JNTBL 8
Marian felt uneasy and tense under the Prince's lusty gaze. She folded her arms across her chest for more security from his prying eyes. What did a prince want with her? Why was he looking at her like that? She wished Robin was here. She was never one to admit wanting protection from any man. But the way this Prince looked at her, frightened her in some ways. His eyes roamed over her like she was some sort of carcuss. A prize that someone had brought to him.
'Lady Marian.' The Prince said as he bowed down and kissed her hand.
Marian pulled it back and looked at the Prince, wanting nothing more than to run away and wash her hand with nettles.
'Lady Marian I have heard a great deal about you...I would like to become more aquaintanced with you.' He smirked at her making her want to vomit. 'We shall go horsing riding. There we can spend some time together...alone.'
Marian wanted to slap him across the face and tell him she was married. But she couldn't. They held the higher ground over her. Her father was here and in the dungeon. She had to obey them for his sake.
Prince Vladamir helped her mount her horse touching area's that should be sacred to a husband and no one else. Marian watched as the Prince went and mounted his own horse and then turned to her smiling, he nodded his head and kicked his horse and rode out the gate, with Marian following.
'Well well Gisbourne. This may work out perfectly.' The Sheriff whispered as he waved and smiled towards the Prince as they departed.
'What will my Lord.' Gisbourne mumbled from the side of the Sheriff as he watched in hatred and jealousy Marian riding off with the Prince.
'The Prince and Marian. If she does well enough. He may ask for something. Which will be given to him.' The Sheriff smiled as he turned and walked back into the Castle.
'So Prince Vladamir-' Marian spoke.
'Ahh no My lady. Simply call me Vlad.' The Prince interuppted.
'Very well. Vlad.' Marian began again throught gritted teeth. 'What brings you to Nottingham?' She could at least try and get information for Robin, whilst she had to endure in this revolting man's company.
'Business with the Sheriff.' He answered simply.
'Business?' Marian pressed trying to find out more.
'Business that should not trouble young ladies.' The Prince smirkled at her.
Marian rolled her eyes. She was no lady.
'Eh Robin.' Will said as he walked into camp.
'Yes.' Robin said as he lounged in his bunk.
'Marian's in the forest.' Will said looking around all the other gang members. 'And a man rides with her.'
Robin jumped up from his bed. And looked at Will. 'Gisbourne?'
'No. He seems foreign.' Will stated.
'Well lets find out who this visitor is. Much' Robin shouted as he picked up his bow and ran from the camp, folowed quickly by Much who was not happy at having to leave his food.
Robin couldn't care less about who this visitor was. But the point was that he was alone in the forest unchaperoned with his Marian. His wife. He was mearly going to make sure Marian was safe.
Marian sighed as they continued to ride through the forest. She had never been so bored being in this forest before. She had always had something to do to amused herself. Or someone.
'Tell me Lady Marian. Do you like staying in the Castle?' The Prince asked breaking the silence.
'In truth I do not. Knighton is my home, and I miss it terribly.' Marian stated.
'Why do you not return there?'
'The Sheriff...wishes me to remain in the Castle.' Marian answered.
There was a whistle that anyone unknown to it, would pass it for bird. But Marian knew different. It was him. He was here. A smiled appeared on her face that she could not hide. Would they try and rob the Prince? Would he come and whisk her away? Marian searched the tree's franctically looking for any sign, a trace of him.
Robin and Much stood hidden at the top of a small grassy hill. They watched as Marian and the stranger rode slowly through the forest. He had whistled and smirked when Marian turned quickly looking into the tree's as her companion babbled on endlessly about a leaf unaware of the watching eyes. Marian had began to look around quickly and excitedly. She was looking for him. He knew it.
'Are we going to rob him?' Much asked.
'No. He is no common Lord or Duke. He is higher than that. He will not carry a purse.' Robin smiled never removing his gaze from Marian who was still searching from him.
'Then why did we come?' Much asked confused. But then his eyes followed his Master's and rested on Marian. 'Oh I see.' He sighed.
'No.' Robin said turning to him. 'I was just coming to take a look at our new visitor.' He implied.
'Oh you were coming to take a look alright.' Much moaned as he shook his head and made his way back to camp.
Robin smiled and watched Marian once more. She was still gazing around the forest looking for him. He smirked and whistled once more.
Marian heard the second whisltle and looked to where it had come from. There she seen him. He was still on a small hill leaning on a tree smirking at her, which in turn caused her to blush. Marian smiled as she watched him. How she missed him. She wanted nothing more than to stop the horse and run up into his arms. But she couldn't. She kept her eyes glued to him. And just before he disappeared out of sight he blew her a kiss and ran deeper into the forest. Marian smiled sadly as he left.
'Ahh Your Majesty. How was your morning ride with the Lady Marian.' the Sheriff asked as the Prince entered the great hall.
'I wish to discuss a matter with you Sheriff.' The Prince said as he sat down at the table.
'Yes what is that' The Sheriff moaned. He'd rather hoped to do without the hospitality.
'Lady Marian seems depressed being in this Castle. I wish her to be returned to Knighton Hall.'
'But Your Highness she is kept within the Castle for her own protection.'
'Lady Marian seems to be a woman who can take care of herself. Return her.' The Prince said as he got up and left.
'Gisbourne!' The Sheriff screamed at the top of his voice.
'Yes my Lord.' Gibsourne said as he entered the hall.
'Send Lady Marian home.'
'What?' Gibsourne asked confused.
'The Prince has ordered it.' The Sheriff spat.
'But she will surely return to the woods.' Gisbourne said.
'No she will not. We will keep her father here. If she leaves. He will hang.'
'You are returning to Knighton.' Gisbourne spat as he barged into Marian's room.
'My father?' Marian asked as she was man handled ruffly from the room.
'He will remian. If you leave Knighton and run away to become a whore once more, he is to pay the price.' Gisbourne bit as he threw her in the carriage and it took her to Knighton.
Marian sat once more in front of the warm fire at Knighton Hall. Guilt over came her as she was safe and warm yet her father was locked in a dungeon. He was probably being starved and freezing. Yet she was here. She was happy to be home. But Guy's wanring remained in her head. If she should make a mistake her father would be the one that the punishment would fall to.
'Marian.' Came the whisper from the kitchen door way.
Marian turned to find Robin standing looking at her.
'Will told me you had been brought home. But your father remains in the castle.' Robin said softly.
'If I do anything against the Sheriff's wishes then my father is to take the punishment.' Marian said sadly gazing into the fire.
Robin came and sat on the floor next to her.
'I will always be here waiting for you Marian.' Robin said softly as he took her hand in his.
'I love you Robin.' Marian wept as tears rushed down her face and she fell into his waiting arms.
