Chapter 22: Manhunt

When Robin escorted Regina into the council room, not a single member questioned her presence. They watched as a chair was brought for her and as Robin helped her sit down. He took his own chair and grasped her hand, looking at the solemn faces that surrounded the table. "Well?" he asked.

Lord Ashbury shifted in his chair, his frown creating crease lines in his forehead. "We're still waiting for the messengers to return, Your Majesties. However, we don't think the Ellises returned home."

"Why?" Robin asked, frowning.

"Pure conjecture," Lady Wellingsbury replied, glaring at Lord Wellingsbury. "My fellow councilmembers believe they would not want to involve their young son. I disagree."

Lady Forsythe glared at her, almost snarling. "You think they don't love their son. That's preposterous. Just because they chose to keep their son away from court…"

"Enough," Robin barked, not wanting squabbling between his councilmembers. "Until we have confirmation, we will assume the Ellises could be anywhere. Agreed?"

Everyone nodded and he sighed. "I want someone to go through all their correspondence, if they haven't burned it. Maybe we can see if they are working with people outside of the court. People who might be able to hide them."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Lord Jonstone said, jotting down some notes. "Do you want us to interrogate Lord Nottingham as well?"

"Do you think he'll tell us anything?" Regina asked, speaking for the first time. "Has he said anything useful so far?"

"Not yet, but I think it's worth another try. Maybe if we have something to offer him?" he suggested.

Robin frowned, leaning forward. "Like what? We're not going to let him leave the tower nor am I going to dismiss the charges against him."

"Do you think we would have better luck with Keith then?" Lady Langston asked, looking thoughtful.

He took a deep breath, wondering the same thing. While Robin didn't want Keith anywhere near the palace again, he couldn't help but think that Aunt Maggie could somehow get her son to see reason. Perhaps she could get him to tell them what his father was planning—or at least if the Ellises had been in communication with him since his father's arrest.

"We ought to try," he agreed. "I will talk with my aunt about bringing Keith back here."

Regina leaned forward. "Do we know if there are any countries that are openly hostile to Sherwood? If so, might they head there?"

Lady Langston nodded, looking thoughtful. "That's a very good possibility. How's King George feeling about us these days?"

"Depends. What month is it again?" Lord Ashbury asked, disdain evident in his voice at Sherwood's fair-weather ally.

Robin sighed. King George did indeed prove a fickle ally, depending on how prosperous his country was faring. If his kingdom was thriving, he might be willing to chance risking Sherwood's displeasure by hosting two or more traitors. What Robin didn't know was if the king would be also willing to aid in a revolution as well.

"I do not know if his fortunes have changed," Regina said, "but I recalled the ambassador telling King Leopold that the situation was worse than King George wanted to admit. It seems their barley crops fell victim to disease and they aren't yet recovered, which has crippled their prosperous breweries."

Lord Jonstone nodded. "Which means King George may need to buy more barley from us. He won't want to anger us."

"Or the Ellises will promise him a better deal once Nottingham is on the throne," Lady Wellingsbury posited.

"We need to stay positive," Lady Robertshire pleaded, looking around the table in a panic.

Lady Wellingsbury looked ready to swat her fellow councilwoman. "We need to be realistic or we'll be unprepared for whatever may come."

"You're talking civil war!" Lady Robertshire countered, her face going white as she clutched onto prayer beads.

Robin sighed, rubbing his head. Now his council was getting hysterical. This was turning into a disaster. "No one is talking about war, Your Ladyship. None of us want that."

"We may not want it," Lord Jonstone said, "but it may be upon us if the Ellises do align with a powerful army."

She stood up, fire burning in her eyes. "I will not sit here and listen to this! I am going to go pray for our country. Perhaps the Great Being is punishing us for exiling the Abbott."

"I highly doubt we're being punished," Robin said, standing up. He tried to intercept her but she pushed past him, muttering about how she was going to pray for his soul. The door slammed behind her, echoing throughout the room.

"I think I preferred it when she didn't talk," Lady Langston said, pinching her nose. "My head feels like there is a drummer in it."

Robin sighed. His own headaches hadn't returned but he understood what his council was feeling. Running a hand through his hair, he nodded. "I will speak to my Aunt Maggie about sending for Keith. Let me know the moment any of our scouts return. And Lord Jonstone, can you send out word to the other fortresses so that they increase our vigilance?"

The older duke nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty. I hope we find the Ellises quickly, but you are wise to be so vigilant."

Regina clasped her hands together. "Should someone speak to Lady Robertshire? She was clearly upset. I would do it but if she thinks we're being punished for exiling the Abbott, I can only imagine what she thinks of me."

"I'll speak with her," Lady Langston offered. "I've known her since she was a little girl. It won't be the first time I've had to knock some sense into her thick head. Her mother made her too superstitious. I warned her father about that."

"There are a lot of people who are still as superstitious as she is," Robin replied, a sinking feeling in his gut. "They are probably going to think the same way—that we are being punished. And that is going to make them dangerous."

The others grew silent and Lady Wellingsbury leaned forward. "We need to encourage the friars to elect a new abbot. I believe that will help."

Robin nodded, understanding her point. "I will talk to Friar Tuck to see how that process is going. Now, let's go focus on something more pleasant than all of this, hmm?"

All the councilmembers nodded and one by one, they stood and left until only Lady Wellingsbury remained behind. She pressed her lips together. "Well," she said.

"I know," he sighed. "That probably could've gotten a lot better."

"Perhaps. However, I thought you and Regina handled that very well. Bravo to you both," she said, smiling at them.

Regina leaned back against her chair and her tone echoed the incredibility he felt. "We did?"

"I remind you Lady Robertshire stormed out of this session," he told his mentor, sinking back into his chair.

She waved that off. "Lady Robertshire has stormed out of sessions before. Especially whenever your father spoke of reaching out to other countries. Her mother pounded it into her head that a great evil would come if we opened the borders and that we needed to keep everything amongst ourselves to keep everything pure."

"Wonderful," Regina muttered. "So she must really despise me."

"She's never let on if she does," Lady Wellingsbury said. "She's usually complimentary to you."

Robin tilted his head. "She is? I don't think I've ever heard the woman speak until now."

Lady Wellingsbury chuckled. "She talks when you're not around. I think it's another thing her mother imparted to her, though I'm not entirely certain what her advice was."

"Do you think war is upon us?" Regina asked, her voice sounding higher as she took his hand. Her other hand rested on her bump and he knew she worried about what such an uncertain future meant for Little Henry. Robin was worried about it too.

He raised his hand to her lips and kissed it. "We will do everything we can to keep it from happening."

She nodded but he saw guilt in her eyes. "I can't help but feel like this is my fault. That if I hadn't come here…"

"No," he said, cupping her face. "None of this is your fault. This has been brewing for a long time and would've happened no matter what."

"He's right, Regina. So don't let anyone make you think that any of this is your fault. You being here is a good thing," Lady Wellingsbury assured her.

Robin stood up, pulling Regina with him. "Indeed. I'm going to take you back to our rooms and show you how good a thing it is to have you here."

"This is where I excuse myself," Lady Wellingsbury said, giving them a teasing smile. "You two can be lovey-dovey by yourselves."

She gave a little curtsy before heading toward the door. Pausing with her hand on the doorknob, she glanced back at them. "When Robin's done with you, Regina, we can discuss your lessons. Just send word to my rooms."

Once she was gone, Robin pulled Regina closer. "Come on. Our rooms are waiting."

Regina's head was a comfortable weight on Robin's shoulder, her warm breath tickling his neck every time she exhaled. One leg was thrown over his and her stomach pressed against his side. Every so often, he felt a tiny kick from their son and it made him smile as he laid in bed with her. He played with one of her curls, just admiring his wife.

She let out a soft sigh as she rubbed her cheek against his shoulder, her lips curling into a small smile. His did the same, pleased she was so happy and content. It was all he wanted for her, especially in these uncertain times.

The possibility of civil war burdened his mind. He didn't want anything of the sort for himself, his family or his people. Like any good ruler, he wanted to bring peace and prosperity to his subjects. Yet it seemed powers behind his control conspired against him.

Unlike the superstitious lot like Lady Robertshire, he didn't believe the Great Being was punishing him. He did believe that they were being tested but that the Great Being was on their side. The Great Being had supported the Locksleys for generations. After all, He sent Regina to Robin. That had to prove something.

She let out another sigh and her eyelids began to flutter. He brought his hand up to rub her back, easing her back into consciousness as she woke up. Sleepy brown eyes looked up at him and she smiled. "Hello."

"Hello," he replied with a chuckle. "Did you sleep well, lovely?"

"I did. Did you get any rest?"

"I got some rest," he assured her. "I just laid here and watched you. That was restful enough."

She rolled her eyes and pressed her lips together. "You should've gotten some sleep. I woke you up in the middle of the night."

"I told you, lovely, I am definitely not complaining about that," he said, tucking his arm under his head. "I feel rested, don't worry."

"I'm going to worry about you. I'm your wife. Besides, I need to practice," she said, rubbing the side of her stomach as they both felt another kick from their unborn son.

Robin smiled as Little Henry inserted himself into their conversation again. Henry Robert…who needed about three more names before his birth. They couldn't present him to the country without all his names firmly decided on, Robin knew. Perhaps they could come up with another name for their son now, before another crisis called for their complete attention.

"Regina?" he asked, making certain she hadn't fallen back to sleep. He didn't want to wake her if that was the case.

She looked up, eyes wide open and clear. "Yes?"

"Little Henry still needs a few more names…"

Regina laughed, propping herself up on her elbow. "And you want to decide them now?"

He did the same, facing her. "Well, maybe not all of them. Just one."

"I think I can handle one," she said. "In fact, I may already have a name in mind."

"Oh? What would that be?" he asked.

"Christopher."

Robin blinked a few times. "You want to also name him after my uncle?"

She nodded. "After all, he is the one who brought us together. I think it's only right."

"It is," he agreed, realizing the truth of her words. Without his uncle's idea of an alliance with Mist Haven and his endorsement of Regina, Robin most likely would not have his amazing wife in his life.

He laid back down, staring at the ceiling as he let his son's name roll around his mind. "Henry Robert Christopher."

"I like it," she said, laying down as well. She continued to look at him as he could feel her eyes on him.

Robin nodded. "So we have a third name. Now we just need two more. Anyone else you want to name him after?"

She shook her head. "I know I have six uncles on my father's side and six aunts, which means a lot of cousins, but we never really were close to them. Mother didn't like them and I think the feeling was mutual. They still saw her as the miller's daughter."

"The miller's daughter?" He frowned turning his head to look at her. "How did she come to marry your father?"

Regina let out a little snort. "That's a story. And it involves our good friend, the Dark One."

That caught his attention. He rolled onto his side, curious. "How so?"

"Mother snuck into my grandfather's ball," she said. "He caught her and she saved herself from being thrown into the dungeons by claiming she could spin straw into gold."

"Let me guess. She couldn't really do that so she made a deal with the Dark One and he spun the straw into gold for her."

She shook her head. "Mother knew that my grandfather would get greedy and the only way to save herself was to learn magic so she could do it herself. She also figured magic would help her get revenge on everyone who had every looked down on her for being the miller's daughter. It didn't hurt that my grandfather let her marry my father in return for the gold."

"From miller's daughter to a princess," Robin mused. "Certainly quite a jump."

"Indeed. But not enough for my mother. After all, my father was his father's seventh son," she replied. "Mother would never be queen."

"Which is why she named you 'Regina' and did everything in her power to make you queen," he said.

She held up a finger. "She did everything in her power to try to make me Queen of Mist Haven. After all, she didn't want me to be Queen of Sherwood."

Robin nodded, anger swelling at the woman he was glad to have never met. "True."

"Yet here I am," Regina replied, smiling as he leaned in to kiss him. He buried his fingers in her hair and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.

For these moments, all was well with his world. He had his wife and their unborn son safe in his arms. They would relish these moments and then face on the rest together.

Mother came to visit him the next day. She sat down in front of his desk and smiled. "How are you, Robin?"

He looked up, sighing. "I'm fine, Mother. I wish circumstances were different…but I'm fine. Regina is safe and healthy, so is the child growing inside her and I haven't had a headache in quite some time. So, yes, I'm fine."

"Good," she replied. "I know times are troubling right now but this has been a long time coming. I don't want you or Regina blaming yourselves."

"I'm not and I've already told Regina not to either. I think she still feels somewhat responsible but it seems to be lessening," he said.

Mother nodded. "I'm certain that if we all keep telling her that, she'll believe it at last."

"Some support from the court would be nice too." Robin knew there was a shift in the opinion of his court toward Regina. He could feel it but knew Regina hadn't felt it yet. Or if she had, she hadn't trusted it thanks to her upbringing.

His mother's response was what he had expected: "They are supporting her. More and more are seeing what the people already have—she is a great queen."

Robin nodded. "I know, but maybe it wouldn't hurt if they let her know that? Maybe include her more?"

"I'll let them know but it's going to be difficult," Mother replied. "Regina is going to have to go into confinement soon."

"I don't think Regina is going to like confinement," he said, frowning as he thought of his wife locked away in their rooms with very little company. She would go mad with naught be her own thoughts. "Does she have to?"

Mother nodded. "It's best for Regina and the baby. She needs to stay calm until she delivers."

Robin shook his head. "Regina is not going to stay calm trapped in our room. She's going to grow agitated and try to do everything possible to get out. I just know it. I know her."

"Well, maybe she can talk to the Widow Lucas and see if she doesn't have to be confined for too long."

"That sounds good," Robin said, already mulling it over. "We can figure out ways to keep her calm without locking her up."

Mother sighed. "Hopefully the Ellises will comply. As well as your cousin Keith."

"Has Aunt Maggie heard from him?" he asked, leaning forward in hopes that there was good news on that front.

"Not yet," she replied. "I don't think her rider has returned."

There was another knock on the door and Robin frowned as he looked up. "Come in."

Aunt Maggie opened the door, looking solemn as she greeted Robin and Mother. She was paler than usual and appeared gaunt as he wondered if she had been eating properly. Her voice was hoarse as she said: "I have news."

"I can tell it's not good," he said, leaning back with a sigh. "Is it Keith?"

She nodded. "My rider has returned to say my son never went home. We don't know where he is."

That troubled Robin, knowing how entrenched in rebellion his uncle had ensured Keith was. He frowned, hoping Aunt Maggie knew more than she might've realized. "Did they mention anything about safe houses or other places that they might go? Maybe not in direct conversations about rebellion but perhaps something about trade or the like?" he asked her.

"I know what you're asking but I'm afraid my husband and son were very good at coded conversations. I am now just understanding how coded seemingly innocuous conversations between them really were," Aunt Maggie replied, sinking into the empty chair by Robin's desk. She looked close to tears.

Mother reached over and held out a handkerchief. "I am so sorry you are in this position, dear. You don't deserve it."

"Perhaps I do," Aunt Maggie said with a sigh, dabbing her eyes with Mother's handkerchief. "I knew my husband was growing more radical every year but I though his father and I did our best to keep him from doing the same to Keith, but I should've done more. I should've denounced him like his father wanted me to, taken Keith back here and tried to raise him as a loyal member of this family."

"You loved him," Mother replied, an understanding tone in her voice. She gazed at Aunt Maggie with sympathy in her eyes.

Robin could understand. He would probably forgive Regina a lot because he loved her and maybe he would be oblivious to a few things, but he also knew she was loyal to him and to their country. Aunt Maggie had to realize that she should've been paying closer attention to her husband and her son.

Now, though, was not the time to guilt his aunt. She needed their support for she had been just as wronged as the rest of them. Robin stood and walked over, crouching next to his aunt's chair. "What do you want me to do?" he asked her.

"Whatever you need to do to find Keith," she told him, placing her hand on his arm. "Just be certain to bring him home alive, no matter what he does."

The implications were clear to Robin—his aunt expected her son to put up a fight rather than be brought back to the royal palace. He hoped it didn't come to that but hesitated to make that promise to his aunt. The best he could do was: "I'll order that he be captured alive but I can't control what he does."

"Thank you, Robin," she said, patting his cheek like she used to do when he was younger. "That means everything to me."

Mother stood and pulled Aunt Maggie up with her. "Come on. Let's leave Robin to his planning. You need a nice cup of tea and maybe some cakes."

Aunt Maggie nodded, letting his mother help her up. He watched as they left before returning to his chair, slumping into it. Robin prayed he could keep his promise to his aunt but he feared things were about to get even worse between him and his cousin.

Robin met with John down in the armory. His faithful captain saluted him as he approached and Robin chuckled. "At ease, my friend."

"You are still my king," John replied though he relaxed his stance. "I still have to show you respect."

"I guess so. And I do have to discuss orders with you," Robin said, growing serious. "I need you lead a search party to find my wayward cousin."

John frowned. "So it's true? Keith has disappeared?"

"Unfortunately," Robin replied. "We need to find him as soon as possible. Time is of the essence."

"Aye. I'll round up my most trusted men and we'll leave before sundown. We'll find him, Robin." John clapped his friend's shoulder.

Robin placed his hand on John's. "Thank you. I must also ask that your men do whatever you can to bring Keith alive."

John nodded solemnly as he squeezed the king's shoulder. "I understand, Robin. I give you my word that we will make all attempts to bring him home alive. But I can't guarantee he'll want to come alive."

"I understand. So does my aunt." Robin released John's hand and stepped back. "Good luck, my friend."

John saluted him before heading into the tunnel that would lead him into the armory and the barracks. Robin watched his friend disappear inside, ready to round up his most trusted men in order to hunt down Keith and drag him home like a petulant runaway. It was easy to see him as that but Robin knew he was far more dangerous than that. He most likely was a revolutionary, a usurper. They had to be careful.

"Still no word from John?" Regina asked, massaging his shoulders. Her fingers dug into his muscles, working through his tension.

He groaned, leaning into her touch. "That feels wonderful, lovely. And no, still no word from John. But Sherwood's forests are vast. It could be months before we find him."

"Can he survive that long?" she asked, hitting a particularly difficult knot. It made him wince as she worked on it.

"Yes," he groaned as it began to loosen. "I know his grandfather used to take him camping. We were also taught which plants were edible and which were poisonous as well as how to find potable water. He should be fine now that the worst of the winter is behind us."

She paused her massage. "Do you think we can afford to wait almost year until the next one sets in to find him?"

"I think the stormy season would drive him out first," Robin joked, though half serious. One didn't want to be without adequate shelter during the rainy season.

He sighed, turning to face Regina and urging her to sit down so he could take her hands in his. "I know you're worried. So am I. But John will find him. I know it."

"I hope so. I don't feel comfortable knowing he's out there, plotting who knows what against us," she said, rubbing her thumbs against the back of his hands.

He gave hers a squeeze. "I know. We need to stay positive though."

"I am trying, Robin," she said. "Yet my mind still goes to such a negative place and I think of all the ways it could go wrong."

Knowing nothing he said would be able to soothe her, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead. He then peppered her face with kisses until he reached her lips, capturing them with his. She leaned into the kiss with a sigh and he pulled her onto his lap, ignoring the extra weight she now carried as their son grew inside her. He just wanted to hold her close, to comfort her and draw comfort from her.

Regina ran her fingers through his hair, her nails lightly scratching his scalp. He kissed her neck before telling her: "Everything will work out. You'll see."

"I know," she said. "I still worry. We have a child coming and need to adjust to being parents. The last thing we need are rogues trying to usurp us."

He nodded. "I know. But I also know you and I know myself. We will be able to handle whatever life throws at us…together."

"Together," she echoed with a smile, playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. "You promise that no matter what is going on with my pregnancy or the baby, you let me get a crack at Keith, his father and the Ellises?"

"Of course. I wouldn't deny myself or the court the honor of watching you tear into them," he replied, smiling as he imagined her eviscerating them all with her words and intellect.

It was going to be glorious.

She kissed him before patting his arm. "Let me up. Little Henry and I are hungry."

"Well, we can't let that go on for long," Robin said, letting her stand up before doing so himself. He took her hand. "Come on, let's go find some food for the two of you."

Robin woke to find Regina's side of the bed empty. He frowned, sitting up to check if the bathroom door was closed. When he found it open, his heart began to race as fear spread through him. "Regina?" he called out.

No answer came.

He pushed the blankets back and climbed out of bed, wandering into the parlor. It was empty, like his room. Dread filled him even as his logical side tried to reason with him. No one would be able to sneak into their rooms and snatch her without him knowing. They shared the same bed and guards watched over their rooms all night and all day. Nowhere else was safer for her.

Yet still, he worried.

Robin went over to her desk, wondering if she left her calendar out or any sign she had something to do. He found a folded-up piece of parchment with his name written in her neat script and he picked it up, opening it.

Dearest Robin,

I woke early this morning courtesy of your son. You looked too peaceful for me to wake. I am going to the kitchen for some breakfast and then I will go to the library to look at some of the books Lady Wellingsbury recommended.

You enjoy your breakfast and have a good morning. I'll see you for the midday repast, I promise.

Yours always,

Regina (and Henry)

He placed the letter down on her desk again, relief filling him. Regina was safe in the library. Perhaps he would join her after breakfast, he thought as his stomach growled. Sheepish, Robin tugged on the cord to summon Tink.

Will, though, answered it. He carried a tray into the room and set it down on the table. "I watched them prepare it and all is well," he assured Robin.

"Thank you," Robin said, taking his seat. "Though I am surprised to see you."

His friend chuckled, taking the seat Regina usually occupied most mornings. "I imagine. However, when I heard Regina had already had broken her fast, I figured I keep you company while you did the same."

"You have your own wife." Robin thought of Ana, no doubt glaring at the door as she waited for her husband to return to their rooms.

"I do. And she's helping her mother with Ella. I'm afraid she's not feeling well," Will explained.

Robin frowned, his suspicious mind racing and his heart speeding up at the thought someone had hurt his beloved cousin. "What's wrong with her?"

"A cold," Will replied. "But you know Ella. It's a hundred times worse and so she's dying, you know?"

Oh, Robin knew. Ella always had a dramatic streak when she was sick and no doubt needed constant attention. "Well, as long as Ana isn't going to come and kick my ass for monopolizing your time, I'm good."

Will chuckled, shaking his head. "You're safe from my wife. Who might monopolize my time if she catches whatever it is Ella has."

"Well, then, I guess should make the most of this." Robin leaned forward. "I am going to need yours and Ana's help for something."

"I'm intrigued. What are you plotting?" Will asked, leaning forward to snag a piece of bacon off Robin's plate.

Deciding to let that theft slide, Robin continued: "Regina's birthday is coming up and I need help planning a ball for her. Do you think you and Ana could help Mother and me with that?"

Will grinned. "We would love to help you plan a ball for Regina. I take it this is going to be a surprise?"

Robin nodded. "I want to show her that the people of the court love her or at least accept her. The people already do…so I imagine we'll have to do something for her with them. But she'll know about that."

"Fair enough," Will said, leaning back. "Ana will love planning a ball. Ella too, once we swear her to secrecy under penalty of death."

"Good idea," Robin agreed before reaching out to shake his friend's hand. "Thank you. I want Regina's birthday to be perfect."

"And it will be. That's a promise." Will shook his hand.

Retracting his hand, Robin turned to his breakfast. "Now that that's out of the way, what else shall we discuss?"

After Will helped him dress for the day, Robin dismissed him in favor of spending time with his wife. He headed down to the library, entering the cavernous room filled with books from floor to ceiling. Robin knew where the law books were by heart, taking the stairs leading to the second level two at a time.

He found Regina at a table by the fireplace in the room. She had a book propped up on a stand, one hand jotting down notes in her notebook while the other one lovingly stroked her rounded stomach. Robin thought she looked absolutely beautiful.

"You know what they say about all work and no play," he teased, sliding into a chair across from her.

She glanced up at him, patting her stomach for emphasis. "I think we've done plenty of playing for now."

He smirked. "I'd say we're not done with that type of playing, if I remember the other night correctly."

"Very funny," she replied before looking back down at her book.

Robin leaned over, trying to see what she was reading. "What are you studying?"

She looked around and even though she had to confirm that they were alone, she kept her voice low as she replied: "Treason laws."

"Understandable," he said.

"I want to be prepared for when you try Lord Nottingham and when you catch Keith as well as the Ellises. The only thing that will keep me from their trials will be giving birth," she told him.

He smiled, taking her hand. "I believe that. And I promise to do everything in my power to have that trial before you give birth."

She gave his hand a squeeze. "Thank you."

"About the birth," he said. "Has anyone spoken to you about confinement?"

The tension in her jaw told him her answer even before she spat out a terse: "Yes."

"I didn't think you would like it," he replied, leaning his chin on his hand. "Mother suggested we talk to Widow Lucas to see if there are any ways around confinement."

Regina nodded. "Trust me, I have every intention of speaking to her about avoiding that at all costs. You support me?"

"Of course. The last thing you need is to be confined. You should be out with me and our people," he said.

"But I also don't want to do anything that would hurt Henry. I have to put aside my own wants for his sake," she said, frowning as she looked down at her stomach. "Or at least find the right balance for the both of us."

Robin smiled, standing to crouch before her. He rested his hand on her stomach, feeling Little Henry kick against it. "You are a great mother," he told her.

She ran her fingers through his hair, smiling softly. "Thank you. But right now, I'm a rather poor law student since some handsome king is distracting me from my studies."

"Oh, is he now? You should probably tell him to bugger off and to go do his own work," he replied, failing to keep a straight face as he did so.

"I could," she said, resting her hands on her open notebook. "But I find I quite like the company."

He grinned at her. "The company likes you too."

She chuckled, closing the book as well as her notebook. "I don't think I'll be getting much work done this afternoon. Care to escort a pregnant queen back to her rooms?"

"It would be my honor." Robin stood, holding out his arm for her to take.

Regina took used his arm to hoist herself to her feet before wrapping her arm around his. She smiled up at him. "Thank you, again, for supporting me. With learning law, with the trials, with fighting confinement…it means everything to me."

"You're very welcome," he replied, warmth filling him. He rubbed her hand. "I will always support you."

"And I'll always support you. I promise." She stopped, rising onto her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

He cupped her cheek before capturing her lips, holding her close as they stood outside the library. It had started raining while they were in there and he heard the soft pitter-patter of the drops hitting the window closest to them, creating a calming sound. It was perfect.

The rain continued into the night, its constant beating against the castle background music for their evening routine. After supper, Regina and Robin had retreated to their rooms where he stoked the fire until it was roaring yet again. They changed into their nightclothes and lounged on the couch, Regina's head on his lap. He ran his fingers through her long dark hair as he read aloud from the book of poetry she had given him for Yule.

"That one is my favorite," she sighed when he finished. "I read it over and over by candlelight, praying for a man as kind and loving and passionate as the one described in that poem."

He smiled, wrapping one of her curls around his finger. Unable to help himself, he asked: "And have you found him?"

She smiled at him, rolling closer as she rested her hands on her stomach. "I have."

"Good," he said, flipping a few pages. "This one is my favorite and I think you'll figure out why easily."

"I think I already know which one it is," she said, closing her eyes.

He chuckled before clearing his throat. He read the first line, ignoring Regina's soft "I knew it" as he did so. But as he got to the second line, insistent knocking interrupted his reading and caused him to frown.

Regina sat up with a grunt, also frowning. "Are you expecting someone, Robin?"

"No," he said, closing the book. He handed it to her. "I'll go see who it is and see if I can hurry them away."

She nodded and he felt her eyes on him as he opened the door. Will stood on the other side, looking somber. "I'm sorry to interrupt you and Regina, Robin, I really am. I would rather be with Ana myself…"

"What is it, Will?" he asked with a sigh. He knew it couldn't be good and that he wouldn't be finishing that poem tonight.

Will sighed as well. "They found the Ellises. A rider just arrived to announce they are being held in Fort Nott for the night. Still no sign of Keith."

Robin nodded, thinking that maybe his night wasn't ruined after all. "Thank you, Will. Now go back to Ana. We'll deal with this in the morning."

"I wish I could obey, Robin, but the general is demanding to speak to you. He says it's urgent," Will replied. "It's about the Abbott. Or the former Abbott."

Something gnawed at Robin's nerves, but he wasn't sure if it was dread or anger. Perhaps it was both. "What about the former Abbott?"

"He won't say. Insists on talking to you about it and no one else," Will said. "I'm sorry but you're going to have to come."

He sighed and nodded. "Fine. Can you help me dress?'

"The General specifically said he was fine with you conducting this meeting in your nightclothes and robe."

That made the dread grow inside him and he nodded, looking over his shoulder at a concerned Regina. "You should go to bed. I'll be back later."

She shook her head, struggling to stand. "I'm coming with you. The general can tell the both of us his news."

"Regina," he sighed before heading over to help her up. Fighting would be futile. "You comfortable meeting him in your robe?"

"It's not like we have much of a choice." She leaned on his arm and nodded, a silent signal that she was ready to go. He took a deep breath and left to follow Will.

The General was an older man with a gray beard and thick mustache he kept neatly trimmed, like all soldiers who bore facial hair. He stood, hat tucked under his arm, and bowed as Robin and Regina entered. "Your Majesties, I apologize. I know it is late but I fear my news cannot wait until the morning," he said.

"I understand it has to do with the former Abbott," Robin said, pulling out a chair for Regina and helping her into it.

"Yes," the General replied, looking grim. "We received word from the harbormaster of Northumberland that the ship carrying the Abbott from Sherwood pulled and reported that he had fallen overboard somewhere around Nottinghamshire."

Robin frowned, crossing his arms. "Is he presumed drowned?"

The General shook his head. "The waters around Nottinghamshire are on the shallow side. It would be feasible for someone to swim ashore before the waters grew deep again near Northumberland."

"So you're telling us he escaped?" Regina asked as Robin rested his hand on her shoulder.

Will stepped in, eyebrows furrowed. "Are we certain that the Abbott even made it ashore? That he was a strong enough swimmer to make it?"

"A fisherman confirmed to my men that a man matching the Abbott's description emerged from the waters around the time the ship was passing by," the general said. "He then disappeared into the woods."

"In Nottinghamshire. Where I presume Keith no doubt disappeared as well," Regina said, voicing the thoughts running through Robin's head.

The general nodded. "It has been where we've been searching for him, yes."

"Unless they've crossed into Northumberland." Robin pulled out a map and laid it over the table, his mind trying to plot all the possible routes Keith and the Abbott could've taken.

Regina leaned forward in her chair, also studying the map. "What's so bad about them crossing in Northumberland?"

"It puts them too close to King George's lands," Robin mused. "We can't risk them crossing over and trying to whip up a rebellion against us."

"Do we have an ambassador there?" she asked. "If so, could we write to him or her to intercede on our behalf?"

Robin rubbed his chin. They didn't have an ambassador there but an emissary wasn't a bad idea. It was a good pre-emptive strike, he felt. "I'll send someone to speak with King George on our behalf. Hopefully, Keith and the Abbott won't go straight to him if they are in his kingdom."

"Perhaps we should let your uncle know? Just in case we need Leopold's help?" Regina also suggested, her mind no doubt turning.

Watching his wife strategizing and trying to solve their problem made Robin smile and he marveled at the wonderful woman he had married. He had never met Leopold but he doubted the man would've appreciated Regina for her intelligence and her cunning, no doubt only focusing on her beauty and how much of a mother she could've been to Snow White. There were so many sides, though, to Regina and he was honored to allow her to show them all.

"I think that's a good idea too," he said, leaning forward to take her hand. "What else do you think we should do?"

She grinned, her eyes lighting up. "I have a lot of ideas."

"I can't wait to hear them. We all can't. Right?" Robin glanced up at the General, challenging him.

The General shifted from foot to foot before saying: "Of course."

"I think if we all put our heads together, we can come up with several good plans for what to do," Robin continued, moving to stand next to Regina as he motioned for Will to join them.

As everyone gathered around the table, Robin wished they didn't have to do this. However, he was going to take this opportunity to show everyone—his enemies, his court and his people—how strong he and Regina were as rulers.

How strong they were together.

A/N: Here we go, Outlaw Queen fans—a new update for Crown My Heart! Things are getting tenser in Sherwood, not necessarily ideal for Regina as she approaches the end of her pregnancy but maybe a chance to let her shine.

And I know Regina's birthday is February 1st but I've made it later in this story because I realized I totally forgot it. It didn't seem like Robin not to mark his wife's birthday in some way so I've had to make some adjustments.

I got a request on my tumblr for a flash forward for any one of my OQ fanfics. I'm going to be running a poll over this weekend (9/29-10/1) to determine which one will get the treatment. Your options will be: All That Was Me, Better When I'm Dancing, Building a Family, Comfort Food, Crown My Heart, and The Christmas Wish. The Nanny is not an option because it would require spoilers I'm not ready to give. So keep an eye on my Twitter and vote, please!

Have a great weekend!

-Mac