Marian was far too distraught over Robin's capture to notice the amused gleam in Allan's protruding blue eyes as she demanded his help to free the outlaw she loved.
Despite Marian's desperation and Robin's danger, Allan couldn't help snickering inside over the secret his friend Daisy, the good-natured castle laundress who was always ready to share a laugh and a quick harmless tumble, had told him the day after Nottingham had nearly been burnt to the ground.
"Gisbourne finally took Her Ladyship's cherry," the laundress had coarsely laughed in his ear. "I washed away the proof off her bed linens this morning."
As interested as Allan had been to learn the news, he knew Giz had nothing to do with it, and realized the immediate danger to Marian, should Daisy's tongue wag to anyone else.
"Daize, do me a favor," he had implored her, laying on his charm. "Protect your pretty neck, and keep your news mum. Giz still wants her to be Lady Gisbourne, and not bein' funny, but he wouldn't want it to get out that his bride made hay before the wedding, if you know what I mean. I couldn't answer for what he'd do, if word leaked out. It might be, you know, gruesome."
It would indeed be gruesome if Giz learned the truth, Allan knew, but not for Daisy. His mind was already inventing a score of lies to protect Marian from Gisbourne's wrath.
"Are you going to help me?" Marian demanded now, more agitated than Allan had ever seen her, bringing his mind back to the present.
"Look, Marian, it's not my problem Robin got himself caught. What was he doin' sneakin' around Nottingham anyway, without the gang? I thought Much wouldn't let him come here alone anymore."
"Does it matter?"
"Naw, I'm just curious."
"You have to help him! You're the only one who can distract the guards away from their posts!"
"Is that all you want me to do?"
No doubt about it, Allan couldn't help thinking, admiring the flush on Marian's cheeks and the glossy sheen in her hair. Robin was one lucky bugger! "Alright, I'll do what I can," he told her, not wanting to risk his neck too much. "The rest is up to you."
"Thank you!" She appeared truly grateful, then shifted immediately into rescue mode. "Now, the sheriff has ordered two guards to keep watch outside his rooms, and two inside, guarding Robin's...cage." While she was talking, she had removed her vest and was reversing it, to disguise herself as the Nightwatchman. Allan couldn't help grinning when she first began undressing. "What is so funny?" she asked, dousing his enjoyment with one of her proud, withering looks. Confident he at last grew serious enough for their mission, she continued. "Distracting the guards would be better, but if you can't manage, are you prepared to fight them alongside me?"
When he hesitated, she almost shouted, "I saved your life once! You owe me!"
"Yeah, you saved me from Robin! What makes you think I should risk my life, to save his?"
"Because he's worth it!"
Allan froze, stunned by her words.
"You get the glory, you get the girl, everyone loves you! And when the king comes back, house, property, a wife. And what will I get? Nothing. You were always in the sun, Robin, and I'm always in the shade." Allan couldn't help feeling bitter, remembering his confrontation with Robin at the Trip. It was all true, and now, Robin had had the girl. It wasn't fair, and yet, he felt he could die for Robin. And then, another memory struck him.
"It's too late, Allan...miles too late."
The memory of Will's rejection still stung. It hadn't be easy for Allan to humble himself and ask to rejoin the gang, but his bond of friendship toward Will had felt every bit as strong as ever, when they had stood side-by-side, waiting to defend Nottingham against Prince John's army. But Will had proved every bit as hard and unbending as Robin, when it came to ideals.
Yet Allan was finding it impossible to argue with Marian's passion. The good part of him, the part inside that loved Robin and all the "lads," triumphed over the part of him that sought to help and protect only himself. "Yeah, alright," he agreed, somewhat grudgingly. "You know how I enjoy a good fight with angry guards."
"Talk them away from their posts, and it won't need to come to that."
Maybe Robin isn't such a lucky bugger after all, Allan was thinking, as he made his way toward the sheriff's chambers. Who'd want to put up with all her expectations and demands, the rest of his life?
Allan knew the answer to his own question...Robin. Robin shared Marian's desire to always improve, to strive for the best in themselves and in the world around them. Robin thrived on her expectations, just as she thrived on his challenges to make the world a better place for all. They seemed to be made for each other, and now, Allan was thinking, at least they were enjoying it.
"You can enjoy, if we can keep you alive," he whispered to Robin under his breath, before striding toward the guards with a wicked grin and a string of lies on his lips.