Chapter 5: Pleasure to Meet You

Leopold convinced a few high-ranking ladies of the court to spread a few rumors about Mother to explain her disappearance. One said that she had abandoned Regina and Daddy because she was upset about the marriage to the King of Sherwood. Another said that Leopold had exiled her after she had tried to order him around, using her magic on him. It painted the king in a good light—being able to resist her dark magic—and stopped any uncomfortable quests Regina may have been forced to answer.

With every day that passed without Mother, Regina felt herself growing happier and freer. She was excited to travel to Sherwood and finally meet Prince Robert in person, even despite his latest note, which laid open on her desk so she could read it over and over again.

Dearest Regina,

You do not have to spare my feelings. I know my writing about my archery skills was probably dull and put you to sleep. It doesn't matter as long as you had a good night's rest and pleasant dreams.

Nor did your talk of your apple tree put me to sleep. In fact, it gave me an idea. We have a whole orchard of apple trees on the palace grounds and after you arrive, we shall both go there so you can pick out a tree. It will then be your tree and the gardener will know that you can take care of it whenever you feel like it.

I too share your fondness for trees. There is one particular oak I prefer. It is an ancient thing, most likely predating the palace and Sherwood in general, and lies where the royal grounds meet the forest that surrounds the palace. When I was younger and forbidden to go into the forest, it was close enough for me to obey the rules yet still feel like I was out there. And it is far enough away from the palace that someone has to really walk to get me, so I have had many uninterrupted hours there. I lie there and stare at the leaves or the sky, thinking about many things. Or read a good book. I hope to share it with you, if you would like.

At this point, I must apologize. I am afraid that you are coming to a court which won't be as welcoming as I would like because you are a foreign born queen. You will be Sherwood's first and it pains me to write that many of my subjects have very bigoted views of "outsiders." There are a few other issues that I would rather discuss in person but please know that I have been fighting them for the both of us. However, I feel I am failing you and that you will not find the happiness you seek here.

One thing I have gathered from your letters is that, though you may not think so, you are a fighter, Regina. You will need to keep doing that here but hopefully I will make it easier than the fights you've had already.

I eagerly await our meeting. I wish you a safe journey here to Sherwood.

Yours,

Robert

The part about her already being a fighter warmed her. He didn't even know half of what she had done, but he already believed that of her. But would he approve of how she won her fight with Mother? Would he understand?

His warning about the hostility she might face at his court did give her pause and her stomach always turned when she read there were issues he would rather discuss in person. And she wanted to assure him that she didn't believe he had already failed her, whatever those issues were. She trusted that he meant it when he said he would be by her side no matter what. If that was true, Regina believed she could get through anything.

Too bad he wasn't here to help her with the letter she still had to write. She knew Daniel no doubt had already heard of her betrothal as Leopold had made a royal announcement about it, making sure it was proclaimed throughout Mist Haven. But Daniel deserved to hear from her one last time. Dipping her quill in the inkwell, she began to scratch out her final missive to him.

Dear Daniel,

I am certain you've heard the news by now. I am to marry the king of Sherwood rather than King Leopold. And I am happy with this arrangement. The king and I have been writing each other constantly for some time now and I have grown fond of him already. I also believe he feels the same about me.

I don't want you to be hurt but I know there's no way for you not to be. Just know that what I felt for you was true and real. I do go to marry another man while still in love with you but I know this is the best for both of us. So as much as it is painful to do, I must let you go and ask you to do the same to me. Please find someone who deserves you and who will love you in a way I never could. Love her the way you loved me. All I want is for you to be happy.

Thank you for loving me.

Goodbye.

Love,

Regina

Regina sealed the letter and handed it to Irene, her old nursemaid. Daddy had summoned her after Mother's banishment, asking her to help serve Regina as they traveled to Sherwood. The woman happily returned, or at least Regina assumed so. Irene had never been one to smile much. As a child, Regina had wondered if her dark hair was pulled into a too tight bun. Now, she suspected it was just the woman's disposition.

"Can you make certain this gets back to Daddy's estate? It's going to a stable boy there named Daniel," Regina instructed.

Irene nodded, holding the letter close. "You are doing the right thing, Regina."

"I know," she replied, sad. "I just hate having to break his heart."

"Necessary evil. Now, put it out of your mind and go to bed. You have an early morning," Irene said, turning down Regina's bed.

Regina nodded, taking off her dressing gown. Her itinerary included one more night in Mist Haven before she was in Sherwood, but this still felt final. She was leaving and heading to a new land to start her life anew. And she couldn't wait.

Snow hugged Regina as they stood in the palace courtyard. "I'm going to miss you," she said.

There was no one else there to see her off except for the princess and King Leopold. She hadn't really befriended at court and so it seemed appropriate. Regina hoped that despite King Robert's warnings, she would still have better luck making friends in Sherwood.

"I'll miss you too." Regina ran her hand through the princess' hair. "But remember our promise. We'll write often."

"Every week?" Snow asked, tears threatening to fall.

Regina nodded. "Every week."

Snow stepped away as her father approached. Leopold took Regina's hands in his. "I wish you all the happiness you deserve, Lady Regina."

"Thank you for helping make this a reality. I appreciate it." She kissed his cheek before moving toward the carriage.

Daddy held out his hand to her. "You ready for this, my dear?"

"I am," she replied, nodding as she climbed into the carriage. Daddy took the seat across from her, closing the door before knocking on the wall of the carriage. It jerked forward as their driver began the journey from Mist Haven to Sherwood.

Regina pushed back the curtain and waved to Snow as they rolled away. The princess waved back, running after the carriage until they reached the gates. She then stayed there, waving until Regina could see her no more.

"Princess Snow White grew rather fond of you," Daddy noted.

She smiled as she nodded. "I've grown fond of her too. Still wouldn't have made a good mother to her."

"You will be a good mother one day."

"I hope so," she replied, growing solemn. "I really haven't had the greatest example."

Daddy nodded, patting her hand. "You'll figure it out. You're a smart girl and someone who loves with her whole soul."

Regina smiled, fighting back tears. "I am so glad you're coming with me, Daddy."

"Me too. This will be a new start for the both of us."

She squeezed his hand before leaning back, closing her eyes as she imagined her new life in Sherwood.

Regina spent her last night in Mist Haven at the home of a duchess who was some distant relative of Leopold. She was a jovial woman who welcomed them into her villa with open arms. When she heard Regina's mother wasn't with her, the duchess took it on herself to instruct Regina in the ways of the marital bed. She hadn't gotten far when Irene insisted the young lady needed her rest and politely shooed the woman out of the room.

"I will need to know what I'm expected to do on my wedding night," Regina noted, though her cheeks felt like they were on fire. "I don't want to look foolish in front of the king."

"You won't. When we get to Sherwood, I'll make some inquiries. But that woman was not going to be the one to instruct you. She'd overload you with things you don't need to worry about right now," Irene said, making Regina's bed.

Regina bit her lip. "How much could possibly go on in one's marital bed?"

"Oh, I don't think she was going to instruct you about the marital bed," Irene replied, helping her change. "But put it out of your mind, my lady."

Nodding, Regina climbed into bed as Irene doused the lights. As the fire crackled in the hearth, she pulled out her miniature of Robert and stared at him. She had some knowledge of what happened between a man and a woman in the marital bed. Many of the female servants had whispered about it, some talking about men who were rough with women and others talking about men who were gentle. What type of man was Robert? And what type would she prefer?

As the carriage rolled out of Mist Haven and into the thick forests of Sherwood, Regina pulled back the purple curtains to observe her new land. Trees stretched toward the sky, their leaves blocking out the sun so only a few beams made it to the forest floor. Birds trilled around them and she saw a doe dart through the trees with her fawn. It was peaceful and beautiful. "I think I'm going to like it here," she told her father.

Daddy nodded. "This is the perfect place to make a new start."

They spent their first night in Sherwood at the estate of the Duchess of Wellingsbury, who Lord Locksley informed Regina was one of King Robert's many godmothers. She wasn't there, away at court to sit on the king's council and to guide the country with him.

"Women sit on the council?" she asked Lord Locksley, intrigued.

He nodded. "And women can inherit property, wealth and the throne. We do our best not to differentiate between the sexes here."

"So the marriage laws aren't anomalies?"

"No," he replied. "They are in line with our other laws and customs. When you get to court, be certain to talk with Lady Wellingsbury. She's Robert's tutor and one of the leading experts on Sherwood law."

Regina grew almost as excited to meet the woman as she was to finally meet King Robert. "I think I shall," she replied before bidding the man a good night.

One more night stood between Regina and her future husband. Lord Christopher assured her that Locksley was only a half day's ride from where they would spend the night, so she would be dining with the king the following one. She tried not to look too eager but he saw through her, for he leaned closer to her to whisper: "He is just as anxious to meet you as well, milady."

The thought sent her heart racing as she climbed into the carriage to begin the second-to-last leg of her journey. Lord Christopher had told her they were staying at a manor belonging to a distant cousin of his, who he warned was "a bit on the odd side."

To say Lord Samuel Locksley was odd was mild. He greeted their small party dressed in outfit of clashing vibrant colors and his white hair stuck out in all directions. Before he let them in his house, he walked around each of them to cleanse their auras.

Regina frowned and leaned closer to Lord Christopher. "What does that mean?"

"Just let him walk around you, picking things out of the air," he whispered back. "Then we can all go in."

Lord Samuel approached Regina, his fingers grabbing imaginary things from the air around her. He paused, frowning. "There's a darkness around you I can't remove. You've done something horrible."

Her heart sped up as she stammered out: "What?"

"I can feel it," he continued. "Darkness has a hold on you."

Lord Christopher rolled his eyes. "Oh, enough, man. Just cleanse her so we can enter."

Though he glared at her, Lord Samuel did as he was asked and finally let her into his manor. Irene took her away to her room and helped her settle in. "I was told supper will be served in an hour. Would you like to rest?" she asked Regina.

"I think so. Can you lay out an outfit for me to wear after?" Regina slipped out of her dark blue traveling dress and climbed into bed. The servant pulled the curtains around her bed, letting her get some rest without the light bothering her.

Regina rolled over, opening her eyes as sleep slipped away from her. Lord Samuel stood by her bed, glaring at her. "You're evil."

"My lord!" She sat up, gasping as she held the blankets over her shift-clad form. "What are you doing in here?"

"You need to leave," Lord Samuel spat at her.

Regina shook under her covers, his gaze too intense for her liking. "Please, leave me alone," she whispered.

"What are you doing in my daughter's room?" Daddy stormed in, frowning. "Get out!"

Lord Samuel glowered at him. "I need to cleanse my house from her evil."

"Please," Regina begged. "Leave me alone. I am just doing what I need to so I can live my own life."

"You have let darkness into your soul. And I doubt it will ever be removed. It will only fester, eating you completely." He was now standing very close to her, his blue eyes boring into her. Regina was paralyzed, unable to move or push him away. Daddy did his best to pull Lord Samuel back but the man remained unmoved.

Lord Christopher barreled into the room. "Leave her alone, Samuel!"

"I will not have her darkness in my house!"

"She is not dark!" Lord Christopher took a calming breath. "You have two choices, cousin. You can be civil to Lady Regina or you can spend the rest of the night in your room. Which will it be?"

Lord Samuel glared at her before backing away. "I shall take my leave for the night. Cousin."

He stormed out of the room, exchanging a look with his cousin on his way out. Once he was gone, Lord Christopher sighed. "I apologize for him, Lady Regina. I told you he was eccentric."

"He's mad," Daddy said, rubbing Regina's back.

Lord Christopher sighed. "Yes, but usually he's harmless. Do you require anything, Lady Regina?"

"It's alright," she said, her voice shaking. "I'll be fine."

With a bow, he left her with her father. Daddy shook his head as he turned back to her. "You're not fine, dear."

"Sending Mother away was the right thing to do," Regina said, though she believed she was trying to convince herself more than her father.

"At what cost? I worry for you."

Tears pricked her eyes and she bit back a sob. "Because of the darkness?"

"Because of the guilt you feel." He held her as tears started to roll down her cheeks. "It may not have been the best way to deal with your Mother, but I understand why you did it. I've forgiven you. Now, you need to forgive yourself and move on. Then the darkness won't get you and you can be happy with your king."

Regina nodded, clutching him tighter. "I'll try, Daddy."

Irene returned, pausing when she saw the father-daughter embrace. "I can come back, my lady," she said.

Shaking her head, Regina let go of her father and dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief. "No, no. I'm fine. Please help me get ready for supper."

"I shall leave you to it. See you in the dining room, Regina." Daddy kissed her forehead before leaving.

Lord Samuel remained his rooms for the rest of Regina's stay in his house. He didn't even emerge to farewell them, which Regina had to admit was a relief. Daddy helped her into the carriage and she sighed.

Daddy climbed in and closed the door. "Happy, my dear?"

"To be leaving?" she asked. "Or to finally meet my future husband?"

"Both, I guess."

She nodded, before her smile faltered. "I hope I haven't set him on a pedestal and that I've created an image he can't possibly attain."

"Well, what do you imagine him to be like?" Daddy asked, voice shaking as the carriage lurched into motion.

"Kind, just like Lord Christopher. Intelligent but funny. Loyal, loving and, well, a good kisser." Her cheeks felt on fire as she confessed that last one to her father.

Daddy only smiled. "Well, I think you have good qualities in mind. And if he can't meet them, that he doesn't deserve you."

"What if it doesn't work, Daddy? What if we can't stand each other?" Regina asked. "Or he hates me and doesn't want to marry me?"

"Then we'll handle that if it happens. But Regina, I can't imagine that he wouldn't fall head over heels in love with you."

She smiled but averted her eyes. "You have to say that. You're my father."

"True," he agreed. "And king or not, your new husband is going to know he has to deal with me."

It was late afternoon by the time the carriage entered the town just outside the palace. Villagers gathered along the road, watching the carriage in hopes of a glimpse of her, Regina knew. She bit her lip. "Should I pull back the curtain? Wave to them?"

"If you want," Daddy said. "It would probably be nice. You need to start building goodwill with your future subjects."

Regina nodded, pushing the curtain aside. She started to wave and smile to the people on one side of the carriage. Most gawked at her but a few waved back, mostly children. A few boys climbed trees, trying to get a better look at her and Regina gave them a more genuine smile as she waved to them.

"Alternate sides, Regina," Daddy prompted softly.

She slid over, waving to the people on the other side of the carriage. They were more receptive, with more people waving back at her. She heard a few shouts but the glass muffled whatever they were saying. Regina could only hope it was complimentary.

"Good girl," Daddy said, smiling. "You'll be a proper queen in no time."

Regina continued to smile and wave, alternating sides until they passed under a stone gate. The villagers were no longer lined up and instead she recognized the busy activity of a thriving court. Servants darted to and fro as soldiers ran drills in an open area.

Her heart pounded as she fiddled with her skirts. "It's now or never, isn't it?" she asked her father.

"I'm afraid so." He squeezed her hand.

The door opened and Daddy climbed down first. His hand as well as Lord Christopher's reached in to help Regina down from the carriage. She took them and her feet touched the ground.

She looked up at the palace, the place she would now call her home. It wasn't as grand as Leopold's but it had a rustic charm that entranced Regina. Four towers stood at each corner of the white building, pane glass windows dotting the sides to reveal the different floors in the palace. There were several smaller white buildings that were connected to the main building with open air passageways. Ivy climbed along the tops of the passageways and she could see a fountain in another courtyard beyond one of them.

"Well, milady," Lord Locksley said. "What do you think of our humble palace?"

"I love it," she said, enthralled.

He smiled. "I thought you would."

She took a deep breath. "So, when do I meet His Majesty?"

"Good question. I sent word ahead so my nephew could be waiting for us." He took her arm. "Let's go see if we can find him."

Regina clutched his arm as the large wooden doors with lions carved on them opened. Lord Christopher led her into a foyer where two older women, both blondes, were waiting for them. He turned to Regina. "My lady, may I introduce my sister, Lady Eleanor, and the Royal Widow, Queen Catherine."

The woman dressed in black stepped forward, her lacy veil threatening to fall off her head. Regina curtsied, knowing this was Queen Catherine. She could see the resemblance to the man in the miniature she carried in a pocket close to her heart-the same blue eyes, with kindness warming them. The Queen's face was rounder than the painter had made her son's though so Regina believed that was something the new king had inherited from his father. Regina, though, hoped he had the same warm smile as his mother.

"Welcome, Lady Regina," the queen said, lifting her from her curtsy. "We have been very excited to meet you."

"I am excited to meet His Majesty." Regina fiddled with her skirts, glancing about as if the man whose face she had memorized the past few weeks would appear before her.

Lord Christopher frowned. "Where is he, Catherine? I sent a messenger hours ago."

"And that messenger arrived. However, you know the counsel." The queen frowned as well. "I hoped Robin's eagerness to meet his bride would've let him finally put his foot down but I guess he couldn't get away."

"I told him that he needed to be firm with them, to remind them he holds the power. Otherwise, they'll continue to walk all over him. They still see him as a child!" Lord Christopher took a deep calming breath.

Queen Catherine sighed. " He's still getting used to the fact he's king. Everything happened so fast, he hasn't had the time to figure out what kind of ruler he wants to be. He's so lost without his father here."

Sadness tinged her words and Regina felt her pain. "I am sorry for your loss, Your Majesty. I regret I will not know your husband."

"Thank you. I'm sure my Edward would've loved to have met you," she replied, squeezing Regina's hands. "I know you've come without your own mother so I hope you will come to see me as one."

"We'll all take care of you. Locksley women stick together, whether they are Locksleys by blood or by marriage. It doesn't matter." The woman Regina believed was Lady Eleanor stepped forward. She hugged Regina and after a few moments, Regina relaxed in her arms. It seemed the Locksleys were warmer than she had expected and she looked forward to experiencing this type of family for the first time in her life.

The women pulled away and Queen Catherine patted Regina's hands. "Why don't we show you to the rooms you'll be staying in until the wedding? You can freshen up before you meet Robin."

"I would like that. Thank you." Regina glanced over at Daddy. "And my father?"

Lady Eleanor smiled. "He can come too. His rooms are attached to yours."

Regina thanked her again and started to walk forward. She heard heavy footfalls coming down the nearest hallway, as if someone were running toward them. Turning, she felt something heavy hit her and knock her off her feet.

Strong arms wrapped around her, steadying her as the scent of pine washed over her. Her own arms wrapped around the neck of her rescuer and she found herself gazing into a pair of blue eyes. They were a warm hue that reminded her of the water by Leopold's palace and full of concern. She found herself drowning in them, never wanting to look away again.

"Well, this isn't how I planned to meet," he said, his voice carrying the Sherwood accent she was growing more and more accustomed to. It also had something of a hoarseness to it but she liked it, finding it suited him and she was glad when he spoke again. "I must say, whoever painted your likeness failed to capture the full extent of your beauty."

Regina finally took in his full face-strong jaw, blonde hair brushing his broad shoulders and dimples that made her weak at the knees. It was a shame the artist who had painted his miniature chose not to paint his smile. For King Robert of Sherwood had a warm and friendly smile that made her feel special immediately.

She remembered herself, curtsying at last. "Your Majesty."

"No need for that, milady." He raised her much like his mother had earlier. "We are equals."

Regina had to remind herself to breathe, leaning closer to him. "I like the sound of that."

He cupped her cheek and she leaned into its warmth, enjoying the feel of his palm against her skin. "I am so glad you're here," he whispered.

A cough reminded them they weren't alone and they jumped apart. Regina felt heat flood her cheeks as she took in the four older adults watching them. All looked quite amused at what they had witnessed.

Queen Catherine smiled. "I think we should show Prince Henry and Lady Regina to their rooms so they can rest before supper. Don't you agree?"

"Yes, of course." He held out his arm to Regina and when she took it, he tucked her hand close to his body. "Let me escort you there."

Regina walked down the hall, her steps in line with the king's. She kept sneaking glances at him, studying his handsome features and feeling her heart speed up every time she did so.

He caught her eye on one of her glances and smiled. "I hope your journey was uneventful."

"It was. Thank you," she replied, deciding that he didn't need to know what had happened with his cousin. Besides, it could open a can of worms she was not prepared to deal with.

The young king hummed and a bounce came to his step. "I'm glad. I would hate for you to have a bad impression of my...our...country."

"Sherwood is beautiful," Regina told him.

"You're beautiful." He looked away, his cheeks tinged pink. Clearing his throat, they came to a stop outside a door. "These are your rooms. I'll...I'll leave you to rest after your journey."

Regina was hesitant to part from him and she could see that he was as reluctant. He held onto her hand, taking her in. Unlike when Leopold had looked her over, King Robert's gaze didn't make her squirm. Instead, it felt like he was treasuring her rather than leering after her.

Queen Catherine cleared her throat. "Robin, I think you need to let Regina's hand go."

He nodded, raising her hand to his lips. "Until then, milady."

The king's hand fell away as he followed his mother down the hall, walking backwards so that their eyes never broke connection until he was forced to turn a corner. Regina smiled as she leaned against the door, cradling the hand he kissed against her chest.

Daddy's chuckle startled her. She turned to find him smiling knowingly at her. "I daresay His Majesty has made quite the first impression."

"He has," she agreed, softly. "Do you think I made an impression on him?"

"Oh, yes, my dear. He couldn't keep his eyes off you." Daddy smiled, squeezing her hands.

Her smile grew brighter and she opened the door to her new rooms. Servants bustled around, unpacking the trunks brought from Mist Haven. Regina weaved around them, taking in her new surroundings.

The sitting room was done in beiges, browns and crèmes. A few couches were set up in the center of the room, positioned around a polished wood table. There was a large fireplace against one wall, a few porcelain figures of horses sitting on the ledge. Over it hung a large painting of a forest, nymphs dancing amongst the trees. Two windows that ran from ceiling to floor let plenty of light into the room, crème curtains pulled opened for now.

A serving girl emerged from another room. She had blonde hair pulled into a bun and wore a plain dark green dress. As Regina approached, she curtsied. "Welcome, Your Highness. My name is Trina but most people around here call me Tink."

"Tink?" Regina asked, confused.

The girl laughed. "Don't ask. It's a long story. Now, if you want, I can give you the grand tour."

"I would appreciate it."

Nodding, Tink motioned to the room opposite the one she had come out from. "Lord Henry, that is to be your room. His Majesty insisted on keeping you close to Lady Regina. When she marries the king, these rooms will be entirely yours."

"His Majesty is very generous," Daddy replied, looking around the room. "I don't know what I'll do with all this room to myself."

Tink laughed. "I'm certain you'll find something to do. Now, my lady, would you like to see your room?"

"Yes, please," Regina said, following Tink into the third room, painted blue. It was half the size of the sitting room but still quite large. Like the sitting parlor, her room had a fireplace and a painting of a beautiful woman hung over it. Studying it, Regina could see the resemblance between the woman and the Locksley family members she had met so far.

"That's Queen Susannah. She's the king's great-great grandmother and is considered one of Sherwood's greatest monarchs. All the kings after her have striven to live up to her legacy," Tink explained.

Regina nodded. "I can't wait to learn all I can about Sherwood. Your history and culture is so fascinating."

"Glad to hear it," she replied. "Because it's going to be your culture and history too. Welcome home, my lady."

As she took in her surroundings, it hit Regina:

She was home.

A/N: Thank you all for your patience! I hope it paid off—you got the next chapter and Robin finally got to meet Regina! Stay tuned for more bonding.

For those who also read "The Nanny," this will be me repeating myself, but I feel I should. I know there are a lot of rumors flying around about what Sunday's episode will bring for Robin and for Outlaw Queen. There's been speculation for months now on what his ultimate fate will be and we're coming down to the wire. This might be vague, but I'm trying to respect those who may wish to remain spoiler free and so have been unaware of some of the drama that unfolded in the fandom the past few months.

No matter what happens Sunday or in the finale, I am not going to abandon Outlaw Queen. I am not going to abandon my stories. I still draw so much inspiration from these two and all the beautiful stories we could've gotten, might still get, and what have you. I have also made a personal promise to myself that I will finish every Outlaw Queen fic I start. So I plan to be here for the long haul, as long as life agrees with me.

Also, I realized it's been some time since I had a Q+A so I'm trying to plan one. There's a poll on my twitter about it. Or you can let me know if May 14th is good or if I should pick another day.

Thank you!

-Mac