Crown My Heart

MackenzieW

A/N: This is based on a prompt an anonymous user left for me on tumblr. So I'd like to thank him or her for it.

Synopsis: After Regina rescues Snow White from the runaway horse, she becomes engaged to King Leopold. However, he quickly learns that Regina is less than thrilled with the arrangement. So he sees a chance to strengthen Mist Haven's ties with a neighboring kingdom, and proposes that Regina marry the new king of Sherwood. This time, though, the decision is entirely in her hands and she agrees to the arrangement.

Regina arrives in Sherwood already carrying a dark secret. While she and King Robert—often just called "Robin"—have an immediate connection, she learns she will be Sherwood's first foreign born queen and the court is already suspicious of her because of that fact. Can she prove herself to her new people and will her secret affect her marriage to a man she falls further in love with each day?

Chapter 1: The Proposal

When had her life ceased to be her own?

Regina pondered that thought as she wandered about the royal courtyard. A month ago, she was a girl on the verge of womanhood who had found a love greater than she had ever dreamed. Then she rescued a young girl on a runaway horse, a young girl who ended up being the princess. In a blink of Regina's eyes, King Leopold was down on one knee and asking her to marry him. Regina's voice had failed so Mother had accepted in her stead.

That answered her question. Her life had never been her own. It had always belonged to Mother. So now she was forced to live the life Mother wanted, Regina's heart merely collateral damage.

It left a bitter taste in her mouth.

She glanced up at the gray skies overhead and felt them appropriate for her mood. The wind picked up as Regina tasted rain in the air. A charge hung there as well, foretelling of a storm. Yet she made no move to seek shelter.

"Regina? Regina, there's a storm coming. Best to head inside." Her father entered the courtyard and approached her.

Regina kept staring at the sky. "Do you ever wish you could blow away?"

"Is this about marrying the king?" Daddy asked.

"Of course it is," she replied with a sigh. "I don't want to marry him."

Henry took her hand, patting it. "That's just cold feet, dear."

"No, it's not." Regina pulled her hand away, hoping her eyes showed her father the true depth of her pain and unhappiness. "I do not want to marry him. This is not the life I want."

"Regina..."

"Please, Daddy, listen to me," she pleaded.

Her father closed his mouth and nodded. Confident she had his attention, Regina continued: "He's older than you, Daddy. And some people at court whisper that he had once been betrothed to Mother."

"Your mother was the daughter of a miller when I married her. I highly doubt she met King Leopold before then," Daddy said. "You mustn't listen to court gossip. It will only fill your head with dark thoughts. Do you understand?"

At her own nod, Daddy smiled. "Now is that all? Were those rumors what had you all worked up?"

"I'm all worked up over this whole situation!" Fire burned through her, ignited by her despair. He still wasn't listening to her, wasn't understanding. "I do not love him and he does not love me. He still loves his late wife-everyone can see that. I will not be a wife to him but like a trinket he can wear to show off his power and wealth. And I'll be nothing more than a glorified nursemaid for his daughter. Is that what you want for me, Daddy? Such a miserable existence?"

He took her hands again. "Peace, Regina. Your mind has conjured these scenarios out of your fear."

"So you're saying it's all in my head?" She pulled her hands away from his.

"Yes."

Regina let out a wry laugh. "So it's all in my head when Leopold calls me 'Eva'? Or that most of my days have been spent with the princess rather than people my own age? I only overhear those rumors; no one ever talks to me."

"Leopold just wants you two to bond as mother and daughter," Daddy reasoned.

"It's just in my head that people already call me the Child Queen? That they speak of me as the king's possession rather than his wife? Like I'm some doll they can just prop on the throne?"

"I told you. Don't listen..."

"Was it just in my head that I was disgusted by the prospect of marrying the king? Or how horrified I was that Mother say yes and you did nothing to stop her!"

The air was charged with more than the impending storm threatening to crash down on them. Regina's anger filled the space, promising something more destructive. She felt it humming in her veins and tingling in her fingers. It both frightened and thrilled her.

Daddy's shoulders sagged and he seemed to age before her eyes. "I know, Regina. But when it comes to your mother, I am powerless. I'm not proud of it but after almost twenty years of marriage, I've accepted it."

"So you're not going to do anything?" Regina's anger died down to sadness.

"I can't," Daddy repeated. "She's too powerful. We cannot win against her. I can't, you can't and your stable boy can't."

Regina's eyes widened as she felt herself go cold. "You know about Daniel?"

"I do. Your Mother has her suspicions but no confirmation yet. So he is safe, for now."

"What will she do if she finds out?" Horrific scenarios flitted through her mind, mostly of her mother using her magic to kill him in the worst ways.

Daddy squeezed her hands. "He won't be found out if you marry the king."

"So I have to marry the king to make Mother happy and keep Daniel safe."

"Being an adult means making sacrifices." Daddy cupped her cheek. "Try to have a positive mindset. You may find happiness with the king and princess after all."

Regina sighed as the first clap of thunder rumbled overhead. Daddy grasped her hand. "Let's go inside before the heavens open up. I'll have the kitchens send us up some tea. That'll make you feel better."

"Thank you, Daddy." It was hollow though. Regina doubted she would ever be happy in this palace and as the storm crashed down over the structure, she wished it would wash her far, far away.

Regina returned to the courtyard the day after the storm. The air smelled of rain-kissed grass and it was no longer as hot as it had been the previous week. She walked about the open space, enjoying the fresh air and small amount of freedom she was granted by her ever-watchful mother.

"Lady Regina!" She tried not to grimace when she heard King Leopold's voice and instead hoped she had a cool but polite smile as she turned around to face him.

The old king stopped before her and she curtsied to him. "Your Majesty."

"I was hoping we could go for a walk." He held out his arm to her.

Her heart pounded as she sought any excuse not to go on the walk. Especially as they were alone. "There is no one to chaperone us, milord," she replied. "It wouldn't be proper."

Leopold was not deterred. "Do not let that trouble you. We shall stay always in full view of the palace."

With no other way to politely refuse him, Regina took his arm and started to walk with him. He patted her hand and she tried not to recoil. "My dear, I must confess something. I was in the courtyard yesterday and I overheard your conversation with your father."

Her heart stopped, her mind replaying all the things she had said. Despite being the truth, they were still awful. "You did?"

"Yes, and you can stop panicking. It only confirmed something I already suspected."

"It did?" Regina felt like a simpleton, repeating herself.

"I am no fool, Regina," he said, though there was no malice in his voice. "I should've rescinded my proposal the moment I saw the horror and disgust in your eyes. And the fact your mother accepted...But I was lonely and you are so beautiful..."

He trailed off and they walked in silence for several paces before he resumed speaking. "I didn't think much of our age difference for it is not uncommon amongst royalty. Then I overheard two courtiers call you my child bride with utter contempt for the whole affair."

"I am eighteen," she offered, though she did feel like a child still. Was that why the name bothered her so? Because it was the truth?

"You are," he agreed. "Which makes you closer in age to my daughter than me. And when I put it in that perspective, even my stomach turned. You deserve a younger man, someone you can grow old with together, not someone who could widow you at any moment."

Regina frowned. She may not like the man, but she didn't like thinking of anyone dying. "You are quite healthy, milord."

He chuckled. "I am but there is a good chance I will widow you. Besides, we both deserve someone we can relate to. I want someone who will be a companion. You deserve a lover, Regina, someone who will love you with the same passion I loved Eva with."

Blushing, Regina managed to ask: "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"I am ending our betrothal," he confirmed. "You do not have to marry me."

Her heart sped up and she felt as if a great weight was lifted from her shoulders. She gave him her first genuine smile in weeks. "Truly?"

"Yes, my dear," the king responded, laughing.

The reality of her situation hit her though and her blood ran cold. "Mother..." she whispered, afraid of what they woman would do when she found out Regina would not be queen after all.

Leopold nodded. "I've thought of that as well. Lord Locksley?"

A tall blond man with hair graying at his temples stepped out from behind a bush. Though he did not smile, kindness shown from his blue eyes and put Regina at ease. He wore a dark green silk shirt under a black brocade coat, paired with black leather pants.

The king smiled at the man. "Lady Regina, this is Lord Christopher Locksley, the ambassador from Sherwood. He is the king's brother."

"Milord," Regina murmured as she sunk into another curtsy. She worried she was about to escape one marriage to an old king only to end up married to another.

Lord Locksley bowed but still did not smile. "I was the king's brother," he said. "I am now the king's uncle."

"Good gods. When?" Leopold asked, shocked.

"Three days ago. My sister sent word with the kingdom's fastest rider. It was sudden, according to her dispatch. One moment he was reclining in his rooms, laughing with his wife and the next, he was struggling for air as he clutched his chest. The physicians say his heart gave out. He clung to live long enough for the abbot to give him his final blessing so his place in the Afterlife is assured," Lord Locksley said.

"I am sorry for your loss," Regina said, feeling like an intruder in such a private moment.

Lord Locksley gave her a small smile at last. "Thank you, milady."

"When do you leave for the funeral?" Leopold asked him.

"First light tomorrow. If I ride hard, I will make it in time."

Leopold frowned. "Do you want to wait then? Get further instruction from your nephew?"

"No, I'd rather leave Mist Haven with at least a proposal. Supper, as agreed?"

As Leopold nodded, Regina's confusion grew. She felt like something important in her life was being decided without her consent again. All she wanted was for someone to talk to her like the person she was.

Lord Locksley noticed and addressed her. "King Leopold and I have been discussing a way to strengthen the ties between Mist Haven and Sherwood. We both agree the princess is too young for a marriage contract. My nephew would not consent to someone who is half his age. So tonight, I hope to dine with you and your family to discuss a possible marriage between you and my nephew, Robin...I mean, King Robert."

"Another marriage arrangement?" Regina asked. Her hand slipped from Leopold's arm and she backed up.

Lord Locksley stepped closer. "I understand your concerns, Lady Regina. Rest assured we will follow Sherwood traditions, which require both parties to consent to the union. And that means the bride, not her parents. All I ask for now is that you dine with me so I can tell you more about my nephew."

Regina processed everything he said. This was not another marriage being decided against her will. She could refuse. She could go home to Daniel. But her father's warning echoed in her head, reminding her it would be too dangerous. Especially if Mother took her rage out on the stable boy. Marrying the king of Sherwood might be the best option for Daniel's safety and her family's reputation. From what she gathered from Lord Locksley's comments, the new king was twenty, only two years her senior. That didn't seem too bad.

She smiled at Lord Locksley. "My parents and I would be honored to dine with you tonight."

"I look forward to it." With one last bow, Lord Locksley took his leave.

Leopold held his arm out to her again. "May I escort you back to your rooms?"

"Of course." She took his arm and they headed back to the palace. As the grew closer, she became concerned. "What am I to tell my parents?"

"Leave that to me, my dear," he replied, patting her hand. "I will take care of everything."

Mother was livid. She didn't show it outwardly but Regina could feel it roll off her as they sat at the table in Leopold's private rooms. Lady Cora knew better than to show her true emotions in front of the king, which was something Regina was grateful for at this moment. Still Regina also feared she was trying to manipulate the situation and make Leopold change his mind. She prayed Mother didn't succeed.

"King Leopold, whatever Regina has done, I assure you she didn't mean any offense." Mother glared at her.

Leopold frowned. "It was nothing she did or said, Lady Cora. Once the heat of the moment passed, I reconsidered everything-namely what I need in a wife and what my daughter needs in a mother. Regina would be more of a daughter to me and a sister to her rather than a partner and a parent."

"Regina will be a great wife and mother. You just..."

"Are you ordering me around?" Warning laced Leopold's words as leveled her with a hard look.

Mother frowned. "Of course not."

"Good. I was afraid you had forgotten your place, Lady Cora." Leopold's words bit at even Regina and she watched in amazement as Mother leaned back in her seat, silenced.

She just prayed she didn't catch hell for it later in the privacy of their rooms.

Leopold recovered himself, smiling. "While I am not marrying Regina, I have come to care for her and want to see her secured with a good future, just like you. So I have invited another guest. Lord Locksley?"

As the man appeared from another room, Regina wondered if he had magic as he always seemed to just be there. She rose and held out her hand to him as he approached. "Lord Locksley, my parents-Lord Henry and Lady Cora."

Her parents rose at their names. Lord Locksley and Daddy bowed to each other before the ambassador kissed Mother's hand. She glared at him like he broke up Leopold and Regina's betrothal personally.

"Lady Regina." The blond man kissed her hand next. "I am glad to see you again."

"Thank you, milord." She curtsied before taking her seat, trying to ignore Mother's glare.

Lord Locksley took a seat between Regina and Leopold. "It is an honor to meet you, Lord Henry and Lady Cora."

"And you, Lord Locksley," Daddy replied.

"I'm sure you're curious as to why Lord Locksley is joining us," Leopold said. "He was sent to Mist Haven by his late brother, King Edward, to improve relations between our country and his."

Mother leaned forward. "I'm sorry. How does that involve our daughter?"

"Leopold and I were discussing a marriage contract as the best way to strengthen our relationship," Lord Locksley replied. "But we both agreed that Princess Snow White is too young. Regina, however, is just the right age. My nephew, our new king, is not much older than her."

"So you're looking to make our Regina the next queen of Sherwood?" Daddy asked.

Lord Locksley nodded. "I am. From what Leopold has told me, Regina is well prepared to be queen. And she would better serve a younger king, one who is setting up his own court and, well, would need an heir."

Regina's stomach turned. She had forgotten about that part of being married. Even if this King Robert was closer to her age, she didn't know if she was ready to be so intimate with a man she barely knew. Would he demand her to perform that wifely duty immediately? Or would he be willing to wait? And was she ready for motherhood? The thought of being Snow's mother had terrified her. Would it change if she was having a baby?

"I don't know if Regina is ready to be the queen of a place like Sherwood," Mother replied. "She's familiar with Mist Haven and Mist Haven alone. Our daughter hasn't traveled much."

"Understandable. But there are several people at court who would be happy to instruct Regina about our customs and traditions, including her future husband. Marriages in Sherwood, even royal ones, are partnerships. One helps and supports the other."

That sounded nice to Regina. Someone who would always be on her side, rather than her fighting against the world alone like she did now. Perhaps this marriage was the best thing that could happen to her.

Mother, though, still resisted. "While I'm certain Regina would be a quick study, I do believe she would serve Leopold and Mist Haven better as queen."

Leopold frowned. "Lady Cora, if you're going to keep questioning my decision in such a way, I will have you escorted out of the room and continue this conversation with Lady Regina and Lord Henry."

"Any decision about Regina's future require me," she insisted.

"Not really," Lord Locksley replied. "In Sherwood, only two people can consent to a marriage-the bride and the groom. No one else. So you can object, but if Lady Regina agrees, we'll proceed anyway."

"Regina knows better than to agree to anything without discussing it with her father and me first. If we disagree..."

Lord Locskley frowned. "You mean if you disagree. Forgive me, Lady Cora, but you strike me as a woman who wants things done her way and doesn't like to be crossed. I don't know why you're fixated on Lady Regina being Queen of Mist Haven but from this point on, I will be discussing this with her. You are to just listen."

"Or you can leave," Leopold added, motioning for two guards to step forward. "The choice is yours."

Mother pressed her lips together, sitting back in her seat. "I see. Proceed then."

Lord Locksley leaned closer to Regina. "I'm certain you must want to know more about my nephew."

"I am curious, yes," she replied, giving him a nervous smile.

"Well, Robert is my brother's only child so he has been doted on. Still, his mother, my brother's queen, made certain to prevent him from feeling any sense of entitlement. She taught him the importance of serving others and sharing." Lord Locksley chuckled. "We once couldn't find him for hours. Finally, the captain of the guard dragged him back from a nearby village where he had been serving soup to the hungry."

Regina's heart skipped a beat and her smile became more genuine. "He sounds very kind."

"He is. And a bit mischievous. You'll have to keep your eye on him." Lord Locksley gave her a wink.

Mother cleared her throat. "We've poured a great deal of time and energy in Regina's education. What has the prince's been like?"

"We are an educated people, madam," Lord Locksley replied, voice hard. "My nephew has had tutors from the time he was a small child to just before his father's death. The last one was one of his father's advisors, who was helping guide Rob...ert in the ways of being king. My brother also took an active role in his education as well."

"And he's excelled at his studies?" Mother pressed.

"Mother," Regina hissed, embarrassed.

Lord Locksley frowned. "My nephew is very intelligent, madam. He is also skilled with a sword but he is otherworldly when wielding his bow. He is not as skilled a rider as your daughter from what I've been told, but he will be able to keep up with her."

The more Regina heard about King Robert, the more intrigued she became. She leaned forward. "Can you tell me more about Sherwood?"

"Oh, milady, I do think you would love it," Lord Locksley said. "If King Leopold will forgive me my nationalistic pride, I do believe Sherwood is the most beautiful country there is. We have forests filled with green trees that reach toward the sky. Our land is very fertile and our crops color the land in their due season. The mighty Nott River flows through the land, a beautiful blue with white crests. I do believe you'll fall in love upon first sight."

She could almost see it, a land that seemed as free as she could be there. "I can't wait to see it then."

"Don't get ahead of yourself, dear." Mother reached out and patted her hand. "You don't want to rush into something so important and life-changing like marriage."

Regina wanted to call her out on that. After all, Mother had been more than happy to rush her down the aisle to King Leopold. Confronting Mother, though, usually ended in pain and punishment. So she bit her tongue and focused on the meal being served to them. Leopold moved the conversation on to other topics, giving Regina time to ponder everything she had been told about King Robert of Sherwood. Mother was right about not rushing into things, so she was going to consider everything before making her decision.

After supper, Regina returned to the rooms Leopold had given her and her parents after their betrothal. Mother slammed the door and glared at Regina. "You should go to bed, my dear. We can discuss everything in the morning, when we all have clear heads."

Regina knew what she really meant: They'll wait to discuss this in the morning because by then, Mother will know how best to manipulate her to get what she wanted. She didn't argue though, instead bidding her parents goodnight before locking herself in her room.

Her door though was not enough to keep out her parents' voices. "She is not marrying the king of Sherwood and that is final!" Mother yelled.

"Why?" Daddy asked, voice raised for the first time she could remember. "You've always wanted Regina to be a queen. That's why you named her that, remember? I wanted to name her for my mother."

"We did. One of her middle names is Maria."

"The third."

Mother let out a groan of frustration. "You're changing the subject, Henry. Yes, I always wanted Regina to be queen. But not just any queen. She is to be the Queen of Mist Haven."

"Why? Why Mist Haven? Why must she marry Leopold?"

"Because that's always been the plan!"

There was silence and Regina cracked her door open enough to hear them but not to draw their attention. It was a good thing as Daddy's voice was softer when he next spoke: "It's true then? The rumors?"

"What rumors?" Mother asked.

"That you were once supposed to marry Leopold until he discovered you were lying and threw you out, marrying Queen Eva instead. Why then raise our daughter to marry him?"

"It's not about Leopold. Though it is a bit upsetting he hasn't recognized me." Mother sighed, making Regina's stomach turn as she thought about marrying the man who once had wooed her mother. "It's about Eva."

"Eva? Is this about the flour?"

"Yes, it's about the flour. She humiliated me," she snapped.

Daddy was quiet for a few minutes before asking: "Did you have something to with Eva's death, Cora?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Henry." Mother walked away, not looking Daddy in the eyes. "That was just an inevitability I was waiting for. Women don't last long in our society, you know that."

"So you knew something would happen to Queen Eva and you could maneuver Regina into being his queen? That's a lot of unknowns, Cora."

Mother sighed. "Let's just go to bed, Henry, and focus on the bigger issue."

"Cora…" Daddy protested.

"No!" Mother's voice thundered through the room. "We are going to bed and that's that. And I would watch yourself, Henry."

Daddy hung his head, following Mother into their room. It made Regina's heart break to see and she wished Daddy had a better life as well.

Regina held her breath until she heard her parents' doors close. She closed her own and sat on her bed, pulling out the miniature Lord Locksley had pressed to her hand before she had left. It was a portrait of his nephew, the new king of Sherwood.

He was handsome, with thick blond hair and blue eyes. The painter did not give him a smile but still captured a feeling of kindness about him. Or was she transferring the kindness from his uncle onto his portrait? Either way, she didn't think it would be too bad to spend the rest of her life with this man.

This was her chance to take control of her life. She could agree to marry King Robert, leave Mist Haven and Mother behind. No more would she be just a pawn in her Mother's quest for power.

But that also meant leaving her father behind. Regina didn't know how she would spend her days without seeing Daddy nor did she want to leave him alone with her Mother.

Regina bit her lip before sitting at her desk. She pulled out a piece of parchment, dipping her quill into her inkpot. The only sounds in the room were of her quill scratching words into the paper as her candle grew lower. Finally, she blotted to remove the extra ink and then sealed it. Sighing, she got ready for bed.

It was time to determine her own future.

Regina rose early, knowing Lord Locksley wanted to leave at first light to head back to Sherwood. She threw on a simple dress and hurried down to the courtyard, where she found him saddling his horse for the journey. "Lord Locksley!" she called out.

The man looked up, smiling as she approached. "Good morning, Lady Regina. You didn't have to come see me off."

"I know," she said. "And I know you said I didn't have to give you my decision right away."

"You don't. You can think about it for as long as you need."

She nodded. "I just have one question."

"Just one?" He chuckled.

"For now," she amended. "If I can convince my father to leave my mother, will the king let him live with us?"

Lord Locksley gave her a soft smile. "I don't blame you for wanting to take him away from that woman. You are quite strong to have survived so long under her roof."

"I wouldn't call myself strong, my lord," she replied.

"I would," he insisted. "And I believe that my nephew will agree to let your father stay."

"If he does, please give him this." Regina held out her letter to him.

Lord Locksley took the letter, though he looked hesitant. "Are you certain you don't want more time to think about it? This is a big decision."

"I know," she replied. "And I think I've made the best decision for myself."

"I hope so, milady." Lord Locksley mounted his horse as Regina watched. "I shall see you soon."

Regina stood back, watching as he urged his horse into a canter as he left the courtyard. Once he was beyond the palace gates, the horse began to gallop and she watched until it and its rider were just specks on the horizon.

Taking a deep breath, she headed back to her room to await the word on her fate.

A/N: So there's the first chapter! I know there's been several people waiting for this on tumblr and I hope you all enjoy it. There won't be an update next Friday because it's my birthday and I'll be on a cruise. So see everyone the week after that!