Robin remained with Regina for a few minutes after she fell asleep, watching over her to ensure that she was alright. Her face which had been contorted in pain and confusion was now free from any signs of stress or fear, and she slept soundly against the soft white pillows upon her bed. He smiled softly at her sleeping form before easing himself off the bed and standing tall above her, adjusting her blankets (which had become tangled during her attempt to stand), and covering her tired and broken body. Shortly afterwards Henry came quietly into the room sitting in a chair besides his mother's bed and watching her nervously and in complete silence. Robin reassured the boy once more that his mother would be absolutely fine, and that he had played a crucial role in getting her the medical attention she needed. Robin smiled kindly at the boy, whose honest eyes shone with trust in the statements of his teacher, before rising from his kneeling position and excusing himself from the room. Despite not wanting to leave Regina's side, Robin wished to give Henry some time alone with his mother, knowing that it would comfort the nervous child. He walked reluctantly towards the door, casting a glance back as his fingers gripped the handle, watching as Henry climbed onto his mother's bed and lay beside her like a small child. As Robin closed the door behind him he could hear Henry talking to his mother in a low voice. He was asleep a few minutes later.
Robin remained in Regina's spacious apartment for the next few hours, talking to Mother Superior and checking on the patient when Whale returned. Although Mother Superior had assured Robin she would remain with Regina and Henry, Robin found himself battling a strong, internal force within him that absolutely forbade his departure. This, combined with Roland's concern for the principal and his insistence that they stayed 'until she feels better and she is okay', ensured that he remained in the apartment. Mother Superior smiled at his explanation, and if he did not know any better, he'd say she approved. The nurse saw clearly that Henry was fond of Mr Locksley, and he handed the situation involving the child's fight with Peter remarkably, so she felt certain that he would be a more than adequate guardian until Regina woke. From a conversation she shared with the principal's son earlier, she was absolutely certain that the boy wished him to stay, but she was mindful of his other commitments. Thankfully, Roland seemed to be more than willing to rearrange his and his father's weekend plans, amusing himself by reading some old books of Henry's as he sat on Regina's luxurious couch.
Dr Whale called in every hour or so, checking on Regina and offering words of assurance to Henry, who woke shortly after the doctor's first call back. Over the hours that followed Regina's eyes flickered open a few times, but she quickly fell back asleep. Occasionally she would turn her head to the side or moan slightly whilst in her deep slumber, but she did not wake. This caused Henry increased concern, which Robin attempted to allay, reminding him of how strong his mother was and how Dr Whale had assured them that she would be alright. He then led the reluctant Henry from his mother's bedside as the doctor and Mother Superior examined her, pouring him some juice and sitting with him at the breakfast bar. As soon as Henry was seated Roland came bounding up to him, showing him an old edition of The Chronicles of Narnia, which had once belonged to Henry. The small boy asked him to read it to him and Henry assented, sitting with him on the couch and spending time with the animated youngster. It proved an apt but temporary distraction for the boy, who rose to his feet as Dr Whale and Mother Superior stepped into the living area.
"She's absolutely fine" Dr Whale began. "Her pulse is strong, her pupils are reactive and the wound is no longer bleeding" he added, nodding towards Henry as he spoke.
Robin stepped away from the breakfast bar and stood behind the couch, watching the doctor and nodding in understanding as he spoke.
"Is there anything we can do for her?" Robin asked.
"You're doing everything you can" Mother Superior replied gently, a nervous look upon her face. "Doctor Whale and I are required to spend our time at opposite ends of the school during the weekends, to watch over the children and be on duty should there be an accident or medical emergency" she began, gesturing with her hands as she spoke. "It's a protocol Regina initiated, and one which she is very keen to uphold" she continued gently. "I remain in the east wing and Dr Whale in the west".
"Obviously, this is an exceptional event which has necessitated our presence here" Whale interceded. "But the afternoon is upon us and, from personal experience, this tends to be the time when our services are most needed" he explained. "We also have several students with various medical conditions, from diabetes to epilepsy, who require us to check on them at regular intervals" he explains. "And as I have just informed Mother Superior, one of our third graders suffered a rather nasty seizure late this morning, and I feel it necessary for her to remain with the child in the west wing whilst I remain on duty in the east."
"Of course" Robin stated in response, nodding in understanding. Mother Superior hesitated before taking a step forward.
"Regina will be fine, but she should not be unattended, considering what has happened" she explained.
"And she won't be" Robin returned gently. "I shall remain here for as long as she and Henry require me to be" he continued, turning towards Henry with a reassuring smile.
"Thanks, Mr Locksley" Henry replied, offering him a small smile in return. He felt better knowing that Mr Locksley would be with them. He knew he'd take real good care of his mom.
"Not at all" he returned softly, before turning back towards Mother Superior.
"One of us will return every hour to check on her" she stated. "And if you have any concerns, please call us immediately" she continued, fixing his gaze with an imploring stare.
"I assure you I will" Robin returned, and she nodded.
"Thank you" she replied sincerely. "I appreciate this probably isn't how you thought you'd be spending your weekend" she added, turning towards Roland with a sympathetic smile.
"I want to stay with Principal Mills too" Roland piped up, looking from Mother Superior to his father, as if seeking permission.
"And you shall, my boy" he returned. "You and I will stay with Henry and Principal Mills until she is feeling better. Alright?" Roland nodded, a satisfied smile upon his lips, as snuggled against the side of the couch with his book.
"Anything, Robin, please call" Mother Superior stated.
"I will" he stated, before walking her and Whale to the door. "Thank you for everything you've done today" he stated.
"Our pleasure" Mother Superior returned, as Whale made his way silently down the corridor. "Goodbye."
"Goodbye" Robin replied, before closing the door behind him and turning towards Henry and Roland, who were both sat upon the couch.
Robin's eyes drifted to a beautiful clock upon the mantel piece above the fire, which revealed the time to be shortly before 1pm.
"You boys must be hungry" Robin offered, his statement provoking a keen look from Roland and a slightly subdued one from Henry. "Why don't I make you both some lunch?"
A few doors away Regina Mills lay beneath the soft cream blankets which adorned her, her eyes closed and her face pressed lightly against the pillow. She'd been semi-conscious for almost ten minutes, but was too weary to even attempt to display this when Doctor Whale was present, but since his departure she had fought valiantly to remain awake. She remembered hearing Henry's voice, feeling his small body besides her on the bed; she knew he was okay, and her body and mind felt light and weightless with this priceless knowledge. As she considered this, Regina spent the next few minutes attempting to wake. She knew her son was fine, but she had to see him, she yearned to. During these attempts, Regina's eyes had flickered open on several occasions, her fingers flexing across the blankets which were upon her, and stroking the side of the small wooden horse in her palm. As she felt the object in her hand she found herself thinking of Robin's voice, his tender whispered tone, his hand upon hers, pressing the object into her palm and wrapping her fingers around it. She would have considered it to be a dream had she not held the evidence in her hand, felt the memory of his hands upon her skin, and found herself feeling indescribably comforted by his words. Regina sighed lightly and placed the ornament on her bedside table, the wooden figure clinking against the side of her now empty glass. She remembered trying to get out of bed, talking to him, muttering something which she now struggled to remember. She remembered her head pressed against his chest, his hands gently guiding her back towards the pillows, his body pressed close to hers. She could smell him on the sheets beside her. As she inhaled deeply and hummed at the scent, which was mingled with a natural and earthen aroma, she found a memory return to her, a laugh, a smile, a few hastily spoken words. "You smell like forest" she had stated, before sleep claimed her once more. Regina's eyes flickered open and she groaned in annoyance at her conduct, her own words haunting her. Hopefully he didn't hear her, and if he did, maybe he'd blame the head injury. Perhaps she could too.
Regina remained still and silent for a minute or so, before turning slowly onto her left side and inhaling deeply. As she did so the dull aching pain in her head returned to her with full force, causing her to clamp her hand to her head and groan in pain, as she leaned back into her previous position. Her eyes were firmly closed as she worked through the pain, which caused her to feel dizzy and slightly nauseous, before she found herself feeling strong enough to open her eyes once more, blinking hazily several times before finding herself able to focus. She looked around her room for a few moments, trying to focus her attention on the familiar surroundings, as she pushed herself onto her left side once more, her legs tiredly shifting beneath the blankets as she pushed herself into a sitting position. She groaned in pain once more, clasping her hand to her head and squinting as she allowed her body to get used to the new position. After a minute or so she threw the blankets back clumsily, causing cool air to spread across her body, chilling her slightly. Regina exhaled deeply as she slowly moved her tired legs over the edge of the bed, her feet pressing upon the cool wooden floor. As she did so she found her attention drawn to her knee, which was felt sore and much colder than the rest of her body. She focused upon it and quickly noticed the bandage, the torn material, her exposed leg. She sighed lightly against her hand, raising her eyebrows slightly as she considered yet another injury, before turning her head from side to side in an attempt to wake herself. She rubbed her head tiredly and ran her hand across her head, humming lightly as she remained seated on the edge of the bed, her hands pressed to the mattress, the wooden object in her palm grazing against her skin. She sighed contently at this, turning the familiar figurine over in her hand, as she breathed through her dizziness and found herself feeling more stable. After a few more minutes, and with the assistance of the bedside table, Regina stood.
As soon as she was on her feet Regina felt instantly dizzy, and had to close her eyes and lean into her hands to prevent herself from falling backwards. She shifted on her feet from left to right in attempt to settle her unease and instability, before turning to the right and taking a tentative few steps towards the door. She felt as though she were swaying as she walked, but she could not be certain, and she remained upright. She inhaled deeply and headed towards the door, gaining more confidence with each step, before reaching out towards the door. She tried to grab the handle but her hand was shaking slightly, as she missed it on a few occasions. She closed her eyes tiredly and leaned against the door, the wood feeling cool against her flushed skin, as her hand drifted down the wooden panelling in search of the handle. As her left cheek was pressed against the door she was able to make out the sound of distant voices. She heard Henry's voice distinctly, and thought she heard the upbeat tone of Roland Locksley as well. The sounds were muffled and distant, concealed partly by the low hum of the television. But as her hand reached the handle and gripped it securely, she heard the voice of Robin Locksley distinctly above the others, and her eyes snapped open. She leaned back slightly from the door, pressing down upon the handle, and walking slowly from her room.
The corridor seemed brighter than she remembered, and notably longer. She placed her left hand upon the wall as she walked, her fingertips drifting across the smooth wallpaper as she made her way towards the sound of the voices, which increased and became clearer with each step she took. Her head was no longer pounding as it once was, but she was suffering from a persistent dull ache which she was trying to block out, but which was exacerbated by the brightness of the corridor. She shielded her eyes using her right hand, before opening her eyes wider and lowering her forearm, finding herself adjusting to the brightness of her home as she reached the end of the corridor. A few moments later she approached the tall archway which led to the main rooms of her apartment, including a spacious living area and kitchen, where the sound of Henry and Roland's voices became louder and more pronounced. She lingered in the hallway for a moment, leaning against the edge of the archway, as her eyes grew accustomed to the scene before her.
Regina watched as Robin Locksley moved from her kitchen towards the couch, his hands laden with two plates which contained a delicious looking sandwich and potato chips, handing one to his beaming son and offering the other to Henry.
"Thanks, Mr Locksley, but I'm not hungry" Henry replied politely, the sad tone of his voice causing Regina to instinctively step forward into the room.
Robin eased himself onto the couch beside Henry, balancing the plate on his own lap as the young boy turned towards him.
"Henry, I know that you're worried about your mother" he stated, causing the teen to look up at him nervously. "But she will be absolutely fine, I assure you" he continued, the gentleness of his tone causing Regina to relax entirely, and feel almost completely at ease. "She just needs to rest for a while longer, until she feels better" he stated kindly. "But you haven't eaten anything at all today, you must be very hungry" he persisted, watching the hungry look upon the boy's expression. "And your mother would want you to eat."
"She would" came the low, tired voice of Regina Mills as she stepped into view, causing Robin, Henry and Roland to turn towards her in surprise.
Robin instantly stood to his feet, his face breaking into a relieved smile which overrode his shocked expression.
"Mom!" Henry yelled, leaping from his seat and rushing towards her, his eyes surveying her curiously as he wrapped his arms tenderly around her waist. Regina returned the gesture, holding him close and leaning against him.
"Principal Mills!" Roland smiled, putting his plate upon the couch and rising from the sofa. His movements were stilled by Robin, who knew that Henry needed to be close to his mother.
Robin placed Henry's rejected plate upon the table took a few steps towards Regina and Henry, his eyes scanning the injured woman to make sure she was alright, as he remained a respectful distance away from mother and son.
"Henry, are you alright?" she asked, holding him tightly against her as she ran her hand gently up his back.
"I'm fine, mom" he responded.
Henry smiled broadly as he held his mother tightly, his arms wrapped across her waist, her own arms returning the gesture. After a few moments Henry felt Regina's grip upon him weaken slightly, and her body began to sway, causing him to increase his grip upon her.
"Mom, are you okay?" he asked, moving his head from her collar as he looked up at her with nervous eyes.
Before Regina could respond she heard hastily approaching footsteps, before feeling Robin's arm across her back, his hand upon her shoulder, encouraging her to lean against him. Her eyes closed and she found herself leaning against him instinctively, before opening her eyes and pushing herself into a straighter standing position.
"I'm fine" she replied, her voice low and weak, as she rose her right hand to her aching head.
"Regina, come and sit down" Robin stated gently, as she felt herself being guided towards the couch.
Regina? She thought, as he eased her onto the couch and knelt before her, as Henry sat beside her and wrapped his arm across her middle of her back. When did that happen? She thought.
"The punch bowl" she muttered tiredly, rubbing her eyes as she leaned against the edge of the couch. Robin looked up at Regina with concern, placing his hand upon her right arm to keep her steady.
"Mom?" asked Henry worriedly, his eyes narrowed in concern. The sound of his voice sobered Regina instantly, and she inhaled deeply and turned towards him with tired eyes.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart" she stated, offering him a small smile. "I'm just a little dizzy, that's all." Henry seemed to relax at the explanation and nodded in understanding.
"I'll call Dr Whale" Robin announced, reaching into his pocket for his phone.
"That's really not necessary" Regina protested, her voice acquiring confidence and her tone sounding more normal.
"I'm afraid it is" Robin returned gently, his silky tone causing her eyes to drift towards him. "We just need to make sure that you're alright."
"I'm fine, I'm fine" she repeated, lowering her gaze. "What about Rocinante?" she asked, raising her head slightly and meeting Robin's eyes. "Is he-"
"Your grooms found him a couple hours ago, he's fine, completely unhurt" Robin reassured her. "Unlike you."
"Hm" Regina returned, rubbing her head tiredly and raising her eyebrows.
"It hasn't been your week, has it?" he continued gently.
"Apparently not" she returned, her eyes staring into his, her heart racing as she did so.
"I'll be right back" Robin assured her, removing his hand from her arm and rising as he made the phone call.
Regina turned towards Henry and an excitable Roland, talking to them both and feeling more conscious and steady as she did so. Henry explained what happened during the accident, which sounded familiar to Regina's amongst her hazy memories and confusion, and she nodded in understanding. By the time Dr Whale arrived a few minutes later she felt more awake and notably stronger, the desire to melt into the side of the sofa having dissipated completely.
Whale spent a few frustrating minutes examining Regina, taking her pulse and checking her pupils before examining her wound once more. Robin could tell Regina was growing impatient, and he perfectly understood why. Dr Whale was decidedly lacking in bedside manner.
"You should have remained in bed, Regina" Whale stated, attempting to sound professional but coming across as patronising. "You really need to rest."
"Thank you, but I'm fine", Regina countered, her voice low and gentle, her tone decisive. "I can rest perfectly well on my couch"
"Of course" Dr Whale returned lightly, sighing in mild annoyance as he did so. Robin noticed Henry scowl at the man. "How's your memory, Regina, do you recall the accident at all?"
"Vaguely, yes" she replied gently. "I remember bits a pieces but… some it's still a blur" she replied, frowning as she attempted to piece together her fragmented memories. The last memory she had of her accident specifically was of her body being pulled against someone, held securely yet with remarkable tenderness, the scent of Robin Locksley soothing her into a deep sleep. "Some things are clearer than others" she added distractedly. Whale nodded once, before standing before Regina.
"Everything seems perfectly fine" he stated calmly. "I'll give you something for the pain, and Mother Superior will come to change your dressings when required" he continued. "If you become faint, vomit or suffer pain please call me immediately."
"Of course" Regina nodded, lowering her gaze from Whale's, before looking up at him with a tired yet sincere expression. "Thank you, Dr Whale" she stated. "For everything you've done."
"Not a problem" he returned, offering her a tight smile before nodding towards Robin. "You'll stay with her, of course?"
Before Robin could answer Regina looked up at Whale with a surprised expression. She did not appreciate being talked about as if she weren't in the room.
"Thank you, but that's not necessary" she stated curtly to Whale. "I think I've imposed upon Mr Locksley and his son for long enough" she added.
"There's no imposition, I assure you" Robin returned sincerely.
"Regina, you really shouldn't be left alone" Whale stated declaratively.
"I'm fine, I don't need a babysitter" she protested, averting her gaze from them both. She felt incredibly embarrassed and did not want Robin to be coerced into spending more of his time with her.
"Regina-" Robin began.
"Mom, please" Henry stated, his tone causing Regina's eyes to drift towards him instantly. "You're not fine" he stated with conviction, watching as his mother frowned with disappointment. "Mr Locksley and Roland have been taking real good care of you, and me" he stated, watching as Regina's expression softened slightly. "Please let them stay, please."
"I want to stay with you" interceded Roland, who tugged lightly on Regina's arm, staring up at her with those dark, beautiful eyes. Her expression softened.
"Regina, I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist that someone remain with you" Whale stated. "Would you like me to call Tink?"
"No" Regina returned, her eyes not leaving the faces of Henry and Roland. "Tink's working on an art display for the second graders, it's gonna keep her busy all weekend" she stated distractedly. "And I don't want to worry her."
"Mom" Henry stated in a strong, commanding tone. "Please let Mr Locksley stay, please."
"Please, Principal Mills" Roland asked, staring up at her with an imploring gaze. Regina smiled lightly in response before turning towards Robin, who was watching the scene with a warm expression.
"Are you sure that you don't mind?" she asked, a guilty expression upon her face.
"Not in the least" he returned instantly, his tone heavy with sincerity. "The boys have been getting on wonderfully, I'm sure they'd like to spend some more time together" he stated. "And Dr Whale's right" he continued. "It is not wise for you to be alone right now. Not for today, at least" he added. "I promise you we'll be out of your hair tomorrow." Regina smiled appreciatively at him.
"Thank you" she added, as Henry and Roland hugged her victoriously.
Robin smiled and led Dr Whale to the door, exchanging a few words with the doctor before he left. As Whale walked down the corridor towards the main staircase, he considered how the usually cool and detached principal acted in the company of Mr Locksley and his son, and he frowned in confusion. She must have hit her head harder than I thought…
Robin closed the door firmly behind Dr Whale, his eyes drifting towards the couch, watching as Henry and Roland continued talking to Regina. He smiled warmly at the scene, before walking towards them slowly, his eyes drifting across them.
"Boys, Principal Mills is rather weary after her ordeal" he explained gently. "Why don't you eat your lunches and give her a moment to wake up" he stated, earning a curious look from Regina.
"It's fine, really" Regina stated lightly, gazing adoringly at her son and Roland. "It's so nice to be with you both" she smiled, holding Henry's hand tightly in her own. "But Mr Locksley's right" she added, her tone adopting its trademark authoritative tone. "You do need to eat your lunches, so why don't you stay here for a minute whilst I get changed" she stated, before placing her hands upon her legs and rising to her feet. Robin took several steps towards her but was stilled by Regina's gaze. "I'm fine" she stated reassuringly, a slightly professional edge to her tone, as she turned and headed back towards her bedroom.
"Are you-?" Robin began, cutting off mid-sentence as the words he needed alluded him. Regina turned towards him with a confused expression and he took several steps towards her. "Are you sure you feel able to-"
"Yes" she replied, mild annoyance entering her tone. She sighed. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be" he replied instantly. "Forgive me, I don't mean to wrap you in cotton wool" he stated, causing a small laugh from Regina. "But you still seem unsteady on your feet, and you're clearly feeling dizzy" he continued gently, watching as she stared at him with her beautiful, dark eyes. "I can always call Mother Superior to-"
"Why don't you give me five minutes to change before calling the search party?" Regina stated gently. "I'm fine" she repeated, offering him a small smile as she headed down the corridor and towards her bedroom. Robin watched her walk confidently towards her room until she was out of sight.