Chapter 27: A Battle for the Soul
Regina sat on her childhood bed, clutching her favorite doll Isabella again. It had been years since she last saw her, not since Mother had stormed into her room one day and pulled the doll from her arms. She had snapped that Regina was not a child anymore, so she didn't need a stupid poppet. Instead, she needed to focus on becoming a gentlewoman who would be attractive to a rich husband. Mother had left with Isabella and no matter how hard Regina searched, she never found her beloved doll again.
Until now.
She smiled, pulling the doll from her chest so she could run her hand over the doll's dark lifelike hair. Her pink gown looked freshly pressed and she was clean, like Irene had just washed her for Regina's sake. Isabella looked perfect.
"I can't believe I found you," she told the doll. "A lot has happened since I last saw you. I got married and I now have a son of my own. Can you believe that, Isabella?"
Regina laid the doll down as if cradling a baby. "He's beautiful, Isabella. I can't believe I carried him and gave birth to him. He's just amazing."
As she rocked her doll, Isabella morphed before her eyes. Her hair turned into soft brown tufts and her pale skin took on a pink hue as her clothes disappeared. Glass blue eyes turned into real ones and she grew heavier. Regina blinked a few times before she realized that Isabella had transformed into a baby.
Not just any baby, she realized. Isabella had morphed into how Henry had looked when she first saw him.
He was absolutely beautiful.
"Hello, Henry," she said, choking up as tears filled her eyes. "I love you so much. Which is why I really hope you aren't really here with me."
The baby boy yawned before disappearing, leaving her alone with no son and no doll. She just sat in her cold childhood bedroom, wishing she was back in her room with Robin.
She had never contemplated what happened after death though she believed that a person's spirit passed to another world, one separate from theirs. Her father had been the one to tell her that when she was a child but she had little instruction on religion as her mother had detested it. Mother believed there were far better topics Regina could focus on, especially as knowledge of religion wouldn't get her a husband. It meant she didn't know what the world the spirits of the dead resided in was supposed to look like. Regina hoped, though, that this wasn't it.
Because if it were, she was going to be miserable for all of eternity.
Maybe this is punishment, a voice in her head said, for making the deal with the Dark One. Maybe that has doomed you to an afterlife of misery.
She shook her head, silencing the voice. After months of her loved ones assuring her that she was not a bad person for making a deal with the Dark One, she was starting to believe it. She had also taken to reading the sacred texts of Robin's religion and had come to realize they believed the Great Being was one of mercy. Certainly it would extend its mercy to her for one moment of weakness, one she acknowledged was wrong and vowed to never repeat. And if that were the case, then certainly her afterlife wouldn't be a cold and abandoned version of her childhood home.
Regina also refused to believe she was dead. She didn't feel dead, almost as if she were dreaming. It just was one she couldn't wake up from, no matter how hard she tried to do so. That didn't mean she was dead, though. Perhaps stuck in between life and death, but not yet dead. And she was not going to go without a fight.
"I will come back to you and Henry, Robin," she said, hoping he could hear her somehow. "Don't give up on me. Please."
"Are you certain this is the right thing to do?" Lady Wellingsbury asked, standing in the middle of his sitting room with a frown on her face.
Robin nodded as he bounced Henry, trying to lull his son back to sleep. Henry could now recognize his father and would not go down unless Robin rocked him. If anyone else tried, he would fuss and kick at them until they placed him into his father's arms. Then Henry would quiet, staring at Robin's face until he no longer could fight sleep anymore.
Forcing himself to look up, Robin answered: "I am going to do everything possible to bring Regina back to us."
"But magic?" she asked, sitting down as she lowered her voice. "Certainly there are more scientific methods?"
She glanced over at Widow Lucas as she asked that question. Widow Lucas shook her head, frowning. "Friar Tuck, the physician and I have tried everything we know and it has kept her fever down but not broken it. I think it's time to bring in magic."
"Even knowing the risk?" Lady Wellingsbury asked, her attention back to Robin.
"What risk?" he asked. "That some people will protest because they've been brainwashed by corrupt Abbots to think the witches are evil? Yes, I think it's worth it to start changing opinions."
She pressed her lips together. "Robin, I really do think you need to be smart about this. It was one thing to parade Keith through the streets in a paddy wagon…"
"He wanted that," Robin replied hotly. "I was more than happy to oblige as I was clearly needed back here."
"You played right into his hand! Can you imagine what it would like to the people to see a nobleman, your cousin, paraded like a common criminal?" she asked, almost yelling.
Henry woke with a start, letting out a howl full of displeasure. He kicked his legs, hitting Robin's arm, and flailed his arms about as he continued to express how unhappy he was with the loud noise. Robin stood, rocking his son as he made sounds he hoped would soothe his baby boy.
"Perhaps you should go, Diana," Mother said, his voice firm. "I will call on you tomorrow and we will further discuss everything."
"If you can, try to bring your son too," Lady Wellingsbury replied. When Robin turned his head, their eyes met for a moment and he held her gaze. She then bowed her head and left, closing the door behind her.
Henry started calm down, rubbing his face with his hand. Robin continued to rock him, shaking his head. "I'm not going."
"I know," Mother replied, walking toward him. "I wasn't going to even suggest you come."
She stood there, running her hand over Henry's soft hair. "Diana just wants what's best for you and the kingdom. She wants you to be a successful king."
Robin sighed, nodding. "I know. I just fear what I think is best for myself as king and the kingdom is different from what she believes is."
"It probably is," Mother replied, nodding. "And I will try to get her to accept that. I can't promise anything."
"I can only ask you to try. Thank you." He leaned forward, kissing her forehead.
He then pulled back, finding Henry asleep in his arms. Robin crept toward the cradle, carefully lying his son down. To his relief, his son slept on and he was able to head toward his bedroom to check on his wife.
"I know it might be foolish to ask but has there been any change?" he asked Prince Henry.
"Not yet," his father-in-law replied, standing from the chair by the bed. He held out the damp cloth they used to cool Regina. "I'll let you have your time with her."
Robin thanked her and took his seat as Prince Henry headed outside. He wiped Regina's brow. "Little Henry is growing stronger and bigger every day. And I'm slowly learning more about his personality. Right now, he reminds me of you—very curious about everything. He also seems fascinated by the world outside. I can't wait to take him to my tree and let him experience nature."
He smiled as he brushed some of her hair away from her face. "We should also take him to your apple tree. I'm certain once he's old enough, you will teach him how to care for your tree. Speaking of which, I've been down to the orchard and it's doing very well. You would be pleased."
Regina continued to lie in bed, not responding. Only the rise and fall of her chest assured him she was still with him, still fighting to live. He took her hand in his, kissing it. "Please keep fighting, my love. Come back to us. Please."
"She will," Mother said, entering the room. She placed her hand on his shoulder. "I believe in her."
He nodded, covering her hand with his. "I believe in her too. I just worry it's not enough and we're all fighting against a force even stronger than us."
She gave his shoulder a comforting squeeze as she kissed the top of his head. "Stay strong and try to get some sleep tonight. I love you."
"I love you too," he told her. "And I promise I'll go to bed when Ella comes to relieve me."
"You can always come to my room. You should sleep in a proper bed and not just on the couch."
He shook his head. "I can't. I need to stay close in case either Regina or Henry need me. The couch is more than comfortable."
She sighed, nodding. "Alright but remember the offer still stands. Goodnight."
"Goodnight," he replied, watching her leave before turning back to Regina.
He took her hand and kissed it. "How about I read to you for a little while before going to bed?"
Robin opened her nightstand's drawer and pulled out the book of love letters he had given her only months before. He opened to the spot he had bookmarked and started to read, hoping she could hear him wherever she was.
Regina closed her eyes as Robin's voice echoed around her. He was reading one of the love letters Queen Susannah sent her husband and her heart skipped a beat as he did, hearing how much he loved her in his voice. She loved it when he talked to her, though it broke her heart every time he pleaded with her to come back to him. Regina wanted to with all her heart but she just couldn't escape her own mind.
"I'm trying, my love," she called out, even though she knew he couldn't hear her. "I want to be with you and Henry."
"Pathetic."
The voice sent a chill down Regina's spine and her back went straight. Her heart sped up as her breathing shallowed, her feet frozen to the ground. She refused to turn around, to confirm who had spoken. It was impossible—she couldn't be there.
"But I am," the voice replied, sounding closer now. "You are trapped in your own mind. And no matter what, I am always there."
Regina swallowed as she slowly turned around to face the owner of the voice. Mother stood there, dressed in one of her opulent gowns—this one a dark shade of red with black embellishments. Her brown hair was pinned up and curled as Mother held her head up proudly. She smiled coldly, walking toward Regina with her arms open. "Mother and daughter, reunited at last."
"No," Regina replied, stepping away from her mother. "No, you're not here. I don't want you here."
"You can't banish me that easily. Push my body into some mirror, yes, but you can never get me out of your mind. I'm always there." Mother reached out, brushing a cold hand against Regina's head.
Regina backed away. "No, absolutely not. I don't want to be here with you. I want to wake up and be with my husband and our son."
"Why? Why do you always push me away?" Mother asked. "After everything I did for you?"
"For me? You did nothing for me. It was all for you!" Regina yelled back. "You wanted me to be Leopold's queen as part of some weird vengeance against Queen Eva. Well, you didn't get that, Mother. Instead, I'm queen of Sherwood and I am better than you would've been as queen of Mist Haven."
Mother pressed her lips together. "You think so?"
"I do," Regina replied, holding her head high. "They love me."
Her mother rolled her eyes. "Do they? Or do they love the heirs you can provide?"
"You are not going to play with my head. I know the truth," she said, trying to walk away.
Mother appeared before her, scowling. "You know nothing."
Regina refused to be cowed, crossing her arms as she stared down her mother. "I think I know a lot more than you."
"Do you?" Mother's scowl turned into a smirk. "You don't know how to get out of here."
"Neither do you."
"What makes you think that?"
Regina raised an eyebrow. "Because you're still here."
Mother smiled, chilling her to her bone. "You assume I want to leave."
"You want to stay here?" Regina took a step back, wanting to get far away from the woman. "Why?"
"Because I always want to be with you." Mother held out her arms, trying to hug Regina. "You would understand if you could raise your own son."
Her words stung more than if she had hit Regina. Pulling back, Regina pressed a hand to her stomach as she held her head high. "I am going to find a way out of here."
Mother laughed. "Oh, Regina. How naïve you are. You will never get out of here. You're trapped."
"I don't believe you." Regina's stomach tightened as she stared down her mother, hoping her uncertainty didn't come through in her voice or eyes.
When her mother stepped closer with triumph in her eyes, Regina knew she had failed. Mother smiled and caressed her cheek. "I know it's difficult, my darling, but you need to accept it. You are never leaving here and your son will grow up with another mother. Because you know Robin will move on and marry again. He'll forget all about you. All you have is me."
Regina thought of the letter she had written Robin should she not wake up. She gave him permission to fall in love again, told him to do it. While it would hurt to watch him move on, all she wanted was for him to be happy. If another woman was able to do that, then she would be happy as well.
Yet there was one thing she did know—Robin would never forget her or stop loving her. While she hoped he would find love again, she knew he wouldn't love another the way he loved her. Another marriage wouldn't stop him from telling Henry about her either, making certain their son knew who his mother was. Nothing her mother said would make her ever stop believing that.
She batted her mother's arm away. "I have a lot more than you. I don't need you nor do I want you. Be gone!"
Mother backed up as she started to fade away. She frowned. "You can't get rid of me for long. I will be back."
"No, you won't," Regina insisted. "Goodbye, Mother."
Her mother let out an unearthly screech as she faded away, forcing Regina to cover her ears again. It was like the one she let out when pushed into the mirror, the one that still haunted Regina months later.
She lowered her hands once Mother was gone and silence engulfed her. Regina looked around the empty foyer of her family home, realizing once again she was alone.
"Here you go," the nurse said, handing a content Henry to Robin. "He's all fed. I'll be back later for his next feeding."
"Thank you," Robin replied, putting Henry to his shoulder as he patted his back to burp him. "I appreciate your help."
She nodded, leaving as Henry let out a good burp. Robin smiled, rubbing his back. "That's my boy," he told him.
Tink entered the room, carrying a tray that held a plate laden with various breakfast foods. A rich aroma rose up from it, making Robin's stomach growl as his mouth began to water. He started to approach the table when he paused, studying Tink. She was pale and there were dark bags under her eyes, concerning him.
"Have you been sleeping?" he asked her.
"I've been catching naps here or there," she said. "When I'm not with the Queen or taking care of the prince."
Robin frowned, concerned for her. "You need to sleep. Really sleep, not just nap."
She shook her head. "I'm fine. Besides, I'm needed here."
"We'll be fine," he assured her. "I don't want you to run yourself ragged on our behalf and I know Regina would feel the same."
Tink glanced at the bedroom door, her internal conflict reflected in her eyes. She knew he was right yet he believed her guilt forced her to keep pushing herself. It was confirmed when she whispered: "But I've failed her once already…"
He stepped closer, placing on hand on her shoulder as he kept a firm grip on Henry. "No, you haven't. The only ones to blame for this are those who tried to induce her early."
"But I gave her the tea!" Tink sobbed, trying to shake him off. "This wouldn't have happened if I had paid better attention!"
"Everyone has said the tea itself was not harmful. It wasn't a given that Regina would bleed heavily. There was just as much of a chance that everything went well with Henry's birth," he reminded her, things he often told himself when he started to feel guilty about not being there for Regina when she gave birth.
Tink sniffed. "Why did they do it? Why induce her and cause her to give birth to Prince Henry then? What was the purpose?"
"I wish I knew," he replied with a sigh. He then squeezed her shoulder. "But that's for me to find out. Right now, you need to sleep."
When she continued to hesitate, he leaned closer. "Don't force me to make that a royal order."
Her shoulders slumped and she nodded. "I will go get some rest. Do you want me to send someone up to help you?"
"No, I think we will manage," he replied, gently guiding her toward the servant's entrance. "Do not worry about us. Just get some rest."
She nodded, leaving the room. He then placed Henry down in his crib, carrying it over to the table so his son could see him while he ate. It pleased the baby, who cooed and kicked happily.
The front door opened and Robin looked up, relaxing when he saw it was Will. "Come join me and have some breakfast!" he told his friend.
Will's face remained solemn and there was tension in his jaw. Robin set down his fork, reaching out to place a hand on Henry's stomach, though he wasn't sure if it was to comfort the lad or him. "What's wrong?"
"Your council requests your presence immediately," he said. "I've been ordered to drag you there if you refuse."
Anger surged through Robin and he stood up, shaking the table and rattling the setting. "What?" he bellowed.
Henry let out a wail, kicking as he cried. Mother left the bedroom, eyes wide as she looked at Robin. "What's wrong?"
"Ask Will," he replied, picking up Henry to try to console him. Nothing he did though worked, especially when he tensed up as Will repeated the council's request to Mother. How dare his council bark orders at him? Demand his own secretary drag him to their meeting room, especially when his wife still hovered between life and death?
Henry continued to cry and nothing Robin did could calm his son. He bounced the baby, trying to soothe him but Henry only wailed louder. It wore on Robin's already frayed nerves and he worried he would do something he would regret.
"Give him to me," Mother said gently, placing her hand on Henry's back. "He's sensing your anger and it's upsetting him."
Though reluctant to let his son go, Robin realized he was the one upsetting him and let Mother take the baby. She calmed him down as she addressed Robin: "I think it's appalling that the council is ordering you to a meeting. They would never have done that with your father."
"I know," he replied, his anger surging again.
"I think it's time the council remembers their place," she told him, patting Henry's back as she gave Robin a pointed look.
He nodded, understanding her. Robin then turned to address Will: "Tell the council I will be there in a quarter hour. I need to make myself presentable."
"I will." With a short bow, Will left the room.
Robin turned back to his mother, pressing a kiss to Henry's forehead. "You'll take care of him while I'm gone?"
"Of course," she assured him. "Go."
He nodded, hurrying into the bedroom. Widow Lucas looked up and rose from her chair, ready for the change of guard. Robin held up his hand. "I am needed elsewhere. Someone else will come to sit with her. I just need the room to dress."
"Of course," she replied. "I can always send for my granddaughter as well. I've been training her. She can care for Her Majesty as well."
"I trust your judgment when it comes to caring for my wife," he assured her, guiding her out. "Whatever you feel is best."
She nodded as he closed the door, opening his wardrobe. He pulled out a dark blue coat and looked over at Regina, who continued to sleep as she fought whatever raged inside her body. "You always love me in blue," he said to her.
His heart breaking at the silence that answered him, he grabbed a white shirt to wear under the jacket. Robin pulled it on and buttoned it before pulling on a pair of pants. Once he shrugged on the jacket and checked his reflection in the mirror. He turned back to Regina. "I'm off to put my council in their place. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Leaning down, he kissed her forehead. It was still too hot for his liking and he swallowed past the lump in his throat as he said: "I love you."
Robin straightened up and left the room, ready to face his council.
"I love you too," she said to the empty room, knowing Robin wouldn't be able to hear her like she heard him. She hugged herself, wishing she was back with him. Looking around the dark space, she sighed. "I need to get out of here."
A familiar high-pitched laugh sent chills coursing through her. She closed her eyes as she groaned. "Please, no. Not you."
"Is that anyway to greet an old friend?" The Dark One's voice seemed to echo around her and she pressed her hands to her ears, trying to drown him out.
She shook her head. "You are not my friend. I don't want you here. Go away."
"So you don't want to get back to your husband and son?" he asked, his voice a whisper but sounding so close. It was almost as if he was standing right behind her.
"I do," she replied, "but I can do it without your help."
The Dark One appeared in front of her and she let out a cry, dropping her hands from her ears as she backed away. He smirked as his inhuman eyes watched her with mirth. "And how are you going to do that, dearie?"
"I'll figure out something," she said, holding her head high though she feared she would never be able to do that.
He laughed again, tapping his head. "Did you forget? I'm in your head. There's nothing you can keep secret from me now."
She hesitated, realizing he was right. Though if they were in her head, there was one question she had to answer. "Are you real? Or just a figment of my imagination?"
"Well, I feel real," he replied, smirking at her. He circled her like a hawk circling its prey. "But I think that's really for you to decide."
"Well, I'm deciding that I do not want you here," she said, remembering what happened with her mother. Holding firm, she said: "Go away."
He remained standing there, smiling at her. She tried to will him away but he didn't go anywhere, causing her heart to sink into her stomach with a horrifying realization. "Oh no."
"Oh, yes," he said, laughing again.
"Why are you here?" she asked, trying to back away from him even though she knew he could go wherever he wanted. "What do you want?"
"You know what that is," he told her, standing still as he kept his eyes focused on her.
She nodded, trying to stay strong. "I will never be your student."
"I've learned to never say never," he replied. "Anyone can be swayed if given the right…persuasion."
"And what do you think that is for me?" she asked.
He grinned as he motioned to the dark space around them. "Freedom from this prison. A life with your husband and son."
She hesitated, knowing that was everything she wanted. Yet was it worth the price? Was it worth being tied to this man and his darkness for the rest of her life? Or was it best to sacrifice her life with Robin and Henry to keep them safe from the darkness, to keep her now beloved home Sherwood safe from the Dark One?
Conviction strengthened her spirit and she shook her head. "I would rather stay here than subject anyone else to you."
"How long would you say you've already been in here?" he asked her, studying her. "A couple days? A week? More?"
She hesitated as she couldn't answer. There was no way to mark the passing of time here and no one who talked to her mentioned how much time had passed. If Robin was back, though, she had to guess a few days at least had passed.
"You don't know," he continued, not waiting for her response. "Which means you don't know what's been happening to your body or your mind. Sickness can wreak havoc on both. You might not be the same person when you wake up. Unless you let me do that."
"I will take my chances," she told him, not letting herself crumble. "Leave me alone, Dark One."
He took a step back, smirking. "Fine. I'll give you some more time to…stew…here. The next time, though, I'm certain you'll be accepting my offer."
With a snap of his fingers, he disappeared in a cloud of mauve smoke. She waved it away, scowling. He would never leave her alone but she would never give in.
No matter what the cost.
Robin strode into the council room doing little to hide his anger and displeasure. A few councilmembers averted their gaze, already appropriately chastened. Most kept their heads up but were clearly split into two groups—those just as angry as Robin and those who felt justified in ordering him to this meeting. He was relieved to see Lady Wellingsbury was on his side. Whatever Mother had said to her had worked.
Will pulled out Robin's chair and he sat down. Lord Ashbury didn't even wait for his chair to be pushed back in before addressing Robin. "It's about time. We have some important matters we haven't been able to address."
Bristling, Robin looked onto him and laced every word with disdain. "I'm sorry the fact my wife is gravely ill and may be on her death bed has been such an inconvenience for you."
"I didn't mean…" Lord Ashbury trailed off, eyes wide as he tried to figure out what to say next.
"I know what you meant." Robin shifted his attention back to the rest of the council, noting more of them looked ashamed. "There are important matters we need to address.
"This past year has been tough for all of us. I am grateful to you all for your patience and guidance as I have adjusted to being king. All of you sitting around this table have proven your loyalty and dedication to Sherwood and my family. I could not have asked for a better group to advise me."
He paused, letting his words sink in before he continued. "However, I feel some lines have gotten blurred and that we all have forgotten our proper places.
"How so?" Lord Jonstone asked, frowning.
"I am the king. You are my council," Robin answered. "You advise me but ultimately, I have the final say in decisions."
Lady Forsyth frowned. "We understand that."
"Do you?" he countered, looking each councilmember in the eyes. "Because lately, it feels as if you all decided something and then order me to enact it."
Her cheeks grew red and she turned her attention to Lady Wellingsbury. "Did you hear that? Do you agree with his assessment?"
"I am sitting right here," he told her, refusing to be treated as if he were an uncooperative student. He was the king and it was time they treated him as such.
Lady Wellingsbury turned to him, bowing her head. "May I have Your Majesty's permission to answer?"
He realized she was recognizing his authority and knowing the council would be swayed by her, he nodded. "Proceed, Your Ladyship."
With a bow of her head, Lady Wellingsbury turned back to Lady Forsyth. Her demeanor changed completely, back to the steely woman who lesser men and women had been eviscerated by in court. "Yes, I do agree with His Majesty's assessment. He has spent the last year being our student and I believe we have gotten drunk from the power that gave us. I support His Majesty's decision to reclaim his authority, especially as we had no business taking it in the first place."
Lord Jonstone's face turned as red as Lady Forsythe's as he protested: "We didn't take anything!"
"Yes, we did," she replied. She motioned to Robin. "For goodness sake, we ordered him to go get Keith when he said he didn't want to leave because his son could've been born any day. Which he was. He missed it. Because we forgot he was the king, not our errand boy."
"We hardly treated him like that," Lady Forsyth argued.
Lord Hutton answered her. "Didn't we? He presented a very logical reason to not go—which he didn't have to do. He's the king. That alone was reason enough not to send him but we demanded it of him."
"And I think it set a dangerous precedence," Robin added. "We can't let prisoners think we will give into their demands. It should be an exception, not a rule."
"Keith Nottingham is not your average prisoner," Lady Robertshire replied. "He's one of us."
Robin studied her before saying: "And that's what makes him so dangerous. That's what makes all the players in this so dangerous. They are us. They know how we are going to respond and how to push to get the response they want. Keith was instructed to demand that I accompany him back to Locksley and we all walked into that trap, which Regina is now paying the price for.
"We can't keep responding the way we always have," he continued. "We need to treat them like common criminals because that's what they are."
Lady Robertshire bristled, frowning at him. "They are presumed innocent."
"I think we're beyond that stage," he replied. "They are proud to be against me. They are traitors."
"That's a strong word," she protested, clearly growing uncomfortable.
Robin didn't need to respond as the other councilmembers all sighed, shaking their heads. "They are traitors, Lady Robertshire," Lord Hutton. "I agree with His Majesty that we need to treat them like the prisoners they are."
She gaped at the two men before looking around at the others. "Do you all agree? Diana?"
"I do," Lady Wellingsbury said. One by one, the others around the table nodded as well. "We all agree."
"They are one of us!" Lady Robertshire protested.
Robin nodded. "Exactly. So we need to treat them like common criminals. They aren't expecting that and will be caught off-guard."
"So we are agreed," Lord Jonstone said, nodding.
"Good," Robin said, pushing his chair back. "I have been away from my wife for far too long. We are adjourned."
Lord Jonstone frowned. "We haven't addressed any of our concerns yet, Your Majesty."
"May we continue to meet in your absence?" Lady Wellingsbury asked Robin, bowing slightly again.
Robin paused, thinking it over as all his studies flashed in his mind. "This council is adjourned until I see fit to call it back to order," he decided.
A few members gasped but he didn't react. He knew it was well within his power to keep the council from convening. It wasn't meant to be used for selfish reasons, like days when he just didn't want to meet with them but for days like this. For when there were other serious matters that required his attention and he didn't need their counsel to handle them, like his wife's life or death situation. Regina needed his full attention and he certainly didn't need the councilmembers weighing in on it.
Lady Forsythe frowned. "There are important matters that need decisions, Rob…Your Majesty. I understand that you cannot give them the proper attention they deserve for very good reasons. Your attention does need to be focused on your wife and new son but someone needs to give these matters attention."
"Of course," he said, understanding her concern. His mind continued to recall everything he had studied over the years and he turned to Lady Wellingsbury. "I am appointing you and Lord Hutton to be my proxies until I can resume my duties as king."
Lady Wellingsbury's eyes shone with pride as she bowed again. "I will do my best to render decisions I believe you would agree with."
"I promise the same and to be diligent and fair in my decisions," Lord Hutton said, bowing as well.
"Thank you," Robin said, bowing back to them. He knew his people and country were in good hands. "Now, I take my leave."
All the councilmembers stood. "We hope Her Majesty recovers and is soon back to perfect health," Lady Forsythe said.
Robin thanked them again before heading for the door. He hoped nothing had happened to Regina since he left and prayed that she would wake up soon, just as Lady Forsythe had said. Otherwise, he didn't know what he would do without her.
He opened the door to his room and his spirits soared when he saw Tuck standing in his parlor. Maleficent sat on the couch, sipping tea as she conversed with Ella and Ana. All three women went silent as he entered and he kept his eyes on Maleficent. "You came," he said.
"Who I am to refuse when the king himself summons me?" she asked, standing. She then gave him a soft smile. "I also do like Her Majesty as well and believe she should be able to raise her son."
She glanced over at the crib where Henry continued to sleep. Robin smiled softly. "Would you like to see him?" he asked.
"I do," she replied, "but only once he's back in his mother's arms."
Robin nodded, motioning toward the bedroom. "Then I shall let you get to work so that can happen."
Walking around the room, Regina tried every door. All were locked and none moved even a bit. It seemed she was trapped but she refused to stay confined there. She was going to get out of there and find a way back to her family on her own. There had to be a key somewhere, she figured, something that would suddenly unlock everything for her.
If only she knew where it might be…
"Are you ready to accept my help?" the Dark One asked, his voice echoing all around her.
She tensed up, looking around the darkness. "Show yourself! I won't have you wandering around my mind!"
"If you insist." A plume of burgundy smoke rose up before her and when it died down, the Dark One stood in front of her. He grinned, holding up one arm as he rested his elbow on his other hand. "Here I am!"
"Good. Now go away," Regina snapped.
He chuckled. "I can't."
"Liar," she retorted. "You mean you won't."
"I won't go away because I can't just leave you here alone with no way out," he said, still grinning like a madman.
Regina rolled her eyes. "So you're trying to paint yourself as some sort of white knight now?"
"I'm trying to help you," he said. "You're no good to me if you're trapped her or worse, dead."
She crossed her arms. "So you'll help me and in return, I become your student?"
"Yes. I don't do anything out of the kindness of my heart, as you pointed out."
"Indeed," she replied. "I don't need your help, I'll never be your student, and I will get out of here on my own. Now go."
She turned and walked away from him. He appeared right in front of her, leaning so close she almost went cross-eyed. "I don't think you understand how serious your situation is. The longer you stay trapped here, the less likely it is you will be able to see your son and husband again. I am your only chance."
"I refuse to believe that," she said, though her resolve was crumbling as a traitorous voice inside her whispered that he was right. "You're a liar who will say anything to get me to agree to your conditions."
"Perhaps. But I can see it in your eyes. You know I'm right," he said, pointing at her face.
Regina wanted to deny it, to spit in his face. Yet she knew that he was making a logical argument. She had been trapped in her own mind for a long time and she knew that it grew more likely she her only escape would be death. It scared her and made her want to cry—for herself, for Robin and for their darling Henry, who barely knew her. She couldn't let go that easily, couldn't leave them without a fight.
But could she make a deal with the devil in order to stay with them?
"My lessons won't take you from your family," he continued, as if certain of her decision. "We can even have them in the palace. You'll become a powerful witch."
"But you will be teaching me dark magic," she replied.
He shrugged. "Magic is magic, dearie. It's the heart of the wielder who decides if it's light or dark magic. But in my opinion, dark magic is stronger than light magic."
"What will you do to my heart to make it so I wield dark magic?" she asked, scared of the answer.
"I don't have to do much," he replied. "You already started the process when you pushed your mother into that mirror."
Regina raised her hands, pressing them to her chest. She felt her heart beating there and wondered what it looked like, if he was right. After all, Robin's cousin had reacted badly to her and called her dark. Had he been able to tell her heart was darkening?
She trembled as all the implications sank in. "I'm not evil. I don't want to be evil nor do I want to use my magic for evil."
"Being dark doesn't necessarily mean you're evil," he tried to reason with her. "And it allows you to be more powerful than light magic."
"I don't want to be powerful," she replied, tears forming in her eyes. "I just want my family."
The Dark One frowned. "Who says you will lose them?"
"Because I've seen what dark magic can do," she said. "My mother used it to terrify me to the point that I felt the only way to escape her was to banish her to another land. What if I turn into her? Robin is stronger than my father—he would send me away, keep me from Henry."
"That doesn't necessarily have to happen," he said. She could hear the hesitancy in his voice, though, and wondered if maybe he had lost his family due to his darkened heart.
Her gut instinct strengthened and she backed away from him, tears now running freely down her cheeks. "I would rather die than put my family through that."
"You foolish, sentimental girl!" he yelled. "With my offer, you can have it all—power and your family! Just take it!"
"NO!" she yelled. A white light filled the space and she turned away, shielding her eyes.
Is this the end? Am I dying? Will I move onto whatever lays beyond death? If so, I am sorry, Robin. I am sorry, Henry. I tried to fight to return to you but it just wasn't good enough. I know you will never know that or the fact I chose you over magical powers, but I hope you are proud of me anyway. I love you both so much and will wait eagerly for the day we are reunited.
The light died down and Regina blinked a few times to adjust to the dimmer light, though everything around her was white. Gone was her father's manor house, the doors that led nowhere and the Dark One. Only one door stood in front of her and she knew in her heart where it led—the afterlife.
Regina took a deep breath and stepped up to it, grasping the handle. She turned it and threw the door open, ready to find out what lay on the other side. Another bright light momentarily blinded her. She turned her head and raised her hand to shield her eyes from it, waiting for it to die down. Once it did, she looked back and gasped.
"Hello, Regina," Maleficent said, smiling. She wore a light purple dress and her blonde hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders. Her presence confused Regina. Was she not dead after all? What was happening?
"You look confused," Maleficent continued, stepping into the now white room. "Do you need me to explain?"
Regina nodded before blurting out: "I'm not dead?"
Mal looked taken aback but shook her head. "No, I assure you that you're very much the opposite."
"I don't understand," Regina continued, trying to work everything out. "The Dark One said…"
"Oh, I'm sure the Dark One fed you a lot of lies," she said, waving her hand. Two chairs appeared behind them and she motioned to them. "Let's sit down and I'll try to explain everything to you."
Regina nodded, following her to the chairs. She sat next to Maleficent, hoping things would be clearer soon. "What's going on?"
"The short version is that the Dark One is behind all of this and he's been lying to you, no doubt trying to get you to agree to be his student," Maleficent explained.
Well, he certainly had done that. Regina frowned. "Did he have anything to do with me going into labor?"
"No," Maleficent said. "Someone else switched your regular tea with an herb that induces labor and can cause heavy bleeding in some people. That happened to you and you did develop an infection."
She nodded but didn't feel any less confused. "So I was on the verge of death?"
Maleficent shook her head. "You received immediate and excellent care from Widow Lucas, Friar Tuck and Whale, the royal physician. From what I could tell, the fever really broke only a couple days later thanks to their treatments and the fact they kept feeding you broth to keep up your strength."
"Is this the part where the Dark One gets involved?" Regina asked, things starting to fall into place in her mind.
"It is," Maleficent confirmed. "He's been spying on you and seized his chance, tampering either with the medicine you were given or the broth. He slipped in a magical potion that gave the appearance you were still feverish and trapped you in here in your mind, hoping that you would agree to his demands in order to wake up."
Regina frowned, angry at him. "He kept me from my newborn son? I've missed so much bonding time with him!"
"I know," Maleficent said sadly. "I'm here to take you back to him."
"So you know how to break the spell the Dark One put on me?" Regina asked, hope filling her. She was going back to her family.
Maleficent smiled. "You've already done that. That's why the door was there."
That surprised Regina. "I did? How?"
"Well, why don't you tell me what it's been like for you these past couple weeks?" Mal asked her.
Regina did so, telling Maleficent everything she had experienced. She admitted to having been tempted by the Dark One but turning him down, choosing to die rather than turn to his dark ways.
Pride filled Maleficent's eyes. "You broke the spell by standing up to him. By choosing death, you freed yourself from his control."
"So he won't bother me anymore?" Regina asked, hope filling inside her that maybe she was done with the Dark One for good.
Those hopes were dashed when Maleficent shook her head. "You've just stopped him from controlling you this way. He'll no doubt try to find another way to get you to be his student. But this proves that you are stronger than him. You can stop him, it just won't be easy."
Regina sighed, nodding. "I hope we can do it sooner than later. I almost gave in now. Who knows what will happen if he manages to really wear me down?"
"You're stronger than you realize," she replied, taking Regina's hand. "And you have an amazing support system. A small army has been tending to you for almost a fortnight. Your husband risked a great deal turning to magic and sending for me—all to save you. Together, you will figure out a way to stop the Dark One."
Hearing about how everyone had taken care of her and how Robin had taken steps to bring her back to him warmed Regina's heart. She stood, taking a deep breath. "I think it's time I go home to my family."
Maleficent stood as well, holding out her hand. "I think you're right. Let's go."
Regina took her hand and they approached the door again. Smiling, she reached out and turned the knob. The door opened and they walked through it together, a bright light engulfing the two as they left her mind.
Robin knelt next to the bed, holding Regina's hand. It no longer felt clammy and the sweat that had drenched her for days had cooled. Her skin still was returning to a healthier color and she seemed to be sleeping peacefully now. All were hopeful signs that he believed meant Maleficent had broken the Dark One's spell on her and was bringing her back to him.
He kissed Regina's hand, trying to keep his anger at bay. Robin's mind was still reeling from the revelations Maleficent had made shortly after entering the bedroom. She had said that Regina had recovered from the blood loss and infection days ago, that her fever had probably broken either shortly before he arrived back at the palace or shortly after that. Everything since then had been caused by magic, someone sneaking in a potion that gave the illusion of a fever while weakening her body and trapping her in her mind.
Robin had wanted to punch something after that. Preferably, the Dark One's face.
Maleficent sat on the other side of the bed, holding Regina's hand. She was using her own magic to travel into his wife's mind in order to free her. All they could do now was continue waiting.
"Come back to me, Regina," he whispered. "Fight for us."
Her fingers squeezed his and his heart sped up. Robin lifted his head, eyes focused on his wife's face. "Regina?"
She let out a soft groan as her eyelids fluttered open. Robin held his breath as she blinked her eyes a couple times. When he saw her brown eyes again—clear, without a trace of delirium—he nearly sobbed with relief.
Regina opened her mouth but when she tried to speak, she ended up coughing instead. He patted her back, fear coursing through him. Maleficent said her sickness was gone but perhaps she had been wrong. What if Regina still was sick? What if he still could lose her?
"Here," Granny said, handing him a cup of tea. "This should soothe her throat and allow her voice to come back after such a period of disuse."
He breathed out a sigh of relief as he helped Regina drink the tea. She took a few careful sips before reaching out a shaky hand, pressing it to his cheek. He leaned into it as she gasped out: "I love you."
"I love you too," he said, tears falling down his cheeks. "I was so scared, Regina."
She nodded before whispering: "Me too."
Movement caught his eye and he looked up to find Maleficent standing from the bed. Robin held out his hand to her. "Thank you for bring her back to us."
"You're welcome," she said, shaking his hand. "Regina, though, did most of the hard work. You should be very proud of her."
He smiled, kissing the side of his wife's head. "I'm always proud of her."
"Why don't we give you two some privacy?" Mother suggested, placing her hand on Robin's shoulder. She leaned down to kiss Regina's forehead. "It's good to have you back, my dear."
"Thank you," Regina whispered, her smile lighting up her eyes.
Mother offered to escort Maleficent to a guest room and the two women left the bedroom as Henry approached his daughter. Tears ran down his cheeks and he leaned down to hug her. "I was worried I was going to lose you," he told her.
"I know," she said, "but I'm still here."
"Thank goodness." Henry released her before squeezing Robin's shoulder. "Take good care of her, son."
Robin nodded. "I will, sir."
Once he left, Widow Lucas stepped forward. "Tink has gone down to get some soup for the queen. I think a bath might be helpful, Your Majesty. The fever may have been fake but the sweat was real."
Regina nodded, crinkling her nose. "A bath and a fresh shift sound heavenly."
"Then we shall get those for you," Robin said, standing. He lifted his wife easily into his arms, trying not to think about how much her smaller her frame felt now. Instead, he relished how her arms went around his neck and she cuddled closer to him—it was a welcome difference from the rag doll she had been the couple weeks.
He carried her into the bathroom and ran a cool bath for her. She shed her shift, though he noticed her arms and legs shook a bit. Robin reached out and helped her into the tub, watching as her eyes closed as she enjoyed the refreshing water.
Kneeling next to the bath, he brushed some hair away from her face. "Do you want me to wash your hair?"
"Yes, please," she said, her voice stronger as she sank a bit further into the tub.
He picked up the ewer next to the tub and filled it with water. As he did that, she asked: "How's Henry?"
"He's good," he assured her, pouring the water over her hair. "He's strong, just like his mother, and always hungry, just like his father."
She laughed at that and the sound made Robin's heart soar. "He likes to be held and cuddled. And he tolerates my singing for now."
"Nonsense," she told him. "You have a lovely voice."
He dropped kiss to her wet hair. "You flatter me, my love."
"You do a disservice to yourself," she shot back, making his heart skip a beat. He missed their banter. It had been too quiet lately.
"Tell me more about him," she requested as he lathered her hair in soap. As his fingers massaged her scalp, he happily told her everything about their son.
Regina settled back into her bed, pillows propping her up as she finished the soup Tink brought up for her. It filled her stomach and made her feel stronger, though she was surprised to feel tired again after being awake for only a short period of time.
"That's natural," Widow Lucas assured her as she removed the empty bowl from Regina's hands. "Your body is still weak and you weren't exactly in a peaceful, restorative sleep these past weeks."
"No," Regina mused, thinking of her dealings with Mother and the Dark One. "No, I wasn't."
Widow Lucas patted her shoulder. "You'll be back to normal in no time. Just get plenty of rest and eat plenty of food to help building your strength back up."
Regina nodded. "I can do that. Thank you for everything."
"You're very welcome," she replied. "And I'll stay for as long as you need me."
Widow Lucas left the room, saying goodnight to Robin as he entered. Regina's heart sped up when she realized there was a bundle of blankets cradled in his arms. Tears filled her eyes at the thought of finally seeing her beautiful baby boy again. "Is that…?"
"Someone wanted to see his mother," Robin confirmed, smiling as he lay Henry in her arms. He was awake, blue eyes staring up at her while trying to gum his fist. Tufts of soft brown hair covered his head and he wore a gray linen gown, his body warmth seeping through it and into her own skin. It felt comforting.
She let out a soft gasp as she took in her son, tears rolling down her cheeks. "You're even more beautiful than I remembered, Henry. I've missed you so much."
Robin climbed into bed next to her, wrapping his arm around her. "We've missed you too. Right, Henry?"
Henry let out a big yawn before closing his eyes, rolling closer to her as he fell asleep. One of his little hands rested against her breast, empty now. Widow Lucas believed that once her body was stronger, she would start producing milk again and had something that could help stimulate it. Regina looked forward to the day she could nurse her own son, just as she had dreamed before giving birth to him.
"Here we are," Robin whispered. "All together again."
She nodded, relieved she was alive and well to enjoy this moment. Leaning her head against Robin's, she sighed: "A happy family."
"Forever," he whispered.
A/N: Regina lives and is awake! She'll get to bond with Henry and help find those who tried to hurt her.
But first, it's time to celebrate Henry's birth! Like this chapter, the next one will also be split between Robin's and Regina's POV.
I'm off to Milan for the Once Upon a Time convention there. If you're going, I hope to see you! And while I'm flying to and from Italy, I hope to finally get the next part of Comfort Food finished.
Happy Easter/Happy Passover to those celebrating! Happy weekend to the rest of you!
-Mac