Ended up having a crazy summer but now I'm back at uni there shall be more frequent updates I promise. please review if you still decide to read this :) - A x

Regina's POV:

As she sat on the bottom edge of the cot, Regina could help but feel overwhelmed by the events of the last couple of weeks. For 28 years, nothing had really changed aside from her son. Now her whole world was being rearranged in a split second. No longer did she have a loving son who believed her to hang the moon and stars, just a young boy of whom she loved more than she ever believed possible that wanted nothing from her. She had lost her home, her life, her future and when she'd tried to escape the pain, had landed back in the realm of where it all began. It all seem to cruel and yet it was just an extension of what her entire life had entailed. Hardship and loss.

Furthermore, there was now Robin. Robin of whom she was sure despised her for most of their time together was tedious at least. Yet fought to keep her alive, made her open in a way she had never done before. There was something about him that just crumbled her walls, that trusted him in a bizarre way which was extremely dangerous.

When he had lay there on the ground, broken and pained, the weight of it seemed to crush her heart in a way she didn't want to confront. At some point over their short time together, the sharp barbs and witted insults had turned into something different, something far more familiar and dare she admit, caring? Somehow, he had been the trigger, or at least partially, to her new magic. But yet they never had so much as a nice conversation until either she'd had a breakdown or at least once of them were in grave peril.

Regina sighed heavily as she rested her head on her lap, exhausted. It seemed that the magic she now posed, through extremely strong, had quite the adverse effect on her. It took every ounce of strength, every memory and feeling to feed it for the magic to surge forwards. Although it didn't feel suffocating and controlling like her dark magic had, the sheer effort left her drained. Images of Henry had weighed heavier on heart than ever before and the man in front of her on served to make that worse.

After healing both herself and Robin, having to create and cloak a shelter for them to spend the night safely in, she was ready to collapse. Her adrenaline seemed to be the only thing allowing her to push through the menial tasks that would allow them to be safe, if only for the night. If not for her stubbornness and if he'd been in a better condition, Robin would not have been sleeping in the soft cot, covered in the warm furs. Or at least he wouldn't be in there alone. But lord knows that she was a stubborn and proud woman, even in the direst of times she refused to admit how much she'd wanted to crawl in with him. Just for a few hours if to do nothing other rest her drained body. However, just as all times before turn she'd couldn't let herself be caught in such a sensitive predicament so the chair she'd fashioned herself would have to do. As she slipped into another fruitless slumber, twine awkwardly poking into her body, Regina was calmed by the sight of his chest finally rising and falling calmly.

The rest, as she'd expected, had done little in means of restoring her energy. It was this fact alone in which led to her currently be studying Robin in the pale morning light. She desperately needed to eat but without Robin that seemed a dangerous task and then there was the small matter of her having no clue of how to actually hunt. Although the feeling in her stomach was boarding on painful, she realised she would just have to wait.

Casting her look back onto his slumbering form, she studied the sharpness of his jawline, dusted with stubble. Small patches of grey beginning to form, displaying the hardships this land had caused him. Instinctively, she pushed back the hair from his eyes just as she'd done for Henry when he'd slept before she caught herself. Embarrassed by the tenderness of the action, Regina went to snatch her hand back until a small smile formed upon Robin's face. Dimples showcased proudly even in deep slumber and for that moment she couldn't bear to move her hand away. It wasn't as though anyone was going to see her anyway.

The sun had now begun to shine brightly, breaking through the early morning mist. The new dawn, casting beams of light from up above them straight through the twine roof. The flecks danced upon his skin, casting an angelic profile to the man below her. Her eye caught sight of the flower that was resting in his hand, almost hidden beneath the mountain of throws. It was one of her, he'd obviously picked before her waking. Regina was thrown by the care he was showing it. It was a flower. Not even that, it was on that she'd grown. Why would he have bothered with something as simple as a flower.

Removing it carefully from him hand, she placed it on the floor next to him to try and preserve it.

By her reckoning it was time to start moving. As loathe as she was to wake him, it was necessary if they were to make it to safety before nightfall.

Placing her hand on his arm, Regina jostled him slightly as she called his name, trying to wake him from his peaceful state. After a few more attempts, he gradually began to come around. Mumbling inaudibly, Robin lifted his forearm to cover his face as he once again squinted against the sunlight. It was probably far stronger now than when he had awoken earlier. Familiarity began to dawn on his face as he took in his surroundings so Regina quickly moved from the cot back onto her chair. When his eyes found hers, she was taken back by the smile the spread across his face as he gently spoke her name.

"Good morning Robin. I see that you slept well." Regina attempted to keep her gaze away from him and the conversation light. She was not sure yet whether, or even how to explain what happened the day previous.

"Regina…What happened?"

Really? she thought. Straight out of the gate he asks the very question she has no coherent answer for as though he was simply making conversation rather than setting off a landmine.

"Well you see," she started. "We were attacked yesterday, in the forest. You do remember that, don't you?" Worry crept back in to the queen's words.

"Yes Regina, I remember that. However, I also remember hearing you fall during the ambush. How is it that either of us are now here?" His brow was scrunched up in confusion, his eyes prying her open from across the room.

"I killed them. I killed them both." Regina sunk he head and fixed her gaze upon the floor. Whether she was acting in defence or not, she had still killed again and this time it wasn't a winged beast. Moments passed as though an eternity finally she heard him move from the cot to crouch before her.

"Regina. Look at me." He took her hands in his as she brought her head up slightly. 'You did nothing more than what anybody else would have done. No more than they were to do to us both. Thankyou."

This time it was her turn to be confused. No one had ever thanked her for murdering somebody, especially not so easily and honestly.

"Thankyou for saving my life Regina, is what I meant. If not for your actions my son would be another orphan in this lands, forgotten and alone. So thankyou. I am indebted to you M'Lady."

A buzzing electricity began where their hands were still linked at his words. Drawing them back quickly, Regina gave him a tight smile before telling him they would need to leave soon in order to get to the cottage. Agreeing with her logic, Robin collected the few possessions and reattached the blade back onto his belt before following her out of the shelter. Regina could tell he wanted to ask as her a million more questions about the attack. That he was physically having to retain himself from asking about every moment but for whatever reason was choosing not to. For once, she was eternally grateful for the space.

As the two continued down the path lined with poppies, Regina thought back to the previous night. She had slunk in the shadows to collect the flowers, praying that she'd collect enough before she was caught. When she awoke this morning, she could breathe easier seeing that the potion had worked its remedies as intended. Robin now looked nothing more than he could use a good sleep. Visions of the black sludge creeping through his veins and around his heart had affected her more than she'd care to admit. Even in the dream scape she couldn't help but compare the scene to one of her boy of a few months earlier.

Though having him there next to her gave a sense of ease that she'd not know for some time, it didn't stop the sense of terror over the ordeal that was now her life once again. Even as she looked down at her hands, she could physically see the remains of the tortures they'd endured last night. The caked residue of blood now turning black against her olive skin.

The few hours were spent with talk of nothingness. Both simply enjoying the company of another person just being alongside them for once. Questions hung over head but were never asked for fear of disrupting the new-found peace. As they finally made it to the end of the path, Grannies cottage came into view and she had never been so happy to of been proved wrong.

The structure was still intact, as though it was only yesterday that an old woman and a young girl had used to for refuge against a prejudiced world.

Crossing over the threshold, Regina led Robin into the cottage where he began to immediately hunt for supplies for their journey ahead. The former Queen made her way into the small living area of the cottage, the smell of damn wood and burnt cinders still lingered as it had all those years ago. Absentmindedly, she began to run her hand over the worn wooden chairs as she cast her view out the window, to the castle she once been imprison in the distance.

From her spot by the window, Regina could just about make out Robin's shrinking silhouette re-entering into the woods in search of food. His clothing blending perfectly in with the natural hues of the woodland that surrounded him. Deciding that there would be time to spare, the former Queen decided to re-acquaint herself with the small cottage that once had meant far more to her than anyone dare believe.

In truth, never had she thought she would return here again, not after what had happened. Not after the ties she was forced to sever almost a lifetime ago. Resting against the ledge of the window once again, she noted that it wasn't quite fitted into the wall properly. Almost as though something had been hidden within its walls. Prying it up, Regina was not ready for what she was to uncover.

Letters upon letters had been hidden, stash away from the prying eyes of the world inside the very structure of the cottage. Instantly, Regina knew exactly what these letters contained. For even then those many years later, she recognised the eloquent, spiralled handwriting upon them. These were the letters that she had sent to Granny when she had just become queen. A young girl, only 17, lost in a world she did not understand nor ever desire to be a part of. One with no one to help or guide her through the hell that became her life. In that isolated time, her only ally had been her father but he didn't have the courage to save her. It had been the old woman that worked down in the kitchens that had been her only chance of salvation.

She had met Granny the same day she'd moved into the castle. The woman was in charge of settling the future Queen into her new life, showing her the grounds and explaining the daily routine expected of her. It didn't take long for the old woman to see the hollowness of her eyes and soon after took her down into the kitchen. It was there in the old servant's kitchen that someone finally allowed Regina to express what she was truly feeling. Let her cry and scream until nothing remained. Then on the cold stone floor, simply held her, stroked her hair and whispered that she would help however she could to ease this cruelty.

It was the first time since Daniel's death that she had felt grounded and safe, even if it had been in the arms of a stranger.

Since that day, she would run to Granny after every late-night visit and horror brought by the king. Would seek comfort in her wisdom and concern. Regina knew then that she couldn't be taken from the castle for long, the guards would be sent after her and her liberator hung for treason but for a day here or there she'd slip out dressed in simple rags. During times when Granny went to visit her own family, Regina had written letters to her during the absence to ease to pain.

These letters contained all her fears, all her brutal memories and nightmares. Every last thought had been written upon the parchment as through she was speaking to the old woman in the room. When she returned, Regina would slip the letters into her servant's quarters. They never spoke of them after but there would always be a fresh apple pie waiting and a warm embrace.

Around a year into the sham of a marriage, when the King and Snow White went away, Granny began to smuggle her out of the castle disguised more often. Risking longer breaks just to give Regina some sense of freedom from her eternal prison. After the days adventures had drawn to a close, Granny had hid her away from the world in this very cottage. Would tell her stories of the people in the villages, of her family whilst brushing her hair. Made sure that she ate correctly and tended to her injuries. When she could, she would secure a horse from the neighbouring farm so that the young Queen may ride for a while. Something she'd been forced to give up it seemed during her new responsibilities. Regina learnt basic healing remedies and how to cook from those days spent in the cottage with Granny. Watching and practicing alongside her in case she should ever need them and the old woman wasn't around to help. Those were the days she lived for. The only days she ever felt alive.

Back then, Regina saw Granny as the mother that she had always longed for but never seemed deserving of. As she sifted through the letters, she couldn't help but despair at what she found. For not only inside were letters, but sketches from when she was younger alongside half-attempted cross stitching and pressed flowers they'd collected in the forest. Inside was a whole collection of their lives together. Why would she had kept all of this for those years that followed? She had chosen innocent Snow White so their relationship, like every other had died then. However, looking down at the papers and memories now strew around her feet, she wondered if maybe it had never been that simple.

Just outside she heard a crash followed by an extensive list of curse words. She quickly crammed all evidence of her past away, placed the wooden top back on and pushed the heavy oak door open.

"This is not what it looks like M'lady." His face turning a shade of crimson upon his discovery. For in the midst of one textile explosion was Robin, vigorously searching the pile as though his life depended on it whilst the freshly caught pheasant lay on the table behind.

"So I did not just walk in whilst you were searching through a pile of female garments?" She quirked her eyebrow in playful jest. "You know Robin, I really didn't expect this of you."

Robin shuffled slightly on the balls of his feet, refusing to make eye contact much to her relief as he attempted to talk his way out of the corner he was currently occupying.

"It's for you M'lady. And whilst I would look most dashing in this pink, frilled contraption, I was simply attempting to find something for you before we headed into town."

Looking down at her torn clothing, Regina supposed he had a fair point. If she hadn't looked frightful before she most certainly did now, and for a whole new reason. There would be no way for them to sneak through undetected whilst she sat caked in blood and torn garments that barley covered her body. However, the simple gesture still slightly knocked Regina. For it had been a long time since anyone had ever given anything to her aside from Henry and even that had stopped after the adoption discovery. Before that it had been a little boy…Greg, who had run from her not long after.

"For me? For…. why?"

"Well you see… as beautiful as you may look covered in dirt and blood, walking into town like that shall draw unwanted attention. Dangerous attention. I was just trying to keep you safe M'lady." Robin eyes were honest as the sunrise for he had no alternative for helping her other than genuine concern.

Regina briefly contemplated if this was the kind of man he was back before her curse tore his entire world apart. A man that simply said as he felt, entirely unguarded.

In that moment, she decided that this humble and slightly embarrassed side of him was one that was completely endearing. The cocksure persona that spent most of its time winding her up had only been a cover to this decent man that laid hidden underneath. Walking slowly towards him, Regina began to flick through the choices. As loathe as she may be to go along with this plan of his, after last night it was clear that this would most likely be their best bet. Plus, if it meant a wash, a clean dress and hopefully a comb to run through her hair, Regina would oblige. Even if she had to dress down, that's exactly what she'd do, former royal status be damned.

Pausing over a simple blue gown, she allowed herself to feel the coarse material. As she held it up to her body, Regina smiled as it perfectly fell against her form as it had before. The lightly embroidered neck was still intact. Small purple lilies ran across the entire length connected by a thin thread of emerald green. "This one isn't hideous I suppose. Not my usual style but it shall have to do. And if I may borrow your clock again then it'll be mostly covered." Robin looked dumbfounded at how easily she was now accepting his help. Surely this could not be the same woman of whom only days earlier was resolute in her hatred of him? Amused at the reaction she managed to get out of him, Regina began to collect the clothes up into her arms. "I'm sure you are aware there is a stream just behind those trees. I am going to go bathe and then I shall be back. If you could please sort out dinner that would be lovely. If I'm not back in 20 minutes, you have my permission to come and find me." Robin continued to look at her in the same manner and so she strode off towards the bustling stream, uncharacteristically happy at how the afternoon's events had unfolded.

As it turned out, the stream in question, like many things in the land had changed with the curse. No longer was it a weak, narrow channel of water but a thriving river that cut through the terrain. Not that she was complaining, a river was far better to clean in…even if it was early autumn and the idea of plunging into the cold water was already making her shiver. Setting the clean blue dress upon the neighbouring rock alongside the thick green cloak, Regina began to undress. Baring her uncovered flesh to the cool elements before slipping into the freezing waters.

Although she was expecting it to be cold, this was ridiculous. She could feel herself freezing as she stood stationary in the moving river. Her breath coming out harshly in white clouds that dissipated into the air as her body slowly became numb beneath the water. Obviously nearly 30 years of indoor plumbing and a previous life of luxury had softened her somewhat because being clean no longer seemed as important as in had before. She plunged into the water below, letting it soak into her hair and wash away the lingering dirt, desperate to get this over as quickly as possible.

The freezing temperature caused her lungs to burn whilst she was under. Breaking back through the surface, Regina soon realised that this was a terrible idea. For not only was she now freezing cold. She was alone, exposed and without any weapon aside from her off magic.

Time passed and eventually the fallen queen became more comfortable within the water. Enjoying the way the brisk current helped to cleanse her worn skin with ease. After the appropriate amount of time was spent bathing, Regina began to make her way back towards the bank of rocks.

A twig snapped nearby, causing the hairs on her skin to bolt upright in a most unpleasant manner but Regina due to the dense foliage, she couldn't see anything in that moment. Inwardly cursing herself she began to position herself into the larger boulders to serve as some protection. As she crouched within a hollowed opening, Regina could only hope that they were friend not foe.

After a few moments, she heard footsteps come traipsing through the forest, clearly in search of something if the hushed whispers were anything to go by. Regina forced herself to stay quiet and still less to catch their attention. The obvious sounds of boots crunching on earth became louder indicating two things: it definitely wasn't Robin here to make some quick-witted remarks and that she wasn't going to be safe for much longer without divine intervention.

One of the assailants, a man, whistled into the wind, as though to play a sick game with her. His shadow casting a long black silhouette into the river just in front of where Regina was presently hiding. Forcing her back as far in-between the rocks, she focused all her energies on summoning her magic forth but the sheer trauma this trip has forced upon her body made that difficult. Every limb burnt as tough white fire was searing her from the inside. Pulling her apart like an disguarded doll. The familiar sensation of black spots began impairing her vision until the moment an arrow whizzed overhead. It's sharpened crown landing square upon a tree on the other side of the river with a distinctive splinter. All hell broke loose in that moment as bloodcurdling screams and the dull thump of bodies hitting the floor destroyed the idyllic autumn dusk that was fast approaching.

The gut-wrenching sounds of steel into human flesh continuously followed every rhythmic drawback of a bow. Boots scuffled into the earth, fists made their mark and agony was ever present as Regina willed herself to remain conscious.

Suddenly, she could hear a name being frantically called again and again. Getting more desperate with every cry. Confusion overcame Regina as she struggled to make out the voice. Suddenly, a hand came over the rock she was hiding within and felt around the opening. Within the next second a body was diving into the water next to her and dragging her forwards. Magic be damned she once again willed a fireball to her palm, refusing to go down without a fight but was only met with frantic blue eyes in place of her vengeful brown. Robin lifted her out of the water instantly and she crashed square into his chest as soon as they were laid upon the bank. Her naked body now lay against every contour of his. His eyes frantically searching hers, begging for confirmation of her being here with him. Safe.

Regina pushed herself from him slightly, enough to break whatever trance they'd both currently found themselves lost. Only then did either of the two notice the predicament they currently found themselves in. Muttering hurried apologies, he rolled over and began to get up on the grass verge, attempting give her some privacy after that particularly forward encounter.

Allowing herself a few moments to recompose on the ground, Regina began to also move once her basic functions returned to her. Pulling the clean dress over herself, the queen felt a wash of shyness that had long since been felt. Plenty had seen her naked over the years ranging from handmaidens that helped her in the castle to disgruntled lovers than she'd recently… moved on from. Fixing the clasp on Robin's clock around her neck, she finally walked back around to him, her long hair pulled haphazardly over her shoulder.

His face was still contorted in a panicked expression and now looking down at the surrounding woodland, there was a justified reason.

"We HAVE to go. Now. They were just the scouting party and when they don't return whoever sent them will know somethings happened and send more."

His tone left no room for argument and his cobalt eyes shone with a fire she'd only ever see in the mirror. Regina did nothing but simply nod at his words before they sprinting back to the cottage to make their next grand escape. Although she didn't know it then, this was the instant that would change the course of her disgruntled life. For all she felt in the instant was her ebony hair flowing freely in the wind and their hands forever entwined.