Regina felt as if she were in a dream. Her legs, though moving, seemed to drift, never closing the distance that separated her from him. She drifted over to him as he broke from the crowd, moving toward her. Like in a dream, the rest of the world ceased to exist, as if they were the only people who inhabited it.
"Daniel? Is it really you?" Regina asked as she placed a hand out towards him, then she brought it back as soon as she did, she was afraid he would disappear right in front of her.
"It's me," Daniel said as Regina then placed a hand on his arm. She felt him beneath her. He was alive, he was real, he was here. Regina pulled him in for a hug. She wrapped her arms about him as he did her.
"How is this possible? I saw you dead," Regina said.
"I was given a potion, which would make it appear that I was dead," Daniel said.
"What? Why would you do that?" Regina asked as she pulled back to look at him.
"Your mother sent a man who threatened my family, he told me if I didn't take the potion, then my family would all suffer, they would have been inprisoned at the very best. Regina, my mother was ill, I knew prison would kill her," Daniel said. "Regina, please know that I had no choice."
Regina was in shock about learning everything that had happened, her mother had made sure she married Robin. She had made sure that Daniel was lost to her forever, she went to any means necessary to ensure that Regina was Robin's wife.
"Daniel, I'm so sorry," Regina said. "I had no idea she would go to such extremes."
"I'm sorry too, Regina. It was a hope dream that one day I would be your husband," Daniel said. "I dreamed of our futures, of the family that we would one day have. Now you'll share that family with someone else."
At those last words, Regina thought of her husband. He was a good man, he was good to her. He actually paid attention to the things that she enjoyed in life. He was someone who was very important to her, someone she was beginning to actually care for. A lot.
"Regina, let's get away from prying eyes, and talk, just the two of us," Daniel said as he took her arm with the intention of removing her from the track.
Robin, acutely conscious of Regina at all times, noted her absence immediately. Looking up from the group of men, he scanned the crowd. His hand, which idly rubbed his chest, stopped when he saw a young man grabbing her arm. He felt an uncontrollable urge to throttle the man who dared to lay a hand on her. He broke from the group abruptly, crossing the distance separating him from them, removing his jacket as he went.
Both John and Will swiftly followed.
"Uh...uh..." Regina could not speak. She flushed feeling Daniel's eyes fall to her breasts, which were partially revealed by the subtle opening of her shirt, but before she could respond to his questions, she felt a coat dragged over her shoulders. Turning in confusion, she found Robin standing by her side, his arm possessively about her shoulders, pulling her against him.
Daniel stared up at Robin and released Regina's wrists, seeing the ominous glimmer in the blue eyes and the twitching muscle in the lean, hard jaw. Regina unconsciously rubbed her wrist. Robin leveled his gaze to Daniel. "Is there a problem, Regina?"
Regina stood speechless watching her dream vaporize into a living nightmare, then stammered, "I...ah, no."
Robin drew her closer. Regina balked and stiffened at high handedness, wanting to explain, but unable to speak or move. "I take it this is your husband, Regina?"
"Yes, Daniel this is Robin Locksley, Robin this is Daniel," Regina said.
Robin then knew who this man was, but the only thing he didn't understand was how this man was still alive. "I thought he had passed away."
"So did I, but it was a misunderstanding," Regina said.
"I'm sorry, Your Grace, if you require satisfaction for my error-" Daniel was saying.
Regina was slapped right out of shock and cried, "No!" Her eyes lifted to Robin's, a plea of understanding in them. "He...didn't mean anything by it, Robin." She placed her hand on Robin's chest, feeling the pounding of his heart. Robin broke his stare from Daniel and looked down at her, seeing her plea etched across her face.
He saw the lines of tension at her mouth and brow, the look of concern in her eyes, and he briefly wondered, Me of him? Robin wanted nothing more than to ease her worry, erase her fear, reassure her. Lightly he fingered a loose tendril that fell on her cheek, then, cupping her chin tenderly in his warm hand, said "Do not fret love, I concede." Raising his eyes, holding Daniel's, he added pointedly, "This time."
John and Will slowly let out a collective sigh of relief.
Daniel merely nodded in recognition.
Regina closed her eyes and sighed.
"Come, love, it is time we go. The carriage is waiting." Regina yielded.
"Good-bye," she whispered to Daniel before turning, letting Robin draw her away from her lost love.
Robin placed a booted foot on the seat and the other on the carriage floor. Regina rested between his legs, glumly staring out the window. She felt the hard, unyielding muscle of his raised thigh as the carriage rocked over the terrain.
John and Will sat across from her regarding her from lowered lashes as they carried on a quiet conversation with Robin.
Will produced a flask of brandy, pouring out three glasses, which he distributed to John and Robin. Robin leaned over, accepting the glass. Regina caught the clean, manly scent of him and shivered. His strong, warm hand touched her shoulder, and she turned to him. He offered her the brandy and she accepted it, sipping the strong brew, seeing the soothing effect it offered. The fiery liquid rushed through her veins. She took another long sip, handing the glass back. He smiled at her as a rush of color stained her face. He lifted and drank from the same spot her lips had touched. Regina settled back between his legs and stared off.
Regina paid scant attention to the conversations between the three men, for at the moment she felt so overwhelmed by the brandy, she could hardly think straight, let alone follow the conversation. Instead she allowed her thought to ramble.
I wonder why I thought he was taller? Now, Robin... She smiled appreciatively, and sighed. Now, he is tall and so broad and so...Robin! Robin with his gentle hands, especially the way they touched her, everywhere! All of a sudden she hiccuped, drawing another frown from John. She giggled, for some reason finding the whole situation at the moment funny.
The carriage's suddenly lurch almost toppled her, save for the three pairs of hands reaching out to brace her. She gazed about the carriage, seeing an assortment of looks etched on their handsome faces.
"You know, Will, Robin said I could challenge you to a race." She turned her head quickly, bumping Robin's chin. "Didn't you, Robin?" she asked, her words slurring.
Robin smiled down at her, "Yes I did, Princess."
Turning back to Will, her movements caused yet another jar to Robin's chin. "Sooo, what do you say, Willy?" She smiled smugly, snuggling against Robin, hiccupping loudly. She giggled delightfully at Will's frown. John drew his breath in sharply and rolled his eyes heavenward.
Will leaned forward and lifted her chin with the tip of his finger. "I accept, any time; you name the date and place."
"I'll ride Duchess!" she squealed, suddenly turning to face Robin, who dodged, avoiding the top of her head.
And you-" she pointed a slender finger at Will as she wavered back and forth, closing one eye, zeroing in on his blurry face "-can ride that blonde. I mean the one who're so partial to."
John, Robin and Will nearly spat out their brandy at her comment, knowing Will did indeed have a preference for blondes in a more tender saddle than Regina referred to. All three laughed heartily. Regina looked befuddled.
The carriage came to a halt and the door was opened by a footman. Will and John descended, followed by Robin, who carried a giggling Regina through the foyer of their home. As he ascended the steps, still holding his wife, he turned to John and Will, asking. "Are you accompanying us to Richilieu's this evening? We are spending the weekend, and tonight is Regina's birthday dinner."
"Do you know what that means? That means I can get whatever I want, cause I'm a woman now," Regina said with slurred words.
John and Will stood at the bottom of the broad, curving staircase. Will regarded her, and eyebrow cocked, in humorous surprise, a smile tipping the corners of his mouth, " A woman quite drunk."
Later that day, they were in the carriage again on their way to Robin's friend, Richilieu's house for the weekend. She had a pounding headache, but before she knew it, she was dressed and off to their host, who was know for the parties he gave.
She asked softly, "What type of parties does he host that are so legendary?" All eyes turned to her, for she had been, up to this point, silent.
Smilingly, Robin regarded her, catching the glimmer of her diamond necklace, which he presented to her this evening. "He offers a variety of entertainment, an array of food, and a weekend filled with festivities. i believe, Regina, you will enjoy our stay."
The coach pulled up the long drive, the clattering of the horses' hooves echoing over the cobblestones. The coach drew to a halt and four livery clad footmen appeared, opening the door and assisting the occupants in their descent.
They entered the impressive house, Regina looking around as they walked.
"Ah, Clinton, mon ami," a tall slender man with the lightest hair, almost white approached them. "Ah, so the rumors do not lie, you are indeed exquisite." He took her hand and bent over it, placing a kiss upon it. Robin smiled at his friend's reaction, then introduced Regina.
"May I present our host, Regina, Robar Richilieu," Robin said.
She smiled and curtsied prettily.
When the amenties were over, they strolled into the salon to await dinner. John and Will went about their own devices.
Robin handed Regina a glass of sparkling champagne. Regina, from lowered lashes, watched her husband, noting, as usual, his impeccable dress, which, as always, was simple yet elegant. This evening he dressed in black save for his white shirt and cravat. She noticed the heads of many woman turn to regard Robin; a twinge of jealousy touched her, as did a feeling of pride.
While Robin was talking to his friend Chad, she walked over to the windows to look out on the scenery of the grounds, her eyes widened and she spilled her champagne. There, standing near the stables, was Daniel!
Robin paused in his conversation when the glass fell to the carpet. He looked at Regina, seeing her stunned expression, he walked over to the windows and followed the direction of her gaze, coming to rest on Daniel. He knew he had to do something about this situation. He couldn't let her pull away from him now, not when they had made very good progress. For the first time in his life, he felt threatened. He had faced many over the barrel of a gun, and crossed many with a sword. But his was different, for the solution was not who possessed the strength or sharper wit or skill, but rather who possessed the heart.
The butler announced that dinner was being served. Robin walked over to Regina and offered her his arm, she allowed Robin to lead her from the salon to the dining room. Robin was seated across from Regina, he saw the battle going on in her mind. By the time the cheese and fruit trays were replaced with ice cream and kirsch, Robin had his solution worked out.
On the other hand, Regina was more confused and frightened than ever. One part of her cried out to hold on while another cried out to let go. She knew not her heart nor its dictates anymore. She felt as if her foundation was like a sand castle, slowing crumbling with each wave.
The rest of the evening was a ballroom of dancing with more champagne flowing, Robin danced with Regina several times, making sure the first and last dances were his, which they were. As she danced with him, as soon as she touched the warmth of his hand, she felt safe.
Seated at the dressing table, combing her hair, lost in thought so deep, Regina neither heard nor saw Robin enter and close the door.
He quietly leaned against the wall to gaze at Regina. He thought about the decision he had made at dinner this evening. He felt her battle her fear, and knew the time had come. He watched her pull the brush through her locks, absorbed in her dreams, holding on to them, she was totally unaware of his presence. His eyes moved slowly over her form, resting on her dark mane which shone with rich luster. His eyes then rested on her waist, thinking if he went through with his plan, her now slender waist in three months time would thicken, and her breasts, which were full, would grow heavier as her slender belly swelled with his child. There was no going back, he thought. It was a chance he must take, for he wouldn't allow her to rebuild any portion of the wall he had taken down. He would not allow her to hide from him and immerse herself in her dream.
He shook his head. No, he could see through her, just one look in her eyes told him the dream had become flesh and blood again. His threat now had a face he needed to erase from her heart. It was time she realized that now was what mattered. She must forget the past. Ready or not, now was the time for her to give him her love. Tonight she must yield her heart. It was time for her to give him her love, open her heart and let him in, let him touch her inside.
Robin startled Regina when he stood over to lean against the bedpost behind her. He caught her gaze in the mirror, holding it. "You startled me, my lord." "I think I shall retire now."
He spoke softly to her reflection. "And dream of a love of yesterday, of days gone by?"
"What more do you want from me?" Regina asked.
"Something money can't buy, Princess." His hand slid down her breasts, his fingers slowly circled her nipples. "I want you to love me. I want you, Princess, to take me deep inside you." His fingers moved, caressing her breasts, causing them to rise and fall rapidly. Her breathing became ragged.
Robin continued, "Let me touch you deeper than ever," as his hands played homage to her body. She closed her eyes against him, but his voice, lulling and filled with promise, continued, "to leave my mark, Princess."
She felt him move and come to kneel before her. He gently parted her thighs, lifting the edges of her chemise, and leaned forward. She felt his breath warm against the sensitive skin of her inner thigh before he lowered his mouth, covering her core.
She bit back her lip to suppress a groan and failed when she felt his fingers part her nether lips and his tongue stroke her most sensitive spot. Her belly quivered, its muscles leaping across the flat surface. Passion pounded the blood through her heart as she soared higher, reaching the peak of delight, forgetting all else. His stroking tongue sent pleasant jolts through her, and her hands, involuntarily, grasped his head, holding him, pressing him on. She opened her eyes, catching her reflection in the mirror. The woman in the mirror looked back through eyes dark with passion, lips parted, hair wildly streaming about her shoulders. She dropped her head back, moaning.
Robin felt her tension, her fingers wrapped in his hair, the spasms of her muscles and knew he would soon taste her release. He lifted his mouth and gazed up, hearing her cry of disappointment when he left her. He rose and stood above her, seeing her eyes glazed and dark with unfilled passion.
"Come, make love to me, Princess," he whispered hoarsely as he removed his cravat and began working at the buttons of his vest.
"Come, let me touch you," he taunted as he unfastened his shirt, "deep inside you." He pulled his shirttail from his breeches and let his shirt fall open.
She was overwhelmingly aware of his hard, chest and stared at him with longing, arching for the fulfillment of his lovemaking. She felt the ache between her thighs, throbbing incessantly, and felt her blood race hot through her veins. She was taut as a bowstring, his words were promises she knew he would keep.
"Oh, please," she pleaded between breaths, begging him for release.
"Love me, Regina," he whispered, shrugging out of his shirt, dropping it to the floor.
She stared at the wide, firmly muscled chest. She felt her own warm and thick moistness, aching to flow. Impulsively her hand moved, an instinctive gesture to release herself.
"It will not be as good without me, you know." He rubbed his hand down his chest, watching her eyes follow his path down to the fastener at his waist.
Regina raised her eyes. He captured them with his. There was no denying the promise she read in those blue orbs. She didn't know if he spoke the truth, but trusted him. She wet her parted lips and again pleaded with him, her need reflected in her eyes. "Please," she whispered brokenly.
Robin was not immune to her need nor her pleading and wanting nothing more than to sweep her up and make to he, but he held fast. Their whole life depended on the few short steps she had to take. "I'll give you what you crave." He opened his arms to her. "Just love me, come love a man, not a dream."
She leaned her head against her shoulder, slowly rubbing it back and forth, and closed her eyes, imaging a hand moving over her, a tongue releasing her, yet still she felt no release, only raw hunger no dream could satisfy. Her hands moved slowly up and down her arms, teasing her raw nerve endings. She opened her eyes to find his breeches undone and opened at his waist.
Love him? But how, she knew not.
"Come, Princess, love me, you know how." His voice was endearing, tempting. His words released her and she rose, holding his eyes with her, and closed the distance between them. Her body ached with need and love she knew this man could give. Her chemise fell away from her, she came to him, reaching up with both hands, holding his face, which she drew down to hers, cupping his jaw with her fingers splayed over his cheek. Her thumb brushed his lips, which he parted, and moved seductively over them, occasionally touching the tip of his tongue. She moved closer, moaning when her sensitive breasts brushed against his chest. She pressed against him, flesh against flesh, man against woman. She stood on her toes and covered his mouth with hers, tasting herself on his tongue when she coaxed his to parry.
Robin's groan gave her confidence and a certain power in her allure and she pressed herself against him, feeling his rising member against her belly. She ached. Robin stood, arms at his sides, hands clenched. His body was like a bright flame which Regina stoked. He felt her trail kisses down his neck and twirl her tongue about his ear. He groaned and Regina became bolder with her new found power, sliding her hands from his face, over his chest, feeling the heavy pounding of his heart. Her tongue encircled his nipples, while her hands slid boldly down his taut belly, which quivered in spasms of anticipation. Lightly she teased the muscles, watching in fascination how they rippled. Her hand stopped at his waist of his open breeches. Robin's sharp intake of breath cause a smile to her face. She slid her hands down the sides of his breeches, which fell. His member popped free, full and very potent. Robin stepped back, Regina took in the virile form, missing no detail of his manly perfection. A sense of pride, of ownership, fleeted through her
Regina moved closer to him, rubbing her breasts against his chest, and then lower, until she felt his member slide between her breasts. He groaned. And she he felt her cup him and draw him into her mouth he gasped. While she had not the expertise of a seasoned courtesan, her innocent ministration brought him to the poing of where he threatened to spill himself.
He gasped out, "Don,t love...stop."
When she felt him grasp her shoulders to still her, she fell back onto her knees and looked up at him wondering how she displeased him.
Seeking to reassure her, he drew her up against him, whispering, "No, love, you'd render me useless." His member throbbed painfully with his carefully leashed control, but he held her close, noting her breathing matched his own short, ragged gasps.
Regina wanted nothing more than to quench the burning between her legs and moved closer to him, rubbing against him. Knowing her need, he lifted her easily up against him. She wrapped her arms about his neck, and her legs about his waist. He moved to carry them to the bed. Regina whimpered against his throat in frustration, feeling his hardness against her core. She arched against him, causing Robin to lose his balance and fall backward onto the bed.
Beyond the limit of endurance, Regina straddled his lean sides and lowered her arching warmth on his member. Both drew in sharp breaths as one descended and the other rose to become one. Grasping her hips, Robin rose, trying to give more of himself to her. Whimpering aloud and pounding on his chest, she cried, "Please, you promised, please."
With a growl, he tossed her on her back, thrusting deeply into her, feeling her widen and arch to meet his driving thrust, bringing him deeper into her welcoming flesh.
Robin reared back, pulling her legs over his shoulders, and thrust deeply into her.
Regina felt his penetration, felt him touch her as never before, as no other ever would. And at that moment she loved this man. Their eyes locked and she whispered to him, "You're so deep...you touch my womb."
He looked down at her, into her eyes, and saw tears, her love and groaned aloud. "I shall fill it."
And then she felt him bring her to the edge of climax and she cried out, "I love you." His hand moved to hold her head as his body moved over her and she whispered, "I love you." What she saw in the blue depths of his blue eyes surprised her, the glistening of tears. And when the rippling convulsions of her climax brought him to spill his seed and fill her womb, tears slipped from the corners of his eyes as the woman he loved gave him her heart and he gave her life.