Penultimate chapter to this short fic, thanks for sticking with this! Fastest I have managed to actually complete a fic LOL

Chapter 6

Christmas Eve, the day of the coronation and the annual Christmas Eve Ball at the palace had arrived. The castle was bustling with prep for that evening. Today was the day that Robin either became king or gave up his seat. He always thought this day would bring him sorrow but after the night he had had with Regina he woke up with a smile on his face.

She believed in him. Why? He wasn't quite sure, but for whatever reason, she thought he could do this. He sighed as he rolled out of bed and rubbed his face. He didn't know what to do.

After a quick breakfast, he went out to the stables to get his horse and rode out to the family graveyard. He stopped close by and demounted the horse leaving her there as he walked over to his father's grave. He kneeled in front of it, running a hand over his father's name.

"I'm so sorry for what I said before I left. I wish I could take it back. I'd give anything for that not to have been our last conversation. But I can't. I can't take it back." He ducked his head as he took a few steadying breaths. "I'll do what you wanted. I'll accept the crown, take my place as King of Sherwood. For you, father. And for mother. But I'll never live up to the legacy you left behind." He frowned, "I don't want to disappoint you, you left rather large shoes to fill." He laughed slightly, "I met someone, I think you'd like her. She's not like everyone else here, American. I can just hear the tabloids now, that would certainly be the biggest scandal ever. She doesn't care for that though. She's genuine. She seems to think I can do this and she's only known me a week. When I say it like that she sounds crazy but I don't know. She told me that I should stop listening to what everyone else thinks of me and just be who I am, that that would be enough." He sighed, "I don't know the first thing about politics and visuals. I guess I'll learn. I want you to be proud of me. I want to keep your legacy alive. I'll do my best father." He stood up and rubbed the top of the gravestone, "I love you, father."

.::.

Regina was standing in front of a mirror holding the only fancy dress she had brought with her. It was a little black number but nothing regal enough for a ball. It would have to do though, that's all she had. She was holding the dress up to herself when Mary Margaret rolled into her room.

"What are you doing?" the little girl asked.

Regina smiled, she liked the young Princess. She was a little rough around the edges at first, but she was sweet, and the two of them had developed a friendship. "Just getting ready for the party."

Mary Margaret pursed her lips at the dress, "That's what you're wearing?"

Regina gave her a look, "Its either this or yoga pants." She watched the Princess and saw a look cross her face, one that had nothing to do with her dress. "What's up?"

"You're going to be leaving soon aren't you? I mean your story is almost done, right?" the Princess asked.

Regina nodded a little sitting down on the bed, "I should know how it ends tonight."

Mary Margaret sighed, "And then you'll leave and I'll never see you again. You won't think of us ever again."

Regina reached over to squeeze one of Mary Margaret's hands, "Mary Margaret, I could never forget you."

She smiled reaching for the little box she had brought in with her and handed it to Regina, "I got you a present. Merry Christmas, Regina."

Regina's eyes widened as she took the box, "Oh, I don't have anything for you."

"You've already given me plenty. You gave me hope, that there is still joy left to claim in this world. Even if it feels like there isn't. That things will be okay, even if my father is gone. Even if I'm different," she ducked her head shaking away the emotions, "Just open it."

"Alright," Regina said as she opened the box revealing a charm bracelet with a snowflake, Christmas tree, and crown. "Oh my, this is beautiful."

"So you'll always remember your time here." Mary Margaret smiled at her.

Regina fought back the tears that were threatening to fall out and wrapped her arms around Mary Margaret, hugging her tightly "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome." They heard a knock on Regina's door, "right on time," she smirked, "Come in."

"What's this?" Regina asked as three people came in rolling in a rack of dresses.

"This is Emma, Ruby, and Ella, they will take care of you. They do it all, makeup, hair, and dresses. The works, as you Americans would say."

Regina looked at them in shock, "They're going to work on me?"

"Uh huh, you're getting a makeover." She glanced at the black dress that sat on Regina's bed, "You didn't think I was going to let you go to the ball in that did you?"

"I well…"

"Have fun, I'll see you at the party." Mary Margaret winked at her and left the room.

Regina was completely out of her element and didn't know what to do, "Uhm."

"Madame, would you like to decide on a dress first?" One of the blondes suggested.

"I guess," Regina said as she stood up walking over to the dresses, each more maculate the one before.

"I'm Ella," the blonde said as she stood next to her, "How about the yellow? You can try on a few, see what works best."

Regina nodded grateful that the young woman could sense that she wasn't in her element. "Thank you."

Regina tried on the yellow and looked at herself in the mirror, it was beautiful but it didn't really work for her. "It's pretty," she started.

"Not the one," Ruby said as she watched her. "Give her the pink."

"No no the pink," Ella said, "That's going to wash her out, it's the wrong shade."

"What about the white?" Emma asked as she was setting up her hair supplies.

Ruby scrunched her nose, "Too bridal."

Regina watched them argue as she walked over to the rack to look through the gowns pulling out a light blue one, she smiled a little. The other three must have seen her and walked over looking at the dress.

"Oh this one is gorgeous," Emma said.

Ella nodded in agreement, "The color is perfect for you."

"Nice choice," Ruby said, "Is this the one you like best?"

Regina nodded, "It's my favorite color. Can I try it on?"

"Of course," Ella said jumping into action to help her get out of the yellow dress and into the blue one she had liked. When she stood in front of the mirror she gasped at how it fit her like a glove. The three women had gathered around her smiling. "It's perfect."

"Alright, now get her out of it so we can work on her makeup and hair," Ruby instructed moving over to her makeup set to get Regina ready for the ball.

.::.

The Royal family was standing in the receiving line to greet their guests for the ball. The Queen smiled at her son, "You're as handsome as your father was during his coronation."

Robin smiles down at his mother, "If only I would be half the King he was."

"You will, I have no doubt that you will," the Queen replied.

More guests filtered in, amongst them the Prime Minister. Robin had uttered his excitement for working with him. As they exchanged a few pleasantries. He smiled at the man as saw something out of the corner of his eye, looking over he had to do a double take. At the top of the stairs was Regina, looking every bit as regal as a queen.

She smiled catching his eye, lifting her full skirt slightly as she made her way down the stairs. Her strapless, beaded light blue dress was paired with silk evening gloves and a simple necklace. Emma had done her hair up into a soft twisted low bun, and Ruby had kept her makeup elegant. A darker eye paired with a pink lip. She took everyone's breath away as she descended the stairs.

Robin stared shamelessly as she came down the stairs. Frozen in his spot, unable to move or take his eyes away from her. Mary Margaret tugged on his sleeve slightly, "What are you waiting for? Go to her," she urged pushing her brother slightly in Regina's direction.

Robin smiled as he walked over to her as she was looking around at the crowd that had stopped what they were doing to look at her. "Why are they staring at me?" she whispered as he got closer to her.

"Because you look perfect," he leaned over and kissed her cheek chastely.

She smiled, "you don't look so shabby yourself, Prince Robin or is it King Robin now?"

"You know I hate titles," he responded and offered her his arm, "Shall we?" She slipped her arm into his as he led her into the ballroom. The party was in full swing when they got into the room, couples waltzing on the dance floor. Champagne and hors d'ouvers being passed around. "Can I have this dance?" he asked her as they got closer to the dance floor.

"Really?" she asked looking up at him.

"If you promise not to step on my feet," he teased as he led her onto the middle of the floor.

They turned facing each other. Robin stepped closer placing a hand on her waist as she rested hers on his shoulder. He slipped her free hand into his, lacing their fingers as they started to waltz around the floor with the other couples. Regina kept her gaze on Robin as they moved with effortless ease, almost floating on the floor. They fit well together, in more ways than one. She smiled up at him as they danced, the back of her mind telling her she really needed to tell him who she really was. She was starting to fall for this man and he still thought she was a tutor named Veronica Mason.

"Aren't you worried what they're going to say about you dancing with me?" she asked as they twirled around the floor.

"They'll probably say you are way out of my league," he winked.

Regina rolled her eyes, "I'm sure that's what the headline will say."

"You're the reason, I'm even standing here. I wouldn't have come if it weren't for you," he told her.

Regina was touched, "You're giving me too much credit Robin."

"No, I'm not, it's the truth. I'm comfortable with you, you're the most genuine person I've ever met." She bit the inside of cheek at that comment, she was a fraud he was going to hate her. She didn't have a chance to respond before he continued talking, "you make it easy to go and see what I might be capable of. You believe in me, I'm not sure why, but you do."

"Because you are going to be an excellent king," she answered.

He gently held her chin lifting her gaze slightly as he looked down at her lips, the song ended and the music stopped, indicating it was time for the coronation. He looked over at the stage that had been set up and took a deep breath, "Wish me luck."

"You don't need luck," she responded as she rubbed his arm. She smiled watching him walk over to the stage and made her way over to Princess Mary Margaret to watch the coronation.

The Prime Minister and Robin walked onto the stage facing the crowd as the prime minister started his speech.

"On this glorious Christmas Eve, a time of good wishes and new beginnings. New hope. Prince Robin, son of the late King Robert, presents his rightful claim to the crown and throne of the Kingdom of Sherwood." The audience clapped as Robin kneeled down on the cushion provided to begin the ceremony.

"Robin, do you pledge your life and service to Sherwood and all its subjects and residents?" the Prime Minister asked.

"I do," Robin responded accepting the scepter.

"Do you swear to protect Sherwood and uphold its sacred laws in times of wealth or poverty, peace or war?"

"I do," Robin said as he looked over at his mother with a smile. Regina was watching him with a smile of her own. He was meant to be king, adoption be damned.

The prime minister turned towards the crown, "If anyone wishes to dispute Prince Robin's claim to the throne, speak now or forever hold your peace?"

Marian smirked raising her hand, "I dispute this claim." Everyone looked at her in shock.

"On what grounds?" the Prime Minister demanded with a disdainful look on his face.

"I challenge on the grounds that Prince Robin is not the rightful heir to the throne. This fraudulent Christmas Prince is not the late King's blood."

Robin furrowed his brow standing up from his spot looking at her confused. What was she talking about? Everyone else in the room is just as confused, except the Queen and Regina who had both paled slightly.

Marian smirked at Robin and pulled out a piece of paper, "I have a document here that states that Prince Robin was actually adopted by the King and Queen."

The crowd was in an uproar over what she was claiming. Some in shock others in disbelief. Robin was looking at her incredulously, she was really going through with this absurdity, wasn't she?

The Prime Minister stepped over to the steps leading up the stage, "Let me see that?" he held out his hand as Marian handed John the certificate to give to the prime minister. He looked it over and frowned. "Where did you get this?" he asked Marian.

"I found it while I uncovered a scheme by a journalist who has been posing as a tutor to the Princess," she said as she pointed to Regina. Regina felt her stomach drop as all eyes were suddenly on her. Shit, she should have just told Robin when she had the chance, she glanced up at him seeing a mix of hurt and confusion in his eyes. She really fucked this up. Not only did she ruin his chances to be king, but she ruined what they had, what they could have had.

The prime minister looked at Regina, "Is that true? That you're a journalist?"

Regina looked over at Robin her heart breaking knowing she wasn't going to be able to get out of this one, "Yes." Robin looked at her hurt, his own heart breaking. After last night, he was sure she was the one but this he didn't see coming. She did all this for a story? How could she play him like that?

The prime minister sighed, "And this paper? Your Majesty?" he said looking at the queen hoping she could refute any claims of it being the truth.

The Queen looked over at her son, she didn't want him finding out this way but she wasn't going to lie anymore, "It's legitimate."

Hearing his mother confirme that she had lied to him was the last straw. He couldn't stay here anymore and turned around storming off the stage and out of the ballroom as his mom called out behind him. Marian and John had cornered the Prime Minister telling him that illegitimate heir couldn't inherit and that John would take it as he was second in line.

Regina didn't stick around to hear any of that, she saw Robin storm off and turned around leaving herself hoping to catch him and explain that she didn't do this to hurt him. That she wasn't going to reveal any of that information. Hoping that maybe they could salvage the relationship they were starting to have.

Robin went down the stairs, Regina running to keep up with him, "Robin! Wait," she said as she caught up with him.

"What for?" he asked completely defeated, "So you can lie to me again?"

"No," she said as tears started to well up in her eyes, "You have to know I didn't mean for this to happen. I wasn't going to let that story out."

"How can I believe you?" he spat out, "I don't even know who you are. I don't even know who I really am!"

"I'm Regina, Regina Mills. That's my real name," she offered. "I didn't come here to exploit.." she knew that wasn't true that was exactly what she had come here for, "I didn't mean for this to get so out of hand."

He narrowed his eyes, "Well you have a grand story to tell now." Turning around he walked away from her without a second look.

Regina watched him go as her tears started to spill down her cheeks, "Fuck," she muttered as she wiped her face. "How could I be so stupid?" she ran off towards her bedroom to pack up her things and get out of Sherwood before she could make a bigger mess of the situation. She screwed up, big time.