Chapter 34: Preparing for Trial

"I thank you for coming to this emergency meeting," Robin said, greeting his council as they took their seats. He reached over and took his wife's hand. "I have also asked Queen Regina to join us as well. I trust no one has any objections?"

He made eye contact with each member of his council as they all said they raised no objections to Regina's presence. Robin felt some tension leave his body but not all of it. Not with the topic they needed to discuss now.

"Last night, I was informed that Lord and Lady Ellis have been captured and are being returned to Locksley," he announced.

Gasps filled the room. Lady Robertshire pressed her hand to her mouth as Lord Hutton nodded solemnly. "When are they expected to arrive?" he asked.

"No more than three days," Robin replied, feeling Regina's fingers tighten around his. No doubt she was nervous about facing the couple. Lord Ellis had burst in on her while she was in a state of undress and Robin was away from the castle, accusing her of infidelity and carrying another man's child. Meanwhile, his wife had gone to extraordinary means to try to prove Regina was a witch – only for it to backfire on her. They had to be the last people she wanted to see and he hated that she would be forced to be in the same room as them once more.

"That would be during the Harvest Festival," Lord Jonstone noted. "Do we want such a spectacle?"

Lady Robertshire opened her mouth but Lady Wellingsbury held up her hand. "Don't you dare say 'They are one of us' again. Please."

"But they are!" Lady Robertshire protested. She then turned to Robin. "You aren't going to parade them around like you did your cousin, are you?"

"No," Robin replied, certain of that fact. "I don't want to give them any more attention."

Lord Hutton nodded. "I think that is a wise decision."

"I agree," Lady Wellingsbury replied. "I know we are eager to have the Ellises back here in Locksley to ensure they don't run off again but I would advise not bringing them here until after the Harvest Festival."

"Where would we keep them then?" Lord Jonstone asked.

Lady Robertshire raised her hand. "I could keep them in my house. Treat them the way they deserve."

"You sound like you would treat them like honored guests," Regina said, her hand tightening around Robin's. "They are traitors."

"Her Majesty is right," Lord Hutton said as other members of the council glared at Lady Robertshire.

Lady Robertshire frowned. "They have not been convicted of treason."

"Yet," Lord Jonstone said. "I think we all agree that the trial is just a formality at this point."

"I think we should keep them in Fort Nott," Lady Langston suggested. "Yes, it's a few days away from Locksley but the distance will ensure they can't escape and enter the city as well as give us time to prepare following the Harvest Festival."

Robin had to admit that was a good solution but did not say so out loud just yet. He glanced over at Lady Wellingsbury, who looked impressed as well which reassured him that he was not alone. It was likely that Lady Langston's suggestion would pass even with Lady Robertshire's inevitable objection.

He looked next to his wife, squeezing her hand to draw her attention to him. When her eyes met his, he asked: "What do you think?"

"I think that is a reasonable solution," she said. "We know they will be guarded and then they can be brought into the city once everyone is gone. No fanfare, no attention. They will seethe."

"I agree," he declared, looking back at his council. "All in favor?"

Almost every hand went up around the table. Only Lady Robertshire kept hers down as she stared defiantly at Robin. Once the names of those in agreement were recorded by Will, sitting behind him and Regina, Robin held Lady Robertshire's gaze as he asked: "All opposed?"

She raised her hand and he heard Will note it behind him. Robin then nodded. "Your objection has been recorded, Lady Robertshire. However, you are outvoted and so we will hold the Ellises in Fort Nott."

"Will they be held in a cell? Or will they be given rooms?" she asked him, frowning as her eyes kept flickering toward Regina.

"I think you know the answer to that question," Robin replied. "Nothing you say will change my mind."

Lady Robertshire sniffed. "This is disgraceful."

"Is there any other business to be brought before this council?" Robin asked, deciding not to acknowledge Lady Robertshire's comment. When no one else spoke, he nodded. "Then this meeting is adjourned. Thank you."

The first one to leave was Lady Robertshire. She stood and walked out without saying a word to anyone else. Everyone waited until the door closed behind her before standing as well. They all wished Robin and Regina a good night as they filed out of the room.

Lady Wellingsbury remained seated, adjusting to look at Regina and Robin better. "You two handled that brilliantly," she said. "Bravo."

Relief filled Robin as he leaned back in his chair. "Thank you."

"You two will have a lot of preparations ahead of you," she continued. "I've already done a good amount of work and stand ready to help you with whatever else you need for this trial."

"I am so glad you are on our side," Regina said with a shaky smile. She glanced at the door. "Do you think the others are on our side or do they secretly agree with Lady Robertshire?"

It was a question Robin had tried not to dwell on but knew that they had to answer before the trial. His court was in a precarious position and the trial would reveal where everyone's loyalties lied. And so he needed to know that he could rely on his advisors. If not, he would need to consider replacing them.

He really hoped he didn't have to do that.

"I think they are on our side," Lady Wellingsbury replied. "No one on this council hides their feelings."

"I can certainly attest to that," Regina said, squeezing his hand. "They didn't hold anything back before our wedding and I doubt they would do the same now."

Lady Wellingsbury chuckled. "That is a very good point."

Robin wanted to take comfort in their words but he still felt tense. "I hate having to suspect everyone."

"I know," Lady Wellingsbury said, placing her hand over his. "I hate it too."

"At least we can trust you," Regina replied, wrapping her arm around Robin's as she leaned closer to Lady Wellingsbury. "I am glad for that."

Robin nodded. "I agree with that."

"I am honored to serve great rulers such as you two," Lady Wellingsbury. "You may be young but you have proven yourselves to be just, merciful, compassionate and a force to be reckoned with. I look forward to seeing what you two do in the future."

"Thank you," Robin said. "We look forward to working with you for years to come."

She stood, smiling. "I will leave you two now and shall see you soon. Good night."

Once she left, Robin squeezed his wife's hand again before rubbing the back of it with his thumb. "How are you feeling?" he asked her.

"Nervous," she admitted. "Lady Robertshire reminds me that not everyone will be on our side and that my position at court is still rather precarious."

"What do you mean?" he asked, concerned that she still felt like an outsider in their court.

She sighed. "I just worry that if we don't win, then everything I love will be torn apart. And I worry that we'll be parted forever if I have to flee with Henry."

His heart skipped a beat as he imagined his wife running with their son, trying to get out of the country she had made her home. Robin kissed her forehead, promising her that would not happen. "Locksley is your home," he assured her. "You are as Sherwoodian as anyone born here."

"There are many who would disagree with you," she said, tears filling her eyes.

"Not as many as you fear," he replied, wiping her eyes. "The people love you and they outnumber our court."

She nodded. "But do they outnumber them where it counts?"

"I believe they do," Robin assured her, rubbing her arms now. "They could easily overpower the court and take over the castle."

"I hope it doesn't come to that," she said, letting him pull her in for a hug.

He held her close, kissing the top of her head. "It won't. We need to believe that it will all work out."

She nodded. "You're right. We need to stay positive."

"Come," he said, pulling away and holding out his arm to her. "It's late. Let's go to bed."

"That sounds wonderful," she said, taking his arm and leaning against him. "I feel like I could sleep for an entire day."

He chuckled, leading her from the room. "We could always arrange for that."

She hummed, closing her eyes. "Even with a royal guest visiting the palace?"

"I don't think Prince Thomas will mind if we disappear for a day," he replied. "No doubt Ella will be happy to entertain him in our stead."

"Good," Regina said. "Then we can sleep."

He kissed the top of her head as they arrived at their bedroom. "Yes, lovely, we can sleep as late as you want."

Robin opened the door and guided her into their chambers. Mother stood, rocking a fussy Henry. "Everything good?" she asked.

"We have a plan," he said, nodding. "So I think we're good for now."

"Good," she replied, looking relieved. She held Henry out to Regina. "I think he's hungry."

Regina nodded, taking Henry from his grandmother. "Sounds like it."

Mother wished them a good night and Robin walked her to the door as Regina headed into the bedroom. Robin watched his mother until she entered her own room, certain she was safe for the night. He closed the door and locked it as well before joining his family in the bedroom.

"There you go," Regina cooed, patting Henry's bottom as she nursed him. "Now you feel better, right, sweetheart?"

"Of course he does," Robin said, his heart filling with love as he sat down next to his family. "He's with you."

Regina looked up, meeting his eyes as she said: "Us."

He glanced down at their son, who was now looking at him with his wide hazel eyes. Nodding, Robin said: "Us."

And as they sat there, together as a family, Robin again vowed that no harm would come to any of them.

No matter the cost.

Robin had every intention of letting them sleep in late that morning.

Henry, though, had other plans.

"We don't need a clock right now," Robin said, propping himself up on his elbow as he watched his son nurse again. "We have Henry's stomach."

She nodded. "That is true. He never misses a meal."

"He's a growing boy with a healthy appetite," he replied, reaching over to rub Henry's little foot.

"He does," she agreed, smiling at Robin fondly. "He gets that from his father."

He chuckled, nodding. "I won't argue with that."

She hummed, patting Henry's bottom as he released her nipple. He rubbed his eyes as she cooed to him. "Are you full now? Did you enjoy your meal, sweetheart?"

"I believe he did," Robin said, sitting up. "I'll burp him."

"Thank you," she replied, placing Henry into his father's waiting arms. She readjusted her shift as Robin lifted Henry to his shoulder. He patted his son's back until Henry let out a loud burp.

Rubbing his back now, Robin kissed Henry's head. "That's my boy."

Curling next to them, Regina reached out and took Henry's hand. "Can we snuggle with him or do we need to get up?"

"I cleared our morning," he reminded her. "We can stay in bed as long as we want."

"Good," she said, kissing Henry's hand. "You have Mama and Papa all to yourself now."

Henry cooed before pitching himself toward her. She took him from Robin, letting the baby boy rest on her chest. "I see you want to cuddle Mama," she said, her smile turning even brighter.

"Of course," Robin replied, moving closer to his wife and son. "I want to cuddle you as well."

She laughed, curling toward him as Henry continued to lay on her chest. "We can cuddle together."
He kissed her forehead. "Sounds good to me."

They laid there together as Henry yawned. His eyes closed and not long after, Robin watched his breathing even out. A good cuddle was just what he needed to go back to sleep.

"It must be so exhausting to be a baby," Regina said. "He's always sleeping."

"True, but that does work in our favor," Robin replied, kissing her shoulder. "We can do other things and he won't miss us."

She smiled, nodding. "Good point."

"For now, I think Henry has the right idea," he said, lying his head down on the pillow. "We should get some more sleep."

"I'm not going to argue with that," she replied, lying her down now as well. "Sweet dreams, Robin."

He closed his eyes as he sighed happily. "Sweet dreams, Regina."

And with their son between them, Robin drifted off to sleep with his wife.

"What do you think?"

Robin looked up from the papers he was reviewing and toward the sound of his wife's voice. She stood in the middle of their sitting area in a beautiful dress with autumnal leaves embroidered on the brown skirt. Brown fur lined the collar and cuffs of her sleeves to keep her warm as the weather again cooled with the approach of winter. The talents of the royal tailor and seamstresses never ceased to amaze him along with Regina's natural beauty.

"You look beautiful," he replied. "Even better than last year's gown and that was beautiful as well."
"I know," she said, smoothing down the skirt. "Hopefully I can really enjoy this one unlike last year's gown."

He nodded, looking at the crib where their son slept. It was this time last year that Henry started to make his presence known and had kept Regina from truly enjoying the Harvest Festival due to her symptoms. Robin stood, approaching his wife and rubbing her arms. "You will have the best time at the Harvest Festival, I guarantee it," he told her.

She laughed. "Is that a royal order?"

"It can be," he replied, pulling her closer. "But only for myself. I promise I will make this the best Harvest Festival yet for you."

"Just don't go overboard," she told him, love and affection in her eyes. "I only need you by my side to make it a wonderful time."

He kissed her forehead. "I feel the same about you."

She pressed her hand to his cheek, still smiling. "You're a sap, you know that?"

"I do," he replied. "And you knew that before you married me."

"It was one of the reasons why I married you," she said before pulling away. "I need to take this dress off. I don't want anything to happen to it before the festival."

He nodded. "Henry and I will be out here waiting for you."

She returned to their bedroom as Robin went to ring the bell, deciding it was time to enjoy the noon meal. Once their meal had been summoned, he walked over to Henry's cradle and looked down at his son. Henry gazed up at him, smiling when he saw Robin and reaching his hands for him.

"Come here, my boy," Robin said, picking Henry up and cradling him. "Papa's got you."

He walked with Henry toward the table, rubbing his son's back. "Do you want to sit with us while we eat?" he asked the baby.

"I think he does," Regina said, leaning against Robin's arm to kiss Henry's forehead. "He loves spending time with us."

"Then it's decided," Robin replied, bouncing Henry a little.

Two servants appeared with trays of food. Regina greeted them before pointing to their table. "You can set those down there. Thank you," she said.

Robin carried Henry over to the table as the servants set two plates for them. Once the food was served and wine poured, both took a step back and waited for further orders. After thanking them, Regina dismissed them and told them to go enjoy their own food in the kitchen. Both curtsied and hurried back out through the servant's entrance.

"Do you want me to bring over Henry's crib?" Regina asked Robin, leaning against her chair. "You won't be able to eat and hold him at the same time."

"That would be a nice trick," he replied, sighing as he looked at his son. Henry rested against his shoulder, Though Robin was reluctant to put him down, he knew his wife was right so he nodded. "You can bring it over."

She gave him a quick kiss before walking over to where the crib was. He rubbed Henry's back, kissing his son's forehead. "Mama will be right back with your crib and then we can spend some more time together," he said.

Regina placed the crib between their chairs, smiling. "There we go."

"I think he has the most comfortable seat in the whole room," Robin replied, reaching down and gently rubbing his son's stomach. Henry gurgled before kicking his legs and waving his arms.

"He probably does," Regina agreed, pouring herself some cordial. "But I think we have the better food."

Robin laughed, cutting into his brisket. "Yes, we do."

They continued to eat and Robin was halfway done with his meal when someone knocked on the door. He looked up, frowning. "I wonder who that is," he said.

"Do you want me to get it?" she asked, starting to stand.

"No," he replied, reaching out and gently squeezing her shoulder. "I've got it. You relax."

He stood and crossed to the door as someone knocked on it again. Robin took a deep breath before opening it, surprised to find Lady Wellingsbury on the other side. "Is something wrong?" he asked her.

"Not yet," she replied. "But I don't want to wait for something to be wrong. I wanted to do some preparatory work with you and Regina."

"Does it have to be today?" Robin asked, hesitant to accept her answer. "Regina and I were trying to have one peaceful day before the Harvest Festival and then the trial."

She looked sympathetic. "I understand. But those same reasons are why I feel it needs to be today. We won't have much time once the Ellises are back in Locksley. You've held Keith for a long time but we had the reason that we needed all the co-conspirators. Now…"

He sighed. "We can't delay it much longer."

"No, we can't," she replied. "Are you busy tomorrow? Perhaps we can arrange for a time to talk then."

"Perhaps we can have the midday meal together," Regina suggested, taking Robin's arm as she joined him at the door. "We can enjoy some good food and discuss our strategy then."

Lady Wellingsbury rubbed her chin. "I think that would work."

Regina nodded as Robin patted her hand, proud of her solution. She looked up at him. "Perhaps we should invite the whole family. I think we're going to need each other more than ever in the coming weeks," she said.

"I think that's a very good idea," Lady Wellingsbury replied.

"Then I shall make the arrangements," Regina said. "I'll send an invitation to your rooms."

Lady Wellingsbury nodded. "That sounds good. I look forward to receiving it."

"We look forward to speaking with you," Robin replied. "We know you will give us excellent advice."

"I hope so," she said before smiling. "I do think we have a secret weapon."

That intrigued Robin and he asked: "What is it?"

Lady Wellingsbury inclined her head as she said: "Your queen."

"Me?" Regina asked, her cheeks turning pink. "I don't feel like a secret weapon."

"But you are," Lady Wellingsbury assured her. "And I'll tell you why tomorrow."

Robin pulled his wife closer, wrapping his arm around her now as pride surged through him. "We look forward to hearing it."

Lady Wellingsbury gave them a nod. "I'll leave you to your afternoon. Enjoy it."

"We plan to," he replied. "Good day, Lady Wellingsbury."

She walked away as Robin closed the door, smiling at Regina. "Shall we go finish our lunch?"

"We shall," she said, taking his arm again. "What other plans do you have for our afternoon?"

"I have a few," he replied, helping her into her chair. He then winked at her. "You'll just have to wait and see."

She looked intrigued. "Is that so?"

He nodded, giving her a quick kiss. "I promise it will be worth the wait."

"Knowing you, I'm certain it will be," she said, giving him a soft smile before turning back to her food.

After checking on Henry, who now slept soundly in his crib, Robin sat down and finished his meal. He wanted to take full advantage of Henry being asleep and enjoy some quality time with wife.

Preferably naked.

"That was amazing."

Regina curled up against Robin, resting her head against his chest. He played with her hair as they laid in bed together, bodies sweaty and sated after spending the afternoon making love.

He chuckled, kissing the top of her head. "Yes, it was. We are definitely getting better at that."

"Practice certainly makes perfect," she said, tracing patterns with her finger against his bare skin.

"Yes, indeed," he replied. "I love practicing with you."

She looked up at him, grinning. "I love practicing with you too. Do you think we'll ever get bored of practicing with each other?"

"I doubt it," he assured her.

"Good," she replied, kissing his chest. "Because I want to practice with you for the rest of our lives."

He chuckled. "I feel the same."

She hummed happily, resting her head on his chest again. "So what are we going to do now?"

"Well, we could always practice some more," he suggested, smirking.

"True," she replied. "But Henry is going to need to nurse soon. I can feel my milk starting to come in already."

He rubbed her back, knowing that meant this time together was growing shorter. "Then let's just enjoy being together a bit longer and then we can reunite with our son. Perhaps we can also go for a quick walk before the sun begins to set."

"I like that," she said. "I feel like I didn't really get a chance to enjoy the summer."

"I know," he replied, as he again cursed Keith and the Dark One for taking so much time from her as she had to recover from what they had done to her. "But we'll make the most of our time before it gets too dark and cold."

Her smile lit up her eyes. "I like the sound of that."

Robin lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. "Good."

"Locksley men certainly do know how to treat their wives," she said, rolling closer to him. "I'm very lucky."

"We're both very lucky," he replied, kissing her forehead. "I do owe my uncle for arranging this marriage."

She placed her hand on his heart as she said: "I also owe Leopold for breaking our betrothal and recommending me to your uncle."

He hummed. "I agree. It seemed fate was on our side."

"Yes, it was," she replied before chuckling. "And that was something I never thought I would say."

"You didn't believe in fate?" he asked her, intrigued.

She shrugged. "I did when I was little. But I made so many wishes that never came true that I stopped. I figured that other people got their wishes granted or had fairy godmothers but not me. No one was ever going to rescue me."

His heart broke at the pain in her voice and he held her closer, wishing he could erase the pain she suffered at the hands of her mother. All he could do was assure her that she was loved now.

"You rescued yourself," he said. "You agreed to marry me. And even if you had make a deal with the Dark One, you freed yourself from your mother. You were the hero and fairy godmother you needed the entire time."

She smiled as her cheeks turned pink. "You think so?"

He kissed the top of her head. "I know so. And I hope our son has inherited your strength."

"I hope he inherited your heart," she said, patting his chest. "And your kind nature."

"Well, if he did inherit all our best qualities, he is going to be the greatest king in Sherwoodian history," Robin replied.

She chuckled. "That would be something."

"And now I really want to go get our son and cuddle him," Robin said, rubbing her back. "You ready to move?"

"For Henry? Yes," she replied, pushing away from him to sit up.

He chuckled as he sat up as well. Pushing back the blankets, he stood and held out his hand to her. "Milady?"

"Milord," she replied, taking his hand and letting him help her to her feet. She kissed the end of his nose before moving toward her dress. "Can you help me with this?"

"Of course," he replied, now just as eager to get her into the dress as he had been to get her out of it. And then he would dress so they could be reunited with their son and enjoy the rest of the day together.

It would be perfect.

Their rest day ended after dinner with their family. Regina put Henry in his crib while Robin ran them a bath, knowing it would be the perfect way to end their day. He had just shed his clothes when Regina entered, smiling. "You read my mind," she said.

"Well, they do say great minds think alike," he replied, moving to stand behind her. "Let me help you out of this dress."

He untied the laces of her dress until she was able to slide it off her body, letting it pool at her feet. She took his hand as he helped her step over it before she climbed into the tub. Regina sank into the warm water with a sigh, closing her eyes. "This is heavenly," she said.

"Let me see," he replied, stepping into the tub as well. He lowered himself into the water, feeling it lap at his skin and the warmth seep into his muscles. Robin let out a sigh as well before saying: "Almost heavenly."

"Almost?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

He nodded, reaching out his hand toward her. She took it and he pulled her toward him. Regina laughed as she settled between his legs, pressing her back to his chest as he kissed the side of her head. "There. Now it's heavenly."

"Good," she said, resting her head against his shoulder. "This is the perfect way to end our night."

"I have to agree," he replied, wrapping his arms around her. "Just you, me and the bathtub. Just us in our own little world."

"If only we could stay here," she said.

He kissed the side of her head again. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I know this wasn't what you expected from marriage."

She shrugged. "I didn't expect to have a husband who loved and adored me and who I loved and adored. I think I can handle everything else as long as I get to call myself your wife."

"The only thing I ever want is to make you happy," he told her. "And I worry I am failing at that."

"Not at all," she assured him, turning around and kneeling. She took his face in her hands. "Even with everything that has happened, the good has more than outweighed the bad and I am happy. No matter how stressed I may seem in the coming days, I know I can get through it because I have you."

A lump formed in his throat as he leaned forward, pressing his forehead to hers. "I feel the same – that I can get through anything as long as I have you."

"We're a very good team," she replied.

"We are," he agreed. "I think we can overcome anything as long as we are together."

She released her hands, letting them rest on his chest as she said: "I think I'm starting to believe that as well."

He cupped her cheek, rubbing it with his thumb. "Good."

"Robin, can we go back to bed and cuddle?" she asked. "Please?"

"Of course," he said, pushing himself out of the tub. He helped her out and wrapped her in a towel before doing the same with himself. She watched as he drained the tub before they went into their bedroom. After checking on Henry and changing into their sleepwear, they climbed into bed together.

Robin dimmed the candles in their room before taking her into his arms. She curled against him, sighing. "Perfect."

He kissed her forehead. "I agree."

"I'll probably just fall asleep like this," she said. "So I'm just going to say goodnight now."

"Goodnight," he replied. "Sweet dreams, sweetheart."

She hummed. "Sweet dreams to you too."

They laid together and he felt her breathing even out as sleep took her. He rested his cheek against her hair, breathing in her now familiar and comforting vanilla scent as his own eyes closed. With his wife in his arms, Robin drifted off to a peaceful and restorative sleep.

"How bad will this be?" Regina asked, taking Robin's hand as they sat in their parlor with Lady Wellingsbury.

"It will probably be bad," she said. "But I think we can work to make certain it isn't very bad."

Robin's stomach turned as he squeezed Regina's hand. "What do you mean by bad? What should we be prepared for? Repercussions in court? In the country? With allies? What?"

Lady Wellingsbury held up her hand. "Breathe, Robin. Panicking will not help now."

"You're also not being very forthcoming, Diana," Mother said, giving her friend a pointed look. "You can't blame them for panicking when you keep giving them vague answers like that."

"Alright," Lady Wellingsbury said, sighing. "I think you will face repercussions in court. While Regina has made some headway with them, most are still suspicious and hostile toward a foreign queen. They will be the ones likely to see you taking her side over your own cousin's."

Robin frowned as his stomach twisted into a knot. "Even though Keith and his father have committed treason?"

"They won't see it that way," Regina said softly. "They'll create a narrative where Keith and his father were fighting to preserve Sherwood and protect it from foreign influence."

"That is the likely narrative," Lady Wellingsbury agreed. "They'll likely bring up Princess Snow White as well."

Regina's grip on Robin's hand tightened. "How so?"

Lady Wellingsbury sighed. "I'm not entirely certain. My best guess is to again use your close relationship with the Princess to prove that you are a threat and that Mist Haven wants to conquer Sherwood."

"That does seem to be the story they like the most," Regina agreed with a sigh. "I hope it never gets back to Snow. She would feel so guilty if she believed she was the reason why people weren't accepting me as queen."

"The court," Lady Wellingsbury said, raising a finger to make her point. "Not the people. The people accept you."

Pride swelled in Robin as he nodded. "That is true."

Regina, though, tilted her head. "But do all the people accept me?"

"That is a very good question I do not have the answer to," Lady Wellingsbury.

"What do you mean?" Robin asked, confused by his wife's question.

Mother was the one who answered. "The people here in Locksley and the surrounding villages love her because they have experienced her. They see her and have been able to even talk to her when they've come to the palace. But the people who live further away don't know her. She's just an idea."

Robin frowned. "Some people have come to see us since our wedding. We had people from all over Sherwood last year at the Harvest Festival. And they'll come again this year."

"That is true," Lady Wellingsbury said. "And I think that will be helpful. But they are only a handful of people. We need to worry what the nobility in those areas are telling them about the Queen."

"You think they could encourage the people to rise up?" Mother asked, looking concerned now.

Lady Wellingsbury sighed. "It's something we need to consider."

Robin groaned, leaning his head back. "The last thing we need is a civil war."

"I don't think it will come to that," Mother told him. "You need to be prepared but you have to stay positive."

"It's getting harder to do that," Regina admitted softly. "It seems like every day the situation gets worse."

Mother reached over and took her hand. "I know. Unfortunately, that's usually what has to happen in order for it to get better."

Lady Wellingsbury nodded. "I have found that's often the case. But I do believe we're actually on the upswing."

"You do?" Robin asked, surprised by her statement. "Because I don't think we've hit the bottom yet."

"I believe this is the bottom," she replied. "This will be your hardest trial but once you get through this, I believe you will never have to face anything like this again during your reign. Which I predict will be a long and prosperous one."

Regina squeezed Robin's hand. "For your lips to the Great Being's ears," she said.

He nodded. "I agree," he replied.

"Well, let's get started," Lady Wellingsbury said. "I've been working on the proclamation of charges so all you have to do is read it before the start of the trial. The other councilmembers and I agree that it's probably best to do it on the last day of the Harvest Festival."

"You do?" he asked, surprised. "I don't want to mix such a festive occasion with something so serious and somber."

She sighed. "I know. But everyone will be gathered and if we wait until the next day, everyone will be traveling home. It's best to do it before they leave and they can take the news with them. Otherwise, we might have to delay the trial."

"Why?" he asked.

"Because with charges this serious, it must be announced throughout Sherwood," Regina said. "I remember that from one of my law books."

Lady Wellingsbury nodded with a proud smile. "Exactly. Maybe you need to review your books, Robin," she said.

"I probably do," he replied, knowing she was just teasing him but there was some truth in her statement. "So, we announce the charges and move forward with the trial. Who judges it? It can't be me or people will question the legitimacy of any decision I make."

"A good observation," she said, nodding. "No, you will not be judging it. The verdict will be rendered by a jury."

Regina frowned. "Who will make up the jury?"

Lady Wellingsbury sighed. "There lies the problem. It has to be a jury of their peers, which means it will be made up of…"

"Members of the court," Robin realized, trying not to groan. "Wonderful."

"That doesn't sound very promising," Regina added, looking pained and he knew she thought of the people who could potentially let the Ellises and the Nottinghams go free because they disliked her more than them.

Because he thought about them too.

"I know it doesn't," Lady Wellingsbury replied, "but it's not as bad as it sounds."

"How so?" Regina asked, tilting her head.

Lady Wellingsbury smiled. "Because you have a say in who is sits on the jury. Indirectly that is."

Mother sighed. "Don't be so vague, Diana. Just tell them."

"Fine," Lady Wellingsbury said, sitting up a bit straighter. "Whoever you appoint as your representative will help choose the jury along with the lawyers for the defendants. We will try to find unbiased members of the court but it's not a perfect system. The best we can do is make sure there's a balance on the jury."

"So there will be at least a few members of the jury who are loyal to you two and support you," Mother said, patting Regina's hand. "Though I think you may have more supporters here at court than you believe."

Regina ducked her head but Robin saw her soft smile. "You think so?" she asked.

"Yes," Mother said. "You'll see."

"Who will be representing us in this trial?" Robin asked. "Will it be you?"

"If you want and the council approves, then yes," Lady Wellingsbury replied. "You could also ask Tuck as well. I think the council would approve him."

Mother nodded. "I think both are good options."

Robin rubbed his chin, knowing she was right. He glanced at Regina. "I think we need to discuss this and make a decision together," he said.

"Of course," Lady Wellingsbury replied. "We do have time since nothing can happen until after the Harvest Festival."

"Thank goodness for that," Regina said, pressing her hand to her stomach. "We at least have some preparation time."

Mother nodded. "That will likely work in our favor."

Robin worried it could also work in the favor of the defendants. He asked: "Do we know who is representing the Ellises and Nottinghams?"

"Unfortunately, no," Lady Wellingsbury replied. "So that is still an unknown variable that could change how we proceed."

"Meaning it's something we'll still have to worry about," Regina said.

Lady Wellingsbury nodded. "I am afraid so."

Robin kissed Regina's hand. "You heard Mother. We just have to stay positive. Let's not get lost in worst case scenarios."

"He's right," Mother said. "You will just drive yourself mad and lose sleep by worrying about everything. You just need to make certain you are as prepared as you can be and adjust once the trial starts. That's the only way you will succeed."

"It's going to be hard," Regina admitted. "I don't really like uncertainty."

Robin nodded, kissing her hand. "Just remember that you're not alone. You and I are in this together. And we have a whole family around us."

He saw her eyes soften as she smiled, nodding. "Yes, we do. I am glad I do not have to face this alone."

"I hate that we have to go through this," he said, cupping her cheek. "But I am glad that I have you by my side."

"We'll leave you two alone for now," Mother said, nodding to Lady Wellingsbury as she stood. "See you at dinner?"

Robin nodded. "We can host it tonight."

"And you're invited as well," Regina told Lady Wellingsbury. "You're family as well."

"Then I happily accept your invitation," Lady Wellingsbury replied, smiling. "And I promise that we will not discuss this matter at dinner. Only happy and relaxing topics."

Robin chuckled. "That sounds very appealing."

Mother and Lady Wellingsbury left as Regina stood. She walked toward the window and Robin followed, sensing she was still troubled. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the side of her head. "It's going to be fine," he assured her.

"I want to believe that," she replied. "But it's hard."

"I know," he replied, gently swaying with her. "We'll just keep reassuring each other of that until we both believe it. Deal?"

She nodded, looking up at him with love in her eyes. "Deal."

He closed the gap between them and captured his lips with hers. She turned in his arms, leaning against him as they continued to kiss. In that moment, all felt right in Robin's world. With her by his side, he knew he could defeat any foe that tried to hurt either Sherwood or his family.

Their enemies would regret coming after them.

Robin would make certain of it.

A/N: Consider this the calm before the storm. Robin and Regina are going to be glad for this chance to breathe for a couple days.

Next time, Regina and you will finally get to experience the Harvest Festival! But will things go smoothly this year?

Find out!

-Mac