Chapter 18: Moving Pieces

Robin urged Outlaw faster as Locksley came into view. He could see the towers of the palace, the watchfires burning in the dark night, and his heart grew lighter. Home was in sight—and with it, Regina.

He had been pleased with the reinforcements made to the fort, ready to protect Sherwood should the Ogre Wars reach their lands, but he hadn't been able to focus on much. All his thoughts were about Regina, wondering if she was sick again or if his council was putting unnecessary stress on her and the baby. Hopefully they would've left her alone and focused on their own tasks, letting her enjoy her more relaxing duties.

Especially if she had "forgotten" to invite Lady Ellis to tea, like he often suggested she do.

The guards had the gates up, allowing him to keep riding into the courtyard. Will was waiting for him, looking grim, and Robin's stomach dropped as he brought Outlaw to halt. "What's wrong?" he asked his friend.

"There was an incident earlier," Will replied. "Regina had to sign an order sending Lord Nottingham to the Tower."

Robin's heart slid to his stomach as he dismounted. "What happened with Lord Nottingham?"

Will let out a weary sigh. "He barged into your rooms, ordering guards to search for Regina's lover."

"What?" Robin stared at his friend, waiting for him to reveal it was all a joke. However, Will's grim expression proved it was the truth. So he blew out in exasperation. "Wonderful. How is she?"

"A bit shaken up but holding her own. You would've been so proud of her today," Will said. "She went toe-to-toe with Nottingham and did not let him get the best of her. Remained cool and calm while he was as red as a tomato when I got there, all riled up…though ready to hurt her, that I'm certain of that."

"Did he?" Robin asked, his heart seizing at the thought of his wife having been hurt while he was away.

Will shook his head. "We all got there just in time. I restrained Lord Nottingham while your mother got Regina out of the room. Guards then clapped him in irons and took him away while the council decided what to do with him."

"What happened to Regina after she agreed to send him to the Tower?" Robin asked, stomach twisted in knots.

"She went back to her father's rooms, where she stayed until about an hour ago. Then I escorted her and Prince Henry to your mother's rooms for supper."

Relief spread through him and he nodded. "Good. Is she still with my mother now?"

"Yes. She wanted to wait for you before returning to your rooms," Will said. "She's strong but I think she's still shaken."

"I think I should go straight to my rooms. I'll brief everyone on the fort tomorrow," Robin said, desperate to get back to his wife.

Will nodded. "I think everyone will understand that, given the circumstances. I'll escort you back up there."

"Thank you." Robin stopped, looking Will in the eye. "For everything you did today. I'm glad Regina had you."

"You know I'd do anything for you. And I would do anything for her too," he replied. "We're family."

Regina rushed into his arms the moment Robin stepped into his mother's rooms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face where his neck met his shoulder. He rubbed her back as he held her close, feeling how she trembled even in his arms. "It's alright, lovely," he whispered. "I'm here."

"I didn't think they would go that far," she whispered. "I didn't think he would barge in with guards to search for the lover he was certain I was hiding from you."

He tightened his hold on her. "He had no right to be in our private quarters and he had no right to corner you."

"I know," she said. "I told him that. He just wouldn't leave until he found someone hiding somewhere."

Robin kissed the side of her head. "He will pay, I promise you."

"You also have to worry about Keith," Mother warned from her chair. "He's out for Regina as well, to vindicate his father."

"Then he can just join his father when the time comes," Robin replied. "I know I should be concerned about Aunt Maggie…"

Uncle Joseph let out a snort. "I wouldn't be surprised if Maggie already killed Keith and is working on how to kill her husband even though he's in the Tower."

"Maggie's loyalty is unquestionable, even if it means seeing her son get punished. Hopefully, though, she can talk some sense into Keith," Aunt Eleanor said.

"He idolizes his father, though, and he had too much influence over Keith," Uncle Joseph replied. "He may be a lost cause."

Mother shrugged. "Perhaps. Or perhaps once removed from his father, his mother and the rest of us can influence him."

"I don't want Keith near us. Not after everything he's done to Regina and me so far," Robin said, his hand slipping down to her midsection. He rested it there, as if protecting their unborn child.

"Why don't we table this discussion for now?" Henry suggested. "I think Regina has had a long day and so has Robin. Let's let them go back to their rooms and get some rest."

Everyone agreed and Regina stepped away to bid her father goodnight. Robin approached his mother, hugging her. "Thank you, Mother," he whispered.

"You're welcome," she replied. "Now be careful. I have a feeling Nottingham has unleased a bottle of worms we will have to fight for a long time."

Robin blew out his candle before climbing into bed, leaving only the soft glow of the fire to illuminate the room. He pulled the blankets around himself and Regina before pulling her into his arms. "Hello," he whispered.

She chuckled as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Hello," she whispered back.

"Do you want to talk about this morning?" he asked, brushing her hair from her shoulder.

"Not really." She curled closer to him. "I feel like I've done nothing but talk about it. I just want to put it behind me and fall asleep with you."

Robin nodded. "We can do that. But know I am here if you ever need to talk."

She smiled. "You sound like my father."

"Well, I'm going to be a father. I'm practicing."

"Good night, Robin," she said and he could almost hear her eyeroll.

He chuckled, kissing her forehead. "Good night, Regina. Pleasant dreams. Preferably about me."

She gave him a little push. "You're incorrigible and very lucky I love you."

Robin wasn't going to argue that. He closed his eyes, letting the exhaustion from such a long day do its work and pull him into a dreamless sleep.

It only felt like minutes though before he woke again. Blinking away sleep, he realized Regina was thrashing in her sleep. Her head was tossing back and forth and she seemed to be fighting against the sheets. "Let me go," she pleaded. "Stop this!"

"Regina," he said softly. "Regina, wake up. It's only a dream."

She nearly slapped him but he ducked in time. He grabbed her arms, trying to keep her still. "Regina!"

"NO!" She sat up, her eyes wide and her breathing shallow as she stared into the darkness. After a few seconds, she turned her head and looked at him with scared eyes. "Robin?"

He nodded, rubbing her arms. "Yes, it's me. You're right beside me, safe in our bed. Nothing can hurt you."

She threw her arms around him, holding onto him tightly as she sobbed against his nightshirt. He rubbed circles against her back and rocked her gently, murmuring comforting words as he pressed kisses to her head.

Once she calmed down, he scooped her up and carried her back into their parlor. She sniffled, curling against him. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"We need to talk," he replied, placing her on the couch. "I'm going to get the fire going in here and we're going to sit and talk."

"I said I didn't want to talk."

He nodded. "And I was alright with that…before I woke up to find you in the middle of a violent nightmare. So we're going to talk."

She sighed. "Fine. Can I have something to drink at least? Do you have any cherry cordial?"

"I think so," he replied, crouched down to light the fire. "I'll go check. Will some juice do if we don't?"

"Thank you," she said. When the glanced over at her, he found her curled on the couch and hugging a pillow. There was a distant look in her eyes and his heart hurt for her.

He stood and smiled at her, hoping to reassure her. "I'll be right back with our drinks. Are you alright?"

"For now," she replied, still hugging the pillow. Robin nodded and moved to make their drinks as quickly as possible.

He returned, handing her some diluted cherry cordial Tink always kept stocked as it seemed Regina craved it now that she was pregnant. "Here you go," he said.

"Thank you," she replied, curling against him once he took his seat with his whiskey. She took a sip, staring into the fire.

Robin wanted to press her for more information but he decided to wait instead, taking a sip of whiskey. He'd let her think things over and if she didn't say anything before he finished his drink, then he would start asking questions. For now, though, he just held her close.

She set her goblet down. "I dreamt Nottingham came back and he was taking me to the tower. That I was a witch and evil and I would pay with my life for my crimes."

"Oh, lovely." Robin set down his glass and pulled her into his arms. "Are you still worried about the Dark One too?"

"I'm always worried about the Dark One," she admitted with a long-suffering sigh as she rubbed her bump. "Especially if this baby is a girl."

Robin laid his hand over hers, feeling how their child was changing her. He looked right in her eyes. "I won't let him hurt you or our daughter, if we have one."

She nodded. "I know. I feel safe with you, Robin. Even if your court is against me."

"They're not against you. I know Nottingham and his son are in the minority," Robin replied. "You're winning over people every day."

"It doesn't seem like it."

He kissed her head. "That's because your mother trained you to the see worst, not the best."

"Now you're getting it," she teased, though it seemed only half-hearted to him. The fact her smile drooped was confirmation of that.

Robin moved closer to her. "You will see. I believe that the court will be horrified to learn what Nottingham did to you."

"Or secretly cheer him. Who knows how many supporters he and Lord Ellis have?"

"I doubt they have as many as they think. Or they've just been really, really silent."

She gave him a pointed look. "They've been biding their time, Robin. Now that Lord Nottingham is in prison, they may rise up and unite behind Keith."

"Keith couldn't lead a horse to water," Robin scoffed before chuckling. "Literally. I have fond memories of his failure."

"We can't underestimate them, Robin. That's how they'll trip us up. They'll exploit our weaknesses. Mother taught me that."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I hate to agree with her, but she might be right in this case. Keith thinks they've already found my weakness."

"Me," Regina replied, no doubt recalling what he had told his family early on in their marriage.

"No," he insisted, frowning. "You are not my weakness. Keith is wrong about that. It's clear to me now—Locksley queens aren't their husbands' weakness, they are their strength. My father wouldn't have been the ruler and man he was without my mother and I wouldn't be who I am now without you."

A tear slid down her cheek as she smiled. "You are a romantic sap and I wouldn't change that for the world."

She leaned against him and he pulled her closer. "Thank you. And I wouldn't change you or being married to you for anything. No matter what happens, I'll be right by your side to protect you. I promise."

"Who will protect you?" she asked, leaning against his chest.

He didn't hesitate to respond: "Will. He's better than a guard dog."

Robin felt Regina's body start to tremble and he grew concerned until a few giggles escaped from her mouth. She then gave in and her laughter was loud and hearty. It shook her so much, she fell onto his lap as she continued to laugh, gasping for breath.

It was music to his ears.

Her laughter died down and she took in deep gulps of air, still lying on his lap. "I needed that," she said.

"I could tell." He rubbed her back. "Do you feel better? Do you want to go to bed?"

She shook her head. "I want to stay here with you for a bit longer. Is that alright?"

"Well, I would be in bed with you," he pointed out, "but we can stay here. Wherever you feel comfortable, lovely."

"Thank you," she whispered. He leaned back against the couch, running his fingers through her hair as they both sat there in silence until sleep took her.

Robin sat in his study, pouring over a book from his father's library. He had never experienced a trial for a councilmember and needed something to refer to for Lord Nottingham's. This was something he knew he would need to be overly prepared for—nothing could go wrong.

"Robin? You sent for me?" Lady Wellingsbury slipped into the room. She looked serious and a bit nervous. That surprised him.

He nodded, motioning for her to take the chair in front of his desk. "Thank you for coming. I need your advice now more than ever."

"I thought so," she replied, sitting down. "Lord Nottingham has created a very serious situation. I haven't encountered it before."

"I figured as much. That's why I scoured my father's collection this morning." Robin tapped the book on his desk. "I found this. Not much else, so I was hoping you might have more in your library."

She nodded. "I can look for you. I'm certain I must have something. There is precedence, I just can't recall the circumstances."

"I'm certain we will find it," he replied, sighing. "Regina is scared that Nottingham has followers who have been silent until now and will rise up behind Keith."

"You married a very intelligent woman, Robin. She is very wise to be worried about that," Lady Wellingsbury said.

He nodded. "What do you advise?"

"Well, according to Sherwoodian law, he is going to need to be brought to trial soon," she continued. "The council is going to have to appoint an investigator."

"Who?" Robin asked, frowning.

She tapped her fingers on the desk. "That's the question. I would suggest Will but I think he might be dismissed as being too close to you and the queen."

"What about Friar Tuck? I trust his judgment and I'm certain others will as well," Robin said.

"We'll have to convince the Abbot but I think that can be done," she mused. "Lord Jonstone has a good relationship with him. We can send him."

Robin nodded. "That's good. We'll get to the bottom of this, I just know it."

"How is your aunt?" Lady Wellingsbury asked.

He sighed. "Mother was going to visit Aunt Maggie today. I'll know more after she comes back."

The door opened and he looked up, his heart skipping a beat as Regina slid into the room. She was wearing red again, a color that he loved on her. It heightened her dark locks and brown eyes even more.

Regina paused, her eyes growing wide now. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. I can come back."

"No," Robin said, standing up. He motioned for her to come over. "I'm certain Lady Wellingsbury won't mind you joining us."

"Of course not." Lady Wellingsbury smiled as Regina approached and Robin moved a chair so she could sit next to him. "You look well. I think you've started to glow."

Regina blushed as she ducked her head. "Robin told me the same thing this morning. I told him he was being a sentimental sap."

"He probably was," Lady Wellingsbury agreed. "But he was also speaking the truth. You have the glow of an expectant mother."

"Thank you," Regina said, sitting in the chair Robin had pulled over for her. He sat back down as well, taking her hand.

Lady Wellingsbury turned serious. "I'm glad you're here, Regina. I feel there is something Robin and I must tell you now."

Robin frowned, surprised she would suddenly change her mind about telling Regina after so many months of telling him to stay quiet. "You don't mean…?"

"I do," she replied. "Regina, Robin and I have reason to believe his father's death wasn't natural. We believe he may have been poisoned."

Regina squeezed his hand and he watched as she turned white. "Poisoned?"

"Poisoned," Lady Wellingsbury confirmed.

Regina's eyes narrowed and red splotches rose to her cheeks as she turned to him. "That's why you've been acting so weird and making sure you know who handled your food."

"Yes," he said, already feeling her anger radiating off her.

"You never told me. I was scared but this is worse than anything I thought!" She began trembling.

He kissed her fingers, noting that they had gone cold. As he tried to warm her hands up, Lady Wellingsbury leaned forward. "I forbade him from telling you. I didn't want to worry you with what we thought was just suspicions. Robin did want to tell you, though. So blame me, not him."

Judging by the look in Regina's eyes, though, Robin knew she was upset over the fact he kept something so big from her. He knew she had the right to be and he would have to grovel for forgiveness later.

"Do you think Lord Nottingham had something to do with it?" she asked Lady Wellingsbury.

The older woman sighed. "I was leaning more toward Lord Ellis. They are no doubt working together, though."

Regina laid a hand over her stomach, no doubt considering a possibility that had plagued him since she had told him of her pregnancy. "Do you think they will try to poison me to kill my unborn child?"

"Hopefully not," Lady Wellingsbury said before glancing at him. "Though I'm certain Robin is trying to keep you as safe as possible."

He nodded, rubbing Regina's hand. "I have made certain only servants I know are loyal to my family has been handling our food, Tink chief amongst them."

"Does she know?" she asked. "Did you tell her why you're so concerned about our food?"

"No, I didn't tell her but I'm certain she suspects anyway. There aren't many reasons to ask the questions I have been," he replied.

"We're going to tell her," Regina said, her voice brooking no arguments. "I'll feel better with her knowing so she can watch out better."

Robin nodded. "We'll tell her tonight at supper."

"Before," Regina insisted.

"Before," he repeated. "Whatever you want."

Lady Wellingsbury nodded before leaning forward to take Regina's free hand. "We haven't told Queen Catherine yet. I don't know what this will do to her, so please don't tell her yet. Not until we're ready to punish Lord Nottingham and Lord Ellis."

Regina's frown deepened. "I don't quite like keeping secrets. It's never worked out well for me in the past."

"I know, my love," Robin said, kissing her hand. "And I promise it won't be for long. Lord Nottingham's actions give us cause to investigate him. If he or Lord Ellis are behind Father's death, we'll know soon enough."

She sighed. "Alright. But if it looks like it'll take longer, we'll revisit this. Agreed?"

"Agreed," Robin said. He then looked over at Lady Wellingsbury, who nodded.

He stood again. "I think that's enough for today. Should I talk to Lord Jonstone or should you?"

"I think you should first raise the topic with the full council," Lady Wellingsbury said, standing. "Let everyone agree. It will give more weight to Lord Jonstone's proposal to the Abbot."

"Understood. I'll do that tomorrow," Robin said. "I'll have Will call for a council meeting tomorrow morning."

She nodded before taking her leave. He turned to Regina. "Do you want to go back to our rooms or do you have other plans?"

"I think I want to go back to our rooms. I need a little bit of a rest." She placed her hand on her lower back.

He rested his hand over hers and started rubbing. "Of course. Do you need any help?"

Regina glared at him. "My back is sore. My legs are fine."

"Sorry, of course," he replied, guiding her toward the door. He decided not to say anything else, knowing Regina needed time to calm down. They were going to have to have a serious conversation sooner or later but he hoped she got some rest first.

She deserved it.

Robin sat on their couch, going over the books he had taken from his father's library. He had gone back once Regina had fallen asleep and retrieved them, taking notes as she napped. The next few weeks were going to be intense, he could tell from just his early research.

"I hope I'm up for this," he muttered as he closed one of the books, his head starting to hurt from his reading.

"You are," Regina said. He looked up to find her leaning against their bedroom doorway, wrapped in her dressing gown. She studied him. "I have every confidence that you will be fair and just in this matter."

Robin smiled. "Thank you."

"I'm still angry with you," she added, coming closer, "for keeping that secret from me."

His smile fell and he nodded as she sat down next to him. "I know. I really did want to tell you but Lady Wellingsbury convinced me that it wasn't worth frightening you if our suspicions turned out to be nothing."

"It's not nothing. But more importantly, you lied to me," she said. "I asked you what you were keeping from me and you lied."

"I didn't lie," he protested.

Her frown deepened. "You didn't tell me the truth either. You deflected."

"True," he agreed. "We were dealing with something else at the time."

"So it's my fault?" Her cheeks turned red again.

Robin shook his head, cursing himself. "No, that's not what…I'm fucking this all up."

"I can agree with that." She scooted a bit closer. "I know you respect Lady Wellingsbury. I do too. But it seems to me that her request went against your conscience."

"It did," he allowed.

"Then why not tell me anyway? I've never known you not to follow your heart." She pressed her palm to his chest.

He covered her hand with his own as he sighed. "I know but I'm in such uncharted territory as king. I doubted myself and decided to trust Lady Wellingsbury."

"Which isn't a bad thing. She is knowledgeable and hasn't steered you wrong…except maybe in this case." Regina sighed. "I understand her reasoning but…but I think it would've been better if you told me."

"I know." He raised her hand to his lips, kissing her fingers. "I'm sorry, my love."

She nodded. "I know there are things you won't be able to tell me for one reason or another. However, I want you to make the decision and not be forced into agreeing with something your heart tells you is wrong. Can you do that?"

"Of course I can." He leaned forward, brushing some of her hair back and tucking it behind her ear. "Am I forgiven?"

Regina tilted her head, grinning at him. "Depends."

"On what?"

"How well you give foot massages." She leaned back, raising her legs until his feet were in his lap. He chuckled as he began to rub her right foot and she melted against the armrest, her eyes closing. "Ooh, I think you might be on the path to forgiveness…"

Robin laughed, making certain to massage her foot thoroughly. "Is there anything else I could do?"

"Be careful. I could take advantage of that," she warned.

"You could. But you won't." He glanced over at her smiling face.

She opened her eyes, meeting his as her smile softened. "But I won't," she agreed.

"I love you," he told her, switching feet.

"You're forgiven, Robin. You can stop laying it on now," she replied, a hint of laughter in her voice.

He chuckled before turning sincere. "I mean it."

"I know. I love you too. Even when you do something stupid." She nudged him with her free foot before giving him a blinding smile, lifting a weight from his shoulders.

The council agreed with Robin's suggestion that Friar Tuck investigate Lord Nottingham to build their case before trial. "A wise decision," Lord Ellis said, genuine praise that almost knocked Robin off his chair.

Lord Jonstone offered to talk with the Abbot about the investigation and Robin leaned back, confident that things were going to work out for him.

He should've known it wouldn't last.

The Abbot sought him out the next day, barging into his study without knocking. Robin gave him a hard look. "Despite what you may believe, Abbot, you do have to show me some respect. Like knocking," Robin said.

"Respect. I think that will be the topic of my next sermon," the Abbot mused, a clear warning he thought only Robin needed to show respect. "I've come to talk about the investigation."

"You don't think Friar Tuck will do a good job?" Robin asked.

"I don't think this investigation is warranted in the first place," the Abbot replied. "He was doing the Great Being's work."

Robin frowned. "Barging into my private quarters and cornering the queen to accuse her of being unfaithful is the Great Being's work?"

"Perhaps he didn't go about it the right way…Your Majesty, you cannot stay blind for long. Your wife is…"

"A good, loyal, loving wife," Robin interjected. "I don't know why anyone would think otherwise."

The Abbot bristled. "The stories from Mist Haven…"

"Are idle gossip. I believe you preached on the dangers about that once or twice." Robin didn't break eye contract with the man, challenging him.

It worked and the Abbot looked away. "I have spoken on it, yes."

"Perhaps you need to give Regina a chance," he said. "And if you let Friar Tuck conduct the investigation, it would also give Lord Nottingham a chance to be justified, if possible."

The Abbot nodded, stroking his beard. "Fine. I'll let Tuck do the investigation. Be careful, though, Your Majesty. I'd hate for something to happen to you."

"I was thinking the same for you," Robin replied, giving him a hard look. The Abbot held his head higher and stormed out of the room.

Robin sank into his chair, feeling a headache coming on. It had been some time since the last one and he had thought they were over. He should've kept the pouch of lavender in his shirt this morning.

"Robin, is something wrong?" he heard Regina ask. Her heels clicked against the floor before her cool hand rested against his cheek.

He leaned into her touch. "Just the Abbot. I think I've sorted it out for now."

"Is there anything I can do?" She kissed his forehead.

"My head hurts again," he admitted. "Can you make me some of the tea that will help? Please?"

"Of course. Let's go back to the room and you can get some rest." She tugged on his arm and he stood, opening his eyes at last. Regina was watching him with concern. "Do you need to lean on me?"

He shook his head. "The pain isn't that bad yet. I can walk just fine."

Regina looked skeptical and held out her hand. "Hold mine just in case?"

"Of course," he said, taking her hand eagerly. He kissed it. "Let's head back to our rooms."

Robin sat on the throne, staring out at a sea of blank faces. He tried to find one that he recognized before turning to where Regina should be sitting. No one was there.

Panic seized him but he swallowed it down as he turned to face the crowd. He swallowed before asking: "Where's my wife?"

"Where she belongs!" Keith said, emerging from the crowd. He smirked as he looked up at Robin. "In the tower, awaiting execution."

"WHAT?" Robin stood, clenching his fists. "Why?"

Keith's smirk grew wider. "I'll let the people tell you."

"She's a witch!" someone yelled.

"And a whore!" another added.

"She's a foreign bitch!"

"Not our queen!" they all began chanting. "Not our king!"

Robin reeled back, surprised to hear that from them. "What do you mean?" he asked.

Keith stepped forward again. "They mean that they don't acknowledge that you're the king. They don't want you ruling them…they want me."

He reached for the crown on Robin's head, ripping it off and sending Robin falling into a dark chasm. Wind rushed past him as he continued to fall, Keith's laughter echoing in his ears. "Say hello to your wife when you land!"

Robin sat up with a gasp, sweat pouring down his face. He pressed his hand to his chest, feeling his heart racing under his palm. Closing his eyes, he took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself down.

The door opened and Regina crept in, carrying a tray with a bowl on it. She frowned as she took him in. "Robin? Is something wrong?"

"Just a bad dream," he admitted as she sat down. "What's that?"

"Stew. I asked Tink to send it up since you slept through supper," she replied, setting the tray down over his legs.

He gave her a shaky smile, trying to reassure both of them. "Thank you. It looks good."

"Tink checked it herself," Regina told him. "It's clean."

"I know that worries you," he replied, picking up the spoon and letting the thick stew warm him. He chewed the tender meat and carrots, swallowing it as it also settled his stomach.

She laid down next to him, tucking her hand under her head as she watched him. "This whole affair worries me. And now you're having nightmares about it."

He sighed, setting the bowl aside for the moment so he could take her in his arms. "It was just one bad dream, lovely. Nothing to get worried about."

"It always starts with one dream. Trust me I know." She shuddered and he held her closer, trying to chase away everything that haunted her. Her voice was soft when she pleaded: "Please don't sugarcoat things for me or hide them because they might upset it. We need to work together."

"Alright, Regina, I won't. You're right that we need to work together." He kissed her forehead.

"Then tell me how you're really feeling, Robin." She ran her fingers though his hair.

He pressed his forehead to hers. "I'm scared about what this investigation will cost me. I can lose so much of what I have but I can't lose you or our baby. I will fight with my dying breath to keep you two safe."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," she replied, rubbing her nose with his. "We—our baby and I—need you. Don't leave us."

Robin nodded. He didn't want to make promises he wasn't sure he could keep, but he was going to do his best to keep this one. It seemed to brighten her mood and she patted his shoulder. "Finish your stew, love. You're going to need your strength."

He chuckled, sitting up as he reached for the bowl again. Regina pulled the blankets over herself, lying there as she watched him each. She made small talk but it kept them distracted from the dark clouds hanging over them.

Robin just prayed the storm passed with little damage to his family.

A/N: Here's the next chapter! Looks like things are getting a bit stickier. Robin and Regina are going to need each other more and more as this continues.

Thanks to everyone for reading!

-Mac