A blanket of snow rested upon the hills of London Towne. Villagers sung outside their homes and shops and wished one another a happy holiday. This Christmas was a happier bittersweet one. For two years their royal family and stability of the economy had been plagued with disease and uncertainty.
It seemed like only yesterday on Christmas England's good king collapsed at his Christmas dinner. Rattled by an unknown plague the kind monarch held on for his kingdom and the subjects who loved him. After fighting death for six months he lost the battle and went on to rest in his reward while his people and family mourned.
During the transition his wife the Queen stepped up to take care of the country. She wanted to give her son and crown prince a chance to grow into his role. With dignity and the love of the people she reigned for another six months more. She brought the people to the one year mark of losing their beloved king. However on the way returning from Nottingham and the castle at Sherwood she met with an unfortunate mysterious accident and perished that night.
Now another year later the family gathered at the castle at London Towne with Richard a king at only 19 years of age. It was Christmas night and festivities were bright. For the next morning most of the young men left for the Holy Land on something Richard called his great crusade.
Dinner was being prepared and for the night as everyone relaxed. The young ones were allowed to be young again. The boys now ranging in age from Richard's 19 to 17 years with Marian stuck at the end only 12. She was playing with her grandfather at the fire ignoring the boys and their annual prank on her on this night. Every year the castle held a sprig of mistletoe and every year they'd try to catch her underneath it. Every year her Father made her stand there like a lady and kiss each boy on the cheek and wish them a Merry Christmas. However she smirked as she moved her chess piece. For this year they would not get her.
Richard stood with Marian's father Matthew with a book open asking questions and learning. Ever since taking over the kingdom Richard did not spend much time with the other boys. He spent most of his time with advisors; his favorites being his Uncle and dear friend from Locksley. He wanted to find out as much as possible about his Father's great Crusade. Richard was driven to finish the job once and for all to complete the one dream his Father never could quite finish.
Outside near the kitchen Robert, Prince John, and Jonathon plotted a mission. Inside was Maggie the cook's famous cake coming straight from the oven. Driven by hunger and pure boredom they walked clandestinely into the room. Robert went and put his arm around the older cook. She swatted his hand with a spoon trying to get rid of him. Robert rubbed his stinging hand as the other two crept into the kitchen.
"Really Jonathon I don't know why we are doing this. We aren't nine anymore," Prince John whispered complaining.
Jonathon turned his head around still on his hands and knees, "Would you rather spend time learning diplomacy from my Father and Lord Robert?"
"Well…no…still I think this is a dirty trick to play on Marian," Prince John followed behind stating.
"Do you really want her to get us first? Besides I am not losing all my money to Richard on his foolish wager," Jonathon reached up blindly trying to grab at whatever was on the counter.
"I don't think framing her will get us the kisses nor get us 1,000 pounds," Prince John muttered.
A girlish chuckle came from behind the counter as a voice rang out, "Maggie, I found two very large mice behind your counter here!"
The cook shook off Robert trying to sweet talk his way of a cookie. She looked over behind the table and replied, "Why Marian yes you did. I must convince King Richard to get me a large cat. Those that hide inside of your wood should be enough for those two. Now you three boys get out of here if you want supper anytime soon. Scoot!"
The trio walked out glaring at Marian skipping behind them satisfied with her work. Jonathon glared at his little sister, "That was a foul thing to do Marian."
Marian stuck out her tongue, "Me? Speak for yourself Jonathon! I know you were trying to make Father mad at me so he'd make me kiss one of you on the cheek. Then Richard would give you a thousand pounds."
Robert's mouth dropped, "How did you know that?"
Marian glared at him, "I have my ways. You three dunderheads know nothing about sneaking."
Robert bit his tongue. Every time Marian and he were together they fought. His Father had ordered him to keep this gathering peaceful. However with her it was impossible. He hated their contract as much as she, but there was no way out of it. Not to mention she had better get used to him.
She eyed him and as if by magic Marian read his mind, "You have no rule over me yet Robert. I don't have to like it or you one bit! Not to mention you are fooling yourself if you think you are getting me under the mistletoe!"
Robert smiled a cocky smirk and eyed Marian, "Oh is that a challenge little girl. Well then." He walked up to her and looked down at her, "I will catch you myself before we leave tomorrow morning."
Marian's face turned red as she stamped off back into the room and sulked next to the fire thinking. The boys entered the room and acted as if nothing had happened. The night went on and around the traditions of the holidays a game of cat and mouse was happening.
Around dinner the two Fathers forced the two betrothed children to sit across from one another as tradition stated. Dinner came and went with the Grandfather chuckling at the young ones. His favorite was his young granddaughter trying to avoid fate. The older man knew that no matter how these two tried there was no way they could avoid fate.
Upon the end of the night Marian ran quickly into her room and shut the door. Robert paused outside in the hallway and jumped up tearing some decoration off the wall. Jonathon looked and shook his head sure that it wouldn't work and went into his room.
Marian rolled over in bed and groaned. Sunlight peeped in from the heavy curtains causing the tear stained cheeks to sparkle. From downstairs she heard rustling noises and clanging outside. Quickly she stood and readied her self. Not bothering to bound her hair she ran downstairs and outside.
Richard stood off talking to a few of his generals. Marian looked around and saw her brother. Running up he put an arm around her and hugged her, "Hey sleepyhead. Thought Dad wanted you to sleep so you wouldn't have to be haunted by our leaving."
Marian hugged her brother, "I would never forgive myself or Father if I slept through this. I wish you boys would realize that I am just as good as you are."
Jonathon chuckled, "I know that. I taught you to shoot remember. Be careful. Keep an eye on Father for me. Don't let Grandpa get in too much mischief."
"I promise although you know I can't control Grandpa. Just promise me you will come home alive," Marian grabbed the hem of her skirt and ripped it tucking it in her brother's belt.
"Marian where are your handkerchiefs? And you aren't supposed to talk about death," Jonathon took the scrap and tied it about his neck.
"Jonathon I'm not stupid," Marian huffed.
"I know. Aren't you going to say goodbye to Robert?" Jonathon walked his sister over to Richard.
She hugged Richard quickly then let him go back to his work. Frowning she sighed and walked over tearing off another piece reluctantly. Holding it at arms length she held it out to Robert who stood amused next to her father, "Here stay safe watch my brother goodbye."
Robert chuckled, "Marian, I can't quite reach the scrap from your hemline and you are muffled by all the swords clanging. Could you come closer?"
Her Father excused himself telling his daughter to step closer. Marian moved closer to Robert and looked up at him indignantly, "I said be careful, stay safe, and watch my brother okay?"
"What no kiss goodbye?" Robert took off his hat dropping it to the ground.
"No! Why would I kiss you?" Marian made a face of disgust.
"You could show a little affection. We are betrothed Marian."
"That doesn't mean anything other than our Father's means to force us to be together."
"Oh but my dear you have to kiss me," Robert began smirking.
"Now why is that?" Marian asked putting her hands on her hips.
"Look up my dear." Robert said sarcastically. He had attached a sprig of the mistletoe onto his head. Laughing at Marian's groan he leaned down and kissed her on the lips.
For a moment it was just the two of them. Until Richard coughed breaking the moment and Robert ran off laughing leaving Marian standing her mouth hanging open. She glared as he collected something from Richard. The troops mounted their horses and began to ride off. Robert leaned forward as some coins changed hands. Smiling Marian pulled something from the folds of her gown and aimed.
A yell sounded out from the troops as Robert rubbed his sore behind. He looked behind him and glared. As the people watched their young men go they murmured amongst their selves. Many mentioned how their good King's shoulders seemed to be shaking. The peasants loved how he was crying about leaving his homeland and people. However Jonathon slightly shook his head as he saw Richard's smile.