Chapter 7: The Council

Regina paced the hallway, a hand pressed to her stomach in an attempt to calm it. She took several deep breaths but nothing helped. Her nerves were pulled tight, ready to snap at a moment's notice.

"Hey now," Robin said, stopping her. He took her hands in his. "It will be all right."

She shook her head. "How can you be so optimistic?"

"One of us has to be." He cupped her cheek. "And until you can see the glass as half full, I'll be that person."

"I don't think I'll ever see the glass as half full."

"Then I'll always be that person."

Regina smiled, leaning closer to him and kissing him. Her heart skipped a beat as it always did when their lips met. She hoped it never stopped, even when they were old and had been married for forever.

The door opened as their kiss broke and Regina's stomach churned when she saw Lady Wellingsbury. She had taken Regina under her wing, willing to turn her into a Sherwood queen. Regina enjoyed her time with the woman, finding her intelligent and kind—someone she truly wanted to emulate.

"Lady Wellingsbury," Robin greeted. "Is the council ready?"

"Not yet. They are insisting they interview Lady Regina without you," she replied.

Regina grabbed onto Robin's hand, ready to throw up. "No, please. I don't think I can handle that yet."

"I insist on being in there as well," Robin said, squeezing her hand. "We are a team and the council needs to see us as that."

Lady Wellingsbury tilted her head. "They also need to see Lady Regina as her own entity, separate from you."

Regina realized she spoke the truth. So when Robin geared up to argue again, she squeezed his hand. "I think she's right, Robin," she whispered. "I need to go in there alone."

He led her away a bit and lowered his voice. "Are you certain? Because I can't protect you from out here."

"I know. But please. I do think I need to do this."

"If you think so." He raised her hands to his lips, kissing her fingertips. "We'll work out a way for me to come in if you need me. How's that?"

She nodded, feeling calmer. "What do you propose?"

"I can always come out to get him," Lady Wellingsbury offered.

"Thank you," Robin said, kissing Regina's hand one more time. "I'm leaving her in your capable hands."

Lady Wellingsbury nodded. "I'll do my best to take care of her. Come on, Regina. It's time to face the wolves. Or are we something else now, Robin?"

He blushed, looking sheepish. Rubbing the back of his neck, he shrugged. "Still just wolves for now."

Regina took Lady Wellingsbury's arm and let the older woman escort her to the room. It was a spacious room with a large marble fireplace. A fire crackled inside it, heating the room though the day was warm as it was. She wondered if they intended to sweat her out before she told herself she was being paranoid. No doubt she felt the weather warmer than the people of Sherwood since it was further from the water, where she knew it was often cooler.

Several windows allowed the bright sunlight into the room, beams streaming onto the long wooden table in the middle of the room. Tall chairs lined each side of the table, red velvet cushions resting on each, judging by the empty chair Regina assumed belonged to Lady Wellingsbury. All the other chairs were filled with men and women, all older than her, who watched as she took the chair at the head of the table. No doubt it was Robin's and she hoped she could pull some of his strength from it.

Once Regina was seated, Lady Wellingsbury took her own. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Royal Council, I present Princess Regina of Mist Haven."

Regina sat up straighter, clasping her hands in front of her as her stomach rolled. "It is a pleasure to meet you," she lied.

"And you," one man replied, bowing his head. "I am Lord Ellis and the leader of the council."

She glanced at Lady Wellingsbury, who gave a slight nod. Regina smiled at him. "Pleasure to meet you, Lord Ellis."

"We the council would like to get to know you better," he said, trying to sound warm and friendly.

Something, though, was still lacking in his voice and she remained on edge. "Of course, milord. Though there isn't much to say."

"We'll be the judge of that," an older man replied, grumpy. "Just start at the beginning and stop when you get to Sherwood."

Regina took a deep breath and gave a brief version of her life story, leaving out the part where she banished her mother to another realm. One of the duchesses stopped her, though, and asked: "We know you only came with your father, so what happened to your mother?"

"She…She ran off when I chose to marry King Robert rather than King Leopold," Regina said, choosing which explanation to use. She made a note to tell Daddy so their stories matched.

"Why would she do that?" Lord Ellis asked.

"I don't know," she admitted, honestly. "Mother had her reasons but she never told me them. I was just to be her puppet, be quiet and sit on the throne of Mist Haven as she wanted."

Another duchess leaned forward. "You made the choice to marry Robin yourself?"

"Yes," she replied. "Isn't that the Sherwood tradition?"

"It is. But I would think it is different in Mist Haven."

Regina nodded. "It is. But Lord Locksley insisted that we follow Sherwood traditions."

"And your mother didn't like that? Your father didn't mind?" Lord Ellis pressed. She straightened up, unsure where they were going with this line of questioning and afraid she would give the wrong answer.

Lady Wellingsbury intervened. "I don't see what any of this has to do with Lady Regina's ability to be our next queen. Perhaps you should focus on that."

"I agree," an older duke said. "Lady Regina, perhaps you would share with us your education and skills?"

Regina felt more at ease answering that question, detailing everything her mother had done to turn her into a queen. "My needlepoint does leave something to be desired and I have very little dancing experience, I will admit. However, I am a properly trained gentlewoman."

"Lady Regina is also a trained equestrienne. I hope we can see her on a horse soon," Lady Wellingsbury said.

"Not too soon," another duchess said as Regina wondered why no one really was introducing themselves. "We wouldn't want anything to happen to the baby."

"She's not with child yet," Lady Wellingsbury hissed. "She and the prince have not been sharing quarters."

Regina pressed her hand against her stomach, thinking of the baby these men and women wanted her to conceive as soon as possible. She swallowed. "How soon do you expect me to be carrying an heir, pray tell?"

"Within the year, I say," an older man said, mustache twitching with each word.

All the duchesses glared at him. "Only a man who has never been married would think something so stupid. Getting with child takes time," an older duchess said.

"Then what do you suggest?" he countered.

"Five years," Lady Wellingsbury offered. Regina held her breath, hoping they would give her that much time. It seemed plausible.

Lord Ellis frowned, shaking his head. "I was a father within the first three years of my marriage."

"Sounds like someone is bragging," the first duchess said. "So you want to give her three years?"

"That seems like too much. I still think a year is reasonable," the first duke insisted.

The older duchess rolled her eyes. "Stop talking, you old fool. Three years sounds more reasonable. Don't you agree, Diana?"

Lady Wellingsbury stood and walked toward the door. Regina almost sobbed from relief, knowing Robin was going to be by her side in only seconds.

Robin crossed the room and pulled a chair up to sit next to her. She held out her hand and he took it, lacing their fingers together. "What have I missed?"

"The council is already setting the amount of time you'll have to conceive an heir with Regina," Lady Wellingsbury replied, sitting back down.

He frowned, squeezing Regina's hand. "So I take it you approve of us marrying at least? You're not going to give her the heave ho now?"

She swallowed, aware again that these people didn't particularly care for her—with the exception of Lady Wellingsbury. And perhaps the duchess who was willing to give her a chance to conceive. Lord Ellis, though, certainly didn't like her. There was just something off in his tone even when he spoke complimentary things about her, like he was now.

"Your uncle was correct that she is well qualified to be queen. She will serve you and Sherwood well," Lord Ellis said. "But we can't treat her differently than we would any other queen just because of where she's from."

"Except you are. You are enforcing a law that is meant for later in a royal marriage if no heir has been born," Lady Wellingsbury argued. "You're setting Lady Regina up to fail just because of where she's from."

One of the dukes that had been silent the entire time stood, raising his hands. He was one of the oldest ones there and Regina saw his arms shake. "Enough. Let's have a vote. Your Majesty, I must ask you and Lady Regina to leave."

"Why? I think it's better if we stay," Robin replied, frowning.

Lady Wellingsbury stood, approaching him and speaking in low tone. "No, this is how it's done if the council calls for a vote. It's a secret ballot as far as the throne is concerned. So please take Regina and wait outside. This shouldn't take too long."

Robin stood, helping Regina up. She paused, though, and looked over the council. "I do want to be your queen," she told them. "Please, I am trusting you will give me a fair chance to prove myself. Thank you."

She sat on Robin's lap, not caring that they were sitting in the middle of a corridor that was well traveled. He held her close as she rested her head on his shoulder. "What do you think they're going to decide?" she asked.

"I don't know," he replied. "Hopefully, they'll give us plenty of time to get to know each other and then have a child."

"Good. I don't think I'm ready to be a mother just yet. It was one of the reasons Leopold and I decided not to marry—Snow needed a mother, not a sister."

He nodded. "I know. I'm not entirely sure I'm ready to be a father yet either. Maybe in a year or so."

"If they give us that long."

"It seemed some of them were realistic. There may be hope."

She sighed. "I don't know. What if they don't give us enough time?"

"Then we'll figure out how to fight it," Robin replied, brushing some of her hair back. "I'm falling in love with you, Regina, and I won't lose you."

Her heart beat faster at his declaration of love. She knew she was attracted to him, enjoyed her time with him and cared for him. Yet she was hesitant to say she loved him, not when she knew she still loved Daniel. What could she say without hurting Robin, though?

"I don't want to lose you either," she decided, knowing it was the truth. "I can't put a name on what I feel for you, Robin, but I want to keep exploring it."

It was the right thing to say, she figured by the bright smile he gave her. "I look forward to that, milady," he replied.

She leaned closer, kissing him gently. While she wasn't certain she felt the same for Robin as she did Daniel, she did know she loved his kisses. Especially how he liked to rub his nose against hers afterward, blue eyes locked onto her brown ones.

The door opened and Regina tensed up, her nausea returning. Her fate had been decided, she knew. She clutched onto Robin as he rubbed her back, watching as Lady Wellingsbury emerged from the room. Her face was neutral and her voice was flat as she said: "You can come in now."

Robin helped Regina up and she held onto his arm for dear life as they followed Lady Wellingsbury back into the room. The council watched as they took their seats before Lord Ellis turned to them. "The council has reached a decision."

"I would like to note my disagreement with the decision," Lady Wellingsbury said.

Lord Ellis sighed. "So noted, Diana."

Regina grabbed Robin's hand. If Lady Wellingsbury objected to the decision, then Regina knew it couldn't be good for them. She prayed that she kept her breakfast down, knowing it wouldn't be good for her to be sick in front of the council.

"As I was saying, we have reached a decision," Lord Ellis continued. "We have decided to give Lady Regina two years to produce an heir. If she fails to do so, you must put her aside and marry a woman born of Sherwood."

Judging by the tension in Lady Wellingsbury's jaw, that was the part she especially objected to. Robin seemed even less pleased. "Two years and then we revisit the issue," he said. "I will not be issued ultimatums."

"Your Majesty," Lord Ellis started.

Robin raised his hand, fire burning in his eyes. "Hear me, all of you. I recognize and respect your authority on matters of law and state. But I am your king. You will not issue me ultimatums. Am I understood?"

One by one, they muttered "yes." Regina watched Robin with adoration and affection, a strange warmth pooling low inside her. She had never felt it around Daniel and couldn't put a name to the feeling. All she knew is that she liked it very much.

"Do you think two years is enough time?" she asked him later. They were on the balcony again after the rest of the palace had gone to sleep, wrapped up in a blanket from Robin's bed. It smelled of pine, grass and something smoky. She loved it.

He shrugged, rubbing her arm. "Lady Wellingsbury, Mother and Aunt Eleanor were huddled together all night. I don't know what that means."

"But you don't think it's good."

"Not really, no," he admitted.

She sighed. "We're going to have to start trying for a baby once we're married, though, aren't we?"

"I'm afraid that's where this is headed. They'll probably demand proof we consummated the marriage."

"Proof? What kind of proof?" She sat up, trembling. The marriage bed was mysterious enough without this added layer.

He shrugged. "The sheets, I guess. I've seen people examining them after a few marriages here in Sherwood."

"Sheets?"

"Some of my mates have said it can get…messy." Robin was now fidgeting under her and she sat up, studying his face. He averted his eyes, looking everywhere but at her.

She smiled, realizing what was going on. "Robin, are you…I mean, have you…you know?"

"No," he confessed. "I have not known a woman in that way. It seemed better to save myself for the woman I wanted to marry. For you."

She tilted his chin up so his eyes met hers before kissing him. "You are a romantic, aren't you?"

"It's in my blood," he replied, rubbing her chin with his thumb and forefinger. "And it is so easy with you."

Regina kissed him again before lying her head on his shoulder again. "Of course, that does leave a problem. Neither of us know what's supposed to happen on the wedding night."

"Right. I guess I could ask some of my mates. Or my uncle." He grimaced though, obviously as uncomfortable with the topic as she was.

"I doubt my mother would've told me even if she were here. And I don't have anyone else to ask," she said softly. "I've never really had a friend."

She felt Robin frown against her hair. "We'll have to remedy that. I don't want you to be lonely anymore."

"I feel less lonely every day," she told him, lacing her fingers with his. She squeezed his hand before standing. "But I must go now. We can't be caught."

He sighed, nodding. "I know. This would be quite scandalous, milady."

"And with the council looking to get rid of me…"

"We must not give even the hint of impropriety. I understand, Regina." Robin raised her hand to his lips, pressing a light kiss against it. "Pleasant dreams, milady."

She smiled, cupping his cheek. "Good night, Robin. Sleep well."

Regina backed away, letting her hand fall slowly from his cheek. Even once her hand returned to her side, she kept walking backwards and didn't break eye contact with him until she reached the door that led to her bedroom. She gave him one last smile before slipping inside, trying to be as quiet as possible as she shucked off her dressing gown and climbed into bed so as not to wake Tink. But the chambermaid continued to snore from her place in the corner, so Regina figured she was safe.

After wrapping herself in the thick yet soft blankets again, Regina closed her eyes and fell asleep. Robin filled her dreams and her lips curled into a tiny smile.

In the morning, Tink brushed Regina's long hair and plaited it. She then twisted it into a bun, pinning it against Regina's head. "Just so you know, Irene is going to ask you how your stomach is feeling and probably will give you only bland foods today," the chambermaid said.

Regina frowned. "Why?"

"Because I had to think of something when she came in last night! You weren't in your bed."

"She came in to check on me?" Regina's heart pounded in her chest as a chill swept through her.

Tink nodded. "I knew if I didn't say something, she would go looking for you and find you with His Majesty. So I lied and said you were still adjusting to our food and weren't feeling well. That you were in the necessary. It seemed to placate her."

"Thank goodness. And thank you, Tink. I don't know what I would do without you." Regina took her hand and squeezed it.

Finishing with Regina's hair, Tink stepped away. "You're very welcome. Just…be careful. I know you and the king aren't doing anything inappropriate, but there are many who would frown on an unwed couple having nightly meetings in their nightclothes."

"I figured as much," Regina replied, standing. "We're trying to be discreet but…well, it's one of the few times where we can be alone and just be us."

"I understand. And I will do my best to keep you two from being discovered. It's my job as your ladies' maid."

Regina resisted the urge to hug her as she asked: "What about as my friend?"

Tink's eyes widened. "You mean it?"

"I do," she replied. "I've never really had a friend before but I know it's someone you can talk to. And I can talk to you. So I think that makes us friends."

"This isn't something that's done, though."

Regina shrugged. "I'm not very conventional. But it can be our little secret. How's that?"

Tink hugged her, squeezing her tightly. "I like that a lot. And don't worry, I'm very good at keeping secrets."

With the council set on how long Regina had to become a mother, they then agreed on a date for the wedding. Because Robin had delayed his coronation to then as well, they believed it would be best for the two to get married the following month. "Don't worry, dear, most of the preparations have been done. We just really need to get your dress fitted and everything will be finished," Lady Wellingsbury told her.

Regina frowned. "I get no say in this?"

"Neither do I," Robin replied from his desk. "Not even in my own coronation. Others plan everything."

Lady Wellingsbury patted Regina's hand. "Don't worry about anything. You just focus on getting to know Robin better and everything will be fine."

"I guess I can do that," she said, glancing over at Robin. He smiled at her before giving her a wink.

"Of course, first is the betrothal ball," Lady Wellingsbury added.

Regina's eyes went wide and she sent a panicked look to Robin. "The what?"

"The betrothal ball," Queen Catherine said, coming into Robin's study. "It's nothing to worry about. There's an official proclamation and then you two will take sips from a communal chalice. After that, it's food and dancing into the wee hours of the morning."

She knew the queen was trying to calm her down but all that made Regina panic more. "I barely know Mist Haven dances, let alone Sherwood ones. How am I supposed to dance the night away?"

Robin crossed the room to her, taking her face in both hands to force her to look him in the eyes. "Breathe, Regina."

After taking several deep breaths, she did feel herself start to calm down. The soothing circles his thumbs were rubbing against her cheek and the soft smile he gave her also helped. She reached up to cover one of his hands with hers. "Thank you. But what about the ball?"

"We can teach you the dances, I assure you that," Queen Catherine said, coming to stand beside the couple. "I'm certain Robin will be happy to help."

"Of course." He dropped his hands, taking hers. "Why don't we start now?"

Three days later, Regina clutched her father's arm as he led her into the palace's throne room. She wore a pale blue ball gown with a skirt that opened up to reveal the white lacy underskirts she also had on underneath it. Pearls hung around her neck and her dark hair was pinned up in an elaborate updo. A few curls hung loose and brushed her shoulders as she walked toward where Robin stood in front of his throne.

He wore a forest green jacket over a white ruffled shirt and white breeches. His black boots had been polished until they shined in the candlelight. Robin's blond hair had also been cleaned and brushed until it shone like the gold of the crown snug around his head, emeralds studding it. He smiled as she approached, lines crinkling around the corner of his eyes, which seemed bluer this night.

It all took Regina's breath away.

She kept her eyes focused on Robin, ignoring the courtiers positioning themselves for better views of her. Regina ignored their whispers and comments about her looks as she arrived at the dais.

Robin stepped down, holding out his hand to her. Daddy placed her hand in his with a nod. "Take care of her," he whispered.

"Of course," Robin replied.

She frowned. "We're only getting betrothed, not married."

"Still," Daddy said, kissing her cheek. "Be happy you two."

Robin's grip tightened on her hand as he led her up to the smaller of the two thrones "This will be yours in a month."

"It's just a chair," she whispered. "Being your wife will mean so much more than being queen."

He smiled, kissing her hand as the Abbot stepped forward. The man opened a scroll and cleared his throat. "Hear ye, all those attending this evening, and know that His Majesty, King Robert Edward Thomas John Andrew the Seventh, has made his intention to wed Her Highness, Princess Regina Louisa Maria Anna, one month hence. Your Majesty do you pledge to Lady Regina your troth, promising to forsake all others for her?"

"I do," Robin said, his voice booming throughout the hall.

She swallowed as the Abbot continued: "Your Highness, do you pledge to King Robert your troth, promising to forsake all others for him?"

"I do," she replied. Applause erupted from those gathered and Robin squeezed her hand.

He leaned closer. "Now, we just have to drink from the communal chalice. Then we'll lead everyone into the next room for dining and dancing."

She nodded, watching as the Abbot gave Robin a golden chalice. "You shall share this wine in anticipating of sharing your lives, bodies and fortunes with each other," the Abbot announced.

Robin took a sip from the chalice before passing it to her. She took one as well, finding a sweet wine inside. The Abbot took it from her before turning back to those gathered. "Let it be known that King Robert and Princess Regina are officially betrothed and shall marry one month hence!"

Polite applause came from the courtiers and disappointment panged deep in Regina. She knew Robin's court was not happy he was marrying someone from another country but she had hoped they could feign enthusiasm. Or perhaps she was also hoping to win them over, though she doubted it would happen just because she walked into a room.

"Come, milady," he whispered, holding out his arm. "We need to lead the court into the Great Hall for the rest of the celebrations."

She laid her hand over his arm and they moved together back down the aisle. Men bowed and women curtsied as they passed, no doubt deference to their king rather than her. Had she been the walking by, they probably wouldn't pay attention to her.

"Fret not, Regina," Robin whispered to her as two servants opened the doors to the Great Hall. "I predict they will warm up to you by the end of the ball."

Robin was wrong.

In fact, by the end of the night, Regina was certain the court hated her. She had done her best to be polite and charming, smiling and feigning as much interest as she could in whatever conversation she was drawn into. Except for the one about horses, which she was finally able to contribute something to. However, she believed she was too excited and talked too much in that one.

She fared no better once the dancing began. Despite a thorough crash course in Sherwood dances from Robin and his family, she still felt awkward on dance floor and had stepped on a few toes, judging by the grimaces of her dance partners. So she sat down at the table, deciding it was best to remove herself before she hurt anyone else.

Robin sat down next to her after a couple more dances. "Is something wrong, Regina?"

"Yes," she replied. "Me. Everyone and their toes are safer with me off the dance floor."

"Nonsense. You were doing well out there. And you didn't step on my toes at all."

"I saw the grimaces, Robin. I know I was stepping on people's toes."

He frowned, glancing out over the crowd. "I had hoped they would be more welcoming of you. It seems they've disappointed me again by alienating you. This is what they wanted—the outsider still on the outside."

She hadn't thought of that before but she realized he was right. Her mother had always warned her about how people would find her weakness and exploit it. No doubt she had let her nerves about dancing show and the courtiers had seized on it. Enough of them had pretended that she had stepped on their toes that it had forced her to flee from the dance floor, leaving only Sherwood women for Robin to dance with. Perhaps they had hoped that it would make him rethink his decision to marry her.

"Do you think your court would be so devious?"

"Unfortunately." He frowned, looking back over the dancers. "Father had warned me about them and had wanted to start moving them away from such behavior but he never got the chance."

Regina sighed. "So what can we do? Can we force them to accept me?"

"Well, they really don't have much of a choice," he told her, kissing her hand. "I will marry you one month from now and the only thing that will part us is death. We will have to work to change the culture here. Do you think you can handle that?"

"I don't know," she admitted softly.

He nodded, squeezing her hand. "Then we'll start slow. How about a dance?"

"I think I can handle that." She let him help her up and they returned to the dancefloor together.

Robin made a motion to the musicians and they switched to a song with a slower tempo. He placed his hand on her waist as he tightened his grip on her hand. She placed her free hand on his shoulder as they began to glide together on the floor. It was a simple waltz, something she could handle. And it allowed them to be close, their bodies pressed together as he twirled her in time to the music.

She closed her eyes, pressing her cheek against his. "I think this is my favorite dance by far."

"Mine too," he said. "I'm going to dip you now. Is that alright?"

"That's fine." She stepped away, letting him dip her low. He hovered over her for a few beats, smiling, before righting her.

The music stopped but he didn't let her go, except for her waist. He raised that hand to her chin, tilting her head up to press a passionate kiss to her lips. She tightened her grip on his sleeve, returning the kiss with as much as he gave her. Their audience was forgotten.

Fire spread through her as his hand now tangled in her hair. She decided to put Daniel aside and focus on keeping the amazing man kissing her now in her life. A hostile court wasn't going to defeat her so easily.

She was going to be Robin's wife and their queen. They were just going to have to accept that.

A/N: Thanks to everyone for being patient about this update! I really wanted to have Robin and Regina share a dance at the ball, so there we go.

She now has a friend in Tink and I promise you Regina will get more friends in the next chapter. And she's going to find her inner strength more and more.

A reminder: I will be hosting a Q+A on my tumblr next week on June 13th! So stop by and leave me a question then.

I hope everyone has a great week!

-Mac