Chapter 6: Getting to Know You

Robin stepped onto the balcony outside his rooms, leaning against the stone railing as a warm breezed played with his hair. Lady Regina was now only a hallway away rather than another country. He could actually look at her rather than the miniature still tucked in his breast pocket.

He still felt her from the brief moment he held her. Almost knocking his future wife over was not how he planned on meeting her, but now he couldn't imagine it going any other way. To look straight into her beautiful brown eyes had made his heart skip a beat. His uncle had been right that the artist failed to catch the fire contained in the whiskey colored depths but he had eliminated the sadness that lurked there. Robin hoped to chase that away.

Turning his head, his stomach jumped with excitement when he saw Regina standing on the balcony down the way. She had changed out of the wine colored riding dress she had been wearing. Now she wore a pale blue dress with lace sleeves. The skirt was still not as wide or voluminous as some of the skirts worn in Sherwood but it wasn't as tight as the one on her riding dress.

Her black hair was pinned up in a bun but a few curls escaped and rested against her neck. Robin swallowed before attempting to speak to her. But his mouth grew dry, making it feel like his tongue was stuck to its roof. No sound was coming out.

She turned to her right and smiled upon sighting him. Robin felt his heart speed up as she approached him, the breeze now toying with her loose curls. "I see we share a balcony," she said.

"Ye…Yes," he said, pausing to clear his throat.

"So we're not too far apart?"

"I figured you wouldn't want to be too far from your father." He also didn't want her to be too far away from him either.

Regina smiled, averting her eyes. "Thank you so much. I don't know what I would do if I had to be parted from him."

"I understand," he said, knowing he would've been heartbroken if he had to leave his mother behind. He was still heartbroken that Father was no longer down the hall himself for Robin to seek counsel or spend time with him.

She took his hand. "Do you miss your father?"

"I do," he replied, rubbing his thumb over her hand before smiling. "But let's not focus on sad things. You are here and so it's a happy day."

A pink tinge came to Regina's cheeks and she looked away, surveying the palace grounds. "It's so beautiful in Sherwood. And so peaceful."

He stood closer to her, his chest almost pressed against her back. "Indeed. At least now. In the summer when the geese come back, not so much. We then have to release the hounds to scare them away and it's a noisy mess."

"So something to look forward to?" She glanced back at him, her brown eyes sparkling with mirth. They seemed so much brighter.

"I guess that's one way of looking at it," he replied with a chuckle.

She nodded before glancing back out. "So where's the apple orchard?"

"Over there." He helped her lean over the railing a bit, pointing to the right where the orchard lay next to the palace. "We can go there tomorrow."

"And your tree?"

He pointed straight ahead, toward the forest towering at the very edge of the palace grounds. One large tree stood out from the others, reaching toward the sky. "See that mighty oak there?"

She nodded, smiling. "It does look very secluded."

"It is," he agreed. "Though not very quiet right now. A robin has made its nest in it and all I hear is chirping all day long."

Regina grew quiet as she turned to face him, leaning against the railing. "Quite a few people have called you Robin. Your uncle always has to catch himself."

"Yes, well…" He paused, deciding where he wanted to begin. "My name is Robert. It's an old family name so I'm technically King Robert the Seventh. But when I was a baby, my mother says I used to try to imitate the robins when they sang outside our windows. So she started calling me her little robin and the name stuck."

"Which name do you prefer then?" she asked.

He took a deep breath. "Robin. To be called Robert still seems so strange, so formal. So those closest to me can still call me Robin."

"And what about me?" She tilted her head, studying him. "What should I call you?"

"Robin," he replied without hesitation.

She smiled. "Robin. I like it much better than Robert."

"Me too," he agreed, his heart soaring at the sound of her voice saying his name. It was like a sweet song.

Robin longed to take her into his arms and just hold her, but he doubted they could do that after only hours from meeting. So he took her hands in his, feeling their warmth and how smooth her skin was. "Is there anything else you prefer to be called?"

"No. I've always been Regina."

He hummed. "Well, then, I guess I need to work on some terms of endearment for you."

"What's so wrong with Regina?"

"Nothing," he said truthfully. "It is a beautiful name that everyone will use. I want something special just for myself."

She raised an eyebrow but smiled. "And what will that be?"

"I have to decide," he replied, cupping her cheek. "But I promise you I will find one."

"Then I should have a special name just for you as well. After all, I won't be the only one calling you Robin," she said.

Robin chuckled, rubbing her cheek with his thumb. "I would love that. What shall you call me?"

She narrowed her eyes, studying him. "I don't know. I think I need to get to know you better."

His reply was cut off by someone clearing their throat. Robin glanced over at the door to find Uncle Christopher standing there, smirking. "Would you two like to join us for supper?"

Robin glanced down at Regina, seeing her cheeks tinge pink as her smile turned sheepish. He held out his arm to her. "Milady?"

She took his arm and he led her into the small dining room his family used for their private meals. He hadn't wanted to subject her to a state supper yet, to shield her from the judgment of his court for a bit longer. Tonight, it was just his mother, Aunt Eleanor, Uncles Joseph and Christopher as well as Prince Henry.

He led Regina to the table and pulled out a chair for her. She took her seat with a smile and watched him as he took the seat next to her. Under the table, her hand found his and she laced his fingers with hers. His heart sped up and he hoped it didn't show on his face. Judging by the smirk on Uncle Christopher's face, though, he was failing.

Prince Henry leaned back, studying them. "I must thank you, Your Majesty, for allowing me to come with my daughter."

"Of course, Your Highness. I understand the bond between a child and a father well. I wouldn't deny Regina that," Robin replied. "And please, call me Robin."

"Only if you call me Henry," the prince insisted, smiling at the two.

Robin returned the smile. "It might take some time, but I will do my best."

Several servants carried in silver trays, setting them on the table before removing the lids with flourishes. A hearty broth filled with vegetables and pieces of meat had been placed before them. "This is just the first course," Robin told Regina. "There are plenty more. Introduce you to our cuisine."

"All in one sitting?" she asked, her tone light. Mirth danced in her brown eyes and he realized she was teasing him. He couldn't wait for her to do that more often.

Mother chuckled. "It would seem so. Robin has always had some problems with patience."

"Mother," he groaned. Regina hadn't been there one day. He didn't want the embarrassing stories to come out so soon.

"She's going to learn it herself," Mother said, patting Regina's free hand. "Might as well tell her and get it out of the way."

Regina squeezed his hand. "How ever did you manage to wait for me to arrive?"

"He barely did," Aunt Eleanor said.

Uncle Joseph nodded. "Drove us all mad."

"I was not that bad!" Robin protested, feeling somewhat betrayed by his family.

Prince Henry chuckled. "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Regina was no better."

"Daddy!" she exclaimed, her cheeks growing red. At least she had been as eager to meet him as he had been to meet her.

Mother smiled before motioning to their bowls. "Eat up before it grows cold. Broth doesn't taste very good then."

"And you're going to need both your hands to eat the next courses," Uncle Christopher said, motioning to the empty space between them.

Regina's grip started to loosen on his hand as Robin glared at his uncle. "If need be, I will figure out how to eat my meat with one hand."

"He's my brother's son," Aunt Eleanor said, pointing at him. "That was my brother coming out of his mouth."

Mother nodded. "I told you. He definitely inherited Edward's romantic streaks."

"I'm right here," Robin reminded them.

Regina let out a soft giggle and released his hand. "You may be brave enough to try eating with one hand, but I'm afraid I'm not."

"Then I will defer to you, milady," he replied, bowing his head slightly.

Uncle Christopher sighed. "Another thirty years of this. Wonderful."

"What are you talking about? You're still the ambassador to Mist Haven. You get to leave!" Uncle Joseph exclaimed.

Robin sighed, rubbing his forehead. "My family, milady. I hope they aren't scaring you off."

"Oh no," she replied, smiling. "I think this all so wonderful. I've never had a family like this before."

Pain gripped his heart as he thought about her not having the same warm memories he did surrounded by his loving parents and family. Her father seemed very loving so how much control had her mother had over their family? What was Regina's childhood like? There was still so much for him to learn about her and he wanted to shoo their family away so they could talk alone.

Regina brushed off her comment and moved on. "I cannot wait to learn more about Sherwood and its culture."

"She also wants to meet Lady Wellingsbury," Uncle Christopher added.

"Splendid," Robin said, perking up. He turned to Regina and smiled at her. "She's my tutor and a trusted advisor. If anyone can help you the most, it's her."

Mother took a sip of her wine. "Diana will be thrilled to talk with you, Regina. She helped me become a queen."

"I cannot wait," Regina replied, laying down her spoon after she finished her broth. She glanced over at Robin's still full bowl. "Aren't you hungry?"

He grinned, a wicked feeling coming over him. "No. For I desire nothing but to stare at your face and listen to your voice. That is food enough."

"Look at that grin! He's now doing this on purpose! Edward, he is your son. I hope you can see this in the Great Beyond," Uncle Joseph exclaimed, looking up at the ceiling.

Regina laughed, a full one that seemed to come from deep within her. She keeled over, her head resting on Robin's shoulder as she continued to laugh, tears coming out of her eyes. He smiled down at her, enjoying the sound of her laughter.

It was a sound he was going to spend the rest of his life ensuring she made often.

Later that night, he lay on his bed with his arms behind his head. He stared at up at the ceiling, still imagining Regina's face. Father was right—he just knew that he made the right choice, that Regina was the woman he was meant to love for the rest of their lives. He prayed she felt the same.

His door creaked opened and he heard the soft click of his mother's heels on the wooden floors. "Hello, Mother," he said.

"I was hoping we could talk," she replied, sitting down on the edge of his bed. "About Lady Regina."

"What about her?" He sat up, heart racing. "Don't you like her?"

Mother took his hand, smiling. "I do, Robin. I think she's a beautiful, intelligent and kind woman. I just worry that the council will break her."

"I won't let them."

"You might not have a choice."

He frowned. "Maybe they shouldn't have a choice. Maybe they shouldn't have the chance to tear down a remarkable woman like Regina."

"So you would disband the council over her?"

"The council has never been disbanded," Robin replied with a frown. "Besides, I think Regina is stronger than you think."

Mother nodded. "She probably is. But if the council tries to dismiss her, what will you do?"

"I will fight for her," he replied, conviction in his voice. "She is worth it."

Smiling, Mother laid her hand against his cheek. "My sweet Robin is all grown up. I hope she makes you happy."

"I think she will. I just hope I can make her happy."

"Knowing you, I think you will."

Robin bit his lower lip. "You'll help her, right?"

"Of course," Mother replied. "If she really is the woman you are meant to love, then she is meant to be my daughter. I will treat her like my own."

"Thank you, Mother."

She leaned forward and kissed his forehead. "Good night."

Robin watched as she slipped out of his room before he laid back down. He was starting to sleep on one side of the bed, to prepare himself for when he shared it with Regina. It wouldn't bode well to start of the marriage with an argument about how he was a bed hog.

He rolled over and stared at the empty spot. What would it be like to share his bed at last with Regina? Would she like to cuddle with him as they fell asleep? Or did she prefer they stay on their own sides? Did she sprawl? Snore? Hog the covers? There was so much to learn about her and he couldn't wait.

"The council wishes to speak with Lady Regina," Lady Wellingsbury told Robin. She had barely stepped into his room as he finished his breakfast.

He frowned, wiping the crumbs from his mouth with a napkin. "Now?"

"Sometime today."

"No," he said, shaking his head. "Today, I am showing Lady Regina around the palace and getting to know her more. The council can wait."

She raised an eyebrow as she took a seat. "Do you think they'll accept that answer?"

"They don't have much of a choice. What are they going to do? Send guards to drag Regina to the room?"

"I guess not. But you can't keep her from them forever," she told him, pulling off a piece of breakfast pastry and popping it in her mouth.

Robin nodded. "I understand, Lady Wellingsbury. I'm just asking for a day or two to acclimate Regina to Sherwood before I throw her to the wolves."

"So we're wolves now?" She smiled at him, leaning back in her chair.

"Not all of you," he replied. "And in fact, I would love for you to meet Regina first. She's quite intrigued by you."

Lady Wellingsbury chuckled. "I like her already then. I take it she enjoyed her stay at my manor house?"

"I heard no complaints, so I assume so," he replied, standing. "If you don't mind, I have to go meet her."

"I won't keep you from your bride. Just remember, you need to let her fight her own fights soon." Lady Wellingsbury stood as well, leaving the room.

Robin sighed. He had been hoping for at least one day with Regina before having to lay all their problems at her feet. As usual, though, his council had other plans. But he would put it off for as long as possible.

He knocked on Regina's door, surprised when Henry rather than one of the servants opened it. Robin bowed to the prince. "Your Highness."

"It's Henry," the man reminded him. "Come on in. Regina's almost ready but I was hoping we could have a little talk."

Robin swallowed, his stomach twisting in knots. He could imagine what Henry wanted to talk to him about—he was about to be threatened with a painful death should he hurt Regina, king or not. And he was going to sit there and take it, to earn Henry's trust and respect. Or at least start to.

Henry motioned to one of the armchairs and Robin took a seat, hoping he appeared more confident than he felt. Once Henry was in his chair, he leaned back and studied Robin. "So, you've now met my daughter."

"Yes, sir."

"And?"

"She's an amazing woman, sir. Time seems to stop when we're together. And when she laughs, my heart stops."

Henry's eyes bore into him as he said: "Such a pretty speech."

"It's not just a speech," Robin defended. "I am speaking the truth."

"I'm certain you think you do. My daughter has been through so much already in her young life…"

"I know."

He scoffed. "There is so much more than what Regina has decided to tell you. And the last thing she needs is a broken heart."

"I don't plan on breaking her heart, sir," Robin protested. "I plan on loving her and doing the best I can to make her happy for the rest of our lives."

"You hardly know her."

"I want to get to know her, sir."

Henry leaned back. "And what if you don't like her? What if you decide you don't want to marry her?"

"Impossible, sir."

The prince let out a laugh. "Fine. You seem resolute. But what if I don't let you marry her?"

"That's not your choice to make. It's only Regina's. And I won't make her feel pressured into agreeing to marry me. If she doesn't like me or doesn't want to marry me, then that is her choice. I will respect it. But she must make her own decision." Robin stood, glaring down her father.

Henry smiled, standing as well as he held out his hand to Robin. "That's all I wanted to know. Woo her, my boy, and love her with everything you have. She deserves that."

Dazed, Robin shook Henry's hand. It dawned on him that he had just passed a test he hadn't known he was taking. Recovering his voice, he said: "Thank you, sir."

"I told you it was Henry," the prince stressed.

One of the bedroom doors opened and Regina stepped out, putting on a pair of lace gloves. "Daddy, have you been listening for the king? I don't want to keep him…oh."

She stopped short, her brown eyes meeting Robin's. He took in her beautiful green dress, the skirt falling in tiers and the jacket made of satin. Whoever had done her hair had left it down, her curls falling over her shoulder. She looked absolutely beautiful.

Robin stepped forward, bowing over her hand. "Milady."

"Your Majesty," she replied, bobbing a quick curtsy.

"You two have fun," Henry said, sitting back down. "I think I shall rest before exploring the palace. I'll see you for supper."

Regina kissed her father's cheek. "We'll see you then, Daddy."

She then took Robin's arm and the two walked out of the room. He pulled her a bit closer, feeling her body pressed against his.

It was heaven.

Robin took Regina down to the orchard and let her pick her apple tree. The gardener followed them, waiting to see which tree his future queen would pick. She found a rather young one and declared it hers. "I'll be able to watch it grow," she told him with a smile.

His heart skipped a beat. She was thinking of the future and being in Sherwood. That was a good sign. "A wise choice," he told her.

She smiled, straightening up. "Is it too early in our relationship for you to show me your special tree?"

"Of course not. Follow me." He held out his arm to her and she took it again. They walked out to his oak.

Robin helped Regina sit on the ground, her skirts spreading out around her. He was careful as he sat next to her, resting his back against the tree while she moved a bit closer to him. She dared to lay her head on his shoulder and they sat together in silence.

"I like it out here," she said at last. "It's so peaceful. I can hear myself think."

He hummed in response, eyes closed. "I do some of my best thinking under these branches."

"Did you think about me here?"

"You've been the only thing on my mind the past month," he admitted, though he spent more time worrying about her than imagining their future together.

"I was? Do I want to know what sort of thoughts you've been thinking?" she teased him.

He cracked open an eye, seeing her smiling face against his shoulder. It was a beautiful sight. "Probably not," he teased back.

When her cheeks tinged pink, he bit the inside of his own to keep from chuckling. She lifted her head, looking him in the eyes. "Tell me more about yourself."

"I do not wish to bore you, milady," he replied, placing his hands behind his head. "Tell me about you."

"Me? I am the boring one. Mother kept me locked up and never let me socialize with anyone. Your uncle told me that you like to sneak away and spend time with the villagers. Tell me about that." She adjusted her position, leaning closer and resting her hand over his legs. It was almost like she was sitting on his lap.

He leaned forward, taking her hands in his before telling her of sneaking out and walking to the nearby village. "I used to hide a plain linen shirt and breeches in the stables, changing there before I would make for a pretty well-hidden path."

"Do you still know where it is?"

"Of course," he replied. "Why?"

"Will you show it to me? I'd love to come with you next time you sneak out."

He smiled, nodding. "I haven't been able to sneak off since becoming king, but I also know the friars bring soup, meats and bread to a nearby village that isn't doing as well as some of the other towns in my kingdom. We can sneak away with them and help."

She squeezed his hands. "Thank you. I want to get to know Sherwood's people. And sneaking away seems fun."

"It is," he agreed. "I've also nursed the sick, cleaned wounds and just listened to them. I hope to use what I've learned now that I'm king but…well, even a king has his hands bound."

"Everyone has mentioned this council. Is that what you are talking about?" she asked.

Robin nodded, growing serious. "They are dukes and duchesses who are supposed to help the monarch rule the kingdom, but sometimes seem more like an impediment to doing anything. But there are a few who do provide counsel and guidance."

"Like Lady Wellingsbury?"

"Yes," he replied, tucking a piece of hair behind Regina's hair. "I can invite her to supper tonight. She wants to meet you too. And it'll give us a chance to explain well…"

"Whatever it is you couldn't explain in your letters?" she asked.

He nodded again before helping her up. "Come. There's still so much to show you. How would you like to see the chapel that started Sherwood?"

Regina hadn't moved in several minutes. Robin could hear the clock on his mantel ticking them away as she remained perfectly still in one of his armchairs, her hands folded on her lap as her eyes stared straight ahead. Concerned, he leaned forward and took her hand. "Regina? Please, say something."

"I don't know what to say," she replied, voice soft. "Apparently several people who have never met me feel fit to make decisions about my life. It's my mother all over again."

"I know," he started.

She stood up, anger radiating off her as she began pacing the room. "No, you don't know. You don't know what it's like to have your mother control every aspect of your life, to keep you from others because they might influence you, have her make important decisions for you and for her to threaten everyone you care about when you try to make one for yourself. Because you have a good mother. You've been free to sneak off, free to make your own decisions and be your own person. So you don't understand."

"You're right, I do have a loving mother and I had a loving father," he started, voice low. "But don't dare say I don't understand having my life being decided for me. Because the council isn't just trying to control you. They're trying to control me too."

"They aren't reducing you to some baby making machine!" Regina yelled back.

He stood, feeling like he was on fire. "Aren't they? It takes two to make a baby. You might have to do the hard work, but they are forcing me to get a child on you as fast as possible. That's not what I want to do. That's not why I want to have a child. I want our child conceived out of love, not desperation!"

"Then do something to stop them!" Regina seemed to fly across the room, getting very close to Robin.

"I can't! My hands are tied."

"You're the king!"

Robin sighed. "There are rules even I'm bound by. I told you that this afternoon, remember?"

"So you can't do anything?" Regina looked on the verge of tears but she also gave him a look that would've frozen him if his blood wasn't already boiling. "Then why did you promise to protect me?"

Henry gently pulled his daughter away, reminding Robin that they were not alone. The prince wrapped his arm around Regina. "I think we all need to calm down and think about this with clearer heads in the morning. Agreed?"

Regina stalked off without saying another word, Henry almost running behind her. Robin watched her leave, his hands clenched in fists. She wasn't the only victim in all of this. He was being forced into an agreement he didn't want to make, forced to possibly give her up one day. Because even though he was angry with her, it wasn't enough to deter him from his commitment. She was as stubborn and aggravating as she was beautiful and kind. He would just have to make her understand that he couldn't just snap his fingers and have everything solved. Life in Sherwood didn't work that way.

"Robin?" Mother laid her hand on his arm and it felt like he had been burned.

He recoiled and headed toward his room. "I need to be alone. Good night, Mother."

Sleep did not come easy to Robin that night. He gave up lying in bed, shrugging on his bathrobe and going out to sit on the balcony. It was a clear night, the waxing moon shining bright over the palace as several stars twinkled around it. Crickets sang their song in the grass below, the only sounds in the night.

Anger had long receded to hurt and guilt. Hurt because Regina didn't trust him to fight with her, that she thought he was working against her. Guilt because he knew he hadn't done anything to prove otherwise to her. Somehow he would have to make it up to her, but he didn't know how yet.

"Robin?" It was so soft he thought he imagined it. But he turned his head anyway, finding Regina standing on the balcony as well. She wore a purple dressing gown over what appeared to be a thin white nightgown. White slippers covered her feet and her hair was loose, her curls allowed to be wild.

He stood, hands inching to reach out to her. "You couldn't sleep either?"

She shook her head. "Not after how awful I was to you. I got angry and I lashed out. I'm sorry, Robin."

"I'm sorry too. I am so sorry that you are in this position and that there's nothing I can do to make it go away."

"You're right. You are in the same position." She stepped closer and he gave in, wrapping his arms around her. After a few moments, she wrapped her own around him.

They stood there for some time, comforting each other. Robin sat down, placing Regina on his lap as she laid her head against his chest. She clutched his arm as she asked: "Now what?"

"We fight. Together," he said, murmuring against her hair. A vanilla scent he was starting to associate more and more with her wafted up from her form.

She leaned back, biting her lower lip. Her eyes glanced down at his lips as she said: "Thank you."

Robin cupped her chin, rubbing his thumb against her smooth skin. So close to her pink lips, so full and looking so soft. He leaned forward as she did the same, their lips meeting in what was the first of what he believed was going to be many kisses.

His eyes closed as he enjoyed the feel of her lips against his. Robin nibbled on her lower lip and she opened up for him, letting his tongue in. His stomach flopped around as excitement coursed through him. All in all, it was a perfect kiss.

They broke the kiss but Regina made no move to stand. Instead, she leaned her head against his shoulder again. "I know Irene would have my head for seeing us like this, but can I sit with you a bit longer?" she asked.

"Of course," he said, kissing the top of her head. "I'll stay with you for as long as you need."

Even though Mother would've rolled her eyes and told him it was just his father's overly romantic side in him, Robin swore the moon and the stars were now glowing brighter.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed all that Outlaw Queen goodness there! There's plenty more coming.

I'm going on vacation this coming Wednesday, so I'm not updating "The Dark Legacy" next week. I hope it won't throw off posting the next chapter of "Crown My Heart" either but I'm not anticipating a lot of writing time on this vacation.

Recently, I ran a poll on my Twitter about having a Q+A on May 14th. But the poll said it was best to choose another day. After my vacation, I'll be pretty much heading off to a cousin's wedding. So I took June 13th off from work in order to relax. Will that work? Go to my Twitter to vote! ( AEBrim).

A big hug to the Outlaw Queen fandom. A+E may have underestimated us but we'll keep our beloved thief alive and the love between him and his queen will remain strong.

-Mac