Fire and Gold

All Rise

Coming home was a comfort to Regina. She was sick of hospital foods and ready to sleep in her own bed. Henry had been super worried about his mother's recovery and helped her with everything that she would allow. The brunette stepped through the door and breathed in the scent of her home, apples, and coffee. An odd combo but one she had grown familiar with and had always loved.

Robin guided her to the couch much to her dismay. She knew his intentions were good but she still valued her independence, and to be quite frank, she loved not having to rely on other humans. Robin brought her cocoa and she sat back and scrolled through her social media. It was an easy escape from reality that much was for sure.

She couldn't help but worry about what was going to happen to Leopold. Not that she should care if he were incarcerated or not, she was just terrified of him getting out and harming her, or worse, her son. She looked at Henry and couldn't imagine the thought of someone hurting him. She shook her head and sipped her cocoa.

"Are you alright dear?" Robin asked softly. His voice was soothing and brought her back from her thoughts and she nodded "just worried." He nodded and pulled her into a hug. He was gentle with her worried of squeezing too tight and afraid of harming her. He kissed her temple and she closed her eyes and snuggled closer to him relishing in the feeling of being loved.

Henry smiled watching his mother, happy she had found someone to be there for her. He went up to his room and played his game.

xxxx Court xxxx

"All rise" the security guard motioned and everyone stood when the judge made her way into her seat. File in hand she did a quick once over the page to become familiar with the case.

Once everyone was seated Regina's nerves seemed to get the best of her. She held onto Robin's hand with enough force to break it.

Her lawyer Casey Novak started with her opening argument. "Your honor, I could stand before you and recount all the malicious things this man has done to his own wife, but to be blunt, it would take all day and we don't have that kind of time. So I'll be quick. Leopold Blanchard (I don't know his last name) married an underage bride. At the time there was no crime, but what followed is one of the sickest stories I've heard in all my years working sex crimes. Not only did he rape his wife. He tortured her for years and painted a whole room with her blood. Floor to ceiling. Today he's being charged with kidnapping, assault and battery, attempted murder, and rape, but if you ask me that's not enough. He scarred a woman for life, and for that, he should be put away for life."

Leopold rolled his eyes "you can't rape your wife." He glared at Casey and the judge banged her gavel "control your client!" She yelled at the defense attorney. Though she didn't much care for Regina, after reading the file she couldn't much blame the woman.

Leopold's attorney stood. "You're honor, my client was born in a different era, a different realm. He didn't know what he was doing. All his life he was told he could do whatever he wanted and was never taught the difference between right and wrong. He grew up in an age where your wife was your property and to be good to his people, he thought he needed to take it out on his wife. He doesn't need to be put away. He needs anger management and therapy. Find it in your heart not to convict our king." He stated.

The judge pondered over both statements.

"Will the defendant rise." She stated. Leopold stood up the chains around his ankles loudly banging against one another. He faced the judge.

"I'm going to take this to trial in three weeks. Until then you're in contempt of court." She stated and they took Leopold to lock up.

Regina was unaware of how badly she was shaking. She knew exactly what trial meant. Everything she'd ever done was now going to be exploited and documented in a court of law in front of everyone. She couldn't be more terrified.

Robin helped her stand and wrapped an arm around her. He pulled her out of the court room and got her some water.

"Regina it's going to be okay." He soothed as he rubbed her shoulders and she shook her head "everyone's going to know." She whispered softly "about what?" He asked confused and she looked at him terrified "the book."

I'm so sorry it took forever to update. School took all the creativity from me, but I'm proud to say I graduated and I can hopefully update more and finish stories. Please pray for me. 😅 hope you enjoyed the long awaited update.