The Anti Savior: An Outlaw Queen Tale

Chapter Two: Four Years Ago- Enchanted Forest

Jiminy Cricket, formerly known as Archie Hopper, stood in his human form at the end of a long red carpet in the woods. Robin Hood stood nervously next to him staring at the other end of the carpet. He was waiting anxiously for his beautiful bride to make her grand entrance on this special day. Robin wore a long green cloak that touched the forest ground and his brown boots. He cleaned up nicely, but was still that rugged thief at heart. He looked out among the guests seated on specially made chair built in to the trees. That craftsmanship was all thanks to Geppetto and his son, Pinocchio. Suddenly, the birds began to sing the royal wedding march, something taught to them as a gift to the couple from Snow White and Prince Charming.

Robin clenched his hand to his heart upon seeing his beautiful bride. She was always stunning, but especially so on this day… Their wedding day.  She was a Queen after all and never failed to impress. Regina walked slowly and nervously down the long red carpet toward her handsome groom. She was dressed in a long, ivory dress with a red tint and her hair was down with little red flowers pinned throughout. Her hair grew out in the year since they arrived back in the Enchanted Forest after Pan’s curse on Storybrooke. Storybrooke… Henry… How she wished he could be there to walk her down the aisle on this special day. He was not her father, but what better than a son giving her mother away, especially when he shared the same name as her beloved father.

The pair locked eyes and were unable to look away as if they were under a spell. Here was Regina, often referred to as The Evil Queen, about to marry her true love, Robin Hood, King of Thieves. A match made, not so much in heaven, but somewhere else; a place where evil is reformed and given a second chance. Robin held out his hand and Regina did not hesitate to take it. Her dress flowed so beautifully behind her it was as if magic controlled where it landed. Perhaps that’s exactly what was behind it, but it didn’t matter. The true magic on this day was the joining together of Robin and Regina Hood.

After the ceremony, the guests gathered around a large table filled with food made by Granny and Red. Other guests contributed as well, whether they were forced or not is still uncertain seeing as some of them still didn’t quite care for the Queen (Grumpy, but not to name any names). While the guests ate, Robin stood from his chair and took Regina by the hand, helping her stand next to him. He raised his glass and Regina did the same while he spoke, “On behalf of my beautiful bride and myself, I would like to propose a toast to all that have attended and contributed to this special day. You are all very much appreciated and loved by us both.” Regina coughed a bit under her breath knowing that she was still hated by many in the crowd, but she smiled through it and drank to her ‘friends’ to support her husband.

The guests got back to eating and celebrating, paying no mind to the couple. Robin took Regina by the hand and led her away from the celebration. “Where are we going?” She giggled as she followed closely behind him. He did not answer, but occasionally stopped to kiss her. Regina was glowing. This was her happy ending. The only thing missing was Henry…

They arrived at a small opening in the forest overlooking the castle by the water. It was a beautiful sight to behold. The castle; Regina’s home before the curse and the forest. A place she wished to go but was unable to enter since the Wicked Witch took over the Enchanted Forest. Robin could tell that the sight of the castle made her happy, but also nostalgic and homesick. He held her close and whispered, “One day we will get the castle back and rule the kingdom together, but for now we shall enjoy the time we have together.”

Regina looked up into his eyes and was immediately comforted by his loving gaze. He was right. One day they would storm the castle together and beat the Wicked Witch. They would beat all odds against them for they were finally together as one: Mr. and Mrs. Hood. Robin turned Regina to face a tree and pointed up, “This is our home. A special gift from me to my breathtaking wife.” It was a tree with a built in room. It even had a door that could keep out unwanted visitors or simply keep them inside when they wanted to ‘play’ together. It had a small opening facing the castle so Regina could look at it whenever she wanted. It was absolutely beautiful and such a thoughtful gift from her husband. The only way she knew how to thank him was to kiss him passionately and that was exactly what she did.

Robin took Regina into his arms and carried her into their ‘bedroom’ within the tree. He gently placed her on the bed and lay on top of her, their lips never separating. She pulled away quickly which caught Robin by surprise. “Won’t Roland be back soon?” She said leaning up on her elbows. Robin smiled and leaned down to kiss her neck. Through these small kisses he whispered, “He’s spending the night with Granny. So we have all night to do anything, but sleep.” This made Regina smile brightly as she kicked the door of the bedroom closed, began to remove his cloak, and kissed the rugged thief who stole her heart.