Chapter 14: New Headaches

Dearest Robin,

I know you've said you understand about why I did what I did with Mother. But I've never really explained why I kept the Dark One's visits from you.

The truth was I was scared. I honestly thought he was just going to ask for gold, jewels or something like that. Something I could quietly give him and make him go away forever, moving on with my life and trying to forget Mother's face when I pushed her into the mirror. I didn't think he'd want me to be his student. I'm not special.

(I know you are most likely shaking your head and thinking that I am. Please remember I'm still trying to get to that point where I hold myself in a higher regard. I am, but it's slow).

And then when he showed up, I panicked. I never wanted you to find out what I did, never wanted you to see my darkness. For my mother's love was always conditional, so I always fear it will be taken from me if I am not perfect. So I wanted to be the perfect wife for you and not the one with a messy past that might scare you off.

I know now that your love for me is stronger than that. When you heard what I had done, you still loved me. You still held me, assured me and promised to work this out with me. I feel more confident that we will be successful together and the Dark One will be out of our lives soon.

I am sorry I didn't trust you. I promise I will from now on and pray you can still trust me.

I love you.

Yours always,

Regina

Robin folded up the letter Regina had left for him a week prior. Crease lines were worn into it from how many times he had read and reread it since receiving it. He sighed as he thought about how his wife had suffered under her mother and believed that had he been standing there that fateful day, he would've pushed the woman into the mirror as well.

He glanced down at his sleeping wife, who was curled against him. She used his chest as a pillow and she had one leg wrapped around him. They both were nude and he could feel she was still wet from their activities the night before, making him smirk.

She sighed in her sleep, wrapping an arm around him as she rubbed her cheek against his chest. His smirk softened into an adoring smile and he dropped a kiss into her hair. Robin was a lucky, lucky man.

Placing the letter back on his nightstand, Robin slid down until he was lying in bed again as the first pale rays of sunshine penetrated the curtains. The storms had finally receded, giving them their first peaceful night in almost two weeks. Even the night he reconciled with Regina had been interrupted when a fight had broken out in the hall between two rival families. It ended the moment he stormed into the room as no one wanted to face the king's wrath—especially when he had been interrupted while making love to his wife—but Robin still moved the two families to opposite ends of the hall and forbade them from having any interaction with each other if they couldn't remain civil.

After falling into the river, it was decided that Robin should stay in the palace so nothing else happened to him. When he wasn't meeting with his advisors and trying to coordinate relief efforts, he was found by Regina's side as she continued to administer to the people taking refuge in their hall. He loved to watch her as she served them, as the people talked to her and trusted her to solve their problems. It made him love her even more.

He was glad she was going to trust him more and that he now knew about her deal with the Dark One. There was still something nagging at him from their argument, though. She hadn't brought it up again, but she knew something was troubling him and that he was hiding it from her. It wasn't his plan, he wanted to tell her. But Lady Wellingsbury believed it wasn't prudent now as they still had no proof that Father's death wasn't natural. She didn't want to ring any alarm bells until they knew they needed to be rung. While it made sense to Robin, it still troubled him to keep it from Regina.

The clock on their mantle chimed eight times and he sighed, kissing Regina's forehead again. He needed to wake her up, giving her a little shake. "Regina? Lovely? It's time to wake up. Tuck will be here soon."

She moaned, burying her face closer to his neck. He was tempted to give up and just lie there with her forever, but Robin knew they couldn't do it. "Come on, love. We need to face the day."

"I don't want to get out of this bed," she said, opening her eyes as she frowned. "Can't we just stay here?"

"I wish, but I'm afraid we can't."

She sighed, sitting up. "I feel like I could sleep for a week. Mother never said being queen would be so tiring."

He nodded as he sat up as well. "Maybe we can go away for a bit after everything has calmed down more. My family has a nice manor house by the mountains we could visit before the snows come. We'll be far away from the court and can just relax."

"That sounds nice," she sighed. "But can we ever really escape? Did your parents?"

"Once or twice," he assured her, though he knew she had a point. "We'll make it work. You'll see."

Regina nodded before climbing out of bed, grimacing. "You think we have time for a quick bath?"

"I think so," he said, chasing her into the bathroom as she laughed. It made him feel lighter as they drew the water for their bath.

Tuck arrived shortly before the clock chimed nine times and just as Tink laid out breakfast. Robin smiled as he welcomed his mentor into his rooms. "Sit and break your fast with us," he said.

"It would be my honor," Tuck replied before taking Regina's hand, bowing over it. "Your Majesty."

She smiled, curtsying. "It's so nice to see you again under calmer circumstances."

"Indeed. And can I once again praise you for your work with the people? You are a natural leader, much like Robin," he said.

Pride filled Robin as he wrapped his arm around his waist. "She was amazing, wasn't she?"

Regina's cheeks were turning pink. "Enough. There's only so much flattery a woman can take."

"As you wish," Tuck said, before looking over their table. "I must say, this meal looks quite delicious."

"Please sit. We don't want it to get cold," Regina said. Robin darted forward, pulling out her chair for her. She smiled as she took it.

Once he pushed in her chair, Robin took his own seat. Tuck offered a quick prayer before picking up his fork and knife. "Can someone pass me the sausages?"

The three sat around the table together, Regina laughing as Tuck regaled her with stories of when Robin was younger. He sipped at his tea, smiling as he endured it for it made her happy. She caught his eyes and he winked at her.

"Well, that was delicious," Tuck said, leaning back in his chair as he patted his stomach. "But I doubt you invited me up here just to dine with you."

Robin sighed, nodding. "As much as we love your company, we do have a serious matter to discuss with you."

"You've heard that the Dark One has been spotted on the property?" Regina asked.

Tuck nodded. "The Abbott believes you brought him."

"I did," she replied, reaching for Robin's hand. He took it and rubbed the back of her hand soothingly.

"We can't tell the Abbott," Robin said. "I fear he will demand she be tried as a witch. You know I have no say in that kind of a trial."

Fear gripped him as he thought of Regina standing before the Abbott, accused of witchcraft and crimes against the Great Being. He had seen one when he was younger and hated every moment of it. Reason and logic had served no purpose and the Abbott refused to accept any proof offered to contradict his belief the woman was a witch. He had ordered she be burned at the stake and Father had been powerless to stop it. None of them had attended the burning and Father had condemned it to the Abbott, who then lectured about the irrefutable power of the Great Being and how none could question its will in his next sermon.

He was not going to lose Regina at all and knew he would even defy the Abbott to protect her. Yet it would be something that the Nottinghams could use against him, to incite an uprising so they could take the throne. Robin had to be very careful.

Tuck nodded. "There really is no text supporting the Abbott's claims that he can do that and I tried to counsel your father about it. I'm afraid our order has been led astray by agents of evil who reject doctrines that support women."

"What do you mean?" Regina asked, voicing the thought Robin had.

"Our order has elected two leaders who have shown clear disdain for women," Tuck explained. "The current one is less outspoken for King Edward put him in his place when he suggested Queen Catherine should not have any royal powers, that she should only be focused on providing heirs."

Indeed, Robin doubted that would've gone over well with either of his parents. Nor would it go over well with him if the Abbott suggested the same for Regina. "Can you remove him as Abbott?" Robin asked.

"A few of us have petitioned for a vote," he replied. "We've been shut down every time. The system is skewed in the Abbott's favor."

Robin frowned. He hadn't been king for a year and it seemed every day he was discovering more darkness and corruption in his land. It was daunting.

"May I ask how this affects Her Majesty? If she's not a witch, all is well," Tuck said.

"Unless the Abbott wants to get rid of me like everyone else at this court," Regina muttered, staring down at her empty plate.

Tuck frowned. "Too true. But tell me, my dear, do you have magic?"

"The Dark One seems to think so," she replied, frowning. "Especially since my mother had it. And…And I may have used it to I banish her to another realm so she couldn't keep controlling my life and hurting the people I love."

"I see," Tuck replied, rubbing his chin.

Robin squeezed Regina's hand. "The Dark One has been lurking around because Regina made a deal with him. And now he wants her to learn magic under him."

"I know magic is dangerous," she replied. "And I want nothing to do with it because it's evil."

"Magic itself isn't evil. It's how it's used that determines that," Tuck told her, surprising Robin. He had been told his whole life that magic was evil for it was unnatural and went against the Great Being.

Regina frowned as well. "You mean magic is accepted here in Sherwood?"

"It was once," the friar replied. "But it was mostly practiced by women, by the sisters that devoted their lives to healing and doing good with their magic in the name of the Great Being."

"Sisters? I've never seen any sisters," Robin said, leaning forward.

Tuck nodded. "A previous abbot disbanded him, but they were mostly driven underground. When girls show signs of magical abilities, the sisters whisk them away if they want to learn more."

"So if Regina wanted to learn magic…" Robin trailed off.

"We could keep it quiet," Tuck replied, "though it might be difficult. But only if she wants to."

Robin turned to Regina, taking her other hand in his so he held both. "Whatever you want, Regina, I'll support. I promise you."

She nodded. "I think I have a lot to think about," she said softly.

"I agree," Tuck replied. He sat up straighter. "What are you going to do about the Dark One?"

Robin sighed as he shrugged. "We're still trying to figure it out. Do you have any suggestions?"

"No, but I can do some research. I have books the Abbott thought burned long ago. They might provide answers his can't."

"Thank you," Regina whispered. "I trust you more than him. You've been nothing but kind to me since I've arrived here in Sherwood."

Tuck smiled, patting her hand. "I've always tried to get to know a person before passing judgment. You have proven yourself to be kind, caring, compassionate and good both as a person and as a queen."

"Thank you, Tuck," Robin said again, standing. He shook the friar's hand. "Please let us know if you find something."

Tuck assured them he would before leaving them alone. Regina stood and fell into Robin's arms. He held her close. "It'll be alright, my love."

"I hope so," she said, voice muffled as she buried her face into his chest. "I'd rather not burn."

"I wouldn't let that happen," he assured her, kissing her head. "I hate to leave you, lovely, but I have another meeting."

She nodded, pulling away. "It's alright. You go. I'll be fine here."

He didn't believe her, though, and rubbed her arm. "Perhaps you should go visit your father? Spend some time with him?"

"That sounds like a good idea," she replied. "I haven't spent a lot of time with him that wasn't tending to the people the past few weeks."

Robin held out his arm to her. "Then allow me the honor to escort you to his rooms."

"The honor is all mine," she said, finally smiling as she took his arm. It brightened his mood and he escorted her from the room.

Lady Wellington entered his study, taking a seat in front of his desk. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes," he said, looking up from the paperwork he had been reviewing. "I want to tell Regina about our fears regarding Lord Ellis and the Nottinghams."

"No," she said.

He frowned. "I can't keep this from her. It's not fair and since she knows something is going on, she believes I don't trust her."

"Robin, I'm certain Regina has to understand that you can't share everything with her and it has nothing to do with trust," Lady Wellingsbury said. "And do you want to worry her? You're already looking over your shoulder as it is."

"So's she!"

She frowned now, eyes narrowing as she studied him. "The Dark One sightings are related to her, aren't they?"

He nodded. "It's a long story. Tuck is helping us as I don't trust the Abbott. I fear he'll just persecute Regina and I won't let that happen."

"Of course not." Lady Wellingsbury sighed. "With everything else Regina has to worry about, do you really want to add a murder plot that may not even exist? She is already aware that people might be trying to take the throne from you. That's enough."

Robin sighed, realizing he wasn't going to win this fight. His mind began to spin as he tried to figure out how he could let Regina know a bit more about their situation without giving it all away. "Fine."

"Good." Lady Wellingsbury leaned back in her chair. "Now, tell me about the river and how you ended up in it."

He shrugged. "Not much to tell. The bank was muddy and my footing wasn't as sure as I had thought. I also had wandered a bit away from the others and so when I lost my balance, there was no one there to catch me."

She didn't look convinced, though. "Are you certain? Perhaps with all the rain and wind, you didn't see someone? Or feel someone push you?"

"No," he replied. "I truly think it was an accident. Besides, why would the Nottinghams help fish me out if they were the ones who pushed me in in the first place? And Lord Ellis refused to even leave his rooms, let alone the palace, during the storms."

Lady Wellingsbury huffed. "I don't get it. That would've been the perfect time to get rid of you. Everyone would've chalked it up to some tragic accident while the Nottinghams pretended they did everything to try to save you."

"Unless the goal isn't to kill me, just depose me," Robin said, trying to puzzle it out. "It might be out of respect to Aunt Maggie or…"

"Or they don't want to turn you into a martyr." She frowned and he could see the wheels turning in her head.

Robin frowned, leaning back in his chair. "What do you mean?"

"If you drowned, you would've died doing something to help the people," she explained. "They would love you more and never accept the Nottinghams on the throne."

"But if they get the people to depose me, that won't be a problem."

She nodded. "Of course, that's growing more difficult. You and Regina were very visible during the storms. The people love you both even more."

"We're thwarting the Nottinghams by being ourselves," Robin replied with a chuckle. "Imagine that."

"I hate to say this, but there's an even better way to secure yourselves against the Nottinghams more," Lady Wellingsbury said.

Robin's mirth faded away and he shook his head. "Regina and I are not going to rush this. We'll have a baby in good time."

"I know, but an heir secures a lot for a king. You did the same for your father when you came along."

He frowned, tapping his fingers against the desk. "Exactly how bad was my father's position before my birth?"

She sighed. "It was a bit more secure than yours is now but not by much. He was older when his father died and he inherited the throne and your grandfather's death…well, it was expected. He was old and his health was in a sharp decline. King Edward was taking on more and more responsibility and power, so the council had time to adjust to him as a ruler. And the Lord Nottingham at the time was loyal to the crown, with no designs on it though he had a claim to the throne.

"Yet the council was not pleased when your father announced his intentions to marry your mother," she continued.

Robin nodded. "Mother told us. She told us you stood up for her and convinced the council to agree to their marriage."

"I did and I do not regret any moment of that," Lady Wellingsbury said with a smile. "Your mother was a great queen and she loved your father as much as he loved her. As much as you and Regina love each other."

"Did anyone threaten to take my father's throne before I came along?" Robin asked. "Did he ever fear someone might conspire against him?"

She sighed. "Not internally. We feared external threats to the throne then."

"And a baby would make that better?" He was confused, unable to see the reason. To him, it just meant that he could've been another victim in a bloody coup.

"We could've squirreled you and your mother away, raised and groomed you to try and take back the throne when you were older," she replied.

He was glad it had never come to that.

"And me having a child will make it harder for someone to usurp me? I highly doubt it," Robin replied. "If someone is determined to take the throne, a baby is not going to stop them."

"But we'll have someone to take back the throne."

The thought of his child being raised full of revenge left a bitter taste in his mouth. He tried not to glare at her. "Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that."

She nodded. "Is there anything else?"

Robin sighed, shaking his head. "Just dealing with rebuilding after the storm. I expect a lot of petty bickering over costs."

"Business as usual then," Lady Wellingsbury said, standing. She paused, her hand resting on the back of the chair. "I know you really want to tell Regina, Robin, but it is for the best we don't tell her. I haven't even told your mother. And much like your father did, I tell her everything."

With that, she walked out of his study while Robin leaned his elbows against his desk. He buried his head in his hands and groaned, unsure what his next steps would be now.

Robin decided to head outside and get some fresh air now that the storms had passed. They had brought a chill in the air that heralded the coming of autumn. He made a note to make certain he and Regina had warm garments in their wardrobes before the winter set in for he knew how fast it came to Sherwood.

He headed toward the orchard, smiling when he saw his wife's familiar form as she examined her apple tree. Robin picked up his pace. "When should we expect the first apples?"

"Soon," she replied, straightening up. "I'm not sure how good they'll be but we can cross that bridge when we get there."

"I believe they will be delicious," he said, pulling her close to him. "You just have to have faith."

She nodded, resting her arms on her shoulders. "I'm trying every day."

"Good." He gave her a quick kiss. "Shall we take a little walk?"

"A walk sounds good." She took his arm and leaned against him, head on his shoulder. "How was your other meeting?"

He sighed, debating what he could tell her. "A bit stressful. It seems my little swim has frightened a bunch of people, including Lady Wellingsbury."

"How can you be so blasé about the fact you nearly drowned?" Regina curled closer to him. "I still have nightmares and I wasn't there."

"Oh, lovely." He pulled her close, holding her against his body as she trembled in his arms. She clutched on to his shirt as he rubbed her back.

Robin sighed. "I was terrified when I hit the water. All I could think of was you—how we had fought, how I didn't say goodbye, how I didn't even come to see you, and how I would be leaving you alone if I died. I forced myself to stay afloat, to try and swim to the shore as I kept picturing your beautiful face to motivate me."

"Can you promise me you won't do something so dangerous again?" She lifted her head to look him in the eyes. "Please?"

"I don't know if I can. We Locksleys have always been hands-on rulers and you fit right into that. But I do know that I will do my best to make certain I am safe and not so far away from help," he said, tucking some hair behind her ear.

She nodded. "I'll hold you to that."

"Come. Let's go see under the oak," he said, taking her hand again. "I feel like it's been forever since I've been there."

Regina followed him over to his beloved tree and watched as he sat down. When he was comfortable, she knelt next to him before stretching out her legs as she leaned against his chest. "This is nice," she sighed.

"It is," he said, looking up into the leaves. "Soon they'll start changing. It looks like something out of a painting when autumn comes around to Sherwood."

She hummed. "Sounds beautiful. Definitely better than the geese and dogs."

"Oh, yes," he whispered, kissing her hair.

They laid there and Robin closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of being under his oak tree with his wife. His worries seemed to be miles away now, letting him just relax for the time being.

It was a nice change of pace.

Robin sat in his council room the next day and only an hour in felt the familiar stirrings of a headache. He clenched his teeth, trying not to let his discomfort show as the people that were supposed to help him take care of the country fought over how not to do that.

Great Being, give me strength, he prayed as he rubbed his temples. He closed his eyes and counted to ten, swallowing his anger.

"I just don't see the point in having to give more to these people," Lord Ellis said. "Are we not just encouraging them to be lazy?"

"We are trying to even things out, Lord Ellis. Everyone in this room has been blessed with great riches and resources while there are people who have not. If we share but a little of our fortunes, we can improve their lives," Robin replied.

The duke frowned. "Why do they not improve their own lives?"

"Because you then try to keep them from doing so," Lord Hutton shot back. "You seem afraid that someone somewhere is going to steal something you feel belongs to you. You have enough."

"This is because I wouldn't give you land that rightfully belonged to me!" Lord Ellis pointed at Lord Hutton, leaning over the table to do so.

Lord Hutton turned red. "No, it isn't. I speak the truth. Everyone at this table knows it is the truth. You are a greedy bastard. Why else do we now have to make certain you follow our king's orders and not hoard meat you don't need?"

"ENOUGH!" Robin slammed his hands down on the table, making everyone jump. Silence filled the room and he stared them down. "Good. I don't like having to issue orders rather than getting us to a consensus but more and more, you all leave me little choice. I am ordering that resources be given to the village so it can rebuild. Resources already paid for by the taxes I know every family pays so it technically belongs to them. Anyone object to that reasoning?"

They all looked down, shaking their heads. Robin nodded. "Now was that so hard? This meeting is ended. We'll work out everything tomorrow when my head doesn't feel ready to burst."

He leaned back in his chair, watching as each councilmember stood and left the room. Only Lord Ellis and Lady Wellingsbury lingered. Robin glared at the former, hoping to convey to him how much he did not want to speak to the man for the rest of the day.

Perhaps forever.

Lord Ellis got the message for he gave Robin a little bow and started to walk toward the door. As he passed Robin's chair, though, he muttered: "And we thought a youthful king would be easier to manage."

"What was that?" Robin stood, his anger rising again.

Caught, the man grew sheepish. "I apologize, Your Majesty. We underestimated you because of your age and inexperience, feeling you wouldn't be so staunch in your beliefs just yet. We were wrong and should've given you more respect."

It was a pretty speech that Robin didn't completely believe. Still, he nodded. "I hope you start to do so. Then perhaps we can finally work together."

"Of course, Your Majesty." Lord Ellis gave another bow before slipping out the door.

Lady Wellingsbury sighed. "He is definitely hiding something."

"They must've killed Father in order to put me on the throne, thinking I would be easier to manage," he said, clenching his fists.

"Also easier to depose," she added. "Your father was very loved. You started as a blank slate."

Robin nodded, hating how suspicious he had become because of his own court. "And if they had controlled me, I could've made some unpopular decisions. It would've been easier to fan the flames of discord amongst the people and depose me."

"We need to figure out who he's working with. Because there's more than just him and the Nottinghams behind this, I'm certain." Lady Wellingsbury shook her head.

He sighed, rubbing his forehead as pain throbbed behind his eyes. "I need a lie down. These headaches are going to be the death of me."

"Speaking of them, do you think it wise to have told the council you had one?" She crossed her arms.

Robin shrugged. "Why not? They now know how much they annoyed me."

"Or they'll know a weakness to exploit."

The pain was growing more intense and all he wanted to do was lie down. "I hate having to second guess everything. Can we do it some other time?"

She sighed. "Alright. But only because I can tell you are in pain. Drink some chamomile tea. It's what I use when I have a headache. And we'll talk about this later."

Robin felt like his head was going to burst as his vision began to blur. All he wanted was to lie down for a bit and perhaps drink some of the chamomile tea Lady Wellingsbury recommended. Perhaps he would be lucky and Regina would be in the rooms. A cuddle would help as well.

The parlor was empty and though a fire burned, he was certain Regina hadn't been there for a couple hours. She was no doubt off tending to some of her queenly duties, unless she was laying down for a nap as well.

He stopped short as he entered the bedroom. A young maid with pale blonde hair piled atop her head was looking under his mattress. Robin didn't recognize her and it made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. "Excuse me."

She jumped with a squeak, letting the mattress fall onto the bedframe. "Your Majesty! I apologize. I was just…I mean…"

"Don't," he said, rubbing his eye. "I am in no mood for lies. Leave and count yourself fortunate I don't do anything else. But I best not see you in these rooms again."

"Yes, Your Majesty." She curtsied before hurrying past him to leave.

Though all Robin wanted to do was to lie down and rest, he needed to know what she had been doing to his bed. He lifted the mattress, startled to find a small cornhusk doll there. Robin picked it up, noticing it had real hair and a dress made of silk. It was a strange thing to leave under a mattress.

"Robin?" Regina called out as he heard the door close. "Robin, are you in here?"

She appeared in the doorway, frowning as she saw him. "Love, what's wrong?"

He held up the doll. "I found a servant sticking this under our bed. I have no clue what it is nor who she really works for but I threw her out of the room."

"It's a strange little thing," Regina said, now standing next to him. She took the doll and turned it over in her hands. "What do you think it's purpose is?"

Another stab of pain caused Robin's stomach to roll and he hunched over with groan, bracing himself against the bed. He felt her hand on his forehead. "Are you alright?"

"Headache," he groaned. "Really, really bad."

"Then get undressed and climb into bed. I'll make you some tea." Regina gave him a gentle push onto the bed and he watched her leave through blurry eyes.

He slowly undressed, every move making him feel more and more nauseous. Robin didn't even bother putting on his nightshirt and just collapsed onto bed naked as the day he was born. It wasn't anything Regina hadn't seen before after all.

"Here," she said, sitting on the edge of the bed. She held out a teacup. "Drink this and then you should get some sleep. It will help."

Robin nodded, sipping the tea. "Care to join me?"

She chuckled, brushing some of his hair back. "I would love to but I have a few more engagements today."

He sighed, finishing the tea. "I guess I have to share you."

"You do," she replied, taking the cup from him. "I have to share you."

She left the room and he laid down in bed, eyes closed as he prayed the pain in his head would abide. He heard Regina pad around the room before something damp and cool covered his eyes. Blankets were pulled over his body and he realized his wife was tucking him in like his mother used to do when he was a young boy. "I'm not a child," he murmured.

"Of course not," she replied, sounding like she was humoring him. He felt her kiss his forehead. "Feel better, my love."

As he drifted off, Robin envisioned Regina tucking in their children and taking care of them. She was going to be a great mother.

When he awoke, the room was dark except for the fire crackling in the hearth. His headache had dissipated but he still felt groggy as he climbed out of bed. Robin pulled on his robe, tying it tight just in case Tink was still around. He didn't want to have an awkward moment with his faithful chambermaid and his wife's dear friend.

Robin stepped in the parlor, stopping when he found Regina lounging on the couch as she read. She was already dressed in her nightgown and silk robe, her dark hair tied in a loose ponytail that rested over one shoulder. She nibbled on her thumb absentmindedly as her eyes moved from left to right, absorbed in whatever story she was reading.

As she turned the page, she glanced up and smiled when she saw him. "Are you feeling better?"

"I am," he replied, leaning down to give her a kiss. "Thank you for taking care of me."

"One of my favorite jobs. And thankfully you aren't a difficult patient," she said, closing her book.

He straightened up as his stomach rumbled. She laughed, standing as well. "I saved you some cold meats. Have a seat and I'll get them for you."

Robin sat down, watching as Regina retrieved the tray of cold meats. She returned to the couch, curling her legs under her as she began to feed him. It amused him but it wasn't like earlier when she had tucked him in. This had an erotic air to it and her fingers lingered against his lips longer and longer.

As they inched closer to each other, Robin wanted nothing more than to pick her up and take her to bed so he could ravish her properly. Yet his headache had taken a lot out of him and he was still tired. He knew the moment he laid down again, he would fall asleep.

That was certainly a mood killer.

"Robin? Are you alright?" She took his face in her hands, studying him with concern in her brown eyes.

He smiled at her. "Just tired. The headache really knocked me out this time."

She frowned, though. "Maybe you should see the royal physician about them. They're getting worse."

"I know," he conceded. "I'll go see the physician tomorrow. I promise."

"Thank you." She brushed her thumb over his lips before kissing him. "Are you ready for bed or did your nap reenergize you?"

Robin ran his hand down her arm. "Unfortunately, I'm still tired. But even if I wasn't, I would still just lie in bed holding you."

"Romantic sap," she said, warmth coloring her words to give them an affectionate tone. She stood, holding out her hand to him. Wordlessly, he took it and followed her into the bedroom.

Within minutes, they were under the covers and she was wrapped up in his arms. She rested her head on his chest as he pressed his cheek against her hair, eyes closing. He felt her breathing even out as she drifted off, placing a kiss to the top of her head before sleep claimed him as well.

A/N: Hmm, who wanted that doll planted under the bed? What is its purpose? And will Tuck be able to find something to help Regina?

Next chapter, Regina becomes acquainted with another Sherwood tradition—the Harvest Festival!

Who saw Sean in Timeless this past Monday? I've rewatched it a couple times myself. He was so good as Ian Fleming and, as always, downright sexy. Part of me wants Once to bring Robin back for good but another part of me wants him to go back to Timeless where they really appreciated him.

(But my Robin Hood/Outlaw Queen loving heart really wants him to go back to Once for good).

Anyway, happy International Robin Hood day! Let's give our favorite Robin Hood some love, hmm? Also, I'll be doing the live reading of the Comfort Food Wedding at 3 PM New York time today. Tune into Periscope or Twitter for that!

-Mac