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Chapter Text

Chapter 1: A New Chapter Begins

"Go and get your happy ending," Tink said, squeezing Regina's hands with a reassuring smile. "Good luck."

She released Regina's hands and walked away from her. Rubbing her hands on her skirt, Regina stepped closer to the door and reached for the handle. This was it, her moment of truth. Inside the tavern sat her soulmate. All she had to do was open the door and walk up to him.

Yet she remained outside, fingers wrapped around the handle. Fear froze her in place as Rumpelstiltskin's words echoed around her head. Was she giving up on Daniel so easily? Could she let Snow White go unpunished for her role in his death? If she let go of her anger, what meaning would her life have? What purpose would she have then?

She looked through the window again, finding the man with the lion tattoo still bathed in the green glow of pixie dust. His shoulders shook as he laughed at something and someone held out another tankard of ale. He shook his head, placing some coins down as he stood from the table. Regina realized he was leaving and that she needed to make a decision quickly. Did she go in or wait for him to come out? Or did she run away and return to the palace? Her existence there was a miserable one but she knew what to expect. She didn't have that comfort if she chose the man with the lion tattoo. The future would be unknown.

And that scared her the most.

The man turned and now faced the door. He stopped, tilting his head before smiling softly. She knew he saw her and as her heart pounded in her ears, she wondered what he thought of her.

Even through the window, she knew he was taller than her. He had dark blond hair that was lighter than Daniel's brown. She could tell he had light colored eyes though the discoloration of the glass and the dim lighting in the tavern prevented her from determining if they were blue or green. He wore a simple linen shirt paired with brown pants and boots. A knife was tucked into the black belt he wore around his middle but she believed that was more for protection than anything else.

She just knew that he was a good and kind man, just like Daniel and nothing like her husband.

The man straightened his head and his smile deepened, revealing two dimples. Regina's heart skipped a beat and her stomach tightened as her arm finally pulled the door toward her. She peered into the tavern before taking a few steps toward him, her decision apparently made by her heart.

Regina stopped in front of the man. She took a deep breath before saying: "Hello."

"Milady," he said, giving her a little bow. "How may I help you?"

"I…" She paused, frowning as she thought of an answer. In the end, she said: "I don't know."

He chuckled, biting his lip. "Well, why did you come here?"

"It's a long story," she replied. "But the short version is pixie dust."

He chuckled. "Then I think I want to hear this long story. Can I buy you a drink?"

She bit her lip before nodding. "I would love that."

"Two more ales," he said, raising two fingers in the air while keeping his eyes on Regina. "And a private table for the lady and myself."

He then held out his hand, revealing the lion tattoo. "Robin of Locksley, at your service."

"Regina," she replied, sliding her hand into his. He raised it to his lips, gently kissing her knuckles. Again, he never broke eye contact with her. It was as if he was transfixed by her. Something fluttered inside her at his attention – no one at court looked at her like he did.

She liked it.

"You two can take the table in the back," the barkeep said, breaking the spell around them as he approached with two tankards. "Follow me."

"After you, milady," Robin said, motioning for her to walk ahead of him. She did so and he followed, his hand at her back as they walked past the other patrons in the tavern. All looked up as they passed by and she was suddenly very aware of how she was dressed. Her white dress was embroidered with several crystals and nearly shouted that she was wealthy, likely even nobility if not royalty.

For the first time, she realized she should've worn something else. Maybe even asked Tink to use her magic to make her a different dress so she didn't stand out in this tavern.

The barkeep led them to the furthest table and set the two tankards down. He turned, eyeing Regina as he said: "No one should really pay attention to you two at this table. You won't stand out…much."

"Thank you," Robin replied, nodding. He gently pushed against Regina's back, encouraging her to sit down.

She took a seat and he sat across from her. He held up his tankard. "To pixie dust?"

"To pixie dust," she agreed, raising her own tankard. "And to lion tattoos."

He glanced down at his tattoo before looking back up at her with a confused smile. "I trust that's part of the long story?"

She nodded. "It is."

"Then let's take a sip and you can tell it," he said, taking a sip of his ale.

"Alright," she replied, taking a sip as well. It was more bitter than the wine she normally drank but it warmed her stomach just the same. She set her tankard down as she began her story. "So, I guess it starts with the day I rescued a young girl on a runaway horse…"

Robin set down his tankard, which she had to imagine was just as empty as hers by now. He steepled his fingers, looking thoughtful. "I am sorry for your loss," he said. "You didn't deserve any of that pain."

A lump formed in her throat at his words. She swallowed before saying: "Thank you."

"So what now?" he asked, looking intrigued. "A fairy used pixie dust to find me for you. What do we do next?"

"I don't know," she replied. "I honestly hadn't thought past walking into this tavern. And I was tempted to not even do that."

He frowned. "Why?"

"Fear," she admitted. "I don't know who I will be without the anger."

"I understand," he said. "I lost someone I loved at the hands of another person. And anger consumed me too."

That surprised her and she leaned closer. "What did you do?"

"Well, I plotted to get my revenge," he replied. "And I planned it down to the minutest detail. Just as I was about to enact it…he got sick and died. All that work and a sore throat killed him before I could."

"But he was dead," she said, knowing that the man still got punished. "Didn't that count for something?"

He nodded, looking thoughtful as he played with his empty tankard. "For a moment, yes. But that was all it was – a moment. I realized what I had really wanted. It wasn't his death. I wanted him to look me in the eyes and see the pain he had caused me. I wanted him to hurt as much as I had. I wanted him to acknowledge what he had done. Now that he was dead, he couldn't do that. He was now gone and my mother was still gone as well."

Robin paused as his voice cracked. He looked away and Regina's heart skipped a beat, knowing the pain he felt. She reached out and covered his hand with hers, waiting for him to compose himself again.

"I then raged against everything and everyone who crossed my path," he said, speaking softly. "I just couldn't let go of that anger. Until a friar who knew my mother found me and told me that I was not being the man my mother would've wanted to be. He encouraged me to change my life but I had lived so long with the anger, like you, I didn't know who I was without it. But I also realized that anger was not a personality. I couldn't let it define me.

"And so I went to my mother's murder's tomb and I raged one last time. I told him everything I wanted to say and kicked it a few times for good measure," he said, drawing a chuckle from her. "Then I got drunk and the next morning, I sobered up and started to figure out who I want to be."

She bit her lip, wondering if she could do the same. "And who are you?"

He shrugged. "Still figuring it out. And if you want, we can figure it out together."

"I don't know," she told him. "I don't think I can get the same release you did."

"Well, the offer stands," he said, rubbing his chin. "Actually, I have another offer for you?"

That surprised her and she asked: "You do?"

He nodded. "Why don't you come with me for a few days? I have a camp not far away and you can meet some of my friends. We can get to know each other more and see if that pixie dust was right."

"I wouldn't mind that," she said, realizing she had done most of the talking that night. "I do want to get to know you."

"Good," he replied, standing. "I also think that you may feel differently about letting go of that anger once you're not forced to constantly face the princess. And I promise you I will never force you into the shadows."

Regina's heart skipped a beat. She looked up into Robin's eyes, wondering if he was just saying what she wanted to hear. If he was just saying whatever it took to get her into his bed and use her just like everyone else in her life did. But as she gazed into the blue depths of his eyes, she saw only sincerity and kindness. He meant every word and despite only knowing her a few short hours, cared more for her than her husband. After spending time with a man who not only paid attention to her but also validated her feelings and supported her, could she just return to the palace and her life there, even if it meant Snow White would one day face punishment for what she had done?

Would that make her happy or was Tink right and her happiness lay elsewhere?

Lay with this man who bore a lion tattoo?

"Will you accept my proposal?" he asked, holding his hand. "If after a few days you want to go back or we don't click and you just want to go somewhere else, I promise to take you wherever you want. I will do everything in my power to help you find your happiness, even if it is not with me."

With those words, her heart melted while her resolved grew firm. She slipped her hand into his and let him help her to her feet. Regina smiled as she said: "I will accept."

He smiled, again revealing those dimples as he bit his lip. "Then shall we leave, milady?"

"Yes," she said, "but there's one thing I want to do first."

"And what is that?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

She pressed her free hand to his cheek before saying: "This."

Regina closed the gap between them, capturing his lips with hers. He responded and it felt as if someone had filled her stomach with butterflies. She felt her head spin as stars exploded behind her closed eyes. Not even Daniel's kisses ever elicited such a response from her and she wondered if maybe Tink was right about Robin being her soulmate.

Maybe she had made the right decision after all.

All she knew as she continued to kiss the man with the lion tattoo in the middle of the tavern was that her life had changed. Though the future remained unknown, she now felt excited to see where this new chapter in her story led her.

Hopefully, it would all end with her living happily ever after at last.

Chapter Text

Part II – Finding Their Way

Regina shivered as thunder cracked overhead, rattling the eaves on the monastery's roof. Wind howled outside but she heard no rain yet. She knew it was coming and while she was glad she was inside, she prayed Robin had found shelter from the storm.

She also prayed that shelter wasn't a prison cell.

"He is fine, my dear," Friar Tuck said, gently taking her arm and leading her to the nearby table. "Eat and try not to worry."

"How can I not worry?" she asked, sitting down. "We both know how dangerous this mission is. I should've gone with him."

Tuck ladled some stew into a bowl for her as he shook his head. "That would've been even more dangerous. It's better that Robin has gone with Little John, who is just as skilled a thief as Robin. They've been friends for a long time and work well together. They haven't been caught yet."

She knew Tuck was right. Robin and Little John were more skilled than her, which would've made her a liability even without the fact that her husband was determined to find her. The story put out by the palace was that Regina had been kidnapped by a rogue fairy and there was a reward for her safe return. Someone had clearly seen her leave with Tinkerbell and that story was the one assumed as Leopold wanted everyone to believe they had the perfect marriage and would not tolerate any suggestion otherwise. Nor would he even entertain the idea that she left him – it would be too humiliating. So if she was found, she would be forced to return to her husband and to play her role in the façade while Robin and Little John were severely punished.

It was better for her to be here with Tuck in what had once been his order's monastery.

But she still sighed as she swirled her spoon around her stew. "I just hate feeling useless and cooped up."

"Everyone hates feeling like that," he assured her. "But you've been a great help around here. And the storm will likely only last the night once it arrives. You should be able to go outside tomorrow."

She took a spoonful of stew, nodding as she swallowed. "That would be nice. I think I'll go down to the stable and make sure the stalls are ready for when everyone returns."

"That is a good idea," he replied, smiling. "I might tend the garden. You can also always help me there as well."

"I might," she said. She enjoyed time in the garden with him and had learned so much in her short time at the monastery. "Thank you."

He nodded and they continued their meal, doing their best to ignore the winds still howling outside though no rain had yet to come. But it was clear a storm would come through eventually and Regina hoped Tuck was right that it would come during the night so they could work outside tomorrow like they wanted.

As she ate, Regina again reflected on how much her life had changed in such a short period of time. Leaving with Robin that night at the tavern had been exactly what she needed. The longer she was away from the palace and especially Snow White, the less and less angry she felt. She wouldn't lie and say she didn't feel empty without her anger but Robin had assured her that was normal. Tuck had as well and the two were teaching her that she could fill herself with happiness instead as she started to figure out who she wanted to be.

Regina was also starting to fill that emptiness with love. Even though she had only known Robin for a couple weeks now, she couldn't imagine her life without him. She found a kindred spirit in him, someone who understood her in a way she hadn't experienced before. It meant that she could tell him anything and she knew he wouldn't judge her, no matter what she told him. He treated her with respect and kindness, showing her that not all men were like her husband. It made her more resolved to never return to the palace and to spend the rest of her life with Robin, no matter where they ended up.

For now, they had been granted sanctuary with Tuck. The rest of his order had fled along with the villagers who had lived around the monastery when fighting from the Ogre War got too close for comfort. He had first fled with his fellow friars but had returned to tend to those injured in the battle. Robin had grown up not far from this village and had been educated at the monastery as a child. After losing his mother, he had maintained a relationship with his old tutor and had helped Tuck with the dead from the battle. Robin told her about his adventures roving around Sherwood Forest but it was clear that he considered this place, Locksley, the closest place he had to home.

And so that was why he had introduced himself as Robin of Locksley.

The more time she spent in Locksley, the more she believed she could call it home too. Robin's charisma, charm and heart of gold attracted people to him and he had built a group of loyal companions who had moved into some of the more habitable houses left in the village. It made her wonder if they could rebuild Locksley and make it a haven for people like her and Robin, people who needed a place where they could get a second chance at building a happy life. She knew it wouldn't be easy but she believed it would be worth it in the end.

Deep down, she believed Robin would agree as well.

Once he had returned, she would talk to him about it. And if her gut was right and he agreed, they could then talk to Tuck about it as well. She wasn't too sure of his response but she was leaning more toward him being supportive.

"Well, that was a good meal," Tuck said, interrupting her thoughts as he started to take her bowl.

She stopped his hand as she stood. "You made dinner. The least I can do is clean up," she told him.

"Thank you, Regina," he said, leaning back in his chair. "I appreciate that."

"I appreciate everything you are doing for me and Robin," she replied, taking his bowl. "And how patient you are being with me. I know you weren't expecting to have to teach a reluctant queen how to clean or sew or cook or other things that do now seem to be basic life skills."

He chuckled as he turned his chair to watch her as she washed the bowls in the sink. "No, I wasn't. But you are a fast learner," he said. "And you are willing to learn."

"I am," she replied, dunking the bowls into the soapy water before washing them with a sponge. "I never really felt at home in the palace. I've always wanted a simpler life. Now I have it and I don't want to give it up."

"I can tell," he said. "Too many other people have made decisions for you. I promise you that while you are here, you will be the one in charge of your own life."

She set the clean bowl to the side to dry and started to clean the other one. "I like the sound of that."

Lightning illuminated the window by the sink and Regina turned her head because of how bright it was. Thunder broke overhead and rattled the monastery as the door opened with a bang. Her heart jumped into her throat and she reached for a knife Tuck still had nearby just in case she needed to defend herself.

"I told you we would beat the storm," Robin said, removing his green hood as he stepped into the monastery. He turned, grinning at his larger companion. "And you doubted me."

"Don't pretend the last few miles weren't harrowing," Little John argued, lowering his own hood. "We almost didn't make it."

Relief filled Regina and she rushed forward, throwing her arms around Robin. She held him close as she said: "I'm so glad you're back."

He wrapped his arms around her, running his fingers through her hair as he returned her hug. "I missed you too," he said.

"I was so worried," she told him. "I was afraid the worst happened."

"I'm sorry to worry you," he replied, kissing the side of her head. "But it was a smooth mission. Honestly the roughest part was the weather. We've been trying to beat storms the entire ride back."

She pulled away from Robin, his words sinking in. "So the mission was successful?" she asked, hope filling her.

He nodded, motioning to the door. She turned and gasped when she saw her father there. Tears filled his eyes as he opened his arms for her. "Oh, Regina," he sighed.

"Daddy," she said, rushing into his arms. They hugged each as she sobbed, glad to be reunited with her father. "I missed you too."

"I missed you, my girl," he told her, rocking her. "I was so worried when you went missing but I am so glad you are safe and far away from that place."

She sniffed, stepping back from him. "You are?"

He nodded, taking her hands. "I hated watching your light slowly die and I just wanted you to find happiness. After spending time with this dashing young man, I believe you're starting to find it. I can already see your light returning and that makes me so happy."

"You know this makes us outlaws now, right?" she asked, sniffing. "We can never return to Mist Haven or else Leopold will punish us."

"Mist Haven wasn't much of a home to me anyway," he replied, waving his hand. "My home is with you."

Friar Tuck stepped forward. "We still have some stew. You all must be hungry after your journey. Come sit and eat. Then I think we should all turn in for the night."

"I am certainly not saying no to food," Little John said, patting his stomach. It made everyone chuckle as they moved toward the table. Regina went to help Tuck and soon they served stew to all three men.

Regina settled between her father and Robin, content to be with the most important men in her life now. She understood her father's words – as long as she had him and Robin, she would always be home. And she again hoped that Robin agreed with her plan to turn Locksley into their own little utopia. Leopold couldn't touch them here and she doubted the barons who controlled Sherwood and Nottingham would pay their little village much attention. They could just live their lives however they saw fit.

A perfect place for a happy beginning.

After Robin lost his mother, he had been adrift in life with no goals and no clear plan for his future. She had been the one constant in his life after his father had died fighting for the Sherwoodian barons in the Ogre War. Mother had been determined to give him a better life, though he did not know the lengths she had gone to ensure that. He knew that a benefactor had allowed him to be educated at the monastery with the friars, learning to read, write, do math and learn about botany. The friars told him that his benefactor would give him a job as an overseer on his estate and Robin needed to know about agriculture so he could serve his master. Robin believed Lord Nottingham had been a kind man who wanted to help him and his family.

Looking back now, Robin knew he had just been a naïve child.

It all changed when he finished his education and was sent to Lord Nottingham for his assignment. But the man refused to see Robin, saying he had no room for a young man with no family name. Confused and dejected, Robin had returned to his mother's home and hoped she would be able to help make sense of what happened. Instead, he found her body on her bed. She was wearing only her shift as her glassy eyes were fixed on the ceiling. Even from the doorway, he could see dark marks around her neck and knew someone had strangled her. Her death broke Robin and his scream had finally alerted his neighbors to his mother's death.

The villagers helped him bury his mother and Tuck had overseen her funeral. Robin felt as if his heart had been buried with her, unable to feel anything but rage. He slowly learned that Nottingham hadn't been supporting him out of the kindness of his heart. Instead, his mother had become Nottingham's mistress and she had let him use her body for his pleasure in order to provide a better life for her son. But it seemed she had finally gotten too old for him and he had moved on to another mistress. Robin believed Nottingham had told her that he would no longer be employing Robin and she had gotten into a fight with him, leading him to kill her.

Something had snapped in Robin and his only goal became to avenge her death. He left the village and sought out new tutors, ones who could train him to kill. Robin learned how to use a variety of weapons, especially knives and arrows. He also became skilled in sneaking into and out of places without getting caught, becoming a thief to become proficient in it. Stealing gave him a thrill he hadn't felt since his mother had died and made him feel alive.

Before he could put his plan to avenge his mother into action, Robin received word from Tuck that Lord Nottingham had died. According to Tuck's letter, the man had been entertaining some other lords when he complained of having a sore throat. He had taken to his bed and developed a fever. Though a healer had been summoned, there was little to be done. Within the week, Lord Nottingham had died. His death deprived Robin of the chance to avenge his mother and to get answers as it why she had to die before having the pleasure of draining the life from Lord Nottingham's eyes.

Robin had tossed Tuck's letter into the fire and watched it burn. The anger built up inside him threatened to burn him like the letter unless it was released. And so Robin went looking for fights, unleashing his anger on people in people who were just proxies for the real target of his ire. He took as many beatings as he gave and the pain was the only thing besides anger he felt during that time.

Time blurred together as Robin stopped counting the days. When he wasn't fighting, he was drinking to numb the anger. He slept wherever he found a place to lay and stole food to survive. It wasn't much of an existence but he didn't care. His life ended with his mother's.

One day, he woke up to ice cold water thrown on him. His skin tingled and he shivered as he sat up to find a scowling Friar Tuck standing there with an empty bucket. During Robin's schooling, Tuck had never been one to scold him and had preferred other ways to correct him. But that day, he gave Robin a tongue lashing his fellow friars would've been proud of. He told Robin that he was better than this and was throwing his life away. That his mother had sacrificed so much so he could have a good life and he was spitting on her grave by squandering it. And that if he continued down the road he was traveling, he was going to kill someone and then he would be no better than Lord Nottingham. Friar Tuck challenged Robin to be the man his mother had wanted him to be and told Robin to come find him when he was ready to do so.

After Tuck's scolding, Robin really looked at his life and realized he wasn't releasing his anger but letting it consume him in a different way. He vowed to let it go and traveled back to Nottingham to do that, making his way to Lord Notttingham's grave and unleashing his fury at the murderer's tombstone. Yelling until his voice grew hoarse, Robin realized that revenge was never going to give him what he wanted. What he wanted was for Lord Nottingham to take responsibility for what he had done and to acknowledge the pain he had caused. But since he would never get that either, Robin knew he needed to find another form of closure. So with a few good kicks, he let go of his anger and then stole some wine from Nottingham. He returned to his mother's still empty cottage and again drank until he fell asleep.

In the morning, he went to the monastery and thanked Tuck. He promised to keep in touch before leaving the village to go find out who he wanted to become.

Robin was still on that journey but he was getting closer to figuring it out. He had reconnected with an old friend from the village, Little John, and the two began stealing from the rich to support their lives as they bounced from place to place. They refused to steal from anyone worse off than them and an idea had started to form in the back of Robin's mind that they should share their plunder to help more people. But it was idea he kept to himself as more people joined their little group now dubbed the Merry Men by one barmaid after a raucous night of drinking in her tavern. He didn't know how to make the idea a reality but at least knew he wanted to help people, not just himself. It had been the main reason why he had returned to the monastery to help Tuck care for those injured in battle but it still felt like he could be doing more.

And then Regina walked into his life.

It had been the anniversary of his mother's death and so he had gone to the tavern to drink by himself. After a few rounds, he had been ready to leave when he saw her through the window, standing on the other side of the door. Her eyes reminded him of a deer when caught – big, brown and soulful. She had been staring at him and he wondered if he had something on his face or if something else was wrong. He had been about to go out to talk with her when she finally opened the door, stepping toward him and saying she was there for him.

For a moment, he wondered if she was an angel sent by his mother. Regina was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and she had been wearing a white gown embellished with tiny crystals that glowed in the candlelight. Was she there to show him the path he needed to walk?

When she mentioned pixie dust, he knew he had to listen to her story. He spent his last few coins on drinks for them and escorted her to the furthest table for some privacy, aware that her finely made dress made her stick out in that tavern. He didn't want anyone to bother her and so was glad when they made it to the table without anyone accosting them. They settled into their seats and after a toast, she told him her story.

As he listened, his heart hurt for all the pain she had gone through in such a short amount of time. He understood what she had experienced and how she felt, recognizing a kindred spirit in her. While she talked about a fairy bringing her to him, he still couldn't help but feel as if his mother played some role in their meeting from whatever lay beyond the world of the living. Like she knew that they would be able to understand each other and help each other heal. So when the tavern began to close, Robin knew it wouldn't be good for her to return to the palace and had invited her to come back with him. And when she accepted, his heart soared.

Then she kissed him.

While Robin had been taught by monks, he certainly hadn't lived like one. He had kissed his share of women – and done more, though that was more to numb his own pain rather than give anyone pleasure, something he was now ashamed to recall. But kissing Regina felt different. It excited him in a way he hadn't felt in a long time and stars seemed to burst behind his eyes. He felt as if he was meant to kiss those lips for the rest of his life and when the parted, she opened his eyes and he nearly drowned in their depths.

In that moment, he knew he was meant to look into those eyes for the rest of his life.

He took her to the monastery and Tuck welcomed her just as warmly as had the other Merry Men. She had been nervous around so many men but they had given her space to get comfortable around them. Robin stayed by her side during those first few days, getting to know her better and helping her release her anger. Tuck had been the one to realize she had never gotten a chance to really grieve her lost love and so Robin helped her do that, holding her as she sobbed and finally got to say her goodbyes to the man she had loved. It had broken his heart but he counted himself blessed that she felt safe enough with him to do that.

The sadness he felt radiating off her began to dissipate and he could tell she was lighter. After a week, she told him that she didn't want to return to the palace and so he said she could stay as long as she wanted. Even if he figured out where she was, King Leopold had limited reach in Sherwood as he was not their monarch and the barons would not be inclined to search all the little villages to try to find his wayward queen. She was safest here.

Knowing that she hadn't expected to run away from the palace that night they met, Robin had offered to retrieve things from the palace for her. She had hesitated, knowing how dangerous such a mission was. But he assured her that he could pull it off along with Little John. He was surprised when all she asked for was for him to get her father from the palace but after their time together, it was clear she shared a special bond with him. So Robin agreed and he and Little John set off with a letter from Regina to convince her father that they were telling him the truth.

Henry believed them after reading his daughter's letter and had agreed to go with them, packing a bag with whatever he could fit inside it without it weighing him down. When he was ready, they went down to the stables and he took one particular horse – Regina's beloved stallion Rocinante. Robin knew she would be happy to see him as well as her father and as they raced away from the palace, he was eager to see her again.

It took them a few days and they had to stop a few times due to some storms but they managed to get back before the biggest one unleashed its fury. They had entered the monastery and when Regina had raced toward him, throwing her arms around him, Robin knew she returned the love he felt for her. He held her close before letting her reunite with her father before they enjoyed a meal. She thanked Robin before they went to bed, giving him a sweet kiss and rewarding him with the brightest smile he had seen from her yet. It made his heart skip a beat and he vowed to do everything in his power to see that smile even more.

As he fell asleep, he was certain he had finally found his purpose in life.

Regina was just as happy to be reunited with Rocinante as she was being reunited with her father. She loved to ride her beloved horse through the field around Locksley with Robin just behind her. He let her go wherever she wanted and followed without complaint, understanding her desire to determine her own path. They also spent most of their time outside so she could enjoy the fresh air and sunshine without the confines of the palace walls.

While Tuck taught her many life skills such as cooking and sewing, Robin taught her how to defend herself. Though she was stronger with a sword than a bow, she still loved their archery lessons – especially when Robin had to stand close to her to correct her stance or help her fire an arrow. They had yet to go further than kissing and some light petting, still sleeping in separate rooms. Her only sexual experiences had been traumatic and so she needed time to be ready to be that intimate with him. Robin was patient with her and they continued to build a strong foundation of trust between them. She knew they would take the next step when they were both ready and not a moment earlier.

For now, she enjoyed the other types of intimacy they shared – just holding his hand felt more sensual than anything she had experienced in her marital bed. And she was coming to learn that she was more of a cuddler than she thought.

She had also become a Merry Man though she did not join them on their heists. Instead, she waited back at the monastery with Tuck and would help redistribute the wealth as Robin began using their gains to help those who needed it. He said that the barons and sheriffs in Sherwood tended to overtax the villagers who lived there and so he was just returning money that had already been stolen. She supported him, especially after seeing how much wealth had been wasted at court. This money went to feed hungry children rather than nobles who would rather toss the uneaten food to the dogs than give it to people who really needed it.

They kept some money for themselves to help support Friar Tuck and to help anyone who found their way to Locksley. As summer began to turn to fall, a small, hooded figure knocked on the monastery door, looking for help. Regina answered the door that time and was surprised to find Tinkerbell under the hood. She ushered the fairy into the monastery and introduced her to Robin. Tinkerbell's eyes had lit up when she realized that Regina had run off with the man with the lion tattoo and say that knowledge made everything worth it.

Confused by that statement, Regina gave Tinkerbell some food before they all sat around the table to hear Tink's story. Between bites, Tink explained that the Blue Fairy had stripped her of her wings for helping Regina. According to her, Blue believed that Regina was destined to become evil like her mother and therefore didn't deserve any help from them, let alone happiness. Tink had grown disillusioned with being a fairy if it meant only helping those Blue deemed worthy and not everyone. And so while she missed her wings, Tink had gone in search of a new life – much like Regina and Robin. They told her she was welcome to stay in Locksley as long as possible and found a room for her.

Once Tink was settled, Regina had gone outside into the chilly night air. Tears filled her eyes as she thought about all the wishes she had made as a child and how she would hear stories of fairies granting wishes. She wondered why hers had never been granted and now she knew the truth – one fairy had decided to punish her for her mother's crimes.

It wasn't fair.

Doubt then began to creep into her mind as she wondered if the Blue Fairy knew something she didn't. Had Regina been born evil because of who her mother was? Was she doomed to follow in Cora's footsteps? Had that been why Rumpelstiltskin had sought her out as a student? If so, would she be able to fight it or would she end up hurting those closest to her just like Mother had? Was it better for her to be alone?

Someone placed her cloak over her shoulders, startling her. Regina jumped back as Robin held up his hands with a contrite expression. "My apologies, milady. I didn't mean to startle you. I was just worried that you would get chilled out here."

"Thank you," she said, pulling her cloak tighter as she realized she was shivering now. "I was just lost in my thoughts."

"Thinking about what Tink said?" he asked. When she nodded, he said: "It angered me too. How dare that blue bitch judge you without meeting you just because she doesn't like your mother?"

Regina shrugged, trying to pretend it didn't bother her as much as it did. "My mother was evil. She had no problem hurting people to get what she wanted."

He nodded. "You've told me. And you were just as much a victim as anyone else."

"I know," she replied softly. "But what if the Blue Fairy is right? What if because of Mother I was born evil?"

"No," Robin said, his voice firm as a fire burned in his eyes. "I know you, Regina, and you are not evil."

She swallowed, wishing she believed in herself as much as he did. "But what if I become evil?"

He gently gripped her shoulders. "You won't."

"How do you know?" she asked, tears now rolling down her cheeks. "What if I can't help it?"

"You can," he said, now gently tucking some fingers under her chin. "Tuck and the other friars always taught me that evil isn't born, it's made. And I believe that. I can't imagine anyone is born evil. But I know how easily life can send you down that path, even if you don't realize it. However, we can stop going down that path and I believe you and I did that."

She sniffed as he wiped some of her tears away. "I've been watching you these past few months and I know your first instinct is to help people. You care about them, no matter who they are. Evil doesn't care, not like that, and so you are not evil."

Regina let out a sob before throwing herself at Robin. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close as she cried into his chest. She felt him kiss her head as she let out her emotions, finally believing that she was nothing like her mother and would live a good life – no matter what some stupid fairy thought.

"Do you feel better now?" he asked when she finished crying, handing her a handkerchief.

"I do," she said, dabbing her eyes. "Thank you."

He kissed her forehead again. "You're welcome. If you ever doubt yourself again, come find me. I'll make sure you know how amazing you are. And if anyone calls you evil, point them to me. I'll be happy to have more than a conversation with them."

She laughed, feeling lighter. "You're the best."

"I try," he said, wrapping his arm around her. "Come on. Let's go inside where it's warmer."

They walked back toward the monastery when Regain stopped Robin. "There is something I want to talk to you about. I've been thinking about it for a while now but having Tink here…What would you say to rebuilding Locksley as a safe haven for people like us? People who feel they have no place else to go?"

His eyes lit up and he smiled. "I think that's brilliant! Honestly, I've been wondering the same thing."

"You have?" she asked, pleased and relieved.

"Yes," he replied. "I guess great minds think alike."

She laughed, kissing his cheek before saying: "Yes, I suppose they do. So when should we start?"

"Probably in the spring," he said. "Winter will be here soon. We can help people but we won't be able to really focus on rebuilding until the weather gets warm again."

"That will give us time to plan," she replied, her mind already working on that. "And hopefully get money. We're going to need that."

He winked at her. "Leave that to me."

She nodded, patting his chest. "Just be careful."

"I will," he promised her. "I always am but now even more so."

"Now?" she asked, her stomach tightening. "Why now?"

His eyes softened and he pressed his hand to her cheek. Before he spoke, she knew his answer in her heart and it warmed her to her core.

"I have you now," he said. "I have someone to come home to."

She covered his hand with her own, leaning into his touch as she kept her eyes on his. "And I'll always be waiting for you."

Robin pulled her close, kissing her. She wrapped her arms around him, happy to have someone who wanted to come home to her. It still felt so new to have someone who loved her for her. Maybe one day she would get used to it but secretly, Regina hoped she never did so she never took him for granted.

They broke the kiss and headed inside for the night.

And in the morning, they would start to make their shared dream a reality.

All through the winter, Robin and Regina worked with Tuck on plans to rebuild Locksley. The other Merry Men also supported their plans, eager to have a base of operations and a place to call home. With the shorter and colder days forcing them to stay inside longer, they came up with many elaborate plans for the village. Regina eventually had to divide them into projects they needed to work on immediately and projects they could work on over the coming years. It was clear it was going to take time but Robin hoped that they would have a bustling and vibrant village within five years.

Winter posed a few more challenges to their raids but the Merry Men were still able to pull a good number off during the colder months. Like they had been doing, Robin worked with Tuck to portion out money to save up to help rebuild Locksley before giving out the rest to those who needed help surviving the winter months. They started building a nice little coffer for their village.

During this time, Tuck also taught Regina how to be a healer. She already had a strong knowledge of herbs and plants and picked up how to use them to treat different ailments easily. Tuck also had found a book of healing magic and convinced Regina that magic itself wasn't evil – it was only a tool and how a person used it either made it good or evil. Regina studied the book and created her own style of healing that blended the use of herbs and magic. Word of her skills soon traveled to nearby villages and people came to her for help. She didn't charge them anything but people were so grateful, they started to bring gifts to serve as payment. This also allowed her and Robin to build up supplies they would need in the spring when they started to rebuild the village in earnest.

By the summer, Robin and the Merry Men had managed to fix up several houses that had suffered minimal damage during the fighting. The first cottage finished was given to Tink, who had proven to be very adept at fixing and building things. She also turned her cottage into a little business and started to fix things for those who called Locksley home.

Tink also used the little magic she retained from her time as a fairy to help Regina create a protective barrier around Locksley. Anyone who genuinely sought help from them would be allowed to enter the town while those who meant them harm would be diverted away from the town, unknowingly forced to go around so that they never found it. Between Leopold's hunt for his missing wife and those who wanted to see Robin captured before he could steal more of their riches, it gave everyone peace of mind as they began their new lives in the growing village.

Robin was proud of everything they had built in the short time they had together and he couldn't imagine his life without Regina in it. He knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and he knew she wanted the same after several conversations about their future. The only thing standing in their way was the fact that she was still technically married to the king so he knew they would not be able to get married either legally or in the monastery. He knew they were just formalities but they were ones he realized he wanted with Regina. She had been denied so much by her overly controlling mother and then her husband that he wanted her to have the wedding she deserved to start what he vowed would be a happier marriage than her one to the king.

As they approached the one-year anniversary of their meeting, Robin got some very good news while out on a job. He returned to the monastery more excited about the piece of paper folded in his pocket than he was about the bags of gold coins and jewels they had taken off a rather flustered but pompous nobleman. Robin bounded into the kitchen, finding Regina preparing some eggs for breakfast. She wore a simple blue dress under an apron with her hair pinned back from her face. Yet she still shone as brightly as she had when he first saw her in her beautiful but expensive dress.

She looked up and tilted her head, smiling. "You're staring."

"You're beautiful," he replied honestly. "I can't help myself."

"You and that golden tongue," she said with more fondness than amusement.

He hummed, recalling his news and pulling out the paper from his pocket. "You need to see this."

"Can it wait?" she asked, motioning to her pan. "I doubt you want burnt eggs."

"This will be worth burnt eggs," he insisted, eager for her to see it. "Trust me."

She pressed her lips together but took the paper from him. Regina read it, her eyes going wide before she looked up at him. "Does this say what I think it says?"

He nodded. "The king has declared your marriage null and void and the bishop who married you has granted an annulment so he can marry wife number three. Which means you are no longer married to him."

"So if he's free to marry again, does that mean I'm….?" her voice trailed off as if she couldn't bring herself to say the words.

"Yes, you are," he said, dropping to one knee and taking her hand. "Regina, will you marry me?"

Regina's eyes filled with tears as she nodded, dropping the paper to the floor. She let out a little laugh before saying: "I will, absolutely, yes!"

Happier than he had ever been before, he stood and swept her into his arms. Robin lifted her off the ground, spinning with her as they kissed over and over again. Only the smell of something burning ended their celebration and Robin stayed close to his future wife as she save their breakfast from complete ruin.

And though his eggs were crunchy, breakfast had never tasted so good.

They married exactly one year after they met.

Regina had been torn about her wedding dress. Part of her wanted to wear the white dress she had worn the night she met Robin but the other part didn't want any reminders of her old life as Leopold's queen. The women of the village gathered together and came up with a compromise. It took a great deal of work but together they transformed her dress into something new, just like she and Robin were doing with Locksley.

She loved it.

They had kept the top half of the dress with its sheer sleeves and beautiful crystal embellishments but added a new skirt. Robin had bought a bolt of silk for them to use, matching the material and the color of the old dress. However, the new silk also had little blue flowers embroidered on it but when they were done, no one would've known the dress was made from two different materials. They used the old dress as an underskirt and added a few more layers to widen the skirt, giving it a fuller silhouette. Leftover material was used to make a sash that was tied around Regina's waist, completing the dress.

Flowers gifted by Tuck were woven into a crown that Tink placed on top of Regina's loose curls. A few flowers had been kept separate and used to create the bouquet she would carry down the aisle to marry Robin. She held it as she and Tink arrived at the monastery's chapel. Daddy waited outside for them, smiling when he saw Regina.

"You look beautiful," he said, kissing her cheek. "Even more than you did at your last wedding."

"Really?" she asked, recalling her opulent pink wedding gown and elaborate hairstyle.

He nodded, tears in his eyes. "This time you are happy and in love, which is making you glow."

She felt her cheeks heat up as she said: "I am so happy. I never thought I would love again after losing Daniel but I love Robin with my whole heart and soul. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him."

"He said the same thing about you when I spoke to him earlier," Daddy said, chuckling. He took her arm, smiling. "I feel much better this time knowing I am escorting you to a man who will love and cherish you the rest of your life."

"You're going to make me cry," she told him, feeling a lump in her throat. "I don't want to be a mess when I get to Robin."

He nodded, looking at Tink. "Then I think it's time."

"It is," she agreed, opening the door to the chapel. Regina heard people rising to their feet as Tink began walking down the aisle. Daddy guided her to the threshold and she gasped as she saw all the people in the chapel.

Everyone in Locksley had come to witness her marriage to Robin.

Daddy patted her hand. "Here we go."

She nodded, her eyes now focused on Robin as he stood in front of Tuck at the altar. His Merry Men had gone on a mission without him and gotten some money to pay for his wedding outfit. As she drew closer to him, she saw it better. He wore a gray satin coat with silver buttons paired with black pants. A gray fur cape was draped over one of his shoulders and she could see white ruffles at the cuffs of his coat, telling her he was likely also wearing a new shirt under the coat as well.

Behind the altar was a large window. Sunshine filled it and backlit Robin, making his blond hair glow gold. Combined with his inner light, he shone brighter than any jewel in the entire Enchanted Forest.

He stepped off the altar as she and Daddy reached it. Robin held out his hand to Daddy, who shook it with a smile. "Be happy, you two," he said.

"I will do my best to make sure she is," Robin promised, taking Regina's hand now. "You have my word."

Daddy nodded, kissing Regina's cheek. "Love you, sweetheart."

"Love you too," she whispered back before Robin led her up the step and onto the altar to stand before Tuck.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness the marriage between Robin and Regina," Tuck said, opening his book and proceeding with the prayers for the wedding ceremony.

Soon, he reached the part where they exchanged their vows. Regina vowed to love, honor and cherish Robin for the rest of her life and forsaking all others for him. Her voice cracked a few times but she managed to get through her vows before he made the same vow with a smile so bright, the sun could've disappeared and no one in the chapel would've known.

Tuck lowered his book, turning to Robin. "It's time for the rings."

"Right," Robin said, pulling a pouch from a pocket inside his coat. He opened the velvet bag and shook it until the two rings fell onto Tuck's open palm. They were two simple silver bands but Regina knew they meant the world to Robin.

They had been his parents' rings.

She took the larger one and slid it on his finger, telling him it was a sign of her love and fidelity to him. He placed the smaller one on her finger, repeating the same words. They laced their fingers together as their eyes met again. Regina's heart skipped a beat as she knew what was coming next.

"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," Tuck said, closing his book. He leaned forward with a knowing smile as he said: "You may now kiss."

"Thank goodness," Robin muttered before pulling Regina closer to him. He rested his hand on the small of her back before pressing a kiss to her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck, playing with the hair there as she responded to the kiss. They were now husband and wife, ready to share the rest of their lives together.

They broke the kiss as Tuck announced: "Dearly beloved, I present to you Robin and Regina of Locksley."

"Huzzah!" everyone cheered, applauding as Robin led Regina back down the aisle. She laughed as he almost ran the rest of the way, clearly eager to get her alone again.

Out in the hallway, he spun her closer to him, resting his hands on her hips. He smiled as he brushed some curls from her shoulder. "Hello, wife," he said.

"Hello, husband," she replied, loving the sound of that title. "Looks like we're stuck with each other for the rest of our lives."

"Indeed," he agreed, pressing his forehead to hers. "I can't imagine a better fate."

She closed her eyes, breathing in his familiar forest scent as happiness filled her again. "Neither can I."

People began leaving the chapel, congratulating the couple as they walked out to the courtyard where everyone would celebrate Robin and Regina until well into the night. The happy couple would not make it the entire time, slipping off once it was dark to retire for the night. Robin would take her to a cottage not far from the monastery and reveal it was their new home. He would sweep her off her feet and carry her over the threshold then to their marital bed. And confident in their love and full of trust, Regina would find take that final step in their relationship. Robin would show her how a husband should treat his wife in bed, teaching her all kinds of pleasure she had never known.

But that was to come.

For now, Regina focused on the present and how utterly happy she was.

At last.