A/N: Alright, sorry to make you all wait for an update, but writer's block happens to us all. Anyway, you may all hate me after this chapter, but I assure you all will be well in the end.
Regina awoke well rested and completely content. She lazily opened her eyes to notice it was early morning. She yawned and stretched out her arms to suddenly feel strong arms wrapped around her middle. A smile grew on her face as she remembered the previous night and laid her hand on top of Robin's. He had his face buried in her hair and she could feel each breath he took, felt only the warmth of his skin in the brisk cold of the early morning.
She turned gently in his embrace and looked at his sleeping form. She studied his face for what felt like hours, tracing her finger over his jawline then the line of his lips. She had never been so willingly intimate with anyone, but with him, it came so easy. She felt no discomfort through their love making and for that, she was thankful. He handled her with care and compassion, with love and need. There was no pressure to please him, only the pleasure of being pleased herself.
A smile spread across her face once more at the mere memory of it. She knew after last night, she was in love with this man. He treated her like no one had ever treated her. For the first time since Daniel, she was truly loved, at least in a romantic way.
She kept her thumb mindlessly stroking his lips as she thought and didn't exactly take notice to him stirring and waking. He moved his arms from around her and stretched as she moved her hand away from his lips. He opened his eyes and smiled at her looking at him.
"Good morning, lovely." He said softly, moving his hand to her cheek and bringing her closer to him.
"Good morning, thief." She said, pressing her lips to his.
"You slept well?" He asked, moving his arms around her tightly, her head nestling under his chin.
"Mmhmm." She hummed, breathing in his scent.
She moved away and placed her hand softly on his cheek and looked into his eyes.
"Last night was wonderful." She said.
"I agree." He said placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "But you did seem to have something on your mind last night. What was troubling you?"
"Nothing was troubling me." She said, looking at him with a half smile.
"Regina." He said sternly.
She sighed and moved to sit up.
"You can tell me." He said, rubbing her bare back soothingly.
"I just...I never had sex like that before." She said almost timidly.
His eye's never broke from her and he waited for her to elaborate.
"Where I felt loved and not like some object." She said.
Robin sat up then, moving closer and lightly kissing her shoulder.
"You didn't expect anything from me other than to be pleasured." She finished softly, then looking at him.
"That is all I will ever expect from you, Regina." He said, taking her chin between his thumb and finger.
She had tears in her eyes, tears he didn't notice until she was looking at him. His heart broke for her damaged one. He would spend the rest of his life mending that heart if she allowed him.
"I love you and I mean to show you how much I love you for as long as I can. The King did not know the treasure of a woman he had, did not appreciate you the way you deserved to be. And in the process, he mishandled you and you suffered for it." Robin began.
She looked him in the eyes, her own blurring with tears as he spoke.
"And I will protect you and love you and care for you and you will never have to think of that retched place again. Never shall I mistreat you and I would never dare do anything to you that would make you fear me." He said. "You are not a possession, but a living, breathing, beautiful woman that I adore and I will treat you as such."
Regina wrapped her arms around his neck in a flurry of movement, leaning her head on his shoulder and finally letting herself cry. He held her, kissing her temple and rubbing circles on her back.
"I just wanted to be free." She sobbed into his shoulder.
"Shh. You don't have to explain anything to be, lovely." He said softly.
He continued to hold her until she pulled away and he lifted a hand to her cheek and wiped away any tears.
"You're free now." He said.
She nodded and leaned forward, capturing his lips in a heated kiss, her hands splayed out on his chest. She slowed the kiss and moved her hands to his cheeks and then slowly pulled away.
"I love you." She said quietly, as if someone might hear.
He smiled and brought her close to him in an embrace.
"I love you, too." He said, inhaling her scent and simply breathing her in.
"Do you really?" She asked.
"With my entire being, milady." He said, holding her tighter.
He felt her grip on him tighten, too.
"Thank you." She whispered.
Robin felt a physical ache at her words. She thanked him for loving her, like it was something she had been constantly asking for, desperate for, and had finally received it. He pulled her away from him so he could look into her eyes.
"I should be thanking you." He said, stroking her soft cheek with his thumb.
"Why?" She asked. "You have Roland and your friends. You hardly needed me."
"Well, see, that's where you're wrong. Roland and my men hold different places in my heart and, milady, you occupy one place that hasn't been occupied in a long time." He said, taking her hand and placing it over his heart. "I thank you for making me whole once more."
She smiled and looked from his eyes to their hands, joined over his chest, over his beating heart.
"No one else can occupy that part of my heart. Not now, not ever, except you." He said.
Regina's smile then faded and slipped her hand from his.
"And what if we lose one another, what would become of that place in your heart?" She asked, looking up to his eyes then, sadness in her's.
"But we won't." He said, taking her hands and holding them close to him. "And if God forbid anything happened to either of us, that place in my heart would be forever your's."
"I'm sorry." She began, "I didn't mean to suggest-"
"You're afraid of being alone, I understand." He said softly.
She looked at him and took a deep, shuddering breath.
"It's not just that, it's being alone, yet not being alone, you know? I spent years in that castle feeling just like that; alone in a room full of people. And I'm so used to being alone and without someone, that I just suppose once I do have someone-"
"You'll lose them." He finished, never taking an eye off of her.
"Yes." She simply said.
"I'm not going anywhere. None of this," Robin began, gesturing to the tent and anything around it, "is going anywhere. And if you wish to stay, neither will you."
She nodded softly, a small smile gracing her lips.
"I wish that very much." She said, moving her hands to cup his face.
He smiled and leaned forward, capturing her lips and moving his hands through her hair. And suddenly, he pictured a life with Regina. Marriage and children and lovemaking until they were too tired to function and playful banter that he found incredibly sexy and that smile he would wake up to every morning. It all seemed so close and wonderful, to have someone again.
He was so wrapped in his thoughts, he hadn't realized he was simply admiring her features plainly.
"What?" She asked with a smirk.
"Nothing." He chuckled.
Two days had passed since Snow and David left Regina and Robin behind. They had made a small detour to Granny's cottage to return her horse. She gave them some food in return and told them not to be strangers. Both agreed joyfully and set off on their way back to the castle.
Snow knew that by now her father must have noticed her absence and that was only confirmed by the amount of guards lining the cobblestone street in the village just below their castle. Snow urged David to lift his hood like she was so they could pass without causing a scene. Secretly, though, Snow was worried David would be caught or even blamed for her disappearance. She did leave without warning or notice and that was her fault. She would be damned if David would take the blame just for being with her.
But just as the thought crossed her mind, they were seized. The guards recognized her and immediately took David into custody, for exactly what she thought they would. She pleaded with them, made up a story of him saving her from bandits, how she went for a walk in the forest and got lost when the bandits ambushed her. The guards did not question why she was lost for four days or why she would leave the castle grounds unattended, which relieved her; she wasn't sure how much more she could make up. But what she had, had saved David, at least momentarily.
It didn't take long for word to get to the King, who made his way to the village to personally go to his daughter and bring her back, along with her savior.
Leopold went on about being so worried for her, scooping her face in his hands and being overjoyed with her return, then turning to David to thank him for his heroism. David told him it was nothing, but the King did not see it as such. He said he would have a banquet in honor of her return and David would be their honored guest.
David at first thought he shouldn't, but he glanced at the smile on Snow's face, the slight nod of her head, urging him to say yes and he did. For her and for the fact he was never in a position to decline a King.
They climbed into the carriage and headed back to the castle.
"I'm so glad to have you returned, my dear. I was worried out of my mind." Leopold said.
"I'm fine, father." Snow smirked.
He smiled back and sighed, leaning back into the velvet cushions of the carriage before continuing.
"Yes, my dear, I know." Leopold said.
Snow knew, though, what was really on his mind. He desperately wanted to ask if she had seen Regina. She would lie, of course. But it unsettled her, that look in his eyes as he scanned the passing forest as if dissecting it. This maddening look would not go away until Regina was returned, and Snow hoped dearly she never would be.
Several days had gone by and Regina had finally felt close to someone, genuinely. She loved spending time with Roland, making flower crowns, which she now thought she should have never shown the boy since it's all he ever wants to do. But she would do it anyways, for him. And of course, she loved spending time with his father.
Lovemaking was so much easier with Robin. She enjoyed it more and hadn't had a single relapse of her horrible experiences with Leopold since their first time. He made it better and maybe that was because he loved her. Something she never thought she'd feel within herself or from another, ever again. Loved.
He included her in all their activities and was even planning a heist on King Stephen next, which he told her she could be present for only if she was super careful. He wasn't going to loose her like he lost Marian, he didn't think he could stomach it.
But most days were peaceful and quiet and allowed them to be with one another.
"How about we gather some food, grab Roland and a blanket and go to the meadow again?" Robin suggested.
"I'd like that." She smiled up at him before giving him a quick kiss.
"You go get Roland, I'll gather the blanket and food." Robin said with a smile as he and Regina parted ways from the tent.
She nodded and went to look for Roland. He wasn't in the tent or around it, so she asked Gerda where he had gone.
"Friar Tuck took him to gather sticks. They should be back soon enough." She told Regina.
She nodded and said thank you, then, looking down the path, she had spotted the two. Soon enough, was right. She began towards them.
Roland looked positively overtaken by boredom. She smiled softly at his apparent dislike of gathering fire wood. She wasn't close enough to hear them yet, but she saw Friar Tuck spot her then lean down and point to her for Roland to see.
A wide smile spread across his face, little dimples showing up instantly. He dropped the sticks and ran towards her. Once in reach, he pulled at her to pick him up.
"I feel like I haven't seen you in forever." Roland complained.
"Roland you saw me yesterday." Regina said, pressing her lips to his cheeks, making him giggle.
"Well it felt like forever." Roland pouted.
Regina smiled and put him down.
"Your papa and I want to go to the meadow for a picnic. I came to get you so you could come with us."
"Can we make flower crowns?!" He asked excitedly.
"As many as you want." She smiled, then looked at the Friar passing by. "But I think you should go get your sticks first."
Roland looked at her with a frown.
"I'll help you. Would that make it better?" She asked.
He nodded and ran back towards is small pile of sticks.
"Good day, Regina."
"Good day, Tuck. I hope Roland wasn't giving you much trouble." She said.
"Not more than usual." He laughed.
She smiled and walked towards the three year old. He instantly handed her some sticks.
"Tuck told me I was a big help today." Roland said proudly as they walked back up the path.
"I bet you were. Look at all these sticks!" Regina said, looking down at her own bundle.
He smiled widely up at her.
"I picked them up all by myself!" He continued.
"You must be really strong then." Regina said smirking at him.
"I am! Papa told me so!" He said gleefully.
"Well, your papa is right." Regina said, reaching down and ruffling his hair.
They grew silent for sometime and Regina looked down at the small child, seeing his face was thoughtful and pensive.
"I like you, Regina." He finally said.
"I like you, too, Roland." She smiled.
"Papa likes you, also. I saw him kiss your cheek like you kiss mine." Roland said innocently.
Regina chuckled.
"Are you going to stay here forever?" Roland asked, looking up at her.
She looked down at him and knelled down in front of him, putting the sticks down and cupping his little face.
"I am. I like it here." Regina said.
"Do you like the Merry Men?" Roland asked.
"Of course." She smiled.
"And me?"
"Absolutely."
"And Papa?"
"Very much so. That's why I'm staying because I more than like you, Roland, I love you." She said.
Somehow, those three words she never spoke of for years, flowed more freely when she was around a certain outlaw and his son. But she was telling Roland the truth. She loved him and his papa very much. She wasn't going anywhere.
He smiled.
"Like a mother?" He asked.
"If you want me to be." She said softly.
He smiled again and dropped his sticks, too, wrapping his little arms around her neck, nearly pushing her to the ground.
"I've never had a mama before." He said softly.
She felt tears prick her eyes as she held him close. Her heart ached for this boy, for the loss of his mother, for never knowing her and from what Robin described of her, she was a noble and loving woman. She was torn apart to know Roland would never know her. But this small boy, opening his heart, accepting her into his life like she was his mother, made her warm inside and want to never let him go.
Suddenly, the child was ripped from her arms and she looked up startled to see a man she's never seen before muffle Roland's cries with his hands. But before she could stand, strong hands grabbed her arms, holding her back and dragging her from Roland.
"Let him go!" She managed as she struggled.
"We don't want him. We want you." The man said.
She looked at him with surprise, but continued to struggle with whoever was holding her.
Roland managed to push his mouth away from the man's hands and scream.
"Papa! Help!" He screamed.
A hand went over Regina's mouth before she could follow suit, but Roland's high pitched scream was all they needed. Soon Little John, Will, Alan and Friar Tuck came racing towards them, Robin following rapidly behind.
Regina continued to struggle against the man whom held her when she heard approaching hooves.
"Let the child go." A deep voice said.
The man looked at the Merry Men then to Roland and dropped the boy.
"All we need is the Queen." The man on the horse said.
Robin pushed through his men and scooped Roland up, hugging him close, but realized the danger was not yet through. Regina was still held captive. Then he made eye contact with the man on the horse.
"Sheriff." Robin said in mock greeting. He placed Roland with Little John and stepped forward.
"Don't worry, Outlaw. I'm not here for you...today." He said, dismounting. "I'm here for her."
He walked up to her and skimmed his finger over her soft cheek.
"The King has paid me generously to return you. And I intend to." He said. "Tie her up."
"Let her go!" Robin said, meaning to approach him, but was restrained by two more men.
"Or what? You'll shoot your pointy sticks at me?" The Sheriff shook his head. "It would take more than that, Robin Hood."
Robin locked eyes with Regina. Her scared, wide eyes.
"Take me instead! The King has a bounty for me also, take me!" He shouted.
The Sheriff stopped dead in his tracks and turned and looked at Robin. He slowly approached him.
"Your bounty is not nearly worth as much as her's." He said, turning on his heel and walking back to his horse.
The man holding Regina began dragging her away from them and towards the Sheriff's horse.
"At least let me say goodbye." Robin said more softly, looking at Regina.
The man looked at Robin then to the Sheriff, whom nodded his head. The men holding Robin let him go as he slowly approached Regina. The Sheriff replaced the man holding Regina, and once he was close enough to her, held his hand in between them.
"One wrong move, Robin Hood." He said warningly.
Robin met his eyes fiercely before meeting her's with sadness.
"Regina, I-"
"I know." She said softly, her lip quivering slightly and beyond her control.
He simply looked at her, fighting his own emotions.
"Don't come after me, okay?" She said finally.
"But-"
"No, Robin. No use in both of us getting caught." She said, trying to smile, but it didn't stick.
He leaned forward and kissed her heatedly, but keeping it short, so he could look into her eyes once more.
"Don't worry, Outlaw," The Sheriff said, "I'll keep her safe."
Robin eyed the Sheriff with pure disgust, his jaw clenching and feeling his blood boil.
"If anything happens to her, I'll-"
"You'll what? You have no power over me, thief." The Sheriff said as he turned with Regina in hand.
Robin watched against his will as the Sheriff dragged her to a small carriage, sitting her inside and then getting in himself. The men who had been holding Robin, climbed onto their horses and rode off.
Silence fell over the camp and Robin simply turned around and walked past his men.
"Robin." Little John tried to begin, but Robin ignored him and continued back to camp.
They would rest tonight, then be off by sunrise. The Sheriff wanted to collect his reward as quickly as possible, which was why he sent a scout to inform the King of his success in capturing the runaway Queen.
All his guards sat around the fire, eating and carrying on, but he was looking towards their prisoner. She was tied to a tree so they could keep an eye on her. He picked up a bowl and walked over to her.
"Hungry? A Queen must eat." He said.
She sat silent.
"No?" He asked, bending down to her level and taking her face in his hands so she'd look at him, "Stubbornness will get you nowhere, Your Majesty. I suggest you start obeying me or you shall find out what happens when you don't."
"I'm sure the King doesn't want me harmed when I am returned." Regina said, matching his threatening tone.
"He actually gave me no guidelines. Just that you be returned." The Sheriff said, gliding his blade across her soft cheek.
Regina pulled away, but he pulled her back.
"I can certainly blame a few bruises and cuts on the harsh terrain." He said.
She matched his intense stare and said, "If you want me to eat so badly, then you must untie me."
The Sheriff's smug grin fell and he placed the bowl on a nearby stump.
"If Her Majesty can reach, she shall have." He said, standing and smirking once more.
She held her gaze on him as he walked back to the fire, but then looked towards the stump with the bowl sitting upon it and realized she was, in fact, very hungry. But her restraints were rather tight and even small movements rubbed her skin wrong and surely left it an angry red color. She struggled slightly, trying without yielding results, to free herself, and for soup no less. Wouldn't her mother be proud if she were here to observe this sorry situation she had found herself in.
Her arms began to ache and she could no longer pull against the ropes, so she slumped back into the rough bark of the tree, temporarily giving up. She looked back up to all the men sitting around the fire, sighing and feeling the cold begin to nip at her exposed skin, sending a shiver down her spine. And the cold did not let up. Especially when they left her tied to that damn tree. Different men were posted at hourly intervals, she gathered, to watch her. But honestly, what was she going to do? She could hardly break through these ropes and intricate knots let alone scurrying off into the night.
Sleep was impossible. She'd loll off for a few minutes, but nothing that lasted. By sunrise, she was completely exhausted and hungry and cold and when the men appeared from their warm tents, they sat around the kindling fire, cooking over it what smelled like porridge and accompanied by dried meats.
"Sleep well, Your Majesty?" The Sheriff asked as he sauntered to her.
She gave him a weary look, both of disdain and exhaustion.
"You shall be home soon, Your Majesty. Not to worry." He said.
"I do not wish to go back." She said tiredly.
The Sheriff smiled slyly, a smile that left her uneasy.
"You speak as if you have a say in the matter." He said joyfully.
She swallowed and held her eyes upon his.
"Because if you haven't noticed yet, Regina, you don't have a say in the matter." He said, bending down to her level and lowering his voice.
She clenched her jaw and looked at him furiously. But once he stood and walked away, tears pricked her tired eyes because she did in fact know, she had no choice in the matter.
Little John had become increasingly worried for Robin. After Regina's capture, he hadn't seen hair or hide of his friend. He wanted to help, knew he was feeling the brunt of loss and heartbreak. He was not blind to Robin's affections towards Regina, and his absence around camp only confirmed this. That being said, Little John did not seek him out, he let him be. Knew he need some space before he could really speak with anyone, though his concern for Robin did not waver with the thought.
Robin had been avoiding camp all morning. Slipping out of his tent early, he left his companions behind to find solitude in the forest. He was brooding and angry, but mostly devastated and heartbroken. He wanted to go after her, but she wished him not to. He was conflicted and maybe time away would help, but he had been gone for hours and his feelings had not changed. He soon found himself walking down the hill in which Regina revealed to him she was the Queen. Memories flooded his mind and he became angry. Angry at the Sheriff and the King and loosing her and her being so stubborn and mostly at himself for not protecting her like he promised. He promised her forever, here in this camp, and protection and he could not give it to her.
He had all this pent up adrenaline and began to kick his foot around and curse and then falling to his knees he finally let it sink in that he would never see her again. This woman whom he had decided was the love of his life, was now gone. Once again. But this somehow felt worse than loosing Marian. She was gone forever, never to return. There was no way for her to. But Regina, she was still out there. Their hearts calling to one another and with every step the Sheriff's caravan took towards King Leopold's kingdom, the harder it was to hear the other.
He was fighting his tears when something caught his eye. He looked in front of him, at rustled leaves and turned up dirt from his childlike tantrum, and saw something sparkle amongst bland browns and blacks of the forest floor. There, in plain sight, lay a ring, a thin chain the only thing attached to it.
Robin moved swiftly forward and grabbed in his hands, holding the precious metal like a newborn. Her necklace. Here, still here, after all this time. He looked at it like it was heaven itself and after several moments, was overcome with grief. This was all that was left of her. The Sheriff's men took all her possessions in case they were of value, which to a common man, they were not, but to Robin, they were his only tie to her.
But this. This little gold ring at the end of a golden chain, which held so much meaning to her, which made her weep and fall to her knees when she thought she'd never see it again, was in the palm of his hand. The same hand that held her's, that weaved through her hair, that felt ever inch of her soft skin.
And suddenly, his tears stopped and his grief was replaced by something else, determination. He stood and slipped the chain over his head so in hung around his own neck. Holding the ring between his fingers, he slipped in under his tunic.
"You shall be free once more, milady." He said to himself as he turned from his moment of utter helplessness and towards what would be his quest to his happiness.
She felt ill and weak as she saw the castle in sight. Maybe that was from her lack of food and sleep, but she also was sure it was being returned to this place that made her so uneasy. The trip here was just as bad as her destination. Still restrained, she sat painfully upright nearly the whole way there, a day's journey, at least. For once in her life as being Queen, she was actually looking forward to her bed. But that would not last.
The guards let them pass and the closer they got to the castle, the more Regina wanted to throw up. She froze when the carriage came to a stop and the Sheriff exited it. Strong hands gripped her biceps and pulled her from the carriage, yet when they made to move forward, she would not budge on her own. She was practically dragged towards the castle entrance.
Once inside, she felt the ropes removed from her aching wrists and she rubbed them tenderly. The Sheriff mumbled something about seeing the King and collecting his reward about the time she was whisked away, back to her old chambers, where nothing had really changed. As far as she could tell, everything was how she had left it. Two hand maidens were left to help her bath and get dressed. She was so tired and sore, she didn't have the gumption to refuse their assistance.
They drew her a bath and she slipped into the warm tub without hesitation. Soon she was surrounded in the familiar scent of lavender and other floral concoctions that reminded her she was certainly back in her once again prison.
Once bathed, the women dressed her in a form sitting, blue velvet dress, backless, but somehow still tasteful. Hair done and makeup applied, the hand maidens departed almost without a word.
She looked at herself in the vanity mirror. Seeing herself, but not exactly seeing herself. It was her face and her hair and her body, but not her mind or her heart or her soul. Nothing but blankness stared back at her, her eyes, without a soul and dark once more.
She continued to stare at her reflection in a daze, thus not hearing her door open and close. Only when they cleared their throat did she look away startled. Standing there, was Leopold, his face, emotionless. Regina didn't know how to handle that, so she simply stared back, brows furrowed, worry rising in the pit of her already sick stomach.
He walked forward slowly, hands behind his back.
"How wonderful it is to have you returned, Regina." He said.
She let her eyes fall from him, deciding to focus on her vanity.
"I should have hired that sheriff years ago." He said, "He seems to yield better results."
"Yet he can't catch Robin Hood." Regina muttered under her breath.
Leopold stopped in his tracks, regarded Regina quietly.
"Yes, he did mention the outlaw when describing your capture." Leopold began.
Regina felt her heart rate increase and then her mind flooded with worry. What if he sent him back to get Robin? He knew where the camp was now, how she wasn't sure. They had never been able to find it before. She was broken from her thoughts by Leopold's rough hands and her shoulders.
"You are to never defy me again, do you understand?" He asked quietly but as an underlining threat.
She nodded, not speaking a word or letting it be known how shaky and unsteady her voice was if she did speak.
"Good. Unfortunately, your word is no longer meaningful to me." Leopold said, taking away his hands and beginning to walk her room.
Regina turned in her chair to look at him, to try and read whatever he was trying to convey, but she was simply out of place. She never thought she'd see him again or be in this place and she never prepared herself for if she actually did come face to face with him once more.
"To ensure you will obey me, you are to never leave these chambers again." He said, leaning against the mantle of the fireplace.
She stood instantly.
"You cannot do that. You can't just lock me away." Regina began.
"But I can. I am the King and I will have what I wish. And I wish for you to stay right where you are." He said sternly.
Regina sat silently for a moment or two, examining Leopold fiercely.
"And that menace Robin Hood will be punished for harboring you." Leopold said.
At that, Regina became pale and defensive.
"He was not harboring me." Regina corrected.
"Witnesses say otherwise. One says you've been with him at least a month." Leopold said.
Regina felt desperate suddenly. It was one thing for her to be imprisoned, it was another to allow Robin the same fate or worse. She reluctantly approached Leopold.
"Please, do not punish him. He had nothing to do with my disappearance. He's innocent." Regina pleaded.
"That outlaw is not innocent. He's a thief and a rogue who gives people false hope. He has stolen from us before, Regina." Leopold argued.
"You mean from you. I have no need for such riches. It's you who desires me to dress like a doll." Regina said.
He studied her for a moment.
"Why does this man's life mean anything to you?" Leopold asked.
"He's innocent." Regina said.
"He is not. He's a menace!" Leopold exclaimed.
"I love him!" Regina shot back, tears escaping down her cheeks.
His hand then made surprising contact with her cheek and the force made her stumble and fall to the cold, stone floor. Her ears rung and stinging pain rushed to her cheek. She brushed her fingers lightly over the side of her lip to feel fresh blood staining her finger tips.
She looked up at Leopold with shock.
"You are no one else's but mine, Regina. It is best you learn that now. And your little escapade these past few years, has soiled my name as a King. What kind of King can't keep his Queen, they say. Well not anymore! You are to stay here in these chambers for the rest of your days. If you are needed for anything I wish to see you present for, only then shall you leave this room. And I will personally see to it that Robin Hood burns for crossing me." He said forcefully, walking back towards the door.
He passed over the threshold of her room and closed the door, the click of a lock the only sound after him.
She slumped to the floor, succumbing to her sorrow. She cried until her middle ached and until her eyes could no longer create tears. She cried until sleep took over her where she lay.
Dusk had fallen upon the Enchanted Forest. The King had made it quite clear to all his guards that Regina would not be permitted to leave her chambers without his say.
"How could you be so cruel?"
The King turned from his men to see a short, elderly man, simply standing in the corridor. He recognized him as Regina's father.
"She disobeyed me." Leopold said simply.
"So you lock her away like a criminal? She is your wife." Henry said.
"Yes, and it's time she acted like one. If I see any change in Regina, I'll let her roam these halls once more, but if she should stray again, imprisonment will be the least cruel thing I do to her." Leopold remarked, turning away from the old man.
"Can I...at least speak to her, see her?" Henry asked.
Leopold nodded.
"You may. But only if two guards are present." He said as he ordered two guards to accompany him and walked away with the others.
Once faced with the ornate door of her chambers, one guard unlocked the door as Henry pushed the creaky door open. He slipped in and closed it behind him, then turned to face her room. He spotted her almost instantly, laying there on the cold floor.
He walked over, bending down next to her and looking upon her features. He pressed a palm to her wet cheeks and ran his thumb soothingly over her cheekbone.
"My poor child." He whispered. "If only I could have protected you."
Her eyes were red and puffy looking, like she had been crying for a long period of time. And as much as seeing her this way made his blood boil, Henry could do nothing. He could not defy the King, he couldn't even defy his own wife when it came to Regina. He was weak. He knew this. But Regina was his heart and soul. He would do anything to ensure she was happy.
She stirred under his palm, furrowing her brows as she tiredly opened her heavy eyes.
"Daddy?" She asked in a groggy whisper.
"Shhh, my child, I'm here." He said.
Regina moved to sit up and quickly wrapped her arms around her father, tears anew as she felt his arms wrap around her tightly.
"I was finally happy." She cried.
He closed his eyes and held her closer, feeling his heart crack and fall to pieces at his daughter's confession. This was so bittersweet. He had not seen his daughter in three years. She had left him letters in the stables (something they had planned out thoroughly before she had departed. She had told him of her plans to runaway and he simply accepted that that would make her happy, so he agreed to keep it to himself and play dumb if ever asked where she was), so he had spoken to her, knew of her adventures and her well being all this time, but she was here now. Physically, in the flesh. His sweet child returned, but to this place she felt was her cage and for that, her father was saddened, as well.
"Let's get you to bed." He said, reluctantly letting her go to stand, then helping her stand.
He took her in fully then, his very grown up daughter. She was no longer a child, innocence lost at the hands of a man his own age and by a life not her own. But the ache in his heart turned to concern when he looked upon her face and noticed the red and bruising mark on her cheek.
"Regina, what happened here?" He asked.
Regina swallowed and looked away from him, lightly placing her cool fingers on the mark left by Leopold's scorn.
"Did he strike you?" Henry asked, anger he couldn't take out on anything, beginning to rise inside him.
She looked down and nodded, tears pricking her eyes.
"That bastard." He said quietly. "How dare he?"
"Father, please don't say anything. Please." She said, her head looking up quickly. "It will only make matters worse."
He regarded her for sometime.
"Alright. But this is unacceptable. You are his wife, not some trinket." Henry said.
"But that's exactly what I am to him; a trinket." Regina said softly.
"You are so much more than that." He said, cupping her face. "Don't let him make you believe otherwise."
A tear escaped Regina and cascaded down her flushed cheeks before she embraced her father once again.
She woke early the next morning, even at the protest of her body. All those years of being a bandit and moving from place to place swiftly and as early as possible set her mind into a routine she was hoping to break soon. For a moment, she didn't register her surroundings. The bed felt softer, the air not as refreshing. And as her eyes adjusted and she became more alert, she realized her location. Sudden dread filled her heart and made it heavy.
So it was not a terrible nightmare. It was reality.
She pushed herself up into a sitting position and brought her knees up to her chest. She looked around the dim, gray room with distaste. Her now permanent prison cell. Her current situation angered her so, but she could nothing to change it. The Leopold who struck her last night was a different man than the one she married. True, she never liked him, but before he was overly kind and not quite as observant of her. Now, he was cruel and watchful, like a hawk.
And his recent declaration of her to stay in her chambers unless he deems otherwise makes her think her running away from him turned him into this. She could care less what her three years of pure blissful freedom did to his ego, truly, but now that she was back, captured and imprisoned once again, she did worry about this new side of the King.
Which brought her to her next concern. She would not be permitted to leave unless the King wanted her to. And she didn't see that happening anytime soon. It made her chest ache and tears burn her eyes once more at the thought of being a living treasure for Leopold. It made her think of Robin and how he treated her the exact opposite that Leopold did. She also worried for his safety. Leopold was never a cruel man, but that had recently changed. She would not, simply would not, imagine what Leopold would do to Robin for helping her and not returning her.
She stood from her bed and walked over to her vanity. She looked as tired as she felt. The past few days being quite exhausting, both emotionally and physically. Dark circles lay under her brown eyes and her skin looked pale and washed out. And as much as she wanted to just go back to bed, she knew she shouldn't. Moping and milling about would only make her feel worse. So what if she never left these chambers again, she would clean herself up and find some way to distract herself.
She bathed herself, refusing the handmaidens when they approached her doors later that morning. She picked out a form fitting, deep purple silk dress. She had never worn it before and thought she should wear it now. For herself. It had long sleeves and was backless, much like her dress from the previous night. The material swooped and hung from her back and shined like the sun beaming on a brook. The front was tight around her middle and chest, but perfectly so. She remembered being fitted for this dress, but she was so disgusted with being Queen, she could hardly look at it after.
She sat down on her bed after cleaning herself up and dressing and just sat there. She knew her father would be by at some point, was looking forward to it. She also knew if she wasn't summoned to breakfast, something would be brought to her. She hoped. She hadn't eaten in nearly two days.
Just as the thought crossed her mind, a knock came to her door and a servant brought her a tray of food. She smiled at the young girl, thanked her.
She sat down at her vanity with her food, tried to eat slowly, but she was so starved. She heard a rasp at her door soon after finishing and told them to come in. Snow opened the door slowly and peeked in.
"Regina?"
Regina looked around and saw Snow's figure pass over the threshold of her room. Regina smiled and stood and within seconds, Snow was wrapped around Regina, nearly to tears.
"It's all my fault. We lead them to you." Snow cried.
"No, no. Of course not. You said yourself they already knew where I was." Regina said, a hand soothingly placed on the back of Snow's head.
"I'm so sorry, Regina." Snow whispered.
"It couldn't be helped." Regina said softly, tears pricking her own eyes.
Suddenly, Snow pulled away.
"What about Robin?" Snow asked.
"He's fine. I think." Regina said.
"Well we have to warn him." Snow said panicked.
"Snow, how? I can't leave this room." Regina said slightly frustrated.
"What? Of course you can." Snow said.
"No, I can't. You father seems to think this is the best way to punish me for my wrongdoings and as long as I obey them, maybe he won't go after Robin." Regina said, walking over to the fireplace.
Snow looked at her with worry.
"Why would father do such a thing?" Snow asked.
"I upset him greatly. I'm surprised I'm not dead. It's treason what I did, Snow. Not to mention putting Robin's men at risk. And Roland." Regina sighed.
"Roland?" Snow asked.
"Robin's son." Regina smiled, looking at the fire. "He has the curliest mop of hair, big brown eyes, and cutest dimpled smile I've ever seen. Him and his father, of course."
Snow felt awful for Regina. She was really happy with Robin and his son, from what she gathered from this little conversation. She wanted to make this right, desperately, but didn't know how.
"He sounds adorable." Snow replied.
"He is." Regina said softly.
Snow approached Regina slowly.
"I know this means nothing to you, but father's birthday celebration is tomorrow. He's having a ball and everything, as usual. Maybe he will let you go." Snow said.
Regina looked at Snow and sighed.
"He won't. Even though it would be a welcome break from this room. He doesn't want me there." Regina said.
"But I do." Snow said, taking her hands in her own."I want you there and I know he'll let you come if I inquire about it."
"You would do that?" Regina asked.
"Yes, of course. Regina, you don't deserve this kind of punishment for following your heart." Snow said.
Regina gently squeezed her hand gently and thanked her.
Snow stayed for hours it seemed, speaking with Regina.
Apparently, she and David were quite smitten. Regina knew this, of course, but at least they were being honest about it with each now and not trying to hide it unsuccessfully.
And after Snow left, Regina's father appeared and sat with her for sometime. He brought books with him, the ones she requested from the library. Some she had read many times, but she'd read them again. She asked about her horse, who he said was doing just fine except for missing her. Suddenly, she had wished she'd never asked.
But when dusk came and all her visitors stopped, she sat alone, gazing out at the expanse of the forest from her balcony. It was moments like these that reminded her she was truly alone at the end of the day. She hadn't eaten any of the food brought to her, just pushed it around her plate and nibbled on something every so often, but she had simply no interest in it. She put her fork down and sighed, looking over to the pile of books brought to her by her father and decided she should pick one up and just read.
Walking over to the chase lounge the pile was settled next to, she sat down and began pushing through the books. Halfway through the pile, she heard a noise. She looked up to her door, but no one entered. She heard it again and looked out to her balcony. She stood quickly and grabbed the largest book. She heard the noise once more and she couldn't place in her mind what the hell it was. So she walked slowly towards her balcony, book in hand, eyes wide and waiting. She looked over the edge carefully and saw nothing.
Stepping back, she furrowed her brows and thought maybe she was going crazy.
Suddenly, a loud thud sounded from beside her, startling her and making her push herself against the wall and look at the dark figure with fearful confusion. They began to stand, and once they did she chunked the very large, very heavy book in their direction, striking them square in the chest. They grunted and stumbled slightly.
He pushed his hood back and then began to rub his chest where she had hit him.
"What kind of bloody book was that?" He asked slightly irritated, but then he looked up and was met with the image of her.
"Robin?" She asked softly, moving away from the wall.
She was sight, he thought. Covered in silk that hugged her form with perfection, her hair styled, half pulled back, but still lovely, dark curls fell freely around her. Nothing could have prepared him for this moment. Not the journey here, not a million years could have. And for a moment, they simply stared at the other. Until he could no longer wait and shortened the distance between them, taking her in his arms and holding her tightly.
"I know you told me not to come after you, but I-" He began, kissing her cheek, "I simply couldn't stay away."
She wrapped her arms around him impossibly tight, burrowing her face in his neck and beginning to cry.
"I thought I'd never see you again." She said softly.
"And I you." He said back, pulling away and looking her in the eyes, cupping her face, wiping her tears away.
"You are simply stunning." He said, once taking her in again.
She smiled and moved her hands over his, leaning forward and capturing his lips with her's with such need and desire. She moved her hands to his cloak and he cradled her head as he deepened the kiss.
She knew she had missed him, but it wasn't until now, with him here, that she realized just how much she had. Just his mere presence made her feel safe again, even here.
He never wanted to let go. Not ever again. Nothing mattered to him in this moment besides her and seeing her again and knowing she was safe. And once they pulled away, he missed the contact of their lips.
He leaned his forehead against her's and said, "A book? Really?"
She laughed and embraced him again, muttering a sorry, that she didn't know who he was.
He chuckled and kissed her temple. And they stood there in silence for what seemed like endless moments. Wrapped up in each other.
Regina pulled away and looked him in the eyes.
"You shouldn't be here, you know." She said.
"Yes, well, I tend to go places I'm not welcome." He smirked.
"Robin, I mean it." She said, moving away from him and walking back into her room. He followed.
"I knew the risk with coming here, Regina." He began, "I should say you're well worth it."
"No I'm not. Robin, if you get caught-" She began, then stopped, swallowed and took in a deep breath.
"I won't get caught." He said, walking up to her and smoothing his hand across her cheek.
"You say that now." She retorts.
He chuckles.
"What?" She asked annoyed.
"I missed you, that's all." He said seriously.
Her features softened and then she pulled him into another kiss. Once they pull away she just leans against his chest.
"I've missed you, too. But I'd rather miss you because you're alive somewhere else and not dead in the ground." She said.
He held onto her tighter, knew she was speaking of Daniel, knew her pain. And he knew she was right. It was a huge risk to come after her, but he had to see her.
"I understand." He said softly.
She reluctantly pulled back and looked him in the eyes.
"Which means you need to leave." She said sadly.
He nodded.
"But when can I see you again? Can we meet in the garden?" He asked quickly.
She shook her head, pressing her lips tightly together.
"I'm afraid I couldn't." Regina began, "Meet you in the garden, that is."
He looked confused.
"Why ever not?" He asked. "I scouted it last night. Not a soul wanders it in the darkness of night."
"I know, but, "She began, stepping away from him. She nervously placed her hand to her middle and moved towards the fire, "it would be hard to meet you there if I can't leave this room."
Robin looked extra confused at that and walked over to her.
"What do you mean?" He asked with a hint of suspicion.
She looked at him, brows furrowed.
"I can't leave this room. It is my punishment for running away." Regina said, annoyance washing over her just repeating it.
She saw Robin's face turn an angry red and his brows cast shadows over his usually bright blue eyes with obvious anger.
"He has locked you in these chambers? Like a prisoner?" He asked in a low voice.
She simply nods. And what he does next nearly has her tackling him. He moves with an urgency towards her door, meaning to exit through them. She knows two guards lay on the other side and panic rises inside.
"Robin! Wait!" She exclaims in hushed tones. She grabs his sleeve and pulls herself in front of him, halting him. "What in the hell do you think you're doing?!"
"He cannot treat you this way." He said sternly.
"He can. He is the King. He gets what he wishes. Besides, what are you going to do? He wants your head on a platter. You can't just waltz through the castle." Regina argued fiercely.
He looked at her, anger still boiling inside him, she could tell by his darkened eyes and clenching jaw.
"Robin, don't be reckless, please." She said, softer this time.
His gaze left her's and looked at the door before going back to her.
"Is this how a Queen should live?" He asked her, suddenly cupping her face. "Like a prisoner in her own castle?"
She looked at him with slight confusion.
"This man, this terrible, retched man, locks you away like some possession." He said.
"You don't have to tell me so, Robin, I know." She said, gently moving away from his grasp.
He looked at her with softer features and watched her take a seat on the chase lounge.
"That's all I have ever been here. A possession. And his recent punishment only confirms that. I'm like a delicate trinket locked in a cabinet or something. No one is aloud to touch it, or see it and it is never aloud to leave it's protective case." She said, looking down at her hands placed in her lap.
Robin walked over and bent down in front of her, taking her hands.
"I will get you out of here, my love. I promise." He said. "I will fight for your freedom until forever ends."
She looked down at him, moving her hands from his and then gently cupping his face.
"Forever may be how long it takes." She said with a sad smile.
"I don't believe that, Regina." He said, moving his hands around her middle and pressing his palms on her back. Her bare back, he realizes. "And I will visit this castle every night until we can be together once more."
She smiles softly and brings him closer, pressing him close to her chest and embracing him, her lips softly brush his forehead before resting her chin on the top of his head. Then suddenly, realization struck and a smile burst across her face. She quickly pushed Robin back so she could look him in the face.
He looked puzzled.
"Come back tomorrow night. For the King's birthday." She said.
"Why in the bloody hell would I do that?" He asked.
"He's having a Masquerade ball. If you come dressed up-"
"I could get right in." He finished. He looked up at her, seeing a true smile spread across her face. One he would never tire of seeing.
"At least this way you can hide in plain sight." She said quickly.
"And what about after this? How will I see you?" He asked.
"Come here. After night has fallen. I shall leave a candle lit on the balcony for you to let you know it is safe." She said.
He nodded.
"Then it's settled." He said standing, pulling her with him. "And then we shall see how to break out away from this prison, milady."
She smiled and bit her bottom lip, looking deeply into his sparkling eyes.
"You promise you'll come back?" She asked.
"I promise. I will come back every night for the rest of my life if I have to." He said, kissing her forehead.
She let her eyes flutter shut, absorbing all that was him before she had to utter words she never wanted to use with him.
"You should go." She said softly.
He nodded before dipping down and capturing her lips in a quick kiss. He quickly broke away from her and sprinted to the balcony. Once there, he jumped on the ledge and turned to see her following figure.
"Until tomorrow night, milady." He said, pulling up his hood.
She only smirked and wrapped her arms around her middle.
And as quickly as he came, he was gone. Jumping from the ledge, startling Regina, who quickly ran to the edge to see him gliding down the walls of the castle with ease. She exhaled in relief and watched his quickly retreating figure disappear in the night.