New Orleans City Park, 1879

"It's a beautiful day for a stroll, isn't it John?" Robin commented to his companion as they strode through the park on horseback.

"Indeed. Perfect for lifting spirits." His friend wasn't wrong. The sky had cleared of any clouds, revealing an azure coloration that highlighted the hundreds of oak and moss trees lining cobblestone pathways. The influx of sunlight guided them along, stopping momentarily on the stone arch bridge to admire their reflections in the lake.

"You're under the assumption that my spirits need lifting. While I miss Marian with all my heart and soul, I've finally started to heal."

"I'm glad to hear that. Her passing was hard on everyone." Robin nodded, having come to terms with his grief a few weeks ago.

"Shall we head towards the pavilion? There's supposed to be a live auction today, I could use a few new horses."

New Orleans, 1879- Mills Plantation

"Faster, Calypso! Not much longer now…" The pair whipped around the turn with blazing speed, kicking up all kinds of dirt and dust in their wake. Wind tore through the rider's hair as she navigated the course with ease, skillfully maneuvering the horse to the finish line.

"One minute thirty, Father will be pleased." The young woman dismounted, leading the racehorse from the practice trail to the property stables, knowing her father was there eagerly awaiting the result.

"How did he fare, Regina?" Her father, Henry Mills, was known throughout the state as the breeder of the finest Thoroughbred racehorses- three of which were Kentucky Derby winners. His only daughter, Regina, was tasked with training them for potential buyers.

"Beat yesterday's time." She answered, putting the tack away. Henry hummed, pleased- this horse could earn them a small fortune at tomorrow's auction.

"Excellent. He's ready to be sold- Can I entrust you with taking him to auction tomorrow?"

"Of course. I shall let Daniel make the preparations." While her family's staff were more than capable of handling the transactions, it allowed Regina the opportunity to exercise her own horse, Rocinante.

New Orleans City Park, 1879

"See any to your liking?" John commented after a few suitable specimens came and went. He knew his friend had exquisite taste, but this was unlike him. Robin usually bid on a horse within the first half hour. It had now been thrice as long.

"Pardon? Are we still talking about horses?" John looked incredulously at his companion, blinking a few times.

"What has gotten into you?" No response- Robin had drifted away again, gazing at something unknown.

"Or is it a who?" John muttered, finally noticing the dark haired lady in a powder blue riding habit, astride a black stallion. He could certainly see why she had taken Robin's breath away. Clearly of Spanish and Italian descent, her olive skin tone was offset by striking dark eyes and full lips. She even carried herself elegantly on horseback- a clear sign of formal training. Quite a catch, if his friend conducted himself properly.

"I'd like to bid on that horse." There was no use in arguing with a man infatuated, so John just complied.

"Going once…twice…sold for two hundred dollars to the gentleman in the back!" Robin couldn't wipe the grin off his face.

New Orleans City Park- Evergreen Stables, 1879

"Am I correct in assuming you're Calypso's new owner, Lord Gracey?" Robin and John watched her approach- the confidence and grace she displayed while handling the massive stallion heavily impressed the two men.

"Indeed, Lady…?" Not wanting to come across as rude, Robin let her introduce herself.

"Regina. Regina Mills." She handed the reins over to him, giving the horse one final brush.

"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Regina." Robin began scratching behind the horse's ears. You and your father raised a fine horse."

"Thank you." Even though he wasn't complimenting her specifically, she still blushed somewhat. "He has a fairly mild temperament for a stallion, but is the fastest horse we've had on our plantation since Cyclone. If you plan to race him, you'll do well." Robin decided that he'd like to get to know her better, but also couldn't rush things.

"He'll be taken care of wonderfully, no need to worry." She laughed, patting Calypso on the back.

"That was never my concern, I have no doubt he'll have a good home." Realizing it was getting late, she took a few steps back, away from the incredibly handsome lord.

"I'm sorry, but I must be going. Other horses to see to, you know." Robin nodded in acknowledgment.

"You're more than welcome to stop by the manor, if you ever desire to visit Calypso. And me, of course." They both chuckled.

"Well, until then. Goodbye, Lord Gracey." Robin watched her retreat, hoping she would consider his offer. Lady Regina had left quite the impression on him.

Sherwood Manor, 1879

"Lady Regina." To say he was surprised to see her was an understatement. It had been a month since their last encounter, and he was beginning to think the worst. Seeing her on his front porch, smiling slightly and wearing a pale yellow dress (without those ridiculous bustle skirts, he was pleased to note), was enough to accelerate his pulse.

"Lord Robin." She acknowledged him with a customary tilt of her head. "Is this a good time?" He blinked, trying not to look like an utter fool.

"Of course, please do come in." He stepped aside, allowing her to traverse the entryway into the massive, lavish home. "Decided to stop for a visit after all? I do hope the delay wasn't my doing." That came off more flirtatious than he desired. Would she receive it well?

"Oh, not at all! Things have been terribly busy at the plantation as of late, and I wasn't able to slip away until now. Your offer was such a generous one, and it would be incredibly rude of me to ignore it." She removed her traveling gloves, once again finding herself staring into his captivating gaze.

"Nevertheless, I'm pleased you came by. Come, let me give you a tour of the house and grounds."

Robin had enthusiastically launched into a detailed account of his family history (which, unsurprisingly, tied into the history of the property) the minute they set foot into the parlor. A story about a former criminal turned lord, she was captivated by his enchanting foreign accent as they moved from room to room. The manor itself was a masterwork in Victorian architecture, and she loved the intricate details that tied the house together, especially the parquet floor patterns. However, when they reached the east wing of the manor, she was surprised to see it still under construction. Curiosity won out, in the end, and she couldn't help but inquire after it.

"Lord Robin?" He stopped his monologue and turned to face her, awaiting her query.

"Robin is just fine, milady." She blushed- he was such a gentleman. "What is on your mind?"

"Your home is quite beautiful, but I couldn't help but wonder as to why its unfinished." His posture visibly sagged, and his expression was pained.

"I was married once before. My wife, Marian, this house was her design. Unfortunately, she passed, and I halted work on the project." Regina's chest constricted in empathy. It was a situation she knew all too well.

"I'm sorry for your loss." She placed a hand on his shoulder, moving to rub soothing circles on his back.

"Marian was all I had- my adoptive parents passed a month into our marriage." He let out a sigh, appreciative of the comfort Regina was providing. "I still don't understand how she died." They paused the tour in the library, taking a moment to connect with each other.

"My own mother died of heart failure when I was very young. It's just been Father and I at home for as long as I can remember." Now it was his turn to provide a comforting touch, taking her hand in his as she spoke.

"I'm sorry to hear that." He took her in his arms, guiding them both to the sofa. "If it is of any consolation, at least your mother went quickly and painlessly. I can't say the same for Marian." Regina turned in his embrace, an eyebrow raised in surprise.

"Robin…what exactly happened?"

"Two years ago, I arrived home from work and she was nowhere to be found. Becoming frantic, I ran out on the balcony hoping to find her." He paused, taking a deep breath and running a hand through his hair, trying to cover up his shaking hands. "To my horror, I looked over the railing and found her…twisted at unnatural angles from the fall. The police told me that it was likely she had been pushed, but they couldn't prove anything." He felt his eyes becoming damp, and wiped at them with a handkerchief.

Regina gasped, horrified. "Who could have done such a thing?"

"The only other person that lived with us was our housekeeper, Zelena. I just have difficulty believing she's capable of murder."

"What makes you say that?"

"She's so mild tempered, always so thoughtful and attentive- an overall lovely person."

As if on cue, the aforementioned redhead appeared in the doorway, carrying a tray containing two cups of tea.

"Good afternoon Lord Robin. I made tea for you and…your guest." Zelena was taken aback somewhat- Robin usually only invited over his colleagues from work, so a female presence in the house was intriguing, to say the least. Was she here on business? A lover, perhaps?

"Ah yes, Zelena, this is Lady Regina Mills. Her family breeds racehorses- that horse I bought last month came from her plantation." Zelena nodded and set the tea tray down on the coffee table in front of them. Business, then. She could let her guard down somewhat.

"Well, if you need anything, just give a shout." Before she could depart the room, Regina called after her.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss-?"

"Leota. And likewise, Lady Regina." Zelena smiled at the pair and swiftly exited the library. Rounding the corner, she let out a sigh of relief. They were just acquaintances. With her fears dissolved, she went about tidying the manor to her obsessive specifications. She had standards to uphold, after all.

Six months later

"John! So glad you could find time to stop by, there's something I'd like to get your opinion on." Robin was about to make a life-altering decision, but wanted to consult his oldest friend first.

"Is this about the house again? I already told you, Regina will adore it regardless. Go ahead and add that third story if that's what will satisfy you." John leaned back in his chair with a sigh. Robin was obsessing over every last detail, entirely focused on winning the approval of his lover. "Although I'm glad you're finally finishing years' worth of work on the place, I can't help but wonder why Regina's opinion matters so much. It's not as if she's moving in…" John trailed off, noticing Robin squirm in his seat. "…is she?" Robin suddenly found a particularly interesting spot on the floor to stare at, avoiding John's gaze.

"Oh. So that's what this is about. You're going to propose, aren't you?" John couldn't fault his friend's choice in women. He enjoyed getting to know the Lady Regina over the past couple months, and he found her quite lovely. Robin certainly was taken with her, couldn't shut up about her, in fact. Who was he to disapprove of their union?

"I love her, John. I know it seems ridiculous given the short time span, but I do. Not just because she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, but because she has such a loving heart. I can't fathom spending my days without her, it hurts my very soul, and I must marry her."

Unfortunately, Zelena chose that particular moment to walk by the parlor. Marriage? She must have heard wrong- there was no way Robin would marry that Mills woman. To her knowledge, they were only friends and nothing more. But now, she was uncertain. Lingering by the doorway, she eavesdropped on the rest of their fateful conversation.

"You have my consent, and my congratulations. Regina will be beside herself with happiness." Zelena's famous temper was quickly spiraling out of control- the grip she had on the doorframe tightened, her hand shaking with anger.

"I'm delighted you approve, John. That means more than I can say." He reached into the desk drawer and pulled out a small velvet box, opening the lid. Inside was a three carat diamond ring with ruby accent pieces. It would certainly be the envy of all the women in New Orleans.

"This was my mother's ring." Robin admitted, passing the box over for John to inspect. "I didn't give it to Marian- it just wouldn't have suited her." John turned it over in his palm.

"I see what you mean. This is more fit for the Empress of Austria. Regina certainly looks the part, doesn't she?" Robin laughed, putting the box back in his pocket.

"Alright, enough about my impending marriage- I won't be able to propose until next week, after Regina returns from Belmont. Tell me about your newest business acquisition, a hotel, did you say?"

The two men retuned to their meaningless chatter, so absorbed in themselves that they didn't hear Zelena stomp off. She was so angry she almost let her impulses get the best of her, which included telling Robin how she really felt about him, but that would be too rash. She had to bide her time and plan a course of action, like she did with Marian, and everything would be back to normal. They didn't call her wicked for nothing.

One week later

"Robin, you did all of this…for me?" Regina knew that her oh so doting suitor was the generous type, however she clearly underestimated his desire for her affections. While she had been away, Robin had turned part of the manor's grounds into a beautiful garden- complete with a fountain, pond, and gazebo. She loved it all, but it was Robin's attention to detail that particularly warmed her heart. The hedges were arranged in a labyrinth-like pattern, referencing Alice in Wonderland (her favorite), with the red and white roses following suit. It was perfectly catered to her tastes, and she loved him for it.

"You mentioned wanting a rose garden. I admit, my enthusiasm got the best of me, love." She chuckled, it was the understatement of the century.

"I love it, it's wonderful." She reached for his hand, bringing it up to her chest, stroking it with her thumb.

"Now- you wanted to ask me something?" Robin's eyes sparkled with mischief, and he maneuvered his hand that was in her grasp in order to guide her along to the gazebo. Once they were both standing in the center, Robin kneeled in front of her, still holding her hand.

"Regina Mills, before we met, I doubted that my broken heart could love again. Then, by some miracle, my deepest wish was answered and you appeared in my life. A goddess, practically perfect in every way." Regina blushed, tears already finding their way down her face.

"However, it's not just your beauty that captivates me. You can be bold and audacious, perhaps even stubborn at times, but you hold such endless love in your heart for those around you that I never want to be apart from. You are my future, Regina." The ring appeared in his hand, eliciting a gasp from Regina.

"Would you make me the happiest man in Louisiana and become Mrs. Gracey?" Regina couldn't hold back her tears anymore, falling into his arms.

"Yes. Yes of course I will, you hopeless romantic!" The kiss that followed immediately after would remain in Robin's memory as the best moment of his life.