Summary: Anne and Guy part their ways

Guy watched her lie there. So still. So quiet. So delicate. Her chest heaving up and down, her hair falling down in dark curls around her face. A tiny but unrecognisable smile crossed her lips. She seemed contented, happy even. She'd almost forgotten what was waiting for her in a few hours time.

He sighed. He hated leaving. He always felt guilty every time. Even when he had good reasons, he didn't want to part with her. It was as if she made him better, like she was some drug that cured him of being this deranged unemotional drone.

He moved to edge of the bed, slowly peeling of the covers, careful not to wake her. He found his clothes quickly, dressing fast and silently, keeping an eye on the door at all times. He'd known from past experience the expectant husbands are sometimes too eager to be with their brides and he was pretty sure Prince John was one of those.

He took one last look at her; her chestnut hair rippling down her body, her exquisite fingers dangling over the bed, her innocent face a picture.

The distance from her window to the ground was a long way but he'd seen previously it was not worth just jumping. He carefully put his leg round the nearest branch, the summer breeze wafting over him. A sigh in the background meant she'd be waking soon. He shimmied down the tree, desperate not be seen by morning. He didn't care if Vaisey was lying; he wasn't willing to risk his life over petty rivalry.

He looked back. She knew. She saw him turn. Saw him ride out, not daring to look back. Her heart fell, regret replacing the joy she'd felt only moments ago. She thought he'd changed. She'd dreamed that he actually cared for her. He'd saved on so many occasions. Was this it? Was this all she was worth? Was she just a quick shag for him so he could feel better in the morning? Was that it? What about her feelings, her pride, her honour?

She wasn't angry. It was too far in the game to be angry. She wasn't disappointed though. She'd known he was leaving. She could of said no. She could of thought for one minute.

She looked back at the room, her bloody shift lying there next to her wedding dress. It was beautiful. The embroidery first rate, the material shimmering in the moonlight so that it almost glowed. Then again he had chosen it. He'd made sure it fight tightly, that it showed enough of her figure off to make her feel like a whore.

She hurled the desk across the room. She didn't care about it anyway. She'd be leaving after the wedding anyway.

*******************************

Tuck had been up all night. So had everyone. None of them, not even Robin and Much, had seen so much violence and brutality before. Even then, hours later, they could still hear her screams. Tuck shuddered. He made to make amends. He didn't care if she shouted him again, he had to try and stop her future.

He turned away from the fire. The others were still very cool towards after Anne's outburst. He'd even considered leaving. He was just standing there most days, not even able to smile or say anything.

"LOCKSLEY!"

They all turned. A dark figure in the shape of Gisborne dismounted. Robin tensed. He still wasn't comfortable with Guy being on such close terms with him.

He watched Guy. He'd seen that look once before; the blazing eyes, the hunched shoulders, the grimace.

"What is it?" The gang standing their ground.

"We have to stop it,"

"What?" He wanted him to say it.

"Anne's wedding,"

"Can't help you there,"

Guy shuddered. He wasn't going to beg. He had more dignity than that. "For Anne. Please," searching each of their faces, the pity clear, "Please."

Robin thought. He wanted to help her, true. But this was not going to be easy. He'd never stormed a castle under royal protection and he knew it was good. He would have no inside help if Guy had left.

"What do we get?"

"What!?" Shocked Robin could be so slow.

"Will you just shut up!?"

Everyone looked round. Tuck breathed in. "Anne needs us now. This may be our only opportunity to save her. I think we should take it,"

"Well why should we listen to you? You tried to kill her," Alan clearly sceptical.

He sighed. Please work with me, "I know you won't trust. But I need to make my peace with her. Please."

The sun was slowly starting to dawn on them.

Only 2 Chapters to go!!!!! :(