Chapter 10- A Ride and an incident

"This is excellent Gisborne."

The Sherriff was in his secret chambers and was pacing gleefully. Gisborne sat with a smug grin on his face arms folded.

"That pretty little princess is just about to revolutionize England. You know Gisborne, she's the first female that isn't an entire waste of space, unlike Marian."

Gisborne twitched slightly; he tried his best to keep his control. The Sherriff stopped in his speech and raised a finger in the air showing a brilliant idea had occurred to him.

"Oh, oh this is brilliant."

"What is my lord?"

"You, and the princess."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Think about it Gisborne, Marian left you at the altar and her days are numbered with Prince John coming into the throne. You must be part of the movement or fall to it Gisborne. Besides, this one is far less outspoken, more beautiful and most importantly powerful. Once King Richard is dead, if you were to marry her, you would be heir to the throne. And once Prince John is dead, you would be King of England. Tempted to marry her myself? A clue: no."

"But she has an older brother Prince Edward in the Holy Land."

"That can be arranged."

"Her father would never allow the union."

"What, the lieutenant of the man who orchestrated Prince John's rise to power? Although, if your hands were the ones that murdered Richard, that would secure the deal."

Gisborne had been hesitant, after all he did want Marian, but the thought of becoming King was even beyond his wildest fantasies and his blood ran at the feeling of that much power. The girl wasn't altogether bad either, far more gentile and obedient than Marian and a great deal more elegant.

"I'll do it."

"Good. You can start tomorrow on your little ride."

The Next Day...

Elenora hated when other people tended to her horse. It's not that she was a perfectionist or anything it was just they would always do it so unceremoniously. She leaned over the stall as the stableboy tightened Arrow's girth. She could see his head glancing at her wondering why this school lad was tending to him. She could do nothing but wait. She turned to lean on the stone wall looking out at the courtyard. Much, Will and Alan were saddling three horses a little way off along with her other guards. Much's mouth indicated that he was in the middle of a rambling session with her guards who laughed heartily. Dear Much, she thought, he hadn't changed a bit. Her thoughts turned to Robin and his cold treatment of her. She remembered the long nights they had spent talking and the battles where they had looked out for one another.

Gisborne took his time getting ready that morning. He combed his hair and washed his face with great care. He walked confidently down the stone steps and saw the princes leaning against the stable door. Her brown eyes were gazing off into the distance. She was a smaller build than Marian but had womanly curves that accentuated her every move. Gisborne smiled, this was going to be easy. He strode in her direction and she immediately snapped her attention to his approach. He bowed low and kissed her hand with tenderness.

"Your majesty, you look exquisite this morning."

Elenora blushed.

"Thank you Sir Gisborne."

"Please I prefer you to call me Guy."

At that moment the stable boy emerged with Arrow in tow.

"Your horse m'lady."

Elenora grabbed the reins and the stable boy bowed to the ground before departing. She made a note to herself to give him a few coins from her stash. Elenora made to grab the saddle and mount but Gisborne put his hand on hers.

"Allow me."

He scooped her up in his arms and placed her on Arrow's back delicately.

"Thank you Guy."

Guy flashed his best smile and clicked his fingers. His black stallion was brought before him and he flew on top.

Will watched this scene from across the courtyard. If it were possible, his eyes would have burnt holes in Gisborne's chest. How dare he treat her like some sack of grain to be picked up and carried at will? Much nudged Will from his trance.

"Will c'mon they're leaving."

Will clambered onto his own mount and head off after the pair along with the rest of the guards. As he watched the princess's glittering hair dance in the breeze he wondered how he was going to be able to control himself when the mere thought of her sent shingles up his spine.

The Sherriff watched this scene from his tower. Soon he wouldn't need the Black Knights. He would control the King of England.

Knock! Knock!

The Sherriff did not even flinch.

"Come in."

Harold of Surrey entered. He was a broad fellow with bulking shoulders and a round face. The Sherriff turned and clapped his hands.

"Ah Harold, all ready for our little trip."

"Yes my lord."

"Now you know what we discussed, make it look like the enemy killed the boy. That will put an end to King Richard's peace treaty."

"I swear it will be done."

Elenora loved being in the fresh air. Castle life had never suited her and she always felt best riding outdoors. Guy had engaged her in small talk of life in the court and of each's respective families although Elenora kept her own brief. She learned that Guy was not of noble birth but had worked his way upwards in rank. For all his dark doings that was impressive even though she knew not all had given up their positions freely. She was hard pressed to extract any useful information from him as so many guards were present and she could not discuss their plan in any detail. His flirtations increased and Elenora returned them to an extent that did not exceed royal propriety. She did however pick up that he was hungry for power and status which was a weakness Elenora could flaunt later.

They stopped by a stream where Guy thought they could picnic. Again he lifted her down from her horse where his hands lingered around her waist. Will glared at Gisborne from where he stood unpacking the horses. Elenora caught this look and reminded him with her eyes to focus. Much set about laying down a rug for Guy and Elenora to sit on. The other guards quickly set out an elaborate lunch which Guy and Elenora ate heartily.

"Sherwood Forest is indeed a beautiful place, but are we safe here? I've heard a band of outlaws reigns terror here."

Elenora knew this was risky, but if there were any plans to do with Robin, she would suss them out.

"Terror? They are just a bunch of forest thieves making trouble. You have nothing to fear your majesty, I will protect you."

"That does reassure me. I was wondering Guy, may I visit Locksley with you. I'd very much like to see your estate."

"Well the Sherriff said not to be out long..."

"We won't be, please?"

"But of course your majesty, we shall make haste. Guards! Pack this up and made ready for departure. Come my lady."

He held out his hand and Elenora rose gracefully. He escorted her to Arrow, her hand still resting on his. Will glanced at them and wondered what she was playing at.

They entered Locksley in a grand procession. The villagers ran to look at their royal visitor, whispering knowing the rumours from the palace to be true. Gisborne helped the princess off her horse at the manor and Thornton came out to greet them. He fell to the ground in a low bow.

"Your highness, such an honour to be in your presence."

"And yours good sir."

Elenora smiled sweetly and inclined her head at the kindly old man. Guy tucked Elenora's hand in the crook of his arm and led her through the house he was proud of. Although Robin had only told her of Locksley she could feel this house was undoubtedly his, regardless of Gisborne's residence there. They then walked through the village meeting some of Gisborne's people. At first they were shy and timid, but once they had shaken her hand and seen her warm smile, the fear melted away. Elenora even managed to slip a few coins from her pocket to them when Guy wasn't looking. Elenora felt for these people. They were scared and half-stared and her urge to complete her mission grew stronger still. As soon as the Sherriff was taken care of, she must restore Robin to his people, the ones who needed him.

Robin watched the Princess's arrival in Locksley from the shadows. He saw the coins that found their way to his people's hands and he watched how her smiles won them over. This reminded him of Liam and the compassion he showed to his fellow man. Maybe he had been too hard on her. What hurt him most about her deception was that he had not picked up on it himself. He would be sure to try his best to make it right with her when he got the chance.

Djaq fiddled with Elenora's dress as she tried to repair the tear in it. She was sitting in the small room which she June and Mary shared in the servants chambers. She was never very good with sewing but she couldn't refuse when she saw the amount of chores Mary and June had to do before her royal bitchness came back from the ride. As Djaq attempted to put the thread through the needle, eyes screwed up in concentration, June entered carrying a large basket of Elenora's gowns whistling to herself.

"Good morning Djaq dear how are... do you need some help?"

"No, no I'm fine."

June put down the basket hands on her hips as she watched Djaq. She raised an eyebrow and Djaq finally put down the dress in a huff.

"I don't know how you do it June. Waiting on her hand and foot, mending all these fancy gowns following her around like you do not even exist."

June took the dress out of Djaq's lap and started to expertly sew the fabric.

"It's not as bad as you think. Elenora saved my family and Mary's from destitution. She boards all of her staff's families in the palace, she pays us well and apart from her little Holy Land escapade she doesn't give me too much grief."

" That is what bugs me the most. She is too perfect."

"Oh Djaq honey don't ever be jealous of Elenora. She is a princess and there is no one unhappier than royalty. They never have any choices in life and are bound by what is best for their country. She can never marry for love, she will end up with some stuck up duke that couldn't care less about her."

"It is better than slavery."

"Although I wouldn't know myself I'd say what happened to her in the Holy War would be a fair trade. Here you go the dress is mended and by the sound of the commotion upstairs, Elenora is back."

"What do you mean what happened to her in the Holy War?"

June made to leave but doubled back realising what she'd done.

"Oh, uh nothing you need to worry about. Djaq, try not to be too hard on the princess, she is risking her life to help you."

A/N: umm for Guy/Marian fans Guy does not love Elenora he just wants the power so more angst for Guy and a little run in in the next few chapters. for Robin and Marian fans.. the next chapter is for you! i couldnt fit it in this one so next chap ok? will find out what happened in the Holy Land later

anyway thanks for my reviewers i love u! please review so u can tell me what you think!? (btw bunny1 i couldnt bear to make it Elea so i hope her royal bitchiness was ok!?)

luvs

XxScarlettPrincessxX