Chapter 31
OMG, so here it is. This is the official last chapter though there will be epilogue(s). I might have summarized too much but I feel very strongly that Regina can't just suddenly be Regina from late S3. I hope you enjoy.
Everyone rushed in after Johnson fell, Robin making it first to Regina and Roland. She was fine, the blade against her throat hadn't even left a mark. Her eyes didn't register Robin, they were still on Snow who lowered the bow. Robin tried to pull Regina into his arms but she stepped away towards her stepdaughter. "Why did you do that?"
Snow came over, handing the bow back to Robin. "To save you. Regina, I never wanted you to be hurt."
Regina looked like she had a thousand questions but Robin had just one. "We thought you had escaped?" He really was hoping she would do just that, perhaps if he had time he could convince Regina to let go her vendetta against Snow.
The princess nodded, "I had. I know I should have tried earlier but I had to make sure everyone was okay." She turned back to the queen. "Once I saw true love's kiss work and we spoke briefly, I could tell you had forgotten about me, which in and of itself was a miracle. So I was going to step away."
"You came back." Regina's face was a true mask, Robin had no idea what she was thinking.
"I did. I just…" Snow had tears in her eyes. "I had no idea that Daniel was dead. All this time I just thought… and then to see you and Robin and Roland. I know you never believed me when I would say I wanted you to be happy and I know you didn't believe that-"
"No, I always believed you," Regina interrupted. She turned away a bit, folding her arms across her chest. "It just made me angrier, especially after I made it clear to you I wanted to k-" she stopped for Roland's sake who was watching everything with big eyes. "…hurt you. You should have started hating me but you never did."
Snow looked around nervously, not sure to trust this at all. But she always tried to be honest, even with Regina. "I'm not capable of that kind of hate, though there were times I came close to it." She smiled at her but when Regina didn't return it, hers fell.
"Your Majesty," Friar Tuck said, challenging Regina. "What do you want to do?" He was being respectful out of everything that happened but the merry men were making no attempts to do anything with Snow White and Robin doubted they would. He just hoped Regina felt the same way.
"She wants to come home with us!" Roland said, taking Regina's hand with his. Then pointing to Snow, he said, "If she wants to come, she can. She's good with a bow like Papa!" Regina smiled at the child.
"Snow, you don't have to…." The queen started and Robin's heart swelled when he realized she was going to let her go. "You don't have to run anymore. I'll make sure to pardon you and you're a free woman."
Her eyes lit up and she started to hug Regina but one look at the queen's face told her that was a step too far. Alan, who enjoyed any pretty woman's company, was glad to step into her stretched arms and hug her. It almost made Robin laugh at Snow's confused face.
Content at the situation, the men started gathering up their supplies, no one felt Johnson was worthy of being buried. Regina remained in place still focused on where Snow had left. Roland still had his clay so he got it out and started to make another knight for her. Robin rubbed her back and she smiled, though a forced one. "Are you okay?" he asked.
She blinked at the question. "I should be asking you that." She wound her arm around his.
"It's just…a big day for you. True love's kiss and Snow White."
Narrowing her eyes, she took a deep breath. "I meant what I said Robin, I will no longer pursue her."
He pulled her in slightly closer. "I believe you. And I'm very glad but I know things like that can be hard to let go."
"I still feel anger and hatred, Robin, that hasn't gone away. It may never but..." she glanced down at Roland then back up at him. "I may have found better things to concentrate on."
"I hope so." Robin kissed her cheek.
She leaned into it but didn't try to follow it up. "You know, for better or worse, chasing Snow led me to you."
Now he was confused. "What?"
"That first stormy night, I thought I was pursuing her. Your torn cloak and reports of a fugitive in the area, I was sure it was her. That's why I couldn't have cared less about the storm, I knew the person was close."
He smiled, it reaching his eyes. "Closer than you think. Just not the right kind of outlaw."
It was decided to use the traveling stones one more time. Regina would transport with Roland to the merry men camp and she'd immediately activate the stone to bring everyone else with her. While waiting on them, she watched as Roland ran to various people in the camp, the men and women eyed her quite suspiciously. Worry was etched on their faces, even though Roland was right there to tell them everything was fine and the rest were returning in a few minutes.
Sara, John's wife, particularly glared at Regina. The queen was sure finding out she had been Lucille had made the woman even more distrustful of her. Regina tried to approach her but the woman kept her distance. She wanted to apologize for her earlier trick but Sara wasn't having it. Scanning the crowd while they waited, she could see the same looks from the other people.
When Robin and everyone else appeared, Roland came running towards him like he hadn't seen him in days. Again he leaped into his arms and Robin caught him expertly. For a few moments Regina forgot about being uncomfortable. When Robin put his son down and headed for her, the looks resumed and she remembered.
Kissing her gently, Regina tried to smile naturally but he saw through it. "Let's talk, yeah?"
Taking her hand, Robin let the merry men tell the rest of the camp what they all went through and he went up to his tree house. Inside, Regina watched as pulled out chairs for them to sit. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she said quickly. Too quickly. "I just…I'm afraid I need to get back. I left immediately with you to find Roland and it's been days now and while I'm sure no one misses me at the castle, there are duties that require my attention." At least that was the truth.
He took her hand, squeezing it. "How long will you be gone?"
She looked down then unable to meet his eyes. "I'm not sure, a few days at least." She fought back the panic she felt at how futile this all was, there was no way this would work.
"Regina, don't run away."
"I'm not-" she started but then stopped. She was running away. Or she wanted to. "Robin, what do you think is going to happen? How do we do this? I'm the queen and you're Robin Hood!"
He sat back and she realized he thought she was insulting him. Instantly she leaned over to him, placing her hands on opposite sides of his face. "I don't mean it like that! I don't care about our class distinctions. I think it's obvious you've proven to be a far better person than I have-"
He drew close and kissed her with everything he had. Her toes curled and she opened her mouth to him. With her concerns momentarily forgotten, she leaned in more. Soon, his arms pulled her closer and she was off her chair, climbing into his lap. Moans came from both sides as their bodies adjusted trying to get as close as possible. One of her hands moved to the back of his head, fingers fanning through his hair, while the other lowered itself, down his chest to his stomach, lifting up his shirt so she can feel his skin.
At the sensation, he stopped the kiss but doesn't let her go. He tilted his head up so their eyes are just inches away. She can see the desire in those beautiful blue eyes and she's sure he can see hers. She can see something else: love. "This isn't about sex, Regina. And I know it's not for you either."
She almost cries at that. How can he love her? Does he not know everything she's done? "Robin…sometimes love isn't enough."
He chuckled at that, confusing her. "What?"
"Love was enough to break an unbreakable curse." He caressed her cheek. "You saved my life with that kiss." She leaned into his hand, his touch distracted her. Before she could respond, he followed with more. "Let me save you from everything else."
"Oh Robin." They resumed kissing.
They spent the next hour kissing and talking. It helped to boost Regina's confidence, eventually though Robin had to admit she was right. He was sure she needed to get back to the kingdom and though he wanted nothing more than to go with her, even if he was a wanted man, now that he had Roland back, he couldn't leave them.
Returning to the camp, Roland was happy to see them again. He'd finished another knight for her. She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. As she stood up with it, she noticed the stares and looks she was still getting. Robin was sure John and others had tried to make it clear Regina was no threat, but it would take more than words for everyone else to believe it. Glancing at Regina, he could see that look in her eyes again but he held out his hand to her. She smiled and took it.
Tuck approached them. It was morning now and breakfast had been served. "You two must be hungry. Why don't you have some food?"
"Thank you," Regina quickly returned. "No, I need to get back to my castle."
"So soon?" the friar asked, glancing at Robin.
She nodded. "Yes, I've been gone and need to get back to matters of state."
Tuck leaned back, his hands behind him. He was considering what to say. Taking a breath, he finally offered his thoughts. "Like pardoning Snow White?"
Robin tensed but Regina didn't react upset at all. "Yes, and pardoning another outlaw I think." When her eyes went to Robin, she tried to remain serious but he could see the corners of her mouth twitch up.
"Good!" Tuck laughed. "When can we expect your return?"
"Actually," she took the friar's arm, "can I talk to you in private? I have a question to ask you."
Robin was surprised at that. He watched as the two walked away, leaving him alone. He looked around the camp and everyone of course noticed it. Robin knew it was important to let Regina feel secure and comfortable in the camp to talk to whomever she pleased and of course he trusted her, but then she also had used that memory potion on him.
"How are you feeling?" John asked as he drew near.
"Fine," Robin said almost absentmindedly, he was still too focused on the friar and the queen. Realizing though he needed to be clear about where he stood with Regina, he looked at John. "I'm really good. You were serious about what you said earlier with the dark one right?"
John shrugged. "Don't worry, if we HAD to choose between the dark one and the woman formerly known as the evil queen, we'd choose the latter."
Robin glared at him, not convinced at that answer, forcing John to chuckle. "Seriously, Robin, these last few days it's been obvious she'd give her own life for you or Roland."
"So you are okay with her returning to camp?"
"Just so long she doesn't enter it with a regiment of black knights, yeah?"
Robin snorted a bit at that. He had a feeling the black knights were going to have a major rehaul.
Regina and Tuck returned, once Robin saw Regina's eyes he relaxed. They were truly smiling. Obviously whatever Tuck said to her eased her troubles. He hoped he'd find out what it was. She looked at John, "Well, I have to go. I…I don't know how long I'll be gone."
Alan walked up just then, overhearing the queen. She eyed him and Robin noted he looked nervous. It would take time for the men to grow truly comfortable with speaking to her. But Alan decided to get the ball rolling in the right direction. "Thank you, your Majesty. For helping to find Roland and to stop Robin from turning into a white eyed, soul sucking, foul smelling neck wrangler."
Regina laughed at that and Robin reveled in the sound. She nodded to Alan, not correcting him on the name, Robin hoped there'd be no reason to ever have to say the word again. She took Robin's hand and they took a few minutes to say goodbye. Kissing quietly. Then she called Roland over who realized now she wasn't going to stay the night.
Frowning, he refused to give her a hug because he thought that might make her stay. She leaned down and said. "That's a pity. For boys who give their hugs freely, I know there is some delicious candy I can bring back for them."
"Oh, hug her, Roland! Or I will!" John ordered.
Roland did so, but whispered in her ear. Robin was close enough to hear. "I'm not hugging you for the candy. I'm hugging cause I want you to come back!"
She visibly shuddered at that. Stepping away, she took one last look at Robin and in a cloud of purple smoke she vanished.
Over the next few days, word came out that some eye raising changes were happening in Regina's castle. The army she had established was being pruned so to speak and men were being dismissed or even imprisoned. Peasants who had been tortured without a trial were being given monetary payment and an actual written out royal apology. But nothing was more shocking than the pardons of Robin Hood and especially Snow White.
Snow's pardon didn't cause as much trouble as Robin's did as it did not carry over to other kingdoms. He was still enemy #1 in King George's land and the outlaw was realizing a bit of what Regina meant. He understood the King had been furious at Regina's orders and sent a diplomat to try to change her mind. There were rumors he threatened to go to war over it and Robin hoped they were false.
Unfortunately she still hadn't returned and no specific word from her yet, making Robin nervous. She was establishing changes and it proved she herself had changed but was it enough for her to come back to him? Roland was missing her and Robin had an extra reason for her to return, he hated seeing his boy disappointed.
But one week since she left, a puff of purple smoke arrived and she stepped out, arms filled with bags. People stood still but Roland ran to her quickly. Putting down her bags, she hugged the boy fiercely, it was evident she had missed him.
The next person to greet her was Little John who hadn't stopped thinking of the candy she had promised to bring and was rewarded with his very own bag. Robin expected if anyone should still voice concerns over whether she should be there or not, John would settle the matter in no time.
She approached Robin who tried to act as nonchalant as possible at her arrival. If she was going to be coy he could too. "Glad to see your Majesty has returned."
"Indeed, I have, thief," she said. Turning she looked at the onlookers who suddenly turned trying to act like they were uninterested in the reunion. "I thought by now you would have cleaned this place up."
He smiled. "Well, you know the forest. You sweep away dirt but we track it back in from the river we bathe in."
"Oh, I think it's quite clear many of you don't practice the art of bathing."
Robin had had enough, he grabbed her and pulled her into his arms with the biggest hello kiss he had. She returned it, then pulled back. "You know I will have to head back tomorrow."
He hadn't. Trying to quell the disappointment, he cleared his throat. "So soon."
"Yes, but I'm trying to work out a deal so…you can come back with me."
His eyebrows shot up at that. He hadn't expected that. "Deal?"
"King George."
Robin stepped back. "Please tell me we aren't about to go to war."
"No, no, he's too arrogant to admit a mere outlaw is worth that." She smiled. "But I have some ideas. I'd like to…discuss them with you if that's okay."
Robin pulled her back into his arms. "You being here is more than okay and I'll discuss your kitchen menu if that's what you want!" She honestly giggled and Robin could feel his heart soar.
They headed up to his tree house to talk but it was evident to both of them they'd be forgetting her agenda and just be reliving that night they shared that last time in the cabin.
Afterwards, they laid in his bed, panting from the energy they had used up and Robin could see love shining her eyes. "I missed you."
"Not as much as I missed you." She replied.
She was on laying on his chest caressing the small hairs along his body. It was quite soothing. "I hear you've been very busy."
She sighed. "I have. I wanted to change the black guard up. That's taken up most of my time. It's quite a mess." She paused then added, "By the way, when you do come to the castle, there is someone I'd like you to meet. Someone who hadn't given up on me all this time. He wants to very much meet you."
Robin was curious now. "Really? Who?"
"My father." She whispered.
"Your father?" Robin was surprised, he had heard stories of Regina's mother but she had been banished to another land. He hadn't thought much of her father. Regina began telling him of Henry, how he obviously loved her but was helpless to stop her mother from enacting her plans of getting Regina to the throne. Eventually the conversation turned to speaking more of Cora.
Sensing her stress level rising, he leaned up and kissed her which she returned. It didn't take long for them to relax into each other and trust that whatever the future holds they could take on together. Things wouldn't be easy, nothing worthwhile ever was, but Robin was positive nothing came along just by chance. Timing, and timing of how they met and seeing each other over and over, was everything.
There will be an epilogue. Maybe two chapters. But I feel like this is a good place to properly end it. I don't like FFs where it just keeps going and going and we don't need a Lord of the Rings ending. In reality there is no way this can be summed up in a couple of chapters and I could almost dedicate a whole other story to this transition phase. But I do plan on doing a Rowling ending showing up how things are several years in the future.
I can't thank all of you enough for your reviews and encouragement, offering me compliments which I don't think I truly deserve. Special thanks to Slynn6776 who does not even watch the show but graciously beta'd and gave me insights into the world of fantasy. If you think there is a Game of Thrones influence, you have her to thank.
Again, thank you to everyone who took the time reviewed, I'm proud to say it was so many I can't possibly list them all here. But to the regulars, especially those that started out in the beginning, I hope you thought the ending made it worth it. Thank you so much for reading so fervently. And soon I do hope to have 1-2 epilogues to really sum things up for you.