Chapter 32: Back to Business

"The council has returned," Will said, handing Robin some paperwork. "Are you ready to convene it again?"

Robin sighed. "Honestly, no, but I know I have to. Can you let the council know we will have a meeting tomorrow morning?"

"Of course," Will said, bowing. "Is there anything else you need?"

"Not right now. Thank you, Will," Robin said, leaning back in his chair. His friend nodded before leaving the room.

Robin turned back to his paperwork before soft cooing interrupted him. He looked over to the cradle where Henry lay, the boy's eyes now open as he kicked off the blanket covering him. Chuckling, Robin reached down and gently rubbed his son's stomach. "Have a good nap, my boy?"

Henry let out a little gurgle before reaching up for Robin, who picked him up. Cradling him in his arm, he smiled at him. "You want to help me with my paperwork?"

In response, Henry curled up against him and Robin chuckled again. "I'll take that as a yes then."

As Henry laid in the crook of his arm, Robin went back to the paperwork and looked it over, humming every so often. He glanced down at his son. "It takes a lot to run a country, my boy. One day, you'll learn all about it for yourself."

"Look at my two favorite men bonding," Regina said, her voice a sweet distraction. He looked up to find his wife setting a basket full of flowers and herbs down on the table as she smiled at them.

Robin lifted Henry's hand and waved it at Regina. "Hello, Mama, did you have a good time in the gardens?"

"I did," she said, laughing as she approached them. She ran her fingers through Robin's hair. "Tuck says hello and that he hopes to visit you soon."

"I will and I'll remind him that my door is always open to him," Robin said, leaning into her touch.

She hummed. "He asked how your headaches are doing and sent along some lavender in case you needed it."

"Oh," he replied, thinking it over before realizing it had been a long time since he had had a headache. "You know I haven't had one since the Ellises left."

"That certainly can't be a coincidence," she noted, frowning.

He sighed, knowing she was right. "I just wonder how they did it."

"I don't know," she replied. "Maybe they just created so much stress for you that it triggered the headaches. Or maybe they snuck some sort of herb into the council room that caused them."

"All likely scenarios," he agreed, annoyed that he couldn't get any answers just yet. "I wish I knew where they were. I'd feel safer with them in our dungeons."

She nodded, looking sympathetic. "I know. I believe we will find them. We just have to be patience and have faith."

He smiled, kissing her hand. "You're right. But I worry as we head into the winter. We'll have to call off the search, allowing them to get farther away from us."

"Maybe they'll just stay wherever they are," she said, though she didn't look like she believed it. "Maybe they'll just stay far away from us."

"I hope so," Robin said, sighing as he hoped to change the subject. Talking about the Ellises just upset him and he didn't want to be upset while spending time with his family.

Henry stretched out his arms to Regina and she took him happily, kissing his cheek. "Hello, sweetheart. Did you have fun with Papa?"

"I think so," Robin said. "He seemed very intrigued by my paperwork."

She chuckled, bouncing Henry. "Was Papa teaching you how to be a good king like him?"

"I hope so," Robin replied, wrapping his arm around her and holding his family close. "I just love spending time with him."

"Because you're an amazing father," she told him, kissing his cheek. He smiled, hoping he was even half the father his own was.

Henry blew a little bubble before giggling. Regina smiled as she rubbed his back. "I think Henry agrees."

"Thank you, my boy," Robin said, kissing his cheek. He then pressed his hand to his wife's back. "I know you just came from outside, but why don't the three of us take a stroll around the gardens? Enjoy the weather before winter comes."

"I think that sounds wonderful," she said, handing Henry back to Robin. "Let me go get his hat though."

Robin bounced Henry as she headed into the bedroom. "You looking forward to going outside?" he asked the baby.

Henry cooed, leaning against Robin's shoulder. Robin chuckled. "You'll probably be more excited once we're outside."

"Here we go!" Regina returned with the hat, placing it on Henry's head. "There. Now you'll be protected from the sun."

"If we're all ready, let's go," Robin said, holding out his elbow to her. She took it and they left the room together. Joy filled Robin and he had an extra bounce in his step, eager to spend a lovely afternoon with the two most important people in his life.

His wife and their son.

"Welcome back, Your Majesty," Lady Wellingsbury said, bowing to Robin as he entered the council room. The others followed suit, all standing by their respective chairs.

He bowed in response before moving toward his own chair. "Thank you for the welcome and thank you for your patience while I focused on my family."

"You're very welcome," Lord Jonstone said. "How is Her Majesty the Queen and the Crown Prince?"

"Both are doing well," Robin replied, motioning for everyone to take their seats as he did so as well. "Thank you for asking."

He looked at the papers in front of him as he asked: "Any significant damage from this year's rains?"

"Just the levee that broke in the nearby village," Lady Wellingsbury said. "We're already working on repairing it."

"Good," Robin replied, moving those papers to the back. "Please let me know if you need anything."

He got to the next page and sighed. "Lord Nottingham and the Ellises."

Silence filled the room before Lady Wellingsbury decided to break it. "We have no news about either of them. Has Lady Margaret has heard anything?"

"No," he replied. "And I believe she would tell me if she did."

"I agree," Lady Langston replied. "She wants nothing to do with them and will no doubt cooperate with us."

Lord Hutton frowned. "Do we even know if they are still in the country? Maybe they've gone elsewhere. If so, do we want to get them back just to exile them again?"

"Yes," Robin replied. "Because when we exile them, we can control where they are going. We send them to allies, to people who would not be convinced to rise up against us. Now, we don't know where they are and they could be forging alliances with those who would go to war against Sherwood. We cannot risk that."

"I agree," Lady Wellingsbury replied. "We need to bring them back and have a real trial for them."

Robin nodded. "But with winter coming, we'll have to pull back any soldiers searching for them, which gives them a chance to get further away."

"Then we should decide what is the absolute last day we can have them searching before pulling them back," Lord Jonstone said.

"Which will depend on where they are," Lady Wellingsbury commented. "We may have several days."

Robin sighed, rubbing his neck. "Then that's what we'll need to do. I'd rather go into the winter knowing we did everything we could to try to find them rather than always wondering if we did."

Lord Sumner nodded, writing something down. "I will talk with the commanders and ensure they understand your wishes, Your Majesty."

"When we do capture them, Your Majesty, what do you wish to do with them?" Lady Langston asked.

"Give them a fair trial," Robin replied. "I want to make certain the people see us treating them fairly so as not to give any credence to what they are claiming."

Lady Wellingsbury nodded. "I believe that is a very wise decision."

"Agreed," Lord Jonstone said.

Robin went through his papers again before asking: "Does anyone have any other business to bring before this council?"

They all shook their heads and he nodded. "Then this meeting is concluded. Thank you for coming."

He remained seated as each member stood and took their leaves, all except Lady Wellingsbury. She watched him until they were alone and then leaned back in her chair. "I hope I'm not being presumptuous but I felt you wanted to talk with me," she said.

"I did," he replied. "Do you agree with what I said?"

"I do," she told him. "It is the best way to proceed. You're right that we don't want to create any sympathy for them amongst the people.

Relief filled him. He was growing more confident in his decisions as king but this was still unchartered territory. After all, his father never had to deal with treason at such a level. Or he never realized he had to deal with it, Robin thought darkly as he recalled the theory that his father had been poisoned.

Who knew how long the Ellises and Nottinghams had been working against his family?

"Robin? Robin, are you alright?" Lady Wellingsbury asked, sounding concerned. She placed a hand on his as she studied him.

He blinked a few times before saying: "Yes, I am. Why?"

She frowned. "A dark look crossed your eyes, one that unnerved me. What were you think of?"

"My father," he replied. "Specifically his death."

"He will be avenged," she told him, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "I promise you that."

He wished he could believe her but he doubted it. "They were clever. None of us suspected poison for months. How can we accuse them of killing him now?"

"You're right that we can't," she said. "At least not until we can find them guilty of treason. I think then we can either make the accusation or find a way to get them to confess to it."

"I hope so," Robin replied, thinking of his father. "He deserves justice."

Lady Wellingsbury nodded before changing the subject. "Tell your wife there is no rush but I was just wondering when she would like to resume her law lessons."

He smiled, knowing Regina would be excited to do that. "I will. I'm certain she will want to resume soon."

"Good," Lady Wellingsbury said, standing. "Then I shall take my leave so you can return to your family. Have a good day, Your Majesty."

Robin stood as well, giving her a hug. "You too. And I hope you will stop by for supper soon."

She raised an eyebrow. "Is that an official invitation?"

"It is," he confirmed. "I am officially inviting you to supper tomorrow evening, if you are available."

"I am and so I am officially accepting," Lady Wellingsbury replied, smiling. "I look forward to it."

She then tilted her head before saying: "You look tired."

"I am tired," he said, sighing wearily. "Henry had a bad night. Regina and I took turns soothing him throughout the night."

"I remember your parents doing the same thing with you. Your father almost fell asleep during a council meeting when you had your first cold," she told him, smiling fondly. She then chuckled. "It was amusing."

He raised an eyebrow, trying to imagine his father falling asleep at this very table and failing. "Father must've been very tired and probably did not agree that it was amusing."

She nodded. "He did not. Especially as he was very concerned about you. All the parents on the council assured him the cold would pass but he panicked over your every cough and sniffle that first year."

"Well, I'm glad to know I am in good company," Robin replied, thinking of how he had stayed up for a good hour or more just listening to his son breathe the night before. "I am likely to be the same."

"That doesn't surprise me," Lady Wellingsbury said. "You are certainly your father's son."

She then squeezed his shoulder. "You should go get some rest."

He nodded, standing. "I will do that. Thank you."

"Good," she said. "And we can have supper together when Henry is feeling better. You focus on taking care of him, Regina and yourself."

"I will," he replied, filled with gratitude. "Mother will let you know then when our supper will be."

"I look forward to it," she said, curtsying before leaving the room. With a weary sigh, Robin followed her out and headed toward his rooms.

He opened the door and found his mother walking with a fussy Henry. She bounced him and rubbed his back, trying to soothe him. Robin could hear his little whimpers and knew he was still feeling poorly, breaking his heart.

"Hello, Robin," Mother said, catching sight of him. She then turned around so Henry was facing him. "Look, Henry, Papa's home!"

Robin smiled brightly as he approached Mother. "Hello, my boy. How are you feeling now?"

"Still feeling poorly," Mother replied. "His nose is all clogged up and he's a bit warm. Probably needs a good nap but is too miserable to fall asleep."

"My poor boy," Robin cooed, wishing he could take it all from his son. He held out his arms. "Let me hold him for a bit."

Mother nodded and passed Henry into Robin's arms. The baby fussed for a bit before settling against his father, his little fingers curling around Robin's shirt. Heat radiated off his little body and Robin frowned, rubbing his son's back. "He's hot."

"I realize that now," Mother replied, waving her hand as a fan. "I didn't realize how his temperature had increased while I was holding him."

"Does it mean he's getting worse?" Robin asked, trying not to panic. "And should we start cooling him down?"

Tink entered the room carrying a bowl of water. She had a towel over her arm, looking serious. "I've gotten some cool water. I hope this helps him," she said.

"Thank you," Robin said, grateful that she was one step ahead of them. "Put it down wherever you think is best."

She nodded, sitting the bowl down on the table where he and Regina sometimes took their meals. He approached the table as Tink dipped the towel in the cool water and wrang it out. Robin took it from her, gently wiping his son's face and neck. "There you go, Henry," he cooed. "This should cool you down."

Henry seemed to lean into the damp cloth, as if knowing it would provide him some relief. As Robin placed it on his neck, Henry settled down and stopped fussing as he leaned against his father's shoulder. Robin kept the cloth there, rocking him gently before starting to sing a lullaby.

The door opened and Regina slipped into the room. A basket hung from her arm and he knew she had been with Friar Tuck, no doubt trying to get some herbs and plants that would soothe their son's cold as well. She set it down as she looked over at Robin, frowning. "Has he gotten worse?" she asked.

"I'm not certain," Robin admitted honestly. "But his temperature has certainly spiked and he's gotten warmer. Did Tuck give you something to help him?"

"He gave me some tips on how to help him but said that he's still too little for some of the herbs he would generally recommend for colds," she replied. She turned to Tink. "Can you ask the cook for some salt?"

Tink's brows furrowed but she curtsied. "Of course. I'll be right back with it."

She left the room as Robin decided to ask the question he knew was on everyone's mind. "Why do you need salt?"

"Tuck recommended mixing it with water and placing drips down Henry's nose to help ease his passageways," she replied. She held up a weird device. "He also recommended using this to clear his nose of mucus since he can't blow his nose."

Robin frowned, looking between the device and his poor suffering son. "It looks uncomfortable."

"I know," she replied, "but I also know not being able to breathe through your nose is even more uncomfortable."

"True," he said, listening to Henry struggle to breathe through his nose. "Maybe we should use it now."

She nodded. "Lay him down but try to prop up his head."

He did as she instructed, adjusting Henry until he was lying in his arms. Robin then held up his elbow to prop up Henry's head as the baby let out a few mews of frustration. "I'm sorry, Henry, but Mama and I are trying to help you feel better," he assured his son.

"Yes, we are," Regina agreed, smiling as she leaned closer to Henry. "I'm sorry if this feels weird, Henry, but I promise it will be quick."

She placed the device in his nose and gave it a squeeze. Henry wiggled in Robin's arms and he tried to tighten his hold on his son as Regina whispered nonsense in a soothing tone to him. She pulled out the device and squeezed it into a tiny bowl. Robin watched in both fascination and horror as greenish-yellow gunk spilled out of it and filled the bowl.

"That was in just one nostril?" Robin asked, feeling a bit sick. "No wonder he can't breathe."

"I know," Regina said, now using the device on his other nostril. "Here, sweetheart, let's clear your other side and hopefully you can breathe a bit better now."

Tink returned, holding up a little container. "The cook was happy to give us some salt. She also advised that Her Majesty nurse the prince more and that will also help him overcome his cold faster."

"I did that when Robin was a baby and had colds," Mother said. "It does help reduce the length of the cold."

"Then I shall have to give it a try once we get some saltwater into his nose to help flush it out," Regina said, squeezing even more gunk into the bowl.

Tink nodded, moving closer to her. "Do you want me to mix the salt in some water for you?"

"I can do it," Regina assured her, taking the salt from Tink's hand. "But thank you. Maybe later you can run him a nice bath? I think that will help as well."

"Yes, of course," Tink said. "Just let me know when you want it run and I will have it ready for him."

Regina thanked her before mixing the salt in some water while Robin rocked Henry. It sounded like his boy was breathing easier now so the device Regina had used worked. Hopefully it meant they had reached the turning point and their son would feel better soon.

"Here we go," Regina said, returning with a similar device to the one she used to clear his nose. "Let's get this into your nose to help soothe it."

She sprayed some of the solution into his nose and he tried to swat her hand away. Robin grabbed his hand. "I know it's uncomfortable, my boy, but you need to let Mama do this so you can feel better," he told Henry.

"There," she cooed. "All done, my little prince. What a brave little boy you were!"

"Yes, you were," Robin agreed, bringing Henry back up to his shoulder. He gently rubbed his son's back, relieved that he wasn't so hot anymore.

Regina wiped her hands on a spare towel before holding out her arms. "I can take him now."

"It's alright," he assured her. "I've got him. You go rest."

There were dark circles under her eyes and he could see the fatigue in them from their restless night with their son. Robin still worried about her health after their scare and he would do everything he could to allow her to take care of herself first and foremost.

"You both rest," Mother said, approaching him. She reached out for Henry. "Trina and I can tend to Henry."

Robin glanced at his son, who was dozing on his shoulder. His breathing seemed to be easier and he wasn't as hot as he had been. So Robin nodded, easing his son into his mother's arms. "Alright. But wake us if he needs anything, please," he asked.

"Of course," Mother assured him, rocking Henry. "You two go and get some rest. You both look like you need it."

"Some rest will be good," Robin said, taking Regina's hand. "Shall we, milady?"

She nodded, squeezing his hand. "Lead the way, my king."

He escorted her into their bedroom and closed the door. Robin placed his hand on her back. "Do you need help?"

"Yes," she replied, turning her back to him. "Do you mind?"

"Of course not," he said, undoing her laces and helping her from her dress. She picked it up and laid it over a chair as he shed his own clothes.

They climbed into bed and Robin pulled the blankets over them. He wrapped his arms around her and she sighed, resting her head on his chest. "This feels good," she said.

"Good," he replied, running his fingers through her hair as he closed his eyes. Sleep pulled at him immediately but he fought for a few minutes, wanting to wait for Regina to fall asleep first.

A few minutes later, he felt her breathing even out. Opening one eye, he saw that hers were closed and she appeared to be asleep. Smiling, Robin closed his eye again and finally gave into sleep's sweet embrace.

"Let me take him," Robin said, placing his hand on Regina's shoulder. She had just finished nursing Henry and he was milk drunk, dozing in her arms while she struggled to keep her eyes open. Though the remedies Tuck had recommended seemed to relieve Henry's symptoms, he still was not comfortable lying down and would only sleep if someone held him. Regina had been up for most of the night with him and now Robin believed it was his turn so she could get some rest.

She yawned before easing Henry into his arms. "He's been sleeping pretty well in my arms. But if he gets fussy, I left everything out for you to use."

"Thank you," he said, gently resting Henry against his shoulder. He then gave her a quick kiss. "Sweet dreams."

Regina walked into their bedroom and Robin sat down in the rocking chair. He began to rock gently, humming softly as he rubbed Henry's back. Though Henry did still sound a little clogged and had a difficult time breathing through his nose, he seemed to be comfortable and so Robin let him be for the time being.

"It's just you and me for now, my boy," he told Henry. The baby turned his head, as if knowing his father was talking to him and Robin chuckled. "So how about I tell you a story?"

Henry curled his fingers around Robin's shirt and seemed to smile, so Robin decided to take that as a yes. "Good. So, let me tell you about how our kingdom came to be…"

Robin continued to rock the two of them as he recounted the founding of Sherwood to his son. He knew Henry wouldn't remember a word he said but he didn't care. Just having his son in his arms, even though he was sleeping fitfully, was enough for him.

"I promise to teach you how to be a great king and how to lead our people," he told Henry. "And I know you will love them as much as your mother and I do."

Henry snuggled closer to him and Robin's heart melted a little bit more. Leaning down, he kissed the top of his son's head. "I love you, my boy."

The baby yawned again, snuggling closer to Robin. He chuckled, closing his eyes as well. "We'll just rest together, yeah? That sounds good."

And as the night wore, Robin spent some time with his baby son, knowing it was worth the sleep he had given up.

"His nose is no longer congested," Tuck said, examining a squirming Henry. "But you should give him some extra milk for the next couple days to be certain he's completely done with the cold."

Relief swept through Robin and he felt Regina relax as he wrapped his arm around her. "I can do that," she told Tuck.

"Thank you for your help," Robin told his mentor. "You have helped Henry feel better faster."

Tuck smiled, rocking the baby boy. "You're very welcome. But you have a very strong boy. He takes after his parents."

"Will you stay for the noon meal?" Regina asked, taking Henry from him and cradling the boy.

"Of course," Tuck said, patting his stomach. "I never turn down a chance for a good meal."

Robin chuckled, motioning to the table. "Then we shall ring down to the kitchens so they will send the meal up for us."

"Do you want me to take the prince?" Tink asked, stepping up to Regina.

Regina looked down at Henry, pressing her lips together and Robin knew she was debating her answer. She then nodded and placed Henry in Tink's arms. "Thank you."

Tink rocked Henry as Regina joined Robin and Tuck at the table. Robin pulled out her chair for her and helped her sit. He kissed the top of her head before pushing the chair in for her.

"Are you going to do the same for me?" Tuck asked, teasing him gently.

"If you want me to," Robin replied, deciding to play along. He pulled out the chair. "Good sir."

Tuck chuckled, taking his seat. "Thank you."

Robin took his own seat as servants appeared with plates of food. They served the royal couple and their guest before one poured them all some watered-down ale. Regina thanked them all before they left the room. She smiled and nodded. "Enjoy the meal," she said.

"Oh, I'm certain I will," Tuck replied, cutting into his meal. "So, how are you two doing?"

"Alright," Robin replied. "Though I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep, I'm going to miss cuddling Henry at night while soothing him."

Regina smiled. "That was nice, even if I was worried about him not being able to breathe all the time."

Tuck chuckled. "I'm certain you two will find more reasons to cuddle your son. Or even no reason at all."

"Most likely," Robin agreed, smiling at how much his mentor knew both of them.

"Well, now I know how you are doing as parents, how are you two doing as husband and wife?" Tuck asked.

Robin frowned, wondering why he was asking that. "We are very happy."

"Yes," Regina agreed, reaching out and taking his hand. "Our bond has only grown stronger with each passing month."

Tuck smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. I know you had quite the scare there with Regina's sickness."

Robin swallowed down the familiar anger about that scenario. He gave Regina's hand a squeeze as he answered: "Yes. But we found the needed cure and Regina is with us, safe and well. I am focusing on the good, not the bad."

"We're together and healthy," Regina agreed, smiling at him. "That's all that matters to us."

"Even if there are members of the court who don't approve of how Robin saved you?" Tuck asked, studying them.

She looked at Robin, knowing this answer was his and his alone. "Yes. I think it's time we undo the damage past Abbots have done and bring the witches back."

"There will be resistance," Tuck said.

"I know," Robin replied, knowing that Regina had encountered one person suspicious of their motives. He gave her hand a squeeze. "But I think this is for the best. The people of Sherwood have been lied to for far too long."

Tuck nodded. "I agree with you. It is time for us to return to the teachings the Great Being meant to be shared. But it won't be easy."

"Nothing worth fighting for is, right?" Robin countered with a smile. "But I'm willing to fight."

"And I will be right by his side," Regina vowed, covering their clasped hands with her free one as she smiled at him. It bolstered Robin's spirits, once again glad to have her as his wife.

Tuck smiled, leaning back in his chair. "Good. I think if anyone can right this wrong, it is you two. I will be honored to help you, if that is your wish."

"It is," Robin said, holding out his hand so Tuck could shake it. "I know you will be a great ally during this time."

"I hope to be," Tuck replied, releasing Robin's hand. "So, shall we turn our conversation back to more pleasant topics?"

Regina chuckled as she pulled her hand away from Robin's hold. "I think that sounds good. What do you have in mind?"

"How is your apple tree this year?" he asked her. "Do you think it will bear fruit this season?"

"I do," she replied, happy. "I'm excited to see what kind of yield we get this year. I know it won't be much but it'll be good to see what we can expect in the future."

Tuck nodded. "Indeed. If you do have a good yield, may I have a few apples?"

"Of course," she replied. "And I might even bake a pie if we have enough."

Robin let his fork fall back onto his plate as he turned to his wife. "You…bake?"

She gave him a sheepish smile, nodding. "I used to spend time in the kitchens at home and so they taught me some recipes. Pies are my specialty."

"Then I look forward to trying one," he said. "Maybe you could teach me to bake too?"

Her eyes widened. "You want to learn how to bake?"

"I think it would be an interesting skill to have," he replied. "And it would be something we can do together, right?"

"It would be," she said. "If we're teaching each other things, would you mind teaching me archery?"

That intrigued him and he leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he propped his elbow on the table. "You want to learn archery?"

Her smile turned sheepish as she nodded. "I've always been interesting in learning something like that but Mother didn't think it was very ladylike. I wasn't allowed to do anything that wouldn't land me a suitable husband."

"Of course not," Robin said, once again glad he never got to meet her mother. He doubted he would've been able to restrain himself around her if he had.

"Well, she's gone now and I have control over my life," Regina continued. "And I want to learn archery from my husband."

He took her hand and raised it to his lips, kissing it. "Your husband would be honored to teach you."

She smiled, leaning closer to him with love shining in her eyes. Robin got lost in the beautiful brown depths, once again amazed that he could call such a beautiful and wonderful woman his wife. The Great Being certainly blessed him by sending Regina into his life.

"Ahem," Friar Tuck said, reminding Robin that they weren't alone. He and Regina pulled away from each other and Robin turned to his mentor, who smiled widely. "Well, you two are certainly growing more and more in love each day. I hope you never change."

"Us too," Regina said, giving Robin's hand a squeeze before letting go to continue eating her meal.

Robin turned back to his own meal as well, glancing at Tuck. "So, Tuck, what do you think will happen at this year's Harvest Festival?"

The friar then launched into his hopes for the festival as well as reminiscing about past ones. Robin leaned back as he sipped his wine, feeling relaxed and happy. He was going to enjoy these moments while they lasted because he knew very well how quickly they could change.

"Do you have a moment?"

Robin looked up to see Lady Wellingsbury standing in the doorway to his study. He nodded, motioning for her to come closer. "What is wrong?"

"We didn't talk about your cousin at the last council meeting and I want to discuss our case against him," she said, approaching his desk. "After all, we can't keep Keith in the tower forever."

"Are you certain about that?" he asked, giving her a small smile.

She paused as she sat down, giving him a look even though she was unable to stop her own smile. "Yes, I am."

"I wish I could leave him up there," Robin admitted. "He can do far less damage locked in a tiny room with almost no contact with other people."

"I agree with you there," she replied. "So we need to put together a case allowing us to do just that."

He nodded, bolstered by her comments. "Where do we start?"

"I think we start with what happened to the Queen," Lady Wellingsbury said, placing a book down on the desk and opening it.

"Is that safe to do?" he asked, worried. "We may be opening up Regina to a line of attack we don't want to go down again given that her coma was magical."

She paused before sighing. "I know. But really the only reason Regina was susceptible to the magic in the first place was because of what Keith and his conspirators did to her. They caused her to go into labor early using an herb that caused her to bleed heavily and face infection. Regardless of what happened after, they put both her life and the Crown Prince's life in danger."

Robin leaned back, rubbing his chin as he considered her words. She did have a point that Regina's life was put in danger even before the Dark One used his magic to trap her. Keith and anyone else would try to distract from the fact but if they kept returning to it, Robin believed they would be able to convince the people that Keith's actions also allowed dark magic to seep into the palace.

"What if we don't ignore what happened to Regina afterwards or try to downplay it?" he asked.

She raised her head, frowning in confusion as he knew it was a complete reversal from his earlier concern. "That would likely open up the defense to argue that those acting against you aren't then traitors but are indeed saving the country from evil."

"Even if we argue that it was really their fault that allowed darkness to enter the palace in the first place?" he asked.

"How so?" she asked, now looking intrigued though still hesitant.

He leaned closer. "Because the teachings of the Great Being had been corrupted and twisted, witches had been banned from the palace and that put the country, not just the Queen, at great risk."

She leaned back in her chair, rubbing her chin. "That is an interesting argument and one I assume is part of a larger plan?"

"Yes," he replied. "I want to bring magic back to Sherwood."

"That is not going to be easy," she warned him.

He swallowed, nodding as he clasped his hands together. "I know. But I believe it is the right thing to do. We need to cleanse our land from the toxic teachings of past Abbots."

"Agreed," she said. "Have you gotten Tuck's support on this?"

"I have," he replied. "I know the other friars respect him and will be more willing to help if he is supporting us."

She nodded. "You're right. That's a very important step. Next, you'll have to try to convince your court."

"I know," he said. "They will be harder to convince."

"Which is why I advise you not to use the trial to push this particular agenda," she told him. "I fear it could backfire."

He frowned, wondering what she feared would happen. "Can you tell me how?" he asked.

"If you start talking about magic, it could prove to people that the rebels are correct about Regina bewitching you for her own purposes," Lady Wellingsbury replied. "It will strengthen support for the rebels rather than for you."

"Oh," he said. That hadn't crossed his mind. "What do you propose we do instead?"

She leaned closer to him. "We continue with the argument I suggested earlier and try to keep all mentions of magic to a minimum. Once we've convicted the traitors, their arguments will not be as convincing. We can then ease the people into believing magic again."

"So Regina will need to continue sneaking around while learning magic," he said, leaning back with a sigh.

"Unfortunately," Lady Wellingsbury replied apologetically. At least she wasn't advising him to tell Regina not to learn magic just yet.

He sighed. "I was hoping for something different for her."

"I know," she told him. "But it's too dangerous. This change will need to be made over time and we're going to need to be patient."

"That can be so difficult sometimes," he admitted.

She chuckled. "I know. You're young and idealistic. You want to change the world and you want to do it now. And that's admirable. But you need to pace yourself because this is going to be a long campaign."

"I'll do my best," he promised, knowing he was going to need to be reminded several times during this process. He just hoped it didn't take too long.

"I know you will," she replied. "And I promise you that you will have my support. I think this is the right course to take."

Relief swept through him. "Thank you. I appreciate that."

"You're welcome," she said, smiling softly at him. She then grew serious as she sat up straighter. "Shall I set a trial date for Keith, then?"

Sighing as he recalled why Lady Wellingsbury had wanted to talk with him, Robin nodded. "Go ahead."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, standing. "I believe that the sooner we get this done, the sooner we can start healing and moving forward."

"I hope so," Robin replied. "I think we all need some healing right now."

She nodded before excusing herself. Robin leaned back in his chair and sighed, hoping that this was what his country needed to put the past behind them and face a new future for Sherwood. He prayed it didn't backfire and blow up in his face instead. The last thing he wanted was to hurt Regina or Henry and he vowed to make certain that didn't happen.

"Are you alright?" Will asked, approaching him. "Do you have a headache again? I can get that special tea from Regina if you need it."

"No, no, I don't have a headache," Robin said. "I just agreed to let Lady Wellingsbury set the date for my cousin's trial."

Will let out a low whistle. "Sounds like a headache would be preferable to that."

Robin let out a wry chuckled, nodding. "Right now, I would have to agree. What would you recommend for this?"

"Spirits," Will replied. "But only after a walk outside with your wife and some time with your son."

"You know what? I agree," Robin said, standing. "I'll see you for supper then."

Will nodded and left the room. After taking a breath, Robin did the same. He headed for his room, eager to spend some time with his family. Life at court was about to get tense and he wanted them to enjoy all these peaceful moments so they could get through the less than peaceful moments.

Because they would make it through and bring magic back to Sherwood.

Together.

A/N: Here's another update! Robin and Regina are going to work together to bring magic back to Sherwood! It won't be easy but most things worth doing aren't. They have some support and will have each other.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

-Mac