Things are starting to heat up between these two

Chapter 4

The benefit for the orphanage was a grand event. Many large donors gathered to raise money for the kids in Sherwood that needed it most. There were games, carnival food, a place to donate presents for the kids, Santa Clause, etc.

Regina was wheeling around the princess as the two gazed at the spectacles around them. As they were walking they nearly ran into one of the men that Regina had met in the car on the way to the press conference.

"Wait don't I know you?" the man asked.

Regina's shook her head, "No, I think you have me confused…"

"No I don't," he responded, looking down at the princess, "How'd you get so cozy with the princess?"

"She doesn't have to talk to you," Princess Mary interrupted glaring at the man.

"Apologies for being rude your royal highness, I'm Sidney Glass a real reporter, unlike what's her face. How about an interview?" he gave her a fake smile.

"Oh since you're a real reporter, I can tell you a little secret," Mary Margaret said and motioned him to get closer. She whispered something in his ear that caused him to suddenly have a look of horror on his face before he stormed off.

Regina watched him go and looked down at her, "What did you say?"

"I told him if he didn't leave us alone and get out of Sherwood, I'd have him arrested and tossed into the dungeon," she replied nonchalantly.

Regina's jaw dropped slightly, "You have a dungeon?"

"No, of course not." Mary Margaret stated, "But he doesn't need to know that." Regina stared at the little girl before cracking up and continuing to push her chair to find a place for them to stand near the stage to hear Robin's speech.

The Queen had made a beautiful introduction but Robin was nowhere to be found, he stood up the crowd waiting to hear his speech about the orphanage. Regina frowned looking around, "Why would he do this?" she asked the princess.

"I think I know where he is," Mary Margaret said, "Come on, that way," she pointed towards the left. Regina furrowed her brow slightly but pushed the princess' wheelchair in the direction she had said. They made their way away from the courtyard holding the benefit to the entrance of the orphanage itself.

Regina heard laughter and rumbling from the yard as they grew closer to the entrance. What she saw made her heart swoon. The princess was right, Robin was here. He was playing with the orphans in the snow, having a snowball fight. The children were absolutely giddy with joy and the smile on Robin's face was no less small. Regina watched in awe of how he acted around the kids. He was a totally different person here.

There was no doubt in her mind now that what the tabloids had said about him being a philandering prince who didn't care for his responsibilities was anything but the truth. He might not care for the PR that would come from the event, but isn't this what ruling was really about? The people? Robin was in his element here with these children, brightening up their day as the holidays grew closer. These kids didn't have a family to play with like this and he was bringing them joy.

Robin caught Regina's eye as he played with the kids, giving her a wink as he continued to play. She waved at him standing within sight but far enough to not intrude. Regina smiled as she watched him, pulling out her phone she took some pictures before slipping it back into her pocket to just watch the scene in front of her. She wasn't going to admit it but August was right. She was smitten with the prince. It was hard not to be when he was as dreamy as he was charming.

Later that day, Robin stood scowling as his mother glared at him in the drawing room. "Robin, how could you just shun your duty like that today?"

"I thought my duty was to those children, mother," he replied.

"This benefit was very important after the press conference fiasco. The media is having a field day with this. Everyone is saying you're going to abdicate the throne, do you know how that looks for our family?" she said walking over to him.

"I don't give a flying fuck about the media, mother," he spat out sitting down on one of the chairs.

She huffed out a breath, "there's more to being king than being compassionate, Robin. You need to be a leader, you need to show the world that you can do this." Robin scoffed listening to her, "What? You think you're the only one that hates the public eye? You're the only one that wants to run away?"

"Come on mom, you're the strongest person I know. Why would you want to run away?"

The Queen sighed taking a seat next to her son, "You don't know how hard this year has been for me. Losing your father, being strong for your sister to help her get through the loss of a parent, and to top it off you were gone when I needed you the most. This has been the hardest year of my life, Robin. I wish I could have just packed a bag and left as you did without a care in the world."

Robin reached over and held his mom's hand, "I'm sorry, I didn't… I'm trying," he said softly.

She smiled at him, "There are no doubts in my mind that you are going to be an incredible leader. I have complete in faith in you. You need to have faith in yourself and what you're capable of."

Robin frowned slightly at his mother's words trying to digest everything she had just told him. Why was it that everyone seemed to think he was cut out for this? There was no way he could his father's shoes. He didn't think he was half the man, King Robert was. But the truth was he was harder on himself than most. He held himself to much higher standards and didn't see that everyone, even his father, had their shortcomings. It was going to take him some time to fully realize what he was truly capable of.

.::.

Regina was tutoring Princess Mary but having a harder time getting her to stay focused.

Mary Margaret groaned, "Come on, how am I supposed to focus when there are only a couple days left until Christmas?"

Regina pursed her lips, the kid had a point. There was no point in trying to drive this misery out any longer. She looked out the window and smirked an idea popping into her head. "You're right. How about we go out and have a little adventure?"

"Adventure?" Princess Mary asked very intrigued with the idea.

"Uh huh," Regina nodded, "You need to bundle up, it's cold outside." She rounded the table and pushed the princess' chair out of the room and towards Mary's bedroom to get coat and boots.

After they had both gotten dressed appropriately, they both made their way through the castle avoiding being seen as they made their way outside. Luck was on their side and they were out within record time. Quickly making her way over to the sleds Regina had seen from the window earlier, she helped Mary Margaret get onto one as she pulled it onto the snow and started to make her way over to one of the hills.

She stopped at the top of the hill and positioned the sled in place, "here we are! What do you think?" she asked as she grinned down at the princess. Her grin quickly dissipating into a frown when she saw the look on the princess' face was anything other than excitement. She bent down to get closer to her, "What's the matter?"

Mary Margaret shrugged, "Do you really think I can do this?"

"Of course I do," Regina replied, "You can do anything, Mary Margaret. You said it yourself, you're not a porcelain doll."

Mary Margaret bit her lip, "What if I end up getting even more broken than I already am?"

Regina shook her head, "You're not broken, sweetie. Your disability does not define what you can and can't do. You're one of the strongest, bravest little girls I've ever met. You can do anything, Mary."

Mary Margaret smiled at her, "Dibs on the front."

Regina laughed and got behind her on the slide, "Okay, ready?" she slowly eased the sled over the hill, "Hang on!" they started to pick up speed as they made their way down the hill, bopping and gliding. The princess was all smiles as she felt the wind in her face as they went down the hill. They started going faster after a certain slick point hitting a bit of a bump causing both of them to go flying off the sled.

"Oh my god," Regina yelped as she ran over to the princess who had groaned, "Mary Margaret? Mary Margaret are you okay?!"

The princess groaned once more before turning towards Regina with a huge smile, "Can we do that again?"

Regina glared at her, the little twerp played her, "You little," she laughed, "I'm going to get you," and she reached to make a snowball but before she could she was hit square in the back with one. Regina gasped as she turned around to see Robin grinning at her holding the reigns of his horse.

Robin had been riding by when he saw the two of them sledding down the hill. He didn't want to miss out on the fun.

"Oh you are so dead," Regina exclaimed as she used the snowball she had made for Mary Margaret and threw it, Robin.

Robin ducked out of the way grabbing more snow to throw at Regina and Mary Margaret as the two of them tag-teamed at him. They threw around snowballs until Regina lost her footing near Robin falling over on her back and bringing him down with her. He ended up on top of her.

Regina's breath hitched as Robin lightly tucked a stray strand of her behind her ear while he looked down at her. His baby blue eyes bearing into her soul. The moment was broken when a snowball hit Robin on the shoulder.

"No fraternizing with the enemy," Mary Margaret yelled with a smirk on her face.

Regina and Robin laughed getting up and resuming their little snowball fight.

While they continued playing in the snow, a carriage passed by carrying John and Marian. Marian ordered the driver to stop when she heard noises looking over at the three of them with disgust on her face.

"Those two look quite chummy," John piped in as he watched his cousin play with the tutor.

Marian huffed out a breath, "There's something about her that seems off."

"You mean other than the fact that Robin is absolutely smitten with her?" John raised an eyebrow. Marian glared at him as he signaled for the driver to continue their ride back to the palace.

Robin, Regina, and Mary Margaret were none the wiser to their little audience.

The three of them made their way back to the palace after their little fun in the snow and were met by Miss Eugene and the Queen waiting for them.

"Isn't this a lovely sight?" the Queen said as she stood at the top of the stairs.

Regina gulped as she bent down to curtsy, "Your majesty," she said. Robin and Mary Margaret suddenly standing straighter as they watched their mother descend the stairs. Someone was in trouble.

"Miss Mason, one of the groundskeepers told me he saw you with Mary Margaret on a sled going down the hill rather fast, is that true?" the Queen asked as she approached the trio.

"They were just having a little fun, mother," Robin offered.

"I wasn't talking to you, Robin." The Queen focused her gaze on Regina.

Regina bit the inside of her cheek, "Queen Ava, I'm so sorry…"

"Enough." The Queen gave them all a look. "I know my children think I'm overprotective and never let them have any fun. I do what I can to keep them safe because that's my job as a mother." Regina, Robin, and Mary Margaret were all looking down at the ground as the Queen chastised them. "That being said, my late husband was a firm believer in getting some fresh air and exercise. And I haven't seen a genuine smile on my daughter's face in over a year." She smiled at Mary Margaret. "However, if you wish to continue being employed at the palace, I suggest asking permission next time."

Regina breathed out a sigh of relief, "Yes, of course, your majesty." She nodded frantically.

"Very good," the Queen nodded and turned back to walk up the stairs. She stopped looking over her shoulder, "Also, next time, perhaps you'd consider inviting your Queen? I have spent some time on a sled in the past and happen to fancy a ride."

Robin laughed at his mother's words. He vaguely remembers her taking him sledding when he was a kid and would love to see her so carefree again. The queen ascended the stairs going back to whatever task she had to complete before the trio had walked in.

When she was upstairs Regina shook her head slightly, she couldn't believe the turn that interaction took. She was sure she was going to get sacked when the Queen found them but maybe she wasn't as uppidy as she had heard from others. Regina smiled at Robin who looked so much lighter and carefree as well.

"That was interesting," she commented.

"Mother can definitely surprise you sometimes," he explained turning Mary Margaret's wheelchair to push her towards the elevator that would lead to the upstairs.

.::.

The next day, Regina sat on her bed with her laptop taping at the side of it trying to figure out what to do next. She'd had some time with the prince but she really needed something more. Something deeper. By now she knew he wasn't what the tabloids made him out to be, but why did he let them think that and if he wasn't off with random girls, getting drunk whenever he could during the year he was out, what was he really doing? What made the prince into who he really is - whoever that is, she had an inkling about it but she wanted to make sure her instincts were right - and what's he planning on doing next.

She figured maybe some fresh air would clear her head a bit and got dressed to head out. She was walking around the courtyard near the stable when she saw him. He was getting a horse ready, all alone. Going for a ride apparently. Regina stood out of sight but watched as he brushed his horse and gingerly got on before riding off.

Regina watched him go, this would have been a good opportunity to get some alone time, see what the deal is. Her eyes caught sight of another horse in the barn and a spare saddle. She shouldn't, it had been years since she last rode a horse but somethings were too tempting to say no to. She quickly made work of the saddle and head off in the direction that Prince Robin had ridden off on.

Regina rode out following the tracks into the forest. Unfortunately, within the forest, the tracks were mixed in with others and she lost track. "Shit, I shouldn't have done this," she muttered looking around. She didn't know this place that well. She had heard there were coyotes in the forest, possibly bears or worse. "Okay, come on boy, let's head back." she tried to coax the horse into going back, hoping the horse would know the way back to the palace because she certainly didn't.

No such luck. The horse kept going further in. "Come on, I said let's go back," she groaned. Suddenly the horse wasn't so accommodating anymore. Something must have spooked it because he ended up flinging Regina off his back and running off further into the forest.

"Ahhh!" Regina yelled as she fell into the snow. Luckily there was a good amount to cushion the fall but she was now deep in the forest by herself with no clue on how to get out or get back to the palace. To top things off it was starting to get dark. She sighed and started to walk back the way she came hoping by some miracle she would be able to get out.

As she crossed one tree, she suddenly felt like someone or something was following her. "Hello?" she said looking around, not seeing anything she continued on until she heard a growl behind her.

Regina looked back and her eyes widened in fear. Behind her was one of the biggest coyotes she'd ever seen and it looked hungry. "Oh no," her breathing quickened, her heart was racing, she backed up slowly, sitting back by the tree, attempting to somehow become invisible to this coyote. Apparently, her fear response was to freeze up instead of run.

The coyote started to get closer to her when they both heard a gunshot fired into the sky. The coyote ran off away from the noise leaving Regina be. Regina looked over and saw the Prince walking over to her placing his gun back into his holder. "Are you alright?" he asked as he helped her get up.

She was trying to steady her breathing and heart rate from that near-death encounter. She nodded slightly, "I think so."

"Come on, let's get you out of here." He helped her onto his own horse, getting on behind her and rode off to a cabin in the forest.

Robin helped Regina to get down and got her inside the cabin. He started a fire and brought over a blanket for her. She smiled accepting it and sitting by the fire after taking off her soaked coat and hat. He walked over to the bar to make them both something to drink.

"Here, this will help," he gave her a glass and took up residence on the other chair by the fireplace.

She took a sip, "what is it?"

"Mostly whiskey," he smirked, "so now that you are safe from coyotes and hyperthermia, do you want to tell me why you were following me?"

She shrugged slightly, "I saw you heading off and got curious, and I also hadn't been on a horse in years. I missed it, but after that little incident I don't think I want to do that again any time soon."

He laughed, "I'm sure it wasn't that bad."

"You weren't the one that was flung off a horse and nearly eaten alive by a coyote," she pointed out.

"Fair enough."

"What is this place?" she asked looking around at the cabin.

"My father's old cabin. He'd come out here every now and then when he wanted to get away from all the hustle of royal obligations. He used to bring me here, said us Locksley men were meant to smell like forest not fine jewels even if we were the royal bloodline of Sherwood," he smiled softly remember his dad.

"You must have a lot of good memories here," Regina said as she watched him.

Robin nodded, "unfortunately, not all of them are good. Particularly not the last one I ever had with him." He stared into the fire trying to forget that day.

"What happened?" Regina asked.

He looked over at her, a part of him wanting to tell her to mind off and had she been anyone else he probably would have, but there was something about this woman that drew him to her. Something that wanted to let her in, "This is where I told him I was going to renounce the throne, that I didn't want to be king. He didn't take it so well. He was angry, I was angry. I wasn't pleasant at all. It got quite ugly. The next day I packed a bag and left for the Greek Islands. Little did I know, that would be the last time I would see him. He died shortly after I had left and then well you know the rest. Just got back and all."

Regina watched him sympathetically, she couldn't imagine the guilt he must carry knowing your final conversation wasn't a good one. She thanked whatever lucky star was on her side to reconcile her relationship with her mom before she was gone. "Why don't you want to be king?" Regina asked.

Robin stood up placing his glass on the table, "I'd rather not talk about it."

"Might help you to talk to someone," Regina urged.

"I can't even go on a date without being called a philandering misanthrope or causing some sort of international scandal."

Regina raised an eyebrow, "Like when you were with Lady Marian?" she asked recalling the articles she'd seen about the two of them in her recent research.

Robin shook his head, "Not exactly, that was a little different. Marian sold the story to a tabloid herself." He rolled his eyes, "press had a field day with that one."

"I see," Regina replied, "So that's why you don't want to be king? Too much public attention?"

"That's part of it," Robin answered.

"What's the other part?"

Robin shrugged, "does it matter? You're just going to think I'm a spoiled prince anyway."

Regina frowned getting up from her seat and walking over to him, "I never said that" she shook her head placing her glass on the table, she reached for his hand holding it, "I think you need to stop worrying so much about what everyone else thinks and stop trying to be your father. Robin, you need to find who you are and be that person. Because if he's anything like what I've seen so far, he's going to be an excellent king."

He smiled rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand, "you make it sound so easy."

"It is easy," she replied looking into his eyes. "You're smart, kind, have a generous heart, you're very personable…"

"Except when I'm stealing your cab, right?" he teased. "That was kind of funny though, what were the odds I stole my little sister's tutor's cab?"

She laughed, "a little bit."

He bit his lip, watching her with a gleam in his eye. She was gorgeous, he'd never seen anyone as stunning as her, but there was more to her than just beauty. "Come here, I want to show you something," he said as he walked her over to a desk on the far side of the cabin, still holding her hand.

"I found it in one of my father's old journals," he explained as they reached the desk and he reluctantly let her hand go to open up the old notebook.

Regina looked over at the book he was opening up, missing the feel of his touch already. What was wrong with her, she wasn't here for anything but a story, she scolded herself as she looked at the book, "What is it?"

"A poem my father wrote, I think he meant to give it to my mother with the arrow. It's kind of a riddle though, I'm not quite sure what it means."

"Has your mother seen it?" Regina asked looking down at the words.

First a sparkle in the fields

Twist the frozen minarets

Winter's harvest, meager yield

Heavy burdens, the year's debt

Point from a seed, an arrow's gift,

Henceforth the truth will flood.

Darkness such a secret bears,

As a love for greater than blood

"Not yet, I was going to give it to her on Christmas."

"It's a beautiful poem, intriguing. Your father had a gift with words." Regina commented as she read the words in the book.

"He did," he turned towards her, they were closer than he had thought. He looked into her eyes, dropping his gaze to her lips before catching her gaze again. She nodded slightly as they inched closer to one another slowly closing the distance between them. Only to be interrupted by the horses neighing outside.

Robin shut his eyes pulling back a little to give some distance, "I should probably get them ready to head back to the castle," he said reluctantly, looking at her clearly not wanting to go but taking this as a sign from the universe that this isn't the right place and time.

She nodded looking away, "okay. I'll get ready." She watched him leave the cabin and accidentally dropped the journal on the ground. Crap, she bent down to pick it up when her eye caught the sight of a button on the bottom of the desk. A button that could easily go unnoticed by anyone not looking for it. She tentatively reached over to push it which opened a secret compartment of the desk. "Oh my god," she said looking into the compartment and finding a file. She glanced back at the door and quickly closed the drawer straightening up the desk but keeping the file with her. She grabbed her coat and slipped the file under her top to keep hidden.

Robin walked back into the cabin as Regina was placing her hat on. "Ready?"

Regina nodded, "As long as I don't have to ride alone."

Robin smirked, "Are you really scared or do you just want to be close to me?" he teased.

Regina blushed, "I didn't… that's not.."

"I'm just teasing, I wasn't about to let you ride alone, the horse you grabbed isn't trained yet and it's dark out." He put out the fire and closed the lights in the cabin as he led her out to the horses. Helping her back up onto his before climbing it himself. He led the horses back to the palace, enjoying every minute of the ride back much more than usual.