A Diamond Among Men

chapter 18: Awakened.

Back in the cottage, The Enchantress was brewing hot water. Robin was all bandaged up, but his wounds were the least of his worries. The old lady poured the hot water into a cup. Taking a petal from the Enchanted Rose, she placed it in the water. Robin watched as the water began to glow a pinkish hue as the petal dissolved into the water. Once the water returned to its normal clear state, the Enchantress handed it over to Robin. 

"Drink." She ordered. Aware of the others watching him with curiosity, Robin brought the cup to his lips and drank it all. At first, it was scalding hot and bitter. It was hard to swallow, but he forced himself not to spit it out. As he continued to drink it, it gradually cooled and became sweet to taste. Once it was all gone. He felt a strange, buzzing sensation happening to his lips. He looked up to the Enchantress for an explanation, but she only smiled and gestured with her hands to the bed. 

On it was Snow. She still wore the same outfit she wore when he betrayed her and cursed her. Ignoring the pain in his sides, he rose to his feet and walked over to the bed.  Uncertain of what to do, he crouched down and kissed her. Her lips were soft and gentle. He closed his eyes, hoping it would work. 

Then he felt a finger brush his cheek. He fluttered his eyes open to see Snow looking up at him with curious and surprised eyes. He jerked back. 

"It worked." 

"What worked?" Snow asked, sitting up. she glanced around the room. She saw happy, relieved faces covered with scars and bandages, confusing her even more." 

"What's going on? What happened?" Robin chuckled and took her hand. 

"I'll tell you, but I am so glad you are back." He said lovingly, pulling her into an embrace. Even though he knew that She had no idea of what was going on, and the last thing she remembered was him cursing her, Robin could not think of a better time when he was happy. 

Later after lunch, they informed her of what happened while she was "asleep." For the most part, Snow was annoyed that they killed the queen without her. But she was happy that they achieved their goal. 

Finally, the sun was setting and it was time for them to go and leave Snow to recover. 

Before Robin stepped out he turned to Snow. 

"I -I would like to apologize." He said, holding her hand. His cheeks reddened. "If I had just trusted you, none of this would have happened." He said, hanging his head. Snow cupped his face. 

'Hey, look at me." He glanced at her brown eyes. The fury they once hold was replaced with warmth. "I may have not liked being cursed, but I understand now. It would hurt me if I ever lost you." 

"But I promise to respect your decisions." He said. She smiled, warming his heart. "I know you will. You know why?" 

"Why," He said teasingly, drawing closer until they were inches apart. She leaned forward and whispered in his ear. "Because I'm your queen, and I will always be." She said. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. He could hear their hearts beating in sync. Just holding her in his arms, feeling her hair detangle at his fingers, and their hearts beating, Robin didn't want this moment to end.