Chapter 3: Summer Arrives

Summer arrived in Mist Haven and everything seemed to slow down. Businesses started their rolling closures throughout the summer months so their staff could enjoy holidays and rest before everything picked up again when schools reopened in September. The government was no different except for Regina. Queens did not take holidays. Instead, they went on state trips and stole some moments here or there to relax.

"So, where do you want to go this summer?" Tink asked, joining Regina on her balcony overlooking the royal gardens. "France? Italy? Spain? The States?"

"You know I don't pick my state visits based on where I want to go," Regina reminded her chief of staff, pouring her some lemonade sent up by the kitchens. She handed the glass to Tink. "I go where I need to go and when I need to go."

Tink sighed. "No, you go where and when your advisors want you to go. It's your life, Regina, and you're allowed a holiday, no matter how much you don't think so."

"I know you worry about me, Tink, but I'm fine," Regina replied, sipping her lemonade. "I grew up doing these state trips."

"And you mean to tell me that your father never took you and your mother on vacation without any matters to also deal with?" Tink asked, raising an eyebrow.

Regina paused, recalling winters spent in their mountain chalet and summers spent in a seclude villa in Italy. They had a reduced staff there – and really only for her mother, who refused to do anything for herself since she was a queen – and they were almost like a regular family on holiday. She had enjoyed those escapes and her father always looked more relaxed when they were there.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. That Shakespeare quote rose up unbidden to her mind yet again. It was always there, ready to remind her of the gravity of her responsibilities as Queen.

"That was different," Regina replied. "And maybe it will be different once I have a family."

If I ever have a family.

"Maybe," Tink said, looking unconvinced. "So, if you are able to go somewhere, where would you go?"

Regina shrugged. "Maybe I'd spend some time visiting towns in the country. I haven't done that since I was Crown Princess."

"True," Tink agreed. "It might get some positive press."

"Maybe," Regina replied. "But we both know the media will find some way to turn into a big scandal."

Tink sighed. "They are exhausting. I wish you would really start letting us push back against some of the claims. Or at least give us more control of your image in the press. The Windsors do."

Regina hummed. "The Windsors have their own issues."

"All royal families do."

"I suppose so," Regina replied with a shrug. "But really, the press here is harmless."

Tink frowned. "Your people think you're some evil queen who cares only about money and power and not them. In short, they think you're your mother."

Regina shifted in her chair, knowing that Tink had a point. "They aren't storming the castle demanding my removal."

"Yet," Tink replied. "I wouldn't be surprised if someone did manage to convince them to do that. And my money would be on Sidney Glass."

"That would probably be a good bet," she said, thinking of their short relationship. She had ended it when it was clear he desired power more than anything and had a vindictive nature that terrified her.

And she knew he had turned it toward her.

"You need to stop Sidney," Tink told Regina.

"I can't," Regina replied, feeling helpless. "If I attack the press, we could attract the wrong attention and could damage our chances at joining NATO. I can't risk that."

Tink sighed. "It's not censorship when the press is telling lies about you. Don't you care about that?"

"You know I do," Regina said, hurt that her friend would even ask that. Tink knew how much pain she felt when every good deed she tried to do was twisted into something nasty and malicious. It was draining and soul-crushing.

"Then stop it," Tink pleaded. "You can do it."

Regina shook her head. "We both know there's only one way to really stop it and I told you why I don't want to go that route. I have our communications department working to counter the negative stories as best we can."

"You let the narrative get away from you," Tink replied.

"Maybe," Regina agreed, "but control of the narrative doesn't belong to just me exclusively. We keep arguing about this and we always end up in the same place."

Tink nodded. "We do. I argue that you've ceded too much control of the narrative and you insist everything is fine. We agree to disagree and drop the subject for a few months before doing this all over again."

"Exactly," Regina said. "Maybe we can stop this cycle and not pick it up again ever?"

"I can't promise that. I will never stop trying to protect you, Regina," Tink insisted. "I only have your best interest at heart."

Regina reached out and took her hand. "I know."

Tink gave her hand a squeeze. "And that's why we all keep pushing this. We don't want to see you get hurt."

"I know," Regina replied, knowing who Tink meant by "we all." Several of her longtime staff members as well as the few friends she had been able to retain since becoming queen also often brought up how the media treated her. They all suggested ways she could counter it but Regina insisted everything was fine.

Though sometimes she did wonder if they were right and she should be doing more to take control of the narrative about her. But her advisors would then assure her that she was doing the right thing and not to worry.

She had to trust them.

"I guess this is the point where we agree to disagree?" Tink asked, giving her a small smile.

Regina nodded. "It is."

"Alright," Tink said. "Until next time."

"I hope there isn't one," Regina replied, hoping her friends finally stopped interfering and understood that the media coverage didn't really hurt her.

Tink nodded as someone appeared in the garden below. Regina leaned forward as her heart skipped a beat, recognizing Robin even from the back of his head. He took off the tan suit jacket he wore before rolling up the sleeves of his white shirt to his elbow. Draping the jacket over his arm, he began walking down a path toward the fountain. It seemed he was enjoying the beautiful weather on his lunch break just like her and Tink.

"You're ogling your assistant," Tink teased her.

Regina glanced over at her friend and chief of staff, seeing her smirk. Scowling, Regina said: "I'm not ogling. I'm just observing."

"Please, you're practically drooling," Tink teased her.

"I am still your boss," Regina warned her, though there was no real heat or threat in her words.

Tink smirked. "I'm off the clock right now. So I'm your friend, not your employee."

Regina sighed, turning her attention back to Robin as he admired some of the flowers near the fountain. "Then as my friend, can I tell you how handsome I think my assistant is?"

"You can," Tink replied. "Though I figured it out already."

"I've never been this attracted to anyone before," Regina admitted. "And it's a little scary but also exciting."

Tink chuckled. "Crushes usually are."

"I don't know," Regina said. "It feels more than a crush."

"Okay, infatuation then."

Regina frowned, not sure that was the right word. She shook her head. "This feels deeper, Tink."

"Deeper?" Tink frowned now. "Regina, he barely talks to you."

"I know." Regina covered her eyes as she groaned, leaning her elbows on the table. "I'm a mess."

Tink sighed. "You're not a mess."

Regina was about to protest when she noticed that Robin was walking back to the palace. Seeing a chance to talk with him, she stood and approached the railing. Looking down, she called out: "Out for a walk?"

He paused, looking up at her. Shielding his eyes, he answered: "Yes, Your Majesty. It's my lunch break."

"I'm glad you're enjoying the gardens," she said. "And getting a little fresh air. It always helps to get through the rest of the afternoon, right?"

"I suppose so," he said, shifting his arm and revealing some ink on his wrist.

That intrigued Regina and she leaned closer. "Do you have a tattoo?"

"Oh." He lowered his arm and looked at his wrist before rolling down his shirt. "I'm sorry. I usually keep it covered."

"That's okay," she replied, wanting to ask more about it. "I was just curious that's all."

He nodded. "Well, I promise you'll never see it again. I'll get back to work now."

Disappointment flooded her as he disappeared beneath the balcony before she could say anything else. Regina returned to her chair as she sighed. "Is it me?"

"What?" Tink asked.

"He is so clipped and abrupt whenever I try to have a casual conversation with him," Regina told her. "And he is always so eager to get away. It's me, isn't it?"

Tink sighed. "I think it's probably more the media coverage of you than you."

"How can I get him to see I'm so much more than the Evil Queen I'm portrayed as by the media if he won't even have a conversation with me?" Regina asked, wondering if it was best if she tried to get over her crush on him. Maybe then it would hurt less.

"I don't know," Tink replied. "Do you want me to ask for a new assistant for you? I'm sure we can find a good assignment for Robin within the palace."

Regina shook her head, her stomach twisting into a knot. "No, not yet. Letting him go would probably just reinforce all his negative beliefs about me. I think I just have to readjust my expectations."

"Alright," Tink said. "But if you change your mind, just let me know."

"I will," Regina replied. "And maybe you can find out what I'm doing wrong? See if there's any way to get through to him?"

Tink nodded. "I'll see. I can't promise anything."

"I know," Regina said, taking her friend's hand. "I appreciate it."

Checking her watch, Tink sighed. "I need to head back to work myself. I'll see you later."

She slipped her hand from Regina's grasp, heading back into the palace. Regina leaned back in her chair, deciding to finish her lemonade before returning to her own desk. The sun was warm and the breeze refreshing, making her wish she could just play hooky. But queens couldn't do that, no matter how much she wished she could just disappear for a day or two. To not be Queen Regina but another tourist in the crowd while relaxing.

Maybe she could actually have a vacation that year and not just some sight-seeing events planned around an official state visit. After all, it looked like it was going to be a slow summer for those.

"It would be nice to get away," she whispered before sighing. She knew she wouldn't be able to just get away. Her problems would continue to follow her, like proposals and budgets and the media painting her in the worst possible light to her subjects.

Subjects like Robin.

Groaning, she leaned her head back to rest it against the back of her chair. It was probably time to recognize a lost cause and work to rid herself of her crush on him. Then they could have a professional relationship and hopefully his cold demeanor would no longer bother her.

Or maybe she would honestly have to transfer him.

There must be some other choice, she thought. Some other way to get through to him, to change his mind.

Tink's voice then crept into her mind: Start fighting back against the media. Don't let them control your narrative.

"I wish," Regina told the air around her. "But it's out of my hands."

"Your Majesty? Who are you talking to?" Regina turned to find a maid clearing the dishes from her table. The woman stared at her with concern, making Regina squirm.

Standing, Regina smiled. "Just talking to myself. Sorry to startle you."

"It's okay," the maid said, not sounding convinced. "Just as long as you're okay."

Touched, Regina nodded. "I'm fine. Thank you. If I don't see you, have a good evening, okay?"

"I will," the maid said. "You have a good evening too."

Regina thanked her again before heading back into her office. She took a deep breath and sat down at her desk, putting Robin from her mind for now. Tink would handle him so she could focus on running the country.

Too bad that was easier said than done.

"Hey, Tink, are you ready to go over the Queen's schedule for tomorrow?" Robin asked, approaching her desk. "And maybe we could get a jumpstart on her weekend schedule? I'd like to have both ready for her."

"Sure," Tink said, motioning to a nearby chair. "I think she thankfully has a light weekend."

He nodded, sitting down. "Less work for us."

"And more importantly, less work for her," Tink said. "She deserves some rest."

Robin tried not to snort, figuring the Queen got plenty of rest. And certain she would likely spend the time partying rather than lounging on the couch like he was planning on doing. "I'm sure," he said, trying not to sound too sarcastic.

Judging by Tink's look, he did not succeed.

"Is there something you would like to share?" she asked him, a hardness to her voice that matched the one in her eyes.

"No," he replied, a sinking feeling in his stomach. "Nothing at all."

She leaned back, studying him. "Do you have a problem with the queen, Robin?"

"No," he said, his body tensing up. Was this the moment he was fired? Had he been too obvious in his dislike for the queen?

"You know I was there when she was talking to you earlier," Tink told him, which was a surprise. But the palace had been backlit and he had barely been able to make out the Queen let out anyone with her. Tink studied him before saying: "Okay, maybe you didn't. But I was there. You seemed pretty clipped with her and very eager to get out of there."

He swallowed, deciding to be as truthful as possible. "I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing. So I just try to keep my answers short and end the conversation as soon as possible."

Tink seemed to relax as she shook her head. "You don't have to worry about that. I doubt you would say the wrong thing."

"Oh, I probably could," he said, wondering if he would be able to hold his tongue about his true feelings for the Queen. He then tapped his arm. "Like the tattoo?"

"There are no rules against having a tattoo except that they shouldn't be visible during state functions. A walk about the gardens is not a state function. The Queen had no problem with that," Tink said. "She was more curious about it just for curiosity's sake, not to punish you.'

That surprised Robin and he glanced down at his arm. "It's just my family's coat of arms from England, a roaring lion against a black shield."

"Oh," Tink said, her eyes widening. "I didn't know you were British."

"My father's family came from Britain when he was a boy. When he grew up, he decided to stay here and met my mum. They got married, had me and are still living happily in Sherwood Heights," he said. "We used to go back to Britain to visit my grandparents. The last time I was there was for my grandfather's funeral and I got this tattoo in his honor."

Tink's eyes softened. "That's sweet. The Queen would like that story."

"She would?" he asked, surprised. He didn't think she had much time for stories about the peons she called her subjects.

"Yes," Tink replied. "The Queen just wants to get to know you. She likes to know everyone on her staff."

Robin wondered why the Queen would care about someone like him but decided to just nod instead. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Good," Tink said. "Now, let's go over her schedule."

He nodded, clicking his pen and pushing thoughts of the Queen's motives behind trying to get to know him from his mind. Instead, he focused on her schedule for the next three days and making sure everything was ready for the weekend when he would be off.

Tink leaned back in her chair. "I think everything is in order."

"So I can go print this up?" he asked.

"I would go confirm with the Queen before you do that," Tink said, handing the sheet back to him. "Then you can."

He nodded, standing. As he pushed the chair back, Tink then said: "And don't worry about saying the wrong thing. Try to be a bit warmer with her, okay?"

"I'll try," Robin said, unsure if he could. "Thanks."

Tink turned back to her other work and he walked away, heading for the Queen's office. His heart pounded as he figured he could make a little small talk with her. Maybe he could talk about the gardens or his tattoo, if Tink was right about the Queen just being curious about it. A few minutes of small talk certainly couldn't hurt.

He took a deep breath as he opened the door. Stepping into her office, he saw her chair was turned away from him and she was staring out the window. "The British? Really?" she told someone.

Robin paused, his heart pounding in his chest. Her tone indicated that she didn't really seem to like the British and he was even more reluctant to reveal he had some British blood in him. Deciding to use the fact she was on the phone to his advantage, he just left her schedule on her desk with a note to let him know if it was good.

"Now you're just being absurd," the Queen said. "You know I don't like going there. It's just…weird."

Well, then. Now he really wasn't going to tell her his family came from British.

He wasn't going to tell her anything, no matter what Tink said.

Robin pulled open the door and slipped out, hiding in his office until the Queen emailed him that the schedule was fine. He was relieved that she didn't come talk to him and he finalized the agenda. After sending it to Tink, he logged off for the night and gathered his things. Robin just wanted to get home and put this entire day behind him.

Ten more months.

"Mallory Draco called again," Tink told Regina, entering her office. "Says you need to have more fun in your life and I need to convince you to go out with her this weekend."

Regina sighed, shaking her head. "She knows her idea of fun doesn't match my idea of fun."

"I told her that. She replied that her idea of fun doesn't match your advisors' idea of fun and does indeed match yours," Tink countered.

"That certainly sounds like Mal," Regina replied, rolling her eyes. "She wants me to go to The British."

Tink scrunched her nose. "Ugh. She's wrong. That certainly isn't your idea of fun. Has she been drinking their tea again?"

Regina laughed. "Probably. Which is another reason not to go there. I don't need to experience a bad trip."

"No, you don't," Tink said, making a face. "What do you want me to do with her?"

"Can you find something that could be a good compromise for a day out with Mal? I do want to spend time with her…just someplace other than The British," Regina said, hoping her friend would be able to see reason. Mal's approval from her advisors was tenuous as it was. Even if Regina wanted to go some place like the British, doing so would likely get Mal banished from her life.

She didn't want to risk that. Mal was a good friend – even when trying to stomp all over Regina's boundaries.

Tink nodded before looking pensive. "Do you want to ask Robin?"

Regina sighed, knowing this would fall to her assistant and not her chief of staff. "I guess. But that would require having a longer conversation than I think he's comfortable with. Where you ever able to figure out why?"

"He said he's nervous about saying the wrong thing," Tink said, frowning. "I've encouraged him to talk to you more. Did he tell you the story behind his tattoo?"

"No," Regina said, frowning now as well. "I honestly haven't seen him since the garden."

"How did you get the draft of your agenda for today and the weekend?" Tink asked, confused.

Regina shrugged. "It was just on my desk. I guess he probably came in when I was talking with Mal."

"Oh, he probably didn't want to bother you," Tink said, looking a bit relieved. "Maybe he'll tell you soon."

"Maybe," Regina agreed, leaning forward as her phone rang. She raised an eyebrow. "Maybe he'll tell me now."

She picked up her phone. "Hello, Robin."

"Your Majesty," he said, his tone civil and cool as it always was. "I have the American ambassador on the phone for you. Shall I put him through?"

"Yes, please," Regina replied, frowning. It wasn't often the American ambassador called her office without an appointment. She covered the receiver as Robin transferred the call, turning to Tink. "American ambassador. Can you talk with Robin about finding a good place for me to use as a compromise with Mal?"

Tink nodded. "Of course. And I hope you have a good call."

"Thank you," Regina said as she heard the call clicking into place. She switched into her warmer voice as she greeted the ambassador. "I must say this is a pleasant surprise."

He chuckled. "I apologize for calling without an appointment but I have good news I wanted to share with you immediately and by phone rather than email. And it's official news so I want to do this officially."

That intrigued her and hope spread through her as she asked: "Good news?"

"Yes," he said. "I just got off the phone with the director of the Smithsonian Institute and he has happily accepted your offer to loan some items from the Mist Haven History Museum for a special exhibit."

"Thank goodness," she replied, relieved. "I was worried. The President didn't sound enthused about my proposal."

Ambassador Hatter laughed. "Don't take it personally. He doesn't really sound enthused about a lot. You should see the Saturday Night Live sketches about him as well as all the jokes our late night hosts tell about him."

She hummed. "I guess I could watch them online, right?"

"You could," he said. "Or maybe you could watch them on TV here in America?"

"Are you inviting me to America?" she asked him, wondering if maybe she would be traveling overseas soon after all.

He paused for a moment. "I am. Well, the President and the Smithsonian Director are inviting you to a gala to be held at the Smithsonian to celebrate the grand opening of the exhibit. Then I'm inviting you to enjoy some well-deserved time off at my family's vacation home in the Outer Banks in North Carolina. It will be in the autumn so the beaches will be pretty empty but you might still be able to get some swimming in."

She bit her lip, knowing that a nice trip to the beach would be good for her. "You can tell the President that I am honored by his invitation and will attend the gala. And I would love to visit your beach house," she said.

"Good," he replied. "I'll be back in touch once we have a date firmed with the Smithsonian. Then I'll make sure my house is ready for you so you can relax and not worry about anything."

"That sounds like paradise," she replied with a sigh. "Thank you, Jefferson. We should also have dinner together soon."

He agreed with her suggestion. "I'll have my assistant call yours."

"I have a new assistant," she reminded him. "Ivy is now serving as my ambassador to Germany."

"Ahh, that's right," he said. "I have no doubt Ivy will do well in her new role."

She nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "There's no one I trust more."

Regina heard ringing in the distance and he sighed. "That's the Secretary of State. I need to take it. I'll talk to you soon, Regina," he said.

"Talk to you soon," she repeated before he ended the call. She then reached for her phone again, knowing she needed to update Tink and then Robin. But she stopped, deciding to go tell them in person. A walk would do her good and it had been too long since she visited her staff in their offices. She was overdue.

Regina stood and left her office, walking down the carpeted hallway. She paused at Robin's office, peeking in to see if her assistant was at his desk. His office was empty and disappointment flooded her. But she took the opportunity and stepped inside, curious to see how he had changed the room. There was no harm in just having a look around.

At least, that's what she told herself.

The walls still looked the same though she noticed he had a red rug under his desk rather than the pink Ivy had preferred. He had chosen some forest photographs to hang on his back wall. She admired them, finding them soothing.

She walked closer to his desk, which had a computer and phone on it as well as papers related to whatever tasks she needed him to do that day. There weren't any personal knick-knacks on his desk and disappointment flooded her again. Deep in her heart, she knew she was poking around to get a better idea of who he was since he wouldn't talk with her.

Regina glanced at the door. Spotting no one in the hallway, she moved behind the desk. There was a filing cabinet there as well as a bookcase filled with books. Most had been placed there years ago and never moved. It was almost tradition now. But each royal assistant usually added their own books and she scanned the titles to see if there were any she didn't recognize, hoping to get an idea of his reading tastes.

But she was foiled again. She recognized all the titles, meaning Robin hadn't added his own books to the collection yet. However, she did notice some pictures along the cabinet behind his desk. That should give her a glimpse into his life. She looked them over, discovering that Robin had two loving parents and appeared to be an only child like her. The one picture that had the most prominence was the one of him between his parents – he appeared to be a perfect mix of the two of them – while dressed in graduation robes, likely his secondary school graduation. All three beamed at the camera.

He had a dual picture frame that showed him with two older couples. She assumed they were his grandparents. One couple sat outside a country home in rocking chairs as a teenage Robin sat between them, smiling for the camera. The other couple stood next to a younger Robin, maybe as a teenager. Behind them, Regina recognized Tower Bridge in London.

Was Robin British? His accent didn't sound out of place for what seemed to be the Sherwood section of Mist Haven but there were many British ex-pats who had settled in the area over the centuries. A Sherwood accent could be mistaken for a British one. Regina believed she could detect the difference but maybe she was wrong. Or maybe Robin blended the two accents so the difference was more subtle.

She moved onto the other pictures which showed him with a small group of friends. While there were women in the pictures, none stood out or were ever photographed alone with Robin. Everything about their poses and expressions indicated that they were just friends.

And that Robin was single.

Just like her.

She pushed that thought away as she decided to leave his office. It didn't matter if Robin was single if he was too scared to talk to her. Regina hoped she would be able to put him at ease soon enough. There was nothing he could say that would upset her. He just didn't seem the type.

Heading down the hallway, she smiled as she approached her chief of communications, August. "Good afternoon, August," she said.

"Good afternoon, Your Majesty," he replied. "You're in an exceptionally good mood today. Any reason why?"

"I was just invited to spend some time in America this fall," she replied, "including at a private beach house."

He grinned. "So you're going on vacation?"

She nodded before saying: "Well, as close to one as I can get."

"It's still time on a beach away from here," he pointed out. "I'd say that's a vacation. And you should enjoy it. When it is?"

"Not sure," she replied. "Jefferson said he would send me a formal invitation after talking with president."

August tilted his head. "The president?"

"Right," Regina replied, realizing she had skipped a part of the story. She explained everything to him. "So I'm going for a party in Washington and then a beach vacation."

"Sounds like fun," he replied. "Let me know the details and then I'll work up a press release."

Gratitude filled her. "Thanks, August. I hope the media recognizes how much of a big deal this is."

He nodded. "I'm sure they will. A whole display in a prominent American museum dedicated to our history and culture? I can't imagine how the media would be able to put a negative spin on this."

"You can't?" she asked, feeling her nose scrunched as different scenarios played out in her head. "Because I can."

"Really?" he asked, sounding surprised.

She nodded. "For starters, I can just hear them complaining about loaning all those items to the Smithsonian in the first place."

"But it's a great cultural exchange," he pointed out, something she knew and likely the media knew too. But they were experts at spinning it to be negative about her and the words she knew they would use against her spilled from her mouth.

"Those are precious items that represent Mist Haven's long history," she said, trying to sound like the woman who anchored the main evening news in Mist Haven. "Not matter how prestigious the Smithsonian Institution is, the truth is they are better protected here in Mist Haven where they have significance to the caretakers. Americans don't care much about anyone else's history but their own and will likely be careless with these irreplaceable treasures. When we don't get them all back, we'll know exactly who to blame – the person who allowed them to leave in the first place."

"Harsh," August said, wincing.

"But it's the truth," she replied, knowing that was likely the tamest thing the media could say about her decision.

He sighed. "You're probably right."

"I know," she said. "I wish I could have just one win."

"You will," August told her. "They can't keep printing negative things forever."

She sighed. "I hope you're right."

They parted ways and she continued into the main office space. Ashley greeted her as she entered and Regina paused again. "I'm sorry I was not feeling well on your birthday. Was it a good one?"

"It was, Regina," Ashley said. "And thank you for the present. You didn't have to."

"Nonsense," Regina replied, glad that Ashley had enjoyed her gift. "I'm glad you liked it."

Ashley nodded. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Now that I see you, how goes everything for our special festival?" Regina asked, certain everything was going smoothly.

"It's perfect," Ashley assured her, eyes lighting up. "We're on track to be ready with plenty of time."

Relief flooded through Regina. "Good. You know how important this is."

Ashley nodded. "I know. You have nothing to worry about."

"Thank you," Regina said, placing her hand on Ashley's arm. "I really appreciate everything you do."

"I'm just happy to help. I think this festival is such a great tradition and I'm honored to be part of it," Ashley said, hugging the clipboard she was holding to her chest. "To see them all so happy…to forget for a moment…"

Ashley's voice cracked and she looked away. Regina could see the tears in her eyes and she reached over to grab the tissue box off Ashley's desk. Holding it out, she said: "Don't cry."

"I'm trying," Ashley admitted, taking a tissue. "It's hard."

Regina nodded, thinking of past festivals and the names that disappeared off her invitation list from year to year. "I know. Try not to focus on that."

"I know, I know," Ashley said, wiping her eyes. "Focusing on the loss and sadness is not good in the long run. We should be focused on the happiness and on life."

"Right," Regina told her. "You feeling better?"

Ashley nodded. "I am. Thank you, Regina."

"You're welcome," Regina said. She checked the time and smiled. "It's almost time to go. Why don't you head home for the weekend? Enjoy it and then we can regroup on Monday."

"That sounds good," Ashley said, thanking her again and telling her to enjoy her weekend. Regina nodded, knowing she had a quiet weekend ahead of her. As long as Tink found something she could do with Mal that wasn't The British, she was sure she would enjoy her weekend.

Regina turned around and saw Robin leaning against another desk, talking with Belle. The two were laughing and he looked so relaxed with her. His hands were in his pockets and his eyes were warmer as he continued to talk with her. Regina felt like someone squeezed her heart, knowing he could be like that with her but chose not to be.

And she wasn't entirely sure it was because he was too intimidated by the fact she was the queen.

He didn't seem the type to be intimidated by powerful women.

She took a deep breath and walked forward, her stomach twisting as she realized she needed to pass them to get to Tink's desk. Maybe they would be so engrossed in their conversation they wouldn't notice her. Or maybe being around Belle would make Robin warmer toward her since he wouldn't be alone with her. If so, it would at least be a start.

"Regina!" Belle exclaimed, warmth and happiness in her voice. "This is a surprise."

"Hello, Belle," Regina replied, pausing and turning to the two. "I thought I would take a little walk and come talk to Tink at her desk for a change."

Belle nodded. "You know we're always so happy to see you. Right, Robin?"

She looked up at Robin and Regina did the same. He smiled but it was the tight one she was used to seeing, the one that didn't reach his eyes. All the warmth had drained out of them and he regarded her coolly as he said: "Right."

"Any plans for the weekend?" Belle asked her.

"Oh, not much," Regina said. "As Robin can tell you, it's a quiet weekend."

Belle smiled. "That's good. You deserve some rest."

Regina nodded before asking: "Do you have any plans?"

"Ruby and I are going up to festival near Upland," Belle replied. "We've been looking forward to it for a few weeks now."

"It sounds like fun," Regina said, knowing what festival she was referring to and also know that both Belle and her girlfriend would enjoy it. "I hope you two have fun."

She then turned to Robin, her stomach tightening. "And you? Any plans?"

"No," he said curtly. "I'm probably just going to do a little cleaning and mostly just relax."

"Well, you enjoy that," she replied, feeling so awkward around him. She slowly backed up, nodding at them. "If I don't see you, have a good weekend."

Belle smiled. "You too," she said warmly.

"Yes," Robin said, his smile still tight and his voice just as cool as ever. "You too."

Regina walked away, her stomach twisted in knots as she heard Robin speak again. His voice was warm and friendly as he asked: "So, tell me more about this festival you're going to, Belle."

Her heart broke as she came to a painful revelation. Robin wasn't nervous around her. He just didn't like her.

Perhaps he was the first staff member who was too far gone for her to win over.

Maybe it was time to move on.

If only her heart would listen.

A/N: Poor Regina! I know you're probably wondering when the Outlaw Queen will kick in and I promise it's coming.

Remember that invitation to go to America. It will come up later in the story. So will the festival mentioned as well.

I hope you all have a great week!

-Mac