We were almost at Nottingham castle, my temporary prison lodging until I could move into my new home; if you could even call it a home.

I had been forced into a marriage with Lord Weston, Earl of Cunningham. We were to be married in a month, but it was not nearly enough time for me.

I'd always dreamed of denying my noble blood and falling violently and passionately in love with a man. How I longed to crave that secret and forbidden romance that only he and I explored on the darkest nights.

I let my mind entertain myself with thoughts of a love affair. How would it feel to actually love someone? I knew Lord Weston couldn't possibly be that dark, brooding man I had so longed for in my dreams. At least, not from the way my father had described him.

We hit a ditch in the road and my thoughts jerked back to the present time.

"One mile to Nottingham!" The coach driver yelled.

Those words twisted a knot in my stomach. I would be meeting him for the first time in about fifteen minutes. I wasn't ready; I would never be ready.

Several minutes later, the carriage turned up the dirt road to Nottingham.

I struggled to breathe as we entered the city gates and our arrival was shouted through the streets. The coach went onward, driving straight towards the castle.

We had a greeting party waiting for us. I didn't look at any of their faces as we pulled up and stopped inside the castle gates. I put my head down; I didn't want to prematurely look into the eyes of my betrothed.

My father stepped out of the carriage first and bowed low as he introduced my mother. I quickly shot a glance upward and scanned over the crowd. There were several guards, a grey-haired balding man (whom I guessed to be the sheriff), and several other people in elegant robes. I assumed they were local nobles. With another glance, I noticed a lady. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. My father's introduction informed me that she was Lady Marian of Knighton Hall.

Once my mother was presented to the small group, I knew my time had come.

"Gentlemen," my father began, "my lady," he said with a nod towards Lady Marian, "Allow me to introduce my daughter, Lady Rebecca."

I held my breath as I stepped out of the carriage. I was quickly approached by a short, red-haired man in maroon robes and a green cloak. I knew him at once to be Lord Weston.

"My lady, you look even more beautiful than I could have imagined. I cannot wait for the day when we shall be joined together, as husband and wife."

He mentioned the one thing that made me cringe internally. I never wanted to call this man my husband; not now, not in a month, not ever.

Lord Weston kissed my hand briefly and excused himself, saying he had some preparations to make at his estate.

I greeted the other nobles with small curtsies and words of gratitude for their praises.

Lady Marian stepped forward and pulled me into a quick embrace.

"It will be wonderful to have another woman in the castle," she whispered to me.

I smiled and mumbled that it would be lovely to spend some time with her.

Several moments later, another man had joined the group. I didn't immediately look at his face, but rather slowly scanned my eyes up his body, from the floor, and toward his face. He was clad completely in black leather, setting him apart from the colorful costumes of the nobles on my right. I continued to slowly glance all the way up his torso and then I finally looked into his face.

I felt my breath leave my chest.

His face was rough and rugged. His jaw line and nose were angular in contrast to the rest of his face. I looked up into his eyes and gasped as I saw their color. They seemed to change before my eyes. They started out as a light aqua blue and seemed to be growing steadily darker as our eyes met and fixed on each other. Strands of his deep black hair fell into his face as he looked down at me.

I knew in that moment, he was the man of my dreams; the tall, dark, brooding display of masculinity I desperately craved in my thoughts alone.

A smirk formed on his lips as the sheriff extended the introduction to the newest member of the party.

"Meet Lady Rebecca, and, oh yes, her father, here, and Lady Elinor, her mother."

"Guy of Gisborne," he gently clutched my hand and pulled it to his lips.

His voice was deep and captivating. His virile appearance was sealed with the sound of his voice.

The time seemed to stop when I looked at him. I was shaken from my thoughts when the sheriff spoke.

"I'm sure you are all tired from your journey," he said and my father nodded.

The nobles and Lady Marian had all departed on their separate ways as we prepared to settle into our rooms.

"Gisborne, would you escort Lady Rebecca to her quarters?"

Guy bowed low in reply.

"You two," he gestured toward my parents, "will follow me."

I heard my father utter words of gratitude as the sheriff took them away.

"I appreciate your hospitality during my daughter's transition between homes." He continued rambling on, but his words were indiscernible from our distance.

Now we were alone.

He was the first to speak.

"Lady Rebecca, you will be on the west end of the castle; your parents are on the east side."

"I wish you would just call me Rebecca. 'Lady Rebecca' sounds too formal for my liking."

He smiled and looked down at me.

"Alright, Rebecca, did you have a pleasant journey?"

He grasped my arm and began walking me toward the west end of the castle.

I chuckled nervously and answered him.

"Long and uncomfortable; I would love a bath." I realized I may have said too much.

"Well, I can arrange that."

My eyes sparkled. This man was riveting. I desperately wanted to love him, but I couldn't allow myself to get carried away outside of my own thoughts and internal feelings.

We made it to my bedroom and he opened the door, ushering me in first.

There was a large bed along the wall on the right, as well as many dressers and mirrors all along the opposite walls. A bath basin stood in the left corner and a green silk robe was hanging on a hook next to it. I could get very used to this room in a month.

He momentarily excused himself to speak to one of the servants about a bath. He returned a few moments later and assured me that the water was being heated as we spoke.

"Should you need anything, my servants are right down the hall. Just call and they will bring you whatever you desire."

With those words, he turned to go.

I had to hurry up and speak.

"Thank you, my lord."

He turned back to face me.

"Please, call me 'Guy.' There's no need for such formality when your father is not present."

He threw a smirk in my direction.

"Thank you, Guy. When shall we meet again?"

I'd hoped I didn't sound too eager.

"Tonight there will be a noble's meeting in the great hall. You are expected to attend, as am I."

I curtsied lightly.

"Until tonight then."

He stepped outside and closed the door behind him, leaving me alone.

"Sir Guy of Gisborne," I sighed to myself.

His name was perfect.

As I lay down on the bed, I knew I had found the man I had been longing to love. I knew in my heart, this man would make it very difficult for me to marry Weston.