Wow, I hope the quick update is ok. I received a request for more outlaw queen, and I had this written partially. I was going to have more happen in chapter 12, but I love these two, and I didn't want to leave all of you the rest of the weekend without more interaction between them. Enjoy.
Sleep eludes her. Robin had set her on a comfortable nest of blankets, before imploring her to rest and taking his leave from her tent. He hadn't given her time to ask him about his behavior, his feelings, and her lack of understanding of his state of mind has her head reeling and self doubt springing up.
Taking advantage of this moment of privacy, Regina rises from her cocoon of blankets and begins peeling the layers of clothing from her body. Her cloak had been the first to land on the ground, soon followed by the shirt and pants lent to her by the merry men. She stood there in nothing but the black dress she wore when she arrived, bare feet against the cold dirt ground, bare legs still blanketed with tiny scratches in the midst of healing. For the first time since she entered this time, she feels like herself, she feels like Regina. She lets the cool air fill her lungs, feels the pain of her injuries long forgotten renewed, and she feels alive, she feels real, and she just stands there in her revelation.
She hears the tent flap rise and fall, and she opens her eyes. She did not remember having closed them, and before her stands Robin. She examines him closely in the dimlit tent wondering which Robin walks towards her, but it doesn't take her long to recognize his strong embrace, or the shaky exhale she feels moisten her neck with a hot breath.
"Robin." She whispers soothingly lifting her arms, encircling his waist, and burrowing her face into his chest. Her nostrils flare as she inhales, breathes in his scent, the familiar smell that has her shivering. Regina is so grateful for this man, and as much as she wants to stay lost in his arms, wants to let his embrace warm and soothe her, she needs to know what has him so troubled. After taking one more deep breath, letting his essence expand her lungs, she leans back slightly allowing her eyes to find his, only inches away. Her hand rises to his face, and she gives him a reassuring smile before asking her question.
"What is wrong, Robin?" She whispers and finds it is all she has to say because he understands, he looks down, and she is confused by the guilt, by the shame that colors his features before he meets her questioning gaze once more.
"I don't want to burden you," he replies, raising his hand to her hair, weaving his fingers in the silky locks. "I was so frightened Regina." he murmurs while closing his eyes, dropping his forehead to hers, his already strong embrace tightening even more around her body. Relief overcomes her confusion as she realizes the reason for his distance, for his troubled looks was not because he lacked feelings for her, but because he was overcome with feelings for her. He was afraid of losing her, so afraid, and he did not want to burden her with his fears, with his distress. The realization has her soul delighting in appreciation and affection for the man holding her.
However, her relief is only momentary as his tightening embrace brings her mind back to her injuries, and it is very clear that whatever "medicine" the other Robin gave her hours ago has worn off. She can't help the whimper that leaves her lips, she does not want it to, tries to muffle it, because she wants to remain in this moment as long as possible, but he hears it. His concerned eyes meet her brown depths, questioning, silently asking what is wrong.
"I was injured when I fell through the portal...and again while protecting Roland after we made camp." She states matter of factly. Uneasiness floods Robin's expression so she continues, "but I'm fine." and she manages a grin, tries to further embed herself in his arms, nestling her face in the crook of his neck.
Robin grips her biceps, and guides her to the blankets sprawled on the ground, her warm little nest from earlier. The material feels soft and warm and tickles her feet. "Show me." he states firmly leaving no room for argument. This is not what she was hoping for when he led her to the blankets. Close, but not quite, but she can give as good as she gets so she turns her body, seductively glancing over her shoulder.
"Unzip me." she declares suggestively, and he does not miss the gleam in her eyes, or the slight lift of her eyebrow. They can both feel the air thrum with electricity, and the way he lifts his hands and slowly lowers her zipper has a warm heat spreading down her body, a tug of arousal pulling her gaze into his. His eyes darken with desire, and it thrills her that he wants her so badly, so clearly. Unfortunately, the moment of pleasure is cut short when his gaze finds her shoulder, the darkening bruise and broken skin.
"Regina! This is not a mild injury." she looks away from him, disappointment and frustration filling the space left by her fleeting arousal. "Can you heal it?" He questions, and she wishes she could respond with a smile and a nod, but she still cannot bring forth her magic, only sparks appear at her fingers when she tries to conjure flame, and although she can use her light magic, she finds it daunting. Light magic is far different from the magic she is used to conjuring, and the exhaustion caused by the cloaking spell is still dragging at her, clawing her strength away.
When she responds with a shake of her head the concern in his eyes grows, but something else takes root as well, resolve, conviction. He has made a decision on her behalf, and she is not sure she will welcome it.
Turning to him with a cautious glare she questions him, "What are you thinking, Robin?" He does not reply, only holds up a hand, palm facing her as he backs himself to the tent flap so she asks again, "Robin?" His name leaves her mouth as a growl, but it has the desired effect as she receives a response, if you can call it that.
"I will be back momentarily," he states before stepping hastily from the tent. The smirk on his lips does not go unnoticed.