Chapter 8: Friendship

Robin sat under his tree, eyes closed and face turned to the sun. It warmed his skin and he felt his tension melting away. With the matters of his coronation and marriage all squared away, the council turned back to the petty matters that were going to slowly drive him mad throughout his reign, he was certain. Members lobbying for more power or more land or more favors or whatever they wanted for themselves while Robin and a few council members trying to fight for the people of Sherwood.

He let out a weary sigh before soft feminine laughter reached his ears. "I recognize that one. The council already driving you up the wall?"

Opening his eyes, Robin spied a woman about Regina's height standing next to his tree. Her blonde hair was pinned up though a few pieces escaped and were blown about by the soft breeze. Blue eyes shone as a soft smile played on her lips. She wore a light pink traveling dress, its skirts clinging to her legs, and white lace gloves over her hands. He did spy a bump on her left ring finger but decided to ignore it for now.

"Ana!" He jumped up and hugged her. "I am so glad to see you, though surprised. I didn't know you had returned to Sherwood."

"I wanted to surprise you, so I forbid Will and Ella from sending any messengers ahead," she replied, pulling back from his embrace.

Robin chuckled. "How is Ella? Did she enjoy your diplomatic mission?"

"Yes, she did," Ana replied. "Especially when we visited Prince Thomas of Lavon."

"Oh? Is my baby cousin growing up and falling in love?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

She chuckled. "I'm not certain if they are in love, but they were certainly interested in each other."

"Well, it looks like someone fell in love on this trip." Robin held up her left hand, pulling off her glove to reveal a small but beautiful diamond atop a silver band.

Ana's smile softened and her eyes lit up. "Will proposed while we were still in Lavon. I've been hiding it from Ella because you know she can't keep a secret. We want to tell everyone tonight, if you don't mind."

"Why would I mind?"

"I don't want to take anything away from you and your own bride," she explained. "Speaking of which, when will I get to meet her?"

Robin beamed at the thought of Regina. "Soon."

"Good. Because I definitely want to meet the woman who makes you glow like that," Ana teased.

He nodded before growing serious. "There is something I want to talk to you about regarding Regina. Her mother was very controlling and long story short, she doesn't have many friends. And unfortunately, our court hasn't been very welcoming to her."

Ana sighed. "I can imagine. So you're hoping Ella and I will befriend her?"

"I wouldn't trust anyone but my two favorite cousins," he replied. He shielded his eyes, spotting a familiar form with dark hair approaching them. "And I think you'll be able to meet Regina very soon."

As she approached, he saw it was Regina. She wore a red riding jacket over black riding pants and boots. Her hair was braided and it was bouncing against her shoulder with her every step. She was walking slowly, eyes narrowed as she took in him and Ana.

He believed she was jealous.

And it intrigued him.

"Regina, there is someone I want you to meet," he said, reaching out his hand to her. She took it and let him pull her against him. "This is my cousin, Lady Anastasia Tremaine."

Regina relaxed and her eyes widened. "I didn't know you had a cousin."

"I have two. Ana and her sister Ella have been off on a diplomatic trip to various countries at my father's request. They've only just returned." Robin smiled at his cousin.

Ana leaned closer to him. "Aren't you going to give your bride a proper introduction? Where are your manners?"

Heat flooded his cheeks as he nodded. "I apologize. Ana, this is Princess Regina Louisa Maria Anna of Mist Haven, my bride-to-be."

"You can just call me Regina," she said, holding out her hand to Ana.

Ana took it, giving it a firm shake. "And you can call me Ana. Everyone else in this family does."

"It's so nice to meet you." Regina smiled and Robin felt giddy, hoping they were hitting it off already.

He then looked her over. "Are you going for a ride, milady?"

"Yes," she replied. "I haven't ridden Rocinante since we've come to Sherwood and I've missed him."

"Would you care for some company? It's been some time since I've ridden Outlaw myself," he said.

"I would love some. If Ana doesn't mind." Regina glanced at his cousin. "Unless you want to come as well?"

She shook her head. "Thank you for the offer, but I'll leave you two alone. I want to go pay my respects to Uncle Edward."

Robin swallowed as the pain of his father's loss hit him again. He ducked his head as Ana reached out to touch his shoulder. "I'm sorry I wasn't here, Robin. Ella and I were devastated when we learned of his passing. Will too."

"You were doing what he wanted," Robin replied. "I'm certain he was looking from the Great Beyond and was glad you were continuing your work strengthening Sherwood's ties to other countries."

"You sound just like him." Ana's chuckle turned into a choked sob. She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. "I am going to miss him so much."

"We all are," Robin replied.

She nodded before pulling away, wiping her tears away. "As long as we have each other, though. That's what he wanted."

Robin took Regina's hand and squeezed it. "We'll see you in a few hours, Ana. After visiting Father's grave, why don't you get some rest? You must've had a long trip."

"Yes," she said, smiling at him and Regina. "You two have fun and I'll see you then."

Regina was quiet as they approached the stables and Robin was worried. As they tacked their horses, he decided to break the silence. "What do you think of Ana?"

"She's nice," Regina said, leading Rocinante out of the stables. He followed her with a sigh, deciding to leave the subject alone for now.

He mounted Outlaw as she steadied herself on Rocinante, sitting proud and tall. Robin smiled at her. "Where do you want to go?" he asked.

"I don't know. Why don't you take me somewhere?" she asked.

"I know just the place. Follow me." He smiled at her before urging Outlaw forward. She kept pace with him, bringing Rocinante in line with his steed.

The silence continued and it was starting to get to Robin. He didn't know what was wrong and replayed the conversation with Ana over and over. It had been made clear that Ana was his cousin so Regina didn't have to feel threatened. Or maybe it wasn't too clear? "Ana really is my cousin, Regina," he said. "She's Uncle Joseph and Aunt Eleanor's eldest."

"I believe you. I guess…I guess I got jealous. Not that I thought you two were in love," she said, hurriedly. "It's just…I know Daddy has six older brothers and I don't know a single one of my cousins. You and Ana seem so close."

His heart hurt for her and the lonely life she had had growing up. "We are," he admitted. "The same with her sister Ella."

"Do you think they'll like me?" she asked, voice sounding small.

"I'm certain they will," Robin replied. "I've asked Ana to stay close to you. There's not many people I trust in my own court and I wouldn't entrust you to just anyone."

She scowled. "I know I said I haven't had much by way of socialization but I can make my own friends."

"I didn't doubt that. I was just trying to help."

Regina sighed. "I know. I guess…I'm sick of people trying to control my life."

Guilt hit him. He should've realized how him asking Ana to be Regina's friend would look to someone who had their life controlled from birth. "I'm sorry."

"It's all right. I know why you were doing it and you were just trying to help me. In some ways, it's sweet."

Robin didn't feel better but if she was willing to let the matter drop, so would he. Instead, he urged Outlaw down a path as he called out to her: "Follow me."

"Why? Where are we going?" she asked.

"You'll see." He grinned over his shoulder before leading her down the path. It was an older one, not often traveled, that led to one of the edges of the palace ground. There stood a tall stone tower with an old brass bell on top and a wooden door at the bottom to let someone in to pull the frayed rope hanging from the bell.

Robin halted Outlaw and dismounted, leading him to a place where he could tie the horse's reins. He then turned to Regina, still on Rocinante, and held out his hand to her. "May I help you down?"

She considered it before taking his hand, letting him help her dismount. Robin pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her waist as he smiled at her. "Shall I take care of your horse, milady?"

"No," she replied, forcefully. "No one touches Rocinante but me and Daniel."

He nodded, letting her go to tend to her steed. All the while, he tried to fight the jealousy and hurt bubbling inside him. Since her first letter, Regina hadn't mentioned Daniel at all. He knew she still had feelings for the man, would be foolish to think she could just stop loving him. But to know he could still touch her horse while Robin couldn't yet…It seemed unfair.

Regina turned back to him and took his hand. "So why did you choose this place?"

"Well," he said, swallowing down the hurt and jealousy, "this is the furthest spot on our property. It will offer us some privacy."

Her eyebrows went up at that and she smirked. "I don't think your court would approve of that, Your Majesty."

"I don't care what my court would think," he replied.

After the betrothal ball, Mother had come into his room the next day to tell him the court was very upset about his kiss with Regina the night before. Robin had been confused, uncertain as to why kissing the woman he was to marry was so scandalous.

Mother had chuckled as she sat down next to him. "I hear more than you do since I'm interacting a bit more with the court. Many believed that you were marrying Regina out of some obligation your father imposed on you. They thought that you would fall in love with a Sherwood daughter and stop this wedding. But your kiss last night shattered those dreams. They had to face the truth—you and Regina care a great deal for each other."

"And they don't like that," Robin had supplied.

"No, they do not," she confirmed. "They think you should refrain from public displays of affection."

"Of course they do. We aren't, you know."

Mother nodded with a big smile. "I didn't think you would."

Now, Robin pulled Regina against him and kissed her. She responded with fervor and his flash of jealousy seemed a distant memory, more like a dream than something real.

They broke apart and he tucked her hair behind her ear. "You don't have to be friends with Ana if you don't want to."

"I think we'll be friends," she said, smiling softly. "Just don't try to force the situation. I'm not going to react well to that."

He nodded. "I understand. And I promise to not do so in the future."

She smiled, lacing her fingers with his. "So, I saw a beautiful ring on Ana's finger. Is she married?"

"Betrothed," Robin replied, "to my best mate, Will. I'm the only one in the family who knows, mostly because she was afraid she was stealing attention from us."

"She's not. You told her that right?"

He nodded. "Of course. So she's telling the rest of the family tonight. Ella doesn't even know."

Regina raised her eyebrow. "Ana didn't tell her own sister?"

"Ella can get very excited and sometimes let things slip unintentionally," he explained. "So there are times we keep things from her to be safe."

"Oh. I guess that makes sense. Do you think your family will be happy? Do they like Will?"

He nodded. "Aunt Eleanor even suspected this would happen when they left for the diplomatic mission. The real problem is going to be the court."

"Oh? Why would they have a problem?"

"Will's my secretary," Robin explained, sighing. "And that's even higher than the station he was born to."

She tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

"Come, let's sit. It's a bit of a long story." He guided her toward the tower, urging her to sit on the grass and lean against the stone structure.

Once she was pressed against his side, he began: "Will's an orphan from one of the local villages. He was brought here by my first tutor to be my whipping boy."

"Whipping boy?" She frowned.

"It's an old belief that a future king should not be whipped or touched in any harmful manner. So if a young prince misbehaved, a whipping boy took his punishment for him."

"If you misbehaved, Will was whipped for it?" She frowned and he wondered if she was thinking of all the stories she had heard about him sneaking off.

He shook his head. "My grandparents didn't think it built the right character if a king didn't take his own punishments and my father agreed. So I took all my punishments, though I was never whipped. My parents thought that too extreme for a child. Usually I took a stick to my knuckles or a switch to my backside."

Her frown deepened. "So what happened to Will?"

"My parents took him in and raised him beside me, giving him the same education I had," Robin said, smiling. "They decided he would be my secretary."

She nodded. "It's nice you had a friend to grow up with."

"It was," he replied, knowing she hadn't had that. "I'm certain he's going to love you."

"I hope so. Did you two get in trouble often?" She gave him a little poke in his side.

Robin chuckled. "All the time."

She hummed before lying her head on his shoulder. "So the people begrudge him rising above his station?"

"Unfortunately." He sighed, rubbing her arm. "I'm afraid I brought you to a court that has a very, very dim view of all outsiders. I will change that, though."

"We will," she stressed, raising her head to smile at him. "I'm with you on this."

Robin smiled, kissing her. "I am glad you will be my queen."

"Me too." She gave him another kiss.

"Come with me. I want to show you something." He stood, holding out his hand to her. She took it without question and let him lead her past the tower to a narrow dirt path. "This is one of the paths to the village."

She squeezed his hand. "Can we go visit now?"

"No. We're too finely dressed and will attract attention. But if you can sneak away tomorrow and borrow a dress from Tink, we can go with Tuck and the other monks."

"I can't wait." She beamed at him.

He kissed her hand. "Come on. We should go back before they come looking for us. It's not fun to be escorted back like a petulant child."

They walked back to their horses, once again Regina tending to Rocinante herself. His jealousy flared up again and he tamped down on it once more. He trusted her and so had to trust she would one day trust him with her beloved horse.

Will came to his rooms before supper, solemn and dressed in black. "I am so sorry about your father, Robin. He was a good man."

"Thank you," Robin replied, shaking Will's hand. "But he wouldn't want us to continue being sad. Especially not when you have such joyful news."

"Ana told you." A smile tugged on Will's lips.

Robin nodded. "The ring was hard to miss, even under her gloves. Congratulations, man."

"Congratulations to you. When will I get to meet your beautiful bride?" Will asked, crossing his arms as he finally smiled.

"Tonight at supper. You're going to love her, Will," he said. "I do."

Will raised an eyebrow. "Already?"

"Yes. I just feel a connection with her. And she's so smart, so kind, and just so…so everything I've ever wanted." Robin plopped down in his chair, motioning for Will to take one by him.

Sitting down, Will leaned against the armrest. "Everything you've ever wanted? That sounds like a tall order."

"I guess," Robin replied, hoping he wasn't putting too much pressure on Regina after promising not to. "But I do love her, Will."

"I know. I can see it in your eyes, mate, and hear it in your voice. I'm happy you've found your other half." He held out his hand, shaking Robin's.

Robin stood up, approaching his bar. He poured two glasses of whiskey and held out to Will. "Shall we toast our loves?"

"I can definitely drink to that," Will replied, taking the glass. He clinked it with Robin's. "To Ana and Regina."

"To Ana and Regina," he repeated, taking a gulp of his whiskey.

They wandered into the next room, finding most of Robin's family there. Ana and Ella were sitting on either side of Regina, leaning closer to her as they talked with his bride-to-be. Robin smiled and Will nudged him. "You didn't mention how absolutely beautiful she is, Your Majesty."

"Watch yourself, Scarlet," Robin warned.

He held up his hands. "No worries. I have a thing for blondes, not brunettes."

Ana and Ella spotted their cousin, jumping up to greet him. He hugged them both, lingering on Ella as he hadn't seen her yet. "Regina is an absolute doll!" she gushed.

"I think she's going to be just what Sherwood needs," Ana added. "Not to mention you."

"Well, I'm glad she has your seal of approval." He pulled Ana close and hugged both his cousins again.

Will cleared his throat. "She just needs to get mine. Excuse me."

"Oh no," Robin replied, stopping his friend. "I believe you and Ana have an announcement to make."

Ana glared at him but took Will's hand anyway. "We would like to announce our betrothal," he said.

Ella shrieked in delight, rushing toward her sister. Everyone else gathered around them, except for Regina. She approached Robin, letting him wrap his arm around her waist. "A lot of happiness in Sherwood, hmm?" she asked.

"Yes," he replied, kissing her head. "There definitely is plenty of happiness."

Regina met Robin down by the stables early the following morning. She wore a simple gray wool dress that stopped just above her ankles. "Tink's a few inches shorter than me," she explained, sheepish.

He grinned, unable to resist himself. "I might go mad with desire seeing your ankles like that."

She playfully swatted at him but her grin died away when she saw what Robin held. "Side saddle?"

"I'm afraid so, milady," he replied. "It's how things are done here in Sherwood. Women wear skirts even when riding and ride side saddle."

"Well, that's something I'm going to have to change." But she grabbed the saddle, heading toward Rocinante's stall.

He sighed. "I know it's uncomfortable…"

"You do?" Fire flashed in her eyes. "Really?"

Will strolled in, smirking. "He does. Did it on a dare from Ana a few years ago. Barely made it out of the stables."

She turned back to him, her fire now amusement. "Well, then, I hope you'll help me in my quest."

"Of course." He gave her a little bow. "It would be my honor to assist you."

"It's too early, mate. Tone it down." Will groaned, taking his horse from her stall.

Robin chuckled, preparing to tack Outlaw. As Regina passed with Rocinante, he gave her a wink before blowing her a kiss. She pretended to catch it and blew one back at him, giving him a wink as well. Will only shook his head in response.

They met up with Tuck and the other monks, all dressed in their flowing brown robes. Robin's tutor gave him a suspicious look. "Does the council know where you are?"

"That would defeat the purpose of sneaking out," Robin replied, cheerfully. "They can go one day without badgering me."

"You are the king now," Tuck reminded him.

He nodded. "And I need to connect with my subjects. Get to know their needs."

Tuck smiled and headed over to his steed. Robin helped Regina into her saddle. She winced but sighed. "How far is this village?"

"Not far," he promised before mounting Outlaw.

Their party processed down the narrow path toward the village. As it came into view, Robin's heart sank into his stomach. Despite being nestled in the shadow of the palace, the village was one of the poorest in Sherwood. The people had little by way of fertile farmland and game was generally reserved for palace use. Father had ordered a portion to be delivered to the village at least once a month and Robin had upped it to twice a month, but food was still in short demand. That was why the friars came once a month to dole out food to the people.

However, it looked like a storm or a fire had ravished the town. Not a single building was unscathed—holes were torn into sides of buildings and doors were gone. Pieces of cloth covered most of these opening and a few buildings had new pieces of wood nailed into place. Men worked in the square to cut more to repair other buildings.

"What happened?" Robin asked, dismounting Outlaw.

The village elder hurried up to him, grasping his hand in a withered one. "Lord Nottingham's men took up residence in our village while we mourned your most excellent father, Your Majesty. They demanded all our firewood. When we offered only a few pieces from each family—enough to keep a fire burning for days, I assure you—they rebuked us and tore wood from our houses instead."

Robin frowned. "Then I shall make certain they pay for their crimes. And I shall send some wood down to help you fix your houses better. Please accept my apologies."

"No need," the man replied. "Thank you for your kindness. We always knew you would be just like your father."

"That is a great compliment indeed." Robin bowed to the elder.

Two girls darted past them, both holding bouquets of wildflowers. Stopping front of Regina, they held them up to her. "For the queen!" they chirped.

She smiled, crouching down to take the flowers. "Thank you so much. They are absolutely beautiful."

"You're beautiful. I love your dark hair." One girl patted Regina's braid as her friend nodded.

Regina touched one of her curls. "I love your golden hair. It's just so beautiful to me."

The girls' mouths fell open and they ran off, telling everyone that the future queen thought they were beautiful. It brought a smile to Robin and he helped Regina up. "You've made their day. Maybe their week."

"They are sweethearts," she replied, placing the flowers in her knapsack. "Shall we distribute the food?"

Robin enjoyed his time in the village, working to help his people. As Regina ladled out soup and helped ration out salted meats, he helped cut wood to continue fixing up the houses Nottingham's men had destroyed. The men spoke to him about how they were certain they weren't getting the good portions of meat from game caught on palace property and how the last batch wasn't edible at all. "Just fat," the elder explained.

"I shall speak to the Royal Gamekeeper," Robin promised. "We will correct this."

The elder shook his head. "It wasn't him. Lord Ellis' men have been doling out the meat the past few months."

Robin frowned. "That's not his job. I will have a talk with him when I return to the palace and I will sort this out."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I know you have other things on your mind." The elder's eyes darted toward Regina, who was now dancing with the children in the town square. "But we thank you for your help."

"Of course. Excuse me." He bowed to the men and headed toward his bride-to-be.

Some of the children swarmed around him, a girl and a boy tugging on each of his hands. "Come dance with us," they chanted.

"Gladly," he replied, letting them pull him closer to Regina. "You'll just have to show me the steps."

"Don't worry. They're easy." Regina winked at him as she twirled around with a young girl.

He grinned, watching as she interacted with the children. Even though they both agreed that they were not quite ready for their own yet, Robin knew in his heart of hearts that she would be a wonderful mother when the time came.

"You have to follow us, Your Majesty," the young boy said, tugging at his hand again. "Or you'll fall behind."

"Right, of course. Wouldn't want that." He watched the children, dancing around with them and Regina until Tuck told them it was time for them to head back.

The girls were disappointed and clung to Regina. She hugged them, looking up at Robin. "Can you saddle Rocinante for me? I want a few more minutes with these lovely darlings."

Warmth burst inside his chest and he smiled. "Of course, milady. You enjoy yourself."

Robin headed over to her horse, giddy. She was trusting him to touch her beloved horse. The horse only she and Daniel had been previously allowed to touch. It was a small gesture but it meant the world to him.

"You wanted to see me, nephew?" Uncle Joseph stepped into Robin's rooms, hands clasped behind his back.

Robin looked up from the notes he was making from his visit to the village and smiled. "Yes. Thank you for coming."

"You're welcome. What can I do for you?"

"My wedding is next week," Robin started. "And I have a few questions. Especially about…well…the wedding night."

Uncle Joseph's lips curled into a knowing smile before he headed over to where Robin kept his alcohol. He poured two glasses of whiskey, handing one to Robin. "You're going to need that for this conversation."

Robin took a large gulp as Uncle Joseph took his seat, leaning back. "So, the wedding night…"

A/N: Sorry this took so long! But here it is!

I know most of you are probably thinking Just get to the wedding already! Well, good news! The wedding will be in the next chapter—as will the wedding night. This story is about to earn it's M rating!

See everyone then!

-Mac