This takes place probably three months since returning to the EF. Also this is meant as a companion to chapter 3 of Robin's backstory.

Regina stood on the platform overlooking the main hall. Arrival of nobles was always such a pomp and circumstance affair. As people made their way up the grand staircase to greet her or the Charmings; Regina saw very few familiar faces. Nobles were no longer as easy to come by as they once were.

A week earlier Snow had suggested to Regina that given the rise in flying monkey attacks, it was necessary to do what they did before, invite the noble houses in to speak on the matter and make sure provisions were in place to protect their estates which in return would protect the people on their lands. Regina's eyebrows had shot up, she couldn't help but inquire when did Snow ever preside over such a meeting? The princess reminded her that it was just before Regina's scheduled execution.

In spite of the awkward memory, Regina admitted it wasn't a bad idea. Perhaps some of them could prove helpful in finding weaknesses in her newfound sister's simian army. Robin had coughed then, an irritating habit he found would usually work to his advantage to get the Uncharmings' attention. He let them know that many of the nobles they remembered were long gone and the new crop that had replaced them left something to be desired. For some reason, Regina felt especially irked this common thief thought he knew more about the blue bloods than a queen or a princess. Before Snow or Charming could question Robin on what he meant by that, Regina quickly pushed the noble dinner to be their number one priority and today was the day.

What really surprised Regina was how some of them didn't have the least misgivings in approaching her. She highly doubted they had heard she was no longer the evil queen, but they came more because of what she could do for them and their lands now that she was back. A few were concerned about the wicked witch or more likely the flying monkeys that were wreaking havoc in the area, but if Snow thought these people were going to lift a finger to help anyone but themselves, she was even more delusional than Regina thought possible.

A tall man made his approach, he was decked out in furs even though it wasn't that cold outside. He was very handsome though clearly older, his beard had the salt and pepper look that reminded Regina of established attorneys back in the world where they came, the world of Henry. "Your Majesty," he spoke, bowing down.

Tightening a smile, Regina extended her hand and he took it while keeping his eyes on her. After she nodded her headvin exchange, he stood up and made his introduction. "Earl of Locksley. Sir Robert."

"You're…" Regina almost said the thief's name but stopped herself. Was this his father? He was handsome like Robin, but there wasn't much of a resemblance. "Locksley? Where are your lands?"

"North of here, Your Majesty, he said, taking Regina's questions to mean she was interested in him over the rest of the nobles she had hurried through all evening. "Just south of Sherwood Forest."

Now she knew he was related. Her eyes scanned around but for once Robin was nowhere to be seen. Why did he not mention his family were one of the noble houses? And why in the world did he choose to spend time with bandits and thieves? "So I take it that Robin Hood is whom? Your son?"

The man's face fell, confusing Regina. Then it twisted to anger. Taking a step back, the man sneered. "I'm sorry, my Queen, you are mistaken. I do not have a son." With that, he turned away and it took Regina some seconds to note she had not dismissed him.

After greeting the rest of the nobles, the bell was rung for dinner and Regina's eyes sought out the earl who sat at a table near the Charmings. Sitting down to a meal, her eyes kept scanning and eventually she found Robin in the far corner. He was staring at Sir Robert with an unreadable expression. What was going on? Regina was sure most nobles would be furious if their sons left the estate to make a notorious name for themselves, but ultimately even Regina admitted that Robin did far more good serving as a bandit as he ever could have done as a land owner with a forgettable title.

The evening wore on but Regina's eyes could not leave Robin who also never left the corner. Earlier she had warned the thief to keep a low profile at the dinner, many nobles still saw him as a criminal and they didn't need any extra controversy. His response had been a simple "Trust me, I have no reasons to mingle with that crowd." At the time she thought he meant only to annoy her but now she realized there was hidden meaning under it.

After dinner the Charmings took the initiative to discuss the reason everyone was there: the wicked witch situation. Many nobles pretended they had no idea what they were talking about, and Regina had to resist the urge to mouth "I told you so" to her stepdaughter until she remembered that it would put her in agreement with Robin. The conversation went on for over an hour as Snow had many suggestions on how everyone could do their part which in turn would protect not just their lands but their servants and citizens. A few were interested so Regina was certain the optimistic pair would see it as a success but most barely shrugged. Sir Robert chose to not care.

After dinner when it was evident that there was nothing more to the festivities, the nobles began making arrangements for their carriages to take them away. Everyone leaving this quickly meant a long line was forming. Regina left the dining hall and went to her advisors. Snow was already working with them, she wasn't wasting anytime in regards to whom had offered to help.

"You see, Regina, you said no one would be willing to help but there were a few."

"Just a few," she quipped, managing not to roll her eyes.

Snow shrugged. "It's better than nothing. If we are going to stop your sister, having the help of others is going to come in handy."

Regina nodded, she wasn't interested in talking about Zelena for once. Glancing down at the ground, Regina remembered that Sir Robert had sat at their table. "Did you speak to Sir Robert much during dinner?"

Snow grimaced, forcing Regina's eyebrow to arch. It was unlike the princess to show such utter dislike for anyone. "Yes. I'm afraid so."

"He's that unpleasant?"

"His politics are," Snow said. "Not to mention…well, he had a lot to say about the rest of the nobles. He felt he had been slighted by Lady Shannon at some ball last year and wanted us to make a mockery of her."

Regina thought back, Lady Shannon was one of the few that offered to help so it was safe to say Snow would be siding with her. "That wasn't what I meant. He said his name was Locksley."

Snow's eyes lit up and Regina had to remind herself she vowed never to try to kill the younger woman again. Honestly trying to get a few answers wasn't worth this aggravation. "You just now realized that?"

So Snow knew about the family connection. Regina's curiosity got the better of her. "So he is his father?"

"In name only." Snow turned her head to make sure no one could overhear them. "From the time I spent with Sir Robert tonight, Robin should be thankful he's no longer part of that family."

"So Robert disowned him?" Regina asked, cringing at how interested she sounded. "Because he became a thief."

Snow shook her head. "Regina, if you would talk to Robin instead of arguing, you would know it's the other way around."

What? "His father disowned him first? Then he began stealing? That can't be right."

Snow started to say something but then stopped. "Robin makes no real secret of his past. He doesn't advertise it, but if you asked he would tell you."

"I have no interest in asking him anything!" Regina snapped. The look on Snow's face made it clear she didn't believe her stepmother. Always one to have the last word, Regina stomped away, "Fine, believe what you want, you always do!"

She had headed back to the dining hall. By now it was probably empty which would be a relief. She was used to keeping to herself since returning to the enchanted forest and she needed some alone time.

But before she could walk in she saw Robin was still there. He was standing in the middle of the room, his back to her, facing the east side. He was waiting for someone. Before Regina could make her presence known, Sir Robert entered. "What do you want?"

Knowing she would hate herself later, Regina took a step back into the shadows. Her black dress should keep her well hidden. For now it was working as the two men hadn't noticed her.

Robin looked down at his feet, a gesture of a younger man to an older one who held authority over him. Was it out of respect? Or fear? Sir Robert seemed not to care either way. "If you're just going to stand there-"

"You have a grandson!" Robin snapped quickly, his head jerking up. There was emotion in his voice and though Regina could only see his profile she noted he was overcome. "His name is Roland and he's five years old."

Robert's sneer Regina observed earlier returned and he practically spit at him. "As I told the queen, I have no son and certainly no grandson."

"That's all you can say to me after all these years?"

The older man laughed. "What's there to say? The Locksley castle has no memory of you." He turned to go then paused. "Or that whore of a mother you had."

"You son of a bitch!" Robin took out his bow.

Sir Robert turned back to the archer, seemingly unafraid. "Go ahead. Threaten me! Right here in the royal castle! I could put you under arrest for threatening a noble!"

"You're no noble!" Robin lowered his bow. "All this time, I have replayed my life over and over. How I could have made you love me? Now that I have Roland, it's so clear to me. Since holding him in my arms and seeing his eyes look up at mine, I realize now how wrong I've been. You don't know the meaning of love, if you did, mother's confessions wouldn't have made a damn bit of difference!"

Robert shook his head. "There isn't a man alive that would have wanted to hear his son wasn't his son!"

"Not welcome news but-"

"But nothing!" Robert folded his arms across his chest. "Blood is blood. And that is all that matters."

Robin placed his bow on the table. "No, it doesn't, Father. These last years I've seen some extraordinary signs of human love, you'd be amazed at its depths and lengths."

Robert didn't' say anything at first giving Regina a moment to reflect on what she had heard. Robin was not the biological son of Robert of Locksley and when the truth had come to light, he'd been cast out. How old was he when he found out? Why did his mother confess? Robin had once tried to speak of his mother to her but Regina wouldn't have it. Thinking to Henry, Regina imagined a younger version of Robin as a boy, looking to his father for love but not receiving it.

Robert was not done yet. He took another step forward. "I'm amazed you've managed to remain free all this time and amazed that her majesty hasn't had you thrown in the dungeons." He had turned to leave again.

"She's not like you."

"No, she's just evil." The arrow flew so fast it took even Regina by surprise. Robin's shot held no risk of injuring him but Robert clearly was affronted.

"No, she's not!" Robin flatly uttered.

Robert began shouting. "Guards! Guards! I've been attacked."

Clearly Robert was going to try to have Robin arrested. She couldn't have that. Stepping from the shadows, Regina shocked both men as she herself yelled for the guards. Robin's face at seeing Regina proved he had no idea she had been witness to everything. Regina kept her eyes trained on his father instead, Snow was right, Robin should be thankful he was nothing like this man.

Robert approached Regina, "Your Majesty, did you see what this scoundrel did just now? He tried to kill me! I beseech you to act accordingly, I know your reputation has always been to put criminals in their place."

The guards arrived and Regina was astonished that Robert thought she actually would place Robin under arrest. For a few seconds, Regina contemplated sending Robert to the dungeons, it would be worth it given his vile treatment of his own son. But she realized she had no cause so she did the next best thing, "Guards, have Sir Robert of Locksley thrown off the premises. Don't even wait for his carriage."

"What?" Both men were actually shocked at Regina's orders. "Your Majesty, you can't have me thrown out!"

"I can and will!" Regina sneered back. It felt rather good to see fear and embarrassment in someone who deserved it. "And be thankful I don't have you stripped of your titles and lands."

The guards grabbed Robert's arms and he struggled. Before they took him away, he took one last look at his son and spit at him. Regina's hands lit up a fireball and while Locksley showed little fear in front of his son, he looked scared witless in front of the evil queen. But Robin's arm gently touched her shoulder and she heard him say, "Thank you, but he isn't worth it."

Her eyes finally met the archers and for a brief moment she forgot where she was. He hadn't been this close before. After a beat she regained her composure and the fireball disappeared. "No, he isn't."

As they led the noble away, Regina turned away from Robin. She wasn't sure what just happened but it was necessary to get some distance between them. Before she could go though, Robin's voice came from behind. "Thank you, your Majesty. I don't know how much of that you heard…"

She stopped. She had eavesdropped on a private conversation, a definite overstepping up boundaries. She always was accusing him of doing it to her but the first opportunity presents itself and she herself acts the same way. Turning towards him, she tried to act blasé about the whole thing. "I heard everything but you don't have to worry, I won't bring it up. It's none of my business."

"On the contrary," Robin stepped forward. Regina had to steel herself, she wasn't prepared for how red his eyes were. "It is your business. You know better than anyone how wrong my father is."

"I do?"

He was very close now. She could feel his breath on her face. She should push him away but what did he mean that she understood? "It's what I was trying to say when I found out Henry was your adopted son. You love him as fiercely as any mother could love a child, biological or not."

"No, Robin, that's different. I adopted Henry, I wanted a child so of course I loved him…"

She stopped when he took her hand. "A love that changed you to a better person." He smiled at her and Regina had to remind herself to breathe. "It's those depths and lengths I mentioned to him."

She took back her hand at that. She needed to get away. Tonight had been long and she was tired. Robin too needed to rest. "You need to get back to your son. You're just emotionally exhausted after confronting your f-…that man." She would not say his father. He didn't deserve the title.

She walked away trying to pretend her heart wasn't blasting in her ears or that she could still feel the touch of his hand on hers or feel his breathe on her face.