Chapter 17: Nottingham's Threat
Warm lips woke her as they pressed kisses against her shoulder and up to her neck, fingers brushing her skin and pulling her hair back. Another set of fingers trailed down her stomach, tugging her nightgown up until they reached her sex. She moaned as one slipped between her legs and then her folds, finding her clit and teasing it.
"Are you up, lovely?" Robin whispered, pressing a kiss behind her ear.
She moaned again. "I am now."
"Good," he replied. "So am I."
"I can tell." She chuckled as she felt his cock pressed against her backside, hard and no doubt ready to go.
Regina rolled onto her back, forcing him to adjust so his finger could continue rubbing against her clit. She felt the jolts of pleasure coursing through her and kissed him hard. "Don't start something you can't finish."
"Oh, trust me, lovely. I fully intend to finish this." He kissed her neck, finding that one spot that always turned her to putty in his hands.
His free hand roamed her curves, tugging her nightgown off her. Robin cupped on of her breasts. "I think you've gotten bigger," he said.
"Is that a bad thing?" she asked, suddenly self-conscious in a way she hadn't felt since she came to Sherwood.
"Absolutely not," he replied, kissing right between her breasts. "You've just somehow managed to make the perfect even more so."
She gasped as his lips closed around her nipple, teasing it. Instead of the usual pleasure, though, she felt a few stabs of pain. Regina pushed against him. "Robin, Robin, you need to stop."
He released her immediately, raising his head to look her in the eyes. At least, she thought so. Tears pricked at hers and blurred her vision.
"Regina? Lovely, what's wrong? Did I hurt you?" Panic colored his words.
"My breasts," she replied. "They're tender."
Robin made a noise of understanding and moved both his hands. "Then I won't touch them. We can still make love, right?"
She nodded, already missing the pressure against her clit. "Breasts are just off limits. Everything else is fine."
"Thank goodness," he breathed. "I would go without sex until you give birth but…"
"But you'd rather ravish me? I feel the same," she replied, running her fingers through his hair. "Now where were we?"
He chuckled, kissing her as his fingers returned to her clit. She bucked in response, trying to get closer to him. As she moaned into the kiss, he slipped his tongue into her mouth.
Regina slid her hand down his naked body, wrapping her fingers around his hard cock. She pumped lazily as they continued to exchange kisses, her thumb spreading the moisture leaking from his tip with every swipe. He was almost ready.
She was as well. Her body hummed with the pleasure waiting to be released as Robin inserted a finger into her. Crooking his finger, hit brushed the one spot that had her shouting his name.
"I love that sound," he said, kissing her neck. "I could listen to it forever."
"Well, if you keep talking, you won't," she replied, tugging on his hair. "Come on. We don't have much time."
He nodded as he added another finger, making her writhe under him. She wanted this to last all day, but they both were attending the council meeting that morning. It unfortunately put them on a time crunch.
She wrapped her leg around him, drawing him closer until his tip pressed against her entrance. "Go ahead," she whispered.
Robin slid into her, moaning once he was buried inside her. He gave her a few moments to adjust to him before moving, finding a steady and strong rhythm.
"Faster," she moaned, digging her fingers into his hair. She nipped at his earlobe as their sweat slicked bodies slid together.
He flipped them, letting her rest on top. She gasped, adjusting to the change in position. "What are you doing?"
"Making it better for you," he replied, grunting as he gripped her hips. "I know this does that for you."
She began rocking against him, riding him hard and fast as sweat dripped into her eyes. Closing them, she gripped his shoulders and felt herself nearing her tipping point. "I'm close, Robin."
"Then let me help you over." His thumb pressed against her clit and she let out a shout, encouraging him to do it again.
Her body trembled and she felt her bones turn to jelly. She tugged on his hair, pulling him up so she could kiss him hard before she fell over the edge. As stars exploded before her, she felt Robin spill into her and then still.
Unable to support her own weight, she fell back onto the bed beside him. "Best way to wake up," she gasped out.
"I definitely agree." He rolled over and kissed the tip of her nose. "We should do it more often."
She sighed, closing her eyes as he continued to pepper her forehead with kisses. "I don't want to move."
"We have to, unfortunately. The council will be waiting for us."
"I know," she said, wrinkling her nose. "We should probably wash up."
He hummed in agreement but neither moved. Instead, he pulled her closer and she sighed.
They could always be a few minutes late.
Regina agonized over the perfect dress to wear, which confused her husband. "You'll look beautiful in anything. Besides, I doubt they'll care what you're wearing after we make our announcement," he said.
"You don't care what I wear," she shot back. "Trust me when I say they do. They care about everything I do."
He chuckled as she called for Tink, who helped her chose a midnight blue gown to wear. It was edged in silver ribbon and white lace, bell sleeves covering her hands. Tink helped her curl her hair and pin it back before placing Robin's watch around her neck. Next, she used some kohl around her eyes and painted her lips a soft pink color. "How do I look?" she asked.
Robin appeared in the mirror, smiling. "I think you know what I'm going to say. But I know what you're really asking and yes, you look absolutely presentable for the council. I dare them to find fault with your appearance."
"I wouldn't," she replied, letting him help her up. "They might take you up on that offer."
His laughter echoed down the hall.
When they entered the council room, everyone stood and watched as Robin led her to a high back chair set up for her next to his chair. Once she was seated, Robin motioned for everyone else to be seated. He took his own, reaching for her hand.
"I am certain you are all curious as to why Regina is with us today," he started, looking around at everyone. "It's because we have an important announcement. The Queen is with child."
She held her breath, waiting for their reaction. These were the people who had hoped to use a law placing a time limit on her womb in order to get rid of her. Would they be happy now that she had managed to conceive in that time period or angry that their plan was foiled?
Lady Langston applauded, smiling widely. "Congratulations, my dear. This is very good news."
"Thank you," Regina replied, squeezing Robin's hand. "We're both very excited."
"As well you should be! You two will be great parents," Lord Hutton said, smiling as well.
She glanced over at Lord Ellis and Lord Nottingham, wanting to see their reactions. Their faces remained neutral as they studied her. "This pregnancy has been confirmed?" Ellis finally asked.
Lady Wellingsbury shook her head. "Of course the pregnancy has been confirmed. I doubt their Majesties would announce something they knew wasn't true."
"Widow Lucas confirmed the pregnancy," Regina replied, keeping her gaze on Lord Ellis. "I could list all my symptoms if that would please you."
"I think it would be best if the Royal Midwife looked you over. We can send for her," he replied.
Lady Langston scowled now. "That's hardly necessary. I know the Widow Lucas and trust her judgment. If she says the Queen is with child, then the Queen is with child."
"What harm is it then to have the Royal Midwife check her out and provide an official report?" Lord Ellis glared at the duchess.
Regina leaned forward, fire coursing through her veins. "I am in the room. If you wish to have the Royal Midwife examine me, I will allow it. I will bring my handmaiden in here to testify that I have not had my courses in four months and you can ask the laundry workers to collaborate that they hadn't had to wash my linens. You can bring in roast pig and watch as I grow sick. However, I doubt it will please you until I am actually delivered of the baby and I believe you and Lord Nottingham will want to be present for that to be certain the babe comes out of me."
"Regina," Robin said softly, placing his hand on her shoulder. She hadn't even known she had let go of it.
She took a deep breath but it didn't calm the rage filling inside her. Most of the council looked scandalized and she watched as another duchess, one of the younger members, turned to Lord Ellis. "You aren't going to put her through that, are you?"
"Of course he's not," Lady Wellingsbury replied, glaring at Lord Ellis. "I believe most of us can agree we can trust the Queen."
"We can also trust the King," Lord Hutton said. "I doubt he would've brought Regina before us if he had any suspicions about her pregnancy."
Robin slid his hand down her arm, taking her hand again. "Regina is pregnant. Trust me, I know."
"Then I think we ought to congratulate their Majesties and leave the Queen alone," Lord Jonstone said. "All in favor?"
Ten hands raised up and ten pairs of eyes glared at Lord Ellis and Lord Nottingham, both who still had their hands down. Realizing they were outnumbered, they relented and put their hands up in the air.
"Good." Lord Jonstone smiled at the couple. "Congratulations. Most of us are very happy for you."
Robin nodded. "We plan to make the announcement this Saturday. I'll want heralds ready to head out to all the corners of the land."
"Of course. We can arrange for everything. All you two have to do is show up and make the announcement," Lady Wellingsbury assured them.
"Thank you," Regina said, voice softer now. "We appreciate it."
"Well, I think we can let the new parents go and enjoy some time together, don't you?" Lord Hutton looked around the council. They nodded and that was it.
The meeting was over.
Robin stood and held out his hand to Regina. She took it, letting him help her stand. Clutching his arm, she fell into step beside him as they exited the room and headed down the hall to his study.
Once the door was closed, she relaxed. "That didn't go exactly as I hoped," she admitted.
"I know," he replied, rubbing her arms. "Are you alright? Lords Ellis and Nottingham had no right to go at you like that."
"He's right, Regina, they didn't," Lady Wellingsbury said, closing the door behind her. "Yet that response probably wasn't the best."
Regina sighed as Robin wrapped his arms around her. "I know. I was just so angry with them…They just keep trying to undermine me."
"Right now, their only chance is to somehow make your child illegitimate. I think the fact Keith is convinced you weren't a virgin upon your marriage will be played up in the coming months," Lady Wellingsbury said. "Especially his belief that you are hiding a lover somewhere in the kingdom."
Regina groaned as Robin's arms tightened around her. "Do you think people will believe it? That they will question if I'm the father of this baby?"
Lady Wellingsbury shrugged. "Some might but I think most will ignore them. There is nothing to make people suspect Regina has been anything but loyal to you and you've been married long enough for people to realize that this baby was not conceived in Mist Haven."
"Small blessings, I guess," Regina muttered as Robin kissed the side of her head. "Is there anything we can do?"
"Just try not to let your anger get the best of you. It will be hard and the idiots will probably deserve whatever dressing down you want to give them, but I need you to hold your tongue. Let the court shun them," she advised.
It didn't seem adequate to Regina but she nodded, trusting Lady Wellingsbury. "I just hope the next six months or so aren't like this."
"I hope not either, but you two will have to prepare yourself. You understand me?" the older stateswoman asked.
They nodded and Robin rocked her a bit more. "Do you think you can excuse us, Lady Wellingsbury?"
"Of course," she said, hand on the door handle. "Enjoy the rest of your afternoon. You two deserve it."
Once she was gone, Robin turned Regina around to face him. He smiled at her, cupping her cheek. "Put that meeting out of your mind. Lord Ellis and Lord Nottingham don't deserve your time or energy."
"It's easier said than done, though, Robin," she said, giving another weary sigh as she leaned forward to rest her head on his shoulder.
He ran his hand over her hair. "I know, lovely, I know. Please believe me when I say that I would love to challenge both men to a duel for your honor. However, I know that won't solve anything. For now, we can just do what Lady Wellingsbury counseled."
She nodded. "I'll do my best."
"Good. Now, let's go take your mind off the idiots on my council and go visit Rocinante. I am certain that will lift your mood." Robin pulled away, taking her hand.
Regina laced her fingers with his and let him lead her down to the stables. Seeing her beloved horse certainly would put her in a better mood and she felt herself growing lighter with each step.
A few days later, Robin rose before the sun. He had dressed quietly but his rising had roused Regina. She curled up on his side of the bed, drinking in his warmth and pine scent as she watched him pull his tunic over his head and secure the clasps by candlelight. He had told her the night before that he needed to go inspect a fort a half-day's ride from the palace and he hoped that by leaving before sunrise, he could also return shortly after sundown and not have to spend the night anywhere.
He smiled when he saw her, coming over to lean against the bedframe. "I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's alright," she said, smiling back at him. "I'm glad I can say goodbye to you."
"I'll be back tonight. I promise," he told her, serious.
She nodded. "Please be safe."
"I will." He gave her a quick kiss, hovering over her for a bit. "You be safe too. If you need, stay close to my mother. Understand?"
"I do," she said, though she was determined not to let Lords Ellis and Nottingham dictate how her day went. She was going to hold her head high and be the queen they didn't want her to be.
He gave her one more kiss before blowing out the candle. "Go back to sleep, lovely. You and our babe need all the rest you can get."
She chuckled but closed her eyes, burrowing deeper in the covers and going back to sleep until Tink woke her several hours later for breakfast. The room was flooded with sunlight and she detected the smell of sausages from the other room. Regina rose and pulled on her dressing gown, ready to enjoy her breakfast and start her day.
Regina rose from the bathtub, feeling refreshed as she wrapped herself in a towel. She dried her hair as she stepped out into the bedroom. "Tink, I'm ready to get dressed," she called out.
"I'll be right there. Someone just knocked on the door," Tink responded.
Realizing it would be a bit of a wait, Regina pulled on her dressing gown as she heard her friend answer the door. She didn't tie her robe as she stood in front of her mirror, rubbing her hand over her still small bump. "Hello, baby," she whispered.
Tink's voice raised in anger. "You cannot just barge in on Her Majesty. There are protocols to be observed. You can wait out here and Her Majesty will see you when she is ready."
"We need to see Her Majesty now," Lord Nottingham said. "It is very important."
"She's not yet dressed for the day." At that statement, Regina pulled her dressing gown closed, tying it just in case someone got past Tink.
The bedroom door was thrown open and Lord Nottingham stormed in, flanked by two guards. He looked her up and down with a sneer before turning to them. "Search the room."
"For what?" Regina asked, glaring at him.
Lord Nottingham met her gaze with his own cold one, though he addressed the guards rather than her. "The Queen's lover couldn't have gotten very far."
"My what?" Anger and disbelief bubbled up inside her as she stared at the man. "You are very close to treason, milord. Leave now and my husband does not have to hear about it."
"Not until I've found the man with whom you're cuckolding our king."
"There is no one here, Lord Nottingham, except myself and my handmaiden. I am not hiding anyone nor is there any place to hide someone. A search is not necessary. So please take your men and leave," she said, doing her best to keep her voice even.
He remained where he was, once again addressing the guards rather than her. "Do not leave any inch of the room unsearched. I will remove Her Majesty."
"I will stay here and make certain nothing important is taken from this room," she replied, holding her own ground. "This is His Majesty's room as well."
Lord Nottingham stepped closer. "We will touch nothing of His Majesty's. Only what will prove you are an unfaithful wife, putting the paternity of the child you carry into question. The people won't accept a bastard."
"My child is not a bastard," she replied, never breaking her eye contact with him.
"That remains to be seen," he snarled.
A guard approached them, looking uncomfortable. "There is no one else here, milord."
"Check again. I am certain she has a lover and he must be here. Her husband is gone." Lord Nottingham grabbed the man's shirt and nearly threw him into her wardrobe.
Regina gasped. "Don't hurt him! And you're only here because my husband is gone. If His Majesty were here, you wouldn't dare do this."
"Because you're smart enough not to keep your lover in the room while His Majesty is here," Nottingham snapped back. "Tell me, Your Majesty, where do you meet him? The stables? Like your last?"
"I do not have a lover. I have been faithful to His Majesty." She straightened her back, trying to emulate her mother in order to frighten him. Perhaps Mother had managed to teach her something useful after all.
Nottingham turned redder, starting to lunge for her but was knocked to the bed, held in place by an equally red-faced Will. "How dare you threaten Her Majesty?" he yelled.
"You have all been blinded by this witch!" Nottingham yelled back. "Only I can see through her enchantments!"
"Regina, come with me," Catherine's soft voice broke through the din. She had crept into the room, holding out her hand, which Regina took and followed her mother-in-law into the parlor.
Daddy engulfed her in a hug the moment she stepped out of her bedroom. Over his shoulder, she saw a pale Tink shaking in the corner. Upset, she motioned for her friend to come closer.
"I'm sorry," Tink cried. "He just pushed past me and I wasn't able to stop them so I went to get help."
Regina let go of her father and hugged her. "It's alright, Tink. You did the right thing. Thank you."
"Can we get the queen a dress? It won't do for the council to see her in her dressing gown," she heard Eleanor say.
"Do they need to be here?" Daddy asked.
Catherine stepped closer. "Unfortunately. With Nottingham being a council member, they need to decide what to do with him. Joseph is out there keeping them at bay until Regina is presentable."
Regina released Tink as Ella was handed the blue dress chosen for the day before her bath. It seemed like hours ago rather than minutes. Ella held it out to Regina. "Do you need help?"
"Yes, please," she replied, looking around the room for a place to change in some semblance of privacy. "Do we have a screen?"
Ana nodded. "I can have a servant fetch the one from your old room."
"Can we somehow get Regina there? I don't think she should stay in here," Daddy suggested, looking around at the chaos filling her room.
Regina bit her lip. "We can use the balcony. I know the rooms share one."
Catherine gave her a knowing look. "They do. I always suspected that was a reason Robin chose those rooms to give you."
"We should be able to open the door from the outside, so we can use that," Tink said, taking the dress from Ella. "Milady?"
Daddy took Regina's arm. "I'll come with you."
Along with him, Ana and Tink also escorted Regina back to her father's rooms using the outside balcony. Daddy stayed in the parlor while the other two helped her dress.
Regina slid off her dressing gown, once again catching sight of her bump. She rubbed it, thinking of Robin's child growing inside her. "I'm sorry everything is such a mess," she whispered.
"Nothing for you to apologize for," Ana assured her, holding out a fresh shift. "This is all Nottingham's doing. Robin will straighten him out…unless Aunt Maggie does it first."
Chuckling, Regina let her put the shift on. She then sighed. "I just feel that sometimes I made Robin's life more complicated."
"Nonsense. The council has made his life more complicated. I believe it is one of their duties. You have made my cousin immeasurably happy," Ana assured her.
Regina smiled as Tink helped her into the dress. She tied her up, mindful of Regina's bump and not tying the laces too tight. "Is that good?" she asked.
"Perfect." Regina toyed with a lock of hair. "Did someone bring a brush?"
Tink picked one up from the vanity. "Right here. I'm just going to need a new to hold your hair back. It'll be the fastest and easiest hair style."
"I'll get you one. My room is not far," Ana said. She left as Tink guided Regina over to the vanity.
As she brushed her hair, Regina looked at Tink in the mirror. "I hope you're still not blaming yourself. Lord Nottingham was going to come in, no matter what."
"I know," she replied quietly. "But I still feel like I could've put up more of a fight."
"You did the right thing. You got help."
Ana returned with the net and Tink finished up her hair. Robin's cousin placed a hand on Regina's shoulder. "The council is waiting for you. We'll get you back to your rooms using the balcony."
"Can I meet them in Robin's office?" Regina asked, feeling a bit uncomfortable conducting business in their private quarters. "It seems more official."
"I'll go ask Lady Wellingsbury," Ana said, stepping out of the room again.
Tink squeezed Regina's shoulders. "You'll be fine. The council will really handle everything. You'll probably just have to officially send Nottingham to the Tower to await His Majesty's return and the official trial."
"The Tower?" Regina asked, frowning.
Her handmaiden nodded. "Those of noble birth aren't thrown in the dungeons with everyone else. Instead, they are placed in rooms in the North Tower. However, I've seen those rooms. They certainly aren't the lap of luxury they are used to—small rooms with tiny cots and a table with chair. Still, it must be better than the dark, dank and straw covered floors of the dungeons"
"I guess," Regina mused, looking up as Ana returned. "Well?"
"They've agreed that it is best for you all to meet in Robin's study. Will is waiting outside to escort you there," Ana said.
Regina nodded. "Thank you. I'll be right there."
Tink helped her up. "You'll be fine, Regina. As I said, this is probably just a formality."
"I hope so," she replied, heading out of the bedroom and ready to face the council.
Regina sat at Robin's desk, hands folded over the papers he had left there the day before. Will and Lord Joseph flanked her as the eleven remaining council members crowded into the room. At the very back sat Catherine, Eleanor and Ana, who would watch the proceedings as well.
Lord Hutton stepped forward. "Your Majesty, please accept an apology on our behalf for Lord Nottingham's behavior. It certainly is not fitting for a member of this council."
"Thank you," she said, looking them over before her eyes landed on Lord Ellis. "However, I hope no one else has any doubts about my fidelity or the paternity of this child."
"Of course not," Lord Hutton said. "We all know that King Robert is the rightful father of your child."
"I think we should all acknowledge it, for the record," Lady Wellingsbury suggested. "To be honest, it should've been done at the meeting when Their Majesties announced she was with child."
Lord Ellis cleared his throat. "While I agree with Diana on that, I do believe we should wait for His Majesty so everything is done by the book."
Regina wondered if he was sincere about that request or hoping to buy time in order to slither out of making the vow. However, the other councilmembers, including Lady Wellingsbury agreed.
"Now, we must make a decision on Lord Nottingham," Lord Hutton said. "I recommend imprisonment in the Tower pending an official inquest."
"I second that," Lady Langston said, sniffing in disgust.
Glancing up, Regina saw both Lady Wellingsbury and Catherine nodded. She sat up straighter. "Then let it be so," she declared.
Lord Hutton nodded. "We will draw up the formal papers and have them delivered for your signature but I will instruct the guards to bring him to the Tower."
"Thank you," Regina said. She then placed her hands on the desk, ready to stand. "Is there anything else?"
"My father will be vindicated!" Keith yelled, barreling his way through the councilmembers. He stopped before the desk, pointing at Regina. "You are a faithless bitch and the people will soon see you for what you are."
Lord Jonstone pulled the young man back. "Hush, lad, or you'll end up in the cell next to your father in the Tower."
"Are you all blind? Can't you see she's fooling you all?" Keith continued. "She's cavorting with a man who is not the king. I heard her talking with a man myself!"
None of the councilmembers seemed impressed by his testimony and Lord Ellis seized him this time. "Enough out of you," he hissed.
"Go to your rooms, Keith," Lord Jonstone ordered, as if he were an errant child. "Don't make this worse for your mother."
Keith nodded. "Yes, my mother. We'll see what she has to say about all of this."
Once he left the room, the other councilmembers filed out as well. Catherine approached Regina, taking her hands. "You were wonderful, my dear."
"Thank you," Regina replied. "I am scared, though, of what will happen next. The Nottinghams seem intent on making my child a bastard."
"Not all the Nottinghams. Keith may think his mother will be on his side, but if I know Maggie, she will be the angriest of all at how her family has been treating you," Catherine assured her.
Regina nodded. "I hope so. I just know I'll be glad when Robin is back."
"I think we all feel the same way," Will said, leaning against the chair. "Shall I escort you back to your rooms? Or do you want to go back to your father's?"
She toyed with her wedding ring, biting her lip. Part of her wanted to go back to her rooms, to show Lord Nottingham that he hadn't scared her. Yet another part of her was scared and felt her father's rooms would be safer. "I'll go back to Daddy's rooms for now," she decided.
Will held out his arm and she took it. She pressed her free hand to her growing bump, once again feeling like she was already failing her unborn child. Regina knew things were only going to get worse before they got better. However, she was going to fight for her marriage, for her child and for Sherwood.
Nottingham had messed with the wrong queen.
A/N: Nottingham certainly has messed with the wrong queen, but will something more come out of Keith's threat? And what exactly is Lord Ellis' role in all of this?
Looks like Regina and Robin won't have an easy pregnancy at all.
-Mac