Chapter 20: Regina's Trial
Robin stared at the fire as he sat on his couch, sipping his whiskey. He had lost count of what glass he was on, but the amber liquid did nothing to help his inability to sleep nor the dull pounding still in his head. All he could see was Regina being led out by the Abbot's guards over and over again while he was powerless to stop them.
He hated himself for that.
"The fire didn't arrest Regina," Will said from his spot in the armchair. "Stop glaring at it like it did."
"This isn't right, Will. You should be asleep next to your wife," Robin replied, not looking over at his friend.
"And you should be sleeping next to yours," Will replied.
Robin sighed, taking another sip of his whiskey. "I should. But I'm not."
"No, you're not." He heard Will set down his own glass before joining Robin on the couch. "Look at me, mate."
Obeying his friend, Robin turned his head to Will. Looking into his sympathetic eyes, Robin felt the dam break and all his feelings came tumbling out. "I'm a pathetic excuse for a husband. I should be able to protect her. I didn't and I can't. Not from the Abbot. He wants her and I…I could lose her and my child."
"You don't think the Abbot would kill an innocent, do you?" Will frowned.
Sighing, Robin swirled the amber liquid remaining in his glass as he considered his answer, one that hardened his heart. "I would like to think not but the Abbot may not consider our son innocent because of Regina."
"Son? You think Regina is having a boy."
Robin bit his lip, deciding he could trust Will. "The Dark One told her we are. And I doubt he would lie about that, not when he wants either Regina or our daughter. So we've accepted that Regina is having a son."
"Do you think the Abbot knows that the Dark One has been visiting her?" Will asked, concerned.
"Who knows? I know nothing about my court, it appears, and have lost all control of it." Robin stood, stalking away from the fireplace and toward the window. The monastery, though, was not on the side of the palace grounds his windows faced, so he couldn't even pretend to watch over his beloved wife.
He heard Will approach him. "You haven't lost control of the court. The Abbot is making a power play he wouldn't dare with your father."
"You're right," Robin said, his stomach sinking. It was just another way he had already failed as king. "I don't have the respect Father had."
"No, you do. We both know the Abbot didn't respect your father, he just knew that going against him wasn't a wise decision."
"So he thinks I'm weaker than my father." Robin turned around, sighing. "That might be worse."
Will shook his head. "He underestimates you. You're young but you have your morals and your intelligence. And you have an intelligent and vivacious wife. You both have the upper hand."
"I really wish I believed it as much as you do." Robin drained the rest of his whiskey before setting down the glass. He grew woozy and rubbed his eyes. "I think I'll go attempt to sleep."
"That sounds like a good idea. I think I'll do the same. Let me go find a blanket and I'll set myself up on the couch," Will said, setting down his own empty glass.
Robin shook his head, feeling bad that he had kept his friend from his own family for so long. "Go back to your rooms. I'll be fine."
"I'm not going anywhere. Ana is not expecting me back. She'd have my head if I left you alone, not that I want to." Will squeezed his shoulder and Robin placed his hand over his friend's, grateful for their brotherhood.
Once Will was set up on the couch, Robin went to his room. He stared at the bed there, looking far too big for just one person. It hadn't even been a year since he married Regina, yet he couldn't remember what it felt like to sleep alone. What it felt like to drift off without her in his arms, without her vanilla scent filling his nostrils or her soft body pressed against his. He didn't know how he had slept without her before and wasn't certain he would do so now.
He had to try, though. Robin knew everyone would tell him that he needed all his energy for what laid ahead—his mother, Lady Wellingsbury, Friar Tuck, even Regina. So he would strip, climb into bed and hug Regina's pillow. It would be a poor substitute for his wife but he prayed it would do until he could get her back.
Regina rolled over on the small cot provided for her. Her son was moving around too, his little feet kicking at her. It was bad enough she had very little room to sleep and that she didn't have Robin's arms around her. Now she had little jabs of pain keeping her up as well.
"The babe?" Friar Tuck asked. He sat in a reclining chair, a blanket tucked around his legs.
She nodded, sitting up as she rubbed her stomach. "Widow Lucas says he is quickening, which is a good thing. Except when I need to sleep."
"I've heard some women say they believe whatever time the babe woke in their womb was the time he or she woke during the night," Tuck said, smiling. "So you might want to get used to being up at this time."
"Wonderful," she groaned before hugging her pillow close to her chest. It smelled of lavender, much like Robin's clothes these days. Her eyes tears up and glanced up at a sympathetic Tuck. "I miss Robin."
He nodded. "I figured you would."
"I haven't slept without him for months," she continued. "It feels so lonely without him, even with you here."
"I understand. I may have dedicated my life to being chaste, but I understand companionship," Tuck replied.
She nodded. "I'm certain you do."
"This isn't forever," he assured her, voice firm and confident.
"I wish I could believe you," she admitted. "But we both know the Abbot wants me to burn for being a witch for some reason."
Tuck nodded but still tried to soothe her. "I know but we're going to do everything to keep that from happening."
"But in some ways I am a witch," she replied, thinking of the fireball she had inadvertently conjured. What would the Abbot say if he knew about that?
"I wouldn't say that too loud. The walls have ears in this place, despite it being a supposed place of sanctuary." He glared at the wall. Tuck then joined her on the bed, taking her hand. "Are you actively using magic, my queen?"
She leaned closer, whispering: "I thought you said the walls have ears."
"They do," he whispered back. Then he said louder: "Please give me an honest answer."
"I am not actively using magic," she replied, keeping her voice loud and even. She even held her head high, in case the walls had eyes as well.
He nodded, patting her hand. "Then you are not a witch. Do not let anyone's word sway you. Hold fast to your own convictions and be truthful."
Regina tried to take heart from his words but found them a cold comfort. Still, she squeezed his hand in return. "Thank you."
"Now try to get some rest," he said, standing. "If not for you, then for the babe."
"He's the one keeping me up most of the time," she replied but laid down anyway. Tuck pulled the blankets over her before heading back to his own cot. She watched him lay down as her eyes began to shut, sleeping not so elusive anymore.
Robin tugged on the collar of his velvet doublet. It remained as still as ever and he was certain it was going to choke him. "They over starched it again," he complained.
"I think you're just nervous," Will said, coming over to check the garment. He gave the collar a tug. "It feels fine to me."
Sighing, Robin nodded. He walked over to his table where his half-eaten breakfast sat, growing cold. Did the Abbot make certain Regina had eaten? Had the man spared any thought for the innocent babe growing inside her?
"Tuck is no doubt taking excellent care of Regina," Will said, as if reading his mind.
"She should be sitting here," he replied, leaning against her chair. "She should be in her shift, with her hair braided, and eating breakfast with me as we discuss our day."
"Regina will be back here in soon. You'll see," Will argued. "Reason has to win the day, right?"
Robin pushed away from the chair, anger and uncertainty boiling inside him. "We both know reason is not in control right now."
"Then give it control again. You aren't as powerless as you seem to think you are," Will replied.
"It feels like it."
Will nodded, still trying to be the voice of reason Robin wasn't sure he needed. "I know. But don't let them get to you or Regina. You need to fight harder than you ever have before."
"He's right," Mother said, entering the room. She gave Robin a sad smile. "Your father would tell you the same thing."
He sighed, hugging her. Thoughts of his father filled him and Robin longed to have the man there again to counsel him. "What would he do in my position?"
"Honestly? He'd probably grab the nearest sword and start swinging. I don't particularly advise that one," she replied and he could feel her crinkle her nose.
"No, I imagine not," he said, pulling away with a light chuckle. He then grew serious again. "I want to take Regina and run away, find a small cottage in the middle of the woods and live there with her and our child."
Mother chuckled. "Your father used to say the same thing. He'd tell me he wanted to take you and me far away, just find someplace where we could be a normal family."
"Yet we also have a duty to our people," Robin added, knowing it in his gut and heart. "We can't just leave them without leaders."
She nodded, pride in her eyes. "And that's what kept us here."
"And it will keep me and Regina here," Robin declared.
She sighed, laying her hand against his cheek. "I wish everything was smoother for you two. Neither of you deserve this treatment. It's…been a long time coming. Factions have been forming in the court for years but posed no immediate threat. So your Father did nothing."
"And now my wife is caught in the crosshairs." Robin rubbed his face before sagging into the seat. He looked up at his mother and knew she had to know how dangerous the situation really was. "Well, Father was caught as well."
She frowned and her brows furrowed as she sat down next to him. "What do you mean by that, Robin?"
"Forgive me, Mother," he said, taking her hand. "Lady Wellingsbury and I have been keeping something from you. About father's death."
A hard look came to her eyes and she squared her jaw. "He was murdered, wasn't he?"
"We believe so. Lord Nottingham…made a comment that led us to believe Father was poisoned," Robin said, watching her closely.
"Did he do it?" she asked, a coldness in her voice he had never heard before. It was reflected in her eyes.
He chose his words carefully, not used to seeing Mother in such a state. "We're not certain if it was him, Lord Ellis or an accomplice."
"Well, even if they didn't put the poison in your father's food or drink, Lords Nottingham and Ellis know who did. And I will personally string up everyone involved. Mark my words," she told him. He believed her.
"We'll do it together," Robin replied, taking her hand and looking her right in the eyes. "I promise you that."
She cupped his cheek. "No wonder you've been so jumpy lately. Regina's been very worried about you."
"She knows. Lady Wellingsbury finally agreed with me to at least tell her about our suspicions."
"While I'm certain Diana had her reasons, I'm going to have a very long talk with her when all is said and done," Mother replied, standing. She shook her head. "Disease took Louis, my dear friend, and that seemed cruel. But it is nothing compared to the fact another person took Edward, the man I loved, the man whose side I spent my days and nights by, and who gave me you, from us."
Robin nodded, standing as well. "We will make whoever took him from us pay. Dearly. Just like I will make them all pay for hurting Regina."
Mother was quiet again, studying him in a way that made him wonder if he went too far. Was he going down a path of darkness, a path he would one day regret? Did she wonder that too? What kind of man and king would he become?
When she spoke, her voice was soft. "You are standing on a precipice, my son. What you do today will set the tone for the rest of your rule. Choose wisely."
"You're telling me to not get angry," Robin said, trying to understand what she was trying to tell him.
She shook her head. "Anger can be effective if used wisely and if you don't let it consume your reason. You have a good head on your shoulders, Robin, and your father's heart. Use both and you will be a great king."
Robin hugged her again, still confused but hoping he would figure it out before it was too late. "Thank you, Mother."
"Now, let's go rescue your queen," she said, pulling away and tapping his cheek with a soft smile.
Tink entered Regina's and Tuck's cell, carrying a gold damask gown in her arms. "I just got this from the royal seamstress. We believe this should give you ample room and help remind everyone that you are a queen."
"It seems sad that people would need reminding," Regina replied, feeling like every bone in her body ached. Her son also seemed to be doing somersaults, tumbling around inside her.
"I know," her handmaiden replied, setting down the dress. She then studied Regina, frowning in concern. "How are you feeling? Did you sleep well?"
Regina shook her head. "No, though I don't know the true culprit—the babe, the cot or the lack of my husband."
Tink nodded. "His Majesty didn't have an easy night either. Will spent it with him and from what I understand, they were both up for most of it."
"Poor Robin," she said, shaking her head. "He was probably beating himself up for not protecting me."
Her stomach twisted thinking of her husband pacing their rooms, trying to figure out a way he could've stopped all of this from happening. It was not his fault and she was certain there was nothing he could've done—except not marry her. That seemed worse than a sleepless night in this monastery. She knew neither of them would ever regret their marriage.
"I'll leave you alone to dress and go see what I can scare up for breakfast," Tuck said, tightening his rope belt. "I'll be back shortly."
Once he was gone, Tink moved toward Regina. "Is there some water? We can clean you up. Maybe it'll help refresh you a bit."
"I think they left an ewer over there. I wasn't in the mood to do much last night," Regina said, pointing to a far corner.
Tink nodded, hurrying over. She picked up the ewer and bowl as well as a towel, scowling as she brought them over. "The water is cool and the towel scratchy. You would think they would give you better."
"Have you met the Abbot?" Regina asked, giving Tink a look.
Her handmaiden sighed. "Fair point."
Tink helped Regina wash up as best as they could with just a pitcher of water and no soap, the younger woman muttering angrily the entire time. She pulled the heavy gown over Regina's head and made certain it settled properly over her body before lacing it up. "Let me know when it is tight enough for your comfort," she told Regina.
"It probably won't be very tight then," Regina replied, rubbing her stomach. She smiled, the thought of her child her only joy this morning. "The prince keeps growing."
"That's what he's supposed to do," Tink reminded her, pulling the laces a bit more. "How's that?"
Regina nodded, taking a few deep breaths to test it. "That's good. I can still breath and the dress is tight enough. Thank you, Tink."
Her handmaiden stepped around, hugging her. "Everything is going to be fine. You will see."
"I wish I had your optimism," Regina replied, accepting Tink's comfort. She loved having a friend. "For most of my life, things usually haven't gone my way."
Tink pulled away, smiling. "You got to marry His Majesty, though, and you're now having his child. I'd say your luck has turned around."
Regina smiled softly, her heart skipping a beat at the truth of her words. "I guess when you put it that way, it has."
"Exactly. The Abbot is in over his head."
"I hope so. Because I still feel Robin and I might be in over our heads. How can I handle such a man?" Regina asked.
"With grace and intelligence, two things you have already proven to have in spades," Tuck said, carrying in a tray. His words warmed her and bolstered her spirits.
He set up a small breakfast of oatmeal and fruit as well as a goblet of juice before turning to Regina, pulling out a chair. "Come. Eat. You'll need your strength."
She took her seat, smiling at him. "Thank you. And not just for the words. Your support means everything to me."
"I will support you to the very end, whatever it may be," he assured her.
Tink nodded, taking her hand. "Me too."
Regina pressed her lips together. "I just hope that end isn't a slow and painful death but a happy ending with Robin and our child."
"It will be," Tuck told her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You just need to believe it. Do you think you can do that?"
"I'm definitely getting better at it, so yes, I think can I do that." She smiled before turning back to her breakfast.
Robin paced the foyer, waiting for the party from the monastery to arrive. He felt like he had when waiting for Regina to walk down the aisle the day they wedded, though with a pit of dread in his stomach. All he wanted to do was glimpse her, to make certain she and the babe were unharmed.
The doors opened and he stopped, holding his breath. Tuck escorted Regina into the palace as Tink followed behind. Regina looked radiant in a gold dress, her curls pinned away from her face but tumbling down around her shoulders. A diamond encrusted tiara sat nestled amongst her dark locks and she held her head high, allowing the jewels to catch the sunlight. It gave her a halo and made her look angelic, the opposite of the demon the Abbot wished to paint her as.
Relief swept through him. While she looked tired, she appeared unharmed. He rushed forward and he saw her relax when she caught sight of him. She held out her arms, wrapping them around his neck as he took her into his arms. Robin held her close, relishing the feel of her. "I missed you."
"I missed you too," she said, nuzzling his neck with her nose. "All I wanted was this—to be in your arms."
He nodded, kissing the side of her head. "Did you get any sleep last night?"
"Some. You?"
"The same," he said, pulling away so he could press a hand against her bump. "How's the baby?"
"He's doing good. Kept kicking through the night, like usual. It reminded me that I still had a part of you," she admitted, placing her hand on the swell.
As if sensing that they were talking about him, their son kicked. Robin felt the thump against his palm and he smiled, feeling the life he and Regina created. "He's strong," he said.
"Like his father," she replied, smiling at him.
He smiled, tucking his fingers under her chin. "Like his mother."
The Abbot entered the palace, sneering as he spied Robin and Regina. He approached the two. "Your Majesty, I advise you not to talk to the prisoner."
"She is my wife," Robin reminded him, voice cold as he resisted the urge to rip the man into shreds. "She is also the queen. Not a prisoner."
"She is on trial," the Abbot countered.
Robin's fingers itched to close around the sword he had decided to don at the last minute. "For ridiculous charges."
The Abbot smirked. "We'll see about that. For now, I need to take the prisoner…"
"Her Majesty," Robin corrected.
"I need to take her inside," the Abbot snapped, no doubt upset at being interrupted and corrected. "Please, stand aside."
Will stepped forward, frowning. "You know His Majesty enters first. You will have to wait."
The Abbot scowled again. "Whatever you say. Either way, Her Majesty stays with me."
"I would prefer to escort her in," Robin said, holding Regina closer. He feared that if he let her go again, he would never get her back.
Will, though, squeezed his shoulder. "It's protocol for the Abbot and a guard to escort her into the court."
"Nothing about this follows protocol," Robin hissed. He kissed Regina before releasing her. "I'll see you soon, my love."
With one last glare at the Abbot, Robin followed Will into the throne room with his head held high. He would not let his subjects think he was defeated, especially those who wanted to see him and Regina brought down. They were not defeated nor would they ever be.
The Abbot's hand squeezed her arm so hard as they walked into the throne room that she was certain there were going to be finger-shaped bruises on her arm later. She didn't let her face reflect the pain, though. She wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.
Sherwood's entire court was there, all standing still and quiet as they watched her walk down the aisle. There were no whispers, no one jostling to try and get a peek as in the past. It was as if they had all been turned into statues, aided by the fact they all chose to wear muted colors. Rather than the usual blues, greens and golds that usually filled the room, they wore blacks and grays.
It was almost as if they were attending a funeral, a thought that sent a shiver down Regina's spine.
"Stand here," the Abbot ordered, motioning to a wooden stand surrounded by railings that had been brought in for the proceedings. Regina stepped inside and he closed it behind her, trapping her there.
Tuck stood next to the box as the Abbot took a seat at the table across from the box. Behind him were the thrones, where Robin and his mother sat. Robin was clearly seething, openly glaring at the Abbot while Catherine showed no emotion as her eyes swept the room.
"We are here to try Her Majesty, Queen Regina, for the following crimes—witchcraft and treason," the Abbot began.
Regina's stomach dropped and there were whispers from the courtiers behind her. She knew how serious both crimes were and feared he was going to doom her to a death sentence with either one. Her hand flew to her stomach as she prayed for her child.
Tuck leaned forward, frowning. "Treason? That is a serious charge not usually prosecuted by you, Abbot."
"I know," he replied, dipping his quill into an inkpot, "but I think there's enough to join these two charges into one prosecution."
"I must warn you the severity of these charges as well as the consequences of leveling them, should they prove unfounded," Catherine warned him, giving him a cold look.
The Abbot returned it, showing almost no respect for the royal family. "I understand. However, I believe my accusations will be proven founded. Guard, bring in the letter."
Regina frowned as a guard brought in what appeared to be her latest letter to Snow White, judging by the lacy ribbon that was wrapped around it. She tied one around all her letters to Snow so that the young princess knew the dispatch was for her.
The Abbot took the letter from the guard, holding it up. "This is one of many letters Her Majesty has sent back to Mist Haven. Was Your Majesty aware of them?"
"Yes, I was," Robin replied, narrowing his eyes at the Abbot. "She writes to Princess Snow White on a regular basis and the Princess writes back. They are good friends. Almost like sisters."
"Have you ever read any of her letters, Your Highness?"
"They are Her Majesty's personal letters. I would never invade her privacy that way." Robin's eyes darted toward her, softening a bit. "She does sometimes read me passages from the Princess' letters and has asked my opinion on how to best word her responses."
The Abbot frowned. "You've never read all of them, though? How do you know Her Majesty is not passing information to Mist Haven?"
"Mist Haven is our ally," Robin reminded him. "Furthermore, I trust my wife. She is loyal to Sherwood."
"Is she?" the Abbot asked, opening the letter. "Why don't we read some of Her Majesty's words? Or does she object?"
Regina held her head high, realizing he was looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. "I have nothing to hide."
"We'll see," he replied, his confidence almost laughable. "Dearest Snow, I was happy to see your letter made it through all the snow we've had here in Sherwood. I haven't seen so much since the winter you were born and am looking forward to seeing grass again."
"Oh yes," Catherine said, sarcasm dripping from her tongue. "High treason indeed."
The Abbot didn't seem fazed by the interruption. "Let me continue. My days continue in the usual fashion. Robin and I break our fast together and then I spend my time with the ladies of the court, listening to their concerns and complaints. I won't bore you with them, for I doubt a girl of your age cares much for the worries of older women."
"Are you going to read the whole letter, Abbot?" Catherine asked, interrupting again. "Because right now it seems like a big waste of time."
"Have you read Her Majesty's letter before this? Can't you skip to the parts where you believe my wife is passing information to Mist Haven?" Robin asked, looking impatient. Or murderous. Regina wasn't quite certain which.
The Abbot began to squirm and Regina had to fight the impulse to smile at his discomfort. He cleared his throat. "I am not quite certain. I believe she has written the letter in code."
"Of course," Robin replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm much like his mother's earlier. "Clearly her talk of our harsh winter is code for our trade agreements. Or our army and their tactics."
Regina bit the inside of her cheek as the Abbot stuttered. He cleared his throat again as he set the letter down. "I request permission to present this letter later."
"Request denied," Robin replied, voice cold. "You were warned about presenting those charges and the consequences."
"Perhaps you should move on," Catherine suggested. Her eyes swept over Regina and she frowned. "First, can we bring a chair for Her Majesty? It seems cruel to force a woman in her condition to stand for so long."
Until she had mentioned it, Regina hadn't felt the pain in her legs. It crept up her back as she shifted from foot to foot. The soles of her feet like they were on fire and she winced with each move. Whispers went through the crowd as she grew visibly uncomfortable and within minutes, Regina heard the gate behind her open. She glanced over her shoulder to see two guards setting up a wooden, high back chair behind her. One bowed. "Your Majesty."
"Thank you," she said, sitting down. The pain in her back lessened though her feet still burned. She knew it would last for several more minutes but it was a relief to be off them for now.
"Are you feeling better, Your Majesty?" Catherine asked her, smiling softly.
Regina nodded. "Thank you."
"Please continue, Abbot. We do not have all day," Robin said, waving for the man to continue.
As the Abbot shuffled his papers, Regina relaxed against the chair. This trial appeared to be going in her favor. She knew not to count it as a win yet, but she felt more confident than she had that morning.
It took every ounce of Robin's self-control not to jump up from his throne and throttle the Abbot with his bare hands. The only thing keeping him from doing it was how obviously unprepared for this trial the Abbot truly was.
At least with the surprise charge of treason the man had added. Robin figured it was something he had seized on in his zeal to persecute Regina and he hadn't stopped to really look into it—especially since he hadn't even bothered to read the letter he was certain would prove her a traitor to Sherwood. It was going to cost him, especially if the rest of this trial didn't go his way.
However, they had to get through the witchcraft charges. Robin prayed the Great Being protected his wife and that they didn't have to explain her involvement with the Dark One. He doubted anyone else in his court would understand Regina's predicament and why she felt it had been her only recourse. It could sign her death warrant.
The Abbot stood. "Your Majesty, do you deny that your mother was known to be a witch?"
"No," Regina replied, keeping her voice calm. "It was well known. And I can attest to her magical abilities as she used them to wage a campaign of terror against me for most of my life."
"Do you possess magical abilities?"
His wife hesitated and Robin held his breath, wondering what she would say. "I might," she replied. "However, I have no interest in discovering if I do or not. I have no desire to learn magic. It can only bring bad things."
The Abbot smirked. "A pretty speech. But how do we now your mother didn't already teach you magic?"
"She wouldn't want me to be able to fight back like that. She liked having that power over me," Regina replied. If he could, Robin would put Lady Cora on trial rather than her daughter. She deserved to answer for her crimes against Regina.
"It's a pity we can't ask her, isn't it?" the Abbot asked. "She supposedly ran off when you agreed to marry His Majesty. Is that correct?"
Regina hesitated and Robin held his breath, wondering how she was going to answer. If she told the truth, she would no doubt condemn herself. He prayed that wouldn't happen. There was no way he was going to lose her.
"She didn't run off," Regina admitted, her voice soft. It broke Robin's heart and he saw Prince Henry hang his head in the crowd. They both knew she was about to damn herself but they couldn't stop her.
The Abbot grinned like a madman. "Oh? What happened to her?"
"I made a deal with the Dark One," she replied. "He sent her to another realm, one where she could no longer hurt me or my father."
Robin's heart sped up as he held his breath. She had essentially told the truth, just omitting the fact where she pushed her mother into the mirror. It still absolved her of using magic, though he was certain the Abbot would seize on the fact she made a deal with the Dark One.
Indeed, he did. He was downright giddy as he asked: "You made a deal? With the Dark One? What kind of a deal?"
"At the time, he said he would come back to ask me for something," Regina replied. "I figured he would want jewels or a lot of money."
"Did he?" the Abbot asked, leaning against the box.
She shook her head. "He wanted me to learn magic. I refused. And I keep refusing each time he asks me."
"So you admit to working with the Dark Arts?" Robin could see the noose tightening around Regina's neck and his hand closed around his sword. His moment of reckoning was coming.
Tuck jumped in, arguing Regina's case. "That's not what she said. She refuses to work with the Dark Arts."
"She's working with the Dark One," the Abbot said. "It's the same thing."
Robin clenched his fist around his sword, wanting to jump in and silence the Abbot once and for all. He wanted to dismiss this whole farce and take Regina back to their rooms so she could get some rest. Then tomorrow they would resume their usual routines and go about their lives—without the Abbot's interference.
The way it should be.
"I'm not working with him. I told you, I refuse to be his student," Regina repeated, standing so she could lean against the bar. She stared down the Abbot, forcing him to look into her eyes and find no deceit in them.
The Abbot backed away and Robin loosened his grip a bit. "How do we know you aren't going to turn over Sherwood to his dark magic?"
"Because even if that's what he wanted—which he doesn't—I wouldn't. I love Sherwood. I would hope everything I've done as queen has proven that," she insisted, still keeping her eyes on the Abbott.
Pride filled Robin and he resisted the urge to smile. It wouldn't do to incite the Abbot's wrath, not when Regina wasn't out of the woods yet. He had to wait and see what either she or Friar Tuck were able to argue next.
The Abbot doubled back to the table and pulled out a box. "You say you don't practice magic?"
"That's right," Regina countered. "I don't."
"Then what do you call this?" He pulled out a familiar cornhusk doll with blonde hair that appeared to be pulled out in places.
Robin sat up straighter, frowning. He had known that doll was no good and now wished he had destroyed it. For the life of him, he couldn't remember why he had tucked it into a small box rather than chucked it in the fire. Perhaps the pain from his headaches had dulled his common sense.
His wife frowned. "It looks like a strange poppet. What does it have to do with me?"
"Do you deny it is yours?" the Abbot asked.
"I do," she replied. "I'm too old for poppets."
He smiled a cruel smile. "This is no ordinary poppet. The hair belongs to Lady Ellis and whenever someone—say, yourself—pulls hair from the poppet, hair falls out of her head."
"It's not mine," she repeated, voice firm and confident.
"We found it in your rooms."
She frowned and held her head high as she once again denied ownership of the poppet. Robin leaned forward. "Abbot, if I may?"
The Abbot turned to Robin, frowning. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"I recognize the poppet," Robin said, heart hammering in his chest. He prayed he wasn't about to make things worse for Regina. "I discovered a maid placing it under my mattress a few months ago. I confiscated it and placed it in that box you have there."
"Your wife's handmaiden?" the Abbot asked, pointing to where Tink stood in the crowd behind Regina. Tink scowled at him in response.
Robin shook his head. "It was a maid who was not assigned to my chambers and who had no reason to be there. I ordered her to leave and that's when I discovered the poppet."
"Why didn't you turn it over so it could be properly cleansed? Why keep it where your wife had access to it?" the Abbot asked, almost accusing him.
Anger boiled Robin's blood and he started to stand, ready to confront the Abbot face-to-face. This seemed to be something they were going to have to settle with actions, not words, he believed. His mother, though, stopped him with a hand on his arm. She glared at the Abbot. "I remind you that you are addressing His Majesty, the King."
"My questions still stand," the Abbot replied, glaring at Robin. "His Majesty has a duty to his people."
Robin did stand at that, his heart pounding and his blood feeling like the lava he once read about as a child. "I know my duty, Abbot, and I have served my people well. I will not be questioned in such a manner."
"You are already treading a dangerous line, Abbot, after your earlier accusation against Queen Regina," Mother warned him. He was glad to have her by his side at this time. She was much calmer than he.
The Abbot nodded, stepping back. "Does Your Majesty feel he can identify the young maid in question?"
"I can," he said, confident in that even though he had been blurry-eyed from his headache. "Find her and I will prove the poppet is not my wife's."
Tink hurried over to her, holding out a goblet. "It's some cherry cordial. The Abbot is allowing you to drink while we wait for the maid to be found," she explained.
"I need food," Regina said, hearing her stomach growl. Her head felt like someone had filled with air and it was about to float away. She knew it was only minutes before the room began to spin and she fainted.
"Food! Her Majesty needs food! And something hearty," she heard Chloe yell. "Bring her some cold meats."
The Abbot's face turned red as he whipped around from his table. "No! The prisoner will get no food!"
"She's the queen, not some prisoner," Lady Wellingsbury argued, pushing her way to the front of the crowd. "Need we also remind you she is carrying the future king or queen of Sherwood?"
"I would rather die than see that bastard sitting on our throne!" he snarled, pointing at Regina's expanding stomach.
She covered her bump with her hand, ready to defend her unborn child no matter what. Robin, though, beat her to it. "That might be possible, Abbot," he snapped.
Regina had seen her husband angry many times so far in their short marriage and a few times it had been directed at her. However, she never feared he would grow violent. Robin tended to rage, using his words rather than his fists. This day, though, she believed her husband was moments from flying from his throne and pounding the Abbot's face into the ground. It also hadn't escaped her notice that he wore a sword and feared blood would be shed this day. She prayed to the Great Being for the first time since arriving in Sherwood, hoping it would keep Robin from doing something he'd regret once his temper cooled.
Catherine placed her hand on his arm, giving it a tug to urge him to sit down. He did so slowly, never once taking his eyes off the Abbot. Regina knew it was only a matter of time before he boiled over and took the man with him.
She knew Robin had told her she was his strength but she couldn't help but wonder if perhaps Nottingham was right—she was his weakness, leading him down a path he didn't want to go in order to protect her. Perhaps she had been tainted by the Dark One and the darkness was now spreading to Robin.
A plate of meats was handed to her by Lady Elizabeth, interrupting her musings. "Eat. Don't let that Abbot starve you or the babe. He has no right," she said.
"I have no intentions of letting that man hurt me or my child," Regina replied, placing some of the cold meats in her mouth. She glared at the Abbot as she chewed them, each bite its own act of rebellion. He would not win over her.
Once she was finished, Regina handed the platter to Tink and stood up. She approached the railing, keeping her eyes on the Abbot. Everyone fell silent, waiting to hear or see what she did next. "Abbot, may I ask a question?" she asked.
"No," he snapped. "The prisoner will remain quiet."
She clenched the railing harder, wishing it was his neck. "I would think I would have a right to defend myself."
"That's what Friar Tuck is here for," he told her. "You sit and listen."
"No," Lord Jonstone said, frowning at the Abbot. "She can ask you a question pertinent to her case. It is her right."
The Abbot clenched his jaw as he glared at Regina. "Fine. The prisoner may ask me one question."
She knew he was following Lord Jonstone's words literally just to be obstinate and difficult. Regina's question had to be a good one, she knew, one that would unravel his case against her faster than it would take them to find the maid that had hidden the poppet under her bed.
"Abbot," she started, her question formulating in her mind. "I am not from Sherwood."
He let out a patronizing laugh. "I think we all know that, Your Majesty."
"Well, since I'm not from Sherwood, I am not very familiar with its faith and teachings," she continued.
The Abbot glared at Friar Tuck. "A grievous oversight."
"I would also look at yourself," Tuck replied, unfazed. "You have a duty to educate as well."
Regina intervened before it became a battle between the two and her question was forgotten. "Can you instruct me on the Great Being's teachings on witchcraft and magic? Please?"
She hated to sound like she was begging but she threw in that last word to placate the Abbot. After all, she had been told that it was easier to catch flies with honey than vinegar. Regina hadn't been too certain what that meant until she watched Mother sweet talk a visiting dignitary, able to make a trade deal with him despite the fact she hated the man and complained about him in private. It had certainly been educational.
The Abbot appeared taken aback and at a loss for words. "Pardon?"
"Well, if I'm to be convicted as a witch, I would like to know how exactly I sinned against the Great Being," she said, the words just coming to her.
"Magic is inherently evil and against the Great Being's design," the Abbot replied. His voice was firm and authoritative.
There were some whispers through the crowd and Tuck picked up a thick black book he had. He handed it to Regina, whispering: "Make him point out the particular passages that prove that."
She nodded, feeling more confident as she held out the book. "Can you show me? Instruct me, please. I want to know."
Tuck's plan worked for it seemed the Abbot couldn't refuse her earnest request for knowledge, to be better informed. He took the book from her, beads of sweat appearing along his brow. "This isn't the right book," he said.
"It's not?" she asked, her heart sinking. She glanced at Tuck, pleading for help with her eyes.
He frowned, looking at the book. "Is that not The Great Treatise, written by the great Prophet, King Edward the First?" Tuck asked.
"It is," the Abbot replied, swallowing.
"And is that not where all our instruction on the faith comes from? The final authority on all matters of faith, in fact?"
The Abbot backed away. "It is. However, later instruction on witchcraft comes in the Letter on Evil."
"You wrote that," Tuck argued. "It's not approved to be used for basic instruction. We all know we must use The Great Treatise."
"And what does The Great Treatise say about witchcraft? Please tell me so I know," Regina replied, bringing the conversation back to her question. She didn't want to be lost in the power struggle between the two men.
The Abbot threw the book onto his table, fire burning in his eyes. "I refuse to answer the question."
"Why? Are there no passages about witchcraft in there?" she asked, confused. Was that why Tuck had her ask that question?
"There are," Tuck replied, picking up the book. "Shall I read one for the court to hear?"
The Abbot only sat down in response, looking away as if they weren't there. It was an odd response to Regina and she tilted her head, trying to figure out his game. Certainly he wasn't retreating to such a childish tactic as "if I can't see them, they don't exist"?
Meanwhile, Tuck had opened to a desired passage. "The Great Being knows there are dark forces out there who want to destroy Sherwood and see her people treated like slaves. To counteract these forces, the Great Being blesses several women of Sherwood with special powers and tasks them with the responsibility of learning to manipulate these powers for good. Any girl determined to possess this gift from the Great Being is to be trained by the elder women and impressed the great power given to her as well as her duties to the people. These women are to be revered.
"Does that sound familiar, Abbot?" Tuck asked, looking up from the book. Regina's heart beat faster. Had her question saved her life after all? Did that passage prove that witchcraft itself is not a crime?
The Abbot stood slowly. "The Great Being warns of dark magic. Regina stands accused of practicing that. Cavorting with the Dark One and casting a spell to harm Lady Ellis proves it. She is not to be revered. She is to be feared and ultimately purged from this world!"
Everyone gasped as Regina's heart sank again. She gripped the railing as her legs began to shake. Had her attempt at redeeming herself only condemned her instead? And had it condemned her unborn child as well? She closed her eyes as she swallowed down the bile rising in her throat. Why had she told the truth?
"We found her!" a guard yelled, dragging a scared maid with him. She couldn't be much younger than Regina with a pale blonde hair in a neat plait. The maid wore a gray dress that was a couple inches too short and dingy apron that had seen better days. Her eyes darted about and Regina felt sorry for the girl, believing she was just another pawn in whatever game was afoot.
The guard almost threw the girl down in front of the dais. Robin frowned and Regina knew he thought the maid mistreated. "Help her up," he ordered. "We won't hurt anyone, understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," the guard said, helping the young woman to her feet. She shook as she stood before the king and the Abbot.
Robin leaned forward. "What is your name?"
"Marigold," she replied, voice soft. She then bobbed a curtsy. "Your Majesty."
The Abbot held up the poppet. "Now, child, don't fear any retribution from the king. If you speak the truth, the Great Being will protect you and your soul. His Majesty claims you put this under his bed. Is he speaking the truth?"
Marigold hesitated. "I must tell the truth? Or risk my soul?"
"Yes," the Abbot insisted. "The truth. Did you put this poppet under the king's bed?"
"I did," the girl said, close to tears. "My mistress, Lady Ellis, bade me do it. She also has had me use scissors to cut large chunks of her hair out and then she tells people the queen used dark magic to do it. But it's all lies. I apologize for participating in such deceit and beg the Great Being to save my soul!"
She had fallen to her knees, gripping the Abbot's robe as she begged for forgiveness over and over. The man stared down at her, dumbstruck, while the rest of the court whispered behind them. Regina wanted someone to help the girl up and to assure her she had nothing to apologize for. Lord and Lady Ellis needed be the ones begging for forgiveness.
"The Great Being will have mercy on your soul, child," Tuck said, gently prying her fingers off the Abbot's robes. He then helped her up. "You have spoken the truth and the Great Being rewards that."
"Abbot, do you have any more evidence to present?" Catherine asked, tapping her hand against the armrest of her throne.
The Abbot shook his head, looking lost. "No, I rest at this time. I hold that Her Majesty does practice Dark Magic, sinning against the Great Being."
Regina stared at him as if he had grown another head. He was still going through with this even though his case was destroyed? She could only think of one reason. "Because I turned to the Dark One in a moment of weakness back in Mist Haven?" she asked.
"You can't condemn her for that," Tuck argued. "She only asked the Dark One for help. He provided the magic and so she's never used magic at all. Therefore she has not sinned against the Great Being. In fact, by resisting the Dark One's temptation, I argue she is serving the Great Being."
She admired Tuck's summation and prayed it worked, though it seemed the Abbot was intent on sending her to the stake. Fear gripped her as she wondered how they would overrule him.
"I can condemn her," the Abbot insisted, "and I do."
"Enough!" Robin yelled, standing. He stepped down from his throne and approached the Abbot.
Regina held her breath as she watched her husband stop before the Abbot. Even the man of faith appeared cowered a bit as he refused to meet Robin's eyes. His voice shook when he spoke. "You cannot interfere with this, Your Majesty."
"This is a mockery of a trial," Robin declared. "All your work has shown is your own hatred and prejudices, which are poisoning my court. Divisions have revealed themselves and I commit myself now to healing them and ridding the court of such negativity. I ask my council to support me now more than ever."
He turned to the ten remaining councilmembers and Regina glanced over her shoulder, waiting for the response. Her heart soared when they all nodded, agreeing to support Robin. Perhaps things were going to take a turn in a better direction for them.
Robin then returned his attention to the Abbot. "I'm starting now. This trial is over, Abbot. You have failed to prove either claim against my wife. Since one of those unproven charges was treason, I am rendering your punishment now."
The Abbot's mouth fell open and the color drained from his face. Regina wondered if he was going to fall to his knees and beg for mercy. She would love to see it, no matter how petty that made her.
"You cannot punish me," he roared, face almost completely white. "I am above the law!"
"You know you are not and earlier confirmed you understood the severity of the punishment you could face should your charges prove unfounded," Catherine said, standing as she frowned down on him.
The Abbot was gasping for air and his eyes darted around the others. "You cannot punish me! The people won't let you!"
"I see," Robin said, stepping closer to his court. His blue eyes swept them before asking: "Does anyone here wish to speak for the Abbot?"
Regina didn't look back at those gathered there but the silence that followed Robin's question spoke volumes. Her heart sped up as she wondered what punishment her husband would impart. The Abbot's accusation amounted to treason and she knew very well that traitors forfeited their lives. Could her husband though order a man to his death—even given how angry Robin was with the Abbot?
"Since no one will speak for you, Abbot, I will sentence you now. You are hereby banished from Sherwood. Guards will escort you to the monastery so you can gather your belongings and then in the morning, you will be escorted to the harbor. You can board whatever ship you wish, just as long as you don't come back to Sherwood. Understood?" Robin asked.
The Abbot looked like someone had punched him and he staggered backwards until his legs hit the table. He looked up at Robin with fire in his eyes though. "You are listening to the Great Evil, Robert."
"Perhaps you are," Robin challenged him. "Have you ever considered that?"
When the Abbot didn't respond, Robin turned to the guards now flanking the box. "Release my wife. This sham is over. Everyone, go back to your daily lives. Thank you."
A guard opened the box and held out his hand to her. "Your Majesty, if I may?" he asked.
"Thank you," she said, taking his hand and holding up her skirt as she stepped down from the box. She embraced Friar Tuck. "And thank you. I owe you so much."
He hugged her tightly. "You owe me nothing. You are a good person, Regina. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, understand?"
She nodded, pulling away from him. Regina turned and met Robin's eyes. He smiled at her, holding out his arms to her. Within seconds she was in them and he held her close, fingers combing through her hair. "You were amazing," he whispered.
"I wasn't going to just sit back and let everyone talk about me," she replied. "I was going to fight."
Robin pulled away and tucked her hand under his arm. "You did so admirably. For now, I believe we should retire."
It was early. The early glow of the sun had not yet pierced the curtains, leaving their fire as the only light in their room. It also chased away the night's chill, leaving the room comfortably warm enough for them to lie on the bed without blankets as Robin rested his head on his wife's stomach. He rubbed her bump, talking to the child growing inside it. "You're keeping your mother up, little prince."
"I have gotten plenty of sleep, Robin," she said, combing her fingers through his hair. "I believe I also made up for any sleep I missed the other night since you haven't let me out of this bed since we returned."
He chuckled, not denying it. The moment he closed the door to their rooms, he started to undress her and guide her to their bed. She had resisted at first but he could see in her eyes how tired she was. Robin stripped off his own clothes and agreed to join her as well, which was when she finally caved. They laid together and he drifted off quickly, pleased to have his family in his arms again.
"We only just woke up, lovely," he reminded her. "And only because someone else woke up."
"Still," she replied, smiling as they both felt their son kick against her stomach. "Are you going to feed us? We're hungry."
Robin lifted his head, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. "I guess I could throw on my robe and do a kitchen run. Do you think Ana would kill me if I woke her husband to come with me?"
"Yes. And I'd rather you stay alive," she replied, eyes sparkling as she propped herself up with her hand. "I could go with you. It's been years since I've snuck to the kitchen. And this time I won't have the threat of Mother's magic hanging over me."
His smile dimmed a bit at the thought of her mother and the deal she made with the Dark One. It also raised a question back to his mind. "Why did you tell the Abbot about what really happened to your mother?"
She sighed, sitting up with her back against the headboard. She toyed with a loose thread on her nightgown. "It was something I read. If I was honest about that, then the Abbot couldn't try to tell everyone I was lying. Try to convince people I was hiding something. Besides, I worded it in a way where I told the truth but didn't admit to using magic."
"Which was brilliant," he admitted, sitting up to kiss her forehead. She continued to astound him with her intelligence and quick-thinking. He realized guiltily that he hadn't allowed her a chance to use her amazing mind, not to her full potential, and he decided that needed to change.
He would address it in the morning, though. For now, he had a pregnant wife to feed. Smiling, Robin held out his hand. "I would be honored to sneak through our palace with you."
Within minutes, they had donned their robes and raced toward the kitchens. They giggled the entire time, no doubt dead giveaways to any guards on duty. Robin even spotted a few as he and Regina hid behind a column. She was pressed against him, her eyes sparkling with laughter and her red lips curved into a beautiful smile. Unable to help himself, Robin leaned down and kissed her.
She gently pushed him away. "Not now! We're on a mission, remember?"
"Right, right," he said, pretending to be serious. "No snogging on missions."
They then burst into another round of laughter, both hunching over as tears streamed down their face. Robin was certain they got a strange look from a passing guard, but he didn't care. He just took Regina's hand again and continued sneaking down toward the kitchens with her.
When Robin had imagined being married, he hadn't pictured sneaking down to the kitchens with his wife in their robes. That seemed like a childish endeavor he and Will had long outgrown. Yet there was something fun about the possibility of being caught, even if there would be no consequences. Who would chastise the king and queen for wanting to go down to the kitchens for a really late supper or a very early breakfast, depending on one's view? It still sent adrenaline pumping through them and as he took in how her face lit up with joy, he sent a prayer of gratitude to the Great Being for sending her to him and for sparing her.
A/N: I did it! I got the chapter up before I head off to Disney. Go me!
As for Better When I'm Dancing, I'm going to see if I can still update it while I'm in Disney. I'm going to bring my laptop with me and there is WiFi in the hotel. And I get inspiration when I'm walking. Trust me when I say I'll be doing a lot of walking in Disney World.
Next chapter should return to Regina's perspective entirely.
Thank you all for reading!
-Mac