Chapter 25: The Future

Three weeks later

"My lord, what is this?" Thornton asked as Guy unfurled a parchment on the table in the living room, where the embers on the hearth were slowly diminishing. The end of July was nearing, but Guy kept the fire alive for Meg, so the warmth could travel throughout the house, thus keeping her warm as she was on the path to recovery, both physical and mental. Yet, the warmth made Guy sweat, so he removed his jacket, leaving him only in his black leather pants and cotton shirt with long sleeves. Sometimes, Thornton wondered how his master could endure the sweltering heat while wearing nothing but black leather. He never dared ask. What his master wore was his business and his business only.

"Plans," Gisbourne replied, perusing the parchment and doing some calculations at the corner of the paper.

"Plans for what?"

"For the house. Work that needs to be done. I will not elucidate anymore on this without Meg."

"Looks like she's already here."

"What?" Guy spun around and saw Meg wobbling down the stairs, holding onto the rail for support. She was barefooted. Her disheveled hair was wrapped in a sloppy braid. She wore a cream-colored robe over her nightgown, yet underneath it, Guy saw deep, red marks on her bare collarbone. This was the first time he ever saw the gravity of Meg's physical wounds, since she always covered them. They looked like the familiar injuries caused by a whip, in addition to something resembling a fire poker or something similar to it.

"Meg!" he said, running to her and holding her arm as she crossed the last step of the staircase.

"I'm all right, Guy." At his incredulous look, Meg added: "I feel much better than I was weeks ago." She smiled. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Respecting my need for space these past three weeks. I told you that I wanted to be alone, and you respected that wish of mine."

"It was nothing, Meg. I figured you needed some time alone." He touched her forehead.

"And my fever vanished. I can't stay in bed any longer. I had nothing to do there. Even Gwido doesn't require my attention. He's already been fed and is sleeping soundly now."

"And your nightmares?"

Meg took a sharp breath and exhaled it. "They visited me every night, though I will admit that they weren't as intense. I managed to sleep a little bit, but I spend the majority of my nights awake, for I am afraid that he may come. And before you say anything else, let me say that I can't help but feel afraid that he lurks in the bedroom when I try and sleep, waiting to assault me. This will not vanish overnight or even completely. Even now I am on my guard, fearing that he may jump on me any moment like a dog. I hate the apprehension that claws on me, but what can I possibly do? I'm damaged. I can never return to those good, old days where everything was blissful."

"I understand the intensity of your struggles, but I know you can conquer everything that claws on you," said Guy. "I admire how you're handling everything that's on your shoulders, and I know that I could never fully understand what you're going through. I just wish I could help unburden it."

"Your presence certainly helps. Anyway, I am exhausted, but energetic enough to come down and see what you're doing. That, at least, is better than staying in bed all the time. And, I get to be with you."

Guy smiled and led Meg to the table, where the parchment lay unrolled on the table. As Meg examined it, resting her hands on the edges of the table, he went behind her and placed his arms around her waist. Meg jumped at this, but stilled herself shortly afterward. It was only Guy, not anyone else.

"Are you all right, Meg?" Guy asked, nuzzling his face against her cheek.

Meg blushed. "I'm fine, Guy." Though she didn't sound like she was fine.

"I'm afraid I must ask you a difficult question."

"And that is?"

"Those wounds are as conspicuous as sunlight. How badly did he torture you?"

She leaned back, her back searching for Guy's chest and took a deep breath. She started to speak, but her words came out as stammers. The memories were racing through her mind, burdening her with more discomfort.

"I'm sorry for asking. I didn't mean to discomfort you," Guy said, loosening his hold around Meg.

Meg grabbed Guy's hands and wrapped them tighter around her waist. "It's not your fault. I…I've been meaning to tell you. After he raped me, he threw me onto the ground. Mieczysław struggled to free himself so he could save me, but Destin gave him a blow to the head, thus rendering him unconscious. At least he was spared the sight of what happened next." Tears welled up in Meg's eyes, but she continued: "Destin took a fire poker by the burning hearth and imprinted these burn marks on my breasts and collarbone. Then he took a whip and gave me multiple lashings across my body. Lastly, he took a knife and carved this poor rendition of his family insignia on my shoulder to mark his 'property', as he put it.

"He's a sadist. He takes pleasure in hurting others. The nobility thought it fit to bequeath me a high position in the royal court, higher than that of Destin's, and that hurt his pride, so he had to degrade me and, on top of that, accuse me of treason!"

"Treason?"

"He convinced the nobility that I was betraying my country by revealing secret information to our neighboring enemies so I could obtain money for myself. So, not only was I a 'whore', in the eyes of the court, but also a Judas. I can never return to my country under pain of death. And Mieczysław was also threatened with death if he ever came in contact with me. I miss him so much! I miss my country!"

Meg released a dozen sobs before she managed to calm herself. Wiping away the tears which were dripping down her face like water from an icicle hanging by the eaves of a house at springtime, she said: "At least you know. In fact, I'm glad I told you."

Guy placed a kiss on her cheek. "I'm so sorry, Meg. That Destin will get the punishment he deserves. Let's just take this day by day, all right?"

"I agree. Let's leave this depressing talk behind and talk about what you're planning to do to your house. You've created some intricate plans," Meg said, lifting up the parchment and gazing at it with astonishment.

"Locksley, including the Manor, needs improvement, so I've drawn up this plan. Our house needs some repairs. There is wood that needs to be replaced, and so on and so forth. I didn't want to hire workers to begin the work on our house without consulting you first and gaining your approval. Also, there is room for you to add anything you would like. Bring a bit of home, maybe. I don't want you to feel left out, so I thought it would be a good idea if you brought a little bit of Poland here."

Meg placed the parchment down and turned to Guy. His arms were still around her. "Well, aren't you considerate!"

"I am very fascinated by your culture. I would like it if you introduced it here."

"Are you sure?"

"If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't even be bringing this up. Pray, tell me something that is unique about your country."

Meg rubbed her chin. "Well, in some of the more rural villages, there are these painted houses splashed with reds and yellows and blues and oranges and all sorts of other colors. They have these flower designs on the outside and on the inside. My family and I had that sort of house in one of the villages where Mieczysław and I would spend our summers there. It looked like someone poured a bucket of liquid rainbow on the exterior and the interior. Flower and animal designs in various bright colors dominated the house from ceiling to floor. Even the furniture was colorful."

"Then we shall paint the ceilings like that!" Guy declared.

"But, my lord," Thornton broke in, "the amount of money, time, the painters willing to do this…isn't it all a bit too much?"

"No!" Guy answered firmly. "If this is what she wants, then so be it."

"Guy," Meg said, cupping Guy's face with her hands, "I'm not asking you to paint the ceilings. If you want, I could paint a picture or a mural or even this table. I love how you're so considerate of me, and I thank you for that, but, to be honest, I would like for the house to remain like this, save for the corrections you plan on doing."

At that, Meg turned to examine the parchment. Guy dismissed Thornton with a curt wave of his hand. When the servant was out of sight, Guy released his embrace on Meg and went to her side. Meg looked at him, curious. He looked like he wanted so badly to ask a question. He thought for a moment before he pulled out a small box out of his pocket, knelt on one knee, and opened the box which revealed a shiny silver ring with a jewel the color of an orange sunset in the middle. Encircling the orange jewel were tiny particles of diamond.

"Zostaniesz moją żoną?" Guy asked with a smile only intended for Meg, an amorous smile. Inwardly, he flinched, knowing that his pronunciation had been terrible. Meg placed her hand over her mouth, crying. He loved her so much; he was nothing like the man who hurt her. He did nothing but love her, placing her needs before his.

"Tak, tak, przyjmę."

Guy looked at her with a confused look. "Did I say something wrong? I thought it meant would you marry me."

Meg lowered her hands. "Oh, I'm sorry. You said it correctly. I'm saying that I accept. I accept!" she repeated as it dawned on her that Guy of Gisbourne was proposing to her!

When Guy securely placed the ring on Meg's finger, he stood up and wrapped his arms around her, who was now trembling. "I know what you're thinking, and you needn't be afraid. This ring will not be a shackle. Our marriage will not be based on that, you chained to me."

Meg nodded, feeling reassured by Guy's words. Guy continued:

"As husband and wife, I believe we should make decisions together. I also believe your opinion is about as important as mine. That's why I wanted to consult you before any work is completed on our house.

"And I want you to know that I will always treat you right. I will not be that kind of husband. My mother would murder me if I even dared touch you without your consent. So, I have a request to ask you: if you ever feel uncomfortable during our intimate moments, just say so, and they will stop."

"Thank you, Guy," Meg said in a barely audible voice. "You're so kind and caring to me. You're nothing like Destin. You're such a gentleman."

Guy brought her hands to his lips. "I love you, Meg. I would do anything to make you happy."

"You've shown nothing but love towards me, even at my worst moments. How could I ever possibly repay you?"

"I only want your love and your trust."

Meg nodded eagerly. "I can do that." Then, smiling fondly at Guy, she reached in for a kiss, which Guy readily accepted. Meg wound her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. When it broke, the two rested their foreheads against each other's. Meg joyful tears were multiplying.

"We do not have to marry immediately," Guy said. "I will wait as long as it takes for you to heal and prepare yourself for such a big moment in your life."

"Thank you. You always know the right things to say to me, don't you?"

"I hope so."

"Well, if you want my opinion, I think you always know the right things to say to me, even if I don't realize it. Now-" Meg stood by his side, wrapping her arms around him and resting her head on his chest "-since we are planning our future right at this very moment, let's take a deeper look at this plan you have. I'm excited. This is going to be our house!"

"Exactly," said Guy, wrapping his arm around her waist. "I was also thinking of extending our house, so there could be ample space for an office and spare rooms for servants and guests. What do you think? Do you want to fix or add anything as well?"

"Well…"

"What is it?"

"I can't. I'll feel spoiled rotten for requesting such big things."

"I believe that's my intention."

"What? To spoil me rotten?"

Guy nodded and smiled. "You are, after all, going to be my wife, and I aim to please my wife. Do not be afraid to ask me for anything, for you shall have it."

"But-"

"Meg, you can tell me."

"But I feel like I don't deserve it."

"But you do. You won my love, ergo you deserve to have anything you want."

"All right. I agree with the idea of extending the house. Is it possible, though, to add more bedrooms? You know, for…" Meg gulped as she struggled to get the words out of her mouth. "Damn it! It sounded way better in my head."

"What did?"

"I want to have more bedrooms for more children."

"More children?"

"Yes, and before you say anything, let me explain. I want to have children with you. Now, yes, what Destin did to me traumatized me, and at first, I didn't want to have any more children after Gwido. But I did some thinking, and I decided that, if we were to marry, we could have children. You said you'd never hurt me, and I believe you. I also thought about Gwido, and I think he would love to have little brothers and sisters. I wouldn't want him to be alone. And don't you want children of your own?"

Guy stammered as he turned red. "I do want children of my own, but I have to be considerate of you, considering what you went through."

"You told me before that you would never hurt me, and I believe you wholeheartedly. You want my trust, so here's my trust. I have to be considerate of you as well. This marriage will be about the two of us. I love you, Guy, and it would make me so happy if we had children together."

Guy smiled. "Of course. Extending not only our house but also our family would be very nice."

"Precisely."

"Is there anything else you want?"

"Well, if it wouldn't be too much of a bother…"

"Meg! Don't be afraid to ask."

"I know. It's just that I'm unused to be treated with such affection and kindness."

"I'm afraid it's something you'll have to get used to," Guy said, smirking.

"I would very much like to have a garden. Gardening is a passion of mine."

"Very well. We'll make ample space outside for your garden."

"And maybe an orchard…?"

"Request already granted."