Chapter 19: The Arrest
Tink opened Regina's wardrobe, looking over her dresses. "What do you want to wear today?"
Regina sighed, running her hand over her growing stomach. She cupped it gently. "I think the better question is what fits me today?"
"The green then," Tink said, pulling out a heavy velvet gown. "It should keep you warm in this cold snap and it was the last one let out. I can take your other gowns to the seamstress to have her let them out if you want."
"Thank you, Tink. I would appreciate that. I would also appreciate a hand up," Regina said, holding out her hand to her chambermaid and friend.
Tink helped hoist her to her feet and then pulled out the dress. "Arms up, milady. Let's get this over you."
Regina nodded, holding up her arms and feeling like a child yet again. She remembered how her nurse would yank her dresses over her head, ignoring how she would protest that she would rather wear her riding gear. It had always been more comfortable than her dresses.
She wondered if her riding gear would even fit her now.
"Widow Lucas sent word," Tink said, carefully lacing the dress' bodice. "She would like to examine you, to see how your pregnancy is progressing. She believes the babe should be quickening soon."
Regina pressed her hand to her stomach, smiling. "I would love to see Widow Lucas. Please make the necessary arrangements."
"Of course." Tink led her to the vanity so she could do her hair. "What is your schedule for today?"
"I have some free time this morning before I am scheduled to have lunch with Catherine and Lady Eleanor. Then I am meeting with a delegation from the Northern Woods, who wish to congratulate me on my pregnancy. They are just the first in a slew of delegations, I've been told, since the heralds went out. After that is tea with the ladies and then a state dinner. So she can either come this morning or perhaps this evening after Robin and I retire," Regina replied, going over her calendar in her head.
Tink nodded. "I'll send word to Widow Lucas to see if she can come this evening. Have you considered getting a personal secretary? Like Will is for the king?"
Regina frowned. "No one has ever mentioned that before. Do queens here in Sherwood have secretaries?"
"Usually. There was a woman who served as Queen Catherine's secretary but she asked to be released so she could help her daughter, who was due to have a child. Her Majesty was about to look for a new one but then His Majesty passed and you came along," Tink explained.
"Perhaps I'll talk to her about it at lunch," Regina said, pushing herself out of the chair. "For now, though, I have some letters to write."
Tink nodded. "I'll go send your response to Widow Lucas. Hopefully I won't be long, but there are guards posted at the door."
Robin had taken extra precautions even with Lord Nottingham still locked in the tower. No one had seen Keith since he had threatened Regina the day his father was arrested. Court gossip said that he had been sent home by his mother to calm down but Regina wasn't too certain of that. Neither was Robin, who couldn't get a straight answer from his aunt, and he then ordered the additional protection for her. If she was honest, she appreciated it.
Once Tink left, Regina eased herself into her chair. She rubbed her bump again, feeling some movement from her unborn child. Was that what Widow Lucas meant by "quickening"? Sighing, she glanced down. "You're starting to make some things uncomfortable for Mama, sweetheart. That's alright, I forgive you. You're just growing."
She chuckled, picking up her quill to continue her letter to Snow White. Regina had asked that a herald not be sent to Mist Haven as she wanted to tell the Princess herself in a letter. It would also give Snow a feeling of being a grown up, acting as a diplomat to announce Regina pregnancy at court, she knew.
I am excited about becoming a mother but I am still scared. The same concerns I had about becoming your mother are still there—I am not certain I have had enough experience to guide my son or daughter as he or she grows up. Yet, I also know I will have Robin by my side the entire time. We'll figure it out together.
You must come to visit after I've had the baby. I would love to see you and for you to see my child. Robin and I will work everything out with your father.
I hope you are well and you are minding your studies. I can't wait to read your next letter.
Yours,
Regina
Leaning back in the chair, Regina absentmindedly rubbed her stomach as she read over the letter again. Pleased with it, she sprinkled some dust to soak up the access ink before she sealed it. She would have it sent with the next dispatch, which she believed would leave the following day.
She looked out the window at the snow-covered trees. There had been a quick storm the night before that had put down a fresh layer of snow on the grounds. Robin had held her as they stood at the window, watching the white flakes dance in the wind on their way down to the ground. It was a beautiful and peaceful sight.
"I can't wait for you to see how beautiful this world is," she told her baby. "You're going to love it."
"Talking to the baby?" asked the high-pitched voice that haunted her dreams. Her blood ran cold as she stopped rubbing her stomach. She slowly turned around, coming face to face with her golden tormentor. Rumpelstiltskin leaned against the couch, arms crossed as he grinned at her. "Someone is feeling maternal already."
She jumped up, trying to put as much distance between her and him as possible. "What are you doing here? GUARD! GUARD!"
He laughed. "Yell all you want, dearie. No one is going to hear you."
"What did you do?" she asked, worried that the poor guard lay dead outside her door.
"Just soundproofed the room," Rumple replied. "No one is going to hear you and no one is dead. Happy?"
Regina shook her head. "I want you to leave me alone. You won't get me and you won't get this child."
He stood up from the couch, approaching her. "Don't worry, dearie. I don't want this child. I want your daughter, if I can't have you."
"Do you mean…" Regina ran her hands over her bump, his words sinking in. "Am I having a son?"
"Yes, yes. Sherwood is going to have a Crown Prince in a few months. Of course, that is if his mother's head isn't on the chopping block," Rumpelstiltskin replied.
Her eyes narrowed at him. "Are you threatening me?"
"No, no," he said, quickly. "Just taking stock of the political atmosphere. There are those here at court who want you removed. Preferably from your head in the process."
"Robin wouldn't let that happen." Her hand, though, still flew up to her neck as panic seized her.
The Dark One nodded. "Of course not. Then again, the same people who want your head also want his. He won't be able to protect you if he's dead."
"Have you come here to torment me? To threaten my husband, my baby and myself? Because I won't stand for it." She took her letter opener in her hand, holding it out like a knife.
"I'm only here to warn you how dire your situation is," he replied. "I doubt your husband has told you or is even aware himself. And I've also came to offer you a way to protect yourself and your family."
She frowned, keeping the letter opener in front of her. "You're going to tell me that magic will solve all my problems, aren't you?"
"Well, not all of them, but most of them, yes," he said, stepping closer. "Because to magic, weapons are useless."
He waved his hand and her letter opener disappeared in cloud of mauve smoke. She gasped, looking around for wherever it was he sent it as well as for something else she can use to defend herself.
"There's nothing you can find that will protect you from me," he said, as if reading her mind. "Though I'm not here to hurt you."
Regina shook her head. "I find that hard to believe. You're here to make me scared, to come to you as your student. You are hurting me, even if you're not touching me."
"You can make me go away," he said, holding out his hands. "You know how. It's deep inside you."
Panic seized her and she shook her head. "I won't become your student and I won't use magic. All I want to do is be Robin's wife and mother this child."
"There are forces that won't let you do either. Are you going to let them win? Or are you going to fight them?" he pressed, stepping even closer.
The panic turned to anger. How dare this imp corner her in her own rooms and threaten her? How dare he demand to know how she was going to deal with her husband's court…her court? Fire seemed to burn in her veins as she stepped closer to him. "Leave."
"Make me," he taunted. There was a wild gleam in his eyes and his smile was too smug for her liking. All she wanted to do was wipe it off his face.
Her hand felt hot and she glanced down at it, surprised to see fire dancing over her palm. She let out a little shriek and it died, leaving no burns or scorch marks behind. What had happened? How had she done that?
Rumpelstiltskin's eyes sparkled as he clapped. "There it is. The sparks of your magic. You can fan those flames into a wildfire and consume your enemies."
"And myself as well as everyone I love," she snapped. "I won't let that happen. So you can leave."
"I advise you to follow Her Majesty's words," Robin said. His voice sent a feeling of calm over Regina and she leaned over to find him standing in the doorway, arrow nocked in his bow.
The Dark One nodded. "Fine. But think about how that felt, Your Majesty. I'll be waiting for you."
He disappeared in a cloud of mauve smoke and Robin raced forward, throwing his bow and arrows to the side. Regina collapsed into the chair, shaking as her husband knelt before her. "Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" he asked.
She shook her head. "He didn't touch me."
"And the baby?" Robin placed his hand on her stomach, frowning.
"He didn't hurt the baby either," she said. "He told me he doesn't want this child because it's not a girl."
Realization lit up Robin's eyes and he gave her a little smile. "A boy? We're having a son?"
"If we can trust the Dark One, yes," Regina replied, laying her hand over his. "Are you happy?"
"I'm just happy to be having a child with you. I'd be just as happy with a daughter as I am with a son." He sat up straighter, kissing her.
She pressed her forehead to his when they broke the kiss. "He told me magic was the only way to stop our enemies at court or else we'd both be beheaded."
"I'm not going to let that happen," Robin vowed. "Nothing will happen to you or our child."
"I'm still scared," she admitted, voice soft.
He nodded, kissing her forehead. "Me too. But you can lean on me. We'll get through this together."
They pressed their hands to her stomach again as the babe inside her fluttered around. She felt some pressure against her insides, a quick jab that almost felt like a kick. Robin's eyes widened and he grinned. "I felt him!"
"He's gotten quick active," Regina said, her mood brightening. "Come on, sweetheart. Can you give another kick for your father?"
It didn't take long before she felt the little leg kick at her again. Robin's smile widened before he pressed a kiss to her stomach. "I promise you, little prince, that I will keep you and your mother safe. You have nothing to worry about."
He pressed his cheek to her stomach and Regina stroked his hair, enjoying the moment before it was stolen from her.
The Widow Lucas arrived at their bedchambers that night. Tink ushered her in and took the woman's cloak as Regina sat on the couch, feeling like she might have eaten too much at supper earlier. All she wanted to do was curl up beside her husband and fall sound asleep.
"Good evening, Your Majesties," the widow said, curtsying to them. "How are you feeling this evening?"
"Tired," Regina replied, honestly. "So's the baby. He hasn't really moved since supper. Much like me."
Widow Lucas chuckled. "I can imagine. He's probably sleeping but will no doubt wake up when you're trying to sleep."
"Oh good. Something to look forward to." She crinkled her nose while Robin chuckled softly beside her.
"Why don't you change into your shift and go lie on your bed? I'll be able to examine you better," the older woman instructed.
Robin helped Regina up, supporting her as she walked to the bedroom. "I'm not that bad. I could've made it," she told him.
"I know," he assured her. "I just like being close to you. Do you need help getting out of your dress?"
"I'm pretty certain that is Tink's job." She gave him a look as her handmaiden entered the room.
Tink leaned against the wall. "I can always help Widow Lucas, Your Majesty, if you would like to help Her Majesty."
"I would, Tink," he replied. "Thank you."
Once she was gone, Robin motioned for Regina to turn around so he could undo her laces. "You don't have to watch me like a hawk," she told him.
"That's not what I'm doing."
"Isn't it?" Her dress slid down her body and pooled at her feet. She breathed out in relief to be freed from her stays and leaned against Robin. "Oh, that feels good."
He wrapped his arms around her. "I bet it does. And I'm not watching you like a hawk, lovely. I'm just taking care of my wife. Is that a crime?"
"When you put it that way, no," she said, turning around to kiss him. "Are you going to stay for the examination?"
"If you're comfortable with it, I would like to," he replied, letting her go.
She bit her lip, nodding. "You can stay."
Robin kissed her forehead before going to let Widow Lucas in. "You should probably lay down like she told you."
Doing as he instructed, Regina climbed onto their bed and laid down over the quilt that covered it. She adjusted the pillow to make herself more comfortable before sighing. Regina prayed this examination was quick and that everything was well.
Widow Lucas entered with Tink at her side. The older woman smiled again, setting her bag down by the bed. "I'm going to lift up your shift so I can get a better look. Do you have any problems with that?"
"No," Regina replied. "Do whatever it is that you need to do."
"I'll be measuring your abdomen to see how you are growing and therefore how the baby is growing," Widow Lucas explained, pulling out a measuring tape like the tailor used. "This won't hurt at all."
Regina nodded, taking Robin's hand. They both watched as the woman measured her stomach, nodding. "You're progressing quite nicely and I believe the baby is growing just fine. Has he been kicking?"
"Yes," Regina replied. "Robin even felt him earlier."
Widow Lucas smiled. "Mother's intuition telling you it's a boy?"
She hesitated, not certain if the midwife would accept her knowing that the Dark One was plaguing her and that he was the one who told her she was having a son. "I guess you can call it that."
The woman stopped, frowning as she looked Regina over. She glanced back at the door, making certain it was closed, before sitting down next to the bed. "I feel like you have a great burden on your shoulders. You can tell me anything, Your Majesty. I am not here to judge you."
"There are people here at court who wish to see harm come to me," she admitted softly. Regina believed it was the safer of her burdens. "His Majesty and I have been very worried about it."
"Understandable. Do you have anything that can relieve stress?" Widow Lucas asked, looking through her bag.
Regina frowned, shaking her head. "What would relieve stress?"
"Other than running away from court?" Robin asked, giving her a half-smile.
Widow Lucas chuckled. "There are some teas I can recommend to your handmaiden for you to drink. And I advise you let your husband rub this oil on you daily."
She pulled a green bottle from her bag and held it out to Robin. "It's eucalyptus oil. There's a merchant who brings it to me from a more southern kingdom. I find it helps relax people."
"Can I use this as well?" Robin asked, smiling as he took the bottle. "I know I can use some relaxation."
Widow Lucas shrugged. "If it works, you both can use it. And I can always give you more."
"Thank you," Regina told her, watching as Robin placed the bottle on his nightstand. "I think we'll both benefit from it."
"Well, I'm pleased with how you're progressing. If you have any questions or concerns, just send your handmaiden down to me. I'm always in the village." Widow Lucas closed her bag and stood. "Have a good night."
Robin stood, approaching the woman. "Her Majesty and I thank you for the care you are providing her and our unborn child."
"It is my pleasure. I must say everyone in the village is excited for this birth. You would think it was their child!" She chuckled.
"Their Majesties are very beloved by their subjects," Tink replied. "I'm certain their child will be as well."
She then ushered the midwife from the room as Regina pulled her shift back down. "Everything is going well."
"Which is a relief." Robin returned to his nightstand, picking up the bottle again. "Do you think this will really work?"
"The teas and the lavender have helped you. I can't see why an oil made from a plant wouldn't either." She climbed onto her side of the bed. "We can try it tomorrow."
He leaned over her, face hovering inches from hers. "Are you certain you don't want to try it now? A massage might do you good."
She smiled, rubbing his cheek with her hand. "Perhaps, but all I want to do is curl up with you and fall asleep. Can we do that?"
"Of course," he replied, kissing her. He pulled away to douse the lamps while she snuggled into their blankets.
Robin climbed in and curled against her, spooning her. He placed his hand on her stomach, rubbing it as they both drifted off to sleep. "I love you," he murmured. "Both of you."
She smiled…until their son gave her a rather hard kick. She winced and then sighed. It seemed her restless nights were just beginning.
Friar Tuck arrived at her rooms few days later, carrying some more lavender sprigs. "For His Majesty. How are his headaches?"
"Getting worst," she said, keeping her voice low. She motioned toward their bedroom, where Robin was sleeping off another one. "You are a lifesaver with this lavender."
He nodded, frowning. "Does the physician still think they are caused by stress?"
"Yes. He seems to be correct. Everything with Lord Nottingham has made his headaches worse," Regina answered.
Tuck didn't say anything but he did start stroking his chin. Regina tensed up, fearing he suspected something more malicious at the root of Robin's headaches. Since the revelation that King Edward might have been murdered, she had grown more and more suspicious of things herself. "You don't think so?" she asked him.
"I don't know what to think," he replied. "In this current political climate, anything is possible."
She sank in a chair, sighing. "That's what I fear now too. Is there something that could be causing His Majesty's headaches?"
"It's possible. I'll do some research when I return to my study," he said, sitting down. He patted Regina's hand. "I want to cure Robin as much as you."
"Thank you," she sighed before rubbing her stomach. Her little prince was up again, kicking her constantly.
Tuck smiled. "The baby is moving now?"
"All the time. Especially at night when I'm trying to sleep. He just keeps kicking all the time," she replied.
"He? Does someone have a feeling about her baby?"
She hesitated, leaning closer to him. "The Dark One told me the baby is a boy and that he only wants my daughter when I have one if he can't have me."
Tuck frowned. "He's been by recently?"
"Unfortunately," she replied. "Robin nearly shot him with an arrow."
"I doubt that would've done anything," he said, shaking his head.
She shrugged. "He was trying to protect me. I appreciated it. And it did chase away the Dark One."
"He'll be back," Tuck told her.
"I know. And I know you're busy, but if you have any way to keep him from doing so…"
He took her hand, giving it a squeeze. "Let's take one thing at a time. As hard as it may be to believe, the Dark One is not our most pressing matter."
She nodded, knowing he was right. They had bigger problems to deal with before they could focus on ridding themselves of the Dark One for good. "Lord Nottingham, right. How goes your investigation?"
"It…goes," he admitted, leaning back. "There are some willing to speak against him but many more unwilling. I think either Keith or the Abbot got to them."
"The Abbot? Would he really mess up the investigation like that?" she asked, playing with her skirts.
"He wants to make certain my investigation proves Lord Nottingham innocent. Told me as such before I began."
Regina frowned, clasping her hands on the table. "Did you tell Robin this?"
"He knows where the Abbot stands," Tuck answered.
"That wasn't a 'yes' or a 'no,'" she pointed out. "So I'm going to assume you didn't tell Robin specifically about it."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I didn't specifically tell Robin about it. They are severely underestimating you, milady."
"Who?" she asked with a frown.
"Lord Nottingham, Lord Ellis and their supporters," he replied. "They think you will be easy to trick into doing something incriminating."
"Like what? Get caught cavorting with the Dark One?" she asked. "Or with my supposed lover?"
"Both, plus you actually practicing magic."
Her hand flew up to her neck, knowing the price of practicing magic in the Abbot's world. "They really want me dead."
Solemn, Friar Tuck nodded. "I'm afraid so, milady. However, they are the minority here at court."
"Yet very powerful," she reminded him.
He nodded. "True. But not as powerful as your husband and his family. They are standing behind you."
"I know and I'm grateful. Doesn't mean I'm not scared." She wrung her hands, feeling the urge to pace.
"Which is natural," Tuck replied, taking her hands again. "I would be concerned if you weren't scared."
A soft groan drew their attention to the doorway. Robin leaned against the doorframe, rubbing his forehead. "What time is it?" he asked, groggily.
"About an hour before supper," Regina replied, glancing at the watch she wore around her neck. "Do you want me to send word that we won't be attending?"
When he shook his head, she frowned and stood up. She ran her hand over his forehead. "You need rest, Robin."
"I need to be seen. You need to be seen. We need to be seen together," he explained, flinching. "Sorry. My brain's not working so well."
"All the more reason for you to stay in here and rest," she said. "I can always attend without you."
He shook his head. "That will only draw attention to the fact that something's wrong."
"I agree," Friar Tuck said and she gritted her teeth, wishing he had taken her side this time.
"I need to go down there tonight," Robin stressed. "I'll drink more tea. I'm certain this headache will clear up by then."
She wanted to protest, wanted to march him back to bed and tuck him back in until she was certain he wasn't in any more pain. Yet she had been raised to know how important duty was, so she just nodded. "Fine. Just promise you won't push yourself too much."
"I promise," he said, taking her hand from his cheek and kissing her fingers. "If I have to withdraw, would you mind being the cover? No one is going to question a woman in your condition feeling ill."
Regina smiled softly. "I'll gladly be your cover."
"Then I shall see you both down there for supper," Tuck said, bowing slightly. "I warn you to be careful, though I'm certain you both know that."
"We do, but thank you," Robin said, pulling Regina close. She curled against him, resting her hand over his heart. Resting her head on his shoulder, she prayed that nothing bad would happen to them at least this night.
Regina sat next to Robin at the dais, eyes scanning the room for anyone who might mean them harm. Yet she just saw everyone who had been dining with them since they resumed public suppers, so she was at a loss. All she could do was trust that no one would try anything with so many witnesses and soldiers around them.
Ana reached out and took her hand. "Regina, are you alright?" she asked, keeping her voice low so no one else could hear her.
"Yes," Regina lied. "Just looking to see who's here."
Her friend, though, was not fooled. "It's alright to be on edge after what Lord Nottingham put you through."
"It's not alright to show it. Mother may have been wrong about many things, but she was right about not showing weakness."
Ana nodded. "Well, you look more concerned than unaffected. You might want to work on that."
"If Robin needs to leave, we're claiming the baby is making me sick," Regina told her. "I would like to think my current look might help pull that off."
"It would," Ana agreed, leaving her alone for the moment.
Robin took her hand. "Don't worry, lovely. It's just supper. No one would be foolish enough to do something now."
"Except Keith," she muttered.
He chuckled. "That's why Aunt Maggie sent him back to the family home in Nottingham. She's disavowing her husband once the trials begin."
"Disavowing?"
"She's ending her marriage," he explained. "Any spouse can do it if they disavow their partner, as long as the judges determine they have a good reason. We've had a few husbands try to disavow their wives over their cooking and wives disavow their husbands for not helping around the house."
Regina smiled, leaning closer to him. "I'll keep that in mind."
"Would you really disavow me?" he asked, smirking as he looked her over.
"No," she assured him. "Would you do the same for me?"
He shook his head, kissing her hand. "Never. No matter what my court tries to accuse you of."
"That's only somewhat reassuring," she told him, reaching for her goblet as the servants cleared away their empty dishes.
The doors to the Great Hall was thrown open, bouncing off the walls. The Abbot strode in, flanked by guards. Lord and Lady Ellis followed them, concerning Regina. She reached over and took Robin's hand as he stood, frowning.
"What is the meaning of this, Abbot?" he asked, watching as the religious leader stopped before the dais.
The Abbot glared at Regina. "Some…alarming information about Her Majesty has been brought to my attention."
Her throat felt dry and she found it difficult to breath as she recalled Tuck's and Robin's stories of what the Abbot could do if he was convinced she was a witch. She tried not to let it show but she feared she was failing.
"Can this not wait for the morning?" Robin asked, fire burning in his eyes.
"I'm afraid it can't," the Abbot replied.
"She'll take all my hair by then!" Lady Ellis exclaimed, pointing at Regina.
Frowning, Regina looked at the woman's hair. It was messy and patchy in places, as if she had been attacked by someone with a scissor. "I don't know what you are talking about, Lady Ellis," she said.
"Hush, Regina," Catherine whispered, standing behind her chair. "Just let her rant. Don't say anything else."
Lady Ellis held her head high. "You have cursed me to lose all my hair. Do not deny it."
"You know this is not the right venue to air your grievances," Lady Wellingsbury said, standing at her table. Other council members followed suit, all tense as if they would have to fight.
The Abbot kept his gaze on Regina. "They have my permission. How does the queen plead to the accusations?"
"She doesn't have to answer that," another council member called out. She couldn't make out who it was as her heart was pounding so loud, it almost drowned out every other sound.
"I demand she answer it now, in public." He placed his hands on the table and leaned closer to her. "Well, Your Majesty?"
Regina looked up at Robin. If he had magic, she imagined he would set the Abbot on fire from the flames dancing in his eyes. He placed his hand on her shoulder, squeezing it as a silent message for her to stay quiet as he leaned down to address the Abbot. "You are overstepping your boundaries."
"I agree," Tuck said, appearing by the Abbot's side. "There are proper ways to do this. Please follow them."
The Abbot glanced over at the friar. "Stay out of this, Tuck. We know where your loyalties lie. You have much to atone for."
"I am certain I do," Tuck agreed, "but not for the reasons you think. Now, please leave Her Majesty alone. She can give you her answer in the morning, in the throne room, like the law dictates."
Sniffing, the Abbot leaned back. "Fine. As long as their Majesties agree she is to be locked up until then."
"Locked up? In her condition?" Robin was indignant and she heard others around the room echo his sentiments.
The Abbot held up his hands. "She will not be locked up in the tower, but in a room in the monastery under my guards."
"And Friar Tuck," Catherine added, speaking for the first time since advising Regina to stay quiet.
Regina held her breath until the Abbot nodded. "I will allow Friar Tuck to stay with Her Majesty. However, it will be in a room she cannot escape from."
"She has no intention of escaping. She has every intention of fighting this absurd accusation," Robin said, voice firm and full of fire.
The Abbot smirked. "I'm certain she does. For now, though, I must ask that Her Majesty stand and allow my guards to escort her to the monastery."
"Can't her handmaiden fetch her cloak first? It's freezing outside," Lady Eleanor said, scowling at the Abbot. "Consider her condition."
It seemed her pregnancy was an added burden to the Abbot for he huffed before answering: "Her girl can meet us at the door. She can then bring clothes for her tomorrow morning."
Robin helped Regina up, pressing his forehead to hers. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
"Don't be," she replied. "Sleep tight and I'll see you in the morning."
"I don't think I'll be able to sleep without you next to me," he whispered and she felt the same way. They both had to try though.
He leaned down and kissed her, keeping it chaste no doubt to appease the Abbot. When he pulled away, she walked toward the door with her head held high. She was not going to be treated like a prisoner. With every step, she decided she was done with the threats and the outright hostility.
She was going to fight with every bit of strength she had and put everything to rest once and for all.
A/N: I know everyone probably hates the Abbot even more now. You'll probably want to kill him as the story goes on. Just form a line and try to keep things clean please.
I've been keeping to an alternating pattern—odd chapters are from Regina's perspective, even from Robin's. However I'm going to go with a split POV pattern next chapter so we get both perspectives as the Abbot's plan continues.
Thanks for your patience!
-Mac