A/N: Alright, finally updated. This chapter is really a transition chapter, so many things happen in here rather quickly in order to move the story in the direction I want it. As always, tell me what you think and enjoy! :)

She thumbed over the golden fabric of her dress. Looked over every thread and stitch and jewel with attention, undivided.

Leopold's decision to allow her presence at his birthday ball, had nothing to do with Snow's pleas, though she plead quite profusely, but rather his desire to flaunt her once again. The whole kingdom knew of her absence over the three years. Rumors had been spread and the sudden notice of, or rather, the lack of, a queen, awakened the people. Thus, Leopold granting her invitation to the ball in his honor didn't mean he trusted her, but rather he had found a lost toy that he wanted to show off to his loyal citizens and to somehow prove he was not a neglectful husband.

She mindlessly pondered these thoughts when the handmaidens entered her room and began to assist her in preparation for the ball. Evening may be hours away, but the pointless flamboyance of her appearance would take every minute leading up to the ball.

The dress, though, was lovely and even though she had grown to dislike such frivolous things as ball gowns, this one was an exception. And maybe, that was because tonight, she would not be wearing it for the sole pleasure of one man, but another. One who's opinion about her appearance was the only one that mattered.

Just thinking about Robin had her stomach in knots. So much could go wrong, but so much could go right, she supposed. And unlike any other ball she had attended before, she was looking forward to this one.

He had slipped through past guards and mingled politely with nobles like he was meant to be here, at this ball. How he had done so, he couldn't even say, but as he walked the perimeters of the ballroom, he had spotted the only reason for risking his life. Her.

She was sitting straight as a pillar on her throne, the one next to her left empty. The King obviously not requiring her immediate presence, which made Robin's blood boil. She looked weary and worried, but mostly alone. Nobles and royals all danced and mingled amongst themselves, leaving the Queen unnoticed. And how, he could not understand. She eclipsed all other women in Robin's eyes, they were all faceless, except for her. And what a lovely face she had. Even when sad, her beauty was unmatched.

He scanned the room and made sure approaching her was safe to do. But, by the looks of things, he would be able to approach her and even steal her away before anyone noticed she was missing. The thought clinched his heart tightly like a vice. This was the life she had been condemned to for eight years. Simply existing in this place and not living.

Determined steps moved him towards the thrones and once he was directly in front of her, he took a moment to take her in. Golden dress like the sun, hair pinned back loosely and lovely ringlets hung freely to frame her porcelain face. She was stunning, but that was nothing new to him.

She had then noticed him and looked in his direction with a confused glance. He realized suddenly, that she did not know he was him. So many men were here tonight, he probably looked like all the rest. He stepped closer then, earning him a hesitant glare from her, before slipping his mask up for but a moment, revealing his face.

"Were you afraid I would not show, milady?" He asked.

A beautiful, wide smile graced her lips.

"Not at all." She said, "Well, maybe a little."

He smiled back and then looked out over the crowd.

"Can I have this dance, Your Majesty?" He asked, taking her hand and lightly placing his lips on her knuckles.

She smirked and nodded, biting her lip thus doing things to his stomach.

Once they began dancing, he became captivated with her. But what exactly did he expect?

"This dress leaves little to the imagination, milady." He whispered into her ear.

"Yes, but in all fairness, what is there left for you to imagine?" She asked, a brow quirked up.

He chuckled, but even the mention of such activities had his spine tingling and caused his mind to drift to other places.

"I'm sure you're full of surprises." He said softly.

"I am, Thief." She said into his ear, emphasizing the last word and letting her hot breath linger on his skin.

He thought she would make him lose his mind. If she kept that up, he was going to whisk her into the dark corridor and ravish her body right there. But he had some self control, so while she spoke flirtatiously into his ear, he simply had to remember where they were and that they'd have his head on a platter if he tried anything in front of them.

When the dance was over, the King decided to make a toast. He motioned for Snow to join him, then scanned the room for Regina, finding her and giving her a pointed look.

"Meet me in the corridor after this is over." She muttered to him before sifting through the crowd to join her husband.

She stepped up beside him as he raised a goblet and spoke.

"Another birthday has come and gone and I still feel like the luckiest King to ever live. I have a thriving kingdom, a beautiful daughter, and a queen, returned safely home." He said, glancing at Regina when mentioning her. "And I'd like to thank all of you, my closest friends and allies, for being here tonight."

He raised his goblet to the crowd's declaration of 'Long Live the King' and then took a long swig of his wine. After his display, people began to dance again and Regina looked over the crowd for Robin. She saw him exit swiftly through the doors and into the empty corridor, just like she had told him. And once she knew the King was well distracted, she made to follow him.

The corridor was empty, barely lit and quiet. He moved into the shadows so no one entering or leaving spotted him. Several moments passed and Regina quickly burst through the doors, grabbing his hand and dragging him away from the ballroom.

"Where are we going?!" He asked.

"You'll see." She said, laughing and smiling over her shoulder.

He would never tire of that smile he thought as they weaved through corridors. They ran up some stairs and down two more corridors before she stopped in front of a well decorated door and pushed it open.

Once inside, he realized they were in her chambers. He looked at her questioningly, but before he could ask her anything, she cupped his face and crashed her lips to his in a needy kiss. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer and then slipping her mask from her face and tossing it to the ground. A smile formed on her lips, still pressed against his. She moved to do the same to him before pulling him towards her bed.

She pushed him to the soft plushness of it while she moved to untie her corset. When it was loose enough, she climbed on top of him, capturing his lips again.

He felt the smoothness of her bare back as his hands ran every inch of her body. Soon, though, he was less clothed than she was. She had managed to tear away his shirts and began to undo his pants, to which he could not complain. Her actions in the ballroom and now here had his pants growing tighter and tighter and once they were ripped from his body, relief flooded over him.

His heart stopped a moment later, though, once she sat up and began to rid her own body of those confounding fabrics keeping her from him fully.

Soon she was bare in front of him. She leaned down and languidly kissed him, teasing behind his ear and running her fingernails up and down his chest before she wrapped a hand around his cock.

He groaned at the sudden, yet wonderful contact as she glided her hand slowly up and down the length of him. His muscles tensed and he squirmed under her grasp.

He dared opening his eyes, being met with the sight of her positioned directly above his member, pumping and working him with fluid motions. The sight alone could have him fall apart, but he wanted to be buried deep inside her before he did that.

He then landed his hands on her soft ribs, moving up to feel the swell of her breasts and without any hesitation, glided his thumbs over her tight peaks. It got the reaction he was aiming for because her pumping motion faltered some and her breath hitched. He began brushing his thumbs back and forth, causing her to eventually stop pumping him, and honestly, he was glad for it. He was close with her just breathing on him let alone her hands moving swiftly on his erection.

Soft moans began to spill from her, along with 'keep going' and 'don't stop'. She leaned forward to hold herself up, planting her hands firmly on either side of his head as he aroused her even more. Her breathing turned shallow and before he could register, she was grinding on him, letting his tip brush her entrance where she ached for him.

He could feel her wetness already, groaning as she did so. Gods, he wanted her, but this was her show. She was the ringmaster of all this and a huge grin formed on his lips at the thought. He wanted her to overpower him, to take control. And control is exactly what she had at the moment. He moved one hand from her breast to her hair and wrapped his fingers in the long tresses, bringing her head down so he could taste her red stained lips. He silently wondered if they tasted like they looked, like red wine and mischief. And they certainly did. But she had no wine at that ball and with sudden delight, he realized he was simply tasting her, getting drunk off of her.

He was broken from his thoughts of her when she moaned into his lips and with a pop, she broke away from him, muttering about needing more of him. She sat back up and hovered only inches away from his member, raking her red painted nails slowly down his chest as she went. She licked her upper lip as she slowly sunk down on him, closing her eyes as she took him inch by glorious inch.

Catching his breath, he held her hips in place to temporarily stop her motions.

"Too much for you, Thief?" She breathed, her eyes half lidded as she looked down at him.

"Not even close." He replied, matching her challenging tone.

He immediately regretted it, though, because a wicked grin graced her lips as she rolled her hips, despite his attempts to hold them still. He groaned and gripped her thighs with his hands tightly, then as she continued to ride him in a slow, but lovely pace, he swept his hands up her torso and grasped her breasts again, thumbing her nipples several times before letting his hands run down her body and setting between her thighs. Swiftly he moved a single finger inside and began rubbing her clit in tight circles, a throaty moan leaving her mouth as he did so. Then, he added another.

His hips met her's as she moved faster above him, her head falling back in pleasure. He couldn't resist the urge, couldn't lay there and not feel her more. So, he sat up with her still moving in his lap. He encircled her body with his arms and left wet kisses down the column of her neck. He felt her arms instantly wrap around his neck and the angle was much better than before because she began trembling in his hands and soft cries of ecstasy spilled from her mouth.

"I've missed you so much." He said into her neck.

"I couldn't...tell..." She breathed, a smirk on her lips.

He smiled and nibbled at her neck softly and then moved his hand in between them, returning his two fingers inside her and adding to her already building ecstasy. She was panting and gripping his shoulders with extreme force, then she pressed her lips to his cheek. With a breathy voice she moaned she was so close.

The message went straight to his cock and he rocked into her harder, faster. The pace changed so quickly, her head shot back and he pressed his lips to her neck again, murmuring sweet nothings into her skin like it would absorb them somehow.

Her release came soon after and he felt her muscles contract and clench and all that crossed his mind was how glorious she felt around him. She rode it out, loosening her grip on his shoulders as she slowed her pace. She ran her hands down from his shoulders and down his chest, planting them there as she rocked steadily in his lap. Her forehead rested against his and he felt her lips lightly brush the tip of his nose before her hands moved to his face and her lips gently and lovingly caressed his.

This woman would be the death of him, he thought. And he wouldn't mind a death brought on by her.

His release followed after several moments, her gentle hands cupping his face as he did, pressing sweet kisses along his jaw line.

"You are certainly full of surprises, milady." He said breathlessly.

He felt her smile against his skin before she drew back and looked him in the eyes. Her's were half lidded and warm, like pools of chocolate.

"I told you I was." She said, giving him a quick kiss and leaning her forehead against his.

"Was this your plan all along? To lure me to your bed?" He asked, grunting as she shifted off of his softening cock.

"If it had been, would you be upset?" She smirked and moved to lay on the bed.

"I can't say I would be." He said turning to hover over her.

He was studying her face and her body and everything in the moonlight. How stunning she was, how much he missed her, how much this moment meant to him.

She reached up and cupped his face again, one hand moved up and into his hair, weaving through it gently as she looked up at him in silence. Usually they both revealed in each other in the afterglow, but her silence now and the look in her eyes, it left him uneasy.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

She shook her head and he could tell she was fighting back tears.

"My love, you can tell me anything." He said, gently pressing his palm to her cheek.

She inhaled shakily and closed her eyes for a brief moment before she said, "It's just-this night was perfect."

The statement should have eased his mind, but her tone suggested otherwise.

"Regina, why does this sound like a goodbye." He said, more of a statement than a question.

"Because it is." She said softly and loosing the fight against her tears.

"I'm not going anywhere." He assured her.

"But you will have to leave. Soon. And your son needs you and your men. You cannot abandoned them for me. I will not let you." She said sternly.

He sat back and swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"But I cannot abandon you." He said quietly.

"Leaving will not make that so, Robin. Especially if I wish it." Regina said, moving to sit up, too and resting her body against his bare back.

"You wish me to leave?" He asked.

She quickly moved to his side and pulled his face towards her.

"You know what I mean." She said sternly. "It is too dangerous for you to be back and forth on the castle grounds so often. You'd eventually be caught and Leopold's already after you for 'harboring' me."

He sighed and looked away from her.

"He would not hesitate in killing you for your crimes, Robin." She said, sudden sadness lacing her voice.

"I know." He sighed.

"Which is why, this is a goodbye." Regina said and pulled his chin towards her so she could meet his eyes. "Not forever, but for now."

He furrowed his brows. This was not what she wanted, nor he, but their current situation called for it. If he was to live another day, he must go. And as much as he wanted to take her with him, it would only make matters worse.

"I wanted one last night of perfection before-" She began, but could not finish.

He pulled her close and kissed her fervently. Everything he could not say, seeping through his lips and into that kiss. He did not think he could willingly leave this place without her, but she would make him, he knew.

He leaned his forehead against her's once they parted, hoping to absorb this moment for all it's worth.

"Regina, I-"
"I know." She said.

And he looked up into her brown eyes and saw she did, in fact, know. Her eyes were filled with love and sadness, but something else. Something he had only ever seen in her eyes, but knew had not always been there. Hope.

He dressed and she slipped her robe on. As he was buttoning his shirt, she looked down and picked up his mask.

"Don't want to leave without this." She smirked and handed it to him.

She thought he was reaching for it, but instead, held the hand that grasped the mask.

"Surely not." He smiled, then took to mask and slipped it back on. "I will be back. Sooner than you think."

She nodded and gave him a watery smile.

He made for the balcony, before he turned to face her once more. His sudden movements startled her and before she could register, his hands had cupped her face, his lips passionately meeting her's. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she contently melted against his solid frame.

And just as quickly as the kiss had occurred, it was over.

His form skated back to the balcony and disappeared much like it had the night before.

She moved not, only stood silent and still. He would be back, he would come back for her, she thought. But she could not help but think the worst, the hope she felt with him here, slowly drifting away with his absence as she brushed her gentle fingertips to her lips, the ghost of him lingering there.

Robin darted through the trees and over logs, making as much distance between him and the castle as possible, no matter how reluctant he was. He had hidden some of his things in a hollow tree just on the outskirts of the small village before the castle, but before he could retrieve them, he'd have to return his formal attire to the tailor. Being Robin Hood really did pull some weight with the common people and the tailor was more than happy to let the outlaw borrow the suit for the King's grand ball.

He avoided the main road as much as he could before he absolutely could not, and had to follow it to the village.

He made it to the entrance of the village and with a heavy heart, stopped and turned only once to see the castle shimmering in the moonlight. His beloved was there and he was here. He had hope, though, that they would see each other again. He truly did.

And with that thought, his heart felt a little lighter, a little more at peace, knowing deep inside, this was not the end. He smiled softly to himself as he tugged off the mask and made for the tailor's shop.

Suddenly, strong hands gripped his sides and he hit the dusty ground. Something large then sat on him and prevented him from getting enough air. When the dust cleared, Robin could see a man, a knight, holding him down to the ground and then saw two other figures walk up.

"I must say, when the Sheriff said you may attempt to see your queen tonight, well, I thought you wouldn't be that stupid."

Robin struggled under the weight of the knight as he tried to focus on the man talking to him.

"I was wrong." He said, bending down and looking closely at Robin.

Prince John. Robin's eyes went wide and he struggled more.

"Take him away. I think I have a cozy cell waiting for him. And pay a visit to his camp."

"No!" Robin yelled as the knights picked him up off the ground.

"Gag him." Prince John commanded.

The knights did so and then dragged him to the Sheriff's wagon hidden in an alleyway. The cart began to move and Robin then took another glance at the castle. One last time.

Weeks had gone by and still no word from Robin. She had become worried. He said he would come back and the journey from his camp to the castle was two days at the most. A part of her kept hope, but the dark part of her told her he would not be coming back. She tried desperately to push those thoughts away because thinking of him returning to her gave her new hope, something she dared not have before him. And slowly it was being crushed once again.

But if her thoughts of Robin were weighing on her mind, they would soon be temporarily forgotten because word had spread about the castle that the King had become gravely ill.

Snow had come to her, crying and a mess, describing what the doctor had said. It looked grim and no matter how much Regina had despised the man, she cared for Snow. She herself would not know what to do if her father became ill and there was no hope of recovery.

But there were other matters at stake. With the King indisposed, no one was running the kingdom. Snow was in no condition to rule. She had little experience and was too emotionally attached.

Therefore, the burden fell into Regina's unwilling lap. Treaties had to be sighed, alliances to be made and countless other things that needed a ruler's attention. She had not wanted to be Queen, still did not, but she would not let the kingdom fall apart.

As a bandit, she had seen the perils of the common people and had wanted to help them. Maybe that's another reason she fell for Robin so quickly; his caring and nurturing nature towards the less fortunate. And here she was, practically given full reign of a kingdom, given the opportunity to change the kingdom for the better.

She would be the ruler Leopold never was.

And after weeks of being under her rule, the kingdom slowly progressed away from poverty. And as Leopold's conditioned worsened, she realized she would rule this kingdom someday soon. It terrified her and empowered her at the same time.

When Leopold did pass, Snow was understandably distraught. David kept to her side through the whole ordeal and helped Regina with the arrangements.

A day later, she was announced as the new ruler of the kingdom.

She sat in the garden, the early evening air was warm and a breeze tossed little strands of dark hair all about. Being outside was one of those things Regina would never take for granted after being locked up for at least a month. But those days were behind her.

As she inhaled deeply, she smiled softly to herself. She was finally free. Well, more free than she had ever been before as Queen. And when she sat alone, as she did often, her mind would drift to Robin. It had been two months since the ball and nothing. She knew something had happened, but after Leopold falling ill and her suddenly the sole ruler of a kingdom, she had not been able to inquire about him. As much as she desperately wanted to.

Broken from her thoughts by one of the guards, she turned to see what the matter was.

"Excuse me, Your Majesty, but there are two men and a child at the gates. They wish to gain entrance, but refuse their names." He said.

"Two men and a child?" She asked. She stood then and approached the guard.

"Yes, Your Majesty." He said.

"Let them in." She said as she brushed passed him.

She walked straight and quickly. Most would say regally, these days. She approached the front entrance of the castle and told the guards to open the gates for the men and child. She had an image in her head, one she wasn't sure she wanted to entertain, but her curiosity peeked and she needed to know their business.

She pushed the doors open to reveal the two men, the child in the larger man's arms, walking up the stone path. She could not distinguish them from a far, so she slowly edged her way out of the castle. As she focused her eyes, she discovered she had been right.

A smile spread across her lips, wide and surprised.

"Regina!" A little voice screamed.

"Roland?" She said, softly so that only she could hear it.

Little John let the squirming toddler go and once his feet touched the stone ground, he was running to Regina full speed. She fell to her knees, not a care about the stone or her dress as Roland jumped into her welcoming arms. He gripped her tightly and wrapped his legs around her middle with all his might and burying his face in her neck.

She hadn't noticed the tears in her eyes until she had closed them tightly and felt them run down her cheeks.

"I missed you so much." He muttered into her neck.

She choked out a sob and held him tighter and impossibly close.

"I missed you, too, my Little Knight." She whispered.

"Regina- I mean, Your Majesty." She heard Little John as he stumbled over his words.

She looked up, a watery smile on her lips as she stood, not daring to let Roland go when she did so. Without hesitation, she wrapped her free arm around Little John as much as she could before doing the same to Will.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what are you all doing here? Where's Robin?" She asked, here smile softer now.

"Papa never came home." Roland said, looking up at her.

Regina looked from Roland to Little John.

"He never returned?" She asked.

"He did not. I'm afraid we are not here on a leisure visit, as much as I'd like it to be." Little John said.

Regina had had her eyes locked on Little John's the entire time he spoke. She only broke the contact when she invited them inside.

"Will, take Roland to the garden. It's just down that corridor." Regina said, placing a reluctant Roland to the ground.

"I want to stay with you." He said almost shyly. It reminded her of when they first met. Except now he was tugging on her skirts, bottom lip trembling and not trying to bury his face into his Papa's chest.

She smiled and bent down to his level.

"I'm going to talk with your Uncle John for a little bit, okay. And then I'll come find you." She said as she brushed his curls with her fingers.

He nodded sadly and followed Will to the garden. Once they were out of sight, Regina turned to Little John.

"What's going on?" She asked in hushed tones.

"Robin has been captured." He said bluntly.

"By who? When?" She asked quickly. It had seemed that her worst fears, had come true.

"Prince John. It's been months now. The spoiled Prince couldn't keep his mouth shut. Described every word of Robin's capture to his men and told them to spread the word to the peasants that Robin Hood, their hero, had been captured." Little John said.

They had begun to walk the castle, Regina listening intently as Little John continued.

"An Innkeeper had told us that if Robin had not been out in the open, he might not have been caught. Also considering most of the guards were at the King's ball that night." He said.

"The King's ball? He was arrested that night?" Regina asked, worry laced her voice.

"That's what the man said." Little John said, looking at Regina, then stopping.

"It's all my fault." Regina said quietly, mostly to herself, but Little John could hear.

"How, milady?" He asked.

"I wanted him to come to the ball that night instead of sending him home the minute he showed up on my balcony. I damned him all for my selfish reasons." Regina said, upset.

"I'm sure it is not your fault. Robin knew the risk of coming to you, milady. He would take as many risks as he had to, to be with you again." Little John said.

"I wish he wouldn't." She mumbled.

"Yes, well, he did. We both know Robin is a fool, but his is our fool and we must save him. That's one of the reasons we came to you."

"One of them? What's the other?" She asked.

"Our camp has been destroyed. Once Robin had been found, they came to take as many of us as they could. Only three were captured, but the rest of us got away. We have no where else to go and I'm not asking for your charity-"

"You're welcome here." Regina said quickly.

"Regina, I-"

"No, I insist. You three have been traveling and hiding for God knows how long. You deserve a nice place to sleep and some semblance of protection. Especially with Roland." Regina said. "I'll help you all settle and then we can discuss how to get Robin back."

John sighed and thanked her.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"I will be." She said, giving him a half smile. Robin would see right through it, but Robin was not here.

They walked back to the garden and found Will and Roland playing. Roland, though, dropped everything once he saw Regina return and attached himself to her like honey on a biscuit. She smiled down at him.

"Let me show you all to your rooms, hmm? I think you might like them better than tents." She smiled, Roland's hand in her's as she turned them back into the castle.

"Anything is better than a tent, milady." Will said.

Little John laughed and gave him a firm pat on the back.

She had given them rooms not far from her own chambers, just in case they needed anything. And she assured them they could come and ask. She would not mind.

After explaining to Snow and David the situation at diner and why they had three extra mouths to feed, they both agreed they should somehow retrieve Robin, but David pointed out that that wouldn't be easy considering how long Prince John had been after Robin. He was certain nothing would make the greedy Prince release Robin. Not for anything.

And the thought plagued Regina the rest of the night.

She sat at her vanity and brushed mindlessly through her dark hair. What if they could not get him back? What if Prince John turned down any offer they gave him? What if he had already killed Robin?

She tossed her brush down at the last thought. No. She would not think that way. Robin was alive. In a dungeon, no less, but alive. And if she was going to get through this, she had to keep hope. It startled her, how easy it was to hope when it came to Robin. It scared her because she knew if one thing were to go south, any hope she had left in her soul would be dashed.

She settled herself in bed and tried to drift to sleep, but sleep would not claim her busy mind. She was too worried for Robin.

Suddenly, her door creaked open and she shot up in her bed.

"Who-who is it?" She asked. They had not knocked and had yet to enter which set her senses on high alert.

Until a mop of curly hair peaked around the edge of the door shyly.

"It's me." He whispered.

Regina let out the breath she was holding and pulled the covers away from her.

"Roland, you should be in bed." She said softly and approached him.

"I can't sleep. And you said we could come to your room for anything." Roland said wearily.

She smiled down at him and reached for his hand.

"Do you not like sleeping with Uncle John?" She asked.

"He snores really loud." Roland furrowed his brows.

"That he does." Regina laughed as she remembered.

"So, can I sleep with you?" He asked shyly, looking up at her from under thick lashes.

"Of course." She said, leading him to her bed and helping him up.

He tumbled around on it for a moment and she smiled realizing he had never really been on a bed before. She climbed in after him and made sure to tuck him in and give him a kiss goodnight. But before she closed her eyes, she felt his small body scoot closer and snuggle into her chest.

"Papa and I used to snuggle. I haven't snuggled with him in a long time. I miss him." Roland said quietly into her skin.

She wrapped her arms around Roland and felt tears burn her eyes.

"I miss him, too." She said, kissing the crown of his head. "But I promise, I will bring your Papa back, okay?"

"Okay." He replied and snuggled into her more.

And that was a promise, she was not going to break.