A/N: Alright, so here's Chapter 4! Yeah, I know, finally! haha! Anyway, as always, thank you for the kind reviews, I take each one to heart and try to reply to you all.
She felt weightless. Like telling Robin her most damning secrets was the most uplifting thing to ever happen to her. She felt physically lighter. She felt happy, for the first time since Daniel, she was truly happy. Robin had decided against going back to the fire, instead escorting Regina back to the tent.
"This will be your tent, milady." Robin said, walking her back into the tent they were in before. "It's large enough and should suit you just fine."
"But, where will you sleep? Obviously this is your tent. I wouldn't want to put you out." Regina said quickly.
"Nonsense. I'll bunk with Roland." Robin half smiled.
Regina's smile faded.
"Robin, could we keep what I told you, you know, about me being the Queen, just between us?" She asked hesitantly.
"Of course. I wouldn't dream of speaking a word of it without your say." He quickly reassured her.
"Thank you. I just feel like your men don't like me." Regina said.
Robin walked closer to her, running his hands down her arms.
"They're certainly not the most friendly people you'll ever meet, but I can assure you, they wouldn't turn you in just because they dislike you." Robin said.
"Are you sure?" Regina asked, brows furrowed in worry.
"Completely sure. Besides, I wouldn't let them." Robin said, raising his hand to caress her cheek.
"What exactly is...this?" Regina half smiled, looking up at him.
"It's whatever you want it to be. If I cross any boundary with you, Regina, please let me know. I don't want to scare you away or anything." Robin stated seriously.
Regina simply nodded.
"Good, I rather like your company." Robin smiled.
She smiled back then leaned forward, capturing his lips in a unexpected kiss.
She didn't know if she loved this man or not, but he most definitely made her feel like her old self again. Like she was back in the stables with Daniel, except when she kissed him, she didn't imagine it was Daniel, she just imagined it was him. It was a strange feeling, caring for someone again. And she knew that something was growing between them; could feel it each time he spoke to her or when he cared for her. She had to remember she was a stranger to him, too. And yet he put her first before himself.
She pulled away from him slowly, then looking up into his eyes.
"I rather like your company, too." She said softly. "Being on the run for three years doesn't exactly lend to making friends."
He laughed softly, then let it drift.
"I'd like to be more than that, if you'd let me." He said quietly.
Regina looked into his sparkling eyes and felt a smile cross her face.
"I would like that very much." Regina smirked.
Snow took notice to the strange men entering the castle with curiosity. She wondered where they were from, considering the servants had complained about taking care of their guests, Snow also wondered if they were good natured or not. But, being as friendly as she was, she decided to inquire all she could from the help. They told her that the Sheriff of Nottingham was a vile man, haling from Prince John's realm. Snow knew of Prince John. He wasn't too squeaky clean himself. A rather greedy ruler. He was technically King, but most still called him by his 'Prince' title simply because no one wanted to accept that their once King Richard was truly gone. He went off to fight in the ogre wars and never returned, and his selfish and greedy nephew was the next in line.
Though Snow had never met him, she decided she rather not after all the things she heard of him. He was close to her age, actually probably closer to Regina's age, than her's, she thought.
But why was the Sheriff here? The servants said he was here to bring back the runaway queen, which suddenly alarmed Snow. She knew her father had been looking diligently for Regina over the past three years and always coming up empty handed. At first, Snow thought he truly cared for her return, but as each report came back, he became more and more livid about the situation. She watched her father grow obsessed with her return, raising the reward higher and higher each time she alluded him. Snow knew exactly why Regina left, leaving Snow a letter of explanation, which truly opened Snow's eyes.
Snow knew Regina was unhappy. And the older she got, the more she recognized Regina's misery. When she was younger, Regina would hide it, play it off, but by the time Snow was 15, she had noticed the sullen, distant stares and the simply tired look in Regina's eyes. Snow was much wiser now. She was beginning to see holes in her father's explanations of things and with that, she became increasingly worried about his true intentions for bringing Regina back. If it was a pride thing or if he really loved her. But based off what Snow remembers (and what Regina wrote to her in her letter), she can't ever say that her father and Regina were ever, loving, towards one another. Not like he and her mother. But this Sheriff. She had read of several of his captures, how brutal he was and forceful. She couldn't understand why her father would leave such a man in charge of bringing back his wife, unless he cared not how she returned, as long as she was returned.
These thoughts disturbed Snow. She loved her father, but she also loved Regina. She saw in her later years how her father mistreated Regina, not physically, at least not in front of her, but mentally. Snow didn't look at her father the same way after Regina left. The letter left on her vanity one night, dark, neatly written, cursive letters addressed to her. She knew it was from Regina, knew her handwriting like her own. Once she read it, she understood. She read it a thousand times to make sure, and she was. Regina's words ringing in her ears. She suddenly knew why Regina was so distant from them and her for that matter. She felt awful. But most importantly, her illusions of the world lifted like a fog. She watched the men continue to bring in bags and things. Some hauling in weapons and ropes. Snow had decided then, in that moment, she should find Regina, before the Sheriff did.
Regina was sore for a week and a half. Getting shot by an arrow, then slipping down a hill certainly took a toll on her body. But she could hardly be bothered by her pain when she was awakened by a rather rambunctious three year old. Robin enlightened her that first morning that Roland was a early riser.
Regina would be stuck in between sleep and alertness when she'd hear a soft voice at the front of the tent.
"Regina?" He'd question.
She'd smile and turn over, then sit up.
"Are you awake? You should be. The sun's out, so you should be, too." He pointed out from the outside of her tent.
She'd stifle a giggle and get up.
"Yes, Roland, I'm awake."
That's really the only encouragement he'd need and he'd burst through the flap on the tent and land on her bedroll, all smiles and dimples, mop of brown hair wild from sleep. She'd smile at him and they'd discuss what they'd do for the day, all before the rest of the camp had even stirred.
The first time it happened, Robin of course panicked. He may have known Roland was an early riser, but he didn't peg him as one to runaway from the tent. Roland was a rather shy child and unless Robin was nearby, Roland didn't open up much.
But Robin learned quickly his boy would brave the cold, early morning air to visit the beauty in the tent next door. Robin didn't blame him; he himself had been recently captivated by Regina. Her revealing to him that she was in fact, the missing queen, only intrigued him more. It was obviously a very hard thing to admit to a total stranger and he didn't want to tarnish her trust in him. He would keep his promise to her to not to speak of it. After Regina's first night, Robin made it a point to let the other men know she'd be staying with them. Some didn't mind, others visibly showed dislike over the decision. Robin could care less, though. He wanted her to stay even before she revealed her secret to him. Now, Robin felt this fierce need to protect her from whatever made her run in the first place. He pegged her as someone who needed no one, but Tuck was right, everyone needs someone at some point. And Regina needed them. He thought about how much more likely it would be for her to get caught if she left Sherwood Forest. No Royal Guards or White Knights would dare enter it's bandit-filled depths. Sherwood had a reputation, and Robin would like to keep that reputation; it protected his men and son. And now, it would protect her.
Robin sat by the fire, poking it around. It was about mid-day and most of the men were occupied by chores or out fetching supplies. They usually traveled to a nearby village to get certain things they just couldn't find in the forest. Robin didn't know about his men, but he couldn't sew, so they went to this village's marketplace and bartered for clothes and food. The people were happy to barter, as well; knowing the outlaw hero Robin Hood would protect them from any injustices.
Any other time, though, Roland would have wanted to join several of Robin's men into the village. The boy didn't travel much and when he got the chance to wander, he would. But on this day, Roland chose to explore some of his favorite places in the forest with Regina. He has spots here and there all over the woods surrounding the camp that he claims are his 'hideouts'. He was all too excited to drag Regina to all of these places. Robin was certainly thankful she agreed and treated Roland with such care.
Just as his mind was thinking of them, he heard his son running up the path to the camp, stick in hand swishing it around like a sword.
"C'mon, Regina! The dragon is going to eat you!" He exclaimed.
Robin watched Regina walk behind Roland at a mild pace, seemingly worn out from her and Roland's excursion. He smiled and looked back down to the fire for a moment before looking back up at the sound of her voice.
"Let it eat me, Roland. Besides, I'm sure we left it far behind us. He certainly wouldn't be able to keep up with you." Regina said.
"But Regina, dragons can fly. He would still be able to catch us." Roland said.
"Of course, how could I forget." Regina began exhaustedly. "I wish I could fly." She mumbled.
Robin tried to hide his growing smile, and also his bubbling laughter. Roland zoomed by him, greeting him eagerly before running through camp. Regina, on the other hand, plopped down on the log next to Robin and sighed heavily.
"What do you feed that kid?" Regina asked playfully.
"Sweet rolls." He deadpans.
"You should stop." She counters. "I can't remember the last time an imaginary dragon outran me. At anything." She said seriously.
He snorted out a laugh, then tried to pool his amusement.
"So I take it Roland wore you out?" He asked.
"He certainly did." Regina sighs again. "Where is everyone?"
"Little John, Tuck, Will and Paul all went to the village not far from here to get some things. Some of the others are mending things and such." He answers. "And might I ask what you're doing?" She smirked.
"Sitting." He smiled.
She smiled widely at him before standing up.
"Well, I suppose I'll go change. One of Roland's hideouts was only accessible by crawling through mud." Regina grimaces.
Robin laughs.
"And what makes you think that woman from that village is the missing Queen?" The Sheriff asks.
"I saw her face plain as day. I certainly couldn't forget it." The guard said.
"It wouldn't matter. She's probably long gone from that area now." The Sheriff pointed out.
"She was with Robin Hood." The man said.
The Sheriff's ears perked up.
"What?"
"Robin Hood saved her. And they made off with all of Prince John's gold." The Sheriff grinned wickedly.
"Then I suppose we know just where to find her." He said.
Snow eased away from the door of the war room where she was eavesdropping. So Regina was spotted with Robin Hood. Everyone knew Robin Hood resided in Sherwood Forest. She knew exactly where to look for Regina first, but she'd have to leave now.
She ran up to her chambers, gathered some things and threw on her cloak. In one swift motion, she descended down the castle wall and headed away as quickly as possible.
After dinner, Regina went down to the small river that lay on the north side of the camp. She sat there for sometime, thinking. About anything and everything, really. Her thoughts began to drift to Leopold and her possible capture, to which she brushed them away and stood from the bank. She didn't want to dwell on such matters. It seemed to happen most when she was alone. So she decided it was best to head back to camp. Once she was close enough, Regina heard chattering from the men. She almost walked to her tent until she heard Robin's voice. She walked towards the fire, then, trying to be quiet and not make herself known, but then she stepped on a twig, and all their heads shot in her direction.
"Regina." Robin said.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been eavesdropping." She said, backing up.
"You're right." Paul said from a log.
"No, it's quite alright." Robin said, glaring at him. "Join us."
"Are you sure?" Regina asked.
"Of course." Robin said, standing and gesturing to her.
She walked slowly over and sat next to Robin. He placed his hand gently on her thigh, as if to soothe her she thought, but the other men certainly noticed the small gesture.
"Now, where were we?" Robin asked.
"King's George's caravan." Little John reminds.
"Yes, of course. He plans a trip to King Midas's kingdom in a day. I suppose that's out next target." Robin said.
Other men nod and Regina looks them all over. They were obviously planning to ambush King George's carriage.
"Doesn't that sound a little dangerous?" Regina pipes up.
All the men look at her, almost no emotion to their faces.
"How so?" Robin asked her, seeming to be the only one who will speak directly to her.
"Well, King George is a ruthless leader. The men in his kingdom are trained from very young ages to be in his guard and to defend him. Most know no mercy and certainly wouldn't mind ending some thieves." Regina pointed out.
Robin and his men fall silent.
"How do you know so much about King George?" Paul asked.
Regina rolled her eyes. He only spoke to her negatively, she noticed.
"I've visited many kingdoms on my travels. You simply pick up things." Regina tells him.
Paul seems to fall silent, but there's a scowl on his face like he doesn't want to be.
"So, what do you suppose we do?" Robin asked.
Regina looked back to him, features visibly softer.
"How did you originally plan on attacking him?" Regina asked.
"I suppose hiding in the forest, then ambushing before him." Robin said.
"Yes. It's what we've always done." Paul said.
Regina looks over to him, then back to Robin.
"Then I suppose you have a plan on how to take out his scouts?" Regina asked.
Robin looked puzzled.
"He isn't as stupid as you all might think he is." Regina began. "He never travels without scouts. There's at least four, plus the dozen guards. The scouts ride on either side and in front and behind the King. They're usually the most vigilant and more experienced in combat."
The Merry Men all sit patiently paying attention to Regina.
"Rumor has it they can crush a man's head with their bare hands." Regina said.
Some of the men grimace.
"So how do you expect us to ambush his caravan now?" Paul asked looking at Robin.
Robin looks up to him. Paul was certainly an annoying member of his men.
"Not the way I just described. Those men would kills us in a second." Robin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"But if he's heading to Midas's kingdom, he'll head west of his own. Which means he'll stop by a small village nearby for ale and women, all men do, and you can ambush them there." Regina said.
All the men looked at her with equal puzzlement and intrigue. Regina turned to look at Robin who was giving her this warming smile.
"What?" She asked.
"That's a brilliant idea." Little John said finally.
Both Robin and Regina looked towards the large man with surprise. All the other men began to nod their heads in agreement.
"Then it's settled then. We wait until he's vulnerable and ambush him in the village." Robin said.
All the men stand and depart from the fire, Little John coming up to the two.
"Milady, I think you should have tried to kill Robin years ago." He laughed and walked away.
Regina chuckled but Robin looked at John with playful shock. He then looked at Regina.
"Where the Hell did that come from?" He asked, a smile brightening his face.
"I don't know, years on the run through different kingdoms, plus actually meeting those Kings...so..." Regina said with a smirk.
"That was bloody brilliant." Robin said.
"Thank you."
"Let me walk you back to your tent." Robin offered his hand as he rose.
She accepted and walked with him back to her tent. They stopped near the entrance, but before Regina could say goodnight, Robin crashed his lips against her's. She faltered only slightly at his abrupt contact, but fell into his kiss quite easily, wrapping her arms around his neck and feeling his arms link around her waist. She pulled away, catching her breath and looking him in the eyes.
"And what was that for?" She asked breathing heavily.
"You surprise me more each time I speak to you. And I'm utterly taken with you." He said smiling.
She smiled back and moved closer to him, capturing his lips in a less forceful kiss. He moved his hands from behind her and ran them up her side until he came into contact with her fabric covered breast. He felt the already hardening peak through her layers of clothing and ran his thumb over it, eliciting a moan he more over felt than heard since his lips still surrounded her's. She pulled him closer and they stumbled backwards into her tent where they swiftly tumbled onto her bedroll. Robin hovered over her, running his hands over her body, bunching up fabric in places, his mouth never leaving her, only when they needed to take short breaths. His hand finds it's way under her shirt and moves over her soft skin and the swell of her breast where he gently runs a finger over the tightening skin of her nipple. She breaks away from his mouth then, gasping for breath. In doing so, she gave Robin perfect access to her neck, where he began peppering kisses. She moaned and began to fist his shirt up his body. He took a break from her neck and moved to take off his shirt, tossing it to the side, then leaning back down and running his hands over her exposed flesh, placing delicate kisses on her collarbone and the column of her neck. She feels flushed and can already feel the hotness pooling in her stomach, the ache between her legs. His hands are freezing but she could care less. They were roaming over her body in wonderful ways. Her heart is racing and she supposes she wants this, wants him. Now. She can feel his sculpted muscles under her fingertips, knows he's as hot and bothered as she is. The evidence is rubbing against her thigh. She moans her approval until suddenly, Robin's not hovering over her, it's Leopold. And her hands aren't freely gliding over sculpted skin, but being restrained, held down. Robin's lips aren't his, they're Leopold's. She shuts her eyes tightly, feeling tears prick her eyes, hoping the awful memories would dissipate, but once she opens them, all she sees is Leopold and her chambers and she suddenly feels sick.
Panic rises in her and she pushes Robin away, has to be free from under him, from this feeling.
"Stop! Stop! Please!" She cries out, eyes shutting tightly again.
Robin looks at her worriedly, sees tears streaming from her eyes.
"Regina, what's wrong?" He asks, cupping her cheek, but she moves away.
"Regina." He repeats softly.
She opens her eyes widely and her breathing is sporadic and uneven. She looks at him with fear and pain and he doesn't know what caused it. Soon, the visions of Leopold fade and all she sees is a worrisome Robin. "Are you alright?" He asks, cupping her cheek again, though this time she doesn't move from his touch.
Her eyes flutter shut and she focuses on his kind touch and not the feeling of panic and utter helplessness she just went through. She hasn't been with someone intimately since Leopold, and God knows sex with him was hardly intimate. It was downright torturous; he'd always come late in the night and she'd have to succumb to him no matter how she was feeling or if she was willing, which she never was. And on the nights he didn't come, she'd cry because of the permanent mark it burned in her memory. But being here, in this moment with Robin, it must have triggered her awful, suppressed memories of Leopold.
She was broken from her reminiscing state by Robin's soft voice.
"I'm sorry. I suppose I moved too quickly for you." He murmured.
She opened her eyes then and saw complete shame, even guilt, (maybe sadness?) etched across his features. She moved her hands to hold his face, looking into his eyes.
"No, no. It wasn't you." She breathed.
He looked down at her puzzled.
"I just...I haven't been intimate with anyone since the King." She nearly whispered.
Robin sighed and moved his arms around her, embracing her. She latched onto him, snuggling her face into his warmth.
"I surely didn't help." He said into her hair.
She closed her eyes and internally cringed. None of this was his fault. It was hers. She wished many nights that those terrible visions would disappear, but every so often, they'd return. And she truly liked Robin, wanted this. He accepted her secret, didn't use it against her, instead vowing to protect her. It's more than anyone in her life has ever done for her. Her father tried, but even he couldn't protect her. And now Robin, someone she was beginning to care for, was paying the price of her broken past and tortured heart.
"Robin." She said, pulling away. "You weren't alone in this. I...wanted to, but..."
"But you need time." He said knowingly.
She gave him a small smile.
"I just don't want you to think I don't like you, because I do, honestly." She said, beginning to ramble, but he silences her with a kiss, languid and careful.
He pulls away and moves his hand to caress her cheek, brushing away a stray tear.
"I will wait however long it takes, milady." He said soothingly.
She smiles again, giving him a chaste kiss.
Snow had been walking since mid-day the day before. She really should have taken a horse, but she figured her father would notice her missing quicker if she had. Snow knew where Sherwood was, had heard her father's warnings about it all her life. It's where the outlaws and bandits lived. Should she be a little uneasy about what lay ahead? Sure, but she could handle herself. And she was terribly driven to find Regina. She would have happily awaited Regina's return, but recent events made Snow question just how Regina would get back. Her father hiring the Sheriff of Nottingham to find Regina, seemed more forceful than worrisome. Almost like he had been stolen from when actually, Regina made the conscious decision to leave. She would know, she left Snow that letter. The same letter that was safely tucked into her pack as she walked down the dirt road.
She was almost to the nearest town, when the trees and brush close to her began to rustle. She stopped frozen in her tracks, she looked to her side and picked up a rather thick tree branch. She looked back up to the trees as a hooded figure emerged from the brush. They began walking quickly towards her direction and she panicked and once they were close enough, she swung the branch, making harsh contact with their face. They fell hard to the dusty ground.
"Stay back!" Snow exclaimed.
They pushed back their hood, revealing a man. A rather handsome man. He was rubbing his jaw where she obviously hit him.
"I'm sorry I startled you." He said. "I didn't see you."
"I was right in front of you!" Snow exclaimed, adrenaline still pumping through her veins. "I tend to keep my head down, to avoid recognition." He said, pushing himself off the ground. "Unfortunately, that leads to me sometimes running into people. Or heavy branches."
"Are you some sort of bandit?" Snow asked.
"What? No." He said.
"Then who are you?" She asked.
"Well, who are you?" He asked her.
"I asked first."
"You hit me in the face with a tree branch." He said.
"Well, what kind of idiot hides under a hood and can't see where he's going?!" Snow asked him He raises his hands in mock defeat.
"Good point." He began, "My name is David."
Snow lowers her branch.
"Snow." She said.
"Like, Snow White?" He smirks.
"How did you know?" She asked, nearly a whisper as she gets closer to him.
"Not a lot of people named Snow." He smiled.
Well he was terribly...charming, Snow thought.
"Why aren't you with any guards?" David asked. "Are you out here alone?"
"Yes. I don't need guards everywhere I go." Snow said, tossing the stick aside.
"Usually royals have guards at all times." David teases.
Snow looked at him annoyed.
"Look, are you done? I have very important business to take care of." Snow said.
"What kind of business?" He asked.
"I have to get to Sherwood Forest." Snow said, beginning to walk away.
"Woah, hey. Slow down there. Sherwood is full of outlaws and bandits. Should you really be going there alone?" David asked.
"I handled you didn't I?" Snow smirked.
"Yes, but I wasn't actually a threat." David smiled.
Snow sat silent for a moment. Then looked up at David.
"Go with me then." She said quickly.
"What? Why?" He asked.
"Obviously you're running from something. The best place to be then, is Sherwood Forest." Snow pointed out.
David mulled over her statement, then flashed her a smile.
"Sure, why not." He said.
Snow smiled and they began walking down the dirt path.
"You know, you clocked me pretty good there." David said, rubbing his jawline once more.
Snow smiled proudly.