Happily Never After

Chapter 4: Phrygia

Robin, Marian, and the bulk of the Merry Men had set course for Phrygia at dawn just as they had planned.

“Do you have to do this as Robin Hood,” Marian asked?

“Do you think the king of Phrygia will listen to a woman,” Robin inquired?

“Well, not immediately, I suppose,” Marian answered.

“Then I’m doing this as Robin Hood,” Robin stated, pulling the hood up over her head. The Merry Men were welcomed into the palace.

“Presenting his majesty, King Midas,” the lord stewart announced. King Midas presented himself in front of the Merry Men.

“Your majesty, I come to request aid for the people of Locksley,” Robin Hood stated. “The people are taxed unfairly by the Sheriff of Nottingham and Queen Bromwen. I ask you to relieve them of their debts with as much gold as you deem appropriate.”

“I can’t do that,” Midas said. “I no longer have the golden touch.”

“Your majesty, you must have some gold to be spared,” Robin Hood said. “Please, there are children being taken from their families.” Midas was struck with guilt upon hearing this. He knew he’d never get Amalthea back, but if these children could be reunited with their families, he couldn’t just stand by.

“I can send you back with a dozen sacks of gold,” Midas agreed. “That should be sufficient.”

“Your aid is much appreciated, your majesty,” Robin Hood replied. The Merry Men’s carts were filled with gold. “I guess that means we should be making our way back to Locksley.” Robin lowered the hood as soon as they were far enough from the palace.

“Robin,” Marian said.

"Yes, love, what is it,” Robin inquired?

“You’re still Robin Hood,” Marian stated.

“What,” Robin panicked! "No, no, no, that’s not supposed to happen! This can’t be real!”

“Love, calm down,” Marian said. “We’ll figure this out. Just stay in the cart; we can’t have you seen.” They continued back to Locksley, entering the pub just as they had before.

“Robin,” Jack asked.? “You’re still Robin Hood.”

“Not by choice,” Robin responded.

“So that must’ve been what Rumplestiltskin did,” Jack said.

“What do you mean, Jack,” Robin asked. “Did Rumplestiltskin come after you?”

“Not exactly,” Jack explained. “I heard your conversation outside the pub, so I offered to pay off your debt. I went up the beanstalk and brought back treasure along with a gigantic goose that lays golden eggs, but he wasn’t happy with that. He said he wouldn’t take the farm or kill Marian, but he still would do something.”

“So he made it that I can’t revert back from being Robin Hood,” Robin said.

“Hang on,” Marian said. “Rumplestiltskin was threatening to kill me?”

“Yes, he threatened your life the very night we changed course from Camelot to Phrygia,” Robin said.

“Love, I didn’t realize this,” Marian said. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to worry you,” Robin responded. “There was no easy way to tell you your life was at stake.”

“Now what are you going to do about being stuck as Robin Hood,” Jack asked?

“I’ll figure it out,” Robin answered.

“We’ll figure it out,” Marian said. “No more secrets: we do this together.”