Chapter 24: A Dark Mood
It was a bright sunny day, much like the day when they buried Father a year ago. Robin stood outside the royal crypt, an imposing stone structure that rose in the middle of the palace's cemetery. He once again wore the color of mourning—black jacket and pants as well as black boots—and worked up the courage to enter the crypt.
Regina's hand wrapped around his arm, covered in black lace. Her fingers rested on the inside of his elbow and she gave him a comforting squeeze. "I'm right here," she whispered.
She wore a mourning outfit consisting of a black satin gown with gray lace embellishments on the bodice. It matched the silk that lined her sleeve cuffs, long flowy material that almost reached the ground and covered her hands when her arms were straight against her body. She also covered her hair with black lace, letting it fall over her face.
He placed his hand over hers and gave her a small smile. "I know," he whispered back. "Thank you."
Mother led a small party up the walk as she cradled a bouquet of roses in her arms as if it was a baby. Uncle Joseph and Aunt Eleanor flanked her, almost holding her up as she took each step toward the mausoleum. Will escorted Ana while Ella brought up the rear. From the streaks down her face, Robin knew she was already crying.
He straightened up as his mother stopped in front of him and reached out to her. "Mother."
"Robin," she replied, raising a gloved hand to his face. She gently caressed his cheek. "This is a difficult day but we'll get through this together. All of us."
She reached out to Regina, cupping her cheek as well. "Edward would've loved you, Regina. I know that and I know that he is looking down from the Great Beyond, happy that you are here with us."
Regina smiled behind her veil. "I think I would've loved him too."
Friar Tuck approached the group, looking as somber as he had after Father had died. He bowed to them all. "Are you ready to enter?"
Everyone looked to Robin and he held his head high, squaring his shoulders. "We are," he told his mentor.
"Then follow me." Tuck pulled out a ring containing several brass keys. He found one and inserted it into the lock, pushing open the metal door and stepping inside ahead of them to light the candles so they could see where they were going once they were inside as well.
Robin led the small party into the mausoleum as Regina gave his arm a comforting squeeze. Their shoes echoed on the marble floor as they filtered past the grand tomb of the first King Robert, now dead for centuries. A casting of his dead body had been made before he was buried and the stone sculpture rested atop his grave, a ceremonial sword clutched between stone fingers.
They stopped at the back wall, where Tuck lit the two candles next to Father's crypt. His death mask stared back at Robin, a stone likeness of Father's face lovingly crafted by one of the artisans in the city. It was excellent work, Robin had to admit.
"I'll be back with a vase," Tuck said softly. "You all spend as long as you want paying your respects."
"Thank you, Tuck," Mother said, stepping closer to the crypt. She reached out her hand, running her fingers over Father's stone face as tears flowed down her cheeks. Regina slipped her hand out from Robin's arm, giving him a small nod. He stepped closer to his mother, wrapping his arm around her.
Mother leaned against him. "I miss him so much, Robin."
"I know," he murmured. "I miss him too."
He reached out as well, pressing his hand to the cold stone. "I wish you were here, Father, to meet my wife and our child. I would love to have your counsel now."
"He's watching you," Mother whispered, squeezing his arm. "He's watching all of us. I just know it."
Robin nodded, stepping back as Tuck returned with the vase. The friar held it out to Mother. "Your Majesty," he said.
She placed the roses inside the vase before taking it from Tuck. "Thank you," she whispered.
Mother then set the vase in front of Father's crypt before collapsing as sobs racked her body. Robin caught her before she hit the floor, holding her up as Will and Uncle Joseph lunged forward. He waved them off. "I've got her," he assured them.
They backed away and Ana took Regina's arm, leading her away with the others so they could give Robin and Mother some privacy with Father. He appreciated it and made a note to thank them when they were back in the palace.
"I miss him so much," Mother sobbed.
"I know." Robin held her tighter, fighting his own tears as she continued to sob. He knew she needed him to be strong right now so she could fall apart, to continue to grieve Father's loss. There would be time for him to grieve later.
Hours seemed to pass but Robin knew it hadn't been that long. Mother's sobs began to subside and she straightened up, still clutching onto Robin as she reached out again to Father's death mask. She ran her fingers over his features. "I love you, my Edward. We will be together again."
"Perhaps you should go back to the palace, Catherine, and lie down," Aunt Eleanor said, stepping forward. She rested her hand on Mother's arm, concerned.
Mother nodded and Will stepped forward. "I'll escort her back. You all should have your moment with His Majesty."
"Thank you, Will," Mother said, taking his proffered arm. "I will see you all for supper in a few hours."
They watched as Will took her out of the mausoleum before Aunt Eleanor turned back to Robin. "Do you want to pay your respects?"
He shook his head. "I would like to go last, please. You all go ahead of me."
Regina sidled up next to him, taking his arm again. She leaned close to him, whispering: "I'll stay with you."
"Thank you," he whispered, covering her hand with his own again. He drew strength from her, waiting for his turn with his father.
Anastasia and Ella paid their respects first, placing their own roses into the vase to join Mother's bouquet. They whispered messages to Father before Ana took her sister's hand, leading a crying Ella from the mausoleum. Aunt Eleanor collapsed against the crypt, crying as Uncle Joseph held her. Robin looked away, giving her some privacy in her grief.
"We'll see you both back at the palace," Uncle Joseph soon whispered. Robin looked up to find him still supporting his wife as he stared at Robin with red-rimmed eyes. "Take your time."
Robin nodded, hearing them leave the mausoleum as he stepped up to his father's crypt. He touched the marble, now warm from the candles Friar Tuck had lit. With a shuddering breath, Robin leaned his forehead against it.
He felt Regina's hand on his back. "You can cry, Robin. It's just me, you and your father. None of us are going to judge you."
"I miss him," he admitted, feeling a lump form in his throat as tears pricked his eyes. "It's not fair."
"I know," she replied softly.
He gave in then, letting his tears flow as he sobbed like a little boy. Regina guided him toward her, holding him as his body shook and he cried for the father taken from him far too early. He didn't like to think about how his father was murdered and it made those final moments even more awful for him. Father had been a good man and deserved a far better death than that.
Robin wished he was still there to guide him and to celebrate all the milestones he had reached all ready. He had no doubt that Father would've loved Regina, as he told her, and that he would've doted on their son. Being a grandfather would've been one of his greatest joys.
All of that was taken from them.
His lungs began to burn and his face grew hot as the tears started to subside. Robin struggled to breath and Regina rubbed his back. "Little breaths for now," she told him. "You need to relax."
Robin did as she said, eventually sucking more and more air into his lungs with each breath. She kept rubbing his back, rocking him gently as she whispered nonsense into his ear. Gratitude for her once again flooded through him.
He raised his head and looked into her watery, concerned brown eyes. Giving her a reassuring smile, he cupped her cheek. "Thank you."
"Any time," she said. "I mean it."
She took his hand. "If you're ready, I think a nap is in order. You must be tired from all of this."
He nodded, holding her hand against his chest. "Will you be there with me?"
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," she told him with a soft smile.
Robin glanced once more at his father's crypt, reaching out his free hand to press against the marble again. "I miss you and I love you, Father. I hope you are at rest."
He pulled the hand back and let out a shuddering breath. Robin took her hand and they left together, nodding to Friar Tuck as they crossed the threshold. A soft rain had started and Robin wished he had brought his cloak as he hurried with Regina back toward the palace. By the time they got to their rooms, their clothing was damp but Tink thankfully had a roaring fire waiting for them. They quickly changed and climbed into bed, where Regina held Robin as they drifted off into a blissfully dreamless sleep.
Their bedroom was dark when Robin awoke and he shivered despite the warmth radiating off his wife's body beside him. He lifted his head, looking over at the fireplace across the room from him. The fire had long since gone out and he remembered Regina telling Tink that they were not to be disturbed, which he guessed the maid had taken to mean to not come into the room at all. He knew it was best if he got up to light the fire or else their bedroom was only going to get colder as the night wore on.
He slid from the bed without disturbing Regina, trying to keep her warm under their blankets. Robin stretched, working out a kink in his back. He paused with his arms over his head, feeling as if he were being watched. Turning his head proved that Regina was facing away from him and her breathing was still even, meaning she was sound asleep. He squinted into the darkness, trying to see if there was anything that didn't belong but nothing seemed out of place. Still, the hairs on the back of his head stood on end and he remained on edge as he quickly crossed to the fire place.
Robin took a match from the tinderbox kept by the fireplace and lit the logs in the hearth. He stoked the flames until a roaring fire crackled before him, casting an orange glow around the room and starting to chase away the chill in the air. Standing back up, he studied the room and saw no one hiding in the shadows. The feeling of being watched left him but he was still unnerved over it.
Movement in the bed caught his eye and he watched as Regina sat up, brushing back her tangled hair. "What time is it?" she asked, voice hoarse from sleep.
"Well past sundown," he replied. "Are you hungry? I can send down to the kitchens for something to eat."
A loud growl came from her stomach and she looked sheepish. "I think that is a yes for food."
He chuckled. "I'll go ring the bell and then I'll be right back."
Once he sent the signal down to the kitchens to bring them a meal, Robin returned to the bedroom and climbed back into bed with her. He curled closer to Regina, kissing her forehead. "Thank you for being there for me today."
"Of course," she said, resting her hand over his heart. "I will always be by your side, Robin, no matter what."
He tucked his fingers under her chin, tilting her head up so he could press a gentle kiss to her lips. "It meant everything to have you with me while we paid our respects to Father."
"I am glad to have been able to do so," she said. She then bit her lip before asking: "Your father's comment about not naming a child after him—did he mean at all?"
Confused, Robin tilted his head. "What do you mean, lovely?"
She sat up a bit more. "I mean, would he haunt us if we made our son's fifth name Edward?"
"Oh." Robin mused on it, rolling the name—Henry Robert Christopher Something Edward—around his head. "I suppose he wouldn't mind that. But we still need a fourth name for him."
"We didn't come up with one yet?' she asked, brows furrowing in a way he found absolutely adorable.
He chuckled as he shook his head. "Henry Robert Christopher. That's all we have for now. And we're getting close to your time."
She rubbed her stomach as she smiled softly. "Yes, he is almost here. Then I guess we should finalize his name."
"Do you have any ideas?" he asked.
Regina shook her head. "I've never really thought about it beyond naming for my father. Besides, I feel I've given him most of his names. You should pick. It's only fair."
"Well, if it's only fair," he said before lying on his back as he stared at the ceiling. His mind filled with different names before he continued: "You remind me of everything I've read about Queen Susannah, which is why I specifically ordered her tiara be brought from the treasury for you. Her husband, who she loved dearly as you know, was named Alexander. I quite like that name myself."
She hummed. "Henry Robert Christopher Alexander Edward of the House of Locksley, Crown Prince of Sherwood. I like it."
He laughed. "It certain does sound regal."
"Is that it then?" she asked with a smile. "Does our son have a full name?"
Robin nodded. "He does. His Royal Highness Prince Henry Robert Christopher Alexander Edward Locksley."
She hugged him as someone knocked on the door. "Your Majesties, I have set up supper out here for you," Tink said, her voice muffled.
"Thank you," Robin called. "You can go back to your room, Tink. Her Majesty and I will handle it from here."
Tink replied that she would do that before wishing them a good night. Robin climbed out of bed and held his hand out to his wife. "Shall we go dine, lovely?"
"We shall," she said, taking her hand as she climbed out of bed. They headed into the sitting room, glad to see a roaring fire there as well, and sat down at the table to eat and talk until they were satisfied and ready to go to bed again.
Robin entered his chambers, holding a thin box in his hands. He smiled as he watched his wife bent over at her desk, quill scratching out words on the parchments spread out before her. "Regina, I have a surprise for you."
She looked up from her desk, setting her quill in its holder as she turned in her chair to face him. "What's that?"
"I know you were upset that you could no longer wear your wedding ring," he started, watching as she glanced down at her bare hands. Her fingers were swollen, a common occurrence with pregnancy they were told, and Regina had cried as Robin had pried off her ring—both from the pain and from distress as she admitted that she didn't want to take it off, that it was a physical tie to him.
He opened the box, revealing her wedding band on a gold chain along with an emerald ring. "Now you can wear it around your neck until it can go back on your finger."
"Oh, Robin," she gasped, reaching out to touch the necklace. "It's beautiful…but where did that other ring come from? It's not mine."
"Yes, it is. Happy anniversary, lovely," he said, taking the necklace out of the box. He draped it over her head until it landed around her neck, the two rings falling right between her swollen breasts.
She frowned and he bit back the chuckle, knowing what her next statement was going to be. "It's not our wedding anniversary," she said.
He nodded, his answer already prepared. "I know. It's the anniversary of when we met, when you first arrived in Sherwood."
"You would be the romantic sap who would mark such an anniversary," she teased him, fondness in her voice and her eyes as she played with the rings resting around her neck.
"It was very important day," he replied, kneeling in front of her. He took her hands in his. "You brought the sunshine back into my life."
Her smile softened as she leaned forward, cupping his cheek with her hand. "You brought sunshine to my life as well."
"Besides," he continued after he paused to kiss her fingers, "I figure our anniversary might be overshadowed by another important event."
Robin pressed his hand to her bump, feeling Henry kick inside her. She smiled, covering his hand with her own. "Yes, it probably will be."
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"I'm feeling good," she replied before grimacing. "Well, other than the fact everything seems to be swelling up and I can't wear my rings."
He rubbed her arms. "Mother, Aunt Eleanor and Widow Lucas have all assured us this is natural. And that you probably feel worse than you look."
She nodded. "I know. Still doesn't change how I feel."
"No, I guess not," he allowed, pulling her into his arms. "Well, I will happily tell you how beautiful you look every day for the rest of our lives."
"I know," she replied, chuckling. "I believe it's one of your favorite duties, if not your favorite."
He laughed. "It definitely is my favorite."
Regina pulled away, taking his hand. "Do you have anything else to do this afternoon?"
"I do not," he replied, lacing their fingers together. "Is there anything you wish to do?"
"My ankles are probably the only things on me not swollen right now so I was hoping to take advantage of that and the beautiful weather. Care for a walk?" she asked, biting her lip as she smiled.
He chuckled, holding out his arm to her. "I would love to go on a walk with you."
The first birds of spring returned and their songs carried on the warm breeze blowing through the palace grounds. Robin enjoyed the feeling of the sun on his face and he let out a content sigh. "I love spring."
"I'm starting to love it too," she replied, leaning against him. "We fell in love in the spring."
He kissed the top of her head. "Yes, we did."
"It's amazing the difference one year makes," she continued, rubbing her stomach—either absentmindedly or for emphasis, he didn't know.
"Yes, it does," he agreed, smiling down at her even though she wasn't looking up at him.
She lifted her head from his shoulder and pointed to the orchard. "Can we go see my apple tree? It's been so neglected throughout the winter."
"Of course we can," he assured her, turning down the path that led to the orchard. "I'm certain, though, that the gardener took good care of it for you."
They entered the orchard and Regina slid her hand down his arm until they could lace their fingers together. She tugged on his hand, leading him down a familiar path until they came to a stop next to one particular apple tree. It had grown since they last were there and pride shone in Regina's eyes. "Look at it!"
"It's looking good and strong," he said, praising it. "I'm certain this year's bounty will exceed last year's."
"I can bake so many pies then!" she exclaimed before rubbing her stomach. "I can't wait until Henry is old enough to help me."
Robin chuckled, imagining a little boy with dark hair and bright eyes standing on a stool as Regina stood behind him. She helped him roll out the dough with a wood pin as a few more pies backed in the palace's big ovens. He could see it so clearly, it almost made his heart burst with love. "It will be perfect."
"Do you want to go visit your oak tree?" Regina asked. "Maybe sit there for a spell and enjoy the weather?"
He glanced over at his beloved tree before looking back at his beloved wife, shaking his head. "That won't be comfortable for you. We'll sit there after Henry is born and he can join us. I imagine him learning to crawl and walk out by it."
She smiled, her eyes softening. "That sounds wonderful."
"Robin! Regina!" Tuck's voice interrupted their moment and they looked up to find the friar walking briskly toward him. He stopped in front of them. "I am glad I found you. There is something I wish to discuss with you."
Robin nodded. "Of course. Shall we head back to our rooms?"
"That would be advisable," Tuck said, motioning to the path back to the palace. Robin and Regina started down it and he fell into step with them. As they walked back to the royal chambers, they exchanged pleasantries and light conversation.
Once inside Robin and Regina's chambers, Tuck turned to them. "I have made contact with the head of the nearest coven."
"Coven?" Robin asked, confused.
His wife took his hand. "It's what you call a group of witches, darling. They all pledge to follow the same rules about how they use their magic."
Surprise filled him and he raised an eyebrow. "Doing research already?"
"I may have snuck peeks at my mother's books from time to time," she admitted with red cheeks. "It was enough to scare me off magic…well…dark magic. Except for…you know."
Robin nodded, squeezing her hand as he looked back at Tuck. "So, what did this leader have to say?"
"She is willing to meet with Regina but is apprehensive about coming to the palace. Given Her Majesty's condition, she's agreed to meet at an abandoned house on the edge of the palace grounds," Tuck said. "I maintain a garden there as well."
"That sounds agreeable," Regina said, looking between Tuck and Robin. "I can talk to her without any palace gossip getting out."
"Do you want me there?" Robin asked, not wanting to crowd her or intrude where he wasn't wanted.
She leaned closer to him. "I do. Please."
He nodded, kissing her forehead before turning back to his tutor. "I guess you can set it up, Tuck."
"And soon," she added, rubbing her stomach for emphasis.
"Understood," Tuck replied, reaching back for the doorknob. "I will visit her tomorrow and hopefully have an answer for you the day after."
Robin stood, holding out his hand to the other man. "Thank you, Tuck. We both appreciate all your work."
Tuck nodded. "You're welcome. And I'll bring you more lavender when I come back."
He then was gone and Robin returned to the couch, sitting down next to Regina. She brushed her fingers against his forehead. "Have your headaches come back?"
"No," he replied, taking her hand and kissing her fingers. It touched him how concerned she was about his headaches. "But with all that's about to happen, I don't want to chance anything."
She nodded, understanding. "When are the Ellises supposed to arrive from the fort?"
"In a couple days' time. The captain sent word," he replied. "The council and I are planning for a tribunal."
"I don't think Lady Wellington has explained that one to me," she replied, frowning.
He gave her hand another kiss. "I'm not very familiar with the tribunal process either so we'll have to get a lesson from her together."
She hummed, frowning. "I don't know. From what I've heard, you were something of a naughty student."
Robin gave an exaggerated gasp, as if he were deeply insulted. "Me? Who told you such a fib? Was it Will? You can't trust a word he says."
"What about your mother?" she challenged, raising an eyebrow. "Or both your uncles? And your aunt? Ana too?"
"I wasn't a naughty student. I just often thought I could be doing something else rather than my lessons," he argued, feeling like he had to defend himself from slander. "Like playing outside or helping out at the village."
She laughed, leaning against him. "Little Prince Robin, off to save the world. You were probably so adorable."
He chuckled, kissing her head. "I would ask how good of a student you were but I've heard enough of your mother to guess you were scared into being the perfect one."
"Pretty much," she admitted, curling her feet up on the couch. "However, I did love to learn. I wanted to know everything. I still want to know everything."
"Well, I have a library full of books to help you with that. And if we need to get more, we will get them," he told her as he played with her hair, wrapping a curl around his finger.
She chuckled, laying across his lap as she looked up at him. "You spoil me, you know that?"
"I do. It's something I'm proud of—making you happy. I know I can't make up for your childhood, but I will make the rest of your life deliriously blissful."
"I have no doubt about that," she said, sitting up and kissing him. "I just hope I can do the same for you."
He hummed, pressing his forehead to hers. "I'm certain you will, my love. I'm certain you will."
The following day, Robin stood on the steps outside the main palace doors. He wore his finest green velvet coat over a silk white shirt and black pants. Will had polished his boots until they shone and Robin had ordered a crown be brought from the Royal Treasury. It was gold with emeralds embedded in it, all of which glinted in the spring sun. A sword was tucked against his side—a real one rather than the ceremonial ones he usually wore when dressed up.
"Riders spotted on the road!" a guard yelled from a watchtower. "Raise the gates!"
Robin squared his shoulders as two burly soldiers worked the pulley system that controlled the palace gates. The large iron barrier rose slowly up and by the time it was raised enough that a rider and his horse could pass through, the party had arrived at the entrance to the courtyard. It passed through easily and the carriage at the center came to a halt in front of Robin.
The soldiers circling the carriage on their horses dismounted and approached, swords drawn. One opened the door and looked inside. "Exit the carriage," he barked.
"I am a duchess," Robin heard Lady Ellis protest. "You should address me in a more respectful manner."
"You're a traitor. You don't get any respect. Now get out or I'll pull you out myself," the soldier replied, looking cross.
Lady Ellis climbed out of the carriage, lifting her dark skirts as she stepped onto the dirt. She scowled as she looked around, cold gray eyes landing on Robin. "Is this how a great king treats his subjects?" she sneered at him.
"You will be silent," Lord Jonstone said, appearing at Robin's side. "Prisoners do not get to address His Majesty outside court."
Lord Ellis emerged from the carriage. He held his head high as he glared at Robin. "This travesty will not be forgotten," he declared.
"Take them to the tower," Robin declared, deciding he had enough of the Ellis for one day. He dreaded the tribunal, where they would have to stand in the same room with him for hours on end if he couldn't even stand less than five minutes with them.
The soldiers took the Ellises by the arms and led them away. As they walked away, Lady Ellis looked over her shoulder at Robin. "I hope your wife is well. It would be a shame if something were to happen to her or your unborn child."
Robin tensed but didn't reply. He wasn't going to let her know that she had unnerved him and he made certain to keep his eyes on her until the door to the North Tower closed behind the group.
A strong hand landed on his shoulder, making Robin jump. "Peace," his uncle said. "It's just me."
"Sorry, Uncle Joseph," Robin replied, letting out a sigh of relief. He was glad Regina was not there with him to hear Lady Ellis. "I am trying not to let her rattle me…"
"But it's hard not to when someone threatens your wife and unborn child. I understand," he assured Robin, giving his shoulder a squeeze. "You did a good job not showing it though."
Lord Jonstone nodded. "You did, Your Majesty. You just need to keep it up throughout the tribunal."
"I don't know how I'm going to do that," Robin admitted with a sigh. "Especially with Regina sitting next to me."
Uncle Joseph squeezed his shoulder again. "Understandable but I have faith you will do it. You're strong, just like your father."
Robin gave him a soft smile, reaching up to squeeze the hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, I appreciate it."
"We'll be right here for you. Don't forget it." Uncle Joseph pulled his hand back and turned to head back into the palace along with the others who had awaited the Ellises' arrival.
Robin took a deep breath, sending a prayer to the Great Being and Father to watch over him and Regina through the difficult days ahead. He then headed into the palace, eager to find his wife and give her a hug.
Twilight fell over the palace grounds as Robin pushed opened a door at the stone gate surrounding the courtyard. There were two steps leading to a dirt path and he easily stepped over them without losing his balance. He turned and held his hand out to Regina, guiding her down the stairs as she held her skirts high. She pushed the cloak she wore to protect against the nightly chill that still settled on Sherwood during early spring and let it fall back in place once she was on sturdy ground.
"It's not far this way," he said, motioning down the path. "You'll be back inside soon, lovely."
"I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me," she protested even as she pulled her cloak tighter around her. Robin could feel her shivering as he took her arm and he picked up his pace down the path.
It was mostly downhill from the palace to the small cottage where Tuck was waiting with the witch willing to talk with Regina, which made their trip there go faster. Robin made certain to hold onto her a bit tighter so that neither of them lost their footing and fell down the hill. That wouldn't do, especially in her condition.
They arrived at the small stone cottage with a thatched roof. Smoke curled from the chimney, assuring Robin that it would be warm inside. He knocked on the door and it opened a crack, two eyes peering through the slit.
"It's us," Robin said. "Please let us in."
The eyes disappeared and the door creaked open. Robin helped Regina into the cabin before entering himself. It was small and the fire lit in the hearth heated up the space well enough to chase away the chill in his bones. Tuck closed the door, smiling at them. "Thank you for coming. I apologize for the hour."
"It's alright," Regina replied, rubbing her stomach. "This one probably wouldn't let me sleep just yet anyway."
"You're close to your time," a female voice said from behind them. "I am surprised you are not locked in your room as is customary with royalty."
Surprised, Regina turned around to address the owner of the voice. "I refused to be confined until absolutely necessary. It's not necessary yet."
The other women emerged from the shadows, looking impressed as she studied Regina. She was younger than Robin had expected, closer in age to him than his mother as he had expected. Her blonde hair was loose, falling around her shoulders as she held up the skirts of her purple dress so she could step closer to Regina.
"I had heard about the dark-haired queen," the woman said, "and talk of your beauty as well as your intelligence. I can see all the stories were all true."
Robin raised his eyebrow, wondering if she was flirting with his wife. Yet he stayed quiet, knowing this meeting wasn't about him. It was about Regina and her future relationship with magic.
"Thank you?" Regina replied, a little uncertain about the woman's attention herself. She glanced over at Robin and he gave her a reassuring smile.
Tuck stepped forward. "Regina, this is Maleficent. She's the leader of the nearest coven."
"Pleasure to meet you," Regina said, bobbing a slight curtsy. She wasn't able to go as low as she once had been able to due to her growing stomach.
Maleficent motioned to a small table in the cottage. "Please, have a seat. I won't let you stand this entire time."
Regina took a seat, still looking uncertain about everything. She glanced at him again and held out her hand. He moved toward her, taking the seat next to him so he could hold her hand throughout the meeting. "You've got this," he whispered to her.
She gave him a grateful look before addressing Maleficent in a confident, almost regal tone. "What has Tuck told you?"
"That you have magical abilities, inherited, and that you are willing to learn how to control it. Does that sound about right?" Maleficent asked bluntly.
Though taken aback, Regina nodded. "My mother had magic. Or has magic. She is still alive. She's just not in this realm right now."
"Oh?" Maleficent asked, her neutral expression breaking as her eyebrows went up. "Did she go there on her own?"
"Can I just say no and leave it at that for now?" Regina asked. Her palm was starting to sweat and Robin gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. She was doing fine.
Maleficent leaned back, studying her. She then shook her head. "I'm going to need honesty if I can trust you, Regina."
Regina straightened up though a pained look came to her eyes and for a moment, Robin hated Maleficent for forcing his wife to tell her dark secret. But she held her head high and said: "Fine. I made a deal with the Dark One to get rid of my mother so she would stop controlling me and threatening me. He enchanted a mirror I used to push Mother into another realm."
"The Dark One? What did he ask in return?" Maleficent asked, frowning. It was clear she was familiar with the imp.
"Me," Regina replied. "He wants me to learn magic from him. And since I keep refusing, he says he'll then take my daughter."
Maleficent glanced down at Regina's stomach and Robin watched as his wife shook her head. "He said this one is a boy so we're good for now. But we do want to stop him before we do have a girl."
"And that's why you want to learn magic?" Maleficent asked.
"It's one reason," Regina admitted. She then grew more confident as she said: "Something is coming. Civil war, a failed coup, I don't know what exactly but I know it is coming and it will be bad if we're not prepared. I want to know we have all resources at our disposal, including my magic. I want to protect my family and this country."
Maleficent smiled, seeming almost proud of Regina. "Well, those seem like good reasons to me."
Regina's shoulders sagged in relief. "So you will teach me how to use magic? Please?"
"I will but it might be best to wait for your little one to be born," Maleficent told her. "Your fluctuating hormones will affect your magic."
"Oh, I didn't realize that. I haven't experienced anything like that," Regina said, rubbing her stomach.
Maleficent chuckled. "Not that you're aware of since you aren't regularly using your magic yet. It's probably something you either blame on being inexperienced with magic or you may not even have noticed."
Robin leaned forward, a few questions dancing around his head. "Is there anything we should be looking for as Regina's time to give birth nears?"
"Not much," Maleficent replied. "You just need to keep her calm. Her magic will react to her emotions and she could do something without meaning to. It's clear by your presence and the fact you exiled the old Abbott that you are supportive of a return to the Old Ways, but I know not everyone will agree just yet."
"We know that as well," Robin said, thinking of the Ellises and Lord Nottingham locked up in the North Tower.
Maleficent nodded, addressing Regina again: "Are you prepared for that?"
"I've dealt with hatred and people whispering behind my back," Regina replied. "I can handle it. I've learned I'm stronger than I realized."
"Good to hear." Maleficent stood, brushing off her skirt. "I will contact you through Tuck after you've given birth and have had time to heal."
"What if we want to contact you?" Robin asked, hoping that this woman and her coven would be their allies.
She paused, looking him over, before answering: "Send word through Tuck. He knows where to find me."
"Thank you," Regina said softly. "I appreciate this."
Maleficent nodded and Tuck stepped forward again. "I'm going to ask you to leave first please."
"Of course," Robin said, offering his arm to Regina. "We wish you safe travels back to your home."
"Thank you for coming to see me and for agreeing to teach me. I look forward to our lessons," Regina said, taking his arm. She gave it a squeeze and he guided her out of the cottage, ready to take her back to the warmth and safety of their rooms.
"Do you want to head to bed?" Robin asked, standing behind the couch and looking over at his wife. She lay flat on her back there, reading one of the books Lady Wellingsbury had given to them about the tribunal process.
She turned the page. "You can if you're tired. I'm going to stay here and read a bit more."
"Do you want to move to the bed? You'll be more comfortable and won't bother me. I sleep like the dead, you know."
Her lips twitched up, the start of an amused smile. "I think I'm better off out here. Right now, Henry is not moving and I fear if I stand, he will wake up and then I'll be in for another night of tossing and turning."
"You have been having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep lately. I've felt you struggle to find a comfortable position," he said.
She raised an eyebrow. "I thought you slept like the dead?"
He chuckled, leaning closer to her. "Usually but even an arm in my face can wake me up as well as an elbow in the back."
"Oh," she said, wincing. "Did I really do that to you? I'm sorry. You should've told me so I don't annoy you anymore."
"It's not annoying for me. Especially when I know it must be more annoying for you. I can't imagine what you are going through," he said, his fingertips brushing her bump.
She placed her hand over his fingers, smiling. "I keep telling myself it'll all be worth it once Henry is here."
"Yes, it will," he said. He held up a finger. "Wait there."
"Not like I can really go anywhere," she shot back as he retreated into their room, causing him to chuckle.
Robin grabbed her pillow and the quilt on their chest, carrying them back into the sitting room. "Here, let me make you more comfortable."
"Thank you," she said, lifting her head so he could place the pillow behind her. He then tucked the blanket around her, hoping to keep her nice and warm even though she was in front of the fire.
He knelt beside her, brushing some hairs from her face. "Comfortable?"
"Yes, we are," she said, reaching out to cup his cheek. She rubbed her thumb against his skin. "Thank you."
Robin kissed her forehead. "Promise me you won't spent the entire night out here, Regina."
She nodded. "I promise. If I feel like I'm starting to drift off, I'll come straight to bed."
"Thank you." He stood, squeezing her hand. "Good night, lovely."
Robin sat up in bed, frowning when he realized he was still alone. The first pale rays of the sun poked through the curtain, meaning morning was dawning. He pushed back the covers, wondering if his wife had fallen asleep on the couch despite her promise to come to bed.
He walked toward the parlor but it didn't seem like he was actually moving. Everything also seemed fuzzy, as if he needed to blink a few more times. Yet every time he tried that, nothing cleared up. It always stayed the same.
The couch appeared before him but Regina was not there. In fact, there were no signs she had ever been there. He didn't see the book she was reading nor the blanket he had covered with before going to sleep himself. Fear grew inside him and he looked around the room, which was still blurry. "Regina?"
When he got no response, he tried to move around the room as he called out louder: "Regina!"
A high-pitched laugh echoed around the room. "Has the young king lost his beautiful new wife?"
"Dark One!" Robin yelled, anger filling him as he looked around the room. It grew darker and he no longer could make out anything specific about it. "Show yourself!"
A figure emerged from the darkness but it wasn't the Dark One. Instead, it was Lady Ellis. She smirked as she approached Robin. "Expecting someone else, Your Majesty?"
"How did you get out of the tower? Guards! Guards, come quick! There's an escaped prisoner in my room," he shouted into the dark void.
She laughed, a sound that froze the blood in his veins. "No one can hear you, Your Majesty."
"What did you do?" he asked her, wishing he had his sword. He felt vulnerable and hated it.
Lady Ellis stepped closer, her smile so cold he believed the temperature around them dropped from it. "It's nothing I did. You brought that lying slut here."
He clenched his fists to keep from hitting her. "Regina is neither of those things. She is the epitome of grace and class."
"Oh, please," Lady Ellis replied with a roll of her eyes.
"You just don't like her because she's not from Sherwood."
"What was so wrong with our Sherwoodian girls? Why did you have to choose a foreign-born bitch?"
He growled, grabbing her arm. "You will not speak of my wife in such a manner. Do you understand me?"
She laughed again, the same high-pitched squeal that he had heard earlier. It did not match up with his memories of Lady Ellis' laughter and he once again swore that it sounded more like the Dark One.
"There it is," she said, grinning maniacally. "I knew the good king of Sherwood had a dark side."
Confused, Robin stepped back. "Why would you care about me having a dark side? Or rather, wouldn't you be scared of my dark side rather than pleased with it?"
"Because I can work with that darkness. You can tap into it and help Regina find hers, let her tap into her magic," Lady Ellis replied.
It was then he knew he wasn't really dealing with Lady Ellis.
He backed away even more, feeling the blood drain from his face even as anger flared up inside him again. "You are the Dark One. Why did you lie?"
"Because I'm the Dark Lord," he replied, transforming back into the imp who had been terrorizing Regina with flicks of his wrists. He grinned. "It's what I do, dearie."
"Where is Regina?" Robin asked, holding up his clenched fist. "If you've harmed her in anyway, I swear to the Great Being…"
The Dark One held up a finger, wagging it at Robin. "You might want to think carefully about the rest of that statement. You don't want to anger your Great Being, do you?"
"I want to know where my wife is," Robin replied, grabbing the Dark One by the ruffle of his shirt and pulling him until their faces were almost touching. "Tell me."
"Relax." The Dark One flicked his hands and undid Robin's grip on his shirt. "Your wife and unborn son are still safe on the couch in your room."
"Then where am I?" Robin asked, confused and angry. "Put me back where I belong!"
The Dark One laughed. "And here I thought you were intelligent. You're where you belong. Your body hasn't moved…"
"So this is a dream?"
"If that's how you best understand it…" the Dark One replied with a shrug. "Then, yes, this is a dream."
Robin nodded. "So I just have to wake up."
"It's not that easy. I brought you here for a reason," the Dark One told him.
"And you found it. My dark side. I have it and threatening my wife brings it out. Send me home," Robin shot back.
The Dark One shook his head. "Not yet. I want to know one thing."
"What is it?" Robin asked.
"How far are you really willing to go to protect your loved ones?" the Dark One asked, leaning closer. "What deal will you make to ensure it?"
"None," Robin growled, pushing the Dark One away from him. However, it felt as if he were the one falling backwards and he reached out, trying to grab something to stop his free fall. Nothing could though and he yelled as he fell through the blackness around him, wondering what would happen when he landed.
"Robin!"
He sat up, panting as his eyes adjusted to the dim glow from the fire in the hearth. Beads of sweat gathered at his hairline and he felt one roll down his face. His heart raced and he felt ready for a fight, even as he realized he was still in his bed.
Once he was certain he wasn't in danger, his eyes focused on the pale face of his wife. Her eyes were wide and she looked scared. Guilt hit him and he reached out for her. "Regina…"
"Are you alright?" she asked, moving closer so he could hug her. "You were thrashing in bed and crying out…I was worried when I couldn't wake you."
He held her close, rocking her. "I'm sorry I scared you."
"Was it a bad dream?" she asked.
"Not really," he answered, feeling the guilt continue to gnaw at him. He didn't want to lie to her but he also knew the truth was going to make her feel guilty as well. She already believed she had brought the Dark One into his life and would hate to know that the imp was now troubling him.
She pulled back, frowning in confusion. "Then what was it?"
He sighed. "Now don't blame yourself…"
"Why would I blame myself?" she asked. "What happened?"
"It was the Dark One," he said, pausing to judge her reaction.
She gasped, pulling away from him. "How can I not blame myself? This is all my fault."
"No," he insisted, taking her hands and gently pulling her back toward him. "The Dark One has been trying to get his claws into Sherwood for years. He was bound to come to me sooner or later, regardless if you made a deal with him or not."
"What did he want?" she asked, her voice small as it sounded like she was fighting back tears.
"The same thing he always wants," Robin assured her, rubbing her arm. It was the truth after all.
She frowned, a fire burning in her eyes as she pounded her fist against her open palm. "I can't wait to begin my lessons with Maleficent so I can finally expel him from our lives. Perhaps even this realm!"
He chuckled, cupping her face in his hands. "I have no doubt you will be able to do that. First, though, let's get through the tribunal and bring our baby boy into this world. Agreed?"
"Agree," she said, relaxing her shoulders. She then took his hands. "Are you truly alright? He didn't hurt you?"
Robin nodded. "My physical body wasn't there and he didn't try to touch me. I did want to punch him but didn't."
"It doesn't mean he still couldn't hurt you," she said, caressing his face as she frowned. "I wish I could use my magic to check you."
He gently moved her hand from his face and patted her side of the bed. "I assure you I'm fine. Now, why don't you climb in bed and let's see if we both can get some sleep tonight?"
She smiled and nodded. "Henry seems to be calm so maybe I can get a few hours. I can't wait until he is out of me and I can send you to handle him when he's up during the night."
"I will gladly tend to our son so you can sleep," he told her, kissing her. "Good night, sweetheart."
Regina curled next to him, wrapping her arm around him. "Good night, Robin."
He slipped off to a peaceful sleep alongside his wife, certain that nothing would bother him for the rest of the night.
A/N: Happy birthday to me! I'm giving you the gift of the next Crown My Heart chapter! I hope you enjoy it!
So, the Ellises and Lord Nottingham are in the tower but they are still looking for Keith. They'll have some time as we won't see the tribunal just yet. There's going to be another big event in this next chapter so stay tuned—you don't want to miss it!
In case you missed it, I updated The Nanny two weeks ago. I am no longer posting new chapters on FFnet, so you can only read it on AO3 or Wattpad. If you haven't read it yet, please head there to do so!
If you're celebrating either, Happy Easter and Happy Passover. If not, happy Sunday!
-Mac