The Heart of the Principal

by HarleQueen21

OQ AU. When Principal Mills hires Mr Locksley as a teacher at her renowned boarding school, they find themselves attracted to each other. When multiple attempts are made on Regina's life, secrets from her past threaten to become exposed. Will Robin be able to break through the walls of the guarded Principal and save her? (Inspired by 'Well, this is awkward' - startraveller776)

2. Chapter 2

A/N: Good evening. Thanks to all who took the time to read the first chapter, I hope you liked it. I'll be uploading once or twice a week, so please let me know if you have any advice/criticism so that I can amend any errors or flaws you feel need to be addressed. In this chapter I have incorporated a couple of scenes similar to ones features on OUAT, all credit goes to the writers for the inspiration. I'm sorry if it seems that the pacing of this fic is a little slow, but I really wanted to set the scene before getting into the main storylines. But, as always, you advice and criticism are greatly welcomed and appreciated.

Thank you,

HQ21

Robin smiled politely at Principal Mills, who was looking at him with an unreadable expression, her dark eyes remaining fixed on his. It was only now, as he stood directly before her, that he was able to consider her beauty completely. She had dark hair which fell just past her shoulders, falling into loose natural waves. Her eyes were dark and knowing, and her lips were a shade of deep red which accentuated her beauty and highlighted the paleness of her complexion. She wore a fitted white blouse and black pencil skirt, with a pair of elegant black heels which highlighted the shapeliness of her legs. Her fingers were adorned with a couple of beautiful rings of intricate designs which, from the style and antiquity, he correctly suspected were family heirlooms. A silver chain hung about her neck, which featured settings of white gold and amethyst which sat upon her chest. Robin's eyes had subtly and briefly surveyed her body before reaching her dark eyes once more, and he felt his mind and his body stilled beneath her gaze.

"I do hope your first experience dealing with our students has not negatively impacted your view of the school" Regina stated cordially, causing Robin to blink himself from her gaze and offer her a reassuring smile.

"Far from it, Ms Mills" he returned gently. "I find the devotion of your son to his friends humbling and inspirational" he stated, turning his attention to Henry, who was peeping at him from behind his mother. "I hope there are more children here like you." Henry smiled politely at this comment.

"Indeed" returned Regina, clasping her hands before her and turning towards her son, who she looked at lovingly. "Sweetheart, are you feeling okay?" she asked, her voice adopting a soft and gentle tone which caused Robin's limbs to feel weak and skin slightly flushed.

"I'm fine, mom" Henry stated, standing from the chair he had been perched on and picking up his rucksack which he put over one shoulder. "Hansel and Gretel and I are gonna help look after the horses, so I gotta go" he stated, taking a few steps towards his mother, whose previously composed face was afflicted by a momentary flicker of concern.

"You just be careful" she stated gently, placing her hand on his upper arm and rubbing it tenderly. "And stay out of the woods."

"We will, don't worry" Henry returned reassuringly, in so honest and sincere a tone that Robin believed him. "We'll be back before it gets dark." Regina nodded in response, offering her son a smile and tracing her fingers lightly across his chin, before watching him leave the room.

Robin admired the warm, tender look in the principal's eyes as she watched her son head down the corridor, until his voice could be heard mingled amongst those of his friends. When he was completely out of sight she turned back towards Robin, her face adopting the same unreadable expression that she bore before. But despite her attempts to appear impassive, Robin did not miss the look of kindness and affection which lingered in her eyes. That same look remained with her as she turned towards Mother Superior and thanked her sincerely for assisting her son, before turning her attention towards the newest member of her staff.

"Mr Locksley, I understand that you have only just arrived, but there are a few things I need to go through with you regarding your position" she stated in a pleasant yet professional tone, clasping her hands before her as she spoke, her eyes focusing on him intently as she did so. "Would you care to join me in my office so we can discuss matters?"

"As you wish" Robin returned kindly.

Regina nodded simply in response, before silently leading Robin from the room.

Robin walked behind Regina at a slightly slower pace, taking in the architecture and design of the building as they made their way towards the office. The building was large and very old, with Robin estimating it to have been built shortly before the Civil War. And yet, despite its age, there was something very comforting about the building, which Robin found to be almost homely. The building boasted well-maintained dark wood features which were intricately designed, marble or stone floors and tall, flawlessly-polished windows. There were also mirrors fixed in elaborately designed gilded settings of both silver and gold, as well as various pieces of artwork which were displayed proudly upon the walls. Amongst the antiquity and history of the place, the building itself had also been touched by modernity; large photographs of smiling students and beaming teachers were also displayed around the building, and in more than one of the images Robin noticed he identified the smiling face of Principal Mills. Her smile was radiant, and it lit up her face and highlighted both her inner and outer beauty. There was something so sincere and so wonderful about her smile; it was contagious. As Robin's eyes drifted from these images to watch as the Principal led him up a large flight of stairs and to the door to her office, he found himself hoping that he would be fortunate enough to see that same, beautiful smile.

Regina had walked fairly briskly at first, but slowed her pace when she realised that Mr Locksley appeared to be (quite understandably) considering his surroundings as she led him to her office. But with the slowing of her own pace came her realisation of his proximity to her, which caused her heart to beat slightly faster within her chest, and her skin to feel warm. Regina inhaled deeply and closed her eyes, as she desperately tried to fight the ridiculous, juvenile feelings she was experiencing away. As she reached the top of the staircase and opened the door to her office, passing through quickly and cautiously avoiding the eyes of Katherine, she felt certain that her cheeks were flushed.

"Good afternoon" greeted Robin to Katherine, who smiled at him warmly in response.

"You must be Mr Locksley" she smiled, standing from her position behind her desk and making her way towards him, extending her hand which he shook politely in response. "You've clearly already made a wonderful impression" she stated, smiling kindly at Robin.

Regina's features fell and she felt as though her breathing had stopped altogether as she turned towards Katherine with an accusatory look, which fell as soon as the secretary met her gaze.

"For stepping in to rescue the Principal's son" Katherine elaborated, causing Regina to slowly exhale, and feel as though she could breathe again.

"I fear I did very little at all" Robin returned modestly. "It appears that Principal Mills has raised a brave and honourable son" he stated calmly, his eyes meeting hers for a moment, before turning back to the talking secretary.

"Peter and Felix are notorious for picking on younger children, particularly if they have something that they want" Katherine explained. "They practically have season tickets to this office" she quipped.

"Which they hopefully won't feel the need to redeem after helping Granny and Ruby in the kitchens for the next week" Regina stated in a low tone, before raising her head slightly to face her secretary. "Katherine would you please make Mr Locksley a coffee and bring me a staff induction pack?" she asked, before turning on the spot and heading towards the door to her inner office.

"Of course, Principal Mills" Katherine responded politely, before turning back to Robin. "So lovely to meet you".

"And you" Robin replied with a polite smile, before following Regina into her inner office.

Katherine's eyes followed Robin as he walked into the principal's inner office, watching as Regina indicated towards a seat opposite her desk before closing the door gently behind them both. As Katherine walked slowly towards the coffee machine she considered how she would be more than happy if he had a season ticket to the office…

Regina closed the door firmly behind her before walking past Robin and towards her desk. She noticed that Robin remained standing by the chair she had indicated towards until she herself had moved behind her own desk and was seated; it was only then that he took his own seat. Regina inhaled deeply and felt her heart beat slightly faster in her chest; such a subtle act of chivalry and politeness was not lost upon her, and she appreciated it more than she was able or willing to convey. She swallowed and reached for her silver fountain pen, which she held firmly in her right hand, as she tilted her head to the side slightly and watched Robin, whose attention appeared to be fixed on a marble horse on her desk.

"Do you like horses, Mr Locksley?" she asked with interest.

"Oh, yes, very much so" he replied gently, his eyes drifting from the figure on the table to her deep, enchanting eyes. "I am a keen rider, as is my son."

"Really?" Regina asked, a slight element of surprise in her tone. "My son and I are too."

"Is that so?" Robin smiled, a warm and tender smile which Regina could not help but smile back at.

"Yes" she replied. "Henry and I ride together every Saturday morning. It's something of a tradition" she stated, repeatedly removing the lid of her fountain pen with her thumb and then clicking it back into place as she spoke. At the sound of her tone Regina's smile fell slightly before disappearing almost completely, and she lowered her eyes from Robin to the marble horse which adorned her desk. Robin, sensing her discomfort, sought to placate her by turning the conversation into something related to the school and her position.

"You mentioned that there is a stable here?" he asked. Regina subtly cleared her throat.

"Yes" she replied, her eyes drifting from the horse to his face. "There are stables in the field behind the school which is closest to the woods" she explained. "There are twelve horses in total".

"Impressive" Robin stated. Regina pressed her lips together and tilted her head to the side slightly.

"The children are very fond of riding. And it's such a beautiful part of the country to roam" she continued. "There's something very liberating about riding a horse" she stated pensively, before frowning in confusion at her own conduct. Why was she speaking to freely with him?

"I quite agree" he returned gently.

Regina turned her head slowly towards him and focused upon him with an attentive yet unreadable gaze, as the sound of a sharp knock at the door drew her from her thoughts. Regina called for the person to enter and smiled politely at Katherine as she brought in two cups of coffee and an information pack in a light blue binder bearing the school's insignia, which she handed directly to Regina.

"Thank you, Katherine" Regina stated, lowering the binder onto her desk and flicking through it.

"Thank you" Robin echoed, raising the coffee to Katherine.

"You're very welcome" Katherine replied, her eyes lingering on Robin for a moment before slowly walking from the room and closing the office door behind her. Regina rolled her eyes slightly before returning her attention to the information pack before her.

Regina spent ten minutes or so discussing the school with Robin, recounting its history, her ten years' of running it and many of its policies. Robin listened intently as she spoke, asking a few questions which she answered candidly and in detail, ensuring that she provided him with the necessary information. After having gone over the basics with him she ran her fingers lightly down the cover of the light blue binder before her.

"This pack contains all the necessary documents a new teacher at this school will require" she began, her eyes not leaving the binder as she flicked through it. "The school rules and aims, a list of faculty members and students, a list of clubs, the daily schedule, important dates for school events and staff meetings and a detailed map of the school and the land surrounding it" she stated, closing the binder after satisfying herself that all the information she requested had been included. She lifted the binder from the table and handed it to Robin. "I've included information on the history curriculum and dates you will need to remember. We require essays to be written once a week per lesson for the students, just to help us keep an eye on their progress and identify if they need extra support" she explained, earning a nod from Robin. "Most of the essays will be unassessed, and so I leave it to the discretion of the teacher to choose the subject of those essays. But every so often the essays will be moderated by another faculty member" she stated. "The same with pop quizzes and exams."

"I quite understand" Robin stated, taking a brief pause from leafing through the binder and looking up as Regina spoke. "You are very thorough."

"I like to ensure that the needs of all of our students are met" she replied simply. "And being thorough and well-prepared is the way to do that."

"I agree" Robin stated with a pleasant smile, his eyes drifting down to the contract of employment at the back of the file. He'd already received a copy via email and was more than happy with it, as he was with the other information the principal's office had sent him, much of which was contained within the very file he held in his hands. "Are you happy for me to sign this now?" he asked.

"As long as you are satisfied with its contents, absolutely" Regina replied cordially. "Is there anything you wish to ask me?"

Robin rose his eyes from the binder and looked at her for a moment, his eyes becoming lost in hers once more, before inhaling deeply and shaking his head once.

"Not that I can think of, no" he replied, before gesturing to the binder. "I'd imagine this will provide me the answers to all my questions" he continued, removing the contract of employment from the file and signing it, before sliding the document across the table towards her.

Regina did not respond to him statement but pressed her lips together and reached for her coffee, drawing the cream mug to her lips and taking a few sips. It was only just after midday and she was already feeling exhausted. She placed the cup upon the table and drew the contact towards her.

"I know I provided you with some… detailed information both today and prior to your arrival, and so if there's anything you wish to ask me at any point please let me know. The contact details of myself and all the other faculty members are included in that file."

"I'll bear that in mind" he replied kindly. "Thank you."

Regina nodded in response.

"The new term officially begins next week, so the next few days or so are going to be quite busy in preparation of that" she explained, her voice adopting its trademark cool and professional tone. "There are also a couple other new members of staff starting ahead of the new term, both of whom will work in the science department, which has recently been expanded" she explained. "They're due to arrive on Monday and Tuesday" she added. "There will be an informal staff meeting on Sunday evening ahead of the official first week of term, so you'll be able to meet the majority of the staff members then ".

Robin nodded in understanding and closed the binder, placing it on the desk before him.

"I understand that this must be quite a busy time for you" he returned gently, causing Regina to look towards him with interest. "And I am, of course, willing to assist in any way."

"Thank you" she replied, before allowing a brief silence to fall between them. "I understand that your son will be arriving next week" she continued, watching as Robin's face lit up noticeably at the mention of his child. "Roland, isn't it?"

"Yes" Robin returned. "He is spending a few days with his nanny whilst I settle in here" he explained. "I wanted to unpack some of our things and make our rooms as homely as possible. I was hoping that the familiarity of our possessions in our new living quarters would ease him into this change."

"I understand" Regina replied, warmness entering her tone as she admired his consideration. Her eyes drifted across his face briefly before she glanced towards her desk and opened one of the drawers. "Speaking of which" she stated, before removing a large bunch of keys from the desk and studying them for a moment, before removing a silver key and offering it to him. "This is the key to your rooms" she stated simply, dropping the key into his waiting palm. "I have a copy of all keys, of course, but they remain locked in my office."

"Thank you" Robin stated, placing the key in his pocket.

"Some of your property has already been delivered and was placed in your rooms" Regina stated, placing her hand upon her stomach as she moved her chair back and rose from behind her desk. "I'll take you there now so that you can get settled" she explained.

Robin nodded and thanked her once more, before standing from his seat and picking up his bag from the ground, slinging it over one shoulder and following Regina out of the room. They both successfully avoided the amorous smile of Regina's smitten secretary.

Robin followed Principal Mills up another staircase which led to a marble corridor. The stairs led to the centre of the corridor, which had four five doors on the wall directly before them, and a large set of double-doors at each end. Regina explained that on each floor there were two sets of dormitories, each containing five doors which led to inner-rooms containing eight students, each with their own room, and sharing a communal area; at the end of each corridor were two double doors which were the quarters of a teacher. Two teachers were housed at the end of each corridor and were responsible for the well-being of the students at night. Robin nodded in understanding.

"To the left is the room of Mr Hook, the head of Geography" Principal Mills explained, before gesturing towards the right and leading him towards the double doors. "And these are your rooms" she explained, unlocking the door with her own key and stepping aside.

Regina allowed Robin to enter his rooms first, the scent of him lingering in the air as he passed her.

Robin walked slowly into the room and smiled at it approvingly. The room he stepped into was a large open-plan room with a couch, couple of arm chairs and fire place. There was a kitchen area and dining table to the far right and bookshelves, tables, lamps and other pieces of furniture throughout. A couple of windows on the back wall overlooked the gardens and the woods. Robin looked to the right and noticed an open door leading to a large bedroom which was fully furnished. In the room was an adjoining door leading to a small room which was also furnished and pleasantly decorated. The closed door on the wall to his right as he stepped into the main room led to a bathroom.

"I hope your rooms are satisfactory" Regina stated gently. "Your son has a room which adjoins your own, which I felt you would both prefer as opposed to having him remain on a separate floor."

"That's very kind, thank you" Robin stated, his eyes drifting from his cases beside the couch towards Regina, who had followed him into the room but stood respectfully by the door. "I'm sure my son will be quite content here."

"I hope so" Regina replied sincerely, her eyes drifting to a tall object wrapped in brown paper which rested upon his couch beside his other belongings, which she suspected was a framed picture. "I should leave you to settle in" she stated, clasping her hands before her once more. "If there is anything you require please don't hesitate to contact me."

"I'm sure everything will be fine, but thank you" he responded kindly, his eyes meeting hers once more.

Regina remained silent and completely motionless for a moment, before exhaling deeply and nodding in response.

"I'll be in my office should you require anything" she stated kindly, before turning on the spot and heading towards the door, which she closed behind her without looking back.

Regina took a few steps down the corridor towards the staircase before placing her hands on the cool marble bannister and sighing deeply. She shook her head in mild frustration at herself, before pushing herself from the bannister and regaining her composure, and walking briskly down the staircase and towards her office. She was determined to spend the remainder of her day engrossed in the paperwork she had been so expertly avoiding, instead of giving further thought to the handsome and charming Robin Locksley, who was causing her to experience feelings she had not encountered in a very long time, and which she refused to allow herself to feel again.

Regina walked briskly into her office and closed the door behind her, responding briefly to Katherine's words of greeting before asking that she was not disturbed unless absolutely necessary. Regina leaned heavily against the door of her inner office once it was closed behind her, and she felt herself calming as she took in the familiar surroundings of her sanctuary. She glanced around the office at the pictures, furniture and books which she had so carefully arranged to her own particular liking, and she walked calmly towards her elaborate desk, sitting behind and drawing the first tower of paperwork towards her. Regina picked up her fountain pen once more and drew the first file towards her, opening it and flicking through the sheets and attempting to concentrate on her work.

And yet, her mind would not allow her to do so.

Much to Regina's annoyance, every time she tried to focus on her work she found herself remembering the kind eyes and gentle voice of Mr Locksley, who acted and spoke so kindly to her son and to her, and who practically radiated charm and charisma in powerful, infuriating waves. Regina turned her pen over in her fingers several times as she closed her eyes, trying to focus on the English Literature curriculum that she was currently working on. But yet again, she found herself unable to do so. She found herself staring at the document before her but not taking in a single word. Instead she found herself remembering Robin Locksley's smile, his walk, his voice, and even his scent, all of which combined to make her limbs feel weak and her heart race within her chest. She played over their conversations and interactions in her mind, before attempting to banish them once more; but her fingers tingled at the memory of his skin against hers as they shook hands in the medical room. Regina sighed in frustration and stared ahead at the seat which had been occupied by him until recently. She turned her head to the side in annoyance, her eyes becoming fixed on a clock upon her desk which, to her surprise, revealed the time to be shortly before two o'clock. She turned to the paperwork before her and then glanced at her watch, which confirmed that she had been sitting at her desk for almost an hour and a half, and had got absolutely nothing done. Regina dropped her pen on the desk in surprise at this revelation, the act of which caused black ink to leak from the pen and onto the table.

Regina immediately stood from her desk, and she glared in annoyance at the dark mark on the side of her right hand, which had fallen victim to the ink of her fountain pen. She closed her eyes and placed her left hand on her forehead, leaning against her palm. This was ridiculous. Completely and utterly absurd. She didn't even know the man, and yet within seconds of meeting him he seemed to have acquired the ability to make her feel- No, she stopped herself, refusing to allow herself to consider how it was that he made her feel, let alone admit to it. She refused to allow her mind to even entertain the possibility that this man, this stranger, both intrigued and engaged her, and drew her towards him by some kind of indescribable pull. No she thought once more, banishing the thought from her mind and willing the weakness in her knees and the pleasant tingling of her body to disappear. He had no right to make her feel this way, and she had no right to allow herself to. She had Henry and her work and her life and that was all she wanted or needed. As she almost convinced herself of this fact she found the memory of his handsome face, contagious smile and the feeling of his eyes upon her causing her mind to feel dizzy and her breathing to deepen. She sighed in frustration once more before looking back towards the chair at the other side of her desk where he had been sitting a couple of hours before. As she looked at it this time Regina narrowed her eyes in confusion and took a step closer to her desk, staring over it and looking at an object in the centre of the chair.

The blue binder.

Regina stared at the item for a short while before slowly making her way around her desk and approaching it with caution, placing her hands upon it and raising it towards her with a slight degree of apprehension, as though she were afraid of it. Regina ran her fingers down the spine of the blue binder, her thumb lightly tracing the school's insignia on the front, before she opened it and began to flick through the pages that she had so carefully constructed for the new teachers. The more she considered the file the more she realised just how important it was that Mr Locksley had it to hand; it contained maps to the school, protocol, explanations of roles and expectations, even menus and meal arrangements. Her hands stilled between the pages as she considered the educational information within the file that he would also need ahead of the start of the term.

As Regina glanced at her watch she realised that Mr Locksley would probably be finished unpacking soon and, once that was completed, he'd realise that the folder was missing. And it wouldn't take him long to realise where he had left it. She turned towards the door and imagined the handsome figure of the intriguing stranger walking into her office and requesting the file, apologising and charming her once more, causing her cheeks to flush and her weakness to show. But she was not weak, she was strong; but feeling about him the way she was feeling now made her vulnerable, it weakened her, and compromised everything she had worked so hard to achieve and overcome. She would not allow her feelings to destroy her once more. The last time she felt this way about someone they died. Regina swallowed hard at this thought before shaking her head as if to banish the memory, her eyes befalling the folder once more, which was beginning to feel heavier in her hands. She knew that she wouldn't be able to concentrate on her work, not whilst fearing that he could come to her office at any moment to claim the folder. Instead, she would have to return it to him herself, providing him with the only reason he would need to speak to her that evening, and ensuring that she remained undisturbed. Regina sighed in relief at this plan, before clutching the folder in her left hand and walking briskly out of her office, heading quickly down the corridor and up the stair case before she changed her mind.

Robin had spent the past couple of hours unpacking his belongings, and he was almost finished. He had unpacked all of Roland's items first, of course; ensuring that his son's room was homely and comforting ahead of his arrival. He then unpacked his own belongings, hanging up his clothes, arranging his furniture and placing his books upon the shelves and his music and vinyl player in the majestic main room, which was filled with the sound of music playing from his phonograph. He had displayed some of the pictures he owned, mainly of his son, and a few paintings he had inherited now adorned the walls. The only canvas he could not find a place for was the oil painting which was propped up on the couch opposite the door, which depicted a stag and a doe standing side by side in a woodland. There was something very beautiful about the image, especially the protective stance and gaze of the stag over the doe. The picture had been wrapped in brown paper which Robin tore from it, revealing half of the painting whilst the bottom half remained covered in the packaging. Robin had been considering where to display that particular image when he came across his dartboard, which he displayed on the wall besides the door, and which he was now practicing his aim at, having found that several of his darts had not been so fortunate in remaining whole during the journey. After having fixed his prized darts Robin decided to take a break from unpacking and have a quick round or two. He was so engaged in his game and in listening to the music which was playing that he failed to hear the sound of Regina Mills knocking upon his door.

Regina knocked upon the door twice, frowning in confusion at the lack of response. She could hear music playing within the room, and yet her knocking was not answered. At first Regina thought she felt relieved at his apparent absence, as it meant that she could simply place the binder in his room and leave without having to see this charismatic stranger; he'd never know she had been there. And yet, as Regina removed her keys from her pocket and unlocked the door, she found herself feeling slightly dejected at her new colleague's absence. That was until, after stepping into the room, she found herself standing directly opposite the new Head of History, as a dart flew through the air and struck the centre of the dartboard just inches from her face.

Regina exhaled in annoyance and turned towards Robin with wide eyes, her body tense and her cheeks slightly flushed, turning a slightly deeper shade of red upon observing the flicker of amusement upon his face.

"Forgive me, m'lady-"

"It's Principal Mills" she returned angrily. "And that dart almost hit me."

"Indeed" he returned gently, some humility returning to him, as he looked at her with apologetic eyes. "I can only apologise. I did not hear you-"

"Then perhaps you should turn your music down" she retorted, watching as Robin remained still for a moment, before nodding once and turning towards his record player, which he turned off.

Regina exhaled slowly and closed her eyes, regretting her harsh tone as Robin walked from the record player to his original standing position. She pressed her lips together and produced the light blue binder.

"You left this in my office" she stated, holding the file before her.

Robin stared at her for a moment before walking confidently towards her, his eyes remaining upon hers as he approached. She felt her heart beating faster in her chest and her breathing deepening as he came closer towards her, until the comforting scent of him made her yearn to be closer to him. She banished this thought immediately and presented the folder to him by extending her arm, thus limiting how close he was able to get to her. Robin accepted the folder from her.

"Thank you" he stated gently, holding the folder in his right hand and watching as she slowly lowered her arm. "And, for the record" he began, his voice gentle as he took a couple of steps closer to her, until their bodies were just inches apart. "I am very glad that I did miss" he smiled.

Regina found the remainder of her annoyance dissipate entirely, and it took everything she had to force herself from smiling in response to his comment

"Not as much as I am" she returned, watching as he took another step towards her, his holding her gaze.

"Possibly more" he replied sincerely, before taking another step towards her so that their bodies were almost touching. He then leaned to the left and pulled the dart from the dartboard, leaning back and presenting it to her. "Would you care to try?" he asked.

Regina narrowed her eyes in confusion and tilted her head slightly to one side.

"Excuse me?"

Robin met her gaze for a few moments before indicating towards the dart once more.

"My carelessness could have resulted in your injury, which is the last thing I would want" he explained, turning the dart over in his fingers and offering it to her once more. "So why don't you give it a try, hm?" he asked, tilting his head slightly to the side, before handing her the dart and taking a few steps back, and holding his hands up in the air in mock-surrender. "I swear to you that I shan't move" he replied, his eyes alight as he spoke.

Regina turned the dart over in her fingers for a few moments, before exhaling deeply as she stared at him. He was so infuriating and yet she could not bring herself to be angry at him; if anyone else had just almost struck her with a dart she'd have them practically trembling. And yet…

Regina turned the dart over in her fingers once more before rising it in the air and pointing it in his general direction. She watched as the new Head of History remained standing with his hands out in mock-surrender, his eyes focused intently upon her, his body not even flinching. In the position that he was standing in his white shirt was pulled tightly to his chest, defining his muscles and rising up slightly to reveal part of his taught abdomen. Regina inhaled deeply and attempted to regain her composure, blocking the images which had just erupted in her mind, before drawing the dart back a few inches in the air, turning her wrist ninety degrees and releasing the dart, which landed directly between the antlers of the stag in the painting which was propped upon Robin's couch.

Robin turned his head to the side and quickly located the position of the dart, chuckling lightly to himself before turning back towards Principal Mills, who was wearing an impassive expression. She looked so serious and so stern that he found himself questioning whether it was actually she who threw the dart.

"You have quite an aim" he complemented, lowering his arms and making his way towards the couch, before pulling the dart from the painting. "Perhaps I could challenge you to a match some time?" he suggested, turning the dart around in his hand, as the principal stared at him with an unreadable expression.

"Dinner is in the main hall at seven sharp" she stated, ignoring his question and clasping her hands in front of her as she addressed him. "It's not compulsory, of course. If you would prefer to stay here and get settled then that's absolutely-"

"Seven is perfect, thank you" he stated, taking a few steps towards her once more, holding the dart before him as he twirled it in his fingers. Once they were just a few feet apart he paused. "Care for another try?" he asked, a small smile playing on his lips.

Regina stared into Robin's eyes for a few moments, her gaze flickering briefly from his eyes to the dart, before back to his face.

"I'll see you at seven" she responded, before unclasping her hands and turning on the spot, leaving his rooms and closing the door firmly behind her as she left.

Robin smiled to himself as he heard her heels clicking on the marble floor of the corridor outside his rooms and towards the staircase. He continued to turn the dart around in his hand as his mind returned to the subject which had been playing on his mind since his arrival at the school: Principal Mills. Robin walked back to his original standing position and turned to face the board once more, smiling to himself as he released the dart, as he realised that he did not even know Principal Mills' first name.