A/N: Okay, sorry for such a long wait, but this is a super long chapter and I hope it's worth it! Anyway, this is a really pivotal chapter and everything really escalates from here. Tell me what you think and enjoy! :)
The next day, Robin couldn't dwell too much on what had went on between him and Regina the night before; he was preparing to ambush King George. His kingdom was adjacent to Prince John's and Sherwood Forest. He had to cross over their land to get to King Midas's kingdom, so the village Regina spoke of was the one they had visited nearly two weeks prior. It would be less than a day's journey there, which perfectly suited Robin. He never wanted to be away from Roland long.
His men were packing the needed supplies while he and Little John formed a solid plan. The villagers would dare not speak of Robin Hood entering their village, he could count on that. So, with that in mind, he and his men could hide in plain sight, and pounce when the time was right.
It was very early, earlier than most of the mornings Robin woke up. When everything was set, he looked to Paul.
"Stay here and keep an eye on camp." Robin said.
"Why me?" Paul asked.
"Paul, you know you're not that great in combat and there will certainly be some scuffles so I want you to stay here, watch camp, okay?" Robin said firmly.
"And the woman?" Paul asked.
"What about her?" Robin asked annoyed.
"Is she not going?" Paul asked.
"She is not. But she doesn't know that. We shall be back before sundown." Robin said.
And with that, he and some of the men headed out.
Regina awoke to a familiar little boy, but he sounded strange.
"Regina?" He asked quietly.
She sat up and looked towards his small voice.
"I'm awake, Roland." She smiled.
But he didn't rush in, not like he usually simply opened the flap slowly and revealed tear stained cheeks and a pout that made her want to cry.
"Roland, what's wrong?" Regina asked, patting the blankets next to her, signaling him to sit.
He walked sullenly over and plopped down on the bedroll before cuddling up to her side.
"Papa's gone away again." He said sadly.
Regina furrowed her brows.
"What do you mean?" Regina asked, hand on his back soothingly.
"He had to go on a mission. He told me he'd be back soon." Roland said, looking up at Regina.
"Of course he'll be back soon." Regina smiled at the small child.
She knew Robin and his men were going to ambush King George, but she surely thought she'd be going with them. She knew she could help. She helped them already by enlightening them about his scouts. Why would he leave, and not tell her?
She felt Roland snuggle closer to her.
"So, what are we doing today?" Roland asked her.
Regina ran her slim fingers through his mess of hair, lightly untangling knots.
"How about we spend the day in the meadow, hmm?" Regina suggested.
He had mentioned the meadow the day before while showing her all his hideouts. He said it was his favorite place, but then again, he said that about all his places. He said it had a large tree in the middle and they could climb it.
Roland perked up then, nodded and smiled.
"I can show you the bird nest I found!" Roland began, then whispered, "It has eggs in it."
Regina chuckled and pushed herself up.
"Well, let's get to it. We're wasting daylight." Regina smiled and Roland shot up and out of the tent before she could even put on her shoes.
Regina walked to the fire, the camp almost empty, except for Friar Tuck and Paul, that she could see. She said good morning to both, Tuck being ever so polite, and Paul, well, being Paul. He looked irritated. Seems he didn't get to go on the ambush, either.
"Roland and I are going to the meadow." Regina began, speaking to Tuck, then adding, "Did Robin leave already?" Though she knew the answer.
"He did. He meant to not wake you with his departure." Tuck said.
"Oh." Regina said.
"Take some water before you head to the meadow. It's quite hot out today; don't need you two to dehydrate." Tuck said, handing her two canteens of water.
Regina took them politely and smiled, but before she turned away from him completely, she asked, "Did Robin give any other reason for leaving before saying good-bye?"
"Not that I know of." Tuck said truthfully.
She nodded and smiled, then turned to the little boy scampering back and forth on the dirt path.
Robin and his men made it to the village about mid-day. They were disguised and secretly armed while making their way through the marketplace. King George had yet to arrive, which put the men at ill ease. But Robin assured them, Regina knew what she was talking about.
Robin sat and watched his men cavort with women and oohh and aahh at the things in the marketplace for half and hour before royal trumpets played, alerting them of King George's arrival.
The men scurried to a mutual meeting place, an alleyway several blocks from the tavern. Robin told each man his duty and told them the signal if things get too hot. Two would go in the tavern, making sure the King stayed put for sometime. Two others would distract the guards while Robin and Little John ambushed the carriage.
Once they dispersed, Robin and Little John stayed back, waiting for two of the men to enter the tavern, and for Will and Alan to start a scene, getting the guards away.
"Never goes away, does it? The rush." Little John said to Robin.
Robin smirked and watched the scene carefully.
"Certainty doesn't." Robin answered.
Little John smiled and watched with Robin. His eyes trailed the street, then to the very alleyway they were in. And something caught Little John's eye.
Robin continued to look at the tavern. Will and Alan began a scuffle, and the two guards went to break it up.
"Robin." Little John began.
Robin turned to him and seen him holding a worn flyer.
"Is this Regina?" Little John asked.
Robin went pale, seeing a wanted poster, her likeness drawn upon it, and the newly risen reward on the bottom. Funny how he and Little John could tell it was in fact, Regina, but it looked nothing like the woman he knew.
"Robin, what do you know?" Little John asked, narrowing his eyes.
"We need to move, now." Robin said.
"No, we need to talk." Little John said sternly, but Robin was off, pulling up his hood and running to the carriage swiftly.
Little John cursed under his breath and followed his friend.
Robin scurried into the carriage, lifting the seat in search of gold, but he saw none. He was baffled. He knew for a fact there'd be gold in here. The King was said to be going to King Midas with a deal in place. Surely, money was involved. But he had no time to be puzzled because then the guards rushed to the scene and he heard Little John, Will and Alan fighting with them.
Suddenly, the tavern door flew open and more guards rushed out. Robin hopped out of the carriage and withdrew his sword. His bow and arrows were no good in close combat. Several guards surrounded him, but he easily took them down, as did the others. But then, the scouts showed up, and Robin could tell they were scouts. They dressed differently and looked twice his size. They swung their swords and sliced the air around Robin and his men. Little John had one down, which didn't surprise Robin; the man was huge and compared to him, these scouts were child's play. But Robin soon discovered he was in for more of a fight. He dodged and lunged and swung his sword, but this particular scout was rather troublesome.
Robin lurched forward, thinking he had the upper hand, but then felt a sting of pain in his side as the scout's sword sliced through skin. He grimaced in pain, almost loosing his balance, but then Little John came up behind the scout, bashing him over the head and knocking him out. The other men ran up to Robin, seeing him holding his side and seeing streaks of red covering his fingers.
"Forget the gold, we need to get back to camp." Little John said, looking worriedly towards his friend.
The other men nodded and they quickly retreated from the center of the town to their wagon, just on the outskirts of the village. Little John hopped onto the back with Robin, and in doing so, dropped the folded up flyer of the Missing Queen.
Alan saw him drop it and picked it up as he and Will jumped onto the wagon as well. He unfolded it as the wagon took off and away from the botched job. His eyes grew wide and then showed the flyer to Will. Alan looked up at Little John.
"What the hell is this?" Alan asked quickly.
"There's no time for that now. We must stop his bleeding until we get to camp." Little John said, holding a cloth to Robin's wound.
Robin felt a burning heat rush through him and felt sweat bead up on his brow. How could have been so careless? He heard people speaking, but couldn't make out words. Everything was blurry and muffled.
"Do you mean to tell me we've been harboring a missing queen for nearly three weeks?" Will asked quickly.
"I don't know." Little John said firmly.
Alan and Will looked at each other. Then to Robin.
"Does Robin know?" Alan asked.
"I don't know." Little John said softer than before, looking down at his wounded friend.
The meadow was truly wonderful. Regina and Roland spent the entire day there. Climbing the tree and picking flowers. Regina showed him how to make a flower crown, which overjoyed him to no end. He insisted she wear one, too. It was certainly the only crown she didn't mind wearing. Roland, though, had to do the honors. Once it was complete, he had to bestow it upon her silky, dark locks.
"There." He said. "Now you're the Queen of Thieves!" Roland said excitedly.
Regina didn't grimace at the mention of being queen, not around him; he didn't know. So she simply smiled. This was all play and she would be this 'Queen of Thieves' just for him.
He began to twirl and dance, then flew into Regina's arms, asking her to tell him a story. Regina looked up at the the setting sun, then said, "Okay, but that's it and then we have to go back to camp. It's getting late and I'm sure your Papa will be home very soon."
She began to weave a tale of ogres and dragons, and a rather brave knight so fittingly having his name. He was enthralled with her story, watching her expressively tell the story while he mindlessly played with her wavy hair. She leaned against the ancient oak and took comfort in having Roland so close and feeling such love oozing from this child. She hadn't thought about having children after Daniel's death; it just seemed out of place. But now, here with this small child curled in her lap, she wanted nothing more than her own.
She was nearing the end of her tale, when Friar Tuck interrupted the moment with panic. Regina stood quickly, setting Roland down and feeling him cling to her leg, sensing the distress. He ran over to her, almost out of breath.
"Robin. He's back." He breathed.
"There's something else." Regina said quickly, panic rising and her stomach churning.
"He's been wounded."
Regina's hand covers her mouth and looks down at Roland.
"Is Papa okay?" Roland asked.
Regina bends down to his level.
"You're Papa will be just fine. He's just a little hurt." Regina carefully explained, then looked to Tuck.
"Take Roland. I'll go see what I can do for Robin." Regina said, standing then.
She went to move, but then heard Roland's cries and felt the tugging of her cloak.
"Don't go, Regina! Please!" He cried.
"Tuck will stay with you, sweetheart, okay? I'm going to check on your Papa and I promise I'll come find you." Regina said, not even trying to fight the tears burning her eyes.
He nodded sadly and let go of her, but not before hugging her tightly around her neck. Once she was free from his loving embrace, she quickly headed to camp.
The men took Robin to his tent, setting him down on the bedroll and instantly ripping his shirt from his body. Little John pushed the other men outside giving Robin some space. He grabbed some medicinal paste and some bandages, asking one of the men to go to the river and get some clean water.
The other men sat outside the tent, anxiously waiting.
"What happened?" Paul asked.
"Well, we got into a bit of a scuffle with the King's men and Robin got slashed pretty good." Will said.
"That's hardly the worst of it, though." Alan began.
The other men looked at him puzzled when he unfolded a worn piece of paper.
"She look familiar to you?" Alan asked, showing them all the paper.
Paul snatched the paper from Alan and observed it more thoroughly.
"She's the bloody Queen!" Paul raged. "I should've known."
"So what does that mean?" One man asked.
"It means we can turn her in for the reward." Paul said.
"We're wanted, too, Paul." Will pointed out.
"We can do it anonymously. We could even get one of the villagers to do it and share the profit." Paul said excitedly.
"I don't think we should make any rash decisions until Robin is okay." Alan spoke then.
"He hates royals just as much as we do. He'd be all for this!" Paul said.
All the men looked around and began to nod, with the exception of Will and Alan. They still weren't sure. And as if on cue, Regina ran down the path towards them. They all looked at her then before she spoke.
"What happened? Is he hurt badly?" Regina asked quickly.
No one answered her. Paul looked to some other men, then back to her.
"I think we have it under control, Your Majesty." He said, mocking a bow.
Regina felt pale and shocked. She looked at each man silently before Paul lunged to her and pushed her against a tree. Two other men took rope and tied her to the tree in hopes to restrain her. She struggled but then Paul pulled his knife on her.
"One wrong move, Your Majesty." He warned.
She looked at him with wide eyes.
"How did you find out?" She asked.
"Some of the men found your wanted poster in town today." Paul began. "Do you know how much danger you put our camp in?"
"I know! I'm sorry!" She exclaimed, then grimaced as the men tightened the ropes.
"Not sorry enough, I'm afraid." Paul said.
Regina looked him in his light green eyes and felt a chill run through her body, his knife pressed to her skin.
"So what are you going to do to me?" Regina asked.
"We're going to turn you in." Paul snarled. "It's about time a King gave us his gold."
All the men cheered with Paul as he hyped them up. Regina tried to move the ropes, but they were too tight and it burned her skin where it rubbed her raw.
Little John was all through with Robin when he heard the chanting. He furrowed his brows, confused.
"What's that?" Robin asked weakly.
"I'll go see." Little John began.
Robin began to get up, but Little John pushed him gently back down.
"You need rest."
"I need to see what's happening in my camp." Robin said sternly.
Little John backed off then. He knew he couldn't talk Robin down for anything. That was Marian's job.
Robin stood with Little John's assistance and slowly walked to the tent flap and out into the night air. He saw all his men gathered around a tree, chanting and cheering for God knows what.
"What's going on?" He asked.
All the men silenced themselves and turned to see Robin. Paul turned, too, knife still pressed to her neck. Robin made his way closer, only then his eyes falling upon Regina.
"What the Hell are you doing?" Robin asked angrily.
"She's the Missing Queen, Robin." Paul said.
"I know." Robin said.
The men began to murmur amongst themselves as Robin approached Paul and Regina.
"We have to turn her in." Paul continued.
"No, we don't." Robin said firmly. "Bring down your weapon, Paul."
Paul looked at him with anger and surprise.
"No."
"No?" Robin asked.
"No. She put this camp in danger. A camp full of your friends and your son." Paul said.
"She has been no danger to us. No one outside this camp could associate us with her, therefore she was safest here." Robin said.
"Why are you protecting her?" Paul asked, furrowing his brows at Robin. Suddenly, it hit him, and he said softly, "You love her."
Robin's jaw clenched and he looked firmly at Paul.
"Our leader has fallen for a Queen!" Paul exclaims. "He has betrayed us!"
"He's betrayed no one." Little John spoke. "I don't know about any of you, but she hasn't displayed the behavior in which we despise so much in royals. Therefore, Robin caring for her is not a surprise. What is a surprise, is how we've betrayed the two of them."
They all looked at Little John, Robin giving him a thankful smirk, before looking back to Paul.
"Untie the lady." Robin said.
Paul simply looked at him, narrowing his eyes.
"Untie her, now." Robin said roughly.
Paul put his knife away and moved away from Regina.
"I don't take orders from you. I'm no longer one of your 'Merry Men'." Paul said.
Everyone watched Paul walk away towards a tent to gather his things.
"It doesn't have to be this way, Paul." Robin began.
"This isn't what I signed up for. You've changed." Paul said.
"Never was condemning a woman to a life she did not wish to have, ever a part of this." Robin said heatedly.
"I'm sorry, but I can't find sympathy for a Queen." Paul said, looking to Regina, who was being untied from the tree by Little John.
Paul turned and walked away down the path.
"Robin." Alan began.
"I don't need people like that in my camp." Robin said, turning away and facing Regina.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
She nodded, rubbing her arms where the ropes irritated her skin.
Robin smiled softly at her and turned away, walking slowly back to his tent. Regina looked at the other men confused and followed Robin into his tent.
"Robin, I'm so sorry about Paul. I didn't mean-"
"He was a nuisance anyway. He showed me his true colors just now." Robin said, back towards her.
She looked at him with soft eyes.
"Are you hurt badly?" She asked.
"I'm sure that depends." He chuckled.
She walked over to him and faced him, then looked down at his bandaged side. She placed a delicate hand on his wound. He didn't grimace in pain, just looked at her examining his wound.
"Why did you not take me?" She asked softly, not looking him in the eyes.
"I figured it would be rather dangerous. I was right." He said, moving his hand over hers on his side.
"But I could've helped." Regina said, looking up at him.
"Or you could've been killed." He said.
She looked him in the eyes.
"I can fight for myself. I've done it many times." Regina began.
"I'm sure you can, but I barely held off those scouts and-"
"And because I'm a woman, I wouldn't be able to handle it?" She asked, insulted, taking her hand from his grasp. "That isn't fair, Robin, and you know it."
"That's not why I didn't take you." He began, then ran his fingers through his hair and fell silent for a few moments. He looked her in the eyes again, "You know what isn't fair? Watching your wife die in your arms because you took your eyes off her from one moment. Because you couldn't protect her."
Regina's eyes softened and her anger dissipated.
Robin felt tears burn his eyes. He hadn't spoke of how Marian died since it happened. And there was always a secret understanding between he and his men since they knew her.
Regina lifted her hands to cup his face.
"Is that the real reason you didn't want me to go?" She asked.
Robin clenched his jaw and moved his hand over one of her's.
"I did not realize how much you meant to me until I imagined a world in which you did not exist." He said softly. "I barely escaped with my life today and I don't think I could have even fathomed loosing you."
Regina felt a solitary tear fall down her cheek. Most of today she thought he thought of her as incapable of being 'one of the men', so to speak. She wanted to rip him a new one for it, but then she found out he was hurt and then this. She realized then she was wrong.
Regina leaned forward and delicately placed her lips upon his, and despite his wound, he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. She broke away from the kiss and looked him in the eyes.
"What about your men?" She suddenly asked.
Robin was still recovering from her kiss and just looked at her confused.
"Robin, they wanted to turn me in for piles of gold moments ago. What are we suppose to do?" She asked.
"I do believe Paul was the only one who had a problem with you, milady." Robin said.
"But-"
"I'm sure the others will be more reasonable. Let me speak with them." Robin said, running his thumb over her knuckles.
She nodded, then gave him a soft smile. She pulled her hands away from his face, much to Robin's dislike.
"You need to rest." She said.
Robin smirked and nodded.
"As you wish, milady." He said, moving his hand into her hair and leaning down to capture her lips once more.
Snow and David bypassed the first town, but planned on stopping by the next one. Snow wanted to keep moving as long as she could. Even if that meant walking through the forest in the dead of night. She was also surprised at how easy it was to talk to David. He told her he was supposed to be married, but circumstances changed and here he was. Snow sensed there was more to the story than that, but she didn't press further.
"So, Snow White. Why are you headed to Sherwood Forest?" David asked as he helped her over a log.
"Well, can you keep a secret?" She asked.
"Sure." David said. "I mean, it's not like I have many friends to tell any to."
Snow chuckled and cleared her throat.
"Um, well, surely you've heard about my missing step-mother." Snow began.
He nodded.
"Well, I put it upon myself to find her before the Sheriff of Nottingham does. My father hired him to track her down and I know of his brutality, so...I simply want to make sure she's alright."
"And to warn her?" David asked.
"If possible, yes. She wasn't very happy being Queen. And I know now it was partially my fault." Snow said.
"How is it your fault?" David asked.
"After my mother died, I was desperate for a mother figure. My father was desperate for companionship, at least at the time he was. And one day when my father and I were out searching for him a new bride, my horse went wild. I was usually very good with horses, but on that day, I couldn't control him. Anyway, a beautiful woman rescued me from my horse before anything bad could happen. I was so thankful and she was so kind. My father proposed to her and up until recently, I thought she had accepted on her own behalf." Snow began.
"She did not?" David asked.
"She did not." Snow said looking at David. "It's really a long story."
"I can tell." David chuckled. "And your step-mother, does she see her misery as being your fault?"
"For a short time, yes, she did." Snow answered simply.
David furrowed his brows.
"So why go after her? Obviously, she wants nothing to do with you." David said.
"You don't understand. She blamed me for a short time. See, she wrote me a letter before she ran away, explaining things. Things...I can't...really tell you, but understand we are on good terms now. It's why I must do this. If she's happier away from being a Queen, then I'll help her stay that way. Unlike my father, I don't see her as a possession." Snow said.
"You know for a fact he's sees her that way?"
"Of course her does. For example, years ago, he'd barely bat an eyelash her way, only at balls and events. Now, he's put blood, sweat and tears into finding her. And why? I know he does not love her. Not even in the least. She deserves better." Snow said.
David sighed and nodded.
"And you know she's in Sherwood?" He asked.
"I do. She was last spotted with Robin Hood." Snow smiled.
"The Outlaw?" David asked quickly.
Snow nodded and smirked.
"We're going to an outlaw's camp in Sherwood Forest?" He asked worriedly.
"You were all for it a day ago, why so jittery now?" Snow asked.
"I didn't think our destination was Robin Hood's camp. Sherwood Forest is big. I thought we were going anywhere but there." David said.
Snow chuckled at his worry.
"This isn't funny. We could die." David said seriously.
"Yes, I'm sure that's a possibility." Snow smiled.
"Well this is insane." David said.
"And you agreed to come with me." Snow smiled at him.
David smirked and felt a flutter in his chest. She was quite beautiful. Her skin true to her name, lips pink and soft looking, dark hair framing a lovely face. David tried to shake these thoughts away, but always seemed to come back to them.
"That I did." He said softly.
Suddenly, they heard growling and someone walking through the forest. Rustling leaves and breaking twigs alerted them of someone approaching. David pulled a dagger and Snow looked for another branch. It seemed to be her go to weapon. David looked ahead several feet away and saw bright, golden eyes.
"Don't move. It's a wolf." He whispered.
Snow froze. She definitely could not fight off a wolf. They heard more growling and snarling, watching as the creature approached slowly. David looked ready for a fight, but Snow was not prepared at all.
Then, from behind them they heard a gruff voice yell, "Duck!"
David and Snow fell to the ground, David's arm instinctively wrapping around Snow as they heard an arrow fly through the air and strike the beast down. Snow and David looked at one another, then turned, still on the ground, to look up at an elderly woman with a crossbow.
"Certainly you two weren't thinking about wondering these woods at night, were you?" She asked.
Snow and David looked at each other again then shook their heads in unison.
"Good. Hate to have to clean up your bodies come sunrise. Come with me. My granddaughter and I live not to far from here." She said, extending her hand.
Snow took her hand and stood up, David next to her.
"Thank you." Snow breathed. "That was amazing."
"It keeps the woods safe. Not all wolves are as gentle as I." She smiled.
David and Snow looked at her with amused puzzlement.
"Widow Lucas." She said, extending her hand once more.
"Snow."
"David."
The pair shook her hand and gladly followed her to her home.
"Tell me, where does a grandmother learn how to shoot a crossbow? All my grandmother did was knit me awful sweaters." David asked curiously.
Widow Lucas laughed at the young man and told him it was a really long story.
Widow Lucas lead them to a cottage not far from where she found them. It was quaint and secluded and from what Snow could tell, was a little farm. She lead them inside, told them to take a seat at the table. She yelled into another room for someone named Red. Snow looked at David and then towards the vivacious young woman who walked in.
"We have guests." Widow Lucas said.
Red looked from her grandmother to the two seated at the table.
"You two weren't wondering around at there at this time of night, were you?!" She asked alarmed.
"We were." Snow said.
"Don't you know about the wolves?" Red asked.
"We do now." David chuckled, but let it die once he realized no one else was laughing. "Um, so that wolf, it was rather...large. Do they usually get that big around here?"
Red and Granny looked at one another before Red and she took a seat at the table with them.
"That wasn't just any wolf. It was a Werewolf." Granny explained.
"You mean, half human, half wolf?" David asked.
"Precisely."
"And you choose to live out here?" Snow asked. "With all these Werewolves around?"
Red smiled and Granny chuckled.
"We're not afraid of some Werewolves, dear." Granny said.
"You're braver than I." Snow said raising her brows.
"That can be debated." Granny huffed. "What are you doing in these parts?"
Snow looked at David, then back to the two across from them. She asked them if they knew about the Missing Queen. They both nodded and Granny even said she remembered the girl's coronation. The entire kingdom was present just to see a glimpse of her, but after that, she never appeared again.
Snow went on to explain about the Sheriff and her father, how Regina was in Sherwood Forest, she just knew it and that she needed to get to her before the Sheriff did.
Granny nodded, processing all the information. Red looked at her grandmother.
"What are you thinking?" She asked her.
"Well, if they're meaning to get to Sherwood before the Sheriff, they need a horse. There's no way you'll make it there before he, on foot." Granny pointed out.
"The next town is a couple hundred miles from here in the opposite direction. Where are we gonna find a horse?" David asked.
"You're sitting in a farmhouse, boy." Granny said gruffly.
He fell silent and pressed his lips together.
"Take our horse, we don't mind. As long as you return him." Granny began.
"Of course, thank you." Snow said.
"Now it's getting late. Snow, you can bunk with Red, David can have the spare room." Granny said standing.
Snow blushed at Granny's insinuation. She and David weren't romantic with one another. Hardly. But, then again, he was rather handsome, and charming, and brave. She cut her thoughts off there. She was looking for Regina, not a boyfriend. The idea amused her, nonetheless.
"Goodnight." Granny said.
They said goodnight in unison and went they're separate ways to their rooms.
Snow and Red went to Red's room and she gave Snow a small tour so she was familiar. Once they were settled, Red asked, "So, your step-mother, she's in some trouble, isn't she."
Snow sighed.
"With my father, possibly. But maybe if I can warn her, she can be free. She knows he's after her, but doesn't know about the Sheriff. I don't know. I just hate to know she'd be unhappy if she was returned to her life as Queen." Snow said, snuggling into the blankets.
"It's very brave what you're doing. Granny won't let me leave this cottage often, let alone go on some adventure like you and David." Red said.
"I'm sure she just wants to protect you." Snow said.
"Not me, everyone else." Red said quietly.
Snow sat up slightly and looked at Red.
"What do you mean?" Snow asked.
"Can you keep a secret?" Red asked sitting up, too.
"Um, I've been working on that, so yes." Snow said.
Red situated herself more comfortably before looking Snow in the eyes.
"Well, the reason we're not afraid of the Werewolves is because we...are werewolves." Red said carefully.
Snow's eyes grew wide.
"But we're harmless, I can assure you. Granny made me that red cloak over there to hold back my wolf side." Red quickly explained.
"And your Granny?" Snow asked hesitantly.
"She controls it better than I. It really only shows with her temper." Red said.
Snow simply looked at Red.
"Anyway, the other Werewolves mean to kill humans, but, we're not like that. So we try to protect others from them." Red said.
"That would explain all your grandmother's wolf jokes." Snow said, still slightly shocked.
Red laughed and place a soft hand on Snow's.
"She doesn't get to use them often." Red said.
Snow relaxed then and chuckled with Red.
"You're secret is safe with me. I promise. I learned the hard way what not keeping one can do." Snow said.
Red nodded and asked, "And what way was that?"
"I hurt someone I love very much." Snow said simply.
The next day, Regina, Robin and Roland spent the day together in the meadow. The men insisted Robin needed the rest and should take it easy for a few days, thus Robin took it upon himself to relax with his two favorite people.
They sat under the oak tree, watching Roland play in the field, making his own flower crown. Robin looked at Regina, who was happily watching Roland. He simply couldn't place in his mind when he started to fall for this woman, but he figured it didn't much matter now. She had monopolized his mind since the moment they met.
He leaned his head back on the tree and got lost in his own thoughts, when he felt Regina's gaze set on him. He opened one eye to look at her.
"What are you thinking about?" She asked softly.
"You." He said.
"Me?" She asked.
"Yes." He smiled, closing his eyes again.
She sat silent for a few moments, then spoke again.
"Well, what about me are you thinking of?" She asked.
Robin opened his eyes to see her furrowing her brows in question. He laughed.
"I'm simply making mental notes of all the things I love about you. So, shush, it's going to take me awhile." He smirked, leaning back and closing his eyes.
She swatted him on his arm and he opened his eyes instantly, laughing at her.
"Well, enlighten me, thief." Regina retorted.
Robin narrowed his eyes.
"Fine." He began. "I love how you call me 'thief', because, Regina, you must know no one in any of the realms could get away with it except you. I love how you furrow your brows when you're genuinely confused, like moments ago; how you treat my son. I love your smile, especially when you're shy about it and try to hide it like you are now. I love your laugh and the way you still can laugh even after what life has dealt you."
He weaved his fingers through her hair and caressed her cheek with his thumb.
"I have come to realize, Regina, that I love you. All of you." He finished.
She gave him a watery smile and leaned forward to capture his lips, slow and passionate.
"And you just thought of all this?" She asked, a brow lifted.
"Well, no and yes. I've been feeling it for sometime now, I just didn't have words for it." He said, shrugging.
She was still close to his face, looking into his eyes. She cupped his face and smiled at him.
"What?" He asked with a chuckle.
"I just never thought I'd have this." She said softly.
Robin smiled and this time, he leaned forward and captured her lips, pulling her closer to him.
They were interrupted by Roland's joyful call to his Uncle John, who had walked up the path to the meadow, meaning to fetch them before it became to late.
He cleared his throat and smirked at the two once they were broken apart.
"The men and I decided we should go celebrate your survival. A quick tavern run maybe?" Little John asked.
Robin looked at Regina, who nodded he go.
"Sounds wonderful." Robin laughed.
Little John and Regina helped him up, even after he insisted he could get up, it would just hurt like hell. He called to Roland, who went to Regina instead of him, holding onto her cloak and showing her his crown creation. She smiled down at him and told him it was beautiful.
"Wear it." He said.
"Right now?" Regina asked.
Roland laughed.
"Of course! You're the Queen of Thieves. A queen always wears a crown." He explained.
"Queen of Thieves? Now who came up with that?" Robin asked as Regina took the crown from Roland and placed it on her head.
"Me, Papa, but I didn't know Regina was a real queen when I called her that." Roland smiled, then looked up at her.
Word sure traveled fast around an encampment of men. Strange, she thought.
Once back in camp, Regina picked up Roland, meaning to take him to his tent for a nap, when Robin noticed she was not next to him. All the men were gathered, ready to enjoy some ale at the tavern and then Little John noticed Robin looking for Regina.
"Best tell her she's welcome to come. I think she thinks we want nothing to do with her." Little John said to Robin.
"And do any of you?" Robin asked.
Little John looked puzzled and so did the men.
"I just need to know right now if any others have an issue with Regina...because she's here to stay." Robin began.
"We have no issues with her." Little John spoke, the other men agreeing.
Robin looked at his men and his best friend, then back towards Regina. He turned and went after her.
"Leave Roland with Gerda, come with us." Robin said as Regina set Roland down before the tent.
"But what about your men?" She asked.
"They don't mind." Robin said, taking her hands in his.
"I don't know." She said worriedly.
"Do you trust me?" He asked.
"Of course I do." She said.
"Then come with us." He insisted.
She looked from him to Roland, then back to him.
"Alright." She said.
Robin smiled and brushed past her to get Roland.
"I'll leave him with Gerda, you go ahead." He said, scooping up the boy no matter how his side protested.
"But Robin-"
But he was already inside the tent and when she turned she could see all the men looking at her.
Well, it's now or never, she thought.
She walked over towards them, all of them silent and unreadable.
"No repeats of last night, right boys?" She asked, a teasing brow raised.
Little John smiled.
"Of course not." He began, then noticed Robin approaching from behind her. "We'll protect you like our own."
Regina smiled back at him, a huge wave of relief washing over her, then she felt Robin's hand lightly placed on the small of her back.
"You're one of us now, Regina." Will said, giving her half bow.
The other men followed suit. Regina had never felt this accepted before. Not even by family. Especially by family. She felt warm all over and couldn't help the wide smile that broke across her face.
"Now, I don't know if you want to be called a 'Merry Man'. Roland seems to be pretty partial to 'Queen of Thieves', though." Little John joked. The men laughed.
"Regina is just fine." She laughed.
They all roared in laughter once more before Little John bellowed for them to get a move on or else the ale will run out.
Robin walked with Regina to the wagon, her hand wrapped around his. Her beaming smile did not go unnoticed and his love for her only grew more with each glance.
With Red and Granny's borrowed horse, Snow and David set off early the next morning. They made it to the town closest to Sherwood Forest about midday and left the horse at the stables nearby. David asked her where she acquired such coin for that and she simply told him she wasn't stupid enough to go out into this world without a little bit of a back up plan. He smirked at her and they met eyes, maybe a little too intimate for their liking so they looked away and David averted their attention to somewhere to stay until they found Regina.
There was a tavern/inn not far from where the stables were so they decided to stay there. And to make an awkward situation worse, they had to share a room. But if either of them was uncomfortable, neither showed such.
Snow found it awkward, yes, but she also liked David a lot. Going on a life threating quest bonded people, she guessed. But she also knew she was rather naive and didn't know what she was feeling when she was around David. They had known each other 3 days and Snow just felt something different with David. She had never been in love before, couldn't even spot the signs if she was truly aware. But she always kept Regina's words in her mind
Love, True Love, is magic. The most powerful magic of all.
That flutter in her chest must have meant something, right?
They opted to staying to the room for most of the day since neither wanted to be recognized. That's when Snow spoke.
"So if you're not a bandit, why don't you want people to see you?" Snow asked, sitting Indian style on the bed while David sat on the floor.
He sighs.
"Well, can you keep a secret?" He asked, using her words from before.
"Yes." She said slowly. She truly was working on her secret keeping.
He smirked.
"Well, I'm a prince. King George is my father." He said.
"Oh." Snow said surprised.
"Well, I'm not really his son. See his son died, and his son was my twin brother, so he threatened my mother and made me pose as his son to marry King Midas's daughter. Well, that didn't work out, so now he's looking for me." David said quickly.
Snow sat silent.
"Your story sounds way more complicated than mine." Snow said.
"I suppose we can agree our stories are quite...unique." He laughed.
She laughed with him and once it died off she said, "I promise I won't tell."
He smiled.
"Thank you." He began.
The tavern was bustling with patrons. Nearly every table was filled and many loitered outside. Luckily, being Robin Hood and his Merry Men pulled some weight in this village and a large table cleared quickly. They sat one by one, Robin letting Regina in first and sitting on the outside. He looked over to her, happily talking with Will.
The bar wench walked over with their usual ale. They came here often, mostly after successful missions. But he supposed surviving a botched one was reason enough to celebrate. She placed the glasses all about the table and once she left, Little John hoisted his glass in the air for a toast.
"To surviving King George's men. Long live Robin Hood!"
All the men cheered and clinked their glasses. Little John then leaned forward and said quietly, enough only for Regina and Robin to hear, "And long live the Queen."
Regina smirked and so did Robin, who watched Regina toast with Little John before taking a sip. He slipped his hand over her's in her lap, beaming a wide smile her direction. She didn't look at him, but she didn't need to. Her hand wrapping around his, shifting her weight to lean against him was all he needed. He moved his arm around her as her head rested upon his shoulder and he leaned his cheek against the crown of her head. Yes, he supposed the right woman for him would just fall right out of the sky.
They sat and enjoyed the company, even if the tavern was rather crowded. So crowded that a drunk ran into two patrons walking by their table, spilling ale all over Robin's lap and some on Regina. Robin shot up from the table, lap soaked in ale.
"I'm terribly sorry." The man said.
"It's quite alright. That man's the town drunk, I suppose I should have warned you to cross his path." Robin smirked, taking a towel and attempting to dry his pants.
He then looked to Regina.
"Here, Regina. Let me." He offered, patting her shirt lightly.
"Regina?"
Both of them looked up past the man who spilled the ale and saw a hooded woman. A woman, Robin could tell, based off her small figure and soft voice. She moved closer and though Robin did not recognize her, Regina obviously did. Her eyes grew wide and she nearly toppled over Robin getting up.
"Snow?" Regina asked hurriedly as she stood and took the girl in her arms.
"This is Regina?" David asked.
"This is Snow?" Robin asked.
But the two women were too busy embracing one another, and once Regina pulled away she looked Snow in the eyes, her carefully hidden eyes.
"What are you doing here?" She asked.
"I came to find you." Snow said, tears in her eyes.
"Why? You got my letter, didn't you?" Regina asked quickly.
Snow nodded as a tear fell down her pink cheeks.
"Oh Snow." Regina said pulling her into another embrace.
David looked at Robin.
"We're safe here right? I mean, I'd hate to run into any bandits or something." David said.
"And what's wrong with bandits?" Robin chuckled. He saw out of the corner of his eye, Regina look over at him while still embracing the Princess.
"Well, Robin Hood and his Merry Men reside not far from here." David said matter of factually.
Robin smirked, looked to his men, then extended his hand to David.
"Robin Hood of Locksley. At your service."
David went white and looked from him to his men. Then, to Regina and Snow, whom were no longer hugging, but were still terribly close and looking at him.
"David." He answered soon, taking his hand in his.
Robin smiled.
"Don't worry. The legend is worse than the man." Robin said, making his men laugh heartily.
David was still white as a sheet when Robin let go of his hand. Both, though, looked towards Regina and Snow when Snow said, "Regina, we need to speak. Privately. There's something you need to know."
Regina looked at her puzzled and so did Robin. Robin said there was a back room closed off by the owner where they could speak and he knew the man would let them use it for a short time.
The inn-keeper let them into the unused room and shut the door behind them, the sounds of the merriment of the tavern muffled by thick walls.
"Snow, what's wrong?" Regina asked.
"You obviously are aware of how seriously my father has been looking for you." Snow said.
"Of course." Regina said.
"Well, several days ago, he hired the Sheriff of Nottingham to hunt you down." Snow said carefully.
Robin looked more distraught by this than Regina and thus asked the next question.
"Why would he care? Is that why the reward for her rose?" Robin asked.
"Well, no. He doubled the already raised reward for the Sheriff, which would answer why he suddenly cares." Snow said.
"Is that why you're here? To warn me?" Regina asked.
Snow nodded.
"I knew I had to. I didn't go looking for you before because I knew you'd never come back." Snow began. "As much as I missed you, I knew from your letter you were unhappy."
Regina furrowed her brows in sympathy to Snow whom had tears brimming her eyes and her cheeks flush.
"Regina, I never knew about Daniel. I'm deeply and truly sorry. If I had known-"
"Snow, you were but a child." Regina cut her off, the feeling of tears brimming in her eyes.
"But so were you." Snow said. "I am eighteen years old, Regina. At my age, you were already a year into your marriage to my father. One you did not consent to, one you were not happy."
Regina swallowed and looked down at her hands which were clutching her middle tightly.
"You deserve happiness, Regina." Snow said, then looked over to Robin, whom had his hand on Regina's back, a look of true concern and sadness across his face for Regina, "And clearly you have found it."
Regina looked to Robin then to Snow.
"I do believe I have." Regina finally said, breaking into a true smile.
Snow smiled back and closed the space between them.
"Father will stop at no end to have you returned. And I do believe the Sheriff is on to your location. Some guard came in, claiming you ran off with Robin Hood." Snow said.
"I did not! He used me as a distraction to take the gold I was meaning to steal." Regina said, suddenly defensive.
"But you did come after me." Robin smirked.
"To kill you." Regina said with her own smirk.
Snow smiled at the two.
"Well, no matter what really happened, he knows you two are together." Snow said.
"And if he finds Robin, he finds you." David said.
Regina and Robin looked at him seriously. Regina then looked at Robin.
"What do we do?" She asked.
He met her eyes, fearful and worried. So many thoughts were running through his mind. He pushed away the ones that resulted in Regina's capture.
"I don't know." He said softly. "But we'll protect you. I promise."
Regina gave him a thankful smile, then turned to Snow.
"And what about you? How did you get here?" Regina asked.
"David and I walked at first, but then rode in on a horse generously given to us by some very kind people." Snow said.
Regina then took in David. She had never met this man before, and was suddenly suspicious.
"And how did you two meet?" Regina asked, still eying David.
"He startled me in the woods. I hit him with a branch." Snow said shrugging it off.
"Oh." Regina said, a little shocked at Snow's uncharacteristic violent action.
"Yeah, right here." David said, pointing to a healing gash on his chin.
Robin grimaced and rubbed his own chin.
"Remind me to never startle you in the woods, milady." Robin laughed, looking to Snow.
She smiled and busted into laughter.
"It's not funny." David said.
"It's a little funny." Regina said, beginning to laugh with them.
David looked at them seriously, then slowly, his lips broke into a smile and soon he was laughing with them.
It was getting late, and most of the Merry Men had headed back to camp. Robin told the rest to go, they'd be behind soon. He looked over to Regina and Snow who were caught up in a conversation of some kind, when David approached.
"You were quite serious about protecting her?" He asked.
Robin looked to David.
"As serious as I have ever been. I would give my own life for that woman." Robin said.
David nodded.
"Hopefully it never has to come to that." David said.
"Me too." Robin said, sighing. Then, he looked over to David who was carefully looking at Regina and Snow.
"So, do you love her?" Robin asked.
"What?" David asked quickly, startled by the question.
"Do you love the princess?" Robin asked.
"Um, well, I...don't know." David finally said.
"Your body language says otherwise." Robin smirked.
"We've only just met." David tried to explain.
"Regina and I have known each other only a month and yet I just got done telling you how I would give my life for her. There's no set time to fall in love." Robin said.
David looked away from him and back to Snow. Perhaps, he did like her, love her. Perhaps. He smirked.
Regina and Snow then began towards the two men.
"I suppose we'll leave first thing in the morning now." Snow said.
"Thank you." Regina said, taking Snow's hand.
"Anything for you, Regina." Snow said softly.
They hugged one last time.
"Take care of yourself." Regina said into Snow's ear.
"I will." Snow whispered.
They broke apart and Regina then turned to David.
"You guard her with your life." Regina said sternly.
"Of course." David smiled as Regina hugged him unexpectedly.
Robin did the same to Snow, but before he could pull away, she whispered into his ear.
"Don't hurt her, okay?"
"I wouldn't dream of it, milady." Robin said, pulling away and looking her in the eyes.
"It was nice meeting you." Snow said.
"You as well." Robin smirked.
David came up beside Snow and Robin walked to Regina.
"Are you ready?" He asked her.
She smiled and nodded as he wrapped an arm around her waist and they began back towards camp.
"Regina, wait." Snow said.
Regina and Robin turned around to face the Princess. Snow ran from her spot next to David and embraced Regina one last time.
"I love you." Snow whispered.
Regina was taken a back. No one except Daniel had ever said such a thing, and meant it so genuinely. And after years of being on the run, she had come to terms with Snow and her involvement in Daniel's death, had realized she was the reason Daniel died. If she had never loved him, well, he'd still be alive today.
She held Snow tighter and felt tears escape her eyes.
"I love you, Snow." She whispered back.
The words made her want to crumble. She never liked using those exact words so freely, but in this moment, they were true.
They pulled away and they held each other's gaze for a few moments.
"Goodbye." Snow said softly.
"Goodbye, Snow." Regina said.
And as Snow watched Robin and Regina walk away, she realized, that when you love someone, sometimes, you have to let them go.
"You alright?" David asked.
"No, but I will be." Snow said, wiping her tears.
"Let's get some rest, huh?" David said.
Robin walked Regina back to her tent once they returned from the village. He gave her a kiss goodnight and began to walk away when he felt her hand tug his. He looked at her puzzled before she met her lips with his. He stumbled slightly, but steadied himself, wrapping his arms around her and deepening their kiss.
She pulled away first, both breathless. She looked up into his blue eyes and untangled herself from him, grasping his hand as she backed into her tent, leading him with her.
She kissed him again, softer, slower, caressing his cheek. She moved her other hand up under his shirt, feeling his toned body underneath before he broke apart the kiss.
"Regina, do you want to do this? We don't have to." Robin said softly.
She looked into his eyes, seriously weighing her options. She wanted this. Wanted him. He wasn't some elderly king looking to please himself, he loved her. The kind of love she had only dreamed of since Daniel's death.
"I do." She whispered.
He leaned forward, capturing her lips again and only then moving his hands freely over her body. He moved his lips from her's then behind her ear and down her neck. She moved away from him slowly and he gave her a look of question, but she simply moved to unlatch her cloak. He followed suit and pulled off his shirt then moving closer to her and kissing her once more, easing them both onto the bedroll.
He moved his hand through her hair, something he found he liked to do most often. He moved his attention back down to her neck, letting his free hand move from the ground to under her shirt, trailing over her soft skin.
"Is this alright?" He asked softly into her neck.
She nodded.
He remembered this was about as far as they had reached before. He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable by rehashing those dark memories. He wanted to make her feel good, feel loved. He wanted to take this one step at a time, most importantly.
His hand moved further up until he felt the swell of her breast and her tightening skin. He skimmed his thumb over the peak, eliciting a moan from her. He moved his other hand to her other breast, repeating his menstruations until her breathing turned heavy and she pushed his hands away.
"Too much?" He asked.
"Not enough." She answered, pulling at her shirt and hoisting it over her head.
He took a moment to just drink her in, how stunning she was, how much he wanted her in this moment. Yet, he didn't want to ruin it with his lustful desires. He loved her and he would show her as such.
He leaned down, kissing her languidly and began to run his hand down to her waist just shy of where she needed him most. She moved her hands between them, pushing the conflicting garment from her body. And then her hand gripped his pants, undoing his belt quickly, but Robin stopped her hand.
"Not just yet." He breathed against her mouth. "I'll take care of you first."
He moved her hand away from his waist and began trailing opened mouth kisses down between her breasts and down her stomach, stopping just before her hips and easing back up again. He captured her lips to which she wrapped her arms around his neck as he moved his hand between her thighs. Gently he moved one finger inside her, making her take a sharp intake of breath.
"Alright?" He asked.
"Yes." She breathed.
With that as his signal, he moved another finger inside, rubbing and teasing her while she writhed under him. She moaned with his teasing and moved her hand to the nape of his neck.
"I need you." She whispered.
He slipped his fingers out from inside her and moved his lips over her's while he pushed off his pants. He kissed her cheek and behind her ear before he said, "You let me know if you want me to stop, Regina. I will."
She nodded again.
"It's okay." She whispered. "I'm okay."
He kissed her again, letting his forehead rest upon her's as he positioned himself.
Slowly, he entered her, letting her adjust and letting himself adjust. Gods, she felt amazing; warm and smooth. He looked down at her, furrowed brows as she tried to even out her breathing, her cheeks flush, her neck glistening where he left his temporary mark. He felt enough time had passed then and moved out once more, then back in, slowly getting a rhythm.
Her hands that were once moving about his body, now clung to the fabric of the bedroll as he thrust in and out. The sounds she was making were heavenly and it went straight to his member. He hit her sweet spot, he guessed, because she arched into him, tilting her head back.
"Right there?" He breathed.
"Yes." She managed.
He moved faster then, more solidly against that spot. Sharp moans spilled from her lips, along with encouragements. A couple more thrusts and Robin was nearing his own peak, but this was for her, not him. He shifted his weight slightly and that did it. One, two, three more and she was clenching around him, a strangled moan escaping her as they both found release. He let his head slip to her shoulder as the both caught their breath.
She turned her head, meeting her lips to his cheek.
His hand moved up to caress her cheek as he looked down at her.
"I never thought someone falling from the treetops trying to kill me would be the best thing that ever happened to me." Robin smirked.
Regina broke out in laughter and brought her hands to his cheeks, pulling him nearer so she could brush her lips against his. Once they broke apart, Regina simply stared into his eyes.
"What?" Robin asked, noticing her studying him.
"Nothing." She smiled, stroking his jawline.
He smiled and leaned down to kiss her again, entangling fingers through her hair.
This was what love felt like, she thought. She suddenly realized why having sex with the right person was called making love. Because that's exactly what it was. She never felt this content, this happy after sex. It was always an obligation, a chore, never a pleasure. But with Robin, she felt taken care of, looked after, loved.
Robin pulled away and gazed down at her once again. He knew it wasn't nothing on her mind. He knew her well enough by now to know she was thinking hard. Maybe he should ask again, but maybe he shouldn't. He would rather not spoil the moment. She would speak when she was ready. And she didn't seem too out of sorts to where it would concern him, but then again, maybe that fact alone should concern him.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then laid down beside her. She moved to lay on his chest. Stroking her bare shoulder, Robin thought there was nothing he wouldn't do for this woman.
And Regina thought that she had finally found home.