The Bombshell

Part 44: Robin's Pov

   My wedding day was tomorrow and I still couldn't quite give up the chance to take from The Queen that which rightfully belongs to the poor. And I did so rather successfully might I add; The Queen's carriage continuing on to it's destination without a clue. I however, had noticed that someone was following me, and had been since I re-entered the cover of the trees. I had no idea who it was, but they weren't doing a very good job.

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   "I know you're there, so you might as well show yourself." It wasn't until the woman appeared from behind a nearby oak that I realised who she was; not that she needed any introduction. I recognised her from the wanted posters that littered the forest alongside my own.

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   "Robin Hood, I knew you'd be here." She knew; of course she did. Me and her; we actually think alike. The fact that she came here specifically for me meant that she wanted to see me. "I saw what you did back there. Impressive!" Regina was pretty impressive herself; not that The Evil Queen would agree, but who cares what she thinks anyway.

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   "Regina. I should have known it was you." The scowl she gave me seemed to burn a hole in my mind. It was so much fun to irritate her. The two of us had a history; a sort of friendly competition trying to beat one another. "What do you want? Trying to steal the goods, are we?" I joked. She stared at me; unimpressed. I knew that look well, having seen it many times before. "Look, I heard about your little run in with the queen this morning. You need the money, don't you?" Regina hated it when I was right, and especially when I was right about her.

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   "I do need the money, but that can wait." She looked concerned about something. "Right now, I need you to come with me." What? Why would I willingly go anywhere with her? The competition was fun, but I couldn't quite bring myself to trust her. Not yet.

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   "And why would I do that?" I responded as Regina edged towards me. She wasn't looking right at me, but I could tell she wanted to.

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   "I just... I really need you to meet someone." I didn't think there was any way for that to sound any shadier. I felt like maybe she was leading me into a trap.

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   "Even if I did trust you, which I don't, I can't come with you." Regina was clearly puzzled. "I'm getting married tomorrow. This was it for me; my last score. I'm sorry." She seemed hurt.

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   "You can't be getting married! That's not supposed to happen!" This meltdown of hers was making her appear crazier than usual and not making me want to go with her. Honestly, I felt sorry for her. She had been through so much - everyone knew her story - and maybe it was all starting to get to her.