For years, Regina had dreamed of attending London's debutante season. She had heard that there was a different party each night, where men wore dashing tuxedos and women donned beautiful gowns and danced until the sun started to rise. Days were then spent exploring the capital city and experiencing all the wonders that London housed, from museums to shops to libraries. Regina had dreamed of the great city from the time she was a little girl and longed to finally leave her father's manor to visit there.

Now she stood in his Park Lane house, awaiting her debut. She was to be introduced to London society in only a few minutes and she stood in the shadows on a balcony overlooking the grand ballroom in the house. Musicians played softly as people milled about the room, dressed in their finest outfits. Regina didn't recognize most of the them as they all called London home and weren't visitors to Storybrooke. Yet did spot a few familiar faces in the crown, including Lady Kathryn Midas, one of her friends. Kathryn had entered society the season prior and Regina hoped her friend would be able to guide her through her first season in London.

Regina took as deep a breath as the new whalebone corset she was laced into would allow. Granny, her old nursemaid, had been careful not to tighten it too much but it was still tight enough to restrict a few natural functions. However, it gave her the hourglass shape she knew was desirable and better showed off the dress made for her debut.

Her ball gown was beautiful and she ran her hands over it as she waited for entrance. She had chosen a beautiful pale blue color and her mother's seamstress had added white lace accents on the bodice as well as decorative pearl buttons. The skirt fell into tiers, each ruffled along the bottom and darkening in colors until the hem that brushed the ground was embellished with dark blue beading. It felt like she was wearing a cloud rather than a gown. Granny had pinned a small pad of linen where the dress covered Regina's rear and had pleated the lacy train so it fell neatly down the back of the gown's skirt until it pooled on the floor, following Regina's every move.

New shoes had been made for her to wear at the ball, though no one was really going to see them. Her dress just brushed the floor and she had on two petticoats to ensure no one accidentally peeked at her legs while she was dancing. Yet Regina was pleased with the shoes, which were white and covered with lace, also having pearl buttons along the side. Two sturdy heels boosted her height, making her appear taller at least for the night.

White lace gloves covered Regina's hands and a new diamond bracelet given to her by her father for her debut covered her left wrist. It slid down her arm as she reached up to check her hair, making sure her curls were still pinned up with the pearl tipped hair pins Granny had used to decorate her dark locks. She wanted to look perfect when she was introduced to her peers.

She glanced over the balcony railing again, her stomach doing flips. They hadn't forgotten about her, had they? Was the party going to continue while she waited up here for an introduction that would never come? Had she been rejected from society before she even had a chance to experience it?

Her eyes swept the guests below before one pair of bright blue eyes caught her attention. They belonged to a handsome young man not much older than her who stood just below the balcony. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with a white bow tie and had blond hair cut short according to the latest styles. Realizing she was watching him, he smiled at her and gave a bow to her. She curtsied back, smiling widely and finding she was calmer. At least one person knew she was there.

The musicians finished their song and stopped as she watched her parents emerge from the crowd. Daddy smiled at those gathered while her mother continued to look displeased with the whole affair. Regina figured there was someone who had turned down the invitation and Mother was going to harp on their absence rather than everyone who was there for the next week or so.

A hush fell on the room as everyone turned their attention to her parents. Regina held her breath as her Daddy began to speak.

"Honored guests, my wife Cora and I welcome you to our home here in London. We are overjoyed to introduce you to our beautiful and talented daughter, Regina. Please, give her a warm welcome," Daddy said.

Polite applause filled the room as Regina descended the stairs. When she reached the landing, she dipped into a perfect curtsy. She felt pleased as she rose back up, now standing between her parents. Her father clapped his hands and the musicians began playing again, signaling that everyone could start dancing.

He turned to Regina, taking her hands with a proud smile. "This is your night, my girl. Enjoy yourself."

"Thank you, Daddy," she said, kissing his cheek. She then turned to her mother and said: "Thank you, Mother."

A young man emerged from the crowd, wearing a tuxedo much like the one she had seen on the blond man earlier. She recognized this man, though, as Graham, the son of family friends. He bowed to her. "May I have this dance, Regina?"

"You may," she said, curtsying in response. Mother gave her a little push and Regina nearly tripped into him. Graham, though, caught her hand easily and tucked it under arm as they headed to the dancefloor.

"You look beautiful," he told her.

She felt her cheeks heat up as she smiled. "Thank you, Graham. You look quite dashing yourself."

They joined up with Kathryn and a young man she introduced as Frederick. He had been all she had talked about after her first season in London and Regina was glad to finally put a face to the name constantly on her friend's lip. She gave Kathryn a knowing look as Frederick kissed her hand before they started dancing.

It was a lively reel and Regina was glad Mother had insisted on her spending extra time with her dancing instructor in the weeks leading up to the ball. Her every step was sure and she felt extremely confident as she danced with everyone as if she had been attending balls her entire life.

The music changed several times as Regina shifted between different styles with an ease that made her feel even prouder of herself. She believed there would be nothing her mother could scold her for this time as she moved about the room, meeting new people with each change of song.

Her feet started to ache and she felt like she was on fire, trying to catch her breath as the music slowed down. She came to a halt for the first time since the dancing started as the people around her began pairing up for a waltz. It was one of her weakest dances and she wondered if she could bow out for a moment.

"May I have this dance?" a smooth tenor voice asked. She turned to find the blond man from earlier standing there, his hand outstretched.

Despite the pain in her feet, Regina found she couldn't resist him. She slid her hand into his, curtsying. "You may."

He pulled her toward him and she placed her hand on his shoulder while his other warm hand landed on her waist. She realized that unlike the other men in the room, he didn't wear any gloves and she found she liked the feel of his skin against her gloved hand.

The young man led her around the floor with sure moves and Regina felt like she was gliding rather than dancing. She smiled at him. "Thank you for noticing me earlier. I was afraid everyone had forgotten me."

"I doubt anyone would forget you," he said, sincerity in his every word.

Her cheeks heated up as she gave him a shy smile. "You're too kind."

"I only speak the truth," he replied, twirling her around the floor with ease. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

She nodded. "Very much so. And you?"

"I am now." He winked at her as the music ended. They stepped apart and he bowed. "Might I be so bold as to request a drink with the guest of honor?"

Regina flushed more under his attention and she bit her lip as she considered his proposal. "You are quite bold and perhaps I shouldn't encourage it."

"Perhaps," he agreed, eyes sparkling as people continued to dance around them. It seemed like he knew what her answer was going to be.

"However," she said, watching his smile grow wider, "I supposed one drink won't hurt either of us."

He held out his arm to her and she took it, resting her hand in the crook of his elbow. She followed him to the table laden with food and drinks, watching as he poured lemonade into two glasses. He held one out to her. "For you."

"Thank you," she said, excited. "I haven't had lemonade yet. Mother finds it too...American...for her tastes."

"I've heard that said many times but if you ask me they are all missing out," he told her with a wink. "It is quite a treat."

He then held out his glass toward her. "To you, Lady Regina, on the occasion of your debut. Welcome to high society."

They clinked their glasses and Regina took a sip of the lemonade. It was sweet with a sour aftertaste that made her eyes widen. She looked down at the pale yellow liquid, amazed. "This is delicious!"

"See? Your mother doesn't know what she's missing," he replied, taking a sip himself.

Regina giggled before frowning, realizing she was a poor hostess. "I apologize. I never asked you your name."

"Well, how rude of me! I should've introduced myself earlier." He set down his empty glass before taking her hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Lady Regina. My name is…"

"Robert. Locksley." Mother's clipped tone startled Regina. She watched as Mother stepped between her and the young man, glaring at him. "What are you doing here?"

The man-Robert-straightened up and frowned at Mother. "I was invited, Lady Cora."

"Well, that's an oversight I can assure you won't happen again. Please leave this party immediately," Mother said, glaring down Robert.

Regina stepped forward, placing her hand on Mother's arm. "Mother, please. Let him stay."

Her mother turned her cold gaze to her. "Regina, this doesn't concern you. Please, go concern yourself elsewhere."

"Mother, it's my ball," she argued. "I want him to stay. I was enjoying his company."

That was the wrong thing to say and she knew it the moment Mother spun around to face her. Her brown eyes flashed with fire and she suddenly seemed taller than Regina despite them now being close in height after Regina's last growth spurt. Mother pointed to Robert. "This cretin is not one of us. You are to never associate with him again. Do you understand me?"

"Mother?" Regina asked, wondering what crime Robert had committed in Mother's eyes to elicit such a response.

Mother leaned closer, lowering her voice in a way that told Regina she was treading into dangerous territory. "Do. You. Understand. Me?"

Regina swallowed and nodded meekly. "I'm sorry, Mother."

"I'm sorry, Lady Regina," Robert said, stepping past Mother to look her eyes in the eyes. He bowed to her. "I don't want to make a scene and so I will leave. Enjoy your party."

Someone took Regina's arm and led her away as Robert turned to leave the ball. She watched him from over her shoulder until he disappeared into the hallway, a footman hurrying after him-no doubt to make sure he left.

"Here we are, Regina," Graham said, making her realize that he was the one holding her arm. She also became aware that she was now standing with Kathryn and Frederick, both whom smiled at her sympathetically. Graham patted her hand. "We can forget all about that unpleasantness."

Kathryn wrapped her arm around Regina. "Are you alright, Regina? You're shaking."

"I don't understand. He was so nice…" Regina said, almost to herself.

Her friend hugged her. "Oh, Regina, I'm certain he was. However, the Locksleys aren't one of us."

"They're new money," Frederick explained. "Apparently Robert's father John went to Canada and found gold there. He returned and opened his own factory, directly competing with your father, Regina."

Regina frowned, glancing around the room. "There are plenty of father's competitors here."

"Yes, but they are like us. They've inherited their money, land and titles from past generations. Since they only recently obtained their fortune, the Locksleys barely have any land to call their own," Graham explained.

"Two acres," Frederick interjected with some disdain. "If you don't count their factory, which I don't."

Graham nodded. "They also have no title either."

Her frown deepened as she looked between her friends. "What should that matter? Robert was pleasant and polite. Looking at him, one wouldn't know he hadn't been born into our way of life but rather rose into due to his father's hard work."

"He may be able to dance and afford a well-tailored suit, Regina, but his rather unsavory background would've revealed itself soon," Kathryn said. "Last week, at Lady de Vil's ball, he used the wrong spoon for his soup. How gauche!"

Regina failed to see how that meant he was not meant to associate with them. "I've done that. Someone had to tell me the right spoon to use. If someone had just told him…"

Graham interrupted her. "He doesn't belong with us, Regina. It's just not right to expect us to accept him."

"Just because he wasn't born wealthy? Because his family worked hard and gave him a better life?" Regina asked, confused. "We're going to reject them for that?"

Kathryn opened up her fan and started to fan herself. "I'm bored with this conversation. Let's discuss something else."

Frederick and Graham nodded, discussing the latest production of some opera that Regina had no doubt she would be dragged to by her mother at some point. Her mind though remained focused on Robert and for the first time, she realized that money and upbringing didn't make a person better than anyone else.

"Did you have fun at your first ball, my lady?" Granny asked, brushing out Regina's curls. The young woman sat at her vanity in her thin white cotton nightgown under her silk purple dressing gown.

"I did," she answered, though everything had seemed a bit duller once her mother had thrown Robert out of the party.

Granny smiled. "I'm glad. Did any handsome young men catch your eye?"

Regina felt her cheeks heat up as she answered: "One. But Mother threw him out of the party. Apparently, he's new money and so we can't associate with him. I just don't understand why."

"Because people like your mother would rather keep people out than welcome them in," Granny replied, "so they come up with silly reasons to do that. If you ask me, all that should matter is what's in a person's heart, not their history."

"That sounds nice," Regina replied, sighing.

Granny set her silver brush down. "Society is going to tell you how to live your life. You just listen to your own heart. It's good and pure so it won't steer you wrong. Do you hear me?"

Regina nodded before hugging her governess. "Thank you, Granny."

"You're welcome," she said. "Now, time for bed. The sun will be up soon and you are no doubt tired."

Though she didn't feel it, Regina nodded again and slipped off her dressing gown. She climbed into bed and Granny pulled the covers over her. The old woman smiled down at Regina. "Good night, sweetheart. Pleasant dreams."

"You too," Regina said, rolling onto her side. Granny dimmed the lights and she heard her governess leave the room, closing the door between their rooms.

Regina laid there, waiting for sleep but finding it elusive. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw sparkling blue eyes, soft blond hair and a soft smile. She recalled dancing in Robert's arms, how strong he seemed yet how gentle as he guided her around the floor. If she had had her way, she probably would've danced with him all night long.

Clink!

Clink!

Her eyes flew open and Regina sat up, looking through the dimly room for the source of the sound. More clinks drew her attention to her window and she saw something hit the glass pane. Confused, she pushed back her blankets and climbed out of bed.

Clink!

She realized it was a pebble that had hit her window and she opened it, looking down below to find who was tossing the small stones at the glass. Her heart sped up as she spotted Robert Locksley standing in her family's garden, still clad in the tuxedo he wore to the ball.

"Robert? What are you doing here?" she asked.

He smiled up at her. "I couldn't stop thinking about you, milady. I apologize if I woke you. But when I saw the light in your governess' room go out, I knew I had to take my chance."

She glanced to her left before asking: "How did you know that's where my governess sleeps? And how did you know where my room was?"

"Come down to the gardens and I'll tell you," he said, "or else I might be discovered."

Regina bit her lip, her heart speeding up. Did she dare go meet a young man in her family's garden in naught but her nightgown and dressing gown? Especially when her mother had forbidden her from seeing him?

She grabbed the latch. "I will be right down. Wait for me by the apple tree."

He grinned and gave a bow. "I'll be waiting with bated breath, milady."

With a goofy grin, Regina closed the window and hurried to grab her dressing gown. She slipped her feet into slippers that were left by the bed and opened the door to her room. Regina glanced down the quiet hallway, confident that everyone was asleep as she crept out toward the steps. She took them carefully so as not to make any noise before she headed toward the kitchens. They were empty, giving her a clear path to the side door leading to the gardens.

Robert was waiting under her favorite apple tree, just like she instructed. He smiled as she approached, taking her hand and kissing it. "Thank you for obliging me."

"I can't believe you came back," she said, breathless. "Why?"

"I told you-I couldn't stop thinking about you, Regina," he replied, lacing their fingers together.

She blushed, growing sheepish. "I'm not that special."

He tucked some of her hair behind her ear. "I disagree. You are very special."

"So," she said, eager to change the subject. "How did you know where my governess slept?"

"Ah," he replied, smiling and revealing his dimples. "I guessed."

She tilted her head, smiling as well. "You guessed?"

He nodded. "Well, I had some help from a rather inebriated manservant who did not question my presence in your garden and was more than happy to point out your room. My manservant sleeps in the room next to mine so I figured that the one next to yours belonged to either your handmaiden or your governess. I decided to go with governess and it looks like I guessed right."

"Well, aren't you the smart one?" she teased.

"My parents will be glad to know my education isn't going to waste," he replied, winking at her.

She chuckled before wrapping her arms around her body to ward off the chill that the night had brought. "I'm sorry. Mother shouldn't have thrown you out."

He shrugged. "I'm used to it. Not many are willing to associate with us and I'd rather not associate with them then."

"But you want to associate with me?" she asked before holding her breath, waiting for his answer.

"Very much so," he said, pulling her closer to him. "You are different from them."

Her breathing came out in ragged breaths as she felt heat radiating off him, keeping her warm in the summer night's chill. "So are you. And not because you weren't born into wealth. You seem so much more...real."

"That is a very high compliment," he said, chuckling. He then glanced around. "Is there some place where we can sit? I would love to get to know more about you."

She nodded, tugging on his hand. "There's a nice little bench just on the other side of the tree. No one will be able to see us."

He grinned as she led him to the iron bench, sitting down next to her as they kept their hands clasped. Their knees brushed and Regina felt herself blush again, realizing this was the closest she had ever been with a man.

"You're beautiful when you blush," he said, brushing her hair back from her face again.

She leaned into the touch of his fingers and he cupped her cheek, making her smile. "So, what did you want to know about me?"

"Everything," he said.

Regina giggled. "That's a tall order, Robert."

His smile dimmed a bit. "Please, call me Robin. It's my given name but once we moved up in social status, everyone but my family became convinced that Robert was more proper."

"Oh," she said, surprised that people would just change someone's name like that. She also believed Robin fit him better than Robert. "I'm sorry, Robin."

He shrugged. "I've gotten used to it."

She tilted her head, studying him. He tried to act nonchalant, like he really didn't care. Yet she saw how his jaw tensed and a vein twitched in his neck, telling her that he very much cared about it. So she took his hand again and said softly: "It still doesn't make it right."

Robin glanced at her, eyes wide before he started to chuckle wryly. "No, I guess not."

"Do you work for your father? Or are they sending you to law school or something like that?" she asked, leaning closer.

He chuckled. "Mum thinks I should've been a lawyer with how much I tend to argue, but I have started working with my father now that my schooling is done. Though I'm not afraid to join our workers on the line and do some manual labor myself."

"No, I imagine you're not," she said, picturing him operating some of the heavy machinery she had heard her father and his friends discuss at dinner parties. Just from their one dance, she knew he was very strong and so more than capable of working one.

"What is it like to study business?" she asked, more intrigued by his education than machinery. "What's it like to go to university?"

He tilted his head, smiling as he studied her. "More boring than you think."

She gave him a gentle push. "Come on. I really want to know. It has to be more interesting than the lessons I get."

"Which are?"

"Embroidery, dancing, piano, calligraphy…"

"Calligraphy?" he asked, raising his eyebrow.

She nodded. "It's important for writing up your calling cards for when you go visiting. Then it's important for writing thank you's to those who visited you throughout the day."

"Interesting," he said and Regina knew he meant it.

"Mother says that wives help their husbands by knowing the right people to visit," Regina continued. "You say a kind word to the right wife and your husband could have doors opened up to him."

He looked impressed. "I never knew that. No wonder Mum and Father always fret about me finding the right wife."

"What do they consider the 'right' wife for you?" Regina asked, curious and nervous for a reason she didn't dare name just yet.

"From what I can tell, they want me to find someone who will complement me and keep me on the straight and narrow," he started. He then grinned. "I'm afraid I'm something of a troublemaker."

She tried to keep her face neutral as she said: "You? The man sitting my family's garden before dawn? A troublemaker?"

He chuckled. "I know, it's hard to imagine. They also hope my wife is intelligent and will be a partner, helping me with my career and letting me help her with the family, just like my parents do. Otherwise, the kind of woman I marry is up to me."

"What kind of woman is that?" she asked, fiddling with her dressing gown as she waited for his answer.

"Well, I agree she must be intelligent and hardworking," he said. "She also must be kind, someone with a big heart. I love to help those who were like my family-poor and struggling-and I want her to help with that as well. I want a woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind, who is willing to take some risks and has a good sense of humor."

Her cheeks heated up as she wondered if she could meet all those requirements. "She sounds like she would be quite the woman."

"Yes, she is," he said softly. Regina decided to ignore that he was speaking in the present tense rather than the future.

"My parents worry about me finding the right husband," Regina said. She paused before amending: "Well, Mother does. She wants someone with a royal title with lots of money and jewels, who will let her live in his castle with us and let her dress in even grander outfits than the ones she wears now."

He nodded. "What kind of husband do you want?"

"Someone who sees me as an equal, not some trophy," she replied. "I want him to have an interest in the things I like and who respects my opinion, who knows that I have a mind of my own and doesn't expect me to do things just because he says so. I know that it's impossible in our social circles, but I want to marry for love."

Robin reached out, cupping her cheek again. "I don't think it's impossible. You just have to be brave enough to go find it."

"I don't know if I am though," she admitted in a whisper.

He leaned closer until their foreheads were almost touching. "I think you're braver than you think. After all, you snuck down here to talk with me in the garden in your dressing gown. That's pretty brave."

"It sounds crazy," she replied with a laugh. She then gave him a gentle push. "Don't think I've forgotten about my question. Tell me about university."

Robin laughed. "Fine. I'll tell you but I swear, it's all very boring…."

Despite Robin's insistence that his studies at university were boring, Regina was riveted and wanted to know every detail. She wished she could sit in one of the classrooms, learning about business or even the great classics of literature she loved to read. It would be far better than endless hours of mindless chatter over tea and crumpets, she was certain of that.

They eventually moved from his studies to their favorite foods. He was a fan of shepherd pies and had a taste for different puddings while Regina admitted she loved sweets, including pastries. "Mother though worries about my figure if I have too many," she told him. "She says that a corset can only do so much to achieve the desired figure."

"I know she's your mother but the more I hear about her, the more I'm convinced she's an awful person," he said, frowning.

"She's...Mother," Regina said, shrugging. "She doesn't talk much about her past but others do. Apparently my grandfather drank away most of his family's mother and they were hanging on by their name alone. From what I can tell, she was almost a pariah in our social circles and found it difficult to make a good match."

"Until she met your father," Robin interjected.

She nodded. "However, she's always obsessed about ensuring there is money and pursuing more and more. She is always pushing Daddy to expand his businesses, to make more investments and to do so many more things she believes will increase our fortunes."

"Hence why she is focused on who you marry."

"Exactly," she said, resting her head on his shoulder as she felt her eyelids start to droop. "I just want to live my life. Is that too much to ask?"

"Of course not," he replied softly. "Everyone wants that."

She hummed and he chuckled. "I guess I should let you get to bed. It wouldn't do for us to be found asleep together on this bench."

"No, it wouldn't," Regina said, lifting her head and opening her eyes to look at him. "Mother would kill me, kill you and then kill me again."

He nodded, standing up and holding his hand out to her. She took it and he pulled her to her feet, the two standing very close together. Robin looked her over and asked: "May I see you again?"

"My mother wouldn't allow it," she said, her heart pounding as she was suddenly wide awake.

"I'm not asking your mother," he replied. "I'm asking you."

She smiled, leaning closer to him. "Then you may see me again, though we will probably have to be very sneaky about it."

"You'll be worth it," he replied, his eyes focusing on her lips.

Regina wasn't certain who initiated the kiss. All she knew was that Robin's lips were on hers and she sighed into the kiss, relishing it. It was everything she had read about in the romance novels she hid under the bed so Mother didn't find them. Her eyes closed and she tugged on the lapels of his tuxedo, pulling him closer. She never wanted the kiss to end, even as her lungs started to burn with the need for air.

He broke the kiss first, panting as he pressed his forehead to hers. "You, milady, are quite the kisser."

She grew giddy, giggling. "That was my first."

"You never would've known." He pulled back, winking at her. "Until we meet again. Pleasant dreams, Regina."

With one more kiss to the back of her hand, Robin headed toward the back fence. She watched him easily climb it and jump over, no doubt landing on his feet on the other side. It made her smile as she snuck back into her quiet house and crept back up to her room. She climbed into bed, pulling the covers around her as she slipped off into a sleep filled with dreams of Robin.

As the season continued, Regina and Robin were careful to never interact in public. They kept their distances at events they both attended, trying to fool her mother into thinking there was nothing between them except for that one dance at Regina's debut. Mother, though, didn't appear to trust either of them. She made certain Regina was always surrounded by those she trusted to keep her daughter from the "wrong sort." Kathryn, Graham and Frederick were constantly by Regina's side during these events, steering her toward their peers and away from Robin.

Nights, though, were a different story. When the house was silent and all were asleep, Regina would creep down the back staircase and tiptoe across the kitchen to the door there. She would hurry toward her apple tree, where Robin would sweep her up into his arms and kiss her. They would then talk about everything and nothing until the sun started to rise and Regina needed to sneak back into the house.

Neither Mother nor Daddy seemed suspicious that she was sleeping later into the day. They brushed it off as a result of the parties she was attending and so Regina felt safe-at least for the moment. She knew, though, that the season would end and the parties would die down until the holidays. While there were a few other events she might attend-the opera, opulent private dinners-she also knew it was far more likely she was going to be bundled up and sent back to Storybrooke Manor until either the next season or a suitable marriage had been made for her.

"What will happen once the summer ends?" she asked Robin one night. They laid on a blanket he had brought and placed under her apple tree. "I live in the countryside and you live here in London."

He gently hushed her, kissing her forehead. "Let's not think of sad things like that."

Regina shook her head, sitting up. "We need to talk about it. Is this just going to be a summer romance-one we'll both look back on either fondly or with regrets when we're older and married to people we may not love?"

"I have every intention of spending the rest of my life with you, Regina," he said, sitting up with a frown.

Tears pricked her eyes as a lump formed in her throat. "How? Mother is dead

set against you and Daddy doesn't stand up to her. We'll never get permission to marry. And I won't elope. I can do that to my mother but not my father."

He pressed his lips together before pulling her against his chest. "We'll think so something, Regina, I promise you. You just have to trust me."

"I trust you," she said, feeling tears run down her cheeks. As he kissed her, though, she wondered if the universe would conspire to keep him from keeping his promise.

Happy endings never seemed guaranteed for her.

The staff began to pack up the London house to prepare for the family's return to Storybrooke. Regina grew despondent, knowing it was only a matter of days before she was separated from Robin. She wished on every star she saw that there would be a way to be together without running away but it was growing more and more unlikely.

"You're going to miss London, aren't you?" her father asked one day over breakfast. "I can tell that you're getting sadder as our time to leave gets closer."

"Yes, I am," she admitted, though she didn't tell him why she was so sad to leave the city.

Daddy reached over and patted her hand. "Just think of all the things you can do when we get back to Storybrooke, like read and ride Rocinante."

"You'll also get back to a normal sleeping schedule too," Mother said, giving her a pointed look.

Regina nodded, trying not to play with her poached egg as she had no real appetite. "Yes, Mother."

There was a silence before her father softly called her name, asking her to look up. She did so, finding him smiling at her. "Your mother and I were going to wait until we got home but we think we'll tell you now. Hopefully it will cheer you up."

"Tell me what?" Regina asked, her heart now pounding in her chest.

"We've arranged a marriage for you," Mother said. "Lord Leopold Blanchard has asked for your hand in marriage and we've accepted on your behalf."

Regina's heart stopped and her blood froze in her vein. She forgot how to breathe as she gasped out: "What?"

Daddy nodded. "Leo is a good man and he's been very lonely since his wife died last year. It's time for him to find another wife, someone who can bear him sons as well as care for his daughter, Mary Margaret."

"I'm not much older than her, though," Regina said, thinking of the young girl she had met briefly when they visited the Blanchards after Lady Eva's death. "I can't be a mother to her."

"It's not going to be that hard, Regina. The governess will do most of the work for you," Mother said, waving off her concerns.

Daddy took her hand. "This is a very good match for you, Regina. The Blanchards are nobility with a great deal of land and riches to their name. Leopold will take good care of you and Mist Haven isn't too far from Storybrooke. We'll be able to see each other regularly."

"But he's your age, Daddy," she argued.

Mother sighed and Regina could hear her eyes roll. "Such an age gap is not uncommon, especially in a man's second marriage. Honestly, Regina, stop focusing on such trivial matters."

"I won't be happy with him," Regina said, almost pleading with her father. "How is that trivial?"

"Happiness is not important in a marriage," Mother snapped. "What? Did you think we were going to let you run off with Robert Locksley? Do you think he and his uncertain wealth and future will provide a happily ever after? Continue to support you and any children to continue to live the life you're used to?"

Regina quickly turned her head, gaping at her mother. For her part, Mother looked smug. "You didn't think I knew about those late-night meetings in the garden? That no one saw you two? At least you had the wherewithal to stay inside our walled garden so no one else could see your indiscretion."

"We just talked," Regina replied, feeling her cheeks heat up.

Mother let out a cruel laugh. "Of course. A cad like Robert snuck into our garden at night to visit our beautiful daughter and only talked with her."

"We may have kissed," Regina admitted, wishing the ground would open up and swallow her whole. "We sometimes kissed but we mostly talked. Nothing more."

Mother scowled. "It doesn't matter now because this little affair is ending. Get Robert…"

"Robin. His name is Robin," Regina interjected hotly.

"...Locksley out of your head. He's not your future. Leopold Blanchard is," Mother finished, turning back to her breakfast.

Regina looked at her father but all he offered was a feeble smile. "Leopold is a good match. I'm certain you'll be happy once you're settled into married life."

She realized there was no fight it and looked down at her egg. Pushing it away, she asked: "May I be excused?"

"You may," Daddy said, no doubt trying to extend an olive branch to her.

Regina stood and pushed in her chair. Before she could leave, Mother addressed her once more. "I am serious about you no longer contacting Robert Locksley. We will have servants guarding all the entrances so you can't sneak out and he can't sneak in. Understand?"

"Yes, Mother," Regina replied, almost despondent as her heart broke into little pieces.

"We will also be dining with the Blanchards tonight so please dress in one of your better gowns. I suggest the red one you wore to the Midsummer Soiree," Mother added.

"Yes, Mother," Regina repeated, her stomach plummeting further. "I'll have Granny do my hair too."

Mother smiled. "Good. I'm glad you're putting in the effort and realizing that this marriage will be for the best."

Regina bobbed a curtsy and hurried from the dining room. She didn't stop until she was in her bedroom, where she threw herself on her bed and cried until she drifted off into a sleep plagued by nightmares.

Granny woke her several hours later, encouraging her to have a light lunch. Regina refused, tearfully explaining her situation to her governess. Granny listened, pressing her lips harder and harder until they were just a thin pale line. She shook her head. "I never understood why the upper classes insist on arranging marriages. I've hardly seen a happy one," she said.

"I have no choice," Regina sniffed. "Robin said we would get married and I believed him, even though I knew my parents would never approve. I still thought he would be able to give us forever."

"And you no longer believe?"

"How can I?" Regina asked, tearing up. "I can't see Robin, I can't talk to him. I can't even tell him goodbye. My hands are tied."

Granny looked at her over the gold-rimmed spectacles perched on her nose. "Do you want to marry Leopold Blanchard?"

Regina shook her head. "I wanted forever with Robin. I still do."

"Then you need to try to get that forever," Granny said, sitting down next to her. "I know your mother has forbidden you from speaking to Robin, but I can get a message to my granddaughter. She knows his manservant and can pass a message for you."

Sniffling, Regina saw a ray of hope and hugged her governess. "Thank you, Granny."

"You're very welcome," the older woman said. "Don't give up hope. Things will all work out. You'll see."

"I wish I could believe you but Mother...she seems even more powerful than the universe," Regina replied, sitting back down on her bed.

Granny chuckled. "I doubt even Lady Cora Mills is that powerful. Now, I unfortunately have to get you ready for dinner with that man, so you write that letter and then I'll work on getting it to Robin while you're trying not to be sick at the thought of marriage to Leopold Blanchard. How does that sound?"

Regina nodded. "That sounds good. Hopefully, this nightmare will end soon."

"I'm sure it will," Granny told her, squeezing her hand. "You just have to believe."

Sitting at her desk, Regina wrote a letter explaining that she was to be married to Leopold Blanchard and that her parents knew about their meetings in the garden. She warned him that their property was going to be guarded until they left London in about a week so he would be wise to stay away. Yet she also begged him to find a way to rescue her so they could be together like he promised and so she didn't have to spend the rest of her life with Leopold Blanchard.

Granny took the letter and promised that Ruby would deliver it that night. She also promised to smuggle in any response Robin sent to her before getting Regina ready for the dinner with Leopold.

Leopold Blanchard had married later in life, being nearly forty while Eva had been closer to twenty. Regina remembered when their daughter Mary Margaret was born as she was ten and able to go to the christening, which made her feel all grown up. She remembered people whispering about how difficult it had been for Eva to conceive and bear one child and that she most likely wouldn't be able to have another so it was shame she had had a daughter rather than a son. It had been the first time where Regina realized that being a girl was a disadvantage in her world.

She knew the Blanchards were nobility and supposedly descended from some old royal or another. They owned a great deal of land called Mist Haven which was not far from her family's ancestral home at Storybrooke and there had always been talk about combining the two houses to make the land one, though it hadn't worked out in the past for some reason or another. It appeared the dubious honor of fulfilling that wish fell to Regina.

Dinner ended up being as boring as Regina had feared. A housekeeper had ushered them into the front parlor where Leopold and his daughter Mary Margaret were waiting for them. She was dressed in a white tea dress with white little boots and a white bow in her brown curls. Her green eyes sparkled as she hugged Regina, saying she couldn't wait to get to know her better and inviting Regina up to her nursery after dinner to see her dolls and other treasures. Knowing it was the very last thing she wanted to do, Regina let Mother answer for her.

"We would love to spend time with you, Mary Margaret. Isn't that right, Regina?" Mother asked, silently warning Regina to agree with her.

"Yes," she said through gritted teeth. "It sounds fun."

Leopold beamed. "Already so maternal!"

"Come, Miss Mary Margaret. Let's let the adults talk," Johanna said. She was Mary Margaret's governess and she took the girl's hand, leading her back upstairs to the nursery.

Regina then couldn't help but notice the giant portrait of Eva hanging over the mantle. Flowers were placed at the base as well as a candle, almost looking like a shrine. Leopold glanced up at it, his eyes softening as he took in her image and it was clear to Regina-while people of their status didn't usually marry for love, it was clear Leopold loved his late wife. She was no doubt going to have to live in the shadow of ghost.

"Why don't we head into the dining room? I believe the chef is ready with our first course," Leopold said, motioning across the hall. He held out his arm and Mother gently pushed Regina into him, so that she had to link arms with him. She walked with him into the dining room while her parents followed, seething the entire time.

Once their food was served, Leopold hardly spoke to her, choosing instead to spend most of his time discussing business with Daddy. The few times he addressed the wedding, Mother always answered. All Regina had to do was sit there, nod and smile. It took all her energy to do that, especially toward the end of the night when Leopold declared that Regina was just what she was looking for in a wife. "She's beautiful and knows her place as a woman," he said. "Quiet and docile."

Regina blood boiled but she had to keep smiling on. All she could do was make a fist under the table, pressing her nails so hard she was almost certain she drew blood. She hoped her gloves later would be able to hide them.

She also took solace from the way Daddy had grown uncomfortable after that statement. However, Mother had smiled widely and placed a hand on Regina's arm. "Regina has been brought up to be a proper wife and lady of the house, I can assure you that. She will rule the servants with an iron fist but be soft and docile in the bedroom."

The way Leopold's eyes lit up at that made Regina sick and she considered feigning being faint just so she could get away from the man.

Leopold then rose from the table. "Henry, care to join me in the study for an after dinner brandy?"

"Yes, of course," Daddy said, standing up as well.

Mother smiled and laid her hand on Regina's arm. "We'll head up to visit with Mary Margaret like we promised."

"Good to hear it," Leopold said, smiling at Regina. "I'm certain you and my daughter will get along well."

Regina just smiled and nodded.

Once the men had left, Mother turned to Regina. "You could've been a bit more enthusiastic about it and not looked like you were being tortured when Leopold escorted you into the room."

"I'm trying my best, Mother, but it's hard to stomach this whole situation," Regina said, standing from the table.

Mother grabbed her arm and jerked her closer, a frightening look in her eyes. "Listen to me. This marriage is happening so you better lose the attitude and be the happy, docile wife Leopold wants. Understand?"

"I'm sorry, Mother. I just can't turn off my emotions like you can. Unlike you, I actually have a heart!" Regina replied hotly.

The sound of skin hitting skin echoed around the room and Regina clutched her stinging cheek as her mother's hand hung in midair. Fire burned in Mother's eyes. "Your father has spoiled you rotten but that tongue will not get you anywhere in this world. You will learn to bite it or so help me God, I will cut it out myself! Do you understand?"

"Yes, Mother," Regina said, tears springing to her eyes. For the first time in her life, she was truly afraid of the woman and feared that her mother would hurt her. She knew she needed to get out of her house and while it would break her father's heart, running away was her only option.

She followed her mother upstairs to Mary Margaret's nursery and sat there, though she didn't really listen as the girl prattled on about her dolls and her dresses. Mary Margaret showed them stupid trinket after stupid trinket, flashing her silly little life as Mother fawned over her. All Regina wanted to do was run screaming from the house and she prayed that Robin would come for her.

If not, she would just have to forge her way in the world on her own.

Granny handed her a letter two mornings later. "Ruby got this last night and snuck it to me. You best read it quick before your mother comes around. They were preparing the carriage so I think you're heading back to the Blanchards at some point today."

Regina groaned as she took the letter. "Thank you, Granny."

She sat on her bed, breaking the seal and feeling her spirits soar as she read over Robin's words.

My Dearest Regina,

Your warning reached me just in time. I was preparing to visit you yet again when I got your note telling me not to come. My man, Will, confirmed that there were guards on the property so though I was loathed to miss a night with you, I knew it was best if I stayed away. Thankfully Will agreed to get a message back to you, so I am writing you now.

I had heard rumors that Leopold was going to marry again but I didn't know it was to you! The despair in your letter made my blood boil, Regina. Do not give up hope yet, my love. I will come for you.

Please stay where you are. I will send a signal for you when it's safe for us to meet again. Be prepared to not return home, though. Eloping seems to be our only choice.

You are my future, Regina.

I love you.

Yours always,

Robin

She folded the letter, her heart beating faster in her chest. It was really going to happen-she was going to be one of the girls people in their circles gossiped about, the ones they shook their heads and muttered about how shocking it was since they such a good upbringing. Yet she understood them better. She understood why they had run away, why they had chosen love. She was about to do the same.

It both thrilled and scared her.

"Quick, hide the letter," Granny told her. "Your mother is coming."

Regina quickly stuffed the letter under pillow as the door opened. Mother stepped in, sniffing as she took in Regina. "You're still in your nightgown? You lazy girl! And you, you should've had her ready by now!"

Mother had directed that last part to Granny, but the woman didn't flinch. She just kept a steady gaze on Mother over the rims of her glasses. "I would've but you never told me where you were going. How can I properly dress her without that knowledge?"

"Insolence!" Mother huffed. "We're going out for lunch. Dress Regina for a nice restaurant."

She then stormed out of the room while Granny rolled her eyes, turning to Regina with a sneaky smile. "I hope that boy of yours comes for you soon. You deserve to be free of that woman."

"Thank you, Granny," Regina said, pulling the letter from under her pillow. "Can you put this somewhere my mother won't find it? I can't run the risk she'll search my room."

Granny took the letter and tucked it into her dress. "Don't worry about it. Now, let's get you ready before your Mother has both our heads."

Robin didn't send another letter for almost a week. During that time, Regina was forced to endure outings and dinners with Leopold and Mary Margaret Blanchard. Leopold hardly spoke to her except to pose rhetorical questions she just had to smile and nod to while Mother whispered threats in her ear to remind her why she needed to do it. Mary Margaret tended to take up most of her time, chattering away about stupid topics that made Regina want to scream.

Every night, she slowly packed a bag so she could be ready to leave when Robin sent for her. She didn't worry too much about clothing, figuring she and Robin could always buy more once she was free from the house. Instead, she ensured she packed the items she truly treasured-jewelry from her father, her favorite books, and some other knick-knacks she had collected over the years. Granny hid her bag for her to avoid detection by Mother, who no doubt would stop everything the moment she found out.

Leopold invited Regina to join him and Mary Margaret for a stroll in the park. Mother, though, wasn't able to go with them as a chaperone as she had been invited to tea that afternoon. Daddy went instead and Leopold spent most of the time talking with him while Regina was forced to stay behind with Mary Margaret, who skipped along the path with a kite.

"Daddy says I can fly it today," she told Regina. "Will you help me?"

"Oh," Regina replied, hesitating. "I've never flown one myself."

Mary Margaret stopped, staring at Regina in shock. "You've never flown a kite? Like...ever?"

When Regina shook her head, Mary Margaret smiled. "That's alright. You can fly my kite as well!"

"That's...very kind of you," Regina said, forcing herself to smile when all she wanted to do was run far away from the girl, her stupid kite and most of all, her father.

A gust of wind blew through the park and Regina reached up, holding her hat in place. Mary Margaret, though, chose to keep hold of her kite instead and so her little pink hat blew off. She let out a cry and looked confused as to what she needed to do next as it landed in a tree not far from the path.

Regina sighed, crouching down to rub her back. "You wait here. I'll go get it."

"Thank you, Regina," she said, relieved. "That's my favorite hat."

"Of course it is," Regina muttered, lifting her skirt as she stepped onto the grass to head to the tree.

She approached it and reached up, frowning when she realized the hat was a bit further up than she had thought. Regina rose up on her toes, stretching her arm as far as she could but her fingertips only grazed it. Huffing, she wondered if she could get away with climbing it or if it would scandalize everyone in the park.

"Do you need help, miss?" a voice with a coarser accent asked her.

Regina looked over to find a man not much older than her standing there. He was dressed in a nice suit, though it seemed to have been made for someone else as it didn't fit him quite right. A brown hat rested on his head but what she could see of his dark hair was cut close to his head, even closer than men had taken to wearing their hair nowadays. Still, he seemed kind and was taller than her, meaning he could easily reach the hat.

"My…." Regina paused, trying to figure out what exactly Mary Margaret was to her before deciding on a word. "My companion's hat is stuck in the tree. Can you get it for me?"

"Of course," he said. He stepped closer to her, easily reaching up and plucking the hat from its perch.

The man held it out to her and she took it, smiling at him. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said but he didn't let go of the hat. Instead, he leaned closer to her. "Robin says to be ready tonight. He'll come for you when the watch changes."

Her breath caught in her throat as she realized he must've been Will, Robin's manservant. She nodded and thanked him again as he released his hat. Regina held it close to her chest as Will tipped his own hat to her, wishing her a good day.

She walked back to Mary Margaret in daze, barely hearing the girl's gushing thank you or Leopold's praise of how maternal she was to go get his daughter's hat for her. All Regina could think about was that night, when she would dress in her simplest outfit and grab her bag in order to flee her family's home-never to return-so she could start a new life with Robin. Freedom was in her grasp and she grew hopeful it wouldn't be ripped from her.

Perhaps she could get her happy ending after all.

That night, Regina laid in bed but she knew she would not fall asleep. She was dressed in a simple shirt and gray skirt, her hair braided. Her boots sat next to her bed as did her bag, after she had double and triple checked it. She had hugged her father extra tight that night and then thanked Granny for everything, wishing the woman will in her life. Granny assured her that she would be fine and made Regina promise to keep in touch once she was settled into married life with Robin.

Butterflies flew about her stomach and she felt jittery, like one of her horses that just needed to run across a wide open field. She strained her ears, listening for the striking of the clock. The watch changed at eleven and she kept counting the chimes, waiting for the right amount that would send her from her bed and into Robin's arms.

After what seemed like an eternity, she heard the nearest clock strike eleven. She pushed back the blankets and slipped out of bed. Grabbing her shoes and bag, she crept through her quiet house. Nights of sneaking out to meet Robin had taught her where all the creaks and squeaky spots were so she avoided them like a pro. With the kitchen once again clear, she made it out of the side door without being seen.

She hid by her apple tree, frowning as she spotted the servants her parents still had watching the gardens. Regina didn't know how she was going to get past them when she heard someone whistling. She held her breath as Will approached the servant guarding the back entrance.

Regina couldn't hear what they said but she watched Will swing at the guard, who tackled him to the ground. The two wrestled in the middle of the street as the other servants came to help him. She took her chance, racing for the gate. Will continued to keep the servants distracted as she spotted a carriage near her family's house. She raced toward it and the door opened, Robin appearing. He held out his hand to her and pulled her inside.

The door closed behind her and the carriage lurched forward, carrying her away from her parents' house. She turned to Robin, who was sitting next to her, and smiled. "Hello."

"Regina," he breathed, as if saying a prayer. He cupped her cheek and she closed the gap, kissing him.

They broke the kiss and she frowned. "What about Will?"

"He's quick on his feet. He'll be fine," Robin assured her. "He'll see us back at the house and in the morning, come to the courthouse with us."

Excitement filled her at the thought of marrying Robin and she smiled. "We're really doing this, aren't we?"

He smiled back. "Yes, we are. We're going to spend the rest of our lives together, just like I promised."

She laid her head on his shoulder as he took her hand, lacing their fingers together. "I can't wait."

The carriage rolled on to their future and Regina closed her eyes, feeling the excitement and nerves from her escape wear off. She relished having Robin's warmth and strong body next to her, breathing in his now familiar pine scent. Images flashed in her mind and she saw herself spending a whole life with him-one filled with laughter, respect and most of all, love.

It was going to be amazing.

Robin's family lived in one of the older houses located on Hanover Street. She guessed his father bought it from some old money family that had fallen on hard times, allowing the wealthy factory owner a chance to situate his family amongst the class their wealth dictated they belonged to but was full of people who didn't accept them just yet.

She wondered what would happen to his family once everyone learned she had eloped with Robin. It was likely they would be scorned even more and treated as pariahs.

"Robin?" she asked as he helped her down from the carriage. "Do your parents know about our plan?"

He paused after opening the gate to his property and shook his head. "Not yet. However, I know they will support us once we explain it to them."

She frowned. "Are you certain? Your family's position in society is so precarious. We could all be outcast over this."

"They won't care," Robin insisted, taking her bag and leading her toward his back door. "My parents are used to people turning up their noses at us. They'd rather see us happy and married than worry about what others might think."

Regina wasn't too confident about that but she didn't know Robin's parents, so she guessed she would have to wait to see how they reacted in the morning.

He led her into his family's kitchen, where a young blonde woman in simple gray dress met them. She smiled widely at them. "Is this her, Master Robin?"

"Yes, it is," he said, pulling Regina closer. "Tink, this is Lady Regina. Regina, this is Tink. She will be your lady's maid."

Tink bobbed a curtsy. "Pleased to meet you."

"And you," Regina said, giving her a little bow. She believed she was going to like her lady's maid.

Robin smiled at Tink. "Is the guest bedroom set up for Lady Regina?"

"It is. Would you like me to escort Lady Regina there now?" she asked.

He turned to Regina, kissing her hand. "Are you ready to turn in? We do have a busy day tomorrow. Or rather, today."

She smiled. "I do not know if I'll be able to sleep due to all the excitement but I should try."

"Then I shall see you in the morning," he replied. He leaned down, pressing a sweet kiss to her lips.

She smiled into the kiss, knowing she had a lifetime of this to look forward to. "Good night, she told him.

"Good night," he replied, "and sweet dreams."

Tink took her bag from Robin and smiled at Regina. "Follow me, please, ma'am."

"You can call me Regina," she told the maid.

Tink paused before nodding. "You'll fit in just fine around here."

A thrill ran through Regina to hear that.

Tink led her up a back staircase and turned immediately into a room right at the start of the hallway. It was painted a pale blue color with dark blue blankets and pillows covering the bed positioned between two windows. A large armoire sat against one wall and Tink opened it so she could unpack Regina's bag.

She first pulled out Regina's nightgown, laying it out on the bed. Tink looked up at her. "Do you need any help?"

"Just getting out of my corset," Regina replied, unbuttoning her shirt.

Once her shirt and skirts were off, Tink helped her out of her petticoats and easily untied Regina's corset. She then motioned to her linen undergarments. "Do you leave your chemise or drawers on?" Tink asked.

"Just my chemise," Regina replied, sliding the pants off. She then let Tink pull her silky nightgown over her body, pulling out her hair from the high collar. "Thank you, Tink."

Tink nodded before pulling out Regina's brush from her bag. "Sit down and I will brush your hair before you turn in."

Regina took a seat and she felt Tink undo her braid before the brush was pulled through her hair. Fiddling with her skirt, Regina decided to ask Tink some of the questions spinning through her mind. "Do you think Robin's parents will like me?"

"Of course they will," Tink replied. "Everyone has been curious about the beautiful and intelligent young woman that has stolen Master Robin's heart, especially his parents. They'll definitely love meeting you at last."

"Would they approve of our plan to elope?" Regina asked. Tink was silent for a few seconds and that seemed to be enough of an answer. Sighing, Regina then asked: "Is this worth it then?"

Tink laid the brush down. "Do you love Master Robin?"

"I do. Very much."

"In the end, that's all that will matter to his parents. They just want him to be happy and when they meet you, they're going to want the same thing." Tink then moved toward the bed and turned it down. "Now, it's very late. Why don't you try to get some sleep and I'll wake you in the morning?"

Regina nodded, though her stomach was still twisted in knots. She wanted to marry Robin and be his wife, but she did question if they were going about it the right way. As she climbed into bed, she asked for some sign that they were doing the right thing.

It felt like Regina had just fallen asleep when she was awakened by loud knocking echoing through the house. The knocking was loud and steady, meaning the person on the other side was persistent and likely not to go away soon. She pushed back the blankets as her heart pounded wildly in her chest. Creeping toward the door, she opened it and watched what was going on.

Another door opened and an older man emerged from it, tying his bathrobe. He had graying blonde hair and just from his profile, Regina knew it was Robin's father-he got his looks from the man.

"Andrew? What's going on?" a female voice asked. A tall blonde woman stepped out of the same room wrapped in her dressing gown. She took Robin's father's arm and Regina knew it was his mother.

"I don't know, Mary. You stay up here and I'll go see who is at the door," Andrew told her, pulling his arm from her grasp. He headed downstairs as the knocking grew so loud, Regina thought the door would come off its hinges.

Robin emerged from his room. "What's going on, Mum?"

"Mr. Locksley, we believe this is one of your servants," a loud, authoritative voice drifted up the stairs. "He was found fighting some of the servants at the Mills' household."

"I see. Robin!" Andrew called up the stairs. "Come down here, please."

Robin shared a look with his mother but she shook her head. "I don't know what's going on but you go down there and explain it," she said, gently pushing him toward the staircase.

Mary followed her son down the stairs and Regina grabbed her dressing gown, wrapping it around her as she took the chance to get closer to the stairs so she could hear what was happening. She clung to the wall so to stay out of sight as she glanced down the wooden staircase, having a clear view of the front door.

A bobby stood there, dressed in blue and a nightstick clutched in his gloved hand. His other hand was still closed on Will's jacket and Regina covered her mouth as she beheld Robin's manservant. Will's eye was swollen shut and his lip was split, dried blood covering it. She had no doubt there were also other bruises she couldn't see under his clothes that came from the fight he had picked so she could escape.

She owed him an apology, a thank you and perhaps a token of her affection once all of this was over.

"Robin, what do you have to say about this?" Andrew Locksley said, looking at his son sternly.

"And before you answer, son, let me tell you that one of the servants spotted Lord and Lady Mills' daughter running from the garden and climbing into a fine carriage while your man was fighting with other servants," the bobby said, giving Robin a knowing looking.

Andrew and Mary glared at their son, who seemed to be playing nonchalant judging by his tone when he replied: "Oh?"

Daddy then stepped into the house and Regina's heart stopped. He looked like he had aged several years in the few hours she had been gone. She wondered if he had always had those wrinkles and creases in his forehead and if those bags under his eyes were always so dark. His brown eyes held so much pain and sorrow as he clutched his hat close to his chest.

"Please, Robin," he pleaded. "Her mother and I know you have been secretly courting her. We also know that she has fallen in love with you and is full of enough romantic notions to pursue elopement..."

Regina frowned. That last statement didn't sound much like her father. In fact, it sounded more like her mother. Anger boiled inside her over the thought that Mother had convinced Daddy her plan to marry Robin was just a "romantic fantasy" rather than what she truly wanted to do with her life.

"You make her sound like a foolish girl being led astray by dreams," Robin said, anger simmering in his tone. "We both know she is an intelligent woman who knows her own heart and has worked up the courage to follow it."

Regina had to resist the urge to run down the stairs and kiss him senseless right there. Instead, she smiled as she continued to watch from the shadows.

"I'm sorry but we're going to have to search your house for the young lady," the bobby said.

Andrew Locksley frowned. "Like hell you will. You and Lord Mills can leave right now and come back in the morning when my solicitor can also be present."

"This is my daughter," Daddy protested. "She needs to come home."

"She needs her freedom," Robin countered as his mother pulled him away from Daddy.

The bobby stepped closer to the small group. "This isn't a request, Mr. Locksley."

"Of course not," Andrew said, scorn in his voice. "Because some count made the request, my rights no longer matter."

Fearing a fight was about to break out, Regina knew she had no choice but to reveal herself. She emerged from the shadows, coming down the stairs. "There's no need for a search. I'm right here."

"Regina," Daddy said as his shoulders relaxed and a light came back to his eyes. "Your mother and I were so worried."

"I'm sorry but I did what I had to do. I don't want to marry Leopold Blanchard. I want to marry Robin and in the morning, we're going to do that," she said, taking Robin's hand once she reached the landing. He laced their fingers together and smiled at her.

Daddy looked awkward. "Regina, you can't be serious…"

"I am," she said, holding her head high.

Robin gave her hand a squeeze. "I promise to take care of her and love her for the rest of my life, sir. I will do my best every day to make sure she is happy."

"That's...That's not how this works, son," Daddy said, looking awkward again. "There are rules that must be followed. Elopement...it's quite scandalous."

"Well, it doesn't have to be," Robin replied, holding her father's gaze.

Daddy reached for Regina. "You need to come home, sweetheart. We can work this all out in the morning."

"No," she said, curling closer to Robin. He wrapped his arm around her and held her against his body. "I'm not going with you."

"Regina, please, stop this foolishness and come home," Daddy said, his voice as stern as possible.

As much as she hated to disobey him and despite the guilt racking her over the pain in his eyes, she remained attached to Robin. "I am going to marry Robin."

Mary Locksley stepped forward, placing her hand on Regina's shoulder. "Maybe it's best if you do go home. We can all then discuss this in the morning after we've had a good night's sleep and have clearer heads."

"Mum!" Robin exclaimed indignantly.

She narrowed her eyes at her son. "You need to trust me that this is for the best. Regina needs to go home."

"NO!" Regina yelled, pulling away from everyone. She felt everything slipping away-her hopes, her dreams, her only chance at love and happiness. Tears pricked her eyes and she started to cry as anger filled her.

Through her tears, she saw her father approach her. He reached out. "Regina, please, it's going to be alright."

"It's not going to be alright. You're going to take me home and then whisk me back to Storybrooke first thing in the morning. Mother's probably back at the townhouse overseeing all the packing now. Then as soon as possible, you're going to announce my betrothal to Leopold and then marry me to him. And I'll spend the rest of my life stuck in a marriage with a man who thinks my greatest quality is the fact that I'm so silent. A man who keeps looking past me and seeing his dead wife. Because that's who he wants. He wants Eva. He wants me to just sit there and he can pretend I'm her, all while being a glorified nursemaid for his daughter!" she yelled.

Daddy grew pale as he once again tried to reach out for her. "Regina, this is not the time or place…"

"It'll never be the time or place, so I'm just going to keep talking," she said, enjoying how good it felt to finally voice all her feelings. "You and Mother have dismissed Robin just because of where his wealth came from, because he wasn't born one of us. You haven't even gotten to know him like I have. If you did, you would know that he's loving and intelligent and funny and respectful. He actually has conversations with me and listens to what I say. He values what I think and what I like. He answers my questions rather than just telling me it's 'something only men need to worry about, not women.' He doesn't treat me like I'm going to break if he breathes on me wrong, he knows I am made of stronger materials than porcelain. He loves me for who I am-flaws and all. Why wouldn't I want to spend the rest of my life with someone like that rather than someone like Leopold Blanchard?"

"Please, sir," Robin said, softly. "Please let Regina stay and let us get married in the morning. Please respect her wishes."

"It's not that simple," Daddy said. He turned to Mary and Andrew. "Can you help me?"

Both appeared pensive and Regina watched them share a look. Andrew approached her father. "Perhaps we could talk in my study, Lord Mills, while my wife helps Regina dress?"

"Father!" Robin exclaimed. "Mum!"

Mary shook her head as she placed her hand on Regina's shoulder. "We'll talk about this later, Robin. Come with me, Regina."

Her fight left her along with her last hope. Regina nodded and moved toward the stairs, feeling Mary following her. They headed back to the bedroom Robin had given her and Regina resigned herself to an unhappy fate.

"Mum, we're not going to talk about this later," she heard Robin say, making her heart speed up. "Please, talk to me now. I don't understand this at all."

Mary sighed, pausing on the stairs. Regina paused at the top, waiting to see what would happen. After a few seconds, she heard the older woman say: "Fine. Come with us."

Robin followed them into the bedroom and Mary closed the door. "I know you're upset," she started.

"I'm beyond upset," Robin replied, seething. "I'm angry. I thought you would've supported us."

"Maybe if you had talked about this plan with us rather than just going through with it," she shot back before sighing. "Look, it's clear to me you two are very much in love. And I do believe you will be happy together."

Regina frowned. "Then why are you sending me home?"

Mary cupped her cheek and she winced, causing the woman to withdraw her hand with a frown. Regina wanted to apologize but she didn't know how to explain that such a gesture, which felt loving and soothing from Mary, often preceded a slap from Mother. Yet looking at Mary's eyes, Regina had the feeling she understood perfectly.

Instead, she took Regina's hand in her own. "Because as parents, we want what's best for you and Robin. Getting married this way will invite a lot of whispers and rumors and just shroud your relationship in scandal. We want you two to do this the right way. To court in public, to have public betrothal announcement and to get married in church with everyone there to watch it. Our family is already subject to so much scorn, I do not want you to bring more upon yourself. I want you both to show them how respectably you are so you can continue to move about this world."

"This world?" Robin asked and Regina swore she almost saw smoke coming from his eyes. "Why should I care about this world? No one likes us and they don't think I'm right for Regina."

"Prove them wrong," Mary challenged him. "Don't steal her away in the middle of the night, court her in broad daylight. Show them that you are the right man for her and silence all their criticism by not giving them anything to gossip about, by forcing them to admit you are a good man. You will force them to accept you for what you are-a gentleman like them."

"Even better than them," Regina told him with a smile. It then faltered as she turned to Mary. "What if my parents do take me away? What if they do force me to marry Leopold as soon as possible."

Mary took her hand again. "My husband is no doubt downstairs trying to convince your father not to do anything soon, to give us time to let Robin prove he should be the one to marry you. But if that fails...well, we'll revisit the running away and eloping in secret plan."

"Thank you, Mum," he said, engulfing her in a hug.

She hugged him back before pushing him toward the door. "Now, go wait downstairs while I get Regina ready. We'll be down in a bit."

Robin left the room and Mary closed the door behind him. She then turned to Regina, opening her arms. "May I give you a hug?"

"Yes," Regina said, almost falling into the woman's open embrace. As Mary hugged her close, she couldn't help but wonder if that was what it felt like to have a mother who loved her rather than saw her as just some pawn to advance their position in the world.

Mary stroked her hair. "It's going to work out, I promise you. Hopefully it will work out the way we want, where you and Robin can do everything as society demands. But if not, I will help you through the scandal and whispers. We're used to it by now."

"That's not fair," Regina whispered. "You all seem like such good people. Why should it matter where your money comes from?"

"I think you've been in this world long enough to know that wealth and power are really all the matters to most people of our station. And they don't like the idea that the so-called lesser classes can now rise to get some of that," Mary said, pulling back. She brushed back some of Regina's hair. "It's not fair but that's how it is."

Regina nodded. "I just wish it was different."

"I know." Mary let her hands fall to her side. "Now, let's get you dressed before your father thinks I'm holding you captive for Robin."

Mary carried Regina's bag as they headed back downstairs. The bobby was no longer there and it seemed Will had been dismissed to tend to his wounds. Only Robin, Daddy and Andrew were waiting for them as they reached the landing.

Daddy took the bag from Mary. "Thank you," he said.

"You're welcome," she replied, giving her husband a pointed look.

Andrew stepped forward. "You remember our agreement, Lord Mills? Regina doesn't leave London for a week."

"I know," Daddy said, making hope swell in Regina's chest. It grew more when he said: "You will also call on me in the afternoon with Robin."

"Yes," Andrew replied, holding out his hand. "Until then."

Daddy shook it before turning to Regina. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's go home."

She nodded but moved closer to Robin, taking his hand. He gave it a squeeze as she searched his eyes for a sign of hope. The blue of his eyes seemed to sparkle and she smiled, believing things would work out. "I love you," she told him.

"I love you too," he said. He gently gripped her chin and tilted her head up. There, in front of her father and his parents, he kissed her. It was a chaste kiss but it was enough to make her heart skip a beat.

He broke the kiss and stepped back, letting her go with her father. Daddy ushered her from the Locksley house and into the carriage waiting in front of the house. She usually sat next to him when they rode together but tonight, she sat opposite him and stared out the window as the carriage lurched forward.

She watched as the Locksley house disappeared into the night before sighing. Daddy sighed as well, his shoulders slumping. "You really do love him, don't you?" he asked.

"I do," she said softly.

"And marrying Leopold would really make you that unhappy?" he asked.

She nodded. "I don't think any amount of time will make me come to love him or for him to come to see me, not Eva. I will be miserable the rest of my life married to him."

"I see," he said. They then lapsed into a silence that would last until they got home. Regina didn't mind though. Her mind kept her occupied as she imagined a life with Robin, a life that seemed more and more possible with every passing minute.

She finally believed that maybe, just maybe, she could get her happy ending.

Mother was waiting for her. She wore a dark red dressing gown and was pacing the foyer as Regina and Daddy entered the house. Mother paused her trek, turning to face the two, before storming toward Regina. Before Regina could react, she raised her hand and slapped Regina across the cheek. Regina cried out as she grabbed her stinging cheek, recoiling away from her mother.

"You stupid girl!" she snarled. "I should've taken those books the moment I knew you were hiding them but I thought they would be harmless. Now they've filled your head with romantic notions that have caused you do something idiotic and ruin your future."

"Cora, enough," Daddy said in warning.

Mother shook her head. "You've always coddled her, Henry. I've always been the one to make certain she understands what kind of world this is. And I'm doing it now."

Regina cowered, knowing another strike was imminent. The blow never came, though, as she saw Daddy catch her mother's wrist in his hand. He jerked her forward, causing Mother to cry out in surprise.

"You will not strike her again," he told her in a low voice. "If I even sense that you have laid a hand on her to harm her, so help me I will throw you out with naught but the clothes on your back. No, no, I will toss you out naked as the day you were born!"

"Henry!" Mother gasped, even angrier now. She yanked her arm from his grasp and composed herself. "It's late and we're all tired, which is allowing emotions to run high. We'll discuss this in the morning. When we're all thinking with clearer heads."

She directed this at Daddy, pointedly looking at him. Regina watched as her father's face distorted in anger, turning red as fire burned in his eyes. "I don't appreciate the insinuation, Cora."

"You're too soft on her! That's why I have to always step in and make certain you don't cave every time she starts to cry. I'm here to save you from yourself so that this family doesn't end up in ruins!" she yelled.

"Cora, enough!" Daddy barked, even scaring Regina. Mother shut her mouth and stared at him in surprise for he hardly ever raised his voice.

Like Regina had experienced earlier, it seemed a dam opened inside her father. "You know I despise how many of our peers treat their wives as lesser beings and I have striven to make you an equal, but it seems that in my quest to do that, I have ceded far too much of my own power to you. That ends now. I am reasserting myself in this relationship and am demanding that you start respecting my decisions rather than expecting me to defer to you."

"Henry," Mother hissed. "Have you gone mad?"

He shook his head. "People tried to dissuade me from marrying you and it wasn't because of your family's precarious financial situation. It was because you were so strong-willed and many of my peers warned that you wouldn't be controllable. But I liked that about you. It intrigued me. Now, though, it angers me because you are trying to control Regina's life. So I am going to force you to show her the same courtesy I've shown her-the ability to make her own decisions."

"Her decision was to meet with a boy from a family pretending to be our equals at night, unchaperoned. Her decision was to run away and to try to elope with him. You'll excuse me if I am not inclined to let her make her own decisions," Mother shot back.

Regina moved forward to defend herself but Daddy raised his hand. "She only made those decisions because we didn't give her any other choice. We didn't listen to her."

"Because we're her parents," Mother argued. "We don't have to listen to her."

"It's her life, Cora. I think we should start giving her a say in it," he replied.

She crossed her arms. "So we're going to talk about this now?"

He shook his head. "No, it is late and we should all get some sleep. We'll discuss this later."

"Fine," Mother huffed, moving toward Regina. She scowled at her. "Come on. I'll help you change for bed."

Regina frowned. "Where's Granny?"

Mother let out a wry laugh. "You think we're keeping that woman around when she allowed you to run away? She's part of the problem too. She's packing now and will be gone in the morning."

"No, she won't," Daddy said with a weary sigh.

"Henry, I oversee the household staff," she told him with clenched teeth. "You know that."

He nodded. "I control finances though, so ultimately the decision to hire and fire staff falls to me. Granny stays."

Mother didn't say another word. She turned and stormed up the stairs as Daddy and Regina watched. He sighed as he held out his arm to her. "May I escort you to your room?"

"I'm not going to run away again," she assured him. She then thought about Mary's words and couldn't help but add: "At least not tonight."

He chuckled. "Good to know, but I was hoping you would give me an excuse to wait as long as possible before joining your mother in our room."

"Oh. Then I'd be happy to let you escort me to my room." Regina chuckled as she took his arm. They went up the stairs together and she felt as if everything was changing for the better at last.

It was almost noon by the time Regina woke. Granny dressed her into a lovely white dress trimmed with black lace and tucked her hair into a simple bun that was pinned right where Regina's head met her neck. She also put some light makeup on her before sending her down to break her fast with something, whether it was breakfast or lunch. Regina almost skipped down to the dining room, her good mood carrying her there.

She faltered a bit when she found Mother sitting at the dining room table sipping tea but held her head high as she took a seat. A servant appeared to take her order and Regina decided to have a poached egg. "I'll just have more to eat at supper tonight, thank you," she said.

The servant bowed as silence filled the room. Mother kept sipping her tea as Regina was served a cup of coffee. Regina tried to ignore her as she poured some milk into the dark liquid but she knew her Mother was just waiting for the right moment to say something.

Once they were the only ones in the room, Mother set her cup down and Regina straightened up. "If you're wondering where your father is," Mother began, "he's calling on Leopold Blanchard."

A chill ran down Regina's spine and she paused with her coffee cup close to her lips. "He is?"

"Yes," Mother continued. "He no doubt saw things differently after a good night's sleep and once the panic you caused by your little stunt died away. So if you think it changed anything, think again."

Regina took a sip, trying to pretend her mother's words didn't affect her. She knew Daddy had made a promise to Andrew Locksley and he would be coming by that day with Robin. Certainly Daddy wouldn't go back on his word so soon.

The servant returned with her poached egg and Regina thanked him, taking a forkful of egg as Mother watched. From the corner of her eye, Regina could see that she looked quite smug. No doubt she believed she would ultimately be victorious.

Regina worried she might be.

"Ahh, Sleeping Beauty wakes," she heard Daddy say before she felt him kiss the top of her head. "Did you get plenty of rest?"

"I did," she replied. "Thank you, Daddy."

Mother sipped her tea before asking: "So, Henry, did you settle everything with Leopold?"

He sat down at the head of the table. "I did."

Regina kept her head down though she could hear the smugness in Mother's voice as she said: "Good. The sooner we get Regina married to him, the sooner we can put this whole unpleasantness behind us."

"I withdrew my permission for him to marry her, Cora," Daddy said. "There will be no marriage with Leopold Blanchard."

Both women gasped and Regina looked up with wide eyes. Mother's face was turning red as she glared at Daddy. "Because she threw a little tantrum?"

"No," he replied, frowning. "Cora, you knew I had reservations about this marriage from the moment Leopold proposed it. I let you convince me they were foolish because you were certain it was a good match."

"It is a good match," Mother stressed. "He's rich and has a great deal of land. Not mention a title."

Daddy sighed. "Maybe for other people that would be all that would be required for a good match. Not for me. Not for Regina."

"What did you tell him?" Mother asked.

"The truth," he replied with a shrug. "I was concerned that he wasn't really marrying Regina but someone he hoped to turn into Eva. I told him that my daughter is her own person and deserves a husband who respects that and appreciates her, one who will let her build her own household rather than just slide into some empty slot. I also told him that after all the money we put into Regina's education, she deserved a husband who didn't think her greatest quality was her ability to stay quiet."

Mother gasped, horrified, while Regina bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling. She watched as Mother lowered her hands from her mouth. "How did he take that?"

"He was a bit put off so I engaged him father to father. I asked him if he would put Mary Margaret in the same position he was asking me to put Regina in. He grew quiet and agreed that he wouldn't want that. He said that Regina did remind him of Eva looks-wise and that perhaps he did view her as his late wife rather than as her own person. So he agreed to not pursuit marriage with Regina," Daddy said.

"How is that going to look?" Mother asked, incensed.

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Everyone is going to wonder why Leopold decided not to marry Regina. If they find out about her little stunt last night…"

"Nothing was announced and there are ways to keep what happened last night quiet," Daddy told her. "Leopold and I agreed that if anyone asks, we'll say that it was a possibility we discussed but in the end decided not to pursue because he was not yet ready."

Mother scowled. "So what point do we have in staying in London? The season is over. We should head back to Storybrooke."

Regina turned to look at her father. "You promised."

"I know," he told her. "And I intend to keep that promise. Do not worry."

Mother leaned back, crossing her arms. "Would someone care to fill me in on this promise?"

"I promised Andrew Locksley that I would not take Regina from London for at least a week. He and Robin will be paying a visit later today," Daddy said.

"What?" she asked, livid. She then turned to Regina. "What did you do with that boy? Did he defile you?"

Regina felt her cheeks heat up as anger flared inside her. "No. Robin is an absolutely gentleman."

"Excuse me if I don't believe that of the man who lured you out of the house in order to meet with you in our gardens late at night," Mother snapped at her.

"He did not lure me out!" Regina protested.

Mother glared at Daddy. "You are not seriously considering a marriage between our daughter and that filth!"

"Robin is not filth!" Regina exclaimed.

Daddy held up his hand, silencing their arguing. He glared at Mother. "Robin is a fine young man and it's clear that he cares for Regina. I think it's fair to give them the chance to court and I won't say no if he asks to marry her."

"You'll ruin us all," Mother hissed.

"Perhaps," he said, "but I don't think I will."

She crossed her arms. "I won't allow it."

"You don't have a say in this matter, Cora, and if you try to interfere, I remind you that the threat of being tossed out on the street still stands," Daddy told her.

Sniffing, Mother stood from the table. "I feel a headache going on. I shall retire to our rooms."

Neither Regina nor Daddy said anything as she left the room. They heard her steps on the stairs and then the distant slam of her bedroom door. A servant finally approached, breaking the silence to ask Regina if she was finished.

"I am," she replied, smiling at the young woman who was probably not much older than herself. "Thank you."

Daddy took a deep breath. "The air feels...lighter….now. Almost like we opened up a window and let in some fresh air."

Regina had to agree that there was a change in the room now that Mother was gone. She folded her napkin down and smiled at her father. "May I be excused?"

"Of course," he said, motioning for a servant to bring him some coffee. "Just don't go too far. Mr. Locksley and Robin will be here in a couple hour."

She smiled, feeling giddy at that thought. "I won't, Daddy. I'll probably just be reading in the sitting room."

"I'll be in my study if you need me." He tapped his cheek and she obliged, giving him a kiss.

Regina then whispered: "I love you, Daddy. Thank you for doing this for me."

"I love you too. All I want is for you to be happy," he said, taking her hands in his and holding them as he looked in her eyes. "If Robin makes you happy, then so be it. Society and your mother be damned."

The afternoon seemed to drag on as Regina waited for Robin and his father to call. She tried to focus on her book but she found herself glancing at the clock more often as she tried to figure out what was keeping them. Butterflies flew around her stomach and she grew nervous as she wondered if his parents had changed their minds about her once they had woken up. Perhaps they didn't think she was worth their son taking such a big risk on.

When the clock in the hall struck four, she heard the doorbell chime. She straightened up, closing her book as a servant answered the door. Daddy emerged from his study, winking at her as he waited for the servant to announce their guests.

"Presenting Mr. Andrew Locksley and his son, Master Robin," their footman announced, presenting a white card to Daddy.

Regina stood as her father stepped forward, shaking someone's hand. He then motioned into the sitting room. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

Since Mother was still in her room, Regina pulled on the gold cord to signal the kitchen to send out some tea before turning back to the entrance. Andrew Locksley followed her father into the room. He was dressed in a sharp three-piece suit with a blue-gray waistcoat. His graying blond hair was slicked back and he smiled at her as he took her hand. "Lady Regina, it is a pleasure to meet you properly."

"Likewise," she said, giving a little curtsy. "Welcome to our home, Mr. Locksley."

Andrew nodded. "It is a lovely house. Don't you agree, Robin?"

"Yes, Father," Robin said, his voice washing over her and making the butterflies that now permanently resided in her stomach take flight.

The older man stepped aside, revealing his son. Like his father, Robin was dressed in a navy three-piece suit with a red waistcoat. He had a matching bowler hat tucked under his arm as he approached her, taking her hand in his. Robin raised it to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Milady, a pleasure to see you again."

"The pleasure is mine," she said, stepping closer to him as his grip on her hand tightened. She lowered her voice. "I can't stop thinking about you."

He smiled. "I hardly got any sleep last night because all I could think of was you and this moment."

They leaned closer but she paused, frowning. "Robin, our fathers…"

"Are pointedly not looking at us right now," he whispered back, eyes focused just behind her.

She turned her head to find that he was right. Both Daddy and Andrew Locksley were admiring something out the front window and making small talk, trying to act as normal as possible. Yet it was clear to her that they were giving her and Robin a moment of privacy and she was grateful to them for it.

Regina turned back to Robin, smiling again. "Then I think we should take advantage of it."

"I couldn't agree more," he replied, leaning down to capture her lips in a sweet kiss. She rested her hands on his chest as her eyes fluttered closed, relishing every moment.

Someone cleared their throat and Regina broke the kiss, finding Granny standing in the doorway with the tea tray. The older woman gave her a knowing smile and winked at her. "Where do you want this, milady?" she asked.

"Oh," Regina said, motioning to the nearby table. "You can set it there. I'll handle the rest."

Granny did as she instructed and winked at Regina. "I'm certain you'll handle everything well enough but if you need any help, you know where to find me."

"Thank you," Regina said before turning to the men in the room. "Care to have a seat, gentlemen?"

"Allow me," Robin replied, pulling out her chair. He held out his hand to her. "Milady?"

She smiled at him as she took his hand, letting him guide her into her seat. "Thank you."

Once he pushed in her chair, Robin took the seat next to her as their fathers settled into seats across from them. Regina served them all before holding out a tray of biscuits. "Can I interest anyone in one of these?"

"I will have one," Robin said, taking a biscuit right away. He smiled at her. "Thank you."

Daddy also took a biscuit before turning to Andrew. "I recommend them. Our cook makes some of the best biscuits in all of London, I daresay."

Andrew chuckled as he took one as well. "How can I resist that?"

They made small talk as they nibbled on biscuits and drank their tea, mostly talking about how wonderful the past season at the Royal Ballet had been. "My dear Mary is looking forward to the upcoming opera season," Andrew said, brushing some crumbs from his lapel.

"Mum loves the opera," Robin agreed.

Regina tried not to fidget with her napkin as she said: "I prefer the ballet. Operas are always so sad."

"Not all ballets are happy," her father pointed out. "We've seen a couple tragedies."

Robin took her hand as he smiled at her. "I prefer happy endings to sad ones myself as well. I believe there is one comedy planned for the upcoming opera schedule. With your father's blessing, I would love to escort you to it."

Trying not to look too excited, she glanced at her father. Daddy smiled but said: "I don't think I could let you do that unless you are presenting yourself as a serious suitor, Robin."

"I am," Robin replied, sitting up straighter. "I do also want your permission to court Regina-the proper way this time-and hopefully to marry her, if she'll have me."

Daddy nodded, growing serious. "I see. And you are supportive of this, Andrew?"

"My wife and I are," Andrew replied with a nod. "Robin is certainly ready for marriage and we believe Regina may be just the woman for him. We look forward to getting to know her as our son courts her."

"Regina? Do you want Robin to court you?" Daddy asked.

She tried not to look too excited as she replied: "Yes, Daddy. I do."

"Good," he replied. "Then I give you my permission to court Regina, Robin."

The tension left Robin's shoulders and she felt him relax beside her. "Thank you, sir."

Daddy nodded but held up his hand. "However, there are conditions. If you are going to court her, you are going to court her properly. No more late-night rendezvous in our garden."

"Understood," Robin replied sheepishly. "I promise I won't do that anymore. You don't have to guard your gardens."

"Good to know. I'm certain my servants will enjoy getting to sleep through the night again," Daddy said.

They laid out a few other conditions for Robin to court Regina-he had to always pick her up from the townhouse and a chaperone had to be with them at all times-before Daddy clapped his hands together with a smile. "Well, I think this has been a very productive tea."

"I agree," Andrew said, rising from his chair. "Come, Robin, we mustn't take up any more of Lord Locksley's time."

"Of course, Father," Robin replied, not even attempting to hide the disappointment in his voice as he stood as well.

Regina rose from her seat, keeping her eyes on him. "When shall I see you again?"

"Soon," he promised, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips so he could brush a kiss over her knuckles. "You have my word, milady."

They turned and Regina was surprised to find that their fathers had left the room. She smiled as her heart skipped a beat and she looked up at Robin. "I think they are giving us some privacy again."

"Indeed. We should probably take advantage of it," he said, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close. He leaned down, kissing her properly.

She leaned into the kiss, cherishing every moment she was in Robin's arms. For it ended all too soon when Andrew called out for his son, telling them their private moment was over. Robin broke the kiss but pressed one to her forehead. "Until next time, my love."

"I will count the minutes," she whispered. She then stepped back and Robin left the room, on his way out of the house. He would be back, she knew, and she believed it was only a matter of time before they were married.

It was a dream come true.

Daddy entered the room and Regina rushed toward him, hugging him tightly. "Thank you so much, Daddy."

"I just want you to be happy," he told her, holding her close. "And Robin does seem like a good man, one I believe I would be honored to call my son. But let's take this one day at a time."

He pulled away and smiled at her. "Why don't you go change into a nice evening gown? I think I will take you out to dinner tonight. I want to enjoy you before I give you away to another man."

"You will always be the most important man in my life," she told him, kissing his cheek before heading upstairs to find the perfect dress for dinner with her father.

Robin called on Regina regularly to court her. Mother often complained of a headache or some other ailment shortly before his arrival, taking to her bed for the duration of his visits. It left Daddy to watch over them as the two sat in the parlor, exchanging pleasantries and resisting the urge to touch each other.

She was often invited to dine at the Locksleys' house along with her father, another thing Mother also feigned an illness to avoid attending. Not that Regina minded-she preferred to go with her father than to have her mother around glaring at everyone. Regina enjoyed the time she spent with Robin's parents and came to view Mary Locklsey more like a mother. Mary taught her how to manage a household with a firm but kind hand, rather than Mother's style of putting the fear of God into their servants.

Those in their social circles noticed that Robin was courting Regina. It was hard to ignore when he showed up to the opera with her on his arm. They also sat together in the Mills' private box and he often whispered commentary about the story or the singing as the opera went on, forcing her to hide her laughter behind her fan. She enjoyed the time she spent with him, no matter how shocked people like Kathryn were.

"He's not one of us," her friend had hissed at a dinner party thrown by Kathryn's family. "Have you taken leave of your senses?"

Regina frowned. "Of course not. Robin is from a perfectly respectable family and is a complete gentleman. Which you would know if you gave him a chance."

"They aren't as established as us!" Kathryn replied, horrified.

"So?" Regina countered. "They are good people. In the end, that's all I believe should matter. I would hate to lose you as a friend, Kathryn, but Robin is important to me. If you can't accept him…"

Kathryn sighed. "I will put up with him. For your sake, Regina."

Regina realized it would have to do for now and hoped that her friends would change their minds after spending more time with Robin. They were polite and civil when he was around, though the coolness in their tones was very evident. Robin, though, didn't seem to mind and continued to converse with them whenever they were together, often asking both Regina's and Kathryn's opinions on matters. While it surprised and seemed to horrify Frederick and Graham, Kathryn appeared to appreciate it and started to warm up to Robin. It also made Regina love him even more and reaffirmed her belief that she was meant to marry him.

Autumn turned colder and the skies became gray as leaves fell off the trees as Robin continued to court her. Winter was knocking on the door and was due to arrive any day now. Daddy ordered Regina several new dresses for the colder weather as well as a beautiful new beige coat with black piping on it. She absolutely adored it and loved to wear it wherever she was going, no matter how much Mother sniffed and insisted she should be wearing basic black instead. With her Mother only commenting on her outfits and ignoring Regina for the most part, it was easier to let her snide remarks go.

It was late in October when Daddy entered the salon, where Regina was playing the piano. She stopped when she saw him and he smiled at her. "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting. You can continue playing."

"No, I was just doing something to pass the time before supper," she replied, turning around on the bench. "Do you need something?"

"I was hoping we could have some apple pie for dessert. The kitchen staff is busy and I thought you could go gather the last of the apples for them," he said, his smile growing bigger.

She smiled as she stood, nodding. "I would be happy to. Let me just go put on my boots and my coat."

Once she was ready, Regina picked up a basket from the kitchens and stepped out into the gardens. She only got a few steps in when she stopped, spotting a familiar figure leaning against her apple tree. Robin stood up straighter when he saw her, his hands in the pockets of his black coat with his blue scarf resting over his shoulders and hanging down his front. He smiled at her and said: "Hello there."

"What are you doing here?" she asked, keeping her voice low. She glanced back at the house before saying: "We promised Daddy we wouldn't sneak around anymore."

"It's okay. He knows I'm out here," he assured her, taking his hand out of his pockets and holding them out to her.

She set down the basket and took his hands, frowning in confusion. "He does? What's going on then?"

"I called on him earlier to ask him a very important question," he said. "We've been courting for several months now, both officially and unofficially, and I know in my heart that we are meant to spend the rest of our lives with each other. I asked your father for his permission and he's given it."

Regina forgot how to breath as Robin dropped to one knee, pulling out a black ring box. He opened it to reveal a beautiful Princess cut diamond flanked by two rubies on a gold band and held it up toward her. "Regina Mills, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

"Yes," she said, her voice coming out strangled due to the lump in her throat. "Yes, Robin, I will marry you!"

He let out a little laugh as he stood, taking the ring from the box and putting it on her finger. She admired it for a moment before looking up into his sparkling blue eyes, so full of love. Regina wrapped her arms around his neck and rose up on her tiptoes, kissing him. He returned it, his arms coming around her waist to rest on her back.

They broke the kiss and Regina pressed her forehead to his. "Hopefully we end up married this time."

Robin laughed again. "This time we have our parents' support, so I think there's a better chance for us actually getting married now."

"I take it she said yes?" Daddy's voice interrupted their moment. They turned toward the kitchen door, where he stood. He smiled at them. "Well?"

Regina held out her hand to show off her ring. "I said yes, Daddy. Thank you."

"Congratulations, sweetheart," he replied before motioning for them to come in. "I hope you will join us for dinner, Robin. There's a lot to discuss."

Robin took Regina's hand as he smiled at her. "Yes, I would love to have dinner with you."

"Good. Then why don't you two come inside and the servants can set the table," Daddy said.

She frowned. "What about the apples?"

He chuckled. "Merely a ruse, my dear. Robin wanted to surprise you so I couldn't just tell you to go out to the gardens to meet him."

"Oh," she said, feeling her cheeks heat up. "Then I guess we should go inside."

Robin escorted her inside the house and they joined Daddy for supper. Mother, as always, took her meal in her room. They didn't mind, though, and enjoyed their conversations free of her negativity. All throughout, Regina would stop and stare at her engagement ring before smiling at Robin, giddy at the prospect of marrying him at last.

It was a dream come true.

Daddy held a dinner shortly after Robin proposed to officially announce their engagement. It was a small gathering, consisting mostly of the Locksleys and a few family friends. He had raised a toast to Robin and everyone had followed suit before wishing Regina all the happiness in the world as she sat by her fiancé's side, beaming. Mother, though, sat at the table with a sour expression on her face as she was just there to keep up appearances.

After dinner, Kathryn pulled Regina aside. "Are you certain about this?"

"I am," Regina told her. "I love Robin and I know we will be very happy together. He respects me and supports me."

"I know that much and I will admit my opinion of him has changed. Yet there are many in our circles who will accept such a match. They will whisper about all sorts of things," Kathryn warned her.

Regina held her head higher. "Then let them whisper. I know how I feel about Robin and how he feels about me. That is enough."

Kathryn nodded, hugging her. "Then I will stand by your side and do my best to dispel any gossip."

"Thank you," Regina replied, hugging her back. "I am glad to have you."

Kathryn's prediction that people would gossip did come to pass. While a few were swayed by the fact Lord Henry Mills himself had given permission for them to wed, some still whispered sordid stories. At one event, Regina noticed that a group of women were staring at her before whispering behind their fans. One motioned to her midsection and she knew people were saying she was with child, which to them explained why she was marrying Robin. She first wanted to cover up her midsection but knew it would only further gossip, so she started wearing the tightest dresses she owned so everyone could see how her stomach was not growing.

According to custom, it fell to Regina to choose their wedding date. She had originally wanted to marry Robin as soon as possible but with everyone already assuming she was with child, she decided to wait a bit longer. Regina talked it over with Robin and they decided on a spring wedding, held at Storybrooke.

"The time will fly," Robin told her, "you'll see."

"I hope so," she whispered, pressing her forehead to his. She just wanted to be Mrs. Robin Locksley and would count the days until then.

Robin ended up being right. Before Regina knew it, the day of their wedding dawned. It was a beautiful day-thankfully sunny and warm. She had opened her bedroom window, looking out at Storybrooke and the tents set up for the wedding reception for later in the day. A warm breeze played with her hair and she grew giddy, eager to become Robin's wife.

"Someone is up early," Granny commented as she came into the room.

Regina pulled her head back in, smiling at her nurse. "I'm so excited for today, I couldn't sleep anymore."

"Well, you should've saved up for tonight," Granny said, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Heat flooded Regina's cheeks as she thought about her wedding night. Granny had sat her down only a few days earlier and finally told her about what was to happen then after years of people whispering about it. The idea of being naked with Robin made her stomach tighten into knots, let alone the thought of what exactly Robin was expected to do and where a certain part of his anatomy was to go.

Granny chuckled and patted her arms. "I promise you that you will enjoy it. I know it seems scary and daunting, but it's all about pleasure."

"I'll trust your word," Regina said. She looked at the tray of good Granny brought in. "Did you make every breakfast food possible?"

"You'll need all your energy. It's going to be a busy day. So have a seat and eat," Granny replied, pulling out a chair for Regina.

As Regina ate, Granny prepared the wedding dress as well as everything she would need to prepare for the wedding. The door opened and Mother strode in, looking around the room and sniffing when she saw the window open. "You are still indecent, Regina. Are you trying to give the neighbors a show?"

"What neighbors?" Granny asked in deadpan.

Regina wondered the same thing. "There are only trees out there, Mother. They don't care what I'm wearing."

Mother still shut the window and then drew the curtains again before turning to the table. She frowned. "What are you eating?"

"Breakfast," Regina replied, confused. "Why?"

"You'll never fit in the dress if you eat all of that. We'll have to cinch your corset tighter to hide your stomach!" Mother scolded.

Granny stepped closer, crossing her arms. "It is one meal and it won't have much of an impact on how her dress looks. We don't want her passing out at the altar. Not the way to start wedded bliss."

Mother sniffed. "As if she's going to have wedded bliss in a marriage to that riff raff."

"Robin is not riff raff," Regina replied, holding her head high. "He loves me."

Her mother chuckled coldly. "Of course he does. And he'll love you all the way until tonight, when he has finally gotten what he's wanted-your maidenhood and your money. Then he will throw you away like yesterday's trash. It's what his kind does."

"You know nothing about him," she snapped at her.

"I know plenty!" Mother roared.

"Cora!" Daddy strode into the room, glaring at his wife. "If you are just going to insult Robin and upset Regina, you can go to your room and wait until the wedding."

Mother glared right back at him. "You are going to treat me like an errant child?"

He nodded. "If you're going to act like one, then yes. When you're ready to act like an adult, then I will treat you like one."

"Fine," she said in a huff, "but mark my words. This marriage is doomed to fail."

She stormed out as Regina pushed her half-eaten breakfast away from her. "I've lost my appetite."

Daddy sat down next to her, taking her hands in his. "Don't let your mother get to you. You and Robin are going to have a long life of happiness and love. I just know it."

"I do too," she said, though her stomach was churning. "It's just…"

"Your mother has upset you?" he supplied. When she nodded, he kissed her forehead. "Don't let her get to you. She's not happy until the rest of us are miserable."

She sighed. "Still, I'm too excited to eat. I can't wait to marry Robin."

Daddy chuckled. "I'm sure he feels the same about marrying you."

"I think you should finish this food," Granny said, pushing the tray back toward Regina. "Then we'll get you ready for Robin. How does that sound?"

Regina glanced at the food and shrugged. "I guess I can try to eat a bit more."

Daddy kissed her forehead. "I'll leave you in Granny's capable hands while I go supervise everything. I'll see you later, sweetheart."

"I love you, Daddy," she told him, hugging him.

He held her close. "I love you too, Regina. And I know Robin loves you. I wouldn't let you marry him if he didn't."

She nodded and he left the room, leaving her to finish her breakfast before Granny helped her get ready for the wedding.

A few hours later, Regina stood in front of her mirror and admired her wedding gown. Like most women since Queen Victoria chose the color for her wedding dress, Regina wore white. The bodice was silk with little flowers embroidered on it in blue thread. She had also asked the seamstress to sneak a robin onto it as well and she spotted the bird resting where the bodice met the lacy skirt, which matched the lace covering Regina's arms. Granny had helped her into several petticoats to help puff out the skirt, making her feel like a queen, while the long train lay stretched out behind her.

Regina's dark hair was pinned into a bun, though Granny let a few tendrils of curls fall loose to brush her shoulders. A bejeweled comb decorated her hair and her governess attached the lace veil to it. Before her eyes, Regina became a proper bride.

"You look beautiful," Granny told her.

"Thank you," Regina said. "It all feels so real now."

Granny smiled. "I'm sure it does. Now, let's get you downstairs so we can start the trip to the church."

Regina held onto the older woman's arm with one hand while her other held up her skirts as she carefully navigated the stairs down to the foyer. Daddy was waiting for her, tears in his eyes. "You look beautiful."

"You do, Regina," Kathryn said, stepping forward as she clutched her bouquet of white roses tightly. "Robin is going to be speechless when he sees you."

Regina's other bridesmaids nodded, including Mary Margaret, her flower girl. The only concession she made to Mother was to allow her to choose her bridal party, so the daughters of the nearest prominent families were all invited to stand with her at her wedding. Regina didn't really care-Kathryn was her maid of honor and that was all she really cared about. She could even put up with Mary Margaret on this day-even she knew Mother had only invited her so that Leopold would be in the church as well. It would serve to remind Regina what she was giving up.

It was worth it.

"I hope I look just as beautiful as you when I get married," Mary Margaret told Regina, beaming up at her.

"I'm certain you will," Regina answered, "though I am also certain that day is still far away."

Daddy took her arm. "Come on, Regina. We don't want to be late and keep Robin waiting."

Her bridesmaids left the house before her as Daddy lowered her veil over her face. "Don't worry, sweetheart, I'll get you to the chapel safely."

"I trust you, Daddy," she said, taking his arm again. They walked out of the house as Granny followed, ensuring her train didn't bunch as they journeyed to the chapel just at the edge of Storybrooke's lands.

It was a building made of red brick with a bell tower seen for miles around. Three wooden steps led into the church and she could see the vicar waiting for her, his black robes blowing in the wind as well as his white stole. He clutched the book of prayers in his hands. Flowers were strewn along the road leading up to the chapel, as was the tradition in the countryside. Regina walked over them, her new white heeled boots crushing their stems and petals.

The bells began to ring as she approached, spreading the good news that someone was getting married. She had no doubt that everyone within several miles of Storybrooke knew she was getting married and she had been told many were using it as an excuse to make merry themselves in their small villages. She wondered if they were raising a toast to her and Robin even now.

Each bridesmaid disappeared into the church as she stood at the bottom of the stairs. Daddy squeezed her arm. "I'll help you up, sweetheart. One last time."

"It won't be the last time," Regina whispered. "I may be marrying Robin, but you'll still be very important in my life."

Organ music greeted her as she stood at the end of the aisle. Through the lace of her veil, she could see Robin standing at the altar with Will and a few other men by his side. He wore a crisp black tuxedo and she believed she made out some blue in his outfit, though she couldn't make out what they were just yet. As she got closer, she realized it was his waistcoat and cravat.

The music ended and the vicar asked: "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

"I do," Daddy said, his voice loud and clear. He then placed Regina's hand in Robin's before walking to take his seat.

Robin and Regina stepped before the vicar, who continued with the prayers and readings. They were told to love each other, to be true to each other, and other wedding advice on top of all the well-meaning advice others had given her in the days leading up to now. Regina had decided to trust her own heart when it came to having a successful marriage-after all, it had led her to Robin in the first place. She didn't think it would lead her astray now.

They recited their vows, repeating after the vicar. Robin then slid the thin gold band onto her ring finger as he pledged to love, honor and cherish her for the rest of his life. She placed the bigger gold band onto his finger, vowing to love, honor, cherish and obey him for the rest of hers.

"Regina and Robin, by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the vicar said. "You may kiss the bride."

Robin lifted her veil, revealing his smiling face. She smiled back at him before he pressed a chaste and sweet kiss to her lips, sealing their union. Their guests applauded as the organist started up a lively tune. Robin held out his arm to her and she took it, letting him lead her down the aisle.

They were married.

Mother excused herself from the reception almost as soon as they got back to Storybrooke.

At least she tried to. The other ladies of their station, though, insisted she needed to stay and at least toast Regina and Robin on their new marriage. Mother's need to keep up appearances in front of their peers outweighed her hatred for Robin and so she stayed, raising a glass alongside Daddy as he and Andrew expressed their best wishes for their children's marriage.

Regina, though, didn't care that Mother was glaring at them. All she could focus on was Robin's warm hand on her hip and strong arm wrapped around her body. She curled closer to him and smiled up at him, happier than she ever thought she could be. They clinked their glasses together and drank the champagne poured for them, eyes locked on each other.

Mother slipped away at some point after that. Regina didn't know when as she was busy receiving well-wishers as well as sharing a meal with her new husband. It was as she ate her pheasant that she realized her mother was no longer present.

Good riddance.

After they cut their cake, Granny took Regina's veil off so she could dance without getting caught up in it. Robin then led her to a clear patch of grass where musicians were set up. They began playing as he pulled her close, placing a hand on her hip and taking her free hand in his other. He guided her around the area in a graceful waltz as they shared their first dance as a married couple.

"I haven't gotten a chance to really talk with you," he said softly, his lips almost right against her ear.

She nodded in agreement. "Everyone else has been demanding our time. Which I guess is only fair. They are our guests."

"True," he said. "Besides, I have the rest of my life to talk with you so I guess I can share you for this one day."

"Well, we're alone now," she told him. "What do you want to talk about?"

He held her closer. "Just how beautiful look. You looked like an angel coming down the aisle toward me."

She felt her cheeks heat up as she replied: "You look quite dashing yourself."

"Thank you, milady," he said as the song ended. He sighed. "Well, I guess there goes our time together."

"We have plenty of time for dances," she reminded him as he stepped away.

He smiled, chuckling. "That is true. I'll just have to keep asking the band to play waltzes all night long so I can keep holding you."

"I don't think our guests will like that very much," she replied, taking his hand as a lively reel started up.

Robin sighed, spinning her around him before pulling her close. He placed his hand on her hip as they stood facing each other, dancing in small circles. "True. And I guess I do have to share you."

She nodded. "I have to share you too."

"Good point," he acknowledged, "but not tonight. Tonight, we will have all of each other."

Her cheeks flood with heat but she continued to smile, nodding. "Yes, we will."

Robin kissed her cheek as the song ended. "It's nothing to worry about, my love. Tonight is going to be wonderful, I promise you."

"I trust you," she said, giving him a quick kiss before Frederick came to ask her for a dance. Kathryn grabbed Robin's hand and they were parted for the next dance. As they weaved through the other dancers, Regina caught sight of her husband and each time, he winked at her. It made her smile even bigger and she laughed as she continued dancing, certain she had never been happier.

Night descended upon a Storybrooke as servants lit torches around the reception area. Many guests continued to drink and dance as Granny and Kathryn spirited Regina away. They led her to a quaint cottage on the property that wasn't too far away from the main house, but would afford her and Robin privacy that night. Tink let them in and they quickly went upstairs to the bedroom.

They opened the door and Regina's heart sank to find Mother sitting in the armchair by the fire. She rose, smiling at Regina. "I just wanted to see you before the illusion shatters and you are left heartbroken. Enjoy the rest of your life living in disappointment, Regina."

"Do I need to send for His Lordship?" Granny asked, looking at Mother over the rims of her glasses. "Or will you leave on your own?"

Mother stood, smoothing out her skirts. "I've said my piece and I will leave. Good night, Regina. Remember, if you lie down with dogs, you rise with fleas."

Everyone glared at her as she left, Granny slamming the door behind her. She shook her head. "That woman is insufferable."

"Don't let her get to you," Kathryn assured Regina. "The only thing that's going to happen to your life after tonight is that it will get better. You'll have Robin forever."

"Let's get you ready for him. He'll be here shortly," Granny said.

Together with Kathryn, she got Regina out of her wedding dress and all her undergarments until she was only standing in a shift. Granny laid out the dress, smiling. "Do not worry. I'll make certain this gets stored properly."

"Why?" Regina asked, frowning. "I'll never wear it again."

Kathryn and Granny chuckled. Laying a hand on Regina's arm, Kathryn grinned. "It's for the memories."

She then handed Regina a silky garment and gently pushed her toward the screen in the room. "Go, get ready for your husband."

Regina went behind the screen and removed her shift, pulling the silky nightgown over her. It clung to her curves and she felt almost naked. She quickly grabbed the dressing gown Granny had left there, wrapping herself in it as she tried not to think about how Robin was about to see her without any clothes on.

When she stepped out from behind the screen, Kathryn and Granny were gone. Robin stood there, dressed in his green robe as he smiled at her. "Hello, sweetheart."

"I didn't hear you come in," she replied, stepping closer to him. "When did you get to the house?"

"Not long after you," he told her, pulling her into his embrace. "Your mother pretty much spat at me as she passed."

Regina sighed, recalling her mother's words as she pressed her ear to Robin's chest to listen to his heart. "She's convinced you're going to turn cold and lose interest in me once we...lie together."

He kissed the top of her head. "I know. I dare not repeat what she told me but I can assure you that the only way my feelings are going to change for you tomorrow is just to grow stronger. And they will keep getting only stronger and stronger each day I am privileged to wake up by your side."

"It will be the same for me too," she vowed, looking up into his eyes. Love shone in them and she felt she was the luckiest woman in the word. "I love you, Robin."

He tucked his fingers under her chin as he smiled at her. "I love you too, Regina."

Robin then scooped her up, holding her bridal style as he grinned at her. "Now, milady, I have every intention of taking you to bed."

"You'll get no resistance from me," she said, excitement building despite her nerves. She laughed as he carried her into the bedroom, laying her down on the four poster bed in there. He opened his robe, revealing his nude form and she let out a gasp as her eyes traveled to his most private part.

He cupped her cheek, forcing her to look him in the eyes again. Robin smiled softly. "Don't worry, Regina. I won't hurt you."

"I know," she said. "I'm still nervous though."

"Me too," he admitted, voice a whisper.

She gripped his arm, asking: "Robin, have you...have you ever done this before?"

A pained look came over his eyes. "Yes, but she meant nothing to me, Regina. She was just some woman I met in a tavern on a night when I felt I had to prove my manhood to my friends. There's been no one since and there will be no one but you."

"At least one of us will know what he's doing," she said, feeling somewhat better about what was to happen.

He nodded, kissing her. "Is it alright if I remove your nightgown now, my love?"

"Yes," she whispered, holding up her arms so he could slide the silky material over her head. She knelt on the bed, naked before him, and held her breath as his blue eyes raked over her.

"Beautiful," he breathed, gently pushing her so that she was lying on the bed. His fingers ghosted over her curves and he smiled. "I will be right back."

Propping herself up on her elbows, Regina watched as he dimmed the lamps in the room. He didn't plunge the room into darkness, instead leaving enough light so that they could still see each other. She felt her heart beat faster as he returned to the bed, pulling the covers back so she could crawl under the blankets. He climbed in next to her, covering them as he lay on his side to face her.

She reached out and he took her hand, lacing their fingers together. Heat radiated from his body and she felt his skin brush hers. It felt like they were cocooned in their own world, a perfectly intimate place she never wanted to leave.

"Are you ready?" Robin asked her, drawing her attention back to his face instead of their clasped hands. He was waiting for her to give him the go ahead, respecting her.

Regina nodded and he kissed her, gently laying her down on the bed as they surrendered to each other and their love.

It was late morning when Regina awoke. At least, it was what she assumed from the slant of the sunshine could see through the curtains. She sighed as the last remnants of sleep slipped away and she grew more aware of her body. It was sore yet still tingled from what she and Robin had done throughout most of the night. Regina didn't know why everyone whispered about sex as if it were something dirty when it was one of the best things she had ever experienced. She grew excited at the thought that she could spend all her nights making love to her husband.

The arm wrapped around her waist tightened and she was pulled against Robin's chest as he groaned. He kissed her shoulder. "Morning, my love."

"Good morning," she said, rolling to face him. "Last night was…"

"I know," he replied, kissing her nose.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling. "What do we do now?"

"Well, I believe everyone will probably leave us alone until tomorrow at the earliest," he said, "so we have each other to ourselves. How about we go find some food and the come back up here for a repeat performance of last night?"

"In the middle of the day?" she asked, feeling her cheeks heat up. Even if she thought sex didn't need to be treated like something disgraceful, it still seemed scandalous to engage in it while the sun was up.

He chuckled. "Yes, in the middle of the day. I don't think I can wait until tonight but if you want to…"

"If we have the option, then I rather not wait," she replied, feeling bold and a little bit naughty.

"I thought so," he answered before pulling away. He slid from the bed, giving her a lopsided grin. "So, do you know where the kitchen is?"

She pushed the blankets back. "I think I can find it. Can you hand me my dressing gown?"

"You look fine to me," he replied but he handed her the garment anyway.

Once they were both wrapped in their robes, she took his hand and guided him through the house. They kept exchanging happy looks and goofy smiles, unable to keep their hands off each other. Some part of Regina wished Mother was there to witness how happy and love in they were. Perhaps then she would finally believe what Regina knew in her heart.

She and Robin were going to love each other for the rest of their lives.

After marrying, Robin and Regina returned to London so he could continue helping his father run their factory. Daddy insisted on them living in his townhouse in the city, essentially turning it over to them. Granny traveled with them, this time to help Regina run the household as she took over as the lady of the house. Mary Locksley was a frequent visitor to their house and Regina often went out calling with her, building a new social circle now that she was living in London for most of the year. She and Robin also visited his parents' frequently, dining with them once a week.

While Regina enjoyed the time spent with his parents, she was glad they had their own house. She and Robin were two newlyweds who enjoyed discovering more about each other each day and night, often retiring early to spend the night in bed with each other. They weren't quiet about how much they enjoyed their nightly activities, though Regina tried when she realized a few of the maids couldn't look her in the eyes anymore.

After a few months of marriage and Regina's endless barrage of questions about his family's business, Robin took her to the factory one day. She stared, awe-struck, at the giant machines that stretched from the floor to the ceiling as men raced around them to keep them working. All the workers stopped to bow or give a curtsy to her, greeting her warmly as they welcomed her to the Locksley family.

"They seem to love and respect your family," she told Robin as they headed toward his office.

"Our family," he reminded her gently. "We try to treat our employees as best we can and they appreciate that."

She nodded, following him into the office. Andrew greeted her warmly and pulled out a chair. "Robin says you're curious about how the factory works," he said.

"I am," she replied. "I wish it were more acceptable for women of our station to work."

He chuckled. "I am certain if you spoke with the women who work our production lines, they would love to be able to spend the day at home with their families."

Regina grew sheepish as she felt herself blush. "True. I guess we all want what we can't have."

"It's alright, sweetheart," Robin told her, squeezing her shoulder. "Now, do you want some tea while Father and I work?"

"I can make my own tea. What are you two working on?" she asked, standing up to head to the stove they kept in the office.

"Boring math," her husband responded and she could hear the distaste in his tone.

She glanced over her shoulder to see Andrew glare at his son. "We're balancing the books, which is very important."

After making herself tea, she sat down and watched as Andrew and Robin worked on their company's financials. She asked them questions every so often and they answered them until she was pointing things out to them. Andrew looked up, studying her. He turned the books around and handed her his pencil. "Go ahead."

Regina shrank back. "I didn't mean to insult you…"

"You haven't," Robin assured her, taking her hand. "Father thinks you might be better at this than me. So do I."

Her cheeks heated up. "Truly?"

Both men heated up and Andrew pushed the book closer to her. "Go ahead. We'll be right here to help you."

"I'll give it a try," she said, finally taking the pencil from Andrew.

She then began balancing everything, getting input from her husband and father-in-law every so often. By the end of the hour, it was clear that Regina had a head for numbers and Andrew even offered her a job if she wanted. She glanced at Robin, who smiled softly at her, before shrugging. "I think I should focus on setting myself up in our social circles, but maybe I could do it once a week?"

Regina established a weekly routine. Every other weekday, Regina spent them with other women of her station as she tried to secure her husband's proper place with their peers. She hoped that by appealing to the wives, they would convince their husbands to finally accept Robin and not see him as some lower class riff raff playing pretend. Regina knew it would take work but if her mother had taught her anything, it was how to advance their family.

On Wednesdays, she went to the factory with Robin to help keep the books. She also spent time with the workers, serving them lunch and talking with them. The women often told her about items they needed for their families-materials for clothing, warm socks, shoes, and so much more. She had often taken having many of the items for granted as Daddy was able to afford to buy them while these families needed to scrimp and save every penny in order to purchase them.

Regina organized the women she often called on during the week to help the women in the factory. It wasn't too hard as many of them believed in doing charity work though she wasn't too certain they were doing it for the right reasons. Especially as she showed up dressed in a plain gray wool skirt and simple white shirt with a black tie in bow at her collar, looking almost like another factory worker had the materials not been so fine. Her friends had shown up in well-made dresses that showed off their wealth, accessorized with some of their best jewelry. The women shook their heads when they saw Regina. "You want to inspire them to be like us, Regina," one told her. "You won't do that if you dress like them."

"I'll keep that in mind," she said, not wanting to alienate them even though she knew they weren't correct. They didn't really want to inspire them to become rich like them, which she knew from how poorly they treated the Locksleys. Rather, they were just showing off while pretending they were being inspiring.

Yet the women in the factories were getting the supplies and help they needed. Most of them, though tended to flock to Regina over her friends. They felt they could relate to her, even with her privileged background, and she was honored that they felt that way. She kept helping them in any way she could and continued to build relationships with them.

Her relationship with Robin deepened with each passing month of their marriage. They fell more and more in love with each other, though they had some growing pains as they gelled as a couple. Both were used to doing things their own way and it took some time to compromise to find what would be "their" way. Mary had to mediate a few times as did Granny, but they always came out stronger, which bolstered Regina as she continued to live her life by Robin's side.

Slowly but surely, their peers started to recognize Robin as one of their own. As they celebrated their first anniversary and entered their second year of marriage, Robin and Regina found themselves invited to more dinners and other engagements. He was then whisked away with the other men, drinking brandy and playing billiards or cards as he made deals that helped advance his family's business. She was proud of him and pleased she had been able to help him succeed.

When they celebrated their second anniversary with a party at Storybrooke, Daddy had a surprise for Robin. He pulled Robin into his office the morning of the party and when he left, Robin had a glazed look in his eyes. She frowned when she saw him, running her hands over his arms. "Is something wrong?"

"Your father has named me as his heir," he replied, dazed. "When your father passes on, I shall become a count and owner of this land."

Surprise filled her. "I thought he would've passed the title to our son."

"I thought so too," he answered, "but your father says that since he can't will everything to you, he'd rather it go to me as he views me as a son. He said I would be a good lord of Sherwood and that I've proven to have a good head for business."

"He speaks the truth," Regina told him, kissing him.

Robin broke the kiss, still looking dazed. "I didn't marry you in hopes of getting your father's title."

"I know," she said, stressing each word as she tried to reassure him. She had hoped that insecurity would've gone away with time but she understood why he would still have it. "You've proven time and time again that you married me for me, because you love me. And I love you."

He grinned at her before looking upstairs, toward the bedroom Mother often kept to whenever he was in the house. "I wonder how your mother will feel when she hears the news."

"I think I can imagine," Regina replied. She gently guided his face back toward her. "Let's not think about her. I have news myself."

"Oh?" he asked, pulling her against him. "And what is that?"

She grinned as she lowered her voice. "Granny just confirmed it for me this morning. I am with child, Robin. We're going to be parents."

The dazed look came back to his eyes. "Truly?"

Regina nodded happily, feeling a lump form in her throat. She hadn't been feeling well the past few weeks, often fighting nausea and fatigue while trying to go about her daily routine. When she had confided her symptoms to Granny in hopes the older woman would know what was troubling her, the older woman pointed out that Regina hadn't needed any linen that month—and she hadn't bled the month previously either. Granny arranged for her to take a special test and she had given Regina the results—Robin's child was growing under her heart.

He let out a happy shout, lifting her off her feet as he spun her around. "We're going to have a baby!"

She laughed as he set her back down. He cupped her face in his hands as he smiled at her. "I love you."

"I love you too," she said, laughing.

A chill swept over her and she glanced up, finding her mother looking down at them from the second floor. Mother leaned against the railing, frowning at her. There was a strange look in her eyes and Regina moved closer to Robin, who wrapped his arm around her when he realized Mother was watching them.

"You hear that? We're having a child," he called up to her. "You're going to be a grandmother."

Mother just sniffed in response and turned away from them. She walked back into her room, slamming the door behind her for good measure.

Robin rolled his eyes. "Forget her. She's never going to be happy as long as we are. Let's not let her steal this moment from us."

"Agreed," Regina said, hugging him again. "I can't wait to be mother."

He kissed the side of her head. "You are going to be a great mother."

"Just as you are going to be a great father." She pulled away from him and squeezed his hands. "Shall we go tell my father?"

Robin smiled and nodded. "Yes, let's. I have no doubt he will be happy for us."

He held out his arm to her and she took it, the two heading back toward Daddy's study in order to share the good news with him. They both smiled widely the entire way there, overjoyed and eager to face their future.

Regina gave birth at Storybrooke. She requested to do so, feeling more comfortable to be surrounded by her childhood home rather than their London townhouse. Robin couldn't deny her such a request and so travelled between the estate that would one day be theirs and London to continue helping his father with the factory. He was there, though, when her waters broke and she entered the painful hours of labor. Andrew and Mary had travelled to Storybrooke as well, so they were there with Daddy to greet their first-born grandchild, a son Robin and Regina named Henry.

Henry was christened in the same church where Robin and Regina had been married. Robin then returned to London with his parents while Regina stayed with Granny to care for little Henry. She took over running the household from her mother, who grew more and more reclusive with Regina practically living there again. Though her days were busy between caring for the house, receiving visitors and caring for her newborn son, she missed her husband deeply and wished for his speedy return.

Robin missed her as much as well for he returned to Storybrooke as often as possible and stayed for long periods of time. When he wasn't holed up with Daddy to learn about running the estate as well as Daddy's business dealings, he spent it with her and Henry. He adored their little boy and loved to rock him as well as play with him, drawing little laughs from the baby with the goofy faces he made.

After several months of that arrangement, the time came for Regina to make a decision-to stay in Storybrooke or return to London. While she missed the action and vitality of the city and knew it would be easier on her husband, she also wanted Henry to have the idyllic childhood she had had growing up in the countryside. She wanted him to grow up running around the green fields that surrounded the house and learn to ride a horse on the same paths she had. Regina confessed all of it to Robin, who admitted he loved being in Storybrooke more than London. Yet he still couldn't leave his father to run the business by himself and so they packed everything up to return to the townhouse with promises to visit Daddy soon.

One night not long after their return, Mary and Andrew had dinner with them and spent time with Henry. Andrew told Robin that he was looking to open another factory and he wanted Robin to run it. Though pleased that his father trusted him with a second factory, Robin had some concerns about where it would be. Andrew informed him it would be in a town near Storybrooke, which would allow Robin a chance to oversee Storybrooke and help run Daddy's businesses as well as his own. Both Robin and Regina were overjoyed.

They packed up the townhouse and invited most of the staff to travel back to Storybrooke with them. Some took them up on their offer while a few stayed behind to care of the house so that it was always ready for them whenever they needed to come to London. Regina happily climbed into their carriage with Henry and they headed back to Storybrooke to continue building her life with Robin.

They settled into Storybrooke with Daddy, who was excited to have their little family around all the time now. Mother overtook one wing of the manor house and refused to interact with them. It forced Regina to become the lady of the house, entertaining guests and receiving visitors as well as calling on their neighbors. She also oversaw the servants and the running of the household, using the lessons Mary gave her in London.

A month after they moved back to the countryside, Regina discovered she was pregnant again. Robin was overjoyed to become a father again, though he joked with her that he was also pregnant as well-due to give birth to a new factory. She rolled her eyes but had to respect all the hard work he was doing to get the business off the ground, a business she knew would improve the lives of the people around Storybrooke.

Robin's factory opened shortly before she gave birth. It was the last event she attended before withdrawing from society, smiling proudly at her husband as he opened the doors to let the workers in. Many mothers told her they were grateful that their sons didn't have to travel to the cities now to find work and could stay closer to home. It made Regina proud and she promised herself to help these women just like she did back in London.

Several weeks later, she gave birth to their second son. They named him Roland and Henry fell in love with his brother immediately, kissing him the moment Robin helped the boy onto the bed. He then cuddled with his mother as the small family got to know its newest member, though Roland slept through it.

Andrew and Mary spent a month with them after his birth to bond with their grandson as well as to help Robin and Regina. Daddy doted on both his grandsons and often whisked them away to spend time with them. As they grew up, Henry and Roland adored him and often napped with him in his study.

Daddy saw the birth of his first granddaughter, Ivy. A few weeks after her christening, though, he passed away in his sleep. His manservant was the one who discovered it and he first went to Will, who broke the news to Robin and Regina. She collapsed upon hearing it as Robin held her close, rocking her as she sobbed. Once she recovered, she dressed and went down the hall to say her goodbyes as the doctor certified that Daddy was dead.

His funeral was the first time Regina saw her mother in years. Mother stood by her side as they received mourners and then again as the lowered his body into a plot in the family cemetery. She leaned close to Regina, taking her hand, and said: "I did love him, you know."

"I know," Regina replied, certain of it in that moment. "He knew that too."

The mourners returned to the house, where Regina spoke with each person as Robin stayed by her side. Daddy's wishes were well-known and many started to acknowledge him as the new lord, some trying to draw him into business talk. He held firm in refusing to discuss it on that day, telling all who tried that he was nothing more than his wife's husband.

She excused herself at one point to check on the children, climbing up the stairs to head to the nursery. It was quiet in there, with Roland and Henry subdued as they played with the wooden toys their grandfather had given them. Regina forced a smile to her face as she knelt beside them. "Hello, sweethearts. How are you?"

"Sad," Roland said, looking at her with his big brown eyes. "I miss Grandfather. When is he coming home?"

"He isn't coming home," she replied, a lump forming in her throat.

Henry moved closer. "You heard Nana. He's an angel and always with us, even though we can't see him."

She frowned, wondering who Henry was talking about. They called Mary "Grandma," not "Nana." Holding Roland closer, she asked: "Who told you that, Henry?"

"I did," Mother said. Regina looked up to find her standing in a doorway, holding Ivy as the baby girl slept surrounded by her softest blankets. Mother ran a finger over one of Ivy's cheeks as she continued: "I couldn't stay downstairs anymore. It's far more peaceful in here with my beautiful grandchildren."

Roland looked up at Regina. "Is Nana right? Is Grandfather an angel who is now watching over us?"

"Yes," she answered. "He is always going to be there for us and one day, we'll all be together again."

While her son didn't look particularly comforted, he seemed to be pleased with her answer. He climbed down from her lap and resumed playing with his toys. She leaned over and kissed Henry's forehead. "Stay with your brother. I'll be right back."

"Yes, Mum," he replied, before hugging her tightly. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she said before kissing Roland's forehead. "And you."

She stood, gathering her skirts up so she didn't trip over them, before heading over to her mother. Mother smiled at her though sadness filled her brown eyes. "You are a good mother, Regina. Far better than I ever was to you."

"You had your moments," Regina said, though she felt as if she were being generous.

Mother seemed to feel the same way as she looked down at Ivy again. "When you were a baby, like Ivy here, I would nurse you at night and then just sit and hold you until the sun came up. I never knew I could love so much and I wanted the best for you. Unfortunately, I forgot that ultimately, the decision as to what would be for the best was not up to me."

She paused before looking up at Regina. Tears filled her eyes. "I'm sorry I forgot that what was most important was your happiness."

"Thank you, Mother," Regina replied, tears now springing to her own eyes. "I appreciate that."

"You have made an amazing life for yourself," Mother continued. "I am so proud of you and I hope that one day, you will deem me worthy enough to be part of it."

Regina took a deep breath. "I think that day may come sooner than you think."

"Regina? Is everything alright up here?" Robin asked, entering the nursery. He paused when he saw Mother holding Ivy and he narrowed his eyes.

Mother spoke before Regina could say anything. "I owe you an apology, Robin. I judged you based on superficial criteria that I now realize don't matter in the end. You are a good man, a good husband and a good father. You are more than worthy to be my daughter's husband."

His eyes widened and his mouth opened, though he didn't say anything for a bit. After swallowing, Robin finally said: "Thank you, Cora."

Ivy began to fuss in her arms and she held the baby out to Regina. "I think she's asking for you."

"Yes," Regina said, taking Ivy into her arms. She rocked the fussy girl. "It's time for her feeding."

Mother nodded, inching toward the door. "I will leave you alone and return to our guests downstairs."

Once she left, Robin helped Regina free one of her breasts so Ivy could nurse. He knelt beside her as she sat in the rocking chair they kept in the nursery, watching his wife feed their daughter. As he ran his finger down Ivy's arm, he said: "What just happened?"

"I think my mother just offered us a truce," she replied. "Daddy's death has shaken her."

"Clearly," he said. "Do you think she means it?"

Regina sighed, unsure herself. "I guess we're going to have to wait and see. I want to give her a chance."

He covered one of her hands as she held Ivy, looking right in her eyes as he asked: "Are you sure?"

There was no judgment in his tone and no malice in his eyes. All she saw was concern and a hesitance to see her hurt again. Regina understood why he felt that way and she had some reservations about her mother's sincerity. However, she took a deep breath and said: "I think we need to give her a chance."

"Then that's what we'll do," he said, pulling away so she could burp Ivy now that the girl was done nursing. "I hope she proves herself for your sake."

Ivy let out a soft burp and Robin took her from Regina. He held the baby girl close, kissing her head as he ran his hand over her dark curls. Regina smiled at the sight, her heart once again swelling with love for her husband.

She fixed her dress and stood. "We should head back downstairs. Our guests will no doubt be leaving soon. We should be there to say goodbye."

"I'd rather stay here with the children," he replied, lying Ivy down in her cradle.

Regina nodded. "I know. Once everyone leaves, we can come back up here. How does that sound?"

"Sounds like a plan," he said, offering his arm to her. "Milady?"

She took his arm and they headed downstairs, ready to bid the crowd goodbye and then enjoy some quiet time with their family so they could all grieve their loss together.

Mother ended up being true to her word. While there were times she still made snide comments as well as judgments here or there, she apologized when it was pointed out to her. She did her best to be kind to Robin and eventually they formed a more civil relationship. Mother also doted on her grandchildren, praising them the way she never praised Regina while growing up. Regina had no doubt she would've been jealous if Mother hadn't also started to work on praising her as well.

They had almost five years with this version of Mother. She fell ill and took to her room, not wanting to get any of the children sick-especially little Adella, Regina and Robin's youngest daughter. Regina and Robin nursed her as best they could but the illness proved stronger, taking Mother during the night as Regina sat by her side. Robin consoled her as they buried the woman and they both took comfort in the relationship they had with her at the end.

A few weeks after Mother had passed on, Robin received an urgent message from London-his father had collapsed in his office and Robin was needed in the city immediately. He rode out that night and Regina followed the next day with the children. Tink had taken over as the children's governess and she watched them in the townhouse while Regina stayed in the Locksley household, keeping vigil at Andrew's bed alongside her husband and mother-in-law. When it appeared that he would not recover, she sent for her children so their grandfather could say goodbye to them.

Andrew passed away a few hours later.

Robin was somber as they received visitors who expressed their condolences and his mood remained dark as they buried his father in a London cemetery. The factory was closed and every worker showed up to pay their respect as well as offer whatever comfort they could to Robin and Regina. Female employees handed her several dishes of food, the only thing they could give the family in their time of mourning. Regina thanked everyone who came and made certain her servants took the food back with them.

Once everything was over and they were back in their room at the townhouse, Robin broke down in her arms and sobbed into her chest. She rocked him as he had rocked her during her own periods of grief. "I'm going to miss him so much," he said, gasping for air.

"I know," she said, running her hand through his hair. "I'm going to miss him too."

"What am I going to do without him?" he sobbed.

She kissed the top of his head. "You're going to do everything he would've wanted you to do and more. And I'll be right by your side."

He didn't say anything but his grip on her arm tightened, so she knew he had heard her. She felt him kiss her shoulder, which she figured was his way of thanking her and acknowledging that he knew she would help him, no matter what.

After they finished with the funeral, Robin combined his family's factories with Daddy's, making a whole new company-L&M Industries. He offered the London foreman, John Little, the chance to be the manager in his absence as he was returning with Regina and the children to Storybrooke. The man happily accepted and all the employees approved of the selection.

He asked Will to take over the Storybrooke factory as he was needed more and more at the manor, dealing with overall business matters. Regina worked alongside him when she wasn't entertaining guests or visiting their peers. Mary moved in with them, helping with the children as they grew older. She died a few years later and was buried next to her husband as her grieving family stood around the gravesite.

It felt official now-she and Robin were the heads of their family and bore all the responsibility that came with that.

Despite his initial doubts, Robin was a great lord. He was a natural leader and people listened to him when he spoke, allowing him to use his power to help the less fortunate. Both he and Regina did as much as they could to improve the lives of the people around Storybrooke, earning adoration from the townsfolk. Many referred to them as the King and Queen of Storybrooke.

Regina was always proud of her husband, watching him navigate the world that had once rejected him because of where his family's wealth came from. Those same people now appealed to him for business deals as well as aid and Robin always listened to them, never punishing anyone for how they treated him. No matter how many years passed, he remained the selfless and kind gentleman she had fallen for in her garden when they were young. She loved him more every night she fell asleep wrapped in his arms and every morning she woke with her head pillowed on his chest and his cheek resting against her hair.

She couldn't have asked for anything more.

"I wish I could go to the ball," Adella whined from her chair. She pouted as she laid sprawled out across it. "It's not fair."

"I had to wait and so do you. Balls aren't for children," Ivy admonished her as she sat at her vanity, letting Regina pin up her dark hair.

Adella stuck out her tongue. "I'm not a child!"

"You're certainly acting like one," Ivy told her.

Regina sighed, tapping her eldest daughter's shoulder. "You're not acting much better, Ivy. And Adella, the wait will be worth it. Your first ball is always special because of that."

"Your mother is right," Jacinda said, entering the room wearing a beautiful blue ballgown. Her dark hair was pinned up in a bun with curls surrounding it and blue flowers tucked into it. She smiled at Adella. "Besides, you promised to help Tink take care of Lucy tonight, remember?"

Adella perked up. "I love taking care of Lucy."

Regina smiled and she glanced over her shoulder at her daughter-in-law, mouthing thank you to her. Jacinda nodded in response as she took a seat as well. Henry had met her on a business trip to the Caribbean and fallen in love with her almost instantly. He had found reasons to extend his trip as he wooed her, finally returning to seek his parents' blessing to wed. Though hesitant to agree to a woman they had never met, they did give him their blessing. Jacinda traveled to England for the wedding and both Robin and Regina knew she was perfect for their son, a strong and intelligent woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. She fit right into their family.

"Was your debut ball really special, Mother?" Adella asked Regina, drawing her back to the present.

"It was," she told her daughter. "It's where I met your father."

Adella leaned forward, eager to hear the story. "Was it love at first sight?"

Regina smiled, recalling the moments she had with Robin. "I guess you could say that. However, I think we fell in love in our garden here in London."

"The garden?" both Adella and Ivy asked, confused.

"Yes," she replied. "Your father courted me in secret because your grandmother didn't approve of him. His family wasn't born into wealth and she didn't like that at first."

Adella sighed. "It sounds so romantic."

Regina grinned. "It was."

"Do you think I'll find my husband tonight?" Ivy asked, looking a bit dreamy.

"I think you should focus on just enjoying yourself," Regina told her crouching down to be eye level with her in the mirror's reflection. "Romance will come in time."

Jacinda leaned over so she was seen in the mirror as well, smiling. "Your mother is right. This is your time. Enjoy it."

"Well, I think your hair is done," Regina said, stepping away from Ivy. "Jacinda, can you help her with her makeup? I need to finish getting ready myself."

Jacinda nodded, standing up. "Can you check on Lucy as well for me?"

"Of course," Regina said, heading for the door. "As if I would turn down a chance to look at my granddaughter."

She headed down the hall to the master bedroom, stopping in the nursery. Tink sat in rocking chair by a wooden crib and smiled as Regina approached. She motioned to the bundle in the crib. "She's sound asleep."

"Good," Regina said, leaning over the crib to admire the sleeping baby girl. Lucy lay on her back, her hands by her head. Her dark curls lay splayed out on the blanket and her little chest rose and fell in even breaths. It still amazed her that she and Robin were grandparents and she loved Lucy more than she thought possible for a child she didn't birth herself.

After admiring Lucy a bit more, she thanked Tink and headed to her bedroom. She finished putting on her jewelry and checked her hair, certain she looked perfect as she prepared to head down to the ball. Music and laughter was heard in the distance, so she knew the guests had already arrived. Everything was going perfectly.

Regina left the room and headed toward the ballroom. She paused before reaching the stairs, leaning over the railing to look at the people gathered in the room below. She flashbacked to her own debut, remembering how nervous she had been as she stood in the shadows then. Her biggest fear was that no one would see her until a pair of bright blue eyes found hers.

The same pair of blue eyes found her again and despite being in the middle of a crowd, their owner bowed to her. She giggled like a girl before heading to the stairs, descending to join the party.

Her husband greeted her at the bottom of the stairs, taking her hand in his and kissing it. "Hello, lovely."

"Hello," she replied softly. Robin's face had thinned out over the years and he had grown a beard, one she loved to rub her palm against when they were alone, but his smile and eyes remained as bright as ever. His dimples still made her go weak and the gray now splattered throughout his hair made him even more attractive to her.

Robin pulled her closer to him. "I saw Ivy. She looks beautiful. Just like you when you were her age."

"Are you saying I'm not beautiful now?" she asked, teasing him though she kept her face as neutral as possible.

He wasn't fooled, though, as his eyes continued to sparkle and his smile remained undimmed. "Of course not. You've only gotten more and more beautiful with each year. I am always in complete awe of you."

"Flatterer," she replied before placing her hand against his cheek. "I was just thinking that you've gotten more handsome with each year too."

Robin gave her a cheeky grin. "Now who's the flatterer?"

She chuckled before growing misty-eyed. "Do you remember my debut ball?"

"Of course I do," he said softly. "Best night of my life. I met my soulmate."

"I was so grateful to you then because you saw me when I was scared no one else would," she told him. "Now I know that you will always see me and I will always see you, no matter what."

He smiled before leaning in, kissing her gently as their guests started to gather at the stairs to greet Ivy. Robin pulled back and took her hand again. "Are you ready to introduce our daughter?"

She nodded, turning to face everyone gathered. Jacinda had come down herself and she stood next to Henry, her arm tucked into the crook of his. He smiled at Regina, his brown hair glistening in the new electric lights Robin had installed, and his hazel eyes sparkled as he watched his parents. Beside him and Jacinda stood Roland, looking sharp in his tuxedo. His dark curls, though, were still wild and Regina felt proud that he never tried to control them. Rather, he embraced them as just part of who he was. While the Locksleys were considered the creme de la creme of London society, there were still the little ways they liked to rebel and not follow the status quo.

It was an excellent family legacy, she believed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming to our house. Her ladyship and I are honored by your presence here," Robin said. "We are also honored to introduce our daughter to you. Please join us in welcoming Ivy to society."

Everyone applauded and Robin led Regina to the side so that they could all see Ivy as she descended the stairs in her beautiful white gown. Ivy's smile illuminated the room more than any electric light and Regina felt pride and happiness swirl inside her. Robin slipped from her side to greet their daughter and escort her out for her first dance while Roland approached her. "Mum? Can I have this dance?" he asked.

"You may," she said, happy to dance with her youngest son. He led her to the dance floor, where Henry and Jacinda already waltzed next to Robin and Ivy.

Roland easily guided his mother around the dancefloor. "You look beautiful tonight, Mum."

"Thank you," she replied, smiling at him. "You look quite dashing. I'm sure many women here tonight think the same."

He rolled his eyes but continued to smile. "Are you determined to see me married, Mum?"

She shook her head. "I just want the same thing I want for all my children-for you to be happy. Whatever that may be."

"We are happy. I know I am," he said. "And I'm sure you're right that there are some young women who think I look handsome tonight. But I don't just want any beautiful woman. I want what you and Papa have-someone I can love with every fiber of my being, who will support me no matter what and who constantly makes me want to be the best person I can be."

They stopped dancing and Regina grabbed his face with her hands, tears filling her eyes. "That's what your father and I want for you too. I know you'll find her when the time's right."

Roland leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Thanks, Mum."

He walked away as Henry started to dance with his sister, smiling at her proudly. Regina decided to head to the side of the dancefloor when Robin caught her gently by the wrist. "May I have this dance, milady?"

"You may," she said, turning to place her hand on his shoulder. He held her hand tighter as he placed his free hand on her waist, leading her in another waltz.

Robin held her close, studying her face as he looked her in the eyes. "Are you happy, Regina?"

"Very much so," she replied honestly. "Are you?"

"Absolutely," he said, kissing her cheek. "I love you and our family so much, it's hard not to be happy."

She smiled. "We've certainly had an amazing love story."

"I would call it epic," he told her, dipping her as he grinned at her. "And it's far from over."

A/N: I know it's been a long time since I've updated this little anthology. Glindalovesshoes asked for an entry for her birthday and though it took me a few months to give her it all, I managed to do it! I hope everyone enjoyed this one!

And happy birthday, Eva!

-Mac