Chapter 8

After Marian had made sure Daniel and the rest of the boys had returned home safely, she had made her way back through Sherwood hoping to find Robin to check he was ok. But he had not emerged, so she returned to the castle somewhat down hearted. She opened the door to her room to find a familiar face sat on the chair.

"ROBIN!" Marian was delighted she ran into his arms hugging him tightly.

"hey steady, I'm a little sore." Robin said returning her hug.

"Im sorry, how are you?" Marian asked.

"Ok, few cuts and bruises but I'll survive. How are the boys?"

"Back home, all safe all sound, thanks to you."

"You're welcome Marian." Robin smiled. "And I believe I should be thanking you, you saved my life after all."

"You did take a fair beating though. I was glad to see Gisborne burn. I've never hated him as much as when he fought you with that armour." Marian brushed her fingers across his face moving his hair from his eyes revealing his slightly black eye. "Does it hurt?"

"Not so much… Did anything happen to you for helping?" Robin asked.

"Not me, my father may not be so lucky, but nothing has been done as of yet. I am worried though."

"Marian I will always help you in every way I can."

" I know, but there are some things I must go through on my own."
"You don't need to do this Marian. Please come with me!" Robin pleaded his hands each side of Marian face.

"I cannot Robin, my father needs me now more than ever!" she placed her hands on top of his, "We will be together soon, I promise." She smiled. Robin pulled her face towards his and kissed her pouring all his feelings into that moment.

"Stay safe Marian." He whispered.

"Always Robin." She answered, he kissed her one last time then left for the door.

"Sweet dreams Marian."

"Goodnight Robin." And with that Robin gave one final look before darting out the door and down the corridor towards the exit of the castle. He stopped when he heard the clanging of metal spurs, they were not heading towards him, but in the direction he had just come from.

"Marian." He whispered to himself. He turned towards the way he had just come, and silently began following the sound of spurs.


Marian had just changed for bed when she heard a banging on her door, she knew it could not be Robin, he knocked. And then a dark voice came that made her insides sink. "Marian, open your door I need to speak with you." Gisborne demanded.

"Guy please, I am tired."

"I need to speak with you now!" He growled and reached for the door handle. Robin, who was stood in a nearby hidden alcove, had placed an arrow in his bow ready should Gisborne try to force his way into his sweethearts room.

"Guy, it is late. Whatever it is you have to say, you must say it through the door or it can wait until morning."

"Marian, the sheriff… he.."

"He is what?"

"I cannot speak to you through the door."

"Then you cannot speak at all." Gisborne tried the handle again, Marian now holding the other side. He let out an angry sigh and started back the corridor. Robin moved further into the shadows to remain undetected and lowered his bow. Once he was sure Gisborne was gone, he crept out and made his way to Marian's room. He wanted to check she was alright. Robin placed a gentle knock on the door.

"Sir guy, with all respect, leave me alone, it is late and I do not wish to speak." Marian answered, Robin heard her rushing to the door and grab the handle again. He laughed slightly,

"Well Marian, if you cannot distinguish between me and Gisborne perhaps I should leave." He heard her gasp and then the door swung open, Marian grabbing his shirt and pulling him inside.

"What are you doing here?" Her voice was angry but her face was positively beaming.

"I heard Gisborne making his way to your room, I wanted to make sure you were safe."

"I can handle Gisborne."

"But you shouldn't have to you." Robin's eyes grew dark. "The last time you had to handle Gisborne I nearly lost you. I don't want that to happen again."

"It wont." Marian smiled. "England needs me. England needs us."

"And I need you." Robin murmured before pulling her into him and placing his lips upon hers.


Robin sat next to Marian on her bed, gently stroking her hair, whilst she lay fast asleep. He had promised her that as soon as she fell asleep he would leave, so that he too could have some rest, but as he sat there he could not bare to leave her. Perfectly at peace and calm, no worries and no pretending. She looked even more beautiful sleeping than she did awake, he looked out the window, the moon quickly lowering in the sky making way for the sun to break through. But every time he went to rise from her bed, she moved slightly making Robin not want to leave. He knew he must go, so for the fifth time that night, he rose from her bed. He silently put on his boots and moved effortlessly across the room to fetch his bow and quiver, he crept across to the door and opened it gently, casting one last look over the women he loved before darting out of the room and back to Sherwood forest.