A/N: I'm sorry an update has taken so long! I've just been struggling with a writer's block and every time I begin writing, I get an awful headache for some odd reason, but I've managed to push through to bring you this next chapter. Enjoy and let me know what you think!
The journey back to Robin's kingdom is an exhausting one. Regina finds it strange how one could be riding in a carriage with horses doing all the work and still be so tired day after day. Needless to say, she doesn't do much socializing with her husband-to-be. They ride in the same carriage but they hardly speak. At first she thought Robin would try to initiate conversation, but she supposes now, after she's involuntarily managed to shut down his attempts to talk to her, he's given up. However, as much as she thinks she probably should talk to Robin, she's grateful for the silence that rests between them. It gives her time to think, time to gather her thoughts. Maybe that's what wears her out so much, all of her thinking. Her father used to tell her that her mind could run all day if she let it. Nowadays, that's all that kept her going.
Nights on the road are very nerve wracking. All Regina wants to do is eat her supper and retire to bed once they've made camp. The men get the fire going quickly and within the hour, dinner is served, but they sure do take a long time to finally fall asleep, no matter how exhausted she is. Regina lies awake listening to their hearty laughs and loud conversation for several hours before it finally quiets down, as the last of them slip off to their tents for the night. She wonders if it'll be the same way at Sherwood. She wonders a lot of things about the land she will rule as queen. She knows nothing of Robin's kingdom and he had made it clear that she was a foreigner to his people.
On the final leg of their journey, Regina finally decides to spark a conversation. Robin has long since given up trying, and now it's time to prove that she can speak after all.
"You didn't tell me much of your kingdom," she says. "All I know are what others tell me."
Robin turns to her, his blue eyes cool and serious, lacking their warmth that she had seen when he had first met her just days ago. "And what were you told?" he asks.
Regina licks her lips to wet them, but her mouth is suddenly dry. She hopes she does not offend the king with what she's about to say. "They say you live in tent villages and lead nomadic lives. You're hunters and gatherers and not a civilized people," she says. "In fact, they say you're barbarians, that you attack villages, kill men, and rape and enslave the women and children."
Regina watches as Robin swallows thickly. "That is what the kingdoms say about mine, now is it?" he asks, looking miffed. "That we are savages?"
"That is what I have heard, not what everyone believes," she replies, turning away from him, fear bubbling up inside of her.
"And what do you believe?" Robin asks. "How do you think we live?"
Regina shrugs her shoulders. "I-I don't know. I don't think I believe them. So far, I have seen men who like to drink and laugh a lot."
Robin laughs a little at that and Regina manages a small chuckle of her own. "My Merry Men, I call them. They're my elite guard, the most trusted men in my court, all good ones too," he says and his face suddenly falls. "They're not savages."
"I didn't mean any offense by what I said," Regina says quickly. "I was only–"
"I'm not upset at you," Robin says. "I just wish my kingdom would get the respect it deserves. The only man who treats me as an equal and not a barbarian is your uncle, King Leopold."
"Your people–"
"See me as their king," Robin interrupts. "I've always been their prince, and now because of my father's death, I'm their king. They don't see me as their equal. They see me as a way to power, glory, and riches. They see me as some sort of damned god to be worshipped."
"I don't see you that way," Regina says, her voice quivering a little, not wanting to anger Robin further. She hadn't known he felt this way about being king.
Robin's sharp eyes meet hers. "No, you don't," he agrees, his expression growing distant, hurt even. "You're afraid of me. Just like those who feed you lies."
"I'm not afraid of you," Regina says softly. "Admittedly, at first, I was. But that was because of all the other men who were bidding on me. I didn't want to end up with a cruel man and now I can see that the man I did get paired with is kind and honorable and his people are, too. I am still scared. I'm scared because I have to marry a man I don't know, I have to help him rule a foreign kingdom which has never housed a queen without their blood, and much is going to be expected of me as their queen. I am scared because I know nothing of this place I am to live for the rest of my life, and I'll know no one there. Not even my husband. I'm not scared of you, though. Just of what's to come."
Robin reaches across the way and takes Regina's hand in his. "That fear I understand," he says. "Ever since my father died, I have had an entire kingdom depending on me to make sure they are taken care of and protected. At least I will have a queen by my side to help me rule, but I fear our marriage as well. You're a stranger to me, as I am to you, and I always thought that when this moment came, I'd be happily in love with the woman I was to marry, to share a kingdom, bed, and children with."
Regina pulls away from Robin when he brings up those three things. She wishes now that she would have paid attention to the teachings she'd had as a child about being queen so that she could rule now, for she had always thought she would get out of marrying into the throne. She had underestimated her mother. She wishes she had asked more questions about the marriage bed, for she knows what she's overheard, and she's sure this king before her has had plenty of practice on the women in his kingdom. And children. Oh she was not ready to be a mother, as much as she wanted to become one someday. She had just come out of childhood and into adulthood on her last name day for she was only eighteen, and a child couldn't raise a child.
"Why don't we tell each other a little about ourselves," Robin says, breaking the silence and thus, Regina's thoughts. "It'll help us become more acquainted with one another before the wedding."
Regina nods. "Very well. What do you want to know?" she asks.
"Before we left, you went to the stables to fetch your horse," Robin states. "You were very good with him, gentle, soothing, and you knew what you were doing. I take it you like horses?" Regina nods so he continues. "Do you ride?"
"Yes," she replies, smiling a little. Thinking of her horse and the jumping courses she would ride him on made her feel giddy with freedom.
"Who taught you?" Robin inquires.
"My father," Regina says. "He insisted he taught me himself instead of hiring a tutor. I've been working on my riding since I was ten."
Robin smiles. "It seems you have not only learned to ride but to bond with horses."
"Well, I suppose. I've always had a special bond with Rocinante. We have been together since the day I watched his mother give birth to him," she informs. "Our stable boy had the real knack for horses. They all loved him more than they loved me. Sometimes, I think that even Rocinante would pick him over me," Regina says, her face growing nostalgic as she spoke of her stable boy, her Daniel.
"Were you friends with this stable boy of yours?" Robin asks innocently and Regina knows he has no idea of what happened to the stable boy.
She nods, however, deciding not to get into it. Maybe she will tell Robin of Daniel someday, but not now, not while the wounds are fresh and her fiancé is a mere stranger. "Yes," she answers. "We were."
Robin must sense the hesitation in her voice because he stops then, deciding not to prod further. "So what do you wish to know about me?"
"Anything," Regina answers, shrugging her shoulders. "I'm sure there's more to you than being a ruler of a kingdom. So tell me. Do you have any favorite hobbies?" she asks.
Robin is silent for a moment, deep in his thoughts. "I love horseback riding and archery but since I was crowned king, I haven't had much time for either of those. Well, for fun at least." Her fiancé's face grew grim.
"Then just what have you been firing your arrows at?" Regina asks, frowning slightly.
"The ogres are seeping into our lands ever since the Dark One started driving them out of King Maurice's realm. We're trying to push them north where the civilization grows less and less, but it's hard work and I'm losing soldiers trying to keep the ogres out if the villages," Robin says with a sigh.
"I'm sorry," Regina says. "I'm sure you'd rather be saving your people than wedding a stranger."
"Actually, wedding you will help protect my people," Robin replies. "You see, your uncle, King Leopold, gave me the money to place the highest bet. He wanted me to save you from a terrible king husband who wouldn't treat you right. He knew I needed a wife and knew I'd be good to you so he was willing to offer me money and then some so I could save his niece. The extra money granted to my kingdom will help supply my troops, buy more men, and hopefully, help support my subjects."
When Regina gave him a look, Robin continued.
"Driving the ogres out has cost my kingdom a lot on armor, weapons, and men. We are running low on money and we have had to raise taxes. However, the people can't pay when the ogres destroy their crops and ruin their villages. They have no means of getting that money to us," Robin says. "Recently, I've been having my Merry Men raid nobles from enemy kingdoms, making them up to be a band of thieves, to get the extra money."
"Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor?" Regina asks.
Robin nods. "Yes," he replies. "Until your uncle's proposal came along, that's what I've had to do. I know it isn't honorable but my people are suffering and it's helped. Desperate times call for desperate measures."
"I'm sorry it's come to that," Regina says sympathetically. "I hope our marriage benefits your people and I admire that you care so much for them. Most kings would throw those who couldn't pay their taxes into jail. Leopold is a kind king as well, but he doesn't tolerate those who cannot pay. And my grandfather, King Xavier, is not a nice man at all. Sometimes he just does what he does for fun."
"Thank you, Regina. I try to be a great King like my father was. He had much compassion for his people. As do I. And I have faith that our marriage will help me stay on track with the legacy he has left behind, Robin replies in full confidence. "But I will warn you... while I have much hope that our marriage will help my kingdom, many in my court do not approve of a foreign queen. They'll try to do anything to ensure I chose one of the noblewomen of Sherwood to wed instead. I won't give up on this though. Your hand will help me save my kingdom, and you are a much better choice than any of those conceited women in my kingdom. They envy the title of queen just for power and riches. You seem to be generally interested in the people."
Regina nods, taking in this information with a troubled heart, but also glad to see Robin doesn't see her as he does most women. She doesn't want to be a queen but she will help those she is put in charge of in any way she can. While her heart is true, she is worried about what those in Robin's court would think of her. "If I'm going to make a good impression, I should know more about your kingdom," she says after a moment.
"Don't worry, I've already arranged that," Robin says. "Among your many servants is a girl we call Tink. She will be your tutor. She will teach you about our culture and customs. She'll teach you the dances, what to wear, how to do everything, really. And she will teach you our language."
Regina swallows thickly. "You speak another language?" she asks nervously.
Robin nods. "The elves were first settled in Sherwood Forest, once upon a time, before the humans drove them away or intermarried with those remaining. Every Sherwood man and woman has Elvish blood in them. We're all one with nature, take strongly to archery, and to honor our ancestors, we speak the Elvish language. Most of my people are not fluent in the common tongue. As royalty, I was forced to be to communicate with other kings and kingdoms. But, in order to gain the people's respect, you'll have to become a true Sherwood queen and that means you'll have to learn our language."
Regina nods slowly. "I will try my best," she assures.
"Tink will make sure you learn quickly. Elvish is much easier to learn than the common tongue, milady, I assure you," Robin says and reaches across the way to take her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. "You needn't worry about learning our ways. They will be easy to catch on to. Now, when we stop for the night, it will be at our home and I need you to be rested up. You're going to be very busy leading up to our wedding. Get some rest."
Regina smiles and nods before closing her eyes and sinking into a light, uneasy sleep.
When Robin wakes her, the sun is long gone from the sky, the trees are thick and as big around as a house and not an ounce of light trickles through their canopies. Regina climbs out of the carriage to find herself confronted by a large tent city illuminated by bonfires and lanterns. The tents are very large, colored in what appeared to be red and gold, and a banner with a rearing lion hangs from each one, flowing in the wind. It is actually quite a beautiful sight.
"Your people are right about one thing," Robin says. "We are nomadic people. We do live in tents, but these are some of the finest tents you'll ever live in. Come with me, I'll show you to yours."
Regina begins following Robin through the tent city, a few men following behind, carrying the couple of trunks she had brought with her belongings. One of them brings along Rocinante, who has his ears pricked in curiosity as he surveys his new surroundings.
"My men will take your horse to be with the others," Robin informs as the guard begins walking away with her gelding. "He'll be fed, watered, and cleaned, ready for you to see him in the morning."
Regina hears half of it, but she immediately tunes out the second a large, gray beast with glittering yellow eyes is standing before her, sniffing at her skirts. Her breathing picks up and she takes a step backwards, but the creature follows, the fur on the back of its neck prickling.
"Robin..." Regina breathes in fear. Her first night in Sherwood and she's about to be eaten by the largest wolf she's ever seen.
"Cael, no," Robin says sharply, waving his hand to shoo the beast away. The wolf hesitantly takes two steps back and stares at Regina with its golden eyes that seem to glow in the darkness. Robin turns to Regina then. "I'm sorry, milady, he gets very curious about strangers."
"Th-that's a-a..." Regina stumbles over her words.
"A direwolf," Robin says, bending down and beckoning the creature with a wave of his hand. "Bigger than any wolf you will ever see. They're extraordinary hunters and are given as pets to royalty. When we are married, you'll receive one of your own."
"They don't..."
Robin laughs and takes Regina's hand, guiding her down onto her hands and knees before the beast. His head is double the size of hers, his limbs as thick as tree branches. He stands at the height of a pony and the muscles ripple beneath his heavy gray pelt,
"As fearsome as they look, direwolves are loyal to their masters if raised from pup to adult. They'll never turn on you if you treat them kindly and they will always heed your command," Robin says as he scratches the large wolf behind the ears. "Cael won't harm you, milady. Go on, give him a pet. It's the easiest way to win his heart."
Regina hesitantly reaches her hand out, drawing it back quickly as the wolf sticks his nose out to sniff her, but she regains her confidence and places her hand on his muzzle and then on top of his head where she gives his fur a few strokes. Cael lowers himself to the ground and shows her his belly.
"I suppose he likes his belly rubbed, too?" Regina asks.
"Well yes, but he's telling you that you're his boss. He knows me as his his alpha and he knows you are to be my mate. Therefore, you are above him now," Robin informs. "He will listen to you once we teach you Elvish."
Regina smiles and rubs Cael's belly. He leans up and licks her chin. She never imagined she would let a wolf this close to her throat before, especially one so big and powerful. "Cael. It's a lovely name. What does it mean?"
"Archer or arrow in Elven," Robin replies. "Cael was just a pup when I got him a few years ago and a rambunctious one at that. He always chose the most inopportune moments to visit the archery range. Needless to say, he took an arrow to the leg and that's how he earned his name."
"Poor guy," Regina says, growing more comfortable around Robin's pet wolf. She was growing anxious to get her own, wondering what it would be like to raise and befriend such a magnificent creature.
"He's got the battle scar as evidence. Now he knows better than to get in the way of a bow knocked with an arrow. It was a good lesson to him. It's saved his life many times now," Robin chuckles and stands up, helping Regina to her feet. "Well, come on, I'll show you to your tent."
Robin leads Regina along and Cael follows behind them, keeping close to the side of his new alpha female. As they walk along, she feels the gazes of many who peer at her from their tents and she is grateful for the fearsome sight of the direwolf whose gaze makes them shy away.
Finally, they arrive to a tent that's quite large but rests near an even bigger one. "Your tent is linked to mine if you need anything. This one is temporary. You'll come stay with me after the wedding. Go ahead and sleep, you'll need your rest. My men have put your trunks inside and so you can use your own pajamas for tonight."
Regina nods and heads inside, heavy footsteps following her. She turns to see Cael in the entrance, begging to enter.
"Cael, come on, you big oaf. I don't think Regina wants a big, smelly wolf in her tent," Robin says. If Regina isn't mistaken, the direwolf seems to frown.
"He can stay," she says from inside and pats her leg to invite Cael in. He actually isn't as scary now that the candles from the tent illuminate him, allowing Regina to see his face. His eyes don't glow now. In fact they're big and pleading like a dog who wants a bone. He's actually quite cute. "I wouldn't mind the company."
"Very well," Robin says from outside. "Send him over if he's a bother."
When she hears him walking away, Regina fastens the tent, leaving her alone with the huge, carnivorous beast. She begins changing and turns to look at the wolf who has settled at her feet. "Mother would be throwing a fit if she saw this," she says as she slips out of her dress. "She always warned me not to go near a wolf and here I am with one at my feet, bigger than what I've ever seen."
Cael looks up at her and wags his tail. He doesn't look her in the eyes, however, and she supposes it's a dominance thing since he knows she is his superior.
Regina slips her gown on and heads over to the feather mattress on the ground, covered in fur blankets. She sinks beneath them with a sigh, glad to be in an actual bed and not just a pile of blankets on the floor of a poorly made cloth tent as she had been previously.
Cael comes over and joins her, plopping down nearly on top of her.
"You're too big to be laying on me," Regina grunts and rolls out from beneath him, giving him more room. He takes up most of the cot, but she likes the comfort of knowing this animal will rip the throat out of anyone who may come to harm her in the night, though she doubts that will happen, it makes her feel safer. "Goodnight, Cael."
The direwolf lays his big head down on her chest and Regina runs her hand through his fur. He's not as soft as she expected. His fur is course and bristly, but also very thick. She discovers a softer undercoat and supposes he's made for the cold winters that Sherwood is known for. Regina sighs and lets her eyes fall closed. "I may not know anyone here but at least I have you as a friend... and Rocinante," she tells the wolf, who seems to already be asleep.
She tries her best to get some more rest, but she spends most of her night wondering about what is to come the next day. She's very worried about learning from Tink, about facing Robin's court. She's worried she won't be a good queen and all of her thoughts make sleep nearly impossible, but it eventually comes.
I'm really nervous about the whole elf and direwolf thing. I almost took it out, but I've been obsessed with The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit for years and thought including elves into Robin's culture would be fun and unique since many writers have done the whole "Enchanted Forest/arranged marriage AU".
Also, I recently started watching Game of Thrones after reading the book series and again, I wanted to try something new with my fanfic so I thought adding direwolves to the mix would be different. Also, Robin's culture is inspired by the Dothraki with the nomadic lifestyle and living in camps. I really hope this stuff didn't deter people from reading this fanfic. I just don't want my fanfic to be like so many others of this kind.
Anyways, I really hope you enjoyed and let me know what you think! I hope to try and update again soon. I'm sorry for the almost month long wait.
