This chapter got re-written about 5 times but I am finally happy with the direction it is going in. Hope you enjoy this update, the next one is already half-finished so should be out a bit sooner but I also have a ton of work to do so it may be a couple of weeks. Anyway, happy reading. Please review and follow as it makes me very happy and keeps me writing :) A x.
Robin POV
The memory of her pressed up against him, completely vulnerable, was still affecting Robin far more than he'd ever wish to admit. The lingering scent of vanilla and cinnamon that clung to her beautiful hair, his fingers itched to once again feel. The protectiveness he suddenly felt envelop him once she fit perfectly into his arms, wincing slightly due to her injuries. The way her eyes shone with a thousand emotions, just waiting for him to explore but fearful of what that may bring.
In his mind, he knew that whatever had happened back there would not…could not happen again. It just wasn't safe for either of them. But he couldn't ignore how drawn to her he was, or how his heart only beat faster when she finally stood before him, completely open. Now that he had finally seen the woman beneath the Queen's broken exterior, he desperately wanted to know her. This should have never of happened again. Nothing good ever came from him caring for someone, especially someone so far out of his grasp. History could atone to this exact fact. Only years previous, a beautiful and free spirited woman gave her heart to him only to have him forced to lay in the ground shortly after alongside her. As Marian was of noble birth that was true, but she was certainly not a Queen.
Robin knew that whatever was developing would need to be severed for both his heart and his son's protection. He needed to keep to his word and deliver the Queen or the only thing keeping him tethered to this hell would be ripped from him. But Regina's life for Roland's no longer seemed as fair as it did a few days ago. It was easier when he could picture her as a simple villain. A monster of whom hurt other people for her own malicious pleasure but, as always, the truth had destroyed this plan. Since the moment he met Regina, this image had instantly faded away no matter how hard he tried to grasp onto it. Trying to keep her this singular dimensioned woman was alike to holding fire in your bare hands. Yes, she had a temper of which was more akin to a natural disaster, beautiful and powerful, than just a simple emotion. But, she also had an immense pain that she'd continuously carried. Always threatening to suffocate her but never showing any mercy in doing so. An eternal state of emotional limbo.
The Queen once may have laid waste to these lands but it was clear to all those with eyes that this was no longer true. For all her barbs and remarks, she'd never attempted to hurt him and even bruised, broken and magic-less, the queen of legend would have tried something by now. However, it didn't change what in his head he knew he was yet to do. He just wished his heart hadn't started making things so complicated for him.
Pushing traitorous thoughts far away, Robin focused on the winding trail ahead. The seemingly ever-thickening trees could disorientate even the most experience tracker if they did not remain completely focused. Unfortunately, since the curse, thieves and bandits were known to haunt these parts of the forest, making use of the natural cover. Attacks since his thieving days had only worsened as the land had. No longer were there thieves fighting for the people but rather taking what little they had left to survive themselves. Out here no one was safe anymore.
Casting his gaze sideways, he examined the garment she was still wearing. Long gone was the corset, torn and forgotten before the attack. With a smirk, he realised she was still wearing his shirt having tucked it into her skirt. Images of her waking in the morning wearing nothing but his shirt and a smile flooded his head before he had a chance to reel his vision back in. Robin couldn't understand why she was having such an effect upon him. Since his wife's passing, he hadn't so much as looked at another woman in his grief abut then it all changed when he saw her. The initial fire brought something back in him that he'd thought long gone. No longer were his days a mindless, painful state in which he hoped to survive. Now, he felt the need to fight with her, maybe even for her. What had this woman done to him?
Rubbing his hand over his face, he attempted to not dwell on the questions he really should be asking himself. Looking back to the Queen, he made a mental note to change her dressings and bindings, even though he'd redressed the before they'd continued their journey and although she was trying to hide it, they were itching which was never a good sign. It was too easy in this bloody realm for infection and disease to run rampant and with limited supplies, he didn't want to take the chance. They were to be peasants for the night, a note Regina was sure to love once he told her. Therefore, blending into the normal hustle of village life was a must. Trailing his look downwards, he realised that the skirt she was wearing was anything but and alongside her cape they may as well have asked to be targeted. The people didn't have clothing like this when the lands were prosperous so such finery would arouse suspicious. No, she would need to change before they arrived if his plan was to work.
He bit his lower lip, stifling a smirk as he once again began thinking of how well this was going to go over with her majesty. By his calculations, they still had a few hours to make it to safety before night fell but it would be close so he'd better come up with an idea soon. Robin knew there was a safe house nearby, somewhere, only he couldn't remember exactly as to where it was. An old lady and her granddaughter used to live there before the curse hit and as far as he knew it was still standing.
"Are we lost?" Her voice cut through the silence, straining in discomfort but the sass coming through clearly.
"No M'Lady, we are not lost. I am simply trying to navigate our way to a small cottage for supplies before reaching the village's threshold." Robin tried to keep his voice calm as he surveyed the forest, looking for any clues as to where the haven may be. Minutes past and Robin's frustration was bubbling over. How could he not remember where this bloody house was? It should be an easy task for someone of his experience and he'd been there enough times in another life. These woods were once his home, his solace. Surely, he couldn't have fallen so out of touch with them.
"You wouldn't happen to be searching for the cottage of the wolf, would you?" Robin spun on his heels to face her, shock clouding his features as she stood there, eyebrow arched and a smug look on her face.
"It shouldn't come as a surprise to you, but I know the lay of my own lands. After all, how is one to rule without such basic knowledge of what they own? I know the cottage of which you speak though I am not sure to its standing. The curse…. The curse was designed to destroy as these lands." Regina cast her eyes downwards ending her statement, the challenging smirk giving way to something darker. A bitter laugh escaped her lips before she was lost once again to the demons of her past. How he wished to ease her burden, even for a minute. A second. What would it be like to see her smile or to laugh. How long had it been since she had? Just as quickly as the look came, it went, leaving only the façade behind once more.
"If I am correct, it is only a short walk following the path of red poppies to the east." Regina pulled ahead, her long skirt trailing behind her as they once again fell into silence. He so wanted to bring up what had happened earlier but, he feared she'd only run from him. Or worse, what if she didn't?
Suddenly, an arrow whizzed through the air and set itself firmly into his shoulder. The dull thud of impact reaching his ears only a second before the pain registered and he felt the full effects. Poison he was sure was corrupting his body, contorting his physique in unnatural hues and angles. He cried out for Regina to run, hide but he could already feel his voice failing. Thrusting his hand backwards, he went to pull the offending item out only to have another unceremoniously slice through his side before finding its home in the trunk of tree he'd braced himself against. They needed to find shelter now! She needed to be safe! Black and red spots started to infringe upon his vision as his heartbeat radiated through his skull. He attempted to push his sluggish body forwards whilst trying to once again call for her.
Soon however, his legs felt as though they had fused to the very spot he stood, any attempt to move was futile as a wave of vertigo coursed through his body. A hand wrapped around his hip, pulling out the dagger held there but the action, too much for his current state, landed him on the moss-covered ground. 2 black shadows were ahead of him, another jumping from the tree overhead. The 3 appeared to be sizing one another up before they were engaged in a dance of knives and swords. The unrelenting sound of metal and screams froze his blood as he lay there in the dirt, helpless.
He only wished that Regina was far enough away for he knew; she wouldn't be given the same quick end he would. He whispered her name as the darkness began to pull him further down. He focused on a lone figure making its way cautiously to him, weapon still firmly in hand. Robin once again focused on his son as he waited with baited breath for the final blow to come. He felt the spray of debris shower onto his face as the shadow fell before him, the memory of her scent on the wind and her touch upon his face as the end painlessly came.
Regina's POV
Marching ahead, she felt a sense of embarrassment continuously hound her. It was for his own good that she needed to pull away now, create clear boundaries early on. For some reason, she already trusted him more than anyone else in the last 30 years aside from her son. He'd already managed to see her weak, broken…in pain. She'd barley known him 2 days and she'd cried on him for god's sake. Obviously, the loss of her son and her loneliness had manifested itself into an unchecked and dangerous attachment to the very person keeping her hostage...kind of.
Regina knew what Robin's orders were. It didn't take a genius to figure it out and she could already see the strain it was having upon him. How had her actions all those years ago led a man such as him to this? Just who was this figure that had taken power in her absence? Regina knew it took an unfulfilled darkness to prey upon a child for one's own agenda, that she knew from first-hand experience. No child deserved the threat of death, especially when the threat was little more than a power move. Robin was a good man, better than most she'd known from what she'd experienced. Even when they'd first met, before he'd known anything about her other than stories, he'd been at war with himself over hurting her. Regina could see the conflict as though it were there written upon his face for her to read. It wasn't right that he and countless others were in this position for what she'd done those years ago. Her thoughts continued to run further into the dark corners of her mind, her hands pulling on her binding in desperation from herself.
Regina could see Robin helplessly searching for something. Obviously, he had spent those prolonged silences in thought same as she. Once she'd begun leading them to Granny's old cottage of all places, she felt a change in the air. Her magic, though still trapped within, began humming to life as it always did with danger. She saw the arrow just before it sunk into his back.
His beautiful face grimacing as the wood lodged into his shoulder, sending a scream to run from his mouth. Lifting her skirt, Regina began to charge forgetting momentarily about her still fusing ribs. The pain ripped her apart, almost causing her to once again vomit. She couldn't run. There was no way that she'd get away and there was no one else to help her. As she turned wild eyed, Robin's black veined skin caused everything to stop. It was happening again. She was the reason that another that dared show her any kindness was now suffering. All she could see was Henry and Daniel, their beautiful trusting faces turning to looks of disgust for what she was. What she would always now be. There was no way that there would be another little boy left without a home due to her mistakes.
She dragged herself behind him as he began to rock on his feet, clearly delirious from the poison making its way through his system. Regina spotted the assailant coming out from beneath a canopy of shrubs. Sword brandished ahead of him. Instinctively, she pulled the dagger from Robin's belt and watched as he crashed to the floor. For reasons, she did not fully understand, she would protect this man. For his slightly jagged and confusing exterior was no reason for him to die and besides, he had someone depending on him. She had no one anymore. If she was to die back in this dreadful place, she wanted to die fighting for something (or someone) she believed in. Summoning the Evil Queen within her, Regina put on her worn internal armor and met the thug face to face.
Lifting her head upwards, Regina straightened her back, forcing herself through the fire of pain. This was no time for weakness. If she was going down, she was taking this bastard with her. The Queen bared her teeth as she too displayed her weapon. This poor delusional fool had no idea as to whom he was dealing with. Magic may be her forte but that never meant she wouldn't fight if she had to. If she needed to. The man was easily over 6ft, towering her 5.6 frame, he wasn't overly broad but was strong with powerful legs. There was a singular scar that went from above his eyebrow straight through to his jawline. Green eyes ogled her in a smarmy fashion as his lips stretched into a disturbingly smug grin. His greasy black hair fell below his shoulders, matted and unkempt. As he continued to study her, she was taken back to her early days as Queen when many a man would give her the same look currently displayed upon his face. Regina's grip upon the dagger tightened as she let the pain of her past fuel her rage towards him. The action only seemed to amuse him further.
"Are you going to defend you poor, helpless friend my dear? Such a shame but you know, these are… dangerous parts. You never know what, or who you're going to find. A pretty thing like you won't last long."
His rancid breath was too close to her face and his hand went to grab her waist. Thrusting Robin's blade upwards, she sunk it deep into the underside of his arm before removing as she reeled backwards. Instantly, the lust in his eyes turned to fury at the unexpected turn of events.
"You will regret pulling a stunt like that my dear. It doesn't bode well to aggravate the beast, especially someone of your kind" His words were borne with such contempt, it appeared the very spit from his mouth was acid but the deranged lust did not disappear. In fact, it appeared the more she resisted, the more she was enticing this monster.
As the Queen went to retort, another figure fell from the sky next to the brute. Though he was smaller in all respects, there was a glint on unhinged madness that shook her to her very core. Men with that look had no rules or honor they lived by. Men like that were the reason she became Queen in the first place. As she cast her gaze back to Robin one final time, they attacked.
Regina ducked as the first sword swung above her head and took a chunk out of the neighboring tree and she stabbed the dagger into the attempting to force her down. A hand dragged back on her cape, threatening to strangle her as she went to force the clasp open. Taking advantage, the scrawnier went to pull her beneath him but one well-placed kick had him staggering back enough for her to sink the dagger into his heart, a high-pitched wail prevailed before a dismal thud.
Finally, her clasp sprung free and the cape tore free from her as she spun around. Feathers hailed through the air as the scar-faced man prepared himself to charge forwards, spewing vile promises of torture and death. It was clear in the haze that she couldn't defeat him on pure strength alone. She had to be clever. Especially with the seemingly ever growing list of injuries she'd currently accumulated. As the scar-faced man delivered a lengthy description of what he planned to do to her once she'd been battered and broke, Regina spotted the bow and arrow strewn not far from the shrubs he'd emerged from. Evidently, he'd judged her as a defenseless woman and he believed to have no need for such a weapon. That fatal mistake she could use, she'd just need to keep her nerve. Well it was now or never.
"You pathetic little man. If you had any idea or sense as to whom you are speaking to, you would be far more courteous. Well, you pathetic little cretin, let me educate you. I am the rightful Queen of these lands. For it was I that burnt villages and camps to a crisp with my bare hands. I that took the hearts of my prisoners and forced them to do unspeakable acts and I of whom will make sure you suffering shall last all of eternity. Not so tough now, are we?"
The cruel and melodic dance came easily out of her but no longer felt as stimulating as it once was. It was as though the costume didn't quite fit anymore and she knew why or rather who. As the Queen made her threat, she continued to walk backwards whilst making sure to look the man straight in the eye. When she was far enough away, she pulled a final smirk and maniacal laugh, daring him to give into his blood-lust. Her whole plan relied on him doing so. Luckily, she'd judged the brute correctly and he took the bait without hesitation. Now, Regina knew she wasn't the best shot, unlike her beloved step-daughter so she'd have to time the perfectly if it was to work. Regina felt the bile threatening to rise up and her whole body protested what was to happen. Holding her breath, the Queen watched the ruffian move ever closer, resolute on ending her. Finally, when he was no more than 15 meters from her, Regina force herself to run towards the bow. She skidded across the floor unceremoniously, grasping at the ground to reach it. He was mid air, dropping directly onto her as it was secured in her hand and drawn. A single scream ripped from her as his body hit the ground.
As the dust settled. all that could be seen on the forest trail was a mounting pool of crimson blood soaking into the flowers, a fallen man with an arrow through his eye…dead and a small woman, sprawled on the floor inches away.
As Regina lay there, looking up at the turning leaves through to the now blue sky, she couldn't believe she was still alive. She shouldn't be. He was going to land directly on top of her, his sword had been seconds away from her neck. How had she lived?
Truthfully, she was prepared to lose her life in this battle if it meant Robin would live. She knew that people must frequent this path, why else would there be ruffians lay hidden there if not. One of the locals would have taken and treated him if she kept him alive now. But she'd lived and now she couldn't understand as to why. Why one earth would she have been spared after all she had done? Why would she be given this second chance now when it was too late for her? Her thoughts were put in hold as she heard him whisper.
The single sound filled her body with the same sensation she'd had when the barrier had gone up. Her palms began to tingle and though electricity was running through them, sparking into the air. Gingerly lifting her hand, Regina saw something impossible. There, in the palm of her hand was a floating white ball. Purple streak ran through its core and it grew as she brought it closer to her. This couldn't be happening as she didn't have light magic. Obviously, she was currently unconscious of suffering some sort of concussion because she was as dark as they came. Furthermore, without Henry, there was no reason for her magic to be light so that stupid pixie dust must have messed up her magic. It somehow must have mixed within her and was creating this new, hybrid magic. Unlike her dark magic that slid through her veins like a rich wine, intoxicating and seductive, this hummed with electricity and warmth. It continued to pulse there on her palm, ebbing and expanding in sync with her heart.
The longer she lay there, the less she could feel the splitting pain of her ribs or the dull ache of her arm. In fact, if she were to hazard a guess it would be that this little pulse on her palm was healing her wounds. But, that was crazy and healing magic was never something she'd ever really studied. Rumple's one and only lesson was to drive a sword through to the hilt into her gut and tell her to figure it out. Although there was only a small scar upon her skin from that day, there was a large mental one she was forever to be branded with. On that day, she had nearly died and she lay healing herself on the cold stone floor of the castle, Rumples despondent glare upon her suffering muttering that it would do. Since that day, Regina had never been able face healing magic and relied heavily upon herbs and potions during her days as Queen. But now, it was instinctual.
She only needed to think of what she wanted fixed and she felt the electricity hum through her as it worked its magic. Before she could fully grasp or understand what was happening to her, she unwound her binding to see only a slight bruise upon her rib cage and no sign of anything on her arm. Regina ran her hand over the skin, disbelieving of what was happening when she locked onto Robin eyes.
He was crumpled in a pile, black veins covered his clammy pale skin as his eyes faded. Pushing herself quickly of the floor, Regina grabbed the dagger that was next to her and cautiously walked over to him. She'd seen what he was suffering from many a time as a girl. Poppy fever.
It sends its victims into a dream like slumber, tricks them with their hearts desires to keep them there. The poison was not originally from this land but one far from here. Thankfully, she knew how to heal him as would any local healer or doctor that had studied their craft properly but that didn't help the pain he was currently in. It was not unusual that in this state, people were known to hurt those around them and themselves when they felt threatened so it was imperative to move cautiously. Regina tucked the dagger into the belt on her skirt and held her hands up as a gesture of peace. As Robin seemed comfortable with her presence, she continued to move closer, checking for any changes till she was in front of him.
Seeing the arrow still stuck out of his shoulder and the blood streaming, soaking his shirt, Regina dropped to her knees. The sight of him broken due to her took her back to Henry laying in a hospital bed those few weeks ago. She may have not been able to do anything to save her son then, but she could do something now…right? Doubt began to claw into her mind with a voice eerily like her mother's as she remembered another of whom hurt due to caring for her in a way that led to their suffering. Raising her hands to his face, she willed for her magic to heal him like it had her only moments ago but nothing came forward. Her hands just lay upon his face as his wound only worsened.
It had just worked for her, so what was the trigger? Her dark magic was anger but this wasn't her dark magic. She hadn't felt anger when it had sparked up the first time in the tree or when she'd healed herself. All Regina hadn't wanted to do was to stay alive, to…to keep Robin alive.
The realisation hit her like a bolt of lightning during an electrical storm. The need to protect was where the power came from. The need to do anything to keep herself or someone else safe.
As she sat there on the path of flowers, his head cradled in her hands, thumb stroking gentling over his dimpled stubble, she finally admitted to herself that she did care for him. In what capacity, she didn't want to explore, but she no longer wished him harm and furthermore, she'd protect him to ensure him. For that singular thought, she was glad Robin couldn't see her as this dawned on her. She couldn't let him get any closer. In a few days, they would be separated, he would be with a son and whoever else loved him and she would be alone or worse. Whatever she did or did not feel towards Robin needed to be pushed far down where no one would ever see it.
But, for this brief shining moment, she could be honest with herself and for once use her magic to help someone. As she traced his features, she remembered how disgusted his was as the thought of forcing or taking advantage of her when she was injured. How he'd protected her when she'd been asleep though he had no reason to. The way Robin lit up when talking about his son and his honesty for what he'd do to keep him safe. His ability to see through her walls and made her feel safe in such a short amount of time. His dimpled smirk after a quick retort and the look in his eye that she still could decipher. Most importantly, she remembered how she felt when the arrow lodged into him and every moment after.
As the emotions of the memories filtered through, the need to protect him came forth and her magic crackled to life. A watery smile spread across her face and tears blurred her vision as her magic began to work. She wrapped her hand around the shaft of the arrow, enveloping it in white crackling magic before pulling it from him and casting it away. Where the weapon had pierced his skin, there was a small pink circle of which would most likely be the only reminder. Regina let out a small laugh of relief at the healed skin until she felt blood seep through her skirt from a wound she missed. Running her hands under his torso, she found the deep slit in his side that was heavily bleeding out. Forcefully, she pushed both of her hands up against it, rolling him onto his back as it she mended the split. This one was deep and appeared to have been ripped further open during his efforts. The process was slow and draining as she willed herself to keep going. Beads of sweat upon her brow as the night of pain and turmoil paired with little food and physical exertions began to show.
As he whispered her name once more, the opening closed and the former queen lay upon him, drenched in his blood but thankful.
Robin POV:
The sound of birds woke Robin from his deep slumber. Their light tuneful song slowly brought him back to the world of the living. As he opened his eyes, stiff with the weight of sleep, he began to take in his surroundings to make sense of where he now was. He appeared to be lying on a bed of leaves and moss, covered in a thick fur throw which helped to shield him from the harsh temperature. Overhead was an elaborate network of vines and branches woven together to form the small tent he was currently residing in. In amongst them were small blossom flowers, a mixture of purple and white, serving in place of the stars he figured. From the damp earth, he knew them to still be in the forest but aside from that he was completely stumped.
It didn't seem probable to him that the men of which attempted his death would have brought him to a place such as this. It's quiet elegance and practicality spoke of a woman and he was sure that the attackers had both been men, so who had saved him…and where was Regina? An involuntary lump formed in his throat as a vortex of anxiety swirled inside of him. Where was she? She had to have survived, didn't she? He told her to run, but she heard her fall. Robin brought his hands to cover his eyes, not wanting to accept that she may be gone before he'd ever gotten the chance sort out the complicated mess surrounding them. He wasn't sure what he felt towards the Queen, he hadn't forgiven her for her deeds in the past nor did he fully trust her but Regina, Regina was someone he wanted to help, to understand. Even if for only a moment before they had to succumb back to reality. But those were nothing now but wasted wishes, times missed.
Feeling guilt and grief drag on him, Robin was startled by the quiet mutterings of someone obviously very close. Instinctively he went to grab his knife only to be met with his bare side. Confused and more that slightly alarmed, Robin braced himself before pushing himself up to a sitting position on the cot. When Robin reopened his eyes, he could honestly not believe the sight before him. There she was…alive and safe, even if just for now.
Her long hair had been pulled back from her face and fixed atop of her head, tresses falling loose framing her delicate face. Gone was the fierce make-up he'd become accustomed to and in its place, was the most beautiful creature he'd even laid eyes upon. Her skin was luminous with the morning sunlight, it's pure rays catching the softness of her lips and the slope of her nose perfectly. The deep creases in her brow that he'd become accustomed to over the time he'd spent studying her had vanished, leaving Regina somehow lighter and more peaceful in her slumber. In her lap lay her hands, dirt and blood covered atop of her equally ruined skirt. Had she saved him, why would she do that? His musing where broken by the quiet mumblings of the Queen, completely unaware of the effect she was having upon the former thief.
Laying back down again on the cot, Robin found himself even more confused than he had been previously. In fact, at the point the only thing he was certain about was that the Queen was no mere woman and things were only going to get more complicated the more time her spent with her. He wished that he didn't have to take her but the rules of his mission were clear and so were the ones of the land. Any contact, deliberate or not, of enemies of the crown were to be severed and the enemy in question to be brought before justice. Why she couldn't have just stuck to her own realm he would never understand. If she had just stayed there, she would have been safe and so would have his son. He would have returned in a few weeks with his findings and none of this mess would have ever happened.
True, he could let her run, hide out in these lands or skip to the next but it was too high of a risk. It was likely that her presence here was already known and his attachment to her also. The only chance his son had was to take Regina in exchange, a fact she knew and had agreed to but still one he no longer wished to see through. As he quietly studied the vines above his head, he could see the intricacy of the structure that only fitted a woman such as Regina. The flowers blooming in perfect balance alongside the thick green foliage. He reached upwards and picked the one above his head, feeling the pulse of electricity drift through him as he continued to roll the stem between his thumb and forefinger in a repetitive motion. Inhaling the sweet, rich scent, Robin turned onto his side and found slumber once again but this time, the vision of a certain Queen quickly bled in.