This chapter was the most fun to write. It reminded me of Prom. XD Enjoy ^_^ (And I do LOVE Reviews. XD)

Chapter 20

The Prince was greeted at the gates to Nottingham. He sat in his roofless carriage, waving to the people. I sat on Jacques, begging for something to come along and kill me. I didn't think I could stand for that long, and Guy agreed. He brought Jacques to me, and placed him between the wall and him. I was bored and had a headache that felt like a migraine. Or was it just a migraine? Either way, I wanted to sleep and drink a lot of water. My eyes would droop and close until Guy elbowed me. He did that four times, and the Prince still wasn't at the castle. Vaisy was clearly distressed. He held his hands in front of him, playing with his fingers. Isabella could barely stand still… Obviously she liked the thought of a single, powerful bachelor visiting Nottingham. I couldn't believe Guy wanted me to be her friend. Even if it was for a bigger purpose… she reminded me of giddy high school girls talking about their crush. But she was married… I didn't get her.

After another five minutes and endless cheering, the Prince's entourage strolled up. He got out of the carriage, waving to the people, like a celebrity. He turned and looked to Vaisy. Their conversation was brief. Good. Prince John looked at Guy, giving him a certain look that, to me, said, "He's still alive?". The Prince's gaze landed on me, surprise etching itself across his every feature. He smiled and spoke:

"Ah, my good friend, Lady Dani! How are you? I heard about your issue with Robin Hood, how dreadful! And who is this fine you maiden?!"

He looked to Isabella, looking her up and down. I was disgusted by the idea, but she welcomed it. She smiled widely and bowed, loving the attention.

"My Lord, I am Lady Isabella, Sir Guy's sister."

He looked from Guy to Isabella and back. Was it really that hard to see the similarities? Right now all I could do was keep my eyes open. My mind had run off to find my bed and blankets. I was still suffering from the blow to the head from Robin, and the sensitive bruises weren't making it any better. Guy looked up at me as the Prince and Isabella walked inside, arm in arm. Vaisy passed us, giving Guy a look that nearly made me laugh. He was very afraid. He loved his position of power, and for it to be taken away would be most unhelpful.

I dismounted, ignoring the throb in my head as I hopped onto the ground. Stumbling a little, I grabbed Jacques saddle. Bending my head, I took a couple deeps breaths, waiting for the dizziness to pass. I felt a hand on my elbow and looked up to see Guy. He had been extremely helpful the past hour or two. I could almost read his genuine concern, which was bizarre. I could never do that before.

"You need to lie down. Let's go, I'll have a servant put Jacques away."

I nodded, not even bothering to remind him that we were both meant to be present at dinner tonight. Hopefully sleep would help my headache. I draped my arm over his shoulder and let him support me as we walked. My body was shutting down; it needed rest. If I could have, I would have teleported to my room. It took way too long to get there.

Guy put me onto the bed. He moved the covers and put them over me. The sunlight shone through the window right into my eyes. I shielded them with the blanket, only to have Guy pull it down. He had closed the curtains. He looked at me, distressed. I smiled at him.

"I'm alright Guy, I just need some sleep. Thank you for all your help. I appreciate it."

My eyes were closed as I said this. He pushed my hair aside and rubbed my forehead. When I was little it always put me to sleep quickly, and it didn't fail this time. I was out in a heartbeat. But not before I felt a light pressure above my right eye. I smiled to myself and was deeply asleep.

A cold hand was shaking my shoulder. I opened my eyes, only to wish I'd kept them closed; Isabella stood there, talking about something unimportant. Right now, sleep was the most important thing in the world to me. That and food. My stomach growled, making me sit up. I stared at Isabella, still trying to wake up. She was saying something, but I felt like we were underwater. I shook my head, only to fall back onto the bed. Right… headache… dizziness. Whoops. I was finally able to make out her words. She was not happy with me. I wanted to laugh.

"Dani! Get up! We need to get ready for dinner! His majesty requested us to sit by him. Can you believe it? He wants me on his right and you on his left! Oh, this is so exciting! Will you help me choose a dress?"

I rolled my eyes. This was my chance I guess. I smiled and nodded. Slowly of course; I had a tiny headache, which was about to get worse.

She shrieked and jumped up… How old is this chick?! She's acting like a thirteen year old meeting her celebrity crush for the first time. I groaned and got up, shoving the covers aside. We walked to her room, which was a few doors away from mine. My eyes nearly popped out of my head. She had only been here a short while and her room looked like she'd been living here for years. It had draperies of different colors and rugs and decorations everywhere. Her wardrobe exploded with some of the finest dresses I'd ever seen. I could feel my upper lip curl with either disgust or fear.

She danced around looking at the dress she had resting on the bed. A gorgeous purple one that looked oddly familiar, a red one, and a royal blue one… how fitting. She nibbled on her finger, trying t decide.

"Dani, will you help me choose? I can't decide between these three. They're all beautiful… And the Prince himself brought them for me… I just don't know which one he likes best… What do I do?!"

A knock on the door saved me from answering; I had no idea what to say. Medieval fashion wasn't exactly my forte. I answered the door to come face to face with Guy. He looked as surprised as I did.

"Dani? What are you doing in Isabella's room?"

"Well, she asked me to help her choose a dress for dinner tonight… Oh! You can do me a favor. Will you?"

He looked reluctant, which made me laugh, catching Isabella's attention. She walked over and peered through the door.

"Oh, hello Guy."

"Isabella. What are you doing?"

She was about to answer when I interrupted. This would be my only chance to get her to be quiet about the whole ordeal.

"Guy, go down and talk to the Prince. Ask him, casually, which dress he'd prefer to see Isabella wear. If you need, do the same for me, to make it less suspicious."

He looked dumbfounded. That seemed to be his look as of late. Isabella gasped and then giggled.

"Dani! You are so smart! Why didn't I think of that?! Yes, Guy, go! Find out! After all, I do want to please the Prince."

He scratched his head, watching his sister dance off. I looed back at him and shrugged. As he was turning away he remembered something.

"Oh, Dani! I forgot to give you this. It's for tonight. I know you don't like wearing dresses, but since the Prince is here, it'd be best not to offend him."

He handed me a folded, wrapped object. It was obviously a dress, however, I was very afraid to open it. I did hate dresses. I nodded and closed the door, not missing the little red that tinted his cheeks. I walked over the bed and placed the parcel on it. I stood, contemplating opening it. Isabella was by my side in a n instant.

"What is it? A gift from my brother?"

"I'm not sure. He just told me to wear it, no matter how uncomfortable I might be…"

She looked at me mischievously and snatched it off the bed. I darted after her, trying to get it back. She was opening it as she ran away. I grabbed the bedpost and waited for my head to stop spinning. Her gasp broke my concentration.

There, in her hand, was a simple, but beautiful gown. The bodice was navy and the sleeves an ocean gray. What caught my eye about it was it was so simple… so me. If Guy picked this out, he knew exactly what I would think of it. I truly loved it. I wasn't a standout color, and it blended well with the background. I held it and smiled. It must have cost a fortune.

"That's one of the most beautiful gowns I've ever seen, Dani. My brother must really care for you; something like that wouldn't come cheaply or easily."

I looked at her, trying to see if she was teasing. She wasn't. I wanted so badly to tell her about Marian… he still had feelings for her, and I could never replace her… or even come close to her level in his eyes. I was about to say I couldn't wear it when a knock at the door made me stop. I set the dress down on the chair and answered the door.

Guy stood there, not looking pleased. I let him in and closed the door behind him.

"The Prince has said, and I quote, 'The blue one would compliment her hair, but the red one would be a statement of rank'. Is that enough information for you, Isabella?"

She looked ecstatic. I almost thought she was going to change right in front of Guy. I realized that he should leave and shoved him out of the door.

"Thank you Guy, that was really, very helpful. Now, we'll see you in the dining hall. Goodbye."

He was incredulous, yet again. I closed the door hastily, only to come face to face with Isabella's evil grin. I backed up against the door, afraid for my life.

"What's that grin for? He helped you… isn't that what you wanted to know?"

She held up the dress Guy got for me and shook it.

"You need to get ready too, Dani. It's an important night."

I cringed into the door, shaking my head. She was dangerous when it came to impressing someone. I didn't want to impress anyone!

She walked slowly towards me, cornering me. I couldn't run… I had nowhere to run. Holding the dress in front of her, she offered it to me. I put on my best pouty face and took it from her. Not roughly, but just enough to convince her I wouldn't run… now I had to convince myself that I wouldn't run. She clapped and ran over to the bed, picking up the red dress. I turned to face the corner of the room, holding the dress before me. It was going to be a long night.

Turning around, I smoothed the dress out. It fit perfectly and didn't fall too much in the front. I looked up at Isabella, who glowed with excitement. She was gorgeous. The red dress really did show her rank. She looked almost powerful. She gasped and smiled at me.

"Wow, Dani, you look amazing! Oh no! What about your hair? And you'll need jewelry!"

I put my hands up in front of me, waving them wildly. Well, as wildly as I could; movement was not guaranteed in this thing. My fingers were able to make it at the most a foot and a half from my thighs. I was literally trapped in Isabella's room. She came towards my with a hairbrush and a handful of pins. Running was useless, so I sat down in the chair quietly, awaiting the end of my punishment.

When she finished she took a small mirror and placed it in my hand. I held it up and examined her work. It was amazed. She had somehow gotten my short hair into a messy bun, letting curls fall around my face. I didn't even think I had curls. I smiled and stood. Turning to her I hugged her. Yes, I know. She annoyed me, but she knew her stuff. I felt like a princess, and she had helped me. Walking over to the wrappings I picked them up; not wanting to leave a mess in her room. Something dropped and hit the floor with a light thump. Glancing down I picked up a ring. It had many dark stones imbedded in it with gold banding.

I put it on, only to realize it was a little big for all but my ring finger. I asked Isabella if it was considered wrong for a woman to wear it there. She said no, but I had a feeling she was lying. I put it on anyway, not wanting to offend Guy by not wearing it.

We finished dressing, having it only take a half hour to do so. In my era, it took my friends and I hours to get ready for prom. Then again, this is only a dinner, but it reminded me of prom nonetheless.

We started walking down the hall when I remembered something. I ran into my room and grabbed the necklace Guy gave me when he returned from his Mediterranean travels. I put it on a joined Isabella, who eyed it curiously.

"Guy gave it to me when he came back from sailing."

She nodded and looked forward, chattering endlessly about the Prince. I was getting real tired of it. It was Prince John this, and Prince John that. I knew what he was like, and the way she was describing him was not at all what he was like. She worshiped him. The doors to the hall were closed, and two guards stood by them, ready to open them.

My heart was in my throat and my stomach was churning with nerves. And why? I had no clue. I held my breath as the door opened and light poured over our faces.