Sorry about the late update everyone! Life's just been crazy these last few days. Enjoy! ^_^

Chapter 28

"How's this one?"

I was looking for the most skanky dress I could find. Which really wasn't that easy. In my time… well, 'skanky' usually implied a skirt that went far above the mid-thigh and a shirt that showed too much on the top. Here, on the other hand, skanky wasn't easy to find. My opinion was very different from theirs. Kate just scoffed and resumed looking.

It was easily the most awkward shopping trip I'd ever been on. Barely a paragraph had been spoken between the two of us. She watched me and let me find her a dress. Hmm, great idea Kate! Let the person who knows nothing about scandalous medieval attire pick your outfit. I groaned and sat on a stool. The lady running the booth just watched us, seeing if there was anything we liked.

"You're not really helping, Kate."

"It's not my plan, so you should know what I need to wear. Go on, look."

"No. I don't know what your problem is, but I'm not going to pick your dress for you like a mother would for a child. I'm not your mom. And it's not me you'll be letting down if you don't get the dress."

I had her figured out, and my last comment hit a nerve, just as I intended it to. She opened her mouth, but no noise came out. I raised an eyebrow and looked triumphantly over at her. She really didn't trust me, and seemed a little almost… jealous. Maybe it was because Robin actually listened to my plan, who knows?

She walked over to the woman and started talking to her. I zoned out thinking about Guy. Where could he be? Was he in danger? Or… dead? I died a little inside at the thought. My only friend and he's no longer with me. I didn't let those thoughts get me down; I didn't know for sure if he was dead, and until I saw him, I wouldn't believe it.

Kate walked back over with the dress in her arms. Finally. I stood up and we began our walk to the camp. I took a last glance at Locksley manor, seeing Isabella and a servant walk out. I stopped in my tracks and watched. Realizing that I was standing in the open I crouched behind a cart.

"What are you doing? If she see us we're both dead!"

Kate was crouched next to me, watching Isabella leave. I turned to look at her. She had both a stern and concerned look on her face. Nodding I followed her into Sherwood.

"What makes you so loyal to Guy of Gisbourne?"

She didn't sound skeptical or angry. In fact, she sounded honestly curious. I decided to answer as honestly as she asked the question.

"He saved me. Multiple times. I've seen the good in him; he's very capable of it, although he seeks power by any means necessary. I've had to scold him many times, and he's listened to me. He's my only friend here, and he's protected me when I couldn't protect myself."

I thought back to the attack in the Holy Land and the months of Torture in Nottingham. He wasn't there. I'd forgiven him, but I felt afraid when I didn't know where he was…

"He killed my brother… I could never forgive him. Did you know that?"

I did not know that…. He had been injured when I awoke after his return. Maybe it was then that he did her brother in…

"I did not… He was gone for quite some time, and when he came back he found out that Vaisy had tortured me the entire time he was gone. I awoke to see him injured. He never explained what happened… I am sorry for your loss though…I lost my parents when I was eight, so my aunt took me in, only to die about ten years later. So, I know what you've been through."

She just nodded, taking in my words. We were close to the camp now. From the time that we parted, we had not gotten along very well. And now, we saw each other a little differently; perhaps we could get along better now.

"Kate! Did you get all that you needed?"

"Of course Much. We are we headed Robin?"

"Nottingham. He'll be in one of the pubs there. I've got John looking out for him. Then Tuck, Dani, and I will sneak into the castle and get the crown. After we've figured out where it is, of course. Everything ready?"

Everyone nodded. We all took off in the same direction. When Nottingham was in our sights, we all split up. Much, Allan and Kate went off to get ready. John met the rest of us and pointed us in Sheridan's direction.

It was a small pub just outside the castle walls. Which would mean that we'd have to sneak in. By the looks of things, the coronation was tonight. People were buzzing and working quickly to get things done. Time was of the essence now. Robin went inside, leaving Tuck, John, and I outside to stand guard. We bowed our heads as Kate, Much, and Allan walked by; Much taking his stance on the other side of the door by Tuck.

We kept our eyes to the ground and our ears open. If anything happened inside we'd have to be able to get in there fast. A lot of time passed before Robin emerged.

"He's occupied. I've got his keys. And the location of the crown. Let's go. We've only got a little bit of time. The Prince will be crowned King early in the evening. That gives us about an hour. And I am expecting trouble… If we can get in and out of there without any issues, we'll be golden. And then phase two will set in."

Tuck and I started after Robin before an obstacle presented itself. Sneaking into the castle. It would be heavily guarded. We called John over and had him bring a cart fill of roses. Lifting the blanket under them we hid, waiting for our chance to sneak out.

Peeking out we waited for the coast to be clear, and then sprung from the cart. Guards were everywhere. According to Robin, we'd have to get to the dungeons. The crown was hidden down there.

We had a couple close calls with the guards, but we eventually made it down into the dungeons. A man sat at the table with a ton of food. He was easily taken care of. The prisoners there did not look familiar to me, but I'm sure Robin recognized them…

At the far end of the room a large cell was vacant of any living thing. Instead a casket sat in the middle of the room. Ropes were strung all over the place, looking like a laser trap on cheesy movies.

Robin lightly tapped one, with a large leg of chicken… or turkey? A tiny arrow imbedded itself into the leg. So it was a trap. And if the ropes got any slack, we'd be dead. Robin started to take off his bow and any extra things that may get caught on the ropes.

I stopped him and handed him my belt and cloak. I was far more graceful than he, and I could get there without too much worry. He started shaking his head.

"No, I'll do it. You stay with Tuck."

"No! I'd be able to get over there easier than you. Plus, I'm much smaller than you, and more graceful. Now, hold this. And don't lose it."

Before he could continue arguing with me I grabbed the keys from him and slowly made my way into the room. Rolling on the ground and slowly crawling over and under the ropes I made my way to the casket. Once I was safe, I turned and looked at them triumphantly. Tuck smiled and nodded while Robin just watched.

The casket was big enough to fit a body… I inserted the key into the only place available and turned. A little piece of wood popped out. Lifting it I saw the crown. It was gold and very large. Meant to fit someone with a large head. At least John wouldn't have to worry about it being too big. Though he may have to worry about it being too small. I held it carefully, closing the casket door. Grabbing the key I slowly made my way out of the elaborate trap.

Meeting up with Robin and Tuck I laughed and handed it to Robin.

"Got it. And nothing was set off."

"Good job, now let's go."

He turned and started walking towards the exit when we heard voices. They were coming in our direction. Robin ran over to the cell door and opened it. Tuck and I went inside and stood behind the occupants. Robin closed the door just in time. The Prince walked into the room with Isabella and Sheridan behind him. Sheridan knew what was going on now and had told the Prince about the theft of the crown. The Prince was more than a little put out. I smiled and listened more. Isabella was, as usual, trying to win over the Prince… that would make her more desperate now that she's not trusted…

We peeked through the bars making sure they were gone. Opening the door Robin handed the keys to the prisoners. We left in a hurry, eager to get back to the camp with our prize.

Alrighty, there's chapter 28! So exciting! XD Leave some reviews! I love them!