I decided to split this chapter and the next chapter up so I could get this to you now. It leads up the climax of the story (ah the puns) because our two favorite characters finally get together and (*SPOILERS- CAN NOT REVEAL*). At the end of this chapter you will be able to have a pretty good guess of what's going on, but this story is taking a turn down dirty road and the driver is our very favorite Sheriff of Nottingham. Next chapter will possibly be my favorite, however I can't promise when I'll post it because next week I'll be at the lake and its going to be very hard to write.

With that said, please enjoy this chapter (you'll need to read it to understand the following chapter), forgive my grammar mistakes, and thanks to those who reviewed on last chapter!

The more reviews=sooner update. Just a little goal for you guys to reach to make me happy as well~

I don't own Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves .

-Dev

Chapter 9: Party Crashers

Preparations were made upon their arrival home, and after distributing the much needed supplies all hands were on deck for the ball they would crash late the next day. Langley had somehow wakened from her half-stupor, and was currently overlooking the making of the dress and suits that would need to be made for the coming evening. She had been pacing madly, only stopping to add another detail or mutter about the plan to herself, all the while anxiously biting her nails. Fanny had been taking the advice, and though she had originally been a tad bit annoyed, she understood where the young outlaw was coming from. This was her chance of redemption, to achieve the vendetta against the man who'd caused all her strife as of late. Not to mention this was the person that would get her son Wulf back, so she could not get frustrated when she understood of the anxiety as well.

"You're very well gonna ware holes into the carpet 'ere, you will lassy."

Fanny didn't look up from her needlework, which had been pristine so far, and she was working on the bodice and finer details currently. A squadron of other skilled sowers were working on the matching suit and other counterparts, but Langley was most concerned about how she looked, as she was – yet again – the key to the operation. This time around she didn't wish to be, but the only way to get information was through seduction, and no other person seemed up for the job. So she took it herself, albeit reluctantly.

Langley stopped mid step, her brow tapering as she stared off into space to analyze the words as though she hadn't heard it. "What? Oh, yes. I'm sorry."

"No need ta' apologize, you just otta get a good's night rest. All this worryin can't be healthy for a young gal like yourself."

Her motherly words struck a chord in Langley and she was reminded of her parents. She hadn't thought of them much, there wasn't much to think about in the first place actually. They were great parents, but she never knew if they ever truly worried about her wellbeing, only her worth in their eyes and that of society. Though, the latter was much less of a concern to her father.

"I shall retire, I'm so- I did not mean to be a pest if I was."

Fanny hummed, "Yer just doin your job. I owe you my husband's life, and I know you'll get my son back. Good night."

Langley reentered her trance, managing a mumbled good night as she exited the small tent in a niche at the back of the cave. Heading to her designated spot where the wall met the ground at a comfortable angle, she slumped into the crevice, looking out at the starry sky with a resigned look on her face. She would get Fanny's son back, she would get them all back, but at what cost?

That question she did not know, but time would tell, and tomorrow night she would get her answers. Even if it wasn't the answers that she wanted.

-0-

The good Sheriff had put a lot of work into the ball, for there was much to celebrate and many people coming to celebrate with him. He had killed the most fiendish outlaw of the land and had a good lot of his followers on their green mile, not to mention he was coming closer to having the second most dangerous outlaw at his side, the latter more of the reason for his empty glass as it was. His hard work showed into the ball, or rather the hard work of the servants underneath him. Tapestries of the finest material had been made and hung in the hall leading to the ballroom, the finest food had been prepared and set up, the best wine served in petite glasses that would be handed out by his most esteemed servants. Everything was planned out to the last candlestick, and Langley noticed this as she rode in style onto the Sheriff's premise, accompanied by none other than John Little. He didn't look like he usually did, now dressed in tailored robes with a clean shaven face and curly, tamed hair. His blue eyes practically glowed, and Langley had to admit he looked rather dashing.

She was also in unfamiliar getup, a dress that matched John's tailored robes, though now both were under another alias: Baron Harris Schuler and his daughter Avery Schuler. Langley, or rather Avery at this point, looked completely different with fine makeup, an even finer dress, and her hair tied up with tints of red in it- all thanks to the handiwork of Fanny, mind you. The woman was a genius when it came to appearances, and Langley was glad to have the lass on her side, god knows they wouldn't be here without her.

At this point her nerves were threatening to explode, but with John's encouraging hand in hers she found her thoughts rarely trailed to the Sheriff no matter how much they longed to, and for that she was grateful. She did not need to be distracted tonight, not when so much was at stake to lose.

"Do not worry," John whispered encouragingly to Langley as they clambered as gracefully as one could from their carriage, "We will be fine, everyone will be fine."

John sounded like a completely different man, looked completely different as well. Being subjected to the rich for so long left Langley knowing how they acted, so she taught those that came with her how to speak, the mannerisms, and the basic dances that they would need to know. The mission wouldn't be accomplished if they were found out to be commoners after all, outlaws no less.

"Yes, we'll all be alright. We believe in you." Bull added, dressed in servant getup, looking very much like the two others that had tagged along, all informed on how servants were to act as well.

Their encouragement, though it meant well, only managed to make her feel worse. She felt like she was betraying them with the feelings she harbored to the man that had stolen everything from them, but she couldn't help it. It felt natural to feel that way, even if what she felt seemed like the largest sin she'd ever committed. "Thank you, I know I can do it, it's just…"

"It's a lot of pressure, we understand, but we know you can do it." John said, and with an agreement from the three others they departed with final "goodbyes" and "good lucks", they mixed into the crowd, leaving Langley and John to their own devices as they entered the castle.

Both kept their heads forward, refraining from looking around like awe-struck children, an action that would surely single them out. They needed to act as if these frivolities were of daily consumption, as Langley had put it, so indulging greedily would not be smart.

"I'm sure once we reach the ballroom the party will be in full swing, we'll be fashionably late and announced as a result. Also, try to keep the ladies away John, they will be all over you." The last sentence brought a teasing lilt to Langley's voice, but John noticed the change in her tone that made it more aristocratic sounding. He adopted the same thing to the best of his ability.

"It's Harris now, dear Avery, and please- I am a married man with child."

Langley laughed good heartily, "That will not stop the ladies, most of these woman are skilled whores and can break any marriage up." Albeit being teasing she wasn't lying, not that she was saying John would leave Fanny, they shared a love Langley could only Envy.

Walking in step with John as they approached the end of the hall where the noise was at its highest. A guard stood outside the door, looking Langley up and down without trying to hide it before stopping them. "Who are you?"

"Attendants of this party, the Baron Schuler and his daughter." John answered confidently, downsizing the guard with his towering height and surprisingly well-muscled form. The tight-fitting robes, she noticed, managed to make him look more of a man than his usual drab did, and Langley briefly wondered if Fanny did that on purpose.

The guard bowed his head in submission before opening the door, giving the two an entry to the party before the guard grabbed a servant and whispered something in his ear. The servant nodded before raising his voice over the commotion, successfully drawing all attention to a smirking Langley and John. "The Baron Schuler and his daughter."

On cue they both stepped forward, flaunting with each stride subtly but making it known that they were there, not that their hand made clothes didn't already scream for attention. This was all part of the plan, after all, and Langley had every intention to catch all the eyes in the room. A part of her secretly hoped they Sheriff did, and when she caught his gaze sweeping over her figure with suspicion she internally rejoiced. Quickly, she took control over her thoughts, only glancing his way with a half disapproving snort before turning back to John, whispering nothing into his ear with a sour look on his face. He nodded in agreement, conveying the message that the pair of them were too good to be at this party.

As they dove into the crowd headfirst, Langley had the chance to look at the Sheriff again, finding satisfaction in the angry sneer on his face. She could almost hear his internal disapproval of two guests above his party, especially since it was nice. Though, admittedly, he looked even nicer; with his immaculate black and gold robes all tailored to fit his body, a pair of thick Hessian boots adorning his well-muscled legs, demanding attention with every purposeful step he took. Yes, he looked great, handsome even, but she wasn't here for him.

"Do you recognize the man of the hour, John? We must find him before he's otherwise occupied."

"His name is Eldric, Langley." John said in a whisper, snagging two drinks and handing one to his 'daughter'.

"I know what his name is," Langley murmured into her glass before taking a sip, eyes sweeping around the room. They landed on the Sheriff, unconsciously, who was staring without shame back at her. She was glad to be able to distract him from a pleasant night, but he could not divert her. With that thought in mind she peeled her gaze away, looking disinterested until she found the foulest looking man flirting mercilessly with a woman. He fit the description in her mind, but she was unfamiliar with the target even after being debriefed of him. "Trimmed goatee, yellow teeth, scruffy hair?"

"That sounds like him." John said with a smirk, causing Langley to scowl. She was supposed to seduce that? God be with her.

"You all will owe me big time after this." She muttered nastily, already sick at the thought of being anywhere near him, least of all having to flirt with him like she was actually interested.

"It will be something to remember, that's for sure, but you can do it, now run along my little seductress."

"Father's don't usually encourage this in their daughter's, you know." Langley said, reluctant to leave John's side for the company of the nasty looking – and probably smelling - Eldric.

"Well it's a good thing you're not my daughter, then. Because I'm demanding it till the end of the night." He gave her an encouraging smile before shoving her rather abruptly in Eldric's direction. Langley took a deep breath and made her way over, her head held high and chest puffed out in a fashion that enunciated a confident lady at her finest. Mentally she was a mess, because her ever-so rebellious mind only stayed focused for a moment before straying to thoughts of the Sheriff and if he recognized her, and if that then if he found her ravishing. Langley reminded herself why she was here, if only to distract herself from the Sheriff and Eldric.

Eldric is a horrid man with an even worse reputation. He used to be known for being a binge drinker that paid for whores nearly every night. Most people only remembered him as ever being drunk, but once the Sheriff came into power was recruited as the head executioner. Now he does all the dirty work, and is paid handsomely for it. Rumor is tomorrow he'll be performing the execution of all the outlaws associated with the now deceased Robin, Langley's fist clenched at her side as she approached Eldric. He was still unaware of her presence, Langley's thoughts continued. It's said that the executioner is gifted the keys of the prisoners they will kill prior to the day of the execution. The goal is to successfully seduce Eldric, get a hold of the keys, and then beat the crap out of him. Last part more for my own enjoyment than anything.

Langley was now standing in in front of Eldric whom had recently been entertaining a reluctant lady. It was obvious she couldn't escape the putrid smelling man's unpolished hands, but with a smile in Eldric's direction the other lady was a thing of the past. She smiled thankfully at Langley who returned it half-heartedly before turning her full attention to the leering Eldric.

"What is such a beautiful lady doing here all by herself?" Langley nearly shuddered at his cringe-worthy flirtations, but then again she'd have to return them so she'd better tolerate it quickly.

"I'm not here alone anymore, am I?" She bat her eyelashes, feeling like a complete idiot as she did so.

"No you're not. Sir Eldric Hendrickson at your service, milady." He grasped her hand and placed a sloppy kiss on her knuckles, she couldn't hold back the shiver at the feeling of his slimy lips on her skin but he took the notion as something much more primal.

"I know of you good sir, I am Lady Avery Schuler, and it would be my honor to make your acquaintance in a much more personal manner." She followed this up by pressing their bodies closer, her fingers running up the length of his chest as her tongue wet her dry lips.

Eldric's eyes darkened as he gazed rather openly down her dress, admiring her cleavage before mimicking the licking of his lips as he leaned in closer, his mouth brushing her ear. "After, my lady, but this party is dedicated to me so I must attend. Before the end of the night though I promise I will make all your dreams come true."

Langley had to suppress a laugh, oh he was going to make her dreams come true, just not in the way he was thinking. She smiled daringly at him before grabbing his hand and pulling him in the direction of the dance floor. Couples were lining up and the music was about to start, but before it did Langley and Eldric made their way to the floor and lined up in the appropriate formation before the Vietnamese Waltz began.

Despite what she wished to do, she pressed herself close to Eldric, trying to remain present in the rather inappropriate conversation they were having - he was talking about what he was going to do to her, she was trying to sound equally as naughty – all the while trying to stay distant enough so she wouldn't get sick. It seemed rather funny how she'd lived under harsh circumstances for so long and never had gotten ill, but was not threatening to do so under lavish lighting and amongst rich people. Her dance partner was to blame.

Many times during their Waltz Eldric stepped on her feet, but he didn't seem to notice and Langley pretended not to as she looked around for John. She briefly met his eyes, noticing he was having a good time in conversation with what seemed to be some Barons and very eager ladies. He raised his glass to me and winked, making smooching movement with his lips before sipping the drink. Langley gagged, twirling around and breaking eye contact with him when her eyes met another pair across the ballroom.

Even now Langley was taken by the Sheriff's rich hazel eyes. From far away she could still make out every dangerous detail, from the rimming green to the flecks of gold. His pupils were dilated, his eyes narrowed with Gisborne at his side and a lady on his arm. A part of Langley was jealous, but she smirked wickedly at him, followed by a saucy wink before turning her attention back to her partner.

The next couple of dances, mostly with Eldric - the others were nicer younger looking men who had actually cleaned up nicely (they obviously just wanted a shag as well, but they were good for giving her breathing space in-between those dreaded moments with the executioner) - were spent with the Sheriff's gaze focusing on her. Langley liked having his attention, purposefully never gazing in his direction all the while.

Halfway through a song where you switched partners, John became hers, sobering her up from her thoughts of the man that should have been at the top of her hit list, but was instead at the top of her I'd hit that list. "When are you going to make your move? We don't have all night."

"The song after this is always a version of the Vietnamese Waltz that is very fast pace. Then I'll have the cover of his clumsy limbs and no one will be able to see or suspect anything. I needed to lead him on a bit anyways, or else he wouldn't have fallen for it. The man's not completely daft."

"You lead him on alright! You flirted so much I wouldn't be surprised if you actually liked the man!"

"Oh please, John. My standards for men are not that low." Langley teased, though her mind was snickering at the irony. You'd think Eldric is a step-up from the man who killed your beloved cousin.

She banished those thoughts, trading partners again and finding herself once again in the arms of Eldric. The dance ended, and Eldric started in the direction of the door with her in tow. Langley swiftly pulled him back to the floor, leaning in so her lips nearly brushed his ear. "Good things come to those who wait." She pulled back, smiling mischievously at him. His eyes glinted with lust as the fast pace song began and they were both swung around to the quick tempo. Eldric was horrible at keeping up, but his mistakes worked to her advantage.

"Are you excited for tomorrow? It must be an honor to kill all those outlaws in the name of the Sheriff?"

"Very, I even have my keys with me. The Sheriff says I'm his most trusted man, says after tomorrow I'll have a rank among him, all the money and woman I want… I admit, I'll miss you."

Langley completely ignored what followed the first sentence, trying to keep her slipping resolve from shattering completely. They hadn't even done anything intimate yet together, she doubted he would miss her. "You do?" She feigned shock, biting her lip as she looked up at him with fake admiration. "The keys, I mean." She giggled girlishly, and he smirked smugly.

"I do. Its tradition the executioner does, they're right here." He took his hand from her waist and pat his backside where the metal jingled in response.

The cogs in Langley's head began turning, and soon a plan had formed in her mind.

"I may not see you after tonight, Eldric." Langley began, twirling across the floor with him, her apprehension growing as she grew closer to acting upon her idea. She, however, swallowed her pride and continued. "So I wish to give you my token of thanks." Without another thought to talk herself out of it, Langley pressed her lips to his in a kiss. Almost immediately he deepened it, and Langley could not stop it from happening without rousing suspicion so she went along.

She supposed it wasn't as bad as she was making it out to be, but he was a nasty man, and perhaps since she'd had a much better kissing partner her judgement was biased. But right now she wished above anything that the man she was kissing was the Sheriff. Even if the thought was sin itself, she stuck with it and managed to kiss back like she wanted it, ignoring the weird feeling of his unskilled tongue poking down her throat as she grabbed the keys and unhooked them from his waist. He was unaware of it as she pulled back, pretending to gasp for air as she tucked the keys away into the folds of her dress. Her cheeks were lightly pinked from embarrassment of imagining she was kissing the Sheriff, but she managed to compose herself enough.

"Go, go to your room. I will be there soon, I must tell my father I am retiring to bed early tonight. He will not suspect a thing." As if on cue, the song ended and Eldric quickly departed. Langley peeled away from where she was before someone grabbed her arm and quickly turned her towards them. To Langley's relief it was only John, and he was holding a cup of champagne in his hand.

"Can I have that?"

"It was for you, I can't imagine kissing him was pleasant."

Langley took it and downed it in one swig, hoping the strong alcohol would clear all the taste of Eldric from her mouth. "You can have at him next time."

"I think I'll pass." John said playfully, he noticed the faraway look on her face as a silence settled between them, blurring out even the sounds of the ballroom till that was only white noise in the background. "What are you thinking of?"

"Tonight. I must be with Eldric, I have to stay here for the night or the plan can't work." Langley didn't look at John, she couldn't as the words sunk in.

"What? Why not?"

"For the plan to work I must be able to get to Eldric when the time is right. I don't know when that is, so I have to stay. The rest of the plan can work as it would: I will call you all in when the time is right, but instead of everyone helping me sneak in I'll already be in. The plan can't fail." Actually, there were many ways it could, but John didn't know that, didn't need to know that.

John looked torn, but after a long hard stare of confidence from Langley he submitted. "Alright, I trust you."

He shouldn't trust her. Langley wasn't sure she trusted herself anymore. Not when her body and mind were torn, when her heart and mind were torn between what was right and who she needed. But she would have to stay strong, for John and the sake of his son. She owed them all at least that. "Thank you." Langley smiled at John, catching a glimpse over his shoulder of a very miffed looking Sheriff. She would have smirked at his sour expression had he not been bee-lining at them, so Langley quickly found the keys and handed them to John. "Go quickly, the Sheriff is coming."

John took the keys and whispered encouragingly in her ear as he left, "Good luck."

I'm sure as hell going to need it, she thought bitterly, glancing in the direction of the Sheriff as he closed the distance between them. Langley snagged another glass on a passing tray, this time of a wine of sorts. She hoped it was strong, because god knows what the night held for her, and judging by the expression on the Sheriff's face, it was nothing good.