Work Text:
A Royal Announcement
She felt it before she experienced a single symptom.
About a month after her wedding and coronation, Regina felt a flutter deep inside her as she sat at her vanity one night. She paused as she brushed her hair, frowning. Regina remained sitting as still as possible, waiting to see if she felt it again. If not, then she would just brush it off as an odd occurrence but nothing to really pay attention to.
But if it did…
She lowered her hand to her stomach and waited. A few seconds later, she felt the flutter again and gasped. Her magic was detecting something growing inside her. Tears pricked her eyes as she knew exactly what it was.
Robin's seed had finally taken root.
They were going to have a child together at last.
Joy filled her as she let her brush fall back to her vanity. She smiled at her reflection, trying to see if there was any noticeable difference now that she was carrying Robin's child. Regina didn't see any changes but their baby was just a flutter deep inside her, so she hadn't been pregnant for long. There would be noticeable changes just yet as the babe grew under her heart.
Regina stood and walked around the bedroom, her hand pressed to her stomach as if she could already cradle a bump. She and Robin had talked about children shortly after they had gotten together, both in agreement about wanting to become parents. Regina had confessed she had been scared to turn into her mother and he had admitted his own fear to act like his stepfather. But whenever he was around children, Robin absolutely lit up and he loved playing with them as well as teaching them new things. Regina would sit back and watch him with them, knowing that fatherhood would just come naturally to them. He would never be like his stepfather.
As her magic sent another flutter through her, Regina's old fear returned. Her mother had been a poor example and she had failed as a stepmother. Maybe she was only meant to care for children from afar and was not meant to be a mother, no matter how many times Robin insisted she was.
Dropping her hands from her stomach, Regina stepped out onto the balcony and into the warm night air. There was a soft breeze off the lake surrounding the palace and it toyed with Regina's curls as she looked out over the dark forest. Somewhere inside its vast expanse, Snow White was hiding and plotting her next move. No one had yet found her and Regina knew they would likely never find her until she wanted to be found. Regina worried about the darkness growing in her stepdaughter's heart, a darkness she was too familiar with herself. She had pushed Snow down this path, just as her mother had pushed her down it, and she hoped she could rescue Snow before it was too late.
Thinking about Snow and the child growing inside sparked the concerns she tried to keep buried whenever she thought about parenthood. What if she also pushed her child down the same dark path? Was she doomed to always make the same mistake?
"Regina?"
She looked over as Robin stepped up next to her. Like her, he was also dressed for bed - a loose white shirt and plain brown breeches. He lay his hand over hers, giving her a gentle smile. "Thinking of Snow again?"
"Yes," she said, deciding to keep the baby to herself for now. She wanted to wait a few more weeks to ensure that flutter didn't disappear on her.
Regina looked back out at the forest. "I wish we could find her. All I want to do is save her from the darkness but I know it's too late to be the mother figure I should've been to her all along."
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against him as he kissed the side of his head. "You were thrust into an impossible situation when you were forced to marry the king," he reminded her.
"I know," she said softly. "But I still failed her."
"Many people failed her," he told her. "From what I understand, Snow was overindulged as a child and too sheltered. And it should not have fallen just to you to prepare her to be queen. That was ultimately her father's job and he failed. You do not bear this burden alone."
She turned to face him, playing with the loose strings hanging from the neck of his shirt. "I feel like I do," she admitted.
He rubbed her back. "I know. But Snow had a choice to make. She could've accepted our offer of help. She didn't. And now only she can control what happens next."
"I still feel like there's something I should be doing," Regina replied, knowing how she couldn't fix the situation with a wave of her hand but wishing she knew what words she could say to stop Snow from falling prey to the darkness.
Robin nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I know, Regina, I know. All you can do, though, is do your best as queen and be patient. I believe Snow will come around and come back."
"How can you believe that?" she asked, wishing she had the same amount of optimism he had.
"Because you did," he replied, smiling softly as he gently gripped her chin. He then lowered his head, giving her a soft and sweet kiss.
She pulled back, smiling. "How do you always know what to say and do to make me feel better?"
"It's a gift," he replied, taking her hand. "Come on. Let's go to bed."
They returned inside and he closed the doors behind them. Regina climbed into their bed as he blew out all the candles. She got under the blankets and he climbed under shortly after that. They laid down and he wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. "Good night," he said.
"Good night," she replied, closing her eyes. Even though they now shared a bed that could also fit about four or five people, they slept right next to each other as if they were still sharing Robin's furs in their tent. Regina felt secure and comforted feeling him right next to her. And when she needed to, she could just roll over and listen to his heartbeat.
She did that now, letting its steady rhythm lull her into a deep sleep. Her dreams were filled with images of the child she now carried and would hopefully bear in several months' time, making her smile in her sleep.
Regina couldn't wait to meet her future son or daughter.
She first experienced her first signs of pregnancy sickness a couple weeks later during a meeting with her advisors. Regina had been presenting her plan to repair Mist Haven's relationships with their neighboring kingdoms and restore their trade routes when her stomach had turned. She stopped talking, knowing her breakfast was about to come back up and she took a deep breath, though it only delayed the inevitable.
"Regina, are you alright?" Robin asked, sounding concerned.
"Excuse me," she said, quickly rushing from the room. She barely heard Robin calling after her - all Regina wanted to do was leave the room before she was sick all over the floor. Regina only took a few steps out into the gardens before being sick in a nearby bush.
Someone brushed her hair back as she heaved a few more times. Not long after, strong but gentle hands gripped her. "I've got you, Regina," Robin assured her. "You're alright."
"Shall I fetch the physician?" Marian asked, sounding concerned.
"No," Regina said, gasping as her body recovered. "We do not need the physician."
Robin frowned as he helped her stand up straighter. "Regina, you were just terribly sick. I would feel better if you at least had Tuck look you over."
"Alright," she replied, knowing it was a good compromise. "I agree to Tuck."
"I'll go get him," Marian offered. "Shall we meet you in your rooms?"
Robin nodded before scooping Regina up into his arms. She let out a surprise gasp, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I can walk," she protested.
"I'm not taking any chances," he said. "So you're just going to have to let me carry you,."
She sighed, knowing she wasn't going to win this battle. Regina leaned against him, wondering how he was going to treat her once she told him what was truly happening to her. If he was like this just because she was sick, she can't imagine how he would be knowing their child was growing inside her.
But she knew she would find out soon.
They arrived at their room and Robin placed her on their bed. "Now, we wait for Tuck," he said.
She took his hand. "Before he comes, there's something I have to tell you."
"What is it?" he asked, panic filling his eyes as he sat down next to her. "Is something truly wrong?"
Regina shook her head as she smiled, moving closer to him. "I wanted to have this moment just for us. I'm with child."
"You're…?" Robin's voice trailed off as relief and then joy filled his eyes. His face lit up and he beamed at her. "Are you certain?"
She nodded, feeling the flutter deep inside her again. It had become a constant presence in her life now and it soothed her, reminding her that their son or daughter was still growing inside her. "My magic detected the babe a few weeks ago. I wanted to wait to be certain and today's sickness confirmed it," she said.
He let out a cry of happiness, sweeping her up from the bed and into his arms. She laughed as Robin swung her around a few times, loudly declaring: "We're going to be parents!"
"We are," she replied, holding onto him tightly even after he put her down. "I still can't believe it."
"You said you've known for a few weeks," he said, cupping her face. "Does that mean you conceived…?"
Regina grinned, having done some math herself since she first felt the flutter inside her. "On our wedding night? Yes, I believe I did."
He bit his lip before kissing her forehead. "Well, we certainly did a lot of celebrating that night, I guess it's no surprise."
"That's one way to put it," she teased him, leaning against him. "But it's finally happening, Robin. We're going to be parents."
The door opened and she pulled away from Robin, watching as Tuck entered the room with Marian in tow. He looked Regina over before motioning to the bed. "Marian said you were sick at the meeting just now," he said.
"Yes," she replied, sitting down on the bed with Robin. "And what I am about to tell you doesn't leave this room. Not yet."
"Alright," Tuck replied warily as Marian frowned behind him.
Robin took Regina's hand as she said: "I am with child."
Tuck's worry melted away and he smiled as Marian's eyes went wide. He then helped Regina up and hugged her. "Congratulations. You two are going to be amazing parents," he told her.
"Thank you," she said, hugging him tightly. He then released her to go over to Robin, clapping him on the back.
Marian then pulled Regina into her arms, hugging her as well. "I am so happy for you. I know how long you've wanted a child and I am overjoyed you are finally going to be a mother," she said.
"So am I," Regina replied, "though I am a little scared."
"Understandable," Tuck assured her. "All parents are nervous. And if they say otherwise, they are lying."
Robin chuckled, wrapping his arm around Regina and holding her close. "Well, it's good to know we are in good company and aren't the only ones who are scared to become parents."
She leaned against him as she looked between Tuck and Marian. "We know you'll keep this to yourselves until we're ready to announce it."
"Of course," Marian assured her. "Are you going to tell anyone else?"
"I imagine we're going to tell Henry he's going to be a grandfather," Robin said, squeezing Regina's shoulder. He gazed down at her, smiling softly. "Right?"
She nodded. "I don't want him worrying if I get sick again."
"When," Tuck corrected. "How far along are you?"
"I believe about seven weeks," Regina replied, pressing her hand to her stomach. "Why?"
He nodded, looking thoughtful. "Then you will be due in the spring. And you are heading for the worst of your symptoms."
She groaned, not looking forward to more sickness. "Wonderful."
"And are you telling any other Merry Men?" Tuck asked. "Or anyone else at court?"
"I think we're going to tell Little John and Will right now," Robin said. "Anyone else, we'll decide as needed."
Regina nodded in agreement. She then reached out and took Marian's hand. "We'll let you know who you can talk to about the baby and who doesn't know yet."
Marian squeezed her hand. "Thank you. That'll make things easier."
"Well, let me look you over," Tuck said, "but you are probably going to have to tell a midwife soon as well."
"I don't know a midwife," Regina replied, frowning. "Can you find one for me?"
He nodded. "I know a few. I'll interview them and find the one I think will be best for you."
Relief swept through Regina as she trusted Tuck's judgment. She thanked him and he nodded. He and Marian then took their leave after he examined Regina, deciding to give the happy couple some time to celebrate their unborn child.
"So," Robin said, closing the door behind their friends. He then turned to her. "Is the baby the reason you've been thinking about Snow White so much lately?"
"Yes," she replied, knowing that there was no point in lying. Her husband knew her too well. "I just worry that I'm going to screw up this child the way Mother screwed me up and I then screwed up Snow White."
He shook his head, gently gripping her arms. "You are not going to be anything like your mother."
"How can you be so certain?" she asked, letting her vulnerability shine through. It was only Robin and she trusted him with her very heart.
- He released one of her arms and gripped her chin. "Because I know you. And you have one of the biggest hearts I have ever known."
She smiled. "Second only to yours."
"I'd argue that yours is even bigger than mine," he replied.
"Agree to disagree," she told him, leaning closer to kiss the end of his nose. She then turned somber as she said: "I'm certain Snow would disagree completely."
He nodded. "I'm certain she would but I believe deep down, she would know it was the truth. Because she would remember the woman who saved her from that runaway horse."
Regina thought back to that day, the day that changed everything for her with some sadness. She sighed as she said: "That feels like another lifetime ago."
"It was," he agreed. "And you've changed and grown into an even more loving and amazing woman."
"Even if I took a detour down a rather dark path?" she asked him, feeling her old insecurities starting to rise to the surface again.
He nodded. "Your time as the Evil Queen also served to turn you into the woman you are now and will make you a great mother."
"You truly think so?" she asked, surprised. She didn't think anything she had learned to become the Evil Queen would be useful as a mother.
"I do," he replied. "The Evil Queen taught you how to find your inner strength and fight for what you want, even if you didn't necessarily do that in the right way."
She paused, considering his words before saying: "I never thought about it that way before."
He smiled. "You are living proof that people can change. You found the strength to put aside your anger and give up your desire for vengeance. You found other places to put your energy and found your true path to happiness. Our child is fortunate to have such a role model of strength and perseverance."
"And a role model of generosity, selflessness and leadership in their father," she replied, leaning closer to him.
"I would say that you're a role model of that too," he said, cupping her cheek.
She pressed her cheek against his palm as she recalled how he had inspired her to give up her quest for vengeance. He certainly was also a role model of how someone could change their life if they wanted to and she chuckled. "I hope we don't set the bar too high for our child. We might be a little too much to live up to," she said.
He laughed. "Robin Hood and the Good Queen. Yes, I suppose we are. So we'll just have to assure our child that they can forge their own path and we will support their journey."
"Agreed," she replied. "And we will be proud of whoever they are."
"Then I think we're off to a very good start as parents," he said, leaning down to kiss her. She rose up on his tiptoes, eagerly returning it.
He broke the kiss, pulling back to smile at her. "So shall we go tell Henry that he's going to become a grandfather or do you want to wait a bit longer?"
Giddy, she took his hand. "I want to tell him now. He's going to be so happy."
"Then let's go find him," Robin said, leading her to the door. He paused for a moment, kissing her hand. "I love you."
She smiled at him. "I love you too."
He then opened the door and they left the room, eager to go find her father and share the good news with him.
For the next few weeks, Regina did her best to hide the symptoms of her pregnancy. Those who knew - Tuck, Marian, Robin, Daddy, Will and John - did their best to help cover it as well. Meetings were rescheduled to the afternoon, meals were changed at the last minute when Regina discovered another food her child did not like, and they were always willing to step in when she was too tired to continue with her duties.
She never felt more grateful to call them her family and tried to show how much she appreciated all their help.
As she left her first trimester and entered her second, the sickness started to melt away and she felt like she had more energy. She also found herself even more attracted to her husband and they often found ways to sneak off for some quality time together. Robin seemed particularly fond of this symptom of pregnancy, always willing to help her with it.
Over the weeks, the flutter deep inside Regina became stronger as she felt the life inside her grow. Her magic tracked her child's development in her womb and she could tell when something new happened with her baby, sensing as they developed arms and legs then their fingers and toes. It amazed her and sometimes she laid awake at night, just sensing her child inside her. There were times she loved that it was something only she shared with the baby and there were other times when she wished she could help Robin experience it as well.
Summer gave way to autumn and leaves began to fall as a cold wind blew through Mist Haven and the Enchanted Forest around it. Harvests were brought in and the people prepared for the cold, barren winter months ahead. At court, wardrobes were cleared of the more lightweight garments donned for summer and replaced with the heavier garments worn for winter. Regina and Robin had been measured in the summer so the palace tailors and seamstresses could work on their winter wardrobes. As autumn's chill filled the air, their warmer garments were delivered and Regina donned one of the new dresses. It was already tight in her bodice, telling her that her child was starting to change her body in more noticeable ways. Her servant did not seem fazed by it, no doubt already having figured out that the Queen was pregnant because the maids knew everything, and just said she would have a seamstress let out the Queen's dresses.
"Do I look different to you?" Regina asked Robin as they undressed for the night.
"You look more beautiful every day," he replied, kissing her cheek. "And you are starting to glow."
She turned her head to look him in the eyes. "Glow?"
He nodded. "There's just something about pregnancy that makes expectant mothers glow and you are no different."
"I've never glowed before," she said, looking back at herself in the mirror. She didn't see any glow. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely," he said, wrapping his arms around her. "It comes from inside you and radiates from you, through your skin, in your eyes and in your smile. You are just so very, very happy and content and we can all tell."
She reached up, pulling his head down so she could kiss him. He responded eagerly, his hand moving down toward her stomach. Robin placed his hand there and she felt its warmth through her nightgown. She hummed against his lips, finding that he was right - she was very, very happy and content.
He broke the kiss, pulling back with a frown. Regina tilted her head. "What's wrong?"
"It's just…" He moved his hand a bit before saying: "I think you have a bump."
"A bump?" she asked, concerned. "Like I'm injured?"
Robin laughed, shaking her head. "No. Like you're growing a baby."
His words sunk in and joy surged through her. She started to pull up her nightgown. "I'm starting to show?"
"Yes," he said, helping her lift her nightgown to reveal her stomach. "Turn to your side. We'll be able to see it better."
She did as he said and looked at her reflection. While it was still small, there was a definite curve to her abdomen that she hadn't noticed before. Regina let out a little laugh. "I'm showing!"
Robin knelt in front of her, smiling. He leaned closer to her stomach and said: "Hello there. Mama and I are very excited to meet you soon. But for now, you stay there and get nice and big so you can be ready to join us out here."
"I hate to ruin such a sweet moment but seeing you on your knees in front of me has my mind going to a different place," she said, feeling the familiar desire for her husband.
He smirked, lust filling his eyes. "Is that so? Well, then I think I should oblige my queen."
Regina pulled off her nightgown as Robin stood, scooping her into his arms. He carried her to bed and with a wave of her hand, the room was plunged into darkness as his lips found just the right spot on her neck.
It was certainly going to be a very good night.
As the winter solstice approached and the kingdom readied to celebrate Yule, Regina knew it was time to finally announce her pregnancy. The child inside her, which her magic told her was a girl, continued to grow and it was getting harder to hide the changes to her body. People were starting to whisper and speculate that their queen was with child. So with the entire court expected to gather for Yule and with the palace gates to be opened to the public one last time before closing for the winter, Regina knew it was the right time for her to confirm that the rumors were true and Robin supported her decision.
The royal couple decided to host a Yule Ball for all their subjects, regardless of class. People began to stream in starting in the morning, everyone ready for what promised to be a grand festivity. Regina watched them from the balcony by her study, smiling at how happy her people were. As the Evil Queen, she had kept her gates and doors locked against the people, certain they would only want to kill her. Now, as their Good Queen, she enjoyed spending time with them.
Robin was right. She really wasn't the woman she had been as Snow's stepmother. Perhaps she would be a good mother after all.
As the sun began to set, servants helped Robin and Regina dress for the celebration. Robin smoothed down the brown fur vest draped over his gold coat, which was paired with dark brown pants and black boots. "How do I look?" he asked.
"Very handsome," she replied, resting her hand on the silken shirt he wore under his coat as she smiled at him. "Every inch the prince you've always been."
He bit his lip as he smiled at her, crinkles forming around his shining blue eyes. "You flatter me, my queen."
"I only speak the truth," Regina replied. She then stepped back, holding out her arms. "How do I look?"
She had chosen a dress made of two red satin brocades. Her bodice was embroidered with elaborate floral patterns and decorated with tiny pearls while the skirt was more solid with darker florals embroidered into it. The seamstress had made the waistline high, almost right under her breasts so that the skirt draped over her growing stomach while highlighting the changes in her body. All she had to do was hold the skirt down and everyone would be able to see that she was with child.
"You look beautiful," he said, looking right into her eyes.
Regina rolled her eyes. "You didn't even look at the dress."
"I don't have to," he said, but his eyes raked her over. He nodded. "Just as I said. You look beautiful."
He then held out his arm to her. "Shall we, milady?"
She paused, though, glancing up at his head. "What about your crown?"
"You know I don't really like wearing it," he told her, shaking his head. "Besides, the last time I wore it, people kept calling me 'king' and ignoring you. So I think it's best if you wear the crown and I just stand adoringly by your side."
Regina took his hand. "You know you're more than my consort."
He smiled, cupping her cheek. "I know. But that's the title I'm happy to have so you can get the respect and recognition you deserve.
"Besides," he continued, grinning cheekily now. "You know I'm not one for all this pomp and circumstance. The fact I'm in such fancy clothes alone should be enough."
She laughed, nodding. "Alright. But I think I'll eventually get you to wear it. Mark my words."
"They are marked," he replied, holding out his arm again. "Milady?"
Regina took his arm and they left their bedroom, heading down to the Great Hall. Butterflies took off in her stomach as they grew closer to the gathering of her people. She was about to share her secret with the kingdom and she hoped it was received well.
"Don't worry," Robin whispered to her. "Everyone will be happy. Births of royal children are always cause for celebrations. If nothing else, they will be happy for a day off and a festival."
Trumpets heralded their arrival as the doors to the Great Hall opened. Several long tables had been set up and every space was filled with people. Everyone mixed and Regina could see the muted colors of peasant linens mixed in with the richer colors of the nobility's finery. For this one day, it seemed no one cared about classes and were just all people celebrating a holiday together. It warmed Regina's heart as Robin escorted her down one of the aisles created by the table placement to the dais.
When they reached their thrones, Robin took his seat while Regina remained standing. She could feel his loving gaze on her as she smiled, looking out at their subjects. "Prince Robin and I thank you for coming and are honored you are celebrating Yule with us," she said. "We know this has been a turbulent year and we are glad we can all gather to celebrate like this."
She paused as a cheer rose up from the people, especially those in the back where those without titles were assembled. Regina smiled, waiting for them to quiet down before continuing. "As we end this year, we look back on the journey it has been and are grateful for all your support when you crowned us your rulers. We hope we have guided Mist Haven to a better position than what we inherited."
Another cheer rose up but Regina barely heard it, the look of betrayal and hatred in Snow White's eyes still haunting her. She felt someone squeeze her hand and she looked down, finding Robin smiling reassuringly at her. Regina returned it and took a deep breath as she pushed the image down. He was right - Snow's only decisions had led to her downfall and all Regina could do was put the pieces back together as best as she could.
"Before we all enjoy the feast, there is one important announcement I would like to make," she said, pushing those darker thoughts aside as she focused on her good news. "As we look back on the year that was, we also look forward to the year that will be. It is a time for new beginnings and as life will return in the spring, I am pleased to announce that there will be a new life joining us during that season of birth."
She pressed down her skirts and cupped her swollen stomach. "Prince Robin and I are happy to announce that we are expecting our first child this spring."
There was a moment before the Great Hall erupted in cheers and applause. Regina's nerves eased and she sat down with a big smile. Joy spread through her and tears pricked her eyes. Her second time as queen certainly was different than her first. She had a husband who she loved and who loved her, one who wouldn't dream of hurting her. Regina also held the love and respect of her people, all who now cheered when they saw her rather than shrank back in fear and who now celebrated her impending motherhood.
John then stood from one of the tables, hoisting a tankard in his hand. "A toast to Queen Regina, Prince Robin and their child. Cheers!"
"Cheers!" everyone chorused, raising their own tankards or cups in salute to the royal family. They all took sips as Robin kissed Regina's hand.
He flashed her a smile before waving his hand, looking out at their guests. "Enjoy the feast!"
Servants entered the room, placing down dish after dish of food for the people to enjoy. Robin stood and helped Regina up. They stepped down from the dais to join the other Merry Men at their table. As they passed other guests, people called out their congratulations and well wishes for them and their unborn child. Each comment made Regina's heart feel lighter and she felt overjoyed as she sat with her family to enjoy Yule.
It amazed her how things changed in the course of just one year. When she last celebrated Yule, she and her father were still living in the forest with Robin and the Merry Men. She had still been wary about getting married again though considered Robin her husband in her heart. And being parents was still just a dream for them. Back then, Regina would never have imagined she would celebrate Yule as a queen and a wife once more, though this time crowned by the people and married to the man she loved. And now, they were going to have a child together. It all gave her hope that maybe come the next Yule, she would not only be celebrating with her son or daughter but also with Snow White.
After all, anything could happen.