When betrothal goes wrong.

Part 1

I do not own Robin Hood

8/5/09

I wasn't very old and one thing I thought about the man my father wanted me to marry, was that he was old. I'd heard many stories about Nottingham and it's Sheriff, Vasey, my intended. Resistance was pointless. I'm a woman, I know my place. Beneath men in more ways than one. My father always thought me good and obedient, that wasn't quite the case, I just didn't see the point in arguing. I remember he, Lord Hunter took me to Nottingham. My misfortune became clear when I first met The Sheriff. The idea of waking up next to that man until he died was quite revolting. Nevertheless I accepted my lot and got out of the carriage, after that I was escorted towards him, I curtsied low and respectfully. I felt his finger under my chin and stood up straight, with my head up and looked at him deeply. He grinned. I knew that he was impressed with what he saw. He welcomed my father and I into the castle, followed by a dark haired stranger.

"A Gisborne! Almost late, this is Lord Hunter and his charming daughter Lady Rose, she is going to be my wife." Announced The Sheriff.

Gisborne bowed at us both slightly, only using his head. For reasons I did not know, my father put his hand on my back and led me away from him, which only increased my interest in the man. I had heard his name before, yet I could not place it. Gisborne, Gisborne, Gisborne, Sir Guy of Gisborne. It occurred to me eventually as I sat silently with my meal infront of me. He was the one who had returned from the Holy Land in disgrace with King Richard, for attempted murder and the murder of Marian, the previous Sheriff's daughter. Rumour had it that he was forced, that she rejected him and the pain had been so much to bare, that he inflicted it upon her, to show her how he felt. A hand upon my own, disturbed my thoughts on Sir Guy of Gisborne. It was The Sheriff's and I had no choice, I could not protest.

"Not to worry Lord Hunter, I'm sure Rose will make a fine bride. Don't you agree?" He asked.

"I shall do my best My Lord." I replied.

"That's what I like, optimism. A beautiful quality, in a beautiful young woman." He added.

I managed to look quite flattered and I was in a way, he didn't hate me, which I found to be a blessing in itself. He kissed my hand and I let him, as my father smiled encouragingly. His chin however was like sandpaper, and I made a point to personally shave him in his sleep when we were married. My father excused himself and left us alone to drink together and eat fruit. After a while though both lots ran out and still he had not returned. The Sheriff stood up and I followed him. We found that my father had gone to sleep on the floor, he'd never quite managed to handle his drink. The Sheriff looked at me and I didn't say anything. To my surprise, he lifted him up himself and took him to a room to sleep it off. He shut the door and I couldn't help but smile at him in thanks. He had surprised me. He looked at me strangely and eyed my lips up. At the last moment I moved my head and then shook it at him. He looked rather disappointed, I smiled at him confidently.

"Not until after we're married My Lord." I said.

"Not even a kiss? I am Sheriff and you do well not to anger me." He said.

"I don't mean to anger you, I mean to save myself totally for my wedding night. I thought it would please you." I said.

He seemed to think for a moment. I was well aware what I was implying, but I was too well brought up to say exactly what I meant. Finally he smirked at me and I continued to smile politely, until my father drunkenly walked out of the room and he had the promise of our marriage in his hand. He ripped it in two and The Sheriff glared at him as I raised an eyebrow.

"To hell with you! You stout cad!" He shouted.

"Father..." I began.

"Stephen..." Warned The Sheriff.

"What are you going to do about it?" He asked.

My father took out a blade and Sir Guy seemed to appear out of nowhere and stopped his attack with ease, something he might not have managed if my father would have been sober. The blade fell to the floor and my father was arrested and yet I didn't find it in my heart to protest, it was his own fault after all and he had freed me from any obligation to marry, besides I was sick of his drinking and had often said it would be the death of him. I had proved myself right and found it a very fitting last thought for my father. Sir Guy then looked at me and then at The Sheriff.

"What about her?" He asked, quite coldly and accusingly.

I remember looking taken-aback at his tone. I did not wish The Sheriff any harm, a few moments ago I had been due to become his dutiful wife. Somehow The Sheriff knew me better.

"She's nothing to do with this, or me for that matter." Replied The Sheriff.

"In that case the only place for me is in London, at his Highness' pleasure." I said.

"No!" Snapped The Sheriff quickly.

Sir Guy looked at him with an amused expression on his face. I was tempted to share his humour. It wasn't that The Sheriff cared for me, he just didn't want Prince John to have what could have been his. The Sheriff smiled forcefully as though deep down, something hurt him, like an itch he was unable to sooth.

"I mean, there is no need for that, Rose, you're quite welcome to stay here as long as you wish as my guest." He added.

I bowed my head to The Sheriff in thanks and he led me to a room, where most of my things were anyway. I was free to be my own person and free to wonder about the legends of the town. The outlaws tale's bored me slightly if truth be told, yet Sir Guy's story was different as there were so many versions of it. I had to some how make it my business to know the real story, what happened to that woman in the Holy Land and what triggered such a violent end? Granted Sir Guy seemed quite dark and mysterious, he had put my father to death for attempted murder but he wasn't evil, not that I could see. I watched him leave on horse-back away from the castle from my window, with questions buzzing through my mind.