Chapter One

The sun dipped low in the sky. Marian opened the window, let the air blow through, and wisp across her face. Her short lucks brushed in front of her eyes, and she slowly lifted her hand to push them back behind her ears.

Three days.

It had been three days since she left Sir Guy at the altar. He had not come to seen her, thank goodness. She worried that she could not face him nor be able to explain further what happened that day. She worried for her father and his life, but not so much that she would throw away her heart away to purify a man who would betray her king. Robin had been right.

Robin. If only night would come faster…

"Marian," her father's voice yelled from somewhere below. Dinner must be ready.

Placing a hand down against the window sill, Marian looked out over the darkness that was enveloping the fields of Knighton Hall.

"Marian. Marian, please come down to dine with me."

Leaving her window, Marian opened the door and walked down the stairs to meet her father. Dinner was already set on the table; her father sat in his seat. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Father. I was doing some embroidery."

He gave a short laugh. "I'm sure you were."

She sat down next to him, and grabbed for her spoon.

"Marian."

"Yes, Father."

"I have some news."

She stopped mid bite. "News?"

He held up a parchment to her, and began reading. "My dear uncle."

"Cousin Lily?"

"My dear uncle," her father began again. "Things are continuing well in London. Prince John has parties every night, but I tire of aristocratic life. Father still has not returned from the Crusades. I have yet to hear from him. My maids grow tired of me, telling me that I must get away. It does not help that rumors of my father's death run rampant and many a young man have appeared at my front door, with hopes of obtaining my father's dowry—which is much if he has perished. But no matter. My purpose in writing is to ask permission to join you and my dear cousin for a few months time. Please hasten your reply, and I shall be on my way directly. Thank you kindly, Uncle, and give my best regards to my cousin. Yours devoted, Lily."

"That's wonderful, Father. I always enjoy Lily's visits."

"Then I shall write her directly, and post the letter tonight."

Once a sufficient amount of time had passed after dinner, Marian feigned a yawn and went up the stairs. As soon as she shut the door and locked it, she ran to the window. "Robin? Robin?"

For the past three nights he had come to visit, as night was the only safe time for her to see him. No one that would betray them knew that she had left her own wedding on his horse, with him. And so, they kept up the pretenses for their own sake.

"Marian?"

Robin's face appeared in the window. She smiled and nodded, moving away. He slipped into the room. Marian held onto one of her bedpost, and bit at her lower lip. Robin brushed at his clothes, ridding them of some dust, before bowing to her, his pack of arrows sliding high on his shoulder, and his bow in one hand. "Milady," he said before looking up at her with the blue eyes.

Marian rolled her eyes and sat on the bed. He came and sat at her side while she leaned against the bed post. "And how is the outlaw of Sherwood Forest, this evening? Plundering as usual?"

"Plundering?" He feigned a shocked face, before breaking into a smile. "I like to think of it more as crediting a debt." Robin brought one hand up and let his fingertips run along her jawline. Marian pulled away.

"There is no news on this end, which is because Sir Guy has seen fit to not come around anymore…"

"I really must thank him," Robin said as he leaned in close, but Marian turned her cheek slightly. "Marian…." He groaned.

"I fear that my father and I must show our loyalty in another way. Once we do that, we should be able to return to the court and gain more information."

"Good," Robin said before he pulled her face to his. But Marian stopped him with her finger. He groaned and rolled his eyes.

"My cousin, Lily. You remember her?"

Robin let go of her and sat up straight. "Lily? That cousin of your? The one that always would get me on the log for a fight."

Marian laughed, putting her hand on his chest. "Yes, and she always knocked you off the log, making you fall into the river."

"What? No," Robin said with a sneer. "She never was able to make me fall…I just tripped."

"Robin…" Marian sighed. "She's coming to visit."

"What?" Robin pulled back. "Here?"

"Yes, here. But she does not know of your newfound position."

Robin looked back at Marian. "What? You mean my fame has not spread beyond the boundary of Nottinghamshire? That should change."

Marian rolled her eyes. "We must be more careful. I will speak with her and let her know that there are some things that are not said to others. But you need to be a bit more careful. No night visits, for I am sure she will be staying in this room…"

"And how long will she be here?"

"A few months," she replied looking down at her hands.

Robin kneeled down in front of her and put his hand on Marian's cheek. "Then we should make these next few nights count."

She smiled coyly before reaching her own hand around his next and pulling Robin's lips to meet her own. She sighed at the touch, the taste of his lips. She breathed his name, and he pulled her closer.

"Perhaps when can persuade Cousin Lily to visit Sherwood Forest and become lost one night," he murmured before capturing her in another kiss.