Chapter 28: Bonding
Consciousness slowly returned to Regina and she stretched out in bed. Robin's arm tightened around her waist but he did not rouse as she continued to feel his even breaths against her neck. She sank into his embrace, happy to be there once again. With his warm body next to her, she knew sleep would reclaim her in no time.
Until she heard little mews. Her eyes snapped open and adjusted to the darkness as she sat up. She glanced over at the wooden cradle resting next to the bed and leaned closer to it, checking on Henry. He lay inside, kicking his feet as his face started to scrunch up. While he wasn't wailing yet, she knew it was coming.
"Come here, my little prince," she cooed, scooping him up and cradling him. She began rocking him gently but he continued to get fussier. His little arms started to wave wildly, one hand colliding with her breast—still empty despite her child's cries for nourishment.
Regina carried Henry out into the living room, where the wet nurse was already waiting. The woman smiled softly and held her arms out for the baby. It broke Regina's heart as she placed her son in the arms of another woman, watching as she was able to give him what he needed.
"He has a very healthy appetite," the nursemaid said, giving Regina another smile as Henry continued to suckle at her breast.
"I'm glad to hear that," Regina replied, hoping the woman didn't hear the tightness in her voice. She sank into a nearby chair, unable to take her eyes off her son. While she appreciated the nurse's attempt to lift her spirits, it seemed an impossible task at the moment.
Since she had woken up from…whatever it was that the Dark One had put her under…Regina had grown painfully aware of how much she had already missed with her son. She had only had those few brief moments with him in her arms before she had passed out from blood loss and hadn't woken up for nearly half a month. He suckled at the breast of another woman and had been rocked by many arms, all of whom were family but not hers. Henry also sought out Robin for comfort and showed a preference for his father over her. Regina didn't want to be jealous of her husband because of it, she wanted to be happy that he and Henry had such a strong bond, but she couldn't help it. It wasn't fair that she was essentially a stranger to her son when he had grown inside her.
Widow Lucas kept encouraging her to be patient, that her body was still recovering. "You'll produce milk in good time," she kept telling Regina. "You just need to be patient."
Patience was never one of Regina's strong suits.
"There you go," the woman cooed, interrupting Regina's thoughts. Blinking, she realized the midwife had eased Henry from her breast and had just gotten a rather good burp from his small body.
She stood and walked over to Regina. "Here, Your Majesty. He is all fed and burped. Should go back to sleep easily."
"Thank you," Regina said, taking her son from the midwife. She cradled him close, barely noticing when the woman left the room.
Henry stayed calm for only a few seconds after being placed in her arms. Then he scrunched up his face and let out a little wail, flinging his arms around as he tried to wriggle out of her hold. Regina held onto him tighter, her heart pounding. "No, no, sweetheart. Please stay still or else I'll drop you. And I don't want to do that."
That didn't soothe him. Instead, he wailed louder and grew wigglier, increasing her worry that she would drop him. She tried to bounce him as she soothed: "It's alright, sweetheart. Mama's got you. You're safe."
His face turned red and he continued to cry, twisting in her hold no matter how tightly she held him. She felt herself grow frustrated and tears pricked her own eyes. Regina felt useless as a mother as she failed to comfort her son.
"Here, I'll take him," Robin said softly. He knelt in front of her, gently taking Henry from her arms and rocking him.
Tears streamed down her face as Henry quieted in his father's arms. Robin rested him against his shoulder, rubbing his back as he bounced him gently. He lulled the boy back to sleep easily, a soft smile on his face the entire time.
"Regina?" he asked, kneeling back down again. "What's wrong?"
She sniffed. "I'm a lousy mother."
"No, not at all." He rested a hand on her knee, rubbing it. "What makes you think that?"
"I can't comfort my own son!" she sobbed, glancing down at the sleeping baby swaddled in his arms.
Robin pressed his lips together before standing. He headed into the bedroom and she followed, wondering what he was doing. She stood in the doorway as he laid Henry down in the crib, covering him with a blanket.
After kissing Henry's forehead, Robin stood up and turned to face her. He gave her a soft smile as he approached her, taking her hand. "Come on. We can talk in the parlor."
He led her to the couch and she curled up next to him, pressing against his side as he wrapped his arm around her. Robin kissed her head. "You're not a lousy mother. You and Henry just need to get used to each other."
"He keeps crying every time I hold him," she said, resting her head on his shoulder. "And he's always wiggling like he's trying to get away from me."
"He's not trying to get away from you," Robin told her.
She pulled away from him, feeling tears coming back again. "It feels like it. It's like he's rejected me."
"Oh, sweetheart," he said softly, rubbing her back. "He's not doing anything of the sort. He's a baby and so everything is new to him."
"That's not comforting," she told him, her voice cracking. "I shouldn't be new to him. I'm his mother. He grew inside me."
He moved closer to her. "I know. And somewhere inside, he knows it too."
"Yet he still prefers you."
Robin paused before saying: "He's had time with me. Once he's had more time with you, he'll want you as well."
She leaned forward, resting her head against his shoulder as she cried. "I hate him."
"Who?" he asked, confused.
"The Dark One," she replied. "This is all his fault. He stole precious time with Henry from me."
Robin rubbed her back again. "I know. It's not fair but it's not hopeless. You and Henry will bond and I bet it'll be even stronger than the one I share with him."
She let out a soft chuckle, sniffling as she did so, at how Robin that statement was. Giving him a little squeeze, she said: "Thank you. I just…I just feel so bad whenever I can't comfort him."
"Because you are a good mother and you love him so much," he told her. "You don't want to see him upset or in pain."
"Or am I being selfish and that I just want him to react the way I think he should?" she asked, thinking of her mother and her demands on Regina. How early had she started trying to control Regina? And was the cycle starting all over again with Henry?
He leaned back, gently cupping her face. Robin brushed some tears away with his thumb as he looked into her eyes. "You are not your mother."
She softened a bit, letting him chase away some of her fears. "I know, but…"
"No," he replied, voice firm. "No buts. You are not your mother. You are a good mother."
"I don't feel like one," she admitted.
He held her gaze, no judgment in his eyes as he smiled softly. "Then I'll tell you until you do."
She melted a bit and fell against him. As he wrapped his arm around her again, she whispered: "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he whispered back. He kissed her head before asking: "You ready to go back to bed?"
"I am," she said, feeling exhausted again. She let him help her up and leaned against him as they returned to their bedroom.
She headed toward her side of the bed, sitting on the edge so she could look into the cradle. Henry slept soundly, his little chest rising and falling under the soft blanket covering him. His arms were raised and his little hands framed his face. It was an adorable sight and her heart felt warm looking at it.
Leaning forward, she gently ran her finger over one of his cheeks. "Pleasant dreams, Henry. I love you," she whispered.
Regina slid her legs under the blankets. She settled down against the pillows as Robin covered them. He pulled her close and they cuddled together, falling back asleep.
"Robin, do you have a minute?"
He looked up to find Lady Wellingsbury standing in the doorway to his study, some papers and books in her arms. Robin motioned for her to come in and he leaned back in his chair. "I have several for you."
She chuckled as she sat down in front of her desk. Placing her books down, she smiled. "First, I want to say that I'm happy Regina woke up and is getting stronger each day."
"Thank you," he said. He sighed before saying: "I know you had concerns about me bring in Maleficent and turning to magic..."
Lady Wellingsbury held up her hand. "Do not worry about me. You were right to send for Maleficent given what we know now about Regina's condition."
He frowned, leaning forward. Robin had worked to keep the truth of what happened to Regina quiet, afraid it would renew the campaign to have her branded a witch and burnt at the stake. "What do you know about that? How do you know about that? More importantly, who else knows it?"
"Your mother told me," she replied matter-of-factly. "And relax. I'm the only one outside of your family who knows."
"Good." he said, relieved. He trusted Lady Wellingsbury and knew she would keep the secret until he was ready to reveal it, if that time ever came. "I want to change people's opinions but that seemed like too much too soon, not to mention the fact the Dark One was involved. I worried people would blame Regina, feel she brought it on herself."
She nodded. "Understandable. We can ease them into it with something else."
"Thank you for your support," he said, grateful to have her on their side. He knew they were facing an uphill battle and they needed every ally they could get.
"You're welcome." She shifted in her chair. "Now, the reason why I came here was to discuss Henry's presentation ceremony. Regina is getting stronger every day and I think it's only right to set a date for it. Your subjects are very eager to welcome their new prince."
He smiled, glad for something happy to discuss. "You're right. Why don't you stop by after supper and we can discuss it with Regina?"
She nodded. "That sounds good."
"Anything else?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.
"Nothing urgent," she replied. "Though the other councilmembers are wondering when you'll reconvene them."
He chuckled. "Let's get past the presentation ceremony and we'll worry about the council."
She nodded before asking: "What about Keith?"
"He's not going anywhere," Robin replied, thinking of his cousin still locked in the tower. "We can deal with him after Henry's presentation ceremony."
"I agree. Others...not so much," she told him, wincing a bit.
He shrugged. "They can disagree with me. My decision stands."
She nodded, standing up. "I will let them know your decision. Thank you, Robin."
"Thank you, Lady Wellingsbury," he said. "I appreciate everything you're doing."
"I'm glad that I can help. And once again, Robin, I apologize for overstepping my boundaries and forgetting that you are the king," she said. "You are a good king, too. I am so proud of you and I know your father would be too."
Warmth spread through Robin and he gave her a soft smile. "That means a lot to know."
She bid him a good afternoon and left the office. He took a deep breath and closed his book, deciding he had had enough work for the day. Robin stood, deciding to go spend some more time with his family. Maybe he could help Regina bond more with Henry, knowing it upset her so much that she struggled with it.
He sighed, wishing he could fix it with the snap of his fingers. If he could, Robin would make it so that Henry wanted her and only smiled when he saw her. But he knew that time would come. They just had to be patient, which of course was easier said than done. He believed they could do it.
They just had to be patient.
Regina watched Henry sleep, the only time he seemed to let her around him without crying. She leaned forward and gently rested her palm on his stomach, feeling his little body rise and fall with each breath he took. Her heart filled with love and she smiled, knowing she loved him even if he couldn't stand being in her arms.
"Someone looks happy," Robin said, sitting next to her on the couch. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Hello, sweetheart."
"Hello," she replied. "I was just watching him sleep. He doesn't mind that."
He reached out and took her free hand. "He doesn't hate you. He's just a baby, Regina."
She sighed. "I know."
"He'll come around," he told her again. He then gently pulled her toward him, letting her rest against his body as he held her close. Robin dropped a kiss into her hair.
Curling against him, she let out a content sigh. "This is nice. You and me cuddling on the couch while Henry sleeps. It's peaceful and just…perfect."
He hugged her closer. "Yes, it is."
"What are our plans for tonight?" she asked, closing her eyes as she listened to his heart beating under her ear.
"Supper with the family," he replied. "I also invited Lady Wellingsbury so we can discuss something very important."
Her blood froze as her stomach flipped. She could only think that Lady Wellingsbury wanted to discuss Keith, his father and the Ellises. "Do we have to do that now?" she asked quietly.
"Do what?" he asked, sounding a bit confused.
"Talk about the trial and treason and all that," she replied, not yet ready to handle something so serious just yet.
Robin pulled away a bit, shaking his head. "We're not talking about that, sweetheart. We're talking about something happier."
"Oh?" she asked, intrigued. "What is that?"
"Henry's naming ceremony," he replied, smiling as he glanced at their sleeping son.
She perked up, tilting her head. "What exactly does that entail?"
"Well, we bring Henry to the cathedral and present Henry before the Great Being," Robin explained. "His name is then approved and he is consecrated as the Crown Prince."
"Wait, his name has to be approved?" Regina asked, concerned. "What if they don't like it?"
Robin chuckled, patting her hand. "It's just a formality. No one's name has ever been changed by an Abbott."
She frowned. "We don't have an Abbott right now."
"That's true," he agreed. "We should probably discuss what to do about that with Tuck."
"What happens after the ceremony at the Cathedral?" she asked, curious to know everything about her son's first big event.
Robin rubbed her arm. "We then ride back here to the palace and present him to our subjects from the balcony overlooking the courtyard. After a herald announces his name to them, we then welcome our subjects and they present gifts to him."
"I take it there's also a ball at some point?" she asked, raising her eyebrow.
He nodded. "We send Henry to bed and dance in his honor for the rest of the evening."
"Can I attend?" she asked, wondering how long she needed to stay away from court after giving birth.
"Yes," he said, confused. "Why wouldn't you?"
She gave him a pointed look. "Because I just gave birth? Isn't there a period that a woman remains separate from the others after having the baby?"
"Oh." He paused, his brow furrowing. "I've never noticed when a woman returned to court after having a child before. We can always ask Mother tonight."
"That sounds good," she replied, snuggling against him again. She smiled as Henry rubbed his face, still sound asleep. "I hope everyone in Sherwood embraces him."
Robin rubbed her arm. "I know they will. They are going to love him almost as much as we do."
She shook her head. "I doubt anyone can love him as much as me. Present company excluded, of course."
"Of course," he replied, kissing the side of her head. He eased them into a reclining position, letting her rest her head on his chest as they faced the crib.
"We're also going to have to appoint Henry's official guardians at that time too," he said after a few moments.
She raised her head, frowning. "His what?"
"It's mostly a ceremonial position," he explained, "but these are people we entrust Henry to in case something happens to us before he comes of age."
"Who were your guardians?" she asked, curious.
"My aunt and my uncles as well as Lady Wellingsbury. I think there was some older relative of my mother's that was also a guardian but he passed while I was still a young boy so I don't have many memories of him," Robin replied.
She hummed, already running through possible guardians in her mind. "Well, I guess we should definitely ask Ana and Ella to be guardians."
"I agree," he said. "I want to ask Will too."
"Of course," she replied. She bit her lip before asking: "Can we ask Snow White too?"
He paused, frowning. "I don't think a foreign royal has been asked to be a guardian. We'd have to ask Lady Wellingsbury."
"Understandable," she said. "I know she's too young to officially take care of Henry but I thought it would be nice to give her the title if it's really just honorary."
"I agree," he replied. "I know how important she is to you."
She lifted her head and kissed him, once again so grateful to be married to him. "Thank you."
He hummed before urging her to rest her head again. "You know what sounds lovely right now?"
"A nap?" she asked hopefully, feeling her own eyes get heavy.
"Exactly," he replied. "You take Henry, I'll take the crib and we can all go nap in the bedroom together."
She reached down, scooping her sleeping son into her arms. He didn't wake, rolling closer to her as he reached out to grab her dress. These were the moments she treasured, especially given how few they were. Regina cuddled him as she stood, heading toward the bedroom.
Robin set the crib down on her side of the bed but she didn't put Henry down. Instead, she held him closer. "Can he sleep with us?" she asked, not wanting to let him go.
"If you want," Robin replied. "But I think he will be more comfortable in his crib. And you will be more comfortable in my arms."
Her lips quirked up as she fought her smile. She shook her head. "Really, Robin?"
"Can't blame a man for trying, can you?" he asked, smirking. It then fell as he reached out, rubbing her arm. "If you want him to sleep in the bed with us, then he can sleep with us."
She glanced down at Henry, who continued to sleep in her arms, before glancing at her husband's arms. While she was reluctant to let go of her son, she also knew she wanted to fall asleep wrapped in Robin's embrace. And she would get a more restful sleep if Henry wasn't in the bed—she would worry too much about him otherwise.
Kissing his forehead, she laid him in his crib. "Sweet dreams, sweetheart. Mama and Papa will be right beside you if you need us," she told him softly.
Regina sat on the edge of the bed so she could pull off the slippers she had been wearing around their chambers. Once they were off, she slid under the blankets and curled against Robin. "I love a good cuddle."
"Me too," he said, holding her close. He nuzzled her. "I always feel better when I'm just lying here with you."
She hummed, feeling herself drift off. "Love you."
"I love you too," he replied, kissing her head. "Sweet dreams, my love."
Regina's lips curled up into a smile as she gave into the sweet pull of sleep.
"There's nothing preventing you from naming Princess Snow White a guardian," Lady Wellingsbury said, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "I would advise, though, just making it an honorary title. Knowing the heir to a foreign throne could potentially be responsible for the heir to our throne will make even the most welcoming Sherwoodian nervous."
Robin glanced over at his wife, relieved a bit when she nodded. "That makes sense. I know the same would be true in Mist Haven," she replied. "But I'm glad I can honor Snow White in some way."
"I think it's an excellent idea," Lady Wellingsbury said. "It will strengthen the diplomatic tie between us and Mist Haven."
"I just want Snow to have a special place in Henry's life, just like she has in mine," Regina said, leaning over to rub their son's foot.
Robin looked down at Henry, who was awake in his arms. The baby's blue eyes remained fixed on his face, though, and Henry didn't seem to react to his mother's touch. It broke Robin's heart, wanting Regina to share in their son's attention. He glanced at her but she didn't seem to mind, her smile never dimming as she continued to watch Henry and rub his foot.
"I am certain she will have a special place in all of your lives for years to come," Mother said, shooting a look at Lady Wellingsbury. Robin knew the conversation was then over and it was time to move on.
Lady Wellingsbury took the warning and did just that. "I can help with some of the more formal aspects of the ceremony but if you really want to plan a grand celebration, I think you should talk with Lady Hutton."
"Oh, yes!" Mother said, smiling. "She is very good when it comes to planning. People are still talking about Lord Hutton's sixtieth birthday."
"I can't even remember most of that," Robin admitted, somewhat sheepishly. He had overindulged in the spirits Lady Hutton had provided. He dimly recalled was accepting an archery dare from some other noble sons before waking in the Hutton stables after Will threw a bucket of water on him.
Mother gave him the same disproving look she gave him when he stumbled into their rooms at the Hutton manor house, shirt dirty and coat in hand. He had been leaning heavily on Will at that point, still feeling the effects of the alcohol. "You certainly enjoyed yourself that night," she said in a tense voice.
"It sounds like it was quite the party," Regina said, sounding amused as she glanced at him. "I guess if we want a revelry, I should definitely ask her."
"I'll be on standby with the bucket to rouse Robin should he fall asleep in the stables again," Will teased.
She pressed a hand to her mouth, trying to hide her laughter. Her eyes lit up though, revealing how amused she was. "You fell asleep in the stables?"
"More like passed out drunk," Will continued, clearly having a good time ribbing him over this.
Robin rolled his eyes before turning to his wife, whose cheeks were turning red from how hard she was trying not to laugh. "I assure you that I will not get that drunk at our son's naming ceremony. And that the only place I intend to fall asleep is by your side."
She lowered her hands, smiling at him. "Even if I fall asleep in the stables?"
"Mama's being silly," he told Henry, patting his back. The baby boy just yawned in response.
"This is such a sweet scene," Lady Wellingsbury said. "You're a natural father, Robin."
Mother nodded. "Just like his father."
"Regina is a great mother," Robin replied, feeling as if he had to defend his wife. It wasn't her fault their son still preferred him over her.
Lady Wellingsbury nodded. "I have no doubt about that. She has always had a way with children."
He glanced at Regina, wondering if she felt bad that the only child she didn't have a way with was their own. She continued to smile and seemed to be in good spirits so he decided to drop the subject for now.
Everyone moved on to other conversations as he continued to rock Henry, lulling the boy to sleep. His mind wandered as he tried to come up with some way to help his son bond with his mother. Nothing, though, immediately came to mind but he vowed not to give up—for Regina's sake.
"The rains have come early," Regina commented, staring out the window. Not that she could truly see out of it—the rain was too heavy and the skies too dark. Yet she still looked in hopes of spotting something or someone, especially her husband.
"This is just a passing heavy storm," Ana assured her. "The rainy season will be much worse, as you recall from last year."
Regina nodded, recalling the days and nights full of rain and lightning. She remembered the damage it had caused and how she had cared for her people, earning their love and trust as their queen. Yet she also remembered how close she came to losing Robin, first fearing that she had betrayed him and caused him to stop loving her and then learning she almost lost him to a swollen river. It made her shudder.
"Come sit down," Ella said from the couch. "Looking out the window will do you no good. Robin will be back soon."
"I know you are worried, but he's been sent far away from any body of water and is mostly overseeing soldiers. He'll be fine," Ana assured her.
Regina pressed her hand to her stomach as she turned away from the window. "I know but I still worry."
"Then allow us to distract you." Ana patted the spot next to her. "Let's talk about Henry's naming ceremony."
"Yes, I do need to continue planning that." Regina forced herself to walk away from the window. She didn't head over to the couch right away, instead pausing in front of Henry's crib. He slept on inside it, his little chest rising and falling in an even rhythm.
Regina smiled as she watched her son sleep. She ran her finger gently down his cheek. "Sleep tight, my love."
"You are absolutely smitten," Ella said before sighing. "I can't wait to have a child of my own someday."
Ana raised her eyebrow. "You first need to get married first."
Regina moved away from the crib as she approached the crib. "Are you still exchanging letters with Prince Thomas?"
Ella sighed. "I haven't received a letter from him in a few months. I fear his affections have been transferred elsewhere."
"I believe correspondence from Thomas' country has been delayed due to weather," Ana replied. "You probably have several letters coming to you."
Regina nodded before taking Ella's hand. "And even if you don't, then it's Prince Thomas' loss and he is a fool to let you get away."
"Thank you, Regina." Ella hugged her tightly. "I am really glad my cousin married you."
"That makes two of us," Regina replied, chuckling a bit.
She heard the door open and she straightened up, glancing over her shoulder. Her heart jumped into her throat when she saw her husband waddle into the room, his clothes sticking to him as he was drenched from head to toe. It looked like he fell into another river and she worried she had almost lost him yet again.
"Good heavens, what happened to you?" Anastasia asked. "I thought they were keeping you away from all bodies of water?"
Robin shot her a look. "This is just from how hard it's raining out there. Your husband is just as wet."
"Oh no," she replied, standing. "I better go check on him. He probably needs some help getting out of his clothes."
"I'm certain he does," he shot back, winking at her. She gave him a gentle shove before wiping her hand on her skirt as she hurried out of the room.
Regina stood as well, looking down at Ella. "Do you mind watching Henry while I help my husband?"
"Of course not," Ella assured her, moving closer to the crib. She motioned to the bedroom. "Go. We'll be fine."
Satisfied, Regina entered her bedroom and closed the door. Robin stood there, struggling to undo his shirt's laces as his face grew redder. "It's like I fell into glue rather than water," he muttered.
"Let me help you," she said, reaching out to bat his hands away. She frowned when she felt his skin. "It's your fingers! They're frozen stiff! How cold is the rain?"
"Cold enough to remind me it's still spring and not summer, despite the temperatures we've experienced lately," he replied as she undid his laces.
She pulled the shirt over his head and laid to over the grate in front of their fire to let it dry. Regina returned to Robin, running her hand over his chest. It was as chilled and clammy as his hand. "We need to warm you up."
He grinned, leaning closer to her. "I have a few ideas how we could do that."
"That is a tempting offer," she said because it was. It had been weeks since they had been intimate in any way and she ached for him. But she knew now was not the time as she pressed against his chest to keep him in place. "But I remind you that your cousin is outside minding our son."
"Right," he said, nodding. He kissed her forehead. "Later, then. It's been far too long since we were last one."
She sighed in agreement, leaning against him. "I know. I miss you too."
"But we had to be cautious," he reminded her, running his fingers through her hair. "I didn't want you to have a setback because I was impatient."
"I know," she replied softly, looking up at him. She gave him a soft smile. "But I feel much better, stronger. I think it's time."
He grinned. "Good. Then let me change, head back to oversee the last of the reinforcements and then I will return to your side."
"Then let's get you dressed. The faster you go, the sooner you'll come back." She kissed him before moving toward his wardrobe.
After pulling out a fresh shirt and pair of breeches, she returned to him. He now stood before her completely naked and it took all her willpower not to push him onto the bed so she could have her way with him. She swallowed, holding out the clothes to him. "Here you go."
"Thank you," he said, setting down the breeches as he pulled the shirt over his head. "Could you get me a fresh pair of undergarments please?"
She nodded, enjoying how normal this all felt. Handing the pair to her husband, she kissed him. "I love you."
"I love you too," he said, pulling on his breeches. He gave her another kiss. "And when I return, I'm going to show you how much."
"I can't wait," she said, following him out of the room. He stopped at the crib, leaning over to kiss Henry before saying goodbye to his cousin. With one last wave, Robin slipped from the room.
Ella stood, stretching a bit. "Shall we go dine with the others in Aunt Catherine's rooms?"
"That sounds like a good idea," Regina replied. She walked over to the crib and gently picked up Henry. The baby slept on in her arms and she cradled him as she and Ella left to spend time with the rest of their family. Regina kissed the top of his head, grateful for another peaceful moment with him in her arms. She cherished each one while they lasted, never sure when the next one would come but hopeful it would.
It had to do for now.
"Any word from His Majesty?" Regina asked Tink. It had grown late and most of the palace had gone to sleep. She was unable to do so, worried for her husband as he remained out in the rain.
Tink shook her head. "The rain is still coming down hard and it's making it difficult to reinforce our flood protections. I am certain he will be in soon. Do you want me to stay until he returns?"
"No, I'll be fine," Regina replied. Henry had been fed, changed and was now asleep in his crib. She had changed out of her dress and planned to do some reading in bed before trying to get some sleep, so she didn't really need her handmaiden.
"Well, if you do need me, just ring the bell," Tink said, hugging Regina. "I'll come running."
Regina hugged her back. "Thank you so much. But really, go get some sleep yourself. You need it just as much as me."
Tink released her, nodding. "I'll see you in the morning."
Once the handmaiden was gone, Regina leaned over the crib. She smiled as she gently placed her hand on his stomach. "Sleep tight, my little prince. I love you."
She climbed into bed and cocooned herself in the blankets. Grabbing Robin's pillow, she cuddled it and took a deep breath. His familiar pine scent soothed her and she closed her eyes, imaging he was in the bed with her as she drifted off to sleep.
Regina opened her eyes, noting that it was still dark. She lifted her head to check the fire and saw it needed stoking. As she sat up and pushed the blankets back, she froze as she heard mews coming from Henry's crib. Her son was up and probably hungry.
As she moved, she felt a heaviness in her breasts she hadn't before. She paused, bringing a hand up to cup one. It felt sore, like it had in the days before she gave birth to Henry and hope filled her. Had her own milk finally come in?
"Are you hungry, baby boy?" she cooed, picking him up. He squirmed in her arms and she tried her best to keep a strong hold on him. "Don't worry, sweetheart. Mama is going to feed you now."
She carried him to the couch in the parlor and sat down. As she held him with one arm, she undid the ties on her shift and freed her breast. Regina had watched the nurse intently over the past couple weeks and mimicked what she did now, joy surging through her when some milk leaked from her nipple. Fighting tears, she tried to get Henry to latch onto her breast so he could get his fill.
He kept fighting her, though, as he flung his arms in an attempt to get out of her hold. Every time she got him close to her breast, he would turn his head and wail louder. It broke her heart and she covered her breast up again.
Laying Henry on her lap, she looked down at her son and felt helpless. "Are you not hungry? Do you need a fresh diaper?"
She pulled down his diaper as he cried, frowning when she saw it was dry and clean. Regina pulled it back up and turned her attention back to her son. "If you're not hungry and you're not wet, what do you need?"
He continued to sob, his body thrashing about on her lap. She gently held him in place so he didn't fall to the floor or hurt himself as a lump formed in her throat. Tears blurred her vision and she tried to blink them away as she tried to figure out what her son wanted or needed.
"What is it, Henry?" she asked, sobbing now as well. "I will give you whatever you want. I don't care if you never want me to hold you or if you always shun me. Just as long as you're happy. That's all I want for you, sweetheart."
Crying, she raised him to her chest. She supported his head as she rested it just under her chin. Tears ran down her cheeks as she continued to plead with her son, alternating between pleading for a sign about what he wanted and promising him that she just wanted him to be happy.
"I am sorry that I'm not a good mother," she told him, voice cracking. "You deserve someone better than me. I am trying my best but it's clearly not enough. I wish I knew what else I had to do, had to give to you so that you have the mother you deserve."
She kissed the top of his head. With her lips still pressed against his soft hair, she paused. He was no longer squirming against her and his crying had stopped. Regina could still feel his little chest rising and falling against hers so she wondered if he had cried himself to sleep.
Henry adjusted his head, revealing that his eyes were wide open. He rested a hand on her chest as he lay there, seemingly mesmerized as he stared at her. What had captured his attention like that?
It took her a few moments before she realized what it was. Tears filled her eyes again, but for a different reason—happiness. She sniffed as she kissed his head again. "Are you listening to Mama's heartbeat, my little prince?" she asked.
He let out a little yawn but seemed content to just lay there on her chest, listening to her heartbeat. "You recognize that sound, don't you?" she whispered to him. "It must be very soothing to you."
She carefully adjusted her position on the couch until she was lying down. Henry curled up against her chest, little ear still pressed to the spot over her heart. Regina rubbed his back, smiling. "We'll just lie here for a little while, sweetheart. You just rest."
Henry started to gum his tiny fist as his eyes fixed on her face. She smiled at him, noticing how his eyes were starting to darken from the bright blue she remembered from his birth. Regina didn't think they would become brown like hers and figured his would settle on somewhere between hers and Robin's. It seemed absolutely fitting—just like his hair seemed to be a combination of the two of them as well.
"You're a very handsome little boy," she told him, running a finger gently down his cheek. "The perfect combination of your father and me."
He closed his free hand around her nightgown, holding onto her as he continued to lay on her chest. She kissed his head again, relieved he was so still and calm in her arms. "How about I tell you how your papa and I fell in love? It all started in another land when I ended up betrothed to another king…"
Robin trudged toward his rooms, tired and soaked again. Everything was reinforced and flooding was almost impossible. He had stopped in the kitchens for something to eat and now he was looking forward to changing into dry clothes, kissing Henry goodnight and climbing into bed with his wife.
He opened the door to his room and stopped short, amazed by what he saw. Regina sat in the rocking chair by the window, gently rocking as Henry suckled at her breast. The wet nurse stood nearby to supervise and make certain everything went well. Judging by the matching smiles on both women's faces, Robin knew it was. He smiled as well, knowing how happy Regina had to be that she could finally nurse their son.
The wet nurse noticed him first, frowning when she saw him. "Your Majesty, you are soaked! Do you need help dressing?"
"No, thank you," he told her, stepping closer as Regina looked up at him. "I am fine for now."
"Do you need any additional help, Your Majesty?" the wet nurse asked Regina, leaning closer to the nursing mother as Henry pulled away from Regina's breast. The nurse helped her burp the baby.
Regina shook her head, rubbing Henry's back. "Thank you for all your help."
"You're welcome. It's been an honor to nurse His Highness but I am glad you are able to do it now, Your Majesty. If you need any help, you can always summon me." The wet nurse curtsied before leaving the room.
"Are you hungry?" Regina asked Robin, settling Henry against her chest. He curled his fingers around her shift as he closed his eyes, soothed to be right against her.
Robin shook his head as he gently ran his hand over Henry's feathery soft curls. "I ate in the kitchens before coming up. You two look like you've had a very productive night."
His wife smiled as she looked down at their son. "We did. Henry recognized my heartbeat and realized that he could trust me."
"Your heartbeat?" he asked, amazed. He regretted he wasn't there to witness what he was certain was a beautiful moment.
She nodded. "He heard it regularly for nine months. I believe it soothes him still now."
"I'm certain it does," he agreed, watching as Henry's eyes closed. He felt his own eyelids grew heavy as well. "I believe our son has the right idea. We should all get some sleep."
"Sleep does sound good," she agreed, holding onto Henry tighter as she stood. She wrinkled her nose as she looked Robin over. "You should probably take a bath first though."
He raised an eyebrow. "Are you telling me I smell?"
"A bit," she admitted. "And I think it'll warm you up."
"I know what else will warm me up," he replied, wiggling his eyebrows as he imagined her in the tub with him.
She chuckled before looking down at Henry, who was almost asleep. "What about him?"
"He's almost asleep, which gives us a few hours before his next feeding," Robin told her. "And we can keep the door open. We'll be able to hear him. Promise."
That seemed to sway her and she nodded. "A bath would be nice."
Once Henry was tucked into his crib, he and Regina shed their clothes and climbed into the warm bath together. She settled between his legs and he wrapped his arms around her, relishing her bare skin against his again. It wasn't how he imagined ending his night but it was just as good.
He kissed her head. "I love you, Regina."
"I love you too," she said, closing her eyes as she leaned against him. "And I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon."
"Good. Neither do I," he promised her. They continued to soak in the tub and enjoy each other's presence as Robin thanked the Great Being that Regina returned to him. Life was getting back to normal for them and he couldn't be happier.
And he was going to do everything he could to keep it that way.
A/N: Here's the newest chapter of Crown My Heart! I hope you enjoyed it! Regina certainly had a bit of struggle now that she's awake again, especially when it comes to Henry. But things have definitely improved for them.
In the next chapter, we'll see Henry's naming ceremony and Snow White will return. And then, it's back to the intrigue and treason.
Don't forget that Inspire by OQ Week starts on Monday! I'll be participating and I can't wait to see what this amazing fandom creates this time around!
-Mac