Hi! It's Guy/OC story based on Christmas theme:) I know that it has been done a thousand times already, but I simply cannot resist:D
As always, a fair warning: English is not my first language, and this piece wasn't betaed, so all grammar/spelling mistakes are mine.
Disclaimer: I only own my OC, nothing else:)
The man in the black leather with boredom watched the revellers attracted around a table. The Christmas Eve feast that Sheriff orchestrated attracted most of the local nobles as well as those which Sheriff regarded as useful. In the largest chamber of the castle lightened for this occasion with candlelight and torches a joyful noise seemed to be permanent and it was so not-matching to the mood of the man considered as a Sheriff's right hand. How he craved to hide in his dark chamber instead to be stuck there amongst all those faces. But by the Sheriff's order, his attendance was indispensable. Guy winced remembering the morning conversation and Vaisey voice dribbling venom
"Gisborne, not so long ago it was not impossible to tear you away from a woman, and now you do everything in your power to avoid one? Leprous, all of them Gisborne, leprous? "
"Is there something that bothers you, my lord?" the voice of his neighbour brought him out of his grim thoughts to yet grimier reality. Reluctantly he glanced at the women sitting by his side, the share reason for his forced participate in the banquet and all malicious comments he had to hear out those days. Lady Marguerite of Stapleford, recently orphaned daughter of one of Sheriff's confidants arrived to Nottingham with her uncle in response to Sheriff's express summons, because being bored with Guy's dark mood Vaisey decided to get him a wife.
"It's nothing to concern you with My Lady" Guy answered smoothly deeply cursing all of his mother schooling which didn't permitted him to simply ignore both Lady Marguerite presence and her questions. He reached for the goblet. If he was supposed to survive throughout this night, he needed the alcoholic beverage, and a lot of it.
" There is something truly wishful in the Christmas atmosphere, don't you think My Lord? It awakes hope. It makes people believe, that all is possible " Lady Marguerite was doing all she could to gain her companion's attention.
Gisborne concealed sneer behind the goblet facing her pitiful attempts. Ever since she'd arrived almost three weeks ago, Lady Marguerite was persisted in her pursuit, trying to draw him into the polite conversation or a walk but so far he quite effectively managed to avoid her. Her mildness, mannerliness and sheer desire to gain his approval made him angry, and to make things even worse her pale totally plain face was absolutely not interesting at all. It wasn't that lady Marguerite was ugly, she was simply plain, from her almost white hair, through ordinary green eyes and straight nose. She also was too slender, and deprived of these tempting women's curves which always exited him.
She irritated him with her questions about his health, his views, she irritated him with her quiet acceptance and with her clumsiness, she irritated him when she wasn't able to last in the saddle and with her lack of the horsemanship, she irritated him when she faked a stumble upon entering the chamber and therefore forced him to offer her is arm, she irritated him because she wasn't Marian. Guy closed his eyes at the very thought of that marvellous woman who brought so much chaos into his life, the woman which he hated for lying, exploiting and ultimately betraying him, but at the same time loved with unprecedented passion. How could Sheriff imagine that someone so common as Lady Marguerite could replace Marian. The mere idea was preposterous.
The rattle of plates hitting the floor got everyone attention. A drunk nobleman fell off the chair to everyone's mirth. Sensing that his companion intends to ask him yet another question Guy angrily rose.
"Forgive me My Lady, but certain urgent matters require my attention" surprised Marguerite quickly composed herself
"But of course, my Lord, in fact I myself wish to retire for the night and therefore..." but further words in which she was going to ask him for accompanying her to her room died in her throat at the sight of the Gisborne's back while he was walking away. Suppressing tears she lowered her raised hand and came across the mocking look of her uncle
"Looks like my dear that I was right" his broad guffaw resounded loudly
There were of course no urgent matters requiring his attention. Guy closed the door of his chamber and not even bothering with a light discarded the heavy boots. All he had to endure now was one day, and after then Marguerite and her uncle would be on their way home!
"Did I raise a complete savage?"
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