not that good.
He snickered as she winked slightly. Well he would just have to show her.
But before his mind could conjure up possible ways to go about showing her his many skills, she was turning back, clicking her tongue again and yelling to him, "Hold on!"
The horse shot off straight into a gallop. Robin only just found purchase on her hips before he nearly fell off as the horse rocketed across the fields.
She laughed, feeling him holding on to her for dear life.
She sounded like the sun hitting the glistening ocean in the summer. Beautiful and bright. And Robin found that he never wanted it to end.
xxx
They arrived back at the stables within fifteen minutes. When they reached the rickety wooden structure he was fully flushed and utterly amazed. If he had thought that riding was easy, he had been sorely mistaken.
The way in which she rode was incredible. She was so in sync with the animal, together they were almost like a work of art. She whipped and turned, avoided the stumps, that he could tell she really wanted to jump, but didn't for his sake, as he had barely been able to hold on at the fast pace.
She tugged lightly on the reigns, slowing the beast to a trot.
He gazed around, slowly taking in his surroundings, the setting sun, and smiled as it created a beautiful amber glow on the grounds. However, when he looked towards the stalls his heart began to sink.
Roland was no where in sight.
"Roland!" He called out. Nothing.
The moment that Rocinante had stopped Robin dismounted, remembering a minute later that he should probably, first help the Queen. But she was already sliding off when he turned back, making her way gracefully to the ground.
He looked back towards the stables, a icy wave of fear and anxiety washing over him. The little cot that the Queen had magically procured and placed by the stalls was empty. He scanned his eyes over the grounds.
Where is he? Robin thought, but before he could speak the Queen was talking, pointing a finger past him.
"Over there."
Robin followed the Queens extended pointer finger.
There, to the right of the stables was a small thicket. And there, amongst the tall fauna, was none other than his son playing frivolously with the twigs and flowers.
"Roland!" He heard himself yell.
The small boys head popped up at the sound, sending his curls bouncing.
"Poppa!"
Robin rushed up, grabbing his son the moment he reached the thicket; picking him up and hoisting him into the air. The boy squealed, reveling in all of the commotion. Robin held on firmly to the small boy in his arms, silently thanking the heavens that he was alright and unharmed. However, Roland assumed his fathers actions to be of a playful nature and began to laugh, kicking out in the hopes to be tossed up and spun around in the air.
"Throw! Throw!" The small boy laughed. When Robin didn't do so however he spoke again, small brows crinkling in confusion, "Poppa?"
"Sorry Roland," Robin said, relinquishing his grip on his son, "Poppa's just glad you're alright." He explained.
When he had made sure that Roland was indeed uninjured, and deemed his son safe enough, he set him back down.
" 'Course I'm alright," the small boy said with a slight lisp, "I had the horsey watching over me!"
Robin looked up, spotting the large white horse.
It's long face was bowed, currently grazing peacefully next to the thicket where his son had been playing.
"The horse was watching over you?" Robin questioned.
"Mmmmhhmmm!" Roland hummed.
Just then Robin felt a presence next to him. He started to turn around, however his son had already spotted the person coming up from behind and began to run in their direction.
"'GINA!"
The smile that lit up on the Queens face was one that Robin would not soon forget.
He turned just in time to see his small boy run and propel himself at the woman. She was squatting down, so she could be at his level; she opened her arms just in time to catch him as he jumped straight into her embrace.
She faltered only slightly, quickly adjusting her balance to compensate for his added weight as she stood, picking him up along with herself.
"Did you rest well my dear?" She asked into his ear.
The mop of brown curls that were currently resting in the crook of her shoulder shook, signaling a 'yes'.
The Queen beamed, holding the small boy close to her, letting his pudgy legs wrap around her torso.
"And what did you dream of?"
Roland shifted his head, cupping his small hands in her hair so that he could whisper into her ear.
Robin felt a smile, just a big as hers grow on his face, as he watched his son and the Queen laugh as they whispered back and forth.
His comment earlier couldn't have been more right. She definitely had the 'touch of a mother'. The way in which she held the small boy so soundly in her arms made him smile, she did it with such ease - it looked incredibly natural.
His son seemed to be sharing a great many things her Majesty. Robin had never known Roland to take so quickly to strangers. The way Roland acted with the Queen made his heart swell. It was as if he was as comfortable with her as Roland was with his Father.
He was still whispering into her ear, making her smile grow bigger and wider until suddenly her eyes widened instead and he saw The Queen's easy going smile falter. She leaned her head back slightly and Robin watched as she turned her neck, looking over the boy in her arms. Her eyes were flickering back and forth between his and for a moment Robin would have sworn that they were communicating thousands of things telepathically, until Roland wiggled and she set him down.
The moment his son's feet hit the ground he had run off, sprinting quickly towards the large white horse by the flowers. The Queen had stayed standing there, rooted to the spot for only a second, but it was a second longer than she had lingered anywhere, and no matter how much he had wanted to know what his son had whispered into her ear to make her pause; he didn't question, instead had said.
"All okay?"
The Queen only nodded, however her face was a little bit more pale than it had been before.
"Regina?" He whispered, concerned.
The Queen turned, their eyes connecting to each other in an instant. Robin wasn't sure what it was, but there was some strong emotion swirling around, mixing in with the hazel of her eyes. It was as if she was trying to study his face, boring into his soul, trying to remember every mark and line. Her eyes flickered back and forth between his for a minute and Robin would have said that she was about to kiss him again, however she didn't. Instead she cast her gaze down, her hands coming to wring together in front of her.
"We should be heading back." She said. Her eyes then flickering up towards the sky.
Robin did the same, spotting the large clouds that were beginning to roll in.
"Right," He agreed, turning around to call for his boy, "Roland! It's time to go son."
The small boys head snapped up and at the sight of his father's beckoning hand he came running back towards them, this time with a bushel of flowers in hand.
From beside him Robin heard as the Queen made another one of her clicking noises with her tongue, and the horse that had been mindlessly grazing in the field, seemingly oblivious to the new arrival of people at the stalls, raised his long head. Within a second he too came trotting along to join them.
"Are you comfortable enough to take Roland this time?" The Queen asked, once the horse had made it's way up to the trio. She ran a soft hand down it's nose, grabbing the reigns lightly from underneath before turning and offering them to him.
"I don't know if 'comfortable' will ever be the correct term in reference to myself and horses, Milady." Robin said. "Probably just 'tolerant'."
A faint smile ghosted her Majesty's lips and Robin felt his heart swell at the sight, knowing that he had put in there.
"Don't worry, Roheryn will protect you."
"You've said that before. But my question is, how exactly is a horse supposed to do that? Does it sprout wings and take to thes skies at the first sign of trouble? Or does it shoot fire from it's hooves?" He asked.
If he didn't know any better, he would have said that the Queen was about to roll her eyes and smack him for mocking her. She didn't hit him however, but she did settle for rolling her eyes.
"There is a beautiful, pure magic that resides in a horses such as these." She answered as if it were common knowledge. "Their sole job is to protect the Queen."
Robin was intrigued, "And where did you come by such a horse?"
"She was a gift from a friend, in a far away kingdom." Her Majesty said. Robin watched as her eyes glazed over, momentairly gazing off, as if she were being sucked out of this world and into some distant memory.
"Well then, I suppose we'll manage," He said. Hoisting up his son, who was currently stroking the animal in question. Roland ran his small hands down it's nose, hugging it one last time when his face came in contact with the beast.
Robin set Roland atop of the horse and turned back just in time to see her Majesty taking one last look over the stalls.
In a second he was stuck. She looked like she was entranced, staring out at the empty wood structure. Almost as if she were paralyzed on the spot.
Robin figured that she must have some memories here, for she stared, her eyes flickering over the hay covered ground, like she was replaying long forgotten events in her mind.
He was about to call to her, to ask what it was that was troubling her, but in a second she blinked. Shaking her head slightly before turning back round, she mounted Rocinante.
xxx
Dusk was setting in, the sky was just turning into a deep shade of purple and grey as they arrived back at the castle.
Roland had fallen asleep once again, lulled into slumber by the horses rhythmic movements.
Robin had been trying to pay the utmost attention to directing the beast, by holding tightly onto the reigns but his eyes kept getting pulled away, distracted by the woman across from him.
She was beautiful, there was no doubt about it.
The way her hair glistened, as the long ebony curls caught the light. The way the faint scar above her lip was highlighted when she smiled.
There was no trace of the vivid red color that she had started the day with, left on her mouth, it had all come off when his lips had been passionately connected with hers.
Robin still couldn't believe it, he had kissed the Queen! And not even that, she had kissed him! In fact, she had been the one to pull him in, and kiss him first!
He felt his heartbeat thumping away in his chest as he thought of the feel of her soft lips against his. The feel of his fingers running through her silky hair, the golden sound of her laugh.
She was heavenly.
He was so lost in thought, that he barely registered their return until he noticed her slowing down, pulling her horse into a slow trot before stopping completely. He followed, coming up beside her and doing the same.
Taking a look around he realized that they had stopped somewhere in the middle of her gardens, leaving the castle a small walk away.
"Your Majesty?" He questioned, "Why are we stopping?"
"We walk from here," She answered without looking at him.
Robin felt a pang, of what he did not know, but it was painful, running through his body and squeezing around his heart.
They made their way silently through the gardens and up to the castle, holding the reigns of the horses in their hands. Roland was still in his arms, his small legs wrapped around Robins torso, his head in the crook of his neck.
Once they reached the top he stopped walking. He knew where the knights horses were kept at the castle but he did not know where the Queen kept hers. He turned, following the Queen as she went left instead of right towards the knights stables.
Coming around the western side of the castle, Robin felt his breath leave him as his jaw dropped.
There was a grand orchard concealed behind one of the jutting walls of the castle, filled with hundreds of trees boasting the same red delicious apples that had hung off of the tree that he had kissed the Queen under not an hour ago.
It was like she had brought a piece back and planted her own private collection at the castle.
He looked out, over the field, seeing her release her hold on the reigns of her horse, removing it's saddle, out of the corner of his eye. The overly-large beast looked at her for a moment with it's large black eyes, before turning back and bolting off into the night.
"Are we just letting them run free then?" Robin asked as she turned back to him.
The Queen nodded.
Copying her, Robin let go of the reigns in his hands, fumbling slightly to unbuckle his saddle due to the weight of his son in his arms. Once removed however the beast next to him did not run. Instead it stayed stationary, looking at him like it was waiting for some kind of sign.
"Uh, Your Majesty, he's not moving?"
Robin cast his gaze towards the woman.
"He, is a she." She retorted.
Robin had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. Of course this horse was a she. He should have know from her stunning exterior, yet annoyingly stubborn spirit.
"And, she is waiting for your signal." The Queen continued, as if the answer was as plain as day.
For a moment Robin let his gaze flicker back and forth between the animal and the Queen, thinking that maybe if he looked between them long enough the answer to what she had meant, would become apparent enough.
When it didn't, he asked, "And what signal would that be Milady?"
The Queen made one of her clicking noises and Robin could see the horse raise up it's massive head. However, again, the horse did not move.
"Try that," he heard her say.
"Try what?" He asked.
The woman before him only nodded, raising her brows.
"Oh."
Suddenly Robin felt utterly uncomfortable. Readjusting his grip on a sleeping Roland in his arms, he cleared his throat.
The first sound that came out was nothing at all like the ones that the Queen had made. In fact, he wasn't sure if it he sounded more like a bird with a sore throat or a dying calf, for his voice came out all squeaky.
Robin cleared his throat, speaking. "I don't think I'm as cut out for this, as you are Your Majesty."
"Just try again," she responded.
His second attempt was no better. Actually, he thought, if it were possible, he sounded even worse!
Robin shook his head.
"I'm beginning to think that you're getting a kick out of watching me make a fool of myself," He said sending a glare at the woman standing before him.
She admitted nothing but he could tell by the tenseness in her muscles and her pursed lips that she was trying desperately not to laugh.
"You are, aren't you?" Robin asked.
That was all it took. Robin watched, entranced, as a large smile ripped across the Queens' face, breaking through her stone like visage. She laughed, and laughed fully. A hand flew to her stomach as she tried to keep herself from doubling over.
With all that was in him Robin tried not to join her, however he felt a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Watching her laugh was one of the most beautiful sights he had ever been fortunate enough to see.
She was beautiful. The moon caught her, basking her in it's silvery light. Her head tossed back, curls glistening in the glow, the moon just beginning to peak out behind the clouds.
It was no wonder so many referred to her as 'the most beautiful in all the realms'. Her beauty was without parallel, and, in that moment, Robin would have sworn that she could walk on starlight.
It danced across her skin, highlighting her high cheekbones and supple lips. He watched her, bewitched, as every part of her seemed to vibrate with her laugh.
Without realizing that he was doing it, he was moving, closing the distance between them until he was right beside her.
He only became aware of his change of positions, when felt her breath hitch as he ran his hand through her hair, pushing it off of her face and tucking it behind her ear. Her eye's shot open and dark chocolate brown met ice blue.
The Queen looked younger than he had ever seen her. Her eyes wide and full of youth, the stars reflected in their warm depths. Robin cupped her cheek, running his finger softly over the smooth skin.
Her eyes shut at his movement, dark eyelashes fluttering closed.
Robin watched as The Queen's head tilted up ever so slightly, the light of the moon casting it's pearly shadows down the panes of her face. She stopped, taking in a deep breath and holding it. It only took Robin a minute to understand.
She was waiting for him to kiss her.
He needed no other sign than that.
He moved his head down until he felt her breath mingling with his and he too closed his eyes. The sensation of being so near to her was almost to much. It was electrifying.
Under his hand he could feel her tremble ever so slightly, as his lips brushed against hers.
He had no idea how they had gotten there. It was only a day prior, that the woman before him had been sparing verbally with all of the occupants in the surrounding dining tables; throwing her metaphorical darts, and now she was letting him hold her. Caress her. He knew that in the castle she was never really as angered as she seemed to be, however there were moments when the Charmings' would speak, that he wouldn't put it past her to conjure a literal dart and release it. But now she was letting him kiss her. And even more amazing, she was asking him to.
He was utterly confused. Stunned even. Yet he found himself so undeniably attracted to her, that he didn't care to question it further.
Robin moved his finger, he could feel her breathing hitch, her pulse rising under his touch. She was shivering ever so slightly, waiting.
"Regina-" He whispered. There was something about being able to say her name, without the fear of being burned to a crisp that excited him, so he said it again. "Regina."
She didn't respond, she only released a breath. He felt it tingle against his skin as it hit his lips and then he couldn't hold back any longer.
He needed to touch her. To feel her, to kiss her.
He leaned in, dipping his head down low and connecting their lips. He felt hers open the moment they touched.
She was so smooth and soft, he would have had no problem staying like that forever, however she had tilted her head ever so slightly and her long hair was now hitting his face, tickling his cheek.
He slid the hand that was currently cupping her cheek back to tuck the silky strands behind her ear, but as he did so he shifted position and felt something solid move in between them, making him take a step back.
He looked down, just as he heard the sleepy voice of his son.
"Poppa?"
Shite! Roland! It was Roland that was moving in-between them!
He had completely forgotten about the little boy who had been asleep on his shoulder, legs wrapped around his torso; up until now. He took another step back as to not squish the boy currently in-between them, putting some distance between himself and the Queen. He was about to speak, but it was to late.
"'Gina?" The boy whispered, turning his head ever so slightly, rubbing his small hands over his eyelids to get rid of the sleep from his eyes.
"Yes Roland." She answered.
"What are you and Daddy doing?"
Robin watched as the Queen's eyes snapped up to his. He could see that there was concern written into them, and he could also see the red tinge of her blush rising up onto her cheeks, he was in no doubt whatsoever that his face was the mirror image of hers.
He wanted to save her, but she was faster than he was, responding almost instantly.
"Getting ready to tuck you in," She said without hesitation, "Go back to sleep Sweetheart."
The boy must have been extremely tired, probably worn out from their extensive riding lesson, for he just nodded his head. But before he drifted off back to sleep he turned around, facing the Queen and staring at her for a moment. He seemed he buy her words, dropping back down to rest again against his fathers shoulder.
Robin looked back up, trying to connect his eyes with the Queen's, however before he could do so he heard the faint sound of her tongue clicking, sending signals to the horse next to them he assumed. Before he knew it, Robin found himself blind and floating, engulfed in a cloud of purple smoke.
When the smoke vanished he blinked trying to clear his eyes, taking in the stone floors and candle lit hallways. They were back inside the castle, and if he were correct, directly out, in front of his bedroom door.
He began to turn to offer his thanks to the Queen, however he was stopped mid-sentence by his voice catching in his throat as he caught a glimpse of her face.
There was no longer a smile there, the warmth on her lovely visage long gone.
No, now instead of her relaxed smile there sat a frown. Her flushed lips pursed, brow crinkled.
"Milady, are you alright?" He found himself asking.
The Queen didn't respond. There was a deep sadness in her dark eyes. That much he could see as they were currently cast off to the side, staring at point right below his ear, right where his son lay, resting peacefully on his shoulder.
"Regina?" He asked again when she didn't respond.
She shook her head, blinking, as if coming out of a trance. When her voice cracked as she spoke, Robin took a step closer.
"No, I'm not alright."
She shook her head again, this time it was as if she were trying to rid herself of the thoughts that were saddening her, but without having much success. Robin watched as her chocolate eyes glazed over, the intensity of them suddenly dimmed, glassy from unshed tears.
Robin felt his heart go out to her. In that moment he wanted nothing more than to hold her, to comfort her, but was unable to do so with the boy in his arms.
He turned, casting a glance over his shoulder towards the door that led to his chambers and then to the boy in his arms and back to her.
"Your Majesty, if you'll just let me put Roland to bed," He began, taking a deep breath before continuing, "I would like to see you off you to your room."
There was no response however. The Queen's eyes were still unfocused, staring hazily at the sleeping boy.
With his free arm, Robin reached out, lightly grasping her hand in his.
"Regina?"
The Queen's eyes flickered down, her gaze immediately drawn to their connected hands, and Robin noticed for the first time the unshed tears glistening like crystals in her long eyelashes.
When her eyes came back up however her whole demeanor had changed. The sadness was still there, but it was diluted, pushed down by something else that was swirling in her chocolate eyes. She stood there for a moment, not saying anything, just staring at him. Robin felt his heart beat thud away heavily in his chest as he waited anxiously for her answer.
It was faint, but when he saw the ghost of a smile appear on her lips he knew he had felt it.
She grasped his hand, squeezing lightly, and nodded.
thank you for reading! a few shoutouts:
Rocinante0808 & LilahMorgann : thank you lovelies! i hope you enjoyed! MWAH!
Fand09m: hope you're giddy again(; MWAH!
LoveOutlawQueen: YOU WERE CORRECT! haha, can't wait to see you with chapter 5! MWAH!
see you next update!
p.s.s chapter 5 rating WILL GO UP! MWAHHHH! x