#ask-regina

He stood at the counter with blue eyes zoned in on the picture wondering if it meant what he thought. A man and woman holding hands with a slightly shorter woman next to taller and then a smaller boy beside her. They looked like a FAMILY. There were times Robin wondered if this feeling would ever return after the loss of Marian. To say he was astonished when love began to wrap tight would be an understatement. In the beginning of the courtship evenings were spent in sheer panic over tarnishing Marian’s name and the love once shared. It had taken a bit for Robin to truly allow himself the chance to fall again but by then it was too late; he was already a goner. It wasn’t befuddling why his heart was palpitating in his chest. It was startling the idea of Regina being mom to Roland came with a sense of peace and HOPE. Nerves shot high by reason of the tranquility. A small lopsided smile crept upon lips just as a soundless chuckle pushed free. Perhaps they were ready.

“Why do we keep doing this?” The question was phrased in hushed but curious tone as not to unsettle. The bag was zipped with eyes still zoned in on the picture. “It seems a bit silly doesn’t it?”

After a night of stargazing with Jefferson, it was time to pick up Grace from Granny’s Diner as the “coronation” party for Prince Neal was still going on. However, upon arriving, Mirana had just witnessed Regina’s True Love, Robin Hood, reunited with his no longer deceased wife, Marian.  It was her worst fear that came to fruition for the former Evil Queen herself. She could not help but sympathize. What would have happened if Grace’s mother, Priscilla, had ever come back to life somehow? Would Mirana have ripped her own heart again like she did when she had found out Jefferson had married and had a child after she left Wonderland just to be with him? She couldn’t imagine having to go through all that again. Regina finally found happiness and to see it all ripped away in a matter of minutes was more than heartbreaking.

She gazed at her now daughter and her soulmate sat across from her, looking through Grace’s sketchbook, joking about their new designs for the Hatter Shop. She looked up to see that Regina stormed off, followed by the others. 

“I’ll be right back…” Mirana got up and glanced at Jefferson and Grace as she had to lie. “I have to check on things at the Rabbit Hole.” They nodded and went back to discussing their ideas.

The former White Queen walked out and saw Regina had walked across the street. She ran after her. “Hi, Your Majesty… Regina?” Mirana began as she approached the Mayor carefully.

How many times do I have to tell you that it was an accident...?

“I know, I know, I’m kidding! I bet you’re grateful I saved you now, huh?” She wiggled her eyebrows, nodding toward Robin.

@asktheloneswan don't be gross, Swan. He's all yours.

Tucked away in bed rested a couple whose paths met years before. Their journey wasn’t without complications or arguments but it was all done with respect. Never did the man allow the woman in his arms ever feel less than the QUEEN she was. It was difficult for Robin to convey how committed he was when there hadn’t been a serious relationship before. Truth be told he was a bit skeptical when they began to date wondering if it was going to turn into a fun no strings attached connection but gods was he wrong. It was swift, quick and without abandon his heart gave into the warmth which radiated from her. Regina Mills was fierce, headstrong, independent, caring and loyal to all she knew. It was a wonder everyone hadn’t felt love for the woman at some point during their connections. Robin was well aware of the past for both formerly known as Colter women which is one of the many reasons fear prevented steps from furthering. They were in a wonderful place! Romantic dinners, nights of binge watching on the sofa, laughter unlike ever before and passion behind closed doors. They fit! It was unnerving but Regina could see inside Robin’s soul. 

An argument after a night of passion rendered Robin speechless. Proclamations of furthering the relationship and unsettled speeches about how Robin viewed Regina came from left field. Marriage hadn’t ever been discussed. It wasn’t that Robin avoided the subject but it was an unknown road for him. Questions of self doubt crept in shoving whatever words on the matter into a dark cavern in the back of the mind. The couple had a pattern, a routine, a LOVE for one another a legal piece of paper could not validate any more. 

Fingers wrapped and combed through raven strands as Robin lay in bed enjoying the view of the love of his life slumbering. The night before hadn’t been anything extraordinary but it was perfect. A new show on Netflix was found prompting the couple to get comfortable on the couch and watch until eyes grew heavy. The evening had been natural, normal and routine. Maybe it was time to change up the routine. 

A visit to Cassie Nightingale just a few days prior was enlightening. Regina’s twin sister always knew exactly what Robin needed and this time was no different. The two spent an afternoon ring shopping until the perfect diamond purchased. Nerves had limbs lightly quaking until Cassie’s reassuring words. True love comes once in a lifetime, open your eyes and your heart and see the miracle in front of you. Don’t take what you have for granted. If anyone knew what Regina wished for in life it was Cassie. The twins were connected in a way no one would ever fully understand. 

A warm smile tugged lips as Robin rolled from side to side in order to pick up the pants dropped beside the bed. It was then a soft chuckle rumbled out because normally Regina would not allow clothes to remain littered about. Fingers wrapped black velvet jolting an extra few heartbeats. This is what she wants. It’s what he wants as well. Rolling to his back a few minutes was taken to examine the ring. Platinum band with a diamond that would leave anyone breathless and his saving account hurting. A thank you would be headed Cassies soon. Robin couldn’t explain it but for a moment his entire being felt weighted. Moving seemed impossible as blue eyes remained connected with the sparkling jewel. This gem was going to change EVERYTHING whether the answer was yes or no. It was quite amusing to think of all the men who stood paralyzed before him over this exact act. Eyes were drawn to the clock beside the bed to see it was time to rise but before one thing must be done. Rolling to face the love of his life again Robin couldn’t bare to wake her. Fingers gingerly brushed over the planes of her face before dancing down her arm to lift a hand. 

SILENCE stifled the future King and Queens bedchambers for nearly twenty-four hours agitating the solidity of their bond. It wasn’t unusual for the noiseless hours after playful tennis matches which acclimated family, friends and staff to the strange cold shoulders. The mood was rather humorous though Robin would never admit. Minutes drug past normal timeframe prompting a need for affection. Footsteps were light as the door separating the Locksley’s from the world was closed. A brunette head was visible over the back of the sofa. A fire crackled adding a warmth to the otherwise chilly space. Thinking of the event pulled lips tightly together to prevent the flow of chuckles. Amusement delighted features by way of gleaming eyes and tight lipped smile. It was conceivable waltzing up to a steaming woman with such delight would end in disaster but Robin cared not. Fingers curled over the plush fabric of the back of the couch to help brace weight as the husband leaned down to brush lips over the shell of his wife’s ear. A soft whisper pushed against skin as he spoke. “Are you quite finished ignoring me?” To prove the situation light a firm kiss pressed the apple of her cheek. “We both know you WON that match fair.” Whether a small give was provided to allow the score to lean in Regina’s favor would never be admitted. That very fact is the reason for the frustrated silence after an intense match.