LONG CHAPTER. It's an eventful one... XD ^_^

Chapter 21

Nobles of all ranks sat around the room, chatting each other up. Laughs were heard and toasts were made. The people were joyous, so joyous that one would almost forget there was suffering on the outside of these walls. I searched the room for Guy. Isabella and I walked up to the head table, where the Prince was sitting. We bowed, and waited. He looked at us, giving us an appreciative stare. It made me uncomfortable, but I had to ignore it. He smiled and stood, extending his arms out. I looked to the left, at the end of the table, seeing Guy and Vaisy next to each other. Guy was busy talking to a servant boy, having him… test the grapes? I almost laughed. How ridiculous.

"Lords and Ladies, I would like to introduce the two most beautiful women I've ever seen. Lady Dani and Lady Isabella. They are residents here in Nottingham, and have both been honored with a seat next to me. Please, my ladies, come join me."

The crowd was silent as we walked up to take our seats. I could feel myself hyperventilating… again. The attention was on us. I sat down on Prince John's left side. Getting a full view of the crowd as I looked up. They were watching us… seeing what we did. I didn't move, but I let my eyes wander to Guy. He stared at me, looking pleased. Well, I hope he was pleased. I didn't want to be here in the first place. He saw my necklace and smiled. Which shocked me because I never took it off. I looked down at my hand and played with the ring. I was a beautiful ring; I'll give him that.

I sat upright, the dress preventing me from slouching. Luckily for me, Isabella captured the Prince's attention. Good. I looked around the room, there were some people who weren't talking, but most of the noblemen and noblewomen chattered lively. My feet didn't quite reach the floor, so I just swung them back and forth. My hands rested in my lap, which was more comfortable than anything. I twisted the ring around my finger so many times; I lost count. A servant placed my meal on my plate and left. Another filled my glass with wine. Red wine. I lifted the cup and brought it to my lips, looking up as I did so.

Guy was doing the exact same thing; lifting his glass, looking at me. Self-conscious I put my glass down, not even having a tiny sip. He copied me. Wanting to make sure it wasn't just coincidence I picked up my fork and stabbed at my chicken. There he went. I brought it up to my mouth and took a bite, chewing slowly. After I swallowed, I placed the fork down and reached for my glass. I took a quick swig and placed it down. There he went. My mouth was open slightly. I couldn't believe it. He was copying me. Well, real mature Guy. Real mature.

"Lady Dani, how is your meal?"

I whipped my head to see Prince John eyeing me. I wanted to make a face and cringe, but I'd probably be put to death.

"Very good my Lord. Are you enjoying it as well?"

"Not so much as you, I think…"

My eyes widened… so he saw us. I felt like a little kid being chided for playing with their food. He looked at me and then laughed. Not sure what to do, I settled with a little airy ha.

"Don't look so afraid, you adorable girl! I want you to feel comfortable! Life is easy that way!"

I nodded and resumed staring at my head. Isabella desperately wanted his attention. Well, I suppose having a new princess wouldn't be too bad… I suppose.

"Ah, Sir Guy! How nice of you to join us! How is your meal? Delicious, I assume…"

Prince John looked at me while he finished his sentence, lifting his eyebrows. Ugh… what a creep.

"Your Highness, it is a very exquisite meal, that I can assure you. However, if I may, borrow Dani for a little while."

I could feel my face reddening. Prince John and Isabella looked at me with a teasing look. I had to resist making a bad face at them.

"Oh, of course, Guy. You may definitely borrow my dear friend. Just bring her back in one piece please. She's a valuable asset."

Prince John turned to Isabella and laughed. I looked up at Guy who had his hand extended. Waiting. I took it and stood. The dress wasn't heavy, so it didn't take much for me to move. We walked until we reached the walls of the castle. It overlooked the open prairie and then the forest. The night was warm and followed by a cool breeze. It felt nice. I could finally breath; the dining hall was stuffy with overpowering perfumes and the smell of ale reeked. I leaned against the wall, looking down the side.

A temporary jolt of fear gripped me when I felt hands on my arms. Heights weren't friends when someone was behind you. I held onto the wall for dear life. Guy lightly pulled me back to face him.

His hands were resting on my shoulders. My eyes met his. I bit my lip, cautious… He smirked and lifted a single eyebrow.

"What's wrong Dani? You look nervous…"

I couldn't think of anything to say, so I just stared at him, confusion painting my expression. He sighed and let go of me. He looked out at the open field, leaning against the wall. What… what? That was the most pointless conversation I've ever had!

"Dani, did you say anything to Robin Hood? You didn't know anything of major importance, and you could have told them that."

I blinked at him. While I was with Robin it never crossed my mind to speak. I never thought that if I told them that I knew nothing of the Prince's arrival, they might have released me.

"They hit you… a lot. They bruises on your face give it away."

"No… they didn't. The first time I was struck was by Allan. And he didn't even hit me hard, it was more of a… 'Why did you keep your mouth shut' discipline slap. The bruise was from falling off of the horse Robin had when he knocked me unconscious. It was in the process of healing when you looked at it."

He was looking at me with a stupid look. And now he was angry.

"You didn't get that from them hitting you? Why didn't you say something?!"

"Because you didn't ask! I didn't think you'd assume they'd beat me! Even you know Hood better than that!"

He glared. Well, apparently he didn't know Robin Hood better than that. I shook my head and turned, fuming. I had gotten all the fresh air I could take. Just as I was about to walk inside the castle an arm stopped me. Guy had reached out and grabbed above my elbow, yanking me back. I fell into him. Pushing him away I staggered.

"What was that for?"

"You're working with them, aren't you?!"

"What?! No I am most definitely not working for them or with them! Why would I do that?! What would be in it for me? Nothing!"

From the look on his face he didn't want to believe me. And I knew I couldn't convince him. Huffing I picked up the skirts of the dress and ran inside. I was a faster sprinter than him; when I wanted to be. I ran to my room and slammed the door shut. Pushing the heaviest piece of furniture I barricaded the door. I did not want to talk to him. The dress was replaced with my more comfortable clothing and placed in the wardrobe. I jumped onto the bed and examined the ring on my finger.

It was really pretty. I loved it. But I felt it didn't deserve to be on my finger. Not now… or maybe even ever. Marian had described to me the time they almost were married. She described the ring as well. This one sounded a lot like it, only the stone were of a different color… I think. Placing it on the nightstand I rolled over under the covers.

Numerous bangs on my door kept me from getting some sleep. I could hear Guy yelling, but even he couldn't get the door open with the dresser behind it. It took all of my upper and lower body strength just to move it. The door was heavy, which added to the difficulty. I scoffed and put my head under the pillow. If he wanted to talk to me, he would have to wait until morning.

I began to wonder if he thought I'd snuck out through my window. There'd probably be guards below it to make sure I didn't. I shook my head and closed my eyes. The necklace Guy had gotten me was still around my neck; I played with the pendant, trying to get to sleep. I was sure he'd given up by now. It'd been the better part of ten minutes.

I light knock on my door kept me up. I was so close to sleep, but no. I would not get any rest whatsoever tonight. I sat up and walked over to the door, leaning on the dresser. I waited for another light knock before speaking.

"Who is it? I'm trying to get some rest."

"It's Isabella… can I come in?"

Bringing both of my hands down the length of my face I braced myself to move the dresser, before a thought came to mind… What if Guy was forcing her to speak? I narrowed my eyes and stopped.

"How do I know you're alone?"

"What? Why do you need to know that? I just came back from the dining hall."

Still suspicious I moved the dresser. Isabella opened the door and burst into my room. I now felt violated… my room was… private? Not nearly as decorated as her; but still private. I poked my head out the door, looking up and down the hall before closing my door.

Isabella sat examining my room. I mentally rolled my eyes; of course it wasn't to her standards, but it was to mine. That's all that mattered.

"Did you have a good evening with the Prince?"

She snapped her head over to me; a grin spread spreading across her face.

"Yes! He's so… funny! And a little odd. He dotes on me."

She looked over to the window and stood up. She slowly made her way towards it before looking out into the square. Bizarre. I wonder what she found so interesting out there. I moved over to look before she cut me off.

"Well, good night! I hope you had a nice evening too! See you tomorrow!"

I nodded and watched her leave. After the door closed I walked over to the window, peeking out. I saw no life whatsoever. What an odd woman. Shrugging it off I waltzed to my bed. Sleep took me then, and it was not interrupted until mid morning.

The ringing of bells awoke me. I groggily got up to look out the window. The Prince's carriage was being prepared. Was he leaving already? I had a slight hope that he was… but nope. They were to go touring the local villages. Sighing I changed and put my boots on… noticing the new pair by my bed. They were a dark brown and leather. I almost squealed. Putting them on I examined them. They'd be excellent riding boots. Realizing that the party was about to leave I ran down the hall and into the horse stalls. Jacques was already prepared, awaiting my arrival. I hopped on and kicked him. I caught up with the carriage just as the exited the gates.

Isabella, Guy and Vaisy were on horseback. There were eight or ten Elites with us. Riding up beside Isabella I slowed Jacques.

"Ah, Dani! How nice of you to join us!"

"I'm sorry I was late your Highness, but I didn't receive a wake up call. Nor was I alerted to the impending departure."

"Not to worry, you're here now. That's all that matters. We're going to Locksley, I wish to see my subjects before I return to my own castle."

I nodded, looking over to Guy. Who wasn't looking back at me? In fact, he was avoiding me. Him avoiding me? I didn't do anything wrong! I told him the truth and it was him who accused me of fraternizing with Robin's gang. Did he not see the way I was tied up?

I huffed and looked ahead, wanting to get away from the party… or at least… one person of the party.

"Your Highness, may I ride up ahead to scout for any problems?"

"Alone? Why on Earth would you want to go alone? They may take you out and I'd be out of a companion."

"I'd be able to get away, trust me. Jacques would never let anything happen to me."

He looked at the horse, a little disgusted. I shook my head. What a prissy little girl.

"Very well, Dani. You may ride ahead. Don't tell anyone of my visit though! I want it to be a surprise!"

I smiled and nodded. Jacques took off at a sprint. We'd be there in five minutes flat. And at this pace, we could make it there and back to them in ten. Challenge accepted.

We thundered for a few minutes before reaching the village. It was bustling with excitement. I rode through the town, looking around. People were walking all over the place. I bent over and asked a heavy set woman what was going on. A wedding. Well, Prince John will certainly be surprised. I thanked her and we took off again.

We met the Prince three minutes out of the city. At their pace they'd be there in anywhere from five to ten minutes.

"My word girl! That was quite fast. Tell me, how's the town? Do they know?"

The energy of running made me happy. I smiled at him.

"The town is wonderful sire. And no, they do not know you are coming. In fact… I'm sure they'll be more than pleased to see you there."

He sat back in his seat content. Isabella told him about her experiences with Hood and the people of Nottingham. I glanced at Guy, who was looking at me suspiciously. I smiled at him, lifting my eyebrow triumphantly. His mouth dropped. I shook my head and faced forward. The familiar tune of the creek told me we had arrived. Locksley would definitely be in for a surprise. Good or bad, I wasn't sure.

So there you have it. Dani and Guy... so close... but no dice. Remember, I do love reviews... XD