The Nanny

The Press Conference

Warning: Mentions of Regina's rape.

There weren't many people in the courtroom. Most, including Mary Margaret, were no doubt down the hall where both Gold and Leopold were to answer the charges of embezzlement. It left only two rows of people to support Regina. Robin sat in the front row next to Emma, Killian and Will, staring at the wooden door Regina was soon to walk through. Arthur Pendragon would petition the court to drop the charges, the judge would grant it and she would be a free woman—according to John's rundown of what was supposed to happen.

It was almost over.

And not a moment too soon.

Robin's nerves were still on edge. Anything could go wrong before Regina was exonerated and he wasn't going to relax until they were back home in Nottingham. Then he was going to hold her close and celebrate with her.

The door opened and his heart jumped into his throat as Regina entered. She wore a black sheath dress with a matching blazer, her growing baby bump just discernable to his eyes. Her heels clicked against the marble as she took her place at the defendant's table, John by her side.

"Docket number one-six-eight-seven-four-W-C-O, the People v Regina Angelica Mills, sole charge embezzlement," the clerk said, placing the clipboard down in front of the judge. It was not the same judge who had arraigned her and he took some time to review the case.

The judge glanced up at ADA Pendragon. "And what business do you have with the court over this matter today, Counselor?"

"The state is petitioning the court to drop the charges against Miss Mills. New evidence has come to light and others are being charged instead," Arthur said, though it sounded like it pained him. Robin figured it probably did, even if the man knew how wronged Regina was. She was still a big fish swimming away from him.

"Everything has been submitted and is there before Your Honor," the clerk explained, the court stenographer typing away.

Robin held his breath as the judge looked over the paperwork, nodding every so often. He set the folder down and sat up straighter. "Well, I'm satisfied. The charges against Miss Mills are dismissed and she is released with the court's apologies."

"Thank you, Your Honor," Regina said, echoing the thought in Robin's head. She hugged John before stepping past the bar. Robin stood and she threw her arms around him, holding him close. "It's almost over."

Emma then stepped forward, hugging Regina after Robin let her go. "I'm so proud of you," she said.

Relieved, Robin turned to John and held out his hand to his friend. "Thank you for all your help."

"Regina did most of the work," John insisted, shaking Robin's hand. "But I was glad to put it all together to help her get the truth out there."

"Now we just have to get through the press conference," Regina said, leaning against Robin. He held her close as she sighed.

John reached out and squeezed her arm. "Do you need a few minutes? They really can't start without us."

Robin glanced down at her, smiling. "Take your time, lovely. Relish this moment for now."

"I've relished it," she assured him. "Now I want to face the press and then go home. So let's go."

He took her hand and gave it a squeeze, proud of her strength and once again amazed that he was privileged to love her. "Then let's go."