Much hated Nottingham Castle. Not as much as he hated London's White Tower, which was filled with ghosts who fondled him in the night with their revolting hot hands. Weren't ghosts' hands supposed to be unearthly cold? If there were a Sheriff Ghost, or a Lord Ghost, or even a King Ghost, Much would like to have an audience with him, and make his complaints against that over charged ghost in the Tower, who had disrupted his sleep! At least Nottingham Castle wasn't haunted. It was just dark, and stony, and dreary.
Much refocused his attention on his Master. Robin's private audience with the Sheriff was not going well at all. Much shifted his weight nervously from one foot to the other, as he stood listening to his Master plead with Sir Edward.
"Sir Edward," Robin appealed, "I swear to you, I am a true friend to your daughter. Marian is the best, the bravest and most noble person I know. I only want what's best for her. And I have no power to convince her to act in any way she does not choose to act herself. Marian makes up her own mind. You of all people should know that!"
"I will thank you to refer to my daughter properly. She is to be called 'Lady Marian,' by you, or 'Maid Marian,' if you prefer."
"Apologies, Sir. I mean no disrespect. I do not know what offense I have given, but I want to make things right. Please tell me, what I must do to gain your trust?"
Edward was uncomfortable. It was evident that Robin was completely sincere. At times like this, he could be so winning. But other times, Edward reminded himself, he was a braggart, a show off, and a rascal. Edward hardened his heart. It might be unintentional, but Robin definitely was responsible for encouraging Marian's flaws.
"There is nothing you need do, Robin. I will not budge. You may not see my daughter, unless it is directly under my eye, at public events, here at the castle. I am sorry, but that is my final decision."
Robin couldn't believe this! His world was falling apart!
"Then, Sir," he begged, "Now may not be the time, but… I need to ask your permission to…to present myself as a suitor. I would like to be considered as a possible.…" He gulped. "As a possible husband to your daughter. In the distant future."
Much's eyes widened and his jaw dropped open. Had he heard Robin correctly? Husband? To Marian? He knew it! He knew Robin loved Marian!
Edward was surprised as well. "I do not think you understand me. I thought I made myself clear. You are to stay away from my daughter, not offer yourself up as her suitor. Now, good day."
As the boys left Nottingham, Much bit his tongue and remained quiet, which was very a difficult feat for him. This ride was completely different from their ride to the Castle this morning. Robin had been in high spirits then, and optimistic that his appeal to the Sheriff would not fail. He had laughed with Much, and they had joked and bantered back and forth, causing Much to grow so cheery that he burst into song, much to Robin's chagrin. But there was so singing now. No joking, no talking, no smiling. Robin's face was grim, and Much, for once, was speechless.
When they were halfway home, Robin reined his horse and stopped. "Go home, Much. I'll see you there."
"But, Master, where are you going?"
Robin didn't answer, but looked eastward.
"Oh, Master, surely not! You heard Sir Edward! You can't go gallivanting off to Knighton, when Sir Edward has forbidden you!"
"Goodbye, Much," said Robin, and he rode away.
"Unbelievable!" muttered Much to himself, before heading home.
In the Queen's chambers of the White Tower, Lady Catherine Woodward was occupied with slowly brushing Queen Eleanor's long brown hair.
"What did you do, Catherine, to chase young Locksley away? He wasn't due back home for a fortnight or more."
"He told His Majesty he was needed at home. There was some kind of trouble in the shire."
"Not likely! He runs his village so well there's never any trouble! Many older nobles would do well to follow his lead. Take that village, Gisbourne, west of York, for instance. Managed so poorly by that abusive, drunken Lord, that the Church had to seize his properties. Heaven only knows where the former heir is. Pity, too. He showed promise, if he were only given the right example."
Lady Catherine didn't care. She was angry and frustrated, like a spoiled child who's favorite toy had been taken away. Robin had gone, and she wanted him back desperately.
She knew she had displeased the King these past few nights. He had come to her, expecting her to repeat her first night's performance, when she had closed her eyes and imagined he was Robin, pouring out all her fiery passion and pent up frustration. But the next night, Henry had laughed and told her, "Looks like your Robin has flown back home to the safety of his nest." And she had been as unresponsive as a corpse to the King's touch.
If she were to retain the King's favor, then she needed to pull herself together. If she could please the King the way she knew she was capable of doing, then she could request anything, and he would give it to her. But she had to move quickly. Henry was fickle, boring easily and restlessly seeking new pastures. She would use all her skills to sway him, and then, she could get what she wanted.
And what did she want? Her wants were simple. She wanted the boy, any way she could have him. Since he had gone, then she would have to find a way to go to him. She had never traveled north, but she would take advantage of the king's restless nature and his love of travel to convince him to take a journey. And she would go with him.
Yes, she decided, as she combed the Queen's long brown hair, she would need to pull herself together and do everything she could to please the King.