Author's Note: I apologize for the double posting of Chapter 6. I've been having a little trouble with my account, but I think I've gotten it ironed out now.


Robin was as good as his word. For the rest of the winter, Marian heard nothing further concerning him. Avian lamented his disappearance as though her best friend had died. With forced sympathy, Marian endured the girl's whining, even encouraged her that he would return. With Robin Hood's disappearance, The Sheriff began to relax the guard he kept on Marian. For this, she was very grateful. Guy of Gisborn's constant appearances around corners began to make her uneasy every time she stepped down a dark corridor. And the Sheriff grew even bolder in his attempts to gain her attention. He took to presenting her with gifts, and these were not the mere trinkets a normal suitor might present. One day he forced her to accept a jewel encrusted comb to place in her hair, another he presented her with a string of pearls from Spain. Marian grew increasingly annoyed with these showy gifts because they put her in mind of what Robin Hood had told her about the real use of the heavy taxes the Sheriff collected.

As spring approached Marian began to shrug off the gloom of winter. She took pleasure in visiting the village with Avian and buying trinkets and necklaces from the local storeowners. Still, she remained watchful for a sign of Robin. Though she never recognized any of them, she knew that at least a few of Robin's men had to be wandering the streets around her, if only she knew where to look. Avian seemed to share this feeling because she took to wandering off to do some searching of her own. Marian didn't question her because she knew that, as Robin's confidante, she would be the first to know if he had returned.

As the last of the snow began to melt away in March, Marian at last shed her heavy fur cloaks. For Christmas, Giles had presented her with a thick fur mantle made of many different animal hides. Marian detested it, but she wore it because it was warmer than anything else she had. She took to going on long rides through the village on one of Giles' horses. She made a point of never venturing toward Sherwood Forest because she did not want to draw attention back to herself after she had finally been granted her freedom from Guy of Gisborn's watchful eye. Away from the prying eyes in the castle she let her long auburn hair fly free of its usual ribbons and combs and galloped across the countryside as fast as her horse would carry her.

"Milady?" said a young man, stepping forward from the crowd one day as she rode into town. Few peasants ever approached her and she looked at him hopefully, expecting to recognize him. If he was one of Robin's men, she did not know him.

"I was wondering if you know of a lady who lives up at the castle. She has curly hair and brown eyes." Marian raised an eyebrow. Her fox fur-gloved hands readjusted their grip on the reins as she tried to remain indifferent. The peasant brushed matted brown hair out of his eyes and glanced over his shoulder, uncomfortable as though someone watched him. Marian frowned and leaned forward in her saddle.

"Avian? Aye, I know her."

"Could you give her this ring? It's a token from her admirer. He says that, 'she is either a sorceress or a bandit because she has stolen the heart of a thief.' He bid me ask you to give her that message."

Suddenly the spring morning did not seem so bright. Marian looked down at the simple pewter ring she held in her hand.

"Tell me, stranger, does this admirer live in Sherwood Forest?" she asked slowly. The young man nodded vigorously. Marian's stomach did a strange flop inside her. It felt as though she had been kicked by a horse. With difficulty, she arranged her mouth into a smile.

"Aye, I will tell Lady Avian the message. Thank you." Without waiting for a response she rode past him. Her eyes remained fixed on the horn of her saddle. Mad thoughts whizzed around inside her head. With a gentle shake, she straightened and pushed them all to the back of her mind. Avian would be pleased to get the message and she should be pleased to bring her companion good news. With a small sigh, she turned her gray mare back toward the castle.

"He said that?" asked Avian excitedly once Marian had found her and given her the ring.

"Aye," Marian replied. She studied Avian carefully, taking in her round face and dark eyes, her tight curls and charming smile. Avian was beautiful in a sweet, gentle way; she was beautiful in a way Marian had never been. Not that Marian cared greatly about her appearance; she still maintained that she would rather sweep the floor with her tongue than choose a man to wed, but she did wonder as she saw the happiness on the other girl's face what it felt like to be loved. Marian left her shortly after and went down to the kitchens to speak with Lady Cecily. They had grown close over the winter.

"I hope I don't trouble you by asking if you have heard any news of your nephew," said Marian wearily as she sat down beside the elder lady. As usual, Lady Cecily sat with her maid Angelina in a corner, this time peeling potatoes. Angelina had been suffering from a nasty cold and she wore a long, wool scarf wrapped tightly around her head. She coughed and turned away, keeping her back to them for sanitation's sake. Lady Cecily glanced at her.

"You mustn't give up hope, Lady Marian. Robin would never disappoint you if he could help it. If I know him, he's just waiting for an opportunity to make a good entrance after being away so long. It would be far too simple for him to just walk in and pick up where he left off pestering travelers through Sherwood. He needs something more exciting." She studied Marian out of her gentle dark eyes. "Why do you ask?" Marian hesitated.

"He is one of the few people I feel I can be myself with. As much as I am surprised to say it, I consider him a friend." Lady Cecily continued to watch her, but she smiled a little as she continued to peel potatoes. Angelina coughed again.

"Never fear, Lady Marian, Robin Hood will return."

But Robin did not return. March slipped into April with still no sightings of him. Several times Marian was halted in the village by various young men begging her to deliver letters and gifts to Avian, but of Robin there was no sign. Marian began to resent going into the village only to be called upon to deliver yet another gift. To watch her, one would think that she had captured the heart of every young man in Nottingham; that was how often the boys tracked her down. She was ready to trample the next man who stopped her.

"Maid Marian?"

Marian whirled around in a fury.

"What?" she snarled as she saw a young man standing behind her with his head bowed and a feathered cap covering most of his face. Slowly, he raised his head and for a moment the sun seemed to shine through the clouds as she recognized those dark eyes, but it was a false hope, for the face before her was too young to be Robin's.

"Will Scarlett, I suppose?" she asked dully. He nodded with a grin. "What can it be this time? If you have come then it must be something of dire importance." His face shone with the twinkle of his smile and Marian marked how strongly he resembled his older cousin.

"I have a message for you to deliver to—"

"Avian, I know," she finished for him. He laughed and glanced over his shoulder, as though afraid to be seen.

"Have you seen my mother recently? How is she?" he asked with genuine concern. Marian smiled.

"Your mother is content knowing you are safe in your cousin's care. How is your cousin? He hasn't been caught, has he?" she asked. Will gave her a knowing smile that made him look even more unsettlingly like his cousin. Marian blinked at the resemblance. There was more gold to Will's hair and more rose to his cheeks, but the chiseled features were disturbingly similar, so much so that Marian half expected him to throw back his head in one of those deep rich guffaws for which Robin was so famous. To Will there was more of a boyish twinkle and he gave her a lopsided grin she would never expect to see on Robin's face.

"If Rob had been caught, all of England would know it. No, he will return soon. He's getting word to all of his men for us to return to the Greenwood. He has something up his sleeve; I wish I knew what it was." Will glanced off into the distance again, pondering his cousin's plans. Marian cleared her throat.

"Your message, Will? What am I to give Avian this time?" He started with a small, shy smile.

"Ah yes, I almost forgot. Here." He handed her a rolled up piece of parchment, tied with a neat, red ribbon. "She'll know who it's from," he added with a nod. Marian glanced at the scroll in her hand, wondering what this message could say. Will cleared his throat and straightened.

"And how are you doing, Maid Marian?" he asked, obviously relieved to be free of his burden. Marian raised her moss-green eyes to his young, handsome face. It was odd how readily she accepted the title of 'Maid Marian' from Robin and his men, but it threw her into a violent rage every time she heard Guy of Gisborn utter it. As Gisborn had stopped stalking her every step, it had been a while since she last heard the name. She smiled inwardly.

"This winter has been long and dull, and I am grateful that spring has finally arrived. I have been involved in the May Day preparations this year and according to the Sheriff it should be a grand occasion. Is there any chance that I might see you there, or is it too dangerous?" Will's eyes twinkled.

"No, it's not too dangerous. With so many people, it's no great thing to walk about without fear of the Sheriff's knowledge. I have learned a thing or two about discretion from my cousin." She looked him up and down for a moment and saw that he wore a tunic of wine colored fabric. His cloak was scarlet and his hat was crimson, topped with a large, red feather. Marian's eyebrow arched before she could stop herself. That was Will's idea of discretion? He saw her expression and smiled again, revealing a hint of dimples in his cheeks.

"Don't look like that, Maid Marian; it's my disguise. Today I am a nobleman going into the village to purchase some wares for my manor. Why should I not look the part? The Sheriff has no reason to suspect I am here, and therefore he would not look twice at me."

"Except that you are remarkably like your cousin in appearance. Should he happen to spot you, he might arrest you thinking you are Robin and then realize that you are one of the Locksley boys that he tried and failed to dispose of. I caution you," she said seriously, taking in his bright appearance again. Will shook his head with certainty. Arrogance and self-satisfaction seemed to be traits he also shared with Robin.

"The Sheriff would never look for one of Robin Hood's men dressed so. He expects us to be common men and he could never dream how often we walk about under his very nose parading who we are for all to see. Robin has even dressed as a servant within his castle and served the Sheriff wine. I believe that was on Christmas Eve. Did you not recognize him? He said that you received a lovely robe as a gift from the Sheriff." Marian's mouth fell open. Robin Hood had been inside the castle? Will laughed at her surprise.

"He told you he would ensure that your safety continued even while he was supposed to be gone. He stayed to watch over things and actually spent most of the winter working as a servant in the kitchens. Are you sure you didn't recognize him?"

"No, I had no idea," she said in a faint voice. She felt her face begin to redden as a troubling thought surfaced in her brain. If Robin had spent the winter in the castle then no doubt he had taken the opportunity to make a fool of her. He had probably spoken to her and she never knew it. If he mocked her for it she would never forgive him. It seemed the very thing he would do. Nevertheless, she had to marvel at his skill at disguising himself if he could spend four months living under his enemy's nose and remain undetected by even his allies. Then Marian reached another thought.

"Your mother knew of this, didn't she?" she asked suspiciously. Will laughed his boyish laugh.

"Starting to recognize his ways are you? Actually, Rob disguised himself as Angelina on a few occasions. He said you were a wonderful conversationalist. It helped him pass the idle hours of the winter listening to you and my gossiping about him." As Marian heard this mortifying truth she recalled the occasions when Angelina had seemed most quiet. Marian normally took little notice of Angelina because she never raised her head from her work. It dawned on her how often the old woman claimed to be sick and found excuses to withdraw from Lady Cecily's side.

She would kill Robin Hood for laughing at her so! She wondered what sort of revealing things he had learned about her through this trick. Marian pursed her lips together and lowered her head, plotting how best to make him pay for his deceit. Will reached forward and brushed a lock of her dark, auburn hair away from her face with a surprisingly gentle hand.

"Don't be so hard on him, Maid Marian, there are few ladies he would go through such trouble for. He did it to keep you safe you know. When the Sheriff sent his men to watch your every move, Robin gave them false reports to get them off your trail. He is a good man and he would die before he broke an oath." She nodded, gazing into Will's gentle face. Robin was lucky his cousin was more persuasive and sincere than he was, because listening to Will's gentle defense, Marian could not help but let her anger go.

"Well, I had better return to the castle and deliver your message," she said abruptly with a deep sigh. She could have stood talking to Will Scarlett all afternoon, but she was needed to help with the May Day preparations. Will nodded and stepped away from her with a graceful bow. It reminded her that before his life as an outlaw he had grown up a nobleman's son and the realization made his attire seem less outlandish. He kissed her hand and bade her good day before disappearing almost magically into the crowd. Marian would not have thought it possible that someone dressed so brightly could make such a swift disappearance, but Will did have the same blood in him that Robin did, and Robin was well-known for coming and going with the ease of a ghost. Shaking her head with a small smile at what she had learned from her conversation, she made her way through the crowd and back up to the castle, stopping to purchase the ribbons for the maypole she had been sent into the village to buy.

When she returned, a large woman dressed in azure satin met her in the Entrance Hall. Her name was Elizabeth Beaumont, and Giles had placed her in charge of the decorating committee for the May Day celebration. She was a wealthy duchess from a neighboring province well-known for throwing some of the most lavish parties and she had eagerly decided that this year's celebration would be the most talked about event of the year. She and Marian had not gotten along at all since Elizabeth arrived.

"Lady Fitzgerald, what took you so long?" she demanded, snatching the basket of ribbons from Marian's hand. Marian glared at her, sending her a look that would have caused any man to tremble at her feet. Elizabeth Beaumont drew back at the severity of Marian's stare, but she quickly armed herself in a show of affront.

"Heavens, child, you will never win a husband if you continue to look like that. I'm sure at your age you have enough trouble enticing a man."

"Where is Lady Avian?" Marian asked coldly, holding up a hand to silence her. Marian was not one to put up with overly dramatic public displays, and she decided to put an end to this one before it got out of hand. Sticking her nose in the air, Lady Elizabeth waved her hand vaguely at a doorway behind her.

"Lady Avian is helping to make the dress for the May Queen. She has been ever so polite and gracious by assisting me. Her embroidery is the finest I have seen in a long time. Perhaps she could give you some lessons." Marian ignored the slight on her embroidery skills, and she turned her back on Lady Elizabeth without another glance. She went into the room indicated and found Avian and two other women working on a gown of white and gold. Avian was busy embroidering violets along the hem while the two other ladies attached the train to the shoulders. Marian stopped when she saw it, admiring the fashion of the gown with its full skirt and trailing sleeves. This year's May Queen would be honored to wear such a gown and she wondered what would become of it once the celebration was over.

Avian looked up when she entered and her face brightened at once.

"Hello Marian, how does it look?" she asked, sitting back on her knees to admire her handiwork. Marian nodded with approval.

"It's beautiful, Avian, but I don't suppose you could spare a moment or two; I have something to give you." She put emphasis on the last part of her sentence. Avian's doe eyes swept her face and at once she stood up. Marian drew her to the corner away from the other ladies and slipped the scroll of paper into Avian's pale hands. Avian tore the ribbon loose and unrolled the message eagerly. Unable to help herself, Marian looked over the girl's shoulder to see what the letter contained. It read:

Dearest Avian,

Since the moment I first laid eyes upon your fair face I have loved you. These long winter months it is your image that has kept me warm. If I were not a lowly outlaw then I would marry you this very hour. One day, I will clear my name and come to claim your hand if you will wait for me. I swear that I will always be true, my dove. Say you will be my bride and you will make me the happiest man in all England. I await your answer at the May Day celebration. I love you with all my soul and pray that you can find it in your tender heart to return my love.

Avian held the letter to her chest, closing her eyes in rapture. Marian could see plainly what her response was and the knowledge filled her heart with lead. Avian appeared transformed before her eyes into a beautiful, radiant angel. Her face glowed with happiness and it would bring a twinkle to even the grimmest face to see her standing there in her spring green gown. However, Marian could barely muster a smile for her friend.

"You'd better get to work finishing that gown," she said quietly. "The sooner it is finished the sooner you can daydream about your love." Avian nodded absentmindedly, going back to her work in a daze. Marian left the room, unable to be near her. She went to find Lady Elizabeth to see what work could be found for her.

The days leading up to the May Day celebration became less fun after that. Marian avoided Avian as much as possible, unable to stomach the euphoria that made the other girl prattle on. In her heart, Marian knew that it was wrong of her to act the way she was, but she couldn't help it. The evening before May Day, she and Avian sat side-by-side in the Great Hall at dinner. Rather than speak to Avian, Marian turned her attention to Giles who was seated to her right. Avian did not appear to notice and Giles seemed flattered by the attention. Taking it for a sign that she was at last returning the affection he had shown her all winter, he took the liberty of taking her hand briefly before getting to his feet.

"I think it is time we elect a queen for tomorrow's celebration," he said. "I know it is custom to let the peasants decide, but after seeing the splendid work that you have done on the gown, Lady Elizabeth, I would not dream of soiling it on some common cow."

"I quite agree," said Lady Elizabeth, dressed in a gown of pale yellow embroidered with tiny blue flowers. "I say it should belong to one of the lovely ladies of your court, Sir Giles." She sent him a simpering look and Marian smirked into her goblet of wine. If Lady Elizabeth thought she could squeeze her thick body into the slim gown without tearing the laces she was rudely mistaken.

"I quite agree," mimicked Giles, sending her a wolfish smile. "We are fortunate enough to have some of the finest ladies in England among us here in Nottingham. I say the crown should go to the loveliest among them." The men along the table beat their fists on the wood to show their approval. Marian glanced at Avian, who had not lost her angelic appearance since first reading Robin's letter and there could be no doubt that she was the loveliest lady of all in that room. From the knowing glance she exchanged with her father, she thought so too. Lord Geoffrey patted her head fondly.

"I think we can be in agreement that Lady Marian should wear the crown," said Giles, beaming down at her with his serpentine smile. Those coal-black eyes burned into her, causing her to feel unendurably naked before him. He reached for her hand and drew her to her feet beside him, his other hand wound behind her in a touch that was hardly informal.

Marian looked around in amazement. Beside her, Avian froze, her smile suddenly wooden. Marian did not dare look at her. She could tell from the sudden chill to her left that Avian did not like this decision at all.

"Well, Marian?" asked Giles in her ear when she did not say anything. Marian was too stunned to speak.

"Sire," said Avian unexpectedly. "Since I made the gown, would it not be more fitting for me to wear it? I would be most honored."

Marian winced, hearing the desperation in the girl's voice. Of course Avian wanted to wear the gown. She intended to give Robin the answer to his proposal and how fitting would it be for her to appear as lovely as the queen of spring granting her hand to the lord of the wood. What a fine spectacle they would make together. Giles shook his head at Avian's request, his dark eyes still gazing at Marian as though she were a made of precious jewels.

"No, I will have none but Lady Marian. If it is that important to you, Lady Avian, you may be a member of her court," he offered, flicking a cruel glance out of the corner of his eye. Marian scowled and pulled away from him. She turned to her friend with apology in her eyes and on her tongue, but the look on the girl's face stopped her. Avian's eyes widened in hurt astonishment before filling with sorrow. Without another word, she rose from her seat and fled the room in tears. Sir Geoffrey, who had drunk too much ale, had not been paying attention to his daughter's humiliation, and he looked after her departure with mild bewilderment.

"That was rather unnecessary, wasn't it?" asked Marian coldly, ignoring the rest of the landed gentry in the room as she glared at the Sheriff of Nottingham. Giles shrugged, sliding his arm around her waist as he presented her to the hall. Marian shrank away from him. His breath blew hot and foul on her cheek as he spoke into her ear.

"After the money and time spent on this occasion I would not soil the day by crowning a woman unworthy of the title." He tightened his grip and placed his hot, wet lips to the tender white flesh of her neck. Marian whirled on him but he merely turned to Sir Geoffrey, ignoring her wrath. "Sir Geoffrey, your daughter will make a lovely lady-in-waiting, however you should caution her about her eating habits before it spoils her appeal." His cruelty was revolting. Sir Geoffrey was too drunk to fully hear and comprehend the words, but Marian glowered. Giles drew her closer once more, ignoring the eyes around them. He caught her wrist and pulled her close so that they were almost nose to nose.

"You will be crowned May Queen and that is the final word on the subject. Your maid will dress you in the morning." He sat back down and continued enjoying his roast boar. Marian remained standing, consumed by fury, humiliation and a strange sense of fear for the man who had only seconds before had taken liberties no man had ever dared. Though Robin had stolen his kiss it had been chaste. At the time she had been scandalized by the press of his mouth upon hers, it was nothing to slither of Giles' tongue across her skin. Her warrior instincts demanded that she challenge him for his brazen behavior, but in reality she could say nothing; all she could do was ask Sir Geoffrey to extend her most humble apology to his daughter.

The next day dawned clear and blue as a robin's egg. Marian was bathed and dressed in the breathtaking white and gold gown Avian had worked so hard to complete. Lucy dressed her auburn waves with tiny diamond pins in the shape of flowers. She set the ruby encrusted circlet upon her head with great reverence. The crown was woven in the design of a garland of flowers, and the craftsmanship was unparalleled. Lucy stepped back in awe at the vision she had helped create, tears of joy shining in her eyes as though Marian were a blushing bride. She turned Marian to face the mirror in the corner of the room and even Marian, who was still furious over being forced to wear the gown, felt her breath catch in her throat. She looked beautiful.

She spent the morning seated on a dais shrouded in white silk drapes to hide her from view until her crowning could be announced. She could see nothing of the field, but she knew from having seen it the previous evening that bright tents were everywhere, garlands of flowers stretched all across the field, and flower petals littered the path that she would walk toward the 'royal box' to preside over the archery tournament. Her job was to present the winner of the archery tournament with an arrow made of solid gold. The Sheriff had spared no expense on this day, and it showed. She wished she could see the people though; she wished she could see how amazed they were by the richness and grandeur of the field. She wished she could see what they thought of the lavishness their taxes had bought.

At long last, the trumpets blared and she heard Giles announce that the May Queen had arrived. Two servants parted the white curtains to reveal her to the crowd. A collective gasp went up as Marian stepped into the warm spring sunlight. As expected, everyone in the crowd went onto one knee to acknowledge her as their queen, but there was something in the reverence on their faces that touched her. Her green eyes scanned the crowd as she searched for Will Scarlett's face or that of Robin Hood or any of the other men of his band. They were not to be found, but of course that did not mean they were not among the many people kneeling before her. She smiled and played her part to the best of her abilities, enjoying the attention for the delight it brought the heart-heavy people before her. The crowd applauded as she seated herself on the velvet-cushioned chair that was meant to be her throne.

"Is she not the loveliest queen to ever preside over a May Day?" asked Giles, following her to the royal box to sit in the seat designated for the 'King'. He took Marian's hand and drew it to his lips with wolfish delight, reminding her with a swift glance of his cold eyes of the lengths he had gone the night before. She forced her face to remain in a smile and tried to return the look of adoration he sent her. He laid his gloved hand on her forearm and stroked her arm gently, enjoying the tension that came over her face as she fought to remain composed. His lip curled and he turned back to the crowd. "The winner of this year's archery tournament may claim not only the golden arrow but a kiss from Lady Marian's fair lips, a prize any man would desire." Marian froze. She did not wish to kiss a stranger in front of all these people. Giles seated himself beside her and she sent him a furious glare from beneath her lowered lashes.

"With such a prize it should make the competition that much more fierce. I regret that I can not partake in the tournament myself, yet a gracious queen will surely reward her adoring lord once this day is over," he insinuated, once again stroking her arm. She sent him a look of green poison and pulled her arm safely out of his reach. She stood up to address the archers.

"Let the archery tournament begin!" The Sheriff beamed at her and tried to catch her hand before she could snatch it away but she pointedly returned it to her lap as she seated herself. He merely smiled, a dangerous smile that revealed his yellowing teeth.

The archers of Nottingham were talented bowmen and the competition was close for the most part. Marian studied their faces closely, but could recognize none. No doubt the Merry Men were among the archers for they were said to be some of the best archers of all, having proved themselves to Robin Hood's standards. The competition remained close and the crowd shouted and cheered for their favorite picks, or booed the men that they hoped would not win. Marian smiled as she heard half the crowd cheer when Guy of Gisborn missed the center by a hand's breadth, which knocked him out of the competition when the two men on either side of him found the center on their targets. His dark features went darker still as the crowd mocked his elimination.

With each round, the targets were moved further away, adding to the difficulty. As the field began to clear and the best marksmen were left, Marian's eyes became consistently drawn to the man nearest her. He wore a green cap topped with a plumed feather and was dressed in the garb of a nobleman, but the way he handled his bow was miraculous. He fired rapidly, yet his arrow never missed the center of his target. The men around him took careful aim, yet he shot as though he and the bow were one. His face was dark, as though he had lived his entire life under the sun, and he wore a thick, brown beard.

"He is a fine marksman," murmured Giles beside her, following the progress of the stranger. "I've never seen a man so skilled." The words sent a blade of fear straight through Marian's heart. There could only be one man who could merit such praise from Giles of Northwood, and the longer she studied him the more she recognized those dark eyes and the fluidity of those movements. Robin Hood had entered the tournament.

It came down to two men, Robin and a villager from Nottingham. Marian closed her eyes in a grimace as she suddenly noticed the attire of Robin's opponent. Though it was the humble garb of a peasant, the young man's clothes were all dyed a variation of red. He too wore a thick beard, but now that she saw him, Marian could not mistake Will Scarlett. She wanted to close her eyes and hide, because surely it could not end well to have both of them parading in front of Giles so proudly. Although it had worked in the past, Giles of Northwood was no fool. One look at his face told Marian that he also guessed what was going on. He eyes were fixed on Robin with a gleam of hunger.

Will fired first, his shot landing within the smallest inner circle. Robin followed that by a shot that struck a hair closer to the middle. The crowd roared its approval, on its feet as they screamed for a winner. The arrows were removed and the targets placed a further distance away, now almost a hundred paces away. Finally, on the fifth shot, Will struck dead center. Marian's eyebrows rose. Robin could not best a shot that was dead center. To her knowledge, this was the first time he had been publicly beaten in an archery contest. However, he did not seem rattled by the knowledge. For the first time since the competition began, he took his time in shooting. Marian admired the way he seemed to shut out the world as he focused upon his target. For a man known for his recklessness, it was odd to see him concentrate so fully. He took a deep breath and fired.

The crowd gasped.

Robin Hood's arrow had split Will's in half, striking the center of the target with a resounding thunk. He had won. With a slow, ready smile, he stepped back to admire his shot. Beside him, Will's mouth hung open in shock. Robin glanced at him and punched him lightly in the shoulder. Giles stood up and clapped slowly, encouraging the crowd to follow suit. The applause that exploded from the people of Nottingham might have been heard in every corner of England. Never in anyone's memory had an archery tournament been won by such a perfect shot.

"Come forward archer, come forward," called Giles, smiling in a welcome fashion. Marian knew by the gleam in his eye that Robin was walking into a trap. Robin made a bow to the crowd and began approaching the platform to receive his prize. Marian's heartbeat doubled with fear. The clodpoll didn't realize he was walking right into the hangman's noose. Before Giles could say anything, she stood up as well, holding out the velvet cushion with another false smile on her face.

"Congratulations," she said brightly, cutting across Giles. "It is an honor to be in the presence of an archer of such skill. Good sir, pray tell us your name." Giles glanced at her in surprise, but Marian stepped past him, still holding out the royal purple pillow with the golden arrow laid across it. She stopped at the top of the steps leading up to the dais, blocking Giles' path down in case he tried to get to Robin. Robin looked up at her and beamed, going onto one knee with agile grace.

"Rufus Hurst is my name, fair Queen. I thank you for your praise and I am honored to be in the presence of so fine a lady." Marian narrowed her eyes slightly, trying to warn him how perilous the situation was while he jested with her. He merely smiled in return. She clenched her teeth.

"Then I present you, Rufus Hurst, with this golden arrow and the gratitude of Nottingham that you have honored us with your presence in this archery tournament in the celebration of May Day." She held out the velvet pillow to him, which he took with another gracious bow. She expected him to leave, but he merely watched her face, still smiling that galling smile of his.

"Forgive me, my queen, but is not the other half of the prize a kiss from your fair lips?" Marian's face went white. No. She would not kiss Robert of Huntington here before all these people. The very idea revolted her to the pit of her stomach. She looked up, wishing for an escape, but the people merely watched with eager eyes. Robin smirked, enjoying her hesitation. There was something in that cocky smile of his that stiffened her will. He enjoyed her discomfort too much and for that she would shake his certainty by playing along. No doubt he did not wish to kiss her any more than she desired to kiss him. It was all part of his game.

"Of course," she muttered. "I had almost forgotten." She leaned forward and angled her face to peck him on the cheek, but Robin would have none of that. When she was near enough, he seized her around the waist and crushed her to him, kissing her long and hard on the mouth. Marian staggered on the step, but he only used the opportunity to pull her closer into his arms. Fire blazed in her face and anger erupted inside her. Finally he let her go. The crowd loved it, laughing as if it were the funniest thing they had ever seen. Marian blushed as red as her hair, looking around at all the people pointing and laughing at her.

"A worthy prize," said Robin quietly, so that only she could hear. She glowered at him, ready to plunge the golden arrow through his heart. Let the Sheriff have him; he deserved it.

"Hang you, Robin," She hissed under her breath. He shrugged and began to step back from the dais. Giles stepped forward, shoving Marian aside roughly.

"Wait a moment, archer. Step forward once more."

"I don't think I will, Sheriff," said Robin, looking up with cunning in his face. Before the guards who had been subtly closing ranks around the table could completely close the circle, Robin turned and fled into the crowd, taking the golden arrow with him. Giles roared for his men, but Marian knew it was no use. If Robin did not wish to be found not even the best bloodhound on earth could track him.

"It's time for the maypole activities!" cried Lady Elizabeth cheerfully. She had been seated to Giles' other side and was completely oblivious to what had just taken place in front of her. She was enjoying herself immensely and seemed particularly happy to take note of the embarrassment that still colored Marian's cheeks. "Perhaps one of the lucky men among you will be fortunate enough to become intertwined with the May Queen and may claim a kiss of your own." Marian wiped the back of her hand across her mouth.

She took her place at the maypole, taking a long, pink ribbon on the inner circle. She looked around at the men assembled around her and felt her spirits sink further. Now she recognized them. There was Little John, Alan a Dale, Will Scarlett, Much, and the others. They grinned at her, though Little John's smile was more sincere than mocking. It was an enormous circle and she could not see all of them, but she knew enough to know that she would end up with a member of the Merry Men. What had she done to deserve such scorn?

The dance began and Marian followed, keeping her head down for fear of seeing whom she would have to kiss next. The girls around her laughed and giggled as they became intertwined with one man, only to turn him loose and receive another. Marian glanced up at the top of the pole to see how much longer before she was called upon to humiliate herself again. There were only a few more twists now. She sighed and put her head back down. At last, they made their final spin and reached their final partner. Marian's lowered eyes fell on a pair of muddy boots.

"How is it that I am so lucky as to be granted two kisses from you today, Marian?" asked a horribly familiar voice. Marian's head came up sharply and she was astonished by the transformation that had taken place. Robin had changed disguises. He now looked more like he had before the winter with his beardless face and short, chestnut hair. He smiled at her, taking her hand in his. Around them, the other couples were kissing their partners in earnest, but Robin and Marian hung back.

"Did I offend you earlier?" asked Robin quietly. "I only meant it as a bit of fun."

"Yes, you did offend me!" she said sharply. "I looked like a fool! Why do you wish to embarrass me so much? Have I not done everything you have asked of me? I helped you and that was my reward?" He blinked.

"My most humble apologies; it was not my wish to embarrass you. It was only a bit of fun."

"Fun at my expense! I hope you enjoyed yourself."

"Actually…" he said with an honest smile. "I have been waiting for such an opportunity for months now." She blinked, stunned, and then narrowed her eyes.

"What about Avian?" she demanded. "She has been glowing since she received your note two weeks ago. She loves you with all her heart. How will she feel once she realizes that it was only a jest? Or how am I to know that you speak the truth now? What?" she added, catching his confused expression. Robin narrowed his eyes, cocking his head at her much like the bird after which he had named himself.

"My letter? I never wrote to Avian," he said slowly. "If Lady Avian cares anything for me then it is through no fault of my own. I have not spoken to her since last December. Did she say the letter came from me?" Marian realized her mistake and though she remained unmoving, felt her mind and soul recoil from him in shame. She had made a humiliating mistake. He continued to squint at her, confused and intrigued. "I prithee, tell me if she has said the letter came from me for I will have hell to pay from Will if he hears that I confessed my love through a letter when it was I who advised him to do just that. In fact, he told me he handed you a letter for Avian not long ago. He spoke to you a few weeks past, did he not?" Marian closed her eyes, braced for his taunts. He knew she had made a mistake and he would not let her forget it either; she knew that from the way he grinned at her. "Ah, dear little Marian, is that why you have been avoiding Avian? I wondered why I no longer saw you together. You thought I was in love with her."

"I was not jealous," she declared proudly. "I avoided her because I couldn't stomach her descriptions of you that are only half true and half-formed in her head." He nodded.

"Then let me put your worries to rest. No, I never loved Lady Avian, nor felt anything more than passing fancy for her. She is too young and simple for my tastes. My cousin Will is more suited for her than I. He and I were in the village one day and spotted the two of you walking. I tried to pass on your good advice to him, but he's a bit stubborn when he sets his mind to things. I suspect it might run in the family." Marian nodded distantly. She glanced around at all the couples still kissing around the maypole. She had no desire to repeat the embarrassing act of earlier and she slowly stepped out of reach from Robin's long arms.

"Well, I'm glad to know that my good advice did not go to waste. Will is far less dangerous than you. If he should ever manage to clear his name then they will make a wonderful couple. Good day Robin." She turned to go but he caught her arm with a swift movement.

"Is kissing me that bad then?" he asked quietly. She turned to look over her shoulder at him, at the well-defined angles and lines etched from happiness and sorrow. There was no denying he was a handsome man, but he was a dangerous man and an outlaw besides.

"You have made a fool of me once, do not do it again." He shrugged and tried to pull her closer anyway. Over the course of the winter he must have forgotten how strong she really was. She pulled her arm away from him and sent him a level stare that did not invite further persuasion.

"Good day, Robin Hood," she said in a low voice. With that, Robin had no choice but to watch her walk away.

Robin saw her walking back across the field. She did look lovely there in the May sunlight with her long white and gold gown trailing behind her over the bright green grass. She was everything a May Queen should be and more, for he had never beheld a more beautiful sight than Marian dressed like a princess with her long, dark hair streaming down her back. His stay at the castle during the winter had allowed him to observe her more closely and he saw—when she was not around him—that she was a most gentle and kind lady. He witnessed those nights when she would sneak down to the stables dressed as a lad and practice her swordplay in the dim light of the candles. She was like a goddess, beautiful as fair Venus of Rome, yet dangerous as the Night Queen Diana.

It had been hard to get the Sheriff off her scent but Robin had done it through sheer perseverance. Letters, rumors, whispers in the dark had all been employed to convince the Sheriff that Marian Fitzgerald had no connection to Robin Hood other than as one of his hostages one evening in December.

But the winter months had not only been about helping Marian stay out from under Giles' watchful eye, Robin had also used the opportunity to find as much information as he could from Aunt Cecily what had truly happened to his mother. The story that she had tried several times to break free from Giles had been true. He had locked her up in one of the towers of Huntington castle, but when the servants took pity on her and tried to help her escape, he had been forced to take even more drastic measures. Unfortunately, Aunt Cecily had not been able to uncover exactly what had transpired between them, only that Charity had eventually been cast out.

"Eh Rob, it seems you had no further luck with Maid Marian tonight," called Little John from a few ribbons away on the maypole circle. He stood with a stout woman from the village by the name of Tess. Though she was no beauty, she and Little John made a unique and oddly compatible couple. She was just as fierce as he was and she never quailed in front of him. She had a temper of her own, and when she went into one of her rages Little John could do nothing but agree with her on whatever it was she wanted him to do.

"She's a hardheaded woman, John. She'd rather sleep on a bed of nails than admit how much she fancies me. I'll win her heart yet though, mark my words."

"Aye Robin, if that is what you think," Little John laughed, returning his attention to the woman in his arms. Robin watched them for a moment, wishing that Marian had been half as eager as Tess to have a kiss from him. He did not know when it had happened, and God knows he had spent all winter trying to deny I, he loved her as he had never loved another woman before. Certainly there were plenty of other women in Nottingham willing to have him, but no woman he had ever met before could stir him the way Marian did. Her strength and courage seemed endless, and for some odd reason he even liked that she did not simply fall into his arms. Abandoning his place at the maypole, he walked away with his head bent in thought.

Robin had planned this excursion with care. He had brought spare robes knowing that once Giles recognized him in the guise of 'Rufus Hurst' he would be free to walk about as Robin Hood later on. No one would look for him in his true uniform once they saw him dressed as a nobleman only hours before. He felt free to walk about as he pleased. His arrows were left in the alley with Rufus' disguise and in a crowd of villagers, who would think to look twice at him? Robin Hood had not been seen in Nottingham since December and it was now May.

Despite his constant reassurances that he was safe, he did not feel safe. Giles had recognized him. Although he was still searching for Rufus Hurst, Giles was not as simple as Robin often claimed. Robin glanced around warily. His Merry Men had dressed in the ordinary clothes, and those of them who were not distinguishable by any traits had no problem blending in with the rest of the crowd. Much and Little John were well-known by the Sheriff, but Much had camped out behind a pie stand and Little John and Tess were more than happy to leave the fair grounds.

"You know, he almost had me fooled," said a deep voice from just ahead of him. Robin's ears picked up the sound of Guy of Gisborn's nasally voice. He looked up sharply and crouched behind a barrel of apple cider to see who he was talking to. Standing a little ways away were Guy and Giles. They appeared to be deep in conversation. Guy dressed in the traditional garment of one of the Sheriff's men, but Giles wore his usual raiment of solid black tunic with black boots and trailing black cape. His hunting knife was in his hand as he watched the sunlight dance along the blade.

"I barely recognized him in that disguise," Gisborn continued. "He is a clever one."

"Yes, and a thorn in my side. I've had enough of his trouble. I will have his head on a pike if it's the last thing I ever do. I will make him suffer as he has made me suffer. When I am finished with him, his body won't be fit for burial," Giles snarled, snapping his knife back into its silver sheath.

"But how will you catch him? He has outsmarted you thus far," said Gisborn, folding his arms pensively. Robin smirked.

"He thinks he is cleverer than he really is. In fact, he thinks that I am unaware that he is here at all. How stunned he will be when my guards spring their trap."

Just then, the hairs on the back of Robin's neck stood on end. He whirled around as a dark shadow fell over him. Two guards stood behind him. Because of the hundreds of people moving about the field, Robin had not noticed their approach. His heart leapt into his throat, but he was on his feet at once. The guards dove at him and he ducked aside. He ran, fumbling anxiously for the golden horn belted at his side. The guards gave a shout and out of nowhere, more guards appeared. How had they found him?

Robin blew three loud blasts on the golden horn, calling his Merry Men to his aid. But it was too late. Five guards surrounded him and as he skidded to a stop, two tackled him from behind. His knees buckled and he hit the dirt face first. They wrestled him into the mud. Robin fought with all he had, but he was outnumbered too greatly. They dragged him upright and forced his hands behind his back. A heavy fist smashed into his nose and he felt it shatter with a loud crunch. Blood spurted onto the guard's tunic. The crowd gasped as they saw what was going on. Robin could not fight them off, and as the blood streamed from his broken nose he began to sway. Someone bashed him on the back of the head and blood trickled down his neck in a bright burst of pain. They tied him to the pole of a tent, still punching him with gauntlet-clad fists. In the distance, Robin saw Giles and Guy starting toward him, smiling between themselves. One of his ribs cracked as a shaft of wood broke against his side. Someone wrenched his arm behind him with merciless force until the shoulder all but ripped from its socket.

"Enough!" shouted Giles, stepping in at last. Robin hung limply against the ropes. The blood from his nose and eyes stained the front of his robes. The pain in his arm was so intense it was blinding. Blood soaked through his tunic, caking it thick and dark.

"I have you at last, Robin Hood," said Giles, stepping toward him. He drew back his fist and cuffed Robin across the face with all his might. Robin's head snapped back with a splatter of fresh blood and a groan wrenched from deep inside him. Dragging in his breath in a shaky gasp, he lifted his eyes to meet his enemy's.

"Hello stepfather," he wheezed as flecks of blood spattered his lips. Giles punched him across the temple and in an explosion of lacerating agony, Robin's world disintegrated.