A/N I took artistic licence with the meaning of flowers, which I am pretty sure was not developed until the Victorian times.

Warning: This chapter contains scenes of an adult nature, although I have probably been coyer with my use of words than I am used to.

Prisoners of Circumstance Chapter 12

How did you come back from that? When everything you thought you knew, and were starting to believe in was torn away from you for a second time in your life? The aching in Guy's chest was unbearable, and if he could rip out the pain he would. He looked down at his beaker of ale in distaste. He could go the same route Marian had gone a couple of nights ago, but it would solve nothing.

Allan sat across from him at the table. He watched the fleeting expressions pass over Guy's face. Allan was surprised at the stab of pity he felt for his new master. Guy was scary and that was on the good days, but under it all he seemed to be as much a prisoner to the sheriff as did the whole of Nottingham. He had not missed the thinly veiled contempt which Guy felt for Vasey. The sheriff was a bully and Guy was his main recipient. All of Guy's major faults aside, he did really seem to care for Marian. He could still not forget the look on his face as he had told him the truth about her. He knew Robin loved Marian, but even for all his carefree ways, Allan could see that what Guy felt for Marian went beyond that, even if the man did not yet know it himself.

Allan took a large gulp of his ale and put the cup down on the table. The inn was quiet and off the beaten track, unlike the Trip Inn, which was all very good for meeting contacts, but had too many eyes. This was going to be one of those do it quietly kind of missions that the sheriff was fond of.

"So what's the plan then?" asked Allan.

Guy took another mouthful of the tasteless brew and put it to one side. He leaned in close to Allan and looked around him before speaking.

"We have to create a situation that will bring out Marian's charitable instincts and in doing so will draw out the Nightwatchman and that is where you come in."

"I don't understand. Besides Marian would probably soon as punch me in the face than be charitable towards me at the moment."

Guy glared at him. "Not for your sake…if you let me finish, I want you to find me a man."

Allan looked him up and down. "I would have sworn your tastes were for the ladies, but if…"

"Not for me! I need you to find someone to pretend to be a courier for the sheriff." snapped Guy. "And the other thing I want you to do is to get over to the convent at Rufford and buy me some orphans for a few hours."

"Dare I ask what we want with kids?"

Guy threw a bag of money on the table.

"There are twelve silver pennies in there. That should be ample. Tell the rosy cheeked little waifs and strays that if they do what we say, there is one for each of them. I want you to have them to Knighton village by tomorrow morning and I will arrange it so that Marian sees them on the pretext that they are bound for the mines. Marian is not stupid, we have to make this look real." Guy smirked confidently.

"And you want the courier for?" Asked Allan.

"I am going to pen a message and make it look like the black knights are meeting at the Bonchurch estates tomorrow night and put the sheriff's seal on it. You are to make sure that this letter gets into the hands of Robin Hood via the messenger. Then at least he will not be able to get in the way."

"How am I supposed to do that?"

"I don't particularly care." Sniffed Guy. "Get the job done and there might be a pay rise in it for you."

A mercenary gleam shone in Allan's eye, Guy smiled to himself. He knew his audience. Thinking of audiences, he should soon consider returning to the castle. Marian would be waiting for him. Just the thought of her was as painful as a viper pressed against his breast.

"So let's do a re-cap. Kids paraded in village tomorrow morning. Marian is outraged and plays dress up as the Nightwatchman."

"You're catching on and to seal the deal Marian will think they are being kept in the barn on her estates."

"She will only think? I'm not being funny, but where do I put the kids then?"

Guy rolled his eyes. "I do not want them in the barn. All you have to do is make sure they are seen. Leave the rest to me."

"I don't do babysitting." Grumbled Allan.

" I pay you. You do whatever I say you do. Besides once they have served their purpose you can send them on their way."

"What are you going to do to Marian once you have caught her?" asked Allan.

"None of your business." Guy replied.

"You promised not to hurt her."

"Did I say I was going to?"

"At the risk of getting a clout around the head…have you two ever thought of just talking to each other?" Asked Allan.

"Do you really believe I will let her off the hook that easily after years of betrayal? I have always found that actions speak louder than words Allan. Now let's attend to the details. I want nothing to go wrong."


Marian paced the room agitatedly. She would have thought Guy would be back by now, but being at mercy of the sheriff's commands it was possible that her husband had some business to attend to. Her hair was still slightly damp from her recent bath and was curling around her shoulder in waves. She wore one of her newer gowns, the blue one with flowers that Guy had brought her only a few days ago. Marian wanted more than anything to please him, tonight of all nights.

She took comfort from the cheery blaze in the hearth and warmed her icy hands by it. Marian stiffened as she heard the unmistakable sound of spurs hitting the stone floor. It felt like her heart had lodged in her mouth quite literally as she took a shaky breath, stood and waited for her lord to enter the room.

Guy opened the door and closed it without looking in her direction. The delicate fragrance of roses was overpowering to his senses, but with great difficulty he hardened his heart to it. He finally brought himself to look at her. She had all the appearance of innocence as she smiled at him. It was like a knife twisting his insides. Guy didn't know if he wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her until nothing else mattered or throw her in the dungeon for the night, just to teach her a lesson. But nothing that easy for Marian, she was a warrior and had bested him in a fight before now so she could take a little punishment for her deception.

Guy folded his arms and cocked his head to one side, studying her for a moment. She was pale and seemed very on edge. She nibbled at her nails briefly. Before she met his gaze.

"Guy…I have to tell you my secret. I cannot…"

"I came to tell you that we will have to delay this evening. Something came up. Business with the mines. I am expecting some fresh workers for it tomorrow and I have to make the arrangements tonight."

Marian frowned. Her speech forgotten. "That awful death trap? Guy why do you send families down there to die?"

"I do not send anyone down there Marian. The sheriff requires it. Either they can work for pay or criminals are sent to work off their sentence. Would you rather they hung?"

"Where are these new workers coming from?" She asked.

"Rufford." Guy replied. "From the abbey."

"The abbey? Surely you are not putting nuns to work?"

Guy hesitated for a moment. "No not nuns…the orphans."

Marian gasped. "Guy, no!"

Guy looked at her, giving her what he knew to be his most intimidating glare. "That is how things are run around here. I would have thought you were used to it by now."

"It does not mean I have to like it!" she replied. "I was starting to believe you were a different person, but I was wrong."

Guy drew in a painful breath. "It seems that disappointment is the order of things today. I thought you were…"

"Were what?" Marian demanded.

Guy shook his head. "Nothing. I am going to join the nobles in the great hall after all. Do not wait up!"

"Don't worry, I won't!"


Guy slammed out of the room, and Marian fell on the bed, weeping. He could hear her through the door. His hand rested on the handle for a moment. It pained him to hear her cry, but he pulled himself together and walked away. If he had stayed to hear her explanations, what could she have possibly said to vindicate her actions of the past five years? You have done far worse Guy of Gisborne. You have blood on your hands that no amount of scrubbing will ever wash off.

Guy slammed his fist into the wall. His plan had been put in action now and he would not depart from his chosen course. Guy had no intention of joining Vasey and his lackeys in the great hall. The sheriff was cruel most of the time, but after too much wine he liked nothing better than to humiliate Guy in public and he did not feel like being taken for a fool a second time on the same night. Instead, he headed for Vasey's quarters. He had a seal and some parchment to make use of. Allan was waiting in the courtyard, along with a messenger and the night was not getting any younger.

After the fireworks between Marian and himself, Guy had to somehow persuade his bride to still take that morning ride with him that he had suggested the day before. She could be stubborn to say the very least. If she refused to accompany him then all would be for naught. Guy entered the sheriff's chamber to be met by the chirping of birds, always Vasey's deep seated obsession with them, although strangely enough, they seemed to have an unexplained mortality rate.

Guy sat at the sheriff's table and quickly wrote a few lines with the quill pen. He hastily folded it, melting some wax onto it and pressed the sheriff's official seal onto the parchment. He left the room and hurried down to the courtyard. Allan was talking to the messenger, both men straightened up as they saw Guy approach. Guy handed the parchment to the courier, along with a bag of coins.

"Escort this man as close as you can to the best places to be apprehended by Hood's lot, hopefully someone will take the bait. Then get on to Rufford and no dawdling." He warned Allan.

"As if I would." Allan replied, pretending to look hurt.

Guy rolled his eyes and watched them depart.


Guy was exhausted. He had spent most the night walking the passageways of the castle, afraid that if he gave in and returned to Marian that he would weaken his resolve. Instead he reminded himself of all the times she had been helping Hood and probably laughing with him about it behind his back. Guy's anger returned just at the thought of it. The messenger had returned shortly before dawn. The coins and the fake letter had both been taken. The plan was going smoothly so far. All that was left was his fair lady wife.Who would have thought that deceit could be so deep rooted in one so young? He thought cynically.

The market sellers were all ready setting up their stalls and the marketplace was relatively deserted. Guy strode over to one of the vegetable stalls, which also did a nice sideline in flowers. He sighed at the alarmed reaction of the woman as he approached her. He took one of her finest roses from the basket. Guy handed over a coin and walked away, picking off the thorns as he went. His father had always given his mother a rose every morning. Guy had once asked him why he removed the thorns before giving it to her.

"Because Guy, when I first met your mother it was love at first sight and that is what it signifies to give a thornless rose to the woman you love."

Guy picked off the last thorn and took a small scrap of parchment from within his leather coat. He quietly approached his door and lifted the latch. Marian was asleep on top of the bed, still wearing the same clothes as last night. He touched her hand. She was cold, the fire long since dead in the hearth. Although asleep, she did not look peaceful. The red puffiness of her eyelids bore witness to the tears she had cried. He felt a fierce stab of guilt, which he swiftly extinguished. He could not let his finer emotions come into this now.

He laid the rose on her pillow, and placed the note beside it. Guy lowered his head and kissed her softly on the lips, relishing the exquisite torture of the stolen kiss. Marian stirred in her sleep. He froze as his name sleepily passed her lips, before she rolled over and took the covers with her. Guy reluctantly left the room, slamming the door to make sure she woke.

Marian woke with a start. Early daylight brightened the room, but one side the bed was empty. She knew Guy had not returned last night because she had waited for a long time, listening for his step. Only exhaustion had made her give up her vigil. She levered herself up and rested her head on her elbows. Marian turned her head and noticed the deep red bloom on the pillow next to her, along with a sealed note, the unmistakable Gisborne seal stamped on the back. Marian ran a fingernail along it and opened it. She picked up the rose and inhaled the fragrance as she read his letter.

Marian, please forgive my ill temper of the night before. It is my hope that you will still join me for an early morning ride so we may talk. I await you in the courtyard.

It was just simply signed Guy. He wanted to at least talk about the situation, which was at least some form of progress and she was willing to meet him half way, hating the discord between them last night.

Marian was jolted out of her thoughts by the arrival of her serving woman, Sarah.

"Good morning Lady Marian. What a lovely rose!"

Marian smiled. "Yes, it is a gift from my husband." She held it out to her.

"And he has removed the thorns. I would say your husband is well and truly smitten with his new bride."

"Does a thornless rose signify something?" asked Marian, her curiosity aroused.

"Oh yes my lady…now let me try to remember…does it signify true love or…no wait, it means love at first sight."

Marian blushed. Had he truly fallen in love with her the first night they had met?

"Sarah, help me dress and I have to be quick. Sir Guy is waiting for me in the courtyard."


Guy watched as she walked down the steps towards him. He took her hand and helped her to a horse. He kissed her hand before letting it go, and mounted his own ride. Marian noticed how he affectionately patted the horse before they moved off, maybe there was hope that a man who could have such a gentle touch with a horse could not be so callous.

It was unusually warm for a late September morning and the sun lifted her flagging spirits. She thought briefly of Robin. Some of the anger towards him had faded, but she had not forgotten what he had tried to do and there would be a verbal reckoning for his actions. Marian glanced at the proud rider by her side. Guy was an accomplished horseman and she admired him in the saddle. She was surprised to find that they would be riding out without escort, but not displeased.

They had been riding for some time, when Guy suddenly kicked his heels and his horse set off at a more stirring pace. Marian followed suit and she enjoyed the exhilaration of the ride. They left Nottingham castle far behind them, until they had ridden into Knighton village. Guy dismounted and tied the reins of his horse to a fence. He helped Marian down from her horse and did the same.

"I thought I would look over the village now that I am the new lord." He smiled. There was nothing proprietary in his tone as he spoke the words, which also pleased her. "I am sure there are tenants that you wish to visit with."

"Thank you, I would. I want to put them at ease that nothing has changed because my father is no longer…"

Guy felt another stab of guilt, an emotion that was fast becoming familiar to him. She was still grieving and he was thinking only of revenge for her deceit. He put an arm about her shoulder, trying to give Marian a small measure of comfort, ignoring his own pain.

They walked down the street together. Knighton was not a large village and consisted of less than thirty houses. At first, people eyed them cautiously and watched from behind the brittle safety of their roughly constructed fences. A little girl of no more than three years ran in front of Marian's path and almost tripped. Marian quickly picked her up and stopped her fall. The girl had beautiful ebony curls and unusual green eyes.

"What is your name?" She asked the little girl.

"Espeth."

"Elspeth?" Marian corrected. The little girl nodded, squirming about in Marian's arms. Marian looked over at Guy and smiled. She was surprised by the strange expression on his face.

It had been a kick in the gut to see Marian hold the little girl in her arms. For a moment he imagined what a child of his and Marian's might look like. He looked at Marian's slender body, envisioning it rounded with his baby and one day holding their child and giving it nourishment. Was such a dream still out of his reach? As she looked back at him, little could he comprehend that she might share the same longings.

"Elspeth?"

A young mother came out to claim her daughter and Marian set her back on the ground. The moment passed and Marian was horrified to see Allan coming down the main street with a horse and cart. In the back of it were at least twelve children by a swift head count. They were all chained together and looked miserable and dirty. Some of the children looked no more than eight years old. She felt sick to her stomach as she looked at her husband. He would not meet her eye and presented her only with his grim profile.

Allan nudged one of the bigger children while Marian's attention was diverted. "Cry." He whispered. The little boy started up a convincing wailing. Allan cringed at the terrible sound. "Not quite so loud."

"Guy, I thought you had brought me out here to talk, not to show me what you are capable of!" She turned to Allan. "Allan, this is beneath even a traitor like you!" Marian cried.

Guy walked over to the cart, playing his part to the letter. "Is this the best you could come up with? They won't last five minutes in the mines. Better get them over to the old barn for now." Sniffed Guy.

"You will not!" said Marian.

"It is only for one night my love. They will be moved onto the mines in the morning. Besides I am the Lord of Knighton now and whatever I say will be obeyed." Guy smirked at her.

"Not everything! I am going back to the castle and leave me alone Guy of Gisborne. I want you nowhere near me, do you hear?"

"Loud and clear my sweet." He replied mockingly.

Marian walked over to her horse and untied it, riding away in a cloud of dust.

"Well done Allan. Expect that pay rise we discussed earlier. Now you can take these children back to Rufford, but be at the barn by nightfall and find a lantern from somewhere to make it look like someone is in the barn. I will meet you there and for once the mountain will come to Mohammed."

Allan looked at Guy. He had not missed the strain in his face as Marian had hurled her insults at him. "Is it worth it all Guy?"

Guy looked in the direction his wife had taken. "To catch a fox and beat it at its own cunning, yes." He sighed before mounting his horse and following the same path that Marian had just taken.


It would soon be sunset, all ready an orange glow was slowly extinguishing the blue from the sky. Marian had not seen Guy since the confrontation between them at Knighton village. She was still seething with anger towards her husband and had not returned to her room for fear of encountering him. Instead she had gone back to her old quarters. There was fresh bedding and a new mattress on the bed. She had sat on it for most of the day, staring into space and shedding a few tears when she thought about the man she had married.

Pulling herself together, deciding it was unworthy of her to spend one more moment sulking and feeling sorry for her lot; she got up from the bed and marched to her own room. Guy was nowhere to be seen and Marian was relieved to find the room unoccupied. She went over to her chest of clothing and pulled out the one dark cape she had left. It was not exactly what she would have chosen for the Nightwatchman, but with her last costume ruined, she had to make do with what she could find. Locating a silk scarf and trousers was easy enough, but she was short on a choice of a chemise. She rifled through Guy's belongings, pulling out a dark tunic of his and bundled it up with the other things. Marian dug to the bottom of her chest and pulled out her mask. She put on the cape and concealed the clothing beneath it.

This time there was no need to make a hasty exit from the castle. She took a horse from the stable and paid a few coins to the soldier at the gate, giving the excuse that she was riding out to meet her husband and if they did not let her pass then they would have Guy to deal with. Few men rarely wanted that experience, so after a moment's consideration, he let her pass. That he did not question Guy's whereabouts, told her he was not at the castle.

Marian rode fast until she reached the cover of the forest. Once under its protection, she removed her clothes and put on her pilfered garments. Guy's tunic almost drowned her. She took out her small knife and cut the sleeves down to fit her better. Finally she put the mask over her eyes and the scarf over her mouth. She threw her clothing in the saddlebag and mounted the horse again.

It was night by the time she reached the outskirts of Knighton village. Most of the villagers were locked up in their homes for the night, the only signs of life coming from what passed for an ale house. She slowed down the horse, not wanting to attract attention. Most people knew to mind their own business and she mainly passed unnoticed. Marian came to the clearing where her old home had stood. There was little moonlight as the moon was in its early quarter, but she could see the glow of a lantern, penetrating the gaps in the barn walls. There were two horses tethered outside it, but it was strangely quiet.

She supposed the children were sleeping before continuing their journey to the mines in the morning, but they wouldn't be going anywhere near that place and she would see to that. Marian tied her horse's bridle to a low branch and silently made her way towards the barn. She leant against the barn wall, retreating into the shadows as Allan came out. He stood, looking round, his hands on his hips.

Guy was all ready in the barn and watched from behind some bundles of hay. Allan scratched his head. The signal for if he spotted her. She had fallen so easily into his hands. If he had had any idea how easy it would be to trap the Nightwatchman, he would have tried this a long time ago. Although considering the state of affairs between Marian and himself, he considered it best that things happened as they did now. He was edgy, the blood pumping through his veins and every muscle tense in his body as he awaited their encounter.

Allan came back in the barn and nodded at Guy "Good night kids and don't do anything I wouldn't do. I will be back in the morning." He grinned at Guy before extinguishing the lamp.

Allan closed the barn door and put the bar across it, shutting Guy in. He got on his horse and rode off into the trees and waited for a while, shaking his head as he saw Marian come of the shadows and head for the doors. They were one complicated twosome.


Marian neared the barn door. She lifted the wooden bar and silently placed it on the ground. She took out her dagger and held it in her hand, ready for any resistance she might meet. She opened the doors. It was eerily silent in the barn and it was hard to make out anything in the dark interior. Too late, she heard the doors close behind her and the wooden bar be put back in place from the outside. Marian kicked at the doors, ineffectively. She was trapped, and she had walked right into it. She walked into the middle of the barn, contemplating her next move

"Good evening Nightwatchman." The cold and mocking voice sounded from behind her, making her gasp. Marian spun round, just able to make out the dark shape of her husband. Although she could not see his face, she could imagine his expression. "Or should I call you the Nightwatchwoman? Seems I have been barking up the wrong tree all these years."

Marian felt faint.

"Lost for words as usual?" He moved closer to her and she instinctively edged away. Her knife was still clutched tightly in her hand like a talisman.

"You have been on my mind for weeks. I was starting to think there was something wrong with me. I dreamt of you the other night. You came into my room and pulled down the bed covers and touched me…all over. Want to know something else? I enjoyed it."

Marian felt a trickle of sweat roll down her face, under the mask. He was slowly advancing on her and she was backed up against the wall, with no way out. She would not hurt him unless he tried to hurt her first. He had not unsheathed his broadsword, his only weapon against her defences so far had been words. It was like he was reading her thoughts, as she heard him unbuckle his sword belt and throw it into the straw.

"We are going to end this here and now. All our encounters have been leading up to this moment." Marian felt her dagger slip from her fingers.

Guy was so close, she could feel his breath at the nape of her neck. The male scent of him caused her mouth to dry up. He removed his gloves and discarded them. Marian flinched as a warm hand curved around the back of her neck, causing the hood of her cape to fall back. She took comfort in the darkness of the barn. His fingers threaded through her hair and untied the silk covering around her mouth. Guy made no attempt to remove her mask and seemed to have no intention of doing so. He could not know for sure it was her. Marian did not know whether to feel outraged or aroused at the idea of surrendering to him.

His long fingers continued to stroke the sensitive skin of her neck, causing her flesh to prickle. She felt a slight rush of air as he lowered his head and breathed in her ear.

"You want it as badly as I do."

His teeth grazed the lobe of her ear and Marian felt her knees weaken and her breathing quickened. She did want him, more than anything she had ever wanted before. Maybe this was the only way she could have him.

"Before this night is over I am going to know every inch of your body intimately, and you mine. But before I give you what you want, I will make you beg."

Guy's lips travelled from her ear, slowly, pressing feather light kisses on her cheek, stopping at her mouth. Marian shivered at the feel of his breath on her dry lips.

"Kiss me…" He whispered.

Marian hesitated in her inexperience before obeying him as well as her own desire. His arms crept around her neck, drawing her closer and pressing his body against hers as their kisses became more passionate. His tongue begged entrance to her mouth and she parted her lips, letting him in. Her hands fumbled with the wolf's head clasps on his leather jacket, needing to touch him. She somehow managed to undo the last clasp and parted the edges.

"Aren't you the eager one?" He laughed.

Guy removed his arms from about her neck and shrugged off the coat before returning to her arms. He placed her hands on his tunic.

"Tear it from my body."

Her innocent ears were shocked as well as aroused by his request, causing her to draw a breath, unused to such talk. She hesitated

"A strong woman like you would have no trouble…scared?" He challenged.

Something snapped inside of Marian and she grabbed a hold of the delicate material and tore it right down the middle and took if from him. His verbal gauntlet had angered her. She kicked out his legs from under him and he fell into the pile of straw. Marian straddled him, just as he had dreamt of the Nightwatchman doing. For a moment Guy thought he might lose control before things had even begun.

She undid her cloak and pulled off her own black shirt. Feeling the need to take control, Guy flipped her over to lie on top of her. Surprisingly he did not crush her with his size and she liked the feel of his weight on her. Marian could feel a hardness penetrating her through the leather of Guy's trousers and felt a moment of fear. He ran a hand along her thigh and brought her leg around his back and thrust against her. She cried out and Guy made a satisfied noise deep in his throat.

He ran his hands along her naked abdomen, before resting at the waistband of her trousers and slowly unbuttoning them. His fingers traced her hip as if searching for something. Guy found the ridged scar he was looking for and pressed his lips against it. Marian shivered.

Guy lifted his head to look at her, although she could not see his face. "I am sorry for this. If I had known you were a woman, I would never have hurt you like that."

The regret in his voice sounded genuine to her ears. She had little time to dwell on it as he eased her trousers down her legs, before removing her boots and taking them all the way down. Slithers of weak moonlight streaked across the floor of the barn. Guy felt himself grow harder as he saw the beauty of her naked body, and then as the moon disappeared behind the cloud, so did her form.

Marian tensed in fear as she heard him remove the remainder of his own clothing. He rejoined her on their bed of straw. She bit her lip as one of his large hands closed over her breast. He lay there for a moment, just cupping the warmth in his hand before he rubbed his thumb over the sensitive tip.

Unable to help herself that time, Marian groaned aloud as his lips replaced his thumb. Guy raised his head. "You like that." He breathed in lowered tones.

Guy turned his attention to the other breast, replacing his thumb with his lips, causing her to cry out. He needed to feel her hands on his body too. He took her palm and placed it on his lower back and encouraged her to go lower until it touched his backside. Marian's face was aflame at the new intimacies, but found she liked the feel of him, firmed by many hours in the saddle. Guy continued to kiss her while her hands explored his body.

He drew a sharp breath as her hand accidentally made contact with his hardness. "Don't stop…touch me again…there."

Marian touched him for a second time. He covered her hand with his and curled it around him. He felt so large and she had heard that it would hurt the first time. She trembled with fear. Guy sensed the change in her and knew the reason for it.

"I will try to hurt you as little as possible, but there will be some pain. It is unavoidable."

Marian did not have time to digest how he knew shewas inexperienced. Guy kissed her again to reassure her, covering her body with his own as they continued to kiss and he gently rocked against her. Marian parted her legs instinctively, wanting to feel him closer to her. He moved between her thighs, his hand going lower to touch her womanhood. She tried to remove his hand at first before giving up to the feelings he so easily aroused in her. Marian felt her body tensing and building up to some far off point which she did not understand.

"Are you ready for me?" Guy whispered in her ear.

She turned her head in response and kissed him hard on the lips in answer.

Guy broke the kiss and whispered in her ear. "Beg for me to take you."

"Please." She whispered almost indiscernibly.

He put his hand between their bodies and positioned himself, thrusting forward. Her cry was lost as her tongue entwined with his. Guy did not stir. It felt so strange and new and excruciating. At first she fought against his invasion and source of pain. But it started to ease and as she relaxed he started to move within her. The pace increased and she raised her hips to meet him as pure instinct took over. He was close to completion, but he wanted to make sure she was with him. He kissed her again and wrapped her legs around his back.

Moments later, they both cried out. Marian felt tears seep out from under her mask and run down her face. Guy continued to hold her while they were still joined together. She reached out and touched his face, wishing she could see his expression. She felt such wonderment and sadness all at the same time. She wished she dare talk and find out what he was feeling. Guy kissed her gently on the lips and rolled over on to his side, draping an arm about her.

She laid there in the straw listening to his breathing as it grew deeper, she realised he had fallen asleep. Typical male behaviour from what she had heard!

Marian frowned as rational thought began to seep in. For all her husband knew, he had just broken their marriage vows, barely four days into their marriage and had just lain with some strange woman. She could be some serving woman for all he knew! Surely if he had known it was her, he would have spoken her name. But he had not said it once. She had not said his name either, but that was neither here nor there.

Marian carefully removed his arm from about her shoulders, and searched around in the dark for her discarded clothing. She ached in places she never knew could ache before, as she gingerly tiptoed around the barn, finally locating her other boot. She dressed quickly, wincing a little. Marian walked over to the barn door and tried it. It would not budge an inch and she felt frustrated. She did not want to be in here when morning came. She felt around the walls of the barn. Feeling a breeze on her legs, she looked down, seeing a hastily boarded up hole. She kicked at the planks, managing to loosen one and squeeze out through it.

There was no way she was getting back into the castle at this late hour. She could only hope she could seek shelter with one of the Knighton villagers. Marian retrieved her horse and after some difficulty, managed to mount it. She dug her heels in and rode as if she were pursued by the devil.


Guy woke up. He shivered in the cool of the autumn night, to find Marian no longer at his side.

"Marian?" He no longer cared for the pretence. Hurt that she had left him after the most beautiful experience he had ever shared with someone in his entire existence. There was no doubt left in his mind now. He loved her. He had not meant to fall asleep. He loved her and he was going to tell her and then he woke up to find her gone.

Guy could see the hole in the wall of the barn, confirming what he all ready knew. He gathered all his clothing together. Guy left the tunic, torn beyond repair and of no use to him. He put his leather jacket over his bare skin. Wincing as it made contact with his back. He reached round and touched the source of his discomfort. It felt damp. Guy raised his fingers to nose. He smelt blood. She had marked him.

He continued to dress and walked over to the door and called out to Allan, but he received no answer. The fool had had fallen asleep most likely. Guy cursed aloud and walked over to the same exit his lady had taken. He had to kick away more boards before he managed to fit through the hole. Guy located Allan several yards away, fast asleep and propped up against a tree. He kicked him.

Allan awoke with a start and withdrew his sword. "Are we under attack?" He asked sleepily.

"Get your things, we are going back to the castle." Sneered Guy.

TBC