CHAPTER SUMMARY: Trouble arrives at Nottingham Castle in the form of Prince Malik. With plans to negotiate peace between his people and King Richard, the sheriff has different plans in store. Katherine finds herself in the middle of a battle, not realizing she is being used as bait and being lied to, especially by her betrothed.

CHAPTER 10 - Negotiations

NOTTINGHAM CASTLE

The Knighton sisters were getting ready to leave the castle after the usual meeting with the sheriff. The keeper was helping them with the saddle as Marian whispered to the horse. Katherine looked over to her sister and giggled, knowing how much she loved horses. Snowflake was a loyal friend of theirs since their teens, but Katherine knew Marian was far more close to the creature.

Grabbing a brush from the supplies, Katherine began to lightly brush the horse, listening to her sister speak to it. "My good boy. How would you like a nice, tasty apple? I'm sure we can convince someone to give you one."

"Talk about being spoiled." Katherine chuckled, now on the opposite side of her sister as she petted the horse's mane.

Despite feeling a separation starting between each other, the sisters were trying to settle their differences making small talk with each other. Something they knew they could always agree with was Snowflake.

"Only the best for our boy." Marian hugged the horse's face as Katherine petted him.

From a distance on a balcony, Guy stood with the sheriff, his attention completely diverted to his betrothed with her sister down below. His eyes were narrowed in contemplation, watching as Katherine affectionately adored the horse. An idea crossed his mind.

The sound of a bird was heard as it flew over to the sheriff, right onto his arm. "Meet the secret to controlling wild birds!" Noticing his right-hand-man was focused on the two women, he rolled his eyes. "Not jealous of a horse, are we?"

"No, just...hoping-"

"Hoped? I would rather be dead than spend my life hoping: I hope for this, I hope for that." The sheriff made a face. "Buy her something. A trinket or two."

Despite Katherine readily accepting his gifts before, he remembered her saying he didn't have to keep spoiling her. Guy sighed. "I'm not sure if she is the type who can be bought."

The sheriff scoffed, finding it obvious. "Nonsense. All women can be bought, it's a nesting thing. They want to make sure their husband can provide for them. They're animals, really."

Marian happened to glance up briefly and saw they were watching them. She kept acting like she didn't see them, but at least warned her sister. "They're watching us." Katherine looked up only to see them turn away.

A guard had walked up to the men. "Say, your Saracen guest has asked if you're going to be dining with him?"

The sheriff's eyes widened in surprise. "Already? What have you prepared for him?"

"Brain of goats."

Guy gave a disgusted look as the sheriff remained amused. "Hmm? Marvellous."

"Here, give him this." Guy said, handing the silver bowl he had been holding to the guard. "I can't believe Saracens actually like that kind of filth."

"Yeah, I don't believe so either. I think our Saracen friend will think it polite." The sheriff chuckled, walking away. "Gotta keep him happy Gisborne if we are to get what we want."

Guy glanced back over to the sisters seeing Marian had gotten onto the horse. Katherine climbed onto the horse before they made their way back home. Yes, he knew exactly the first thing to get for her to show he could provide.

KNIGHTON HALL

After being home for not too long, the family was surprised with a knock at the door by Sir Guy. With a grin of excitement on his face, he made his way toward Katherine. "I have a surprise for you." Without another word, he had put a blindfold on over her eyes and began to lead her outside.

Marian exchanged looks with her father, both concerned. They followed behind the couple to see where he was leading her. "What kind of surprise?" Katherine asked. Spotting what stood before them, Marian and Edward were left speechless.

"You'll like this one." Guy said confidently, seeing how her family reacted. He finally took off her blindfold, watching as she gave the same expression.

"Guy...he's beautiful." She walked up to the huge, brown horse with a dark mane, admiring it. Katherine looked to her sister, motioning for her to come over and pet the horse, knowing she wanted to. "Marian, come say hi."

Marian was in utter shock over the gesture Guy had done for her sister. She gave in, joining her side. "A-Are you sure my sister can accept? He must have been expensive…"

"What expense?" Guy questioned, shrugging it off like it was no big deal. "Our fortune is secure. I can provide for your sister and her family. You and your sister can ride into Nottingham on your own horses."

"Really?" Katherine's eyes softened, looking completely moved by Guy and his gesture. She was glad to see he was starting to consider her sister and father as his family too. She only hoped they could be accepting of him as well, especially Marian.

"That's what I've been trying to show you." He glanced to the horse. "Humor me." Guy grinned. "Put him through his paces."

"Thank you." She said before getting on the horse.

They watched as Katherine rode off on the horse. Marian glanced at the Black Knight beside her, watching the way he looked at her sister: a smile plastered on his face and love in his eyes. It took her by surprise, questioning if she was seeing things straight. Did Gisborne truly love her sister?

Katherine came back around and stopped before them, a wide smile on her face. "He's wonderful. Thank you Guy." She said, getting off the horse.

"Anything for my Bride. Now, if you excuse me, I must head back to the castle."

"May I accompany you?" Katherine asked, causing Guy to look surprised. She cleared her throat. "As future Lady Gisborne, I must learn how I can help my husband at work, not just at home."

Seeing how seriously she was already starting to take her role as his future wife, Guy couldn't help but be moved. "Come along."

Katherine got back onto her horse, following beside Guy on his as they rode off together. Marian and Edward watched them leave. Still dumbfounded by what she had just seen, Marian didn't notice the look Edward gave next to her. It was a look that spoke volumes concerning the couple, something only he knew about their past. "I wonder…"

"What?" asked Marian, finally looking to her father.

"Oh, nothing." He made his way back into the house, keeping the secret to himself. It was something Edward promised he would never mention after the passing of his wife.

"The sheriff's guest at the castle is a Saracen prince." Guy informed her as they rode through the countryside. "Currently they should be discussing negotiations with each other."

Katherine's eyes widened. "A Saracen Prince? Does the sheriff need help translating at all? I'm still a beginner with the language, but I know the basics."

"You know the Saracen language?" It was his turn to be surprised.

She nodded sheepishly, knowing she hadn't mentioned her quirk before. "When my father was sheriff, I would find myself bored around the castle and my nose constantly in any books I could get my hands on." Katherine began to look back over the times of her youth fondly with a smile. "I loved to learn from a young age. I've only learned Latin, French and recently the Saracen language."

" Ma future épouse me laisse perplexe. " Guy stated in French, his classic smirk on his face. He was testing her on her abilities already. (My future wife leaves me amazed.)

" Vous connaissez aussi le français? " Katherine asked, perplexed. (You know French as well?)

The Black Knight chuckled before a melancholy look came over him. It evoked memories of his past. "My- My mother was French."

Noticing he was opening up to her a bit more about his past and his family, it brought a smile to her face. It was nice to know more about him. The more she learned about him, the more Katherine found herself falling deeper in love with him.

Clearing her throat, she noticed they had finally arrived at the gates to Nottingham, remerbing to get back onto the subject at hand. "If the sheriff needs me to, I can help speak with the prince and try to form whatever social power the sheriff is looking to use." After all, she knew it was all about politics and the endgame with that man. And knowledge with language was one way to use it and get it what you wanted.

"I will consider it for the sheriff as long as you feel comfortable with it." The last thing he wanted was making Katherine feel she was forced to do something she wouldn't like to do.

"It is fine by me."

The gates of the castle opened, pulling up to allow them through. They made their way inside the castle and up to the sheriff's quarters where the Prince was currently taking to the sheriff. "Ah, Gisborne...Katherine? Just in time to meet with our guest."

"Prince Malik. It is a pleasure to meet you." He introduced himself to Katherine, taking her hand and kissing it. This caused Guy to give a look.

"Marhabaan al'amir malik. 'ana kathirin min naytun." ( Hello Prince Malik. I am Katherine of Knighton.) Katherine spoke, causing the prince and sheriff's eyes to go wide. Fearing she had said the wrong thing, she started to look back at her wording to correct herself.

The sheriff watched his guests' expression with anticipation and confusion before it turned into a smile. "You speak my language, I see." The Prince exclaimed happily.

Gisborne explained the situation to the sheriff, noticing the look of confusion on his face. "Katherine can speak the Saracen language."

"How useful." The sheriff gave a smile, seeing how this could work for his plans and cause problems for it as well. "That's why we brought her here of course. To help make you comfortable and have negotiations smooth." He said, trying to reassure his guest despite his lie for quite the opposite.

KNIGHTON HALL

Robin appeared before Marian seeing her groom her horse. She had a particular look on her face, causing the outlaw to question it. "What's that look for?"

"Nothing."

"That's not nothing." Robin said, chuckling. "That's the look of either something happened with Katherine or you're thinking deeply about something...or someone." He wiggled his eyebrows, indicating himself.

Marian scoffed. "Grow up. I'm just surprised by my sister and her relationship with Gisborne."

"What happened this time?"

"He gifted her a horse." she answered bluntly.

"Oh." Robin exclaimed.

"I think he's trying to bribe my father and I by showing how much he can provide for us." Marian pointed out, petting Snowflake. It was the only logical answer that made sense. He didn't really care about them. He was just trying to flaunt for her sister.

"And do you buy it?" He asked, curious to know her thoughts on the situation.

She sighed. "I'm not really sure what to think, but as long as my sister is happy, that's all that counts."

Robin couldn't believe this, shaking his head. He still wasn't entirely convinced it was a wise idea for Katherine to be going through with the wedding. Then again, he knew the true dark side of Gisborne and what he was capable of. Robin was still going to find a way to prove to Katherine who Gisborne truly was.

Lifting the helmet by his side, he decided to change the subject and finally ask Marian the question he came to ask. "Do we have an interesting guest at the castle? He brought this with him on his way there. We found his wagon. We think he's from the east."

Marian gave a disgusting look over it, not quite sure what to make of such a thing. The helmet had arrows sticking into it. "You've been eating too many mushrooms in that forest."

"My men think the sheriff has been using a sorcerer."

"Well, they've been eating too many mushrooms." she replied, thinking they were all crazy being in the forest to begin with.

"Agreed, but if you could tell us who it is, I can reassure my men." Marian looked away from him, not happy he was raising his voice with her. "John will not even leave the forest."

"Hmm. Another one who only comes out of the woodwork when he has too." She exclaimed. Robin sighed, making a face, causing her to feel bad at her comment. "I'll see what I can do." The things she would do for Robin.

NOTTINGHAM CASTLE

Katherine caught her sister walking down the hallway with a basket of apples which raised suspicion in her. "Marian." She said, catching up to her. "What are you doing here?"

She paused in her tracks, knowing she had been caught. "I heard there was a guest here. Do you know about them?"

The sisters were stopped by Guy who had just given the guards instructions to watch over the area, not letting anyone in or out. "Ah, Katherine, Marian." He noticed the apples she was holding. "How thoughtful." He said, feeling moved to have her sister warming up to him. In fact, it was the opposite.

"Actually, I heard there was a guest here staying in the castle. I thought he might enjoy some local fruit." Marian explained, putting on a smile. The last thing she wanted was having him think she warmed up to him.

Guy looked dejected. "Oh, no. He wouldn't like this kind of food."

"He sounds intriguing." she perked, taking a peak around him.

"I'm afraid you can't really be here. Orders." He told her, taking an apple from her basket and chomping down on it, glancing between the sisters.

Katherine noticed what her sister was doing and decided to change the subject, smiling at her betrothed. "Here's an order for you then, my dear husband-to-be, make sure you finish that apple, get a good night's sleep, and visit me early in the morning. Is that clear?" She stated playfully.

An amused smirk came to Guy's face in response, turning away and going into the room. Anything for his bride.

Katherine grabbed her sister and pulled her along down the corridor, away from the guards. "Did Robin send you?" She questioned, already hitting the head on the nail.

"So what if he did?"

She sighed. "Look, all you need to know is there is a Saracen Prince here. The Sheriff is having me talk with him. That's all I'm giving you."

"What is his purpose here?" asked Marian, trying to push for more information.

"I'm not telling you anything else." Katherine retorted. "The last thing I need is having Guy think I've betrayed him again." Even if it wasn't her fault before, she wasn't going to find herself in that situation again.

She sighed. "Okay."

"Tell father I'll be here at the castle again. I'm not sure how long this time." Katherine knew he must be worried about her spending so much time here lately. She was reassured knowing he would be well taken care of by the servants and her sister.

"I will." Marian said, walking off down the hallway. Her eyebrows were crunched in thought as her mind raced. As usual, she would just have to take care of things herself with Robin.

SHERWOOD FOREST

Marian rode into the covered green forest, greeting Robin and Allan-A-Dale. She got off her horse and Robin walked alongside her following. "There's definitely something going on. Katherine tells me there is a Saracen Prince at the castle and the sheriff is having her talk to him."

Robin's eyes went wide. "Katherine? Of all people?" He questioned before sighing, not thinking too much on the matter. No one could really understand the sheriff's thought process or reasons. "Who knew."

"It must be a business deal."

Having met the prince recently as he rode into the forest with Gisborne and the guards, Robin had a lovely chat with him- at least after he kidnapped him before setting him free to avoid the war that would follow. "It's not a business deal. It's a Saracen Prince come to negotiate peace." He explained to her.

Marian raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "With the Sheriff?" They knew the vile man wasn't one to negotiate anything.

"And he's expecting Prince John."

"Well, no ones preparing for a summit." Marian continued on with the subject, highly confused by it all.

Robin chuckled. "You do surprise me, Marian."

She shrugged, still not understanding it. "So how is Gisborne making money out a Saracen ambassador, it doesn't make sense."

Finally realizing the situation, Robin stopped in his tracks, eyes wide. "It's a ransom."

"What? He's being held hostage?"

"The sheriff is probably using Katherine to make him think he's a guest. She's the bait to make him feel comfortable, get him to lower his guard."

Marian's eyes went wide with worry. "She probably doesn't even know. I bet there's a fat ransom on it's way there as we speak."

"Hey Robin, come look at this." Allan called him over with the rest of his men. They noticed a group of Saracen women and one man were standing in the forest setting up a display.

"Something's wrong." Djaq said, knowing of her people's traditions. "Muslims are forbidden to worship human images."

They watched as the women began to throw daggers at the target. Everyone's eyes went wide before the gang realized that they were assassins on their way towards the castle regarding the prince. Only thing was: they weren't sent here to rescue him and negotiate, but to kill him and anyone who got in their way.

NOTTINGHAM CASTLE

Katherine was surprised to find she had not received word from the sheriff about meeting with the prince today as he requested. Passing a corner on the upper floor of the balcony, she heard shouts and screams around the castle. Realizing they must be under attack, she took to a hiding place.

The sounds of swords slashing could be heard down the halls. Katherine felt her heart clutch, concerned for Guy. Was he okay?

Hearing it get farther and farther away, she began to slowly sneak down the halls, carefully to watch every corner and every turn. Suddenly, a leathered hand grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth. Adrenaline took over and panic rushed through her veins before she found the person bringing her close to himself. "Shhh, it's okay." She looked up to find Guy with a finger to his lips.

Katherine relaxed into him, embracing the warmth and comfort he provided, feeling safe in his arms despite the danger around them. Guy peaked around the corner and saw the women had disappeared, heading down into the Great Hall with a battle cry.

"Okay, let's go." He said, pulling her the opposite direction, only concerned with getting her to safety.

"What? We can't just leave the sheriff." Katherine pointed out, stopping in her tracks. Even if he was a terrible man, he didn't deserve to be killed off like that.

"It's too risky." Guy shook his head firmly, not willing to put her in danger. She was already in enough just being here at the castle. "We need to leave, now."

Breaking free from his grasp on her wrist, Katherine stood her ground. "Guy-"

He began to lift her off her feet, not taking no for an answer. "I'm doing this for your own good. You'll understand."

"Guy, put me down!" she shouted before he did exactly that, but right onto his horse as he jumped up himself. Katherine didn't have time to react, putting her arms around him when Guy grabbed the reins and his horse started heading off from the castle at lightning speed. Riding past the corners of the market's in Nottingham, they reached it's gate and out into the countryside once again.

After a few minutes of silence and realizing they were somewhere else safe, Guy brought his horse to a slow pace. The horse neighed in response, enjoying the break. "Katherine-" He said, trying to break the silence.

She was currently hugged into him, her head against his back and arms still around his waist, lost in her thoughts. It wouldn't be lie if she were to say she was still furious with him, but instead Katherine found herself enjoying the moment. The green landscape and rolling hills of green grass around them. The feeling of holding him close to her, feeling his heart race in sync with hers.

Realizing she wasn't speaking to him, Guy tried again. "I'm sorry, I did what I thought was best. My only concern in that moment was making sure you were alright, nothing else mattered."

"It's okay," she sighed happily, finding herself nuzzling into his back. "I'm just glad you're okay." Guy was surprised by her action, suddenly tensing up before relaxing. "So, let me guess, negotiations didn't go well with the Prince?"

He sighed. "The Saracens arrived and didn't wish to negotiate a peace treaty." He knew he was lying to her, but he didn't wish to tell her the ugly truth: that the sheriff was using the prince to get ransom money. Guy didn't want her image of him being tainted because of what he would do for the sheriff, even if he would have to continue lying to her. He knew that at least his feelings for her were true.

Katherine gasped, pulling away from him, something both of them didn't want happening. "Are you saying Prince Malik sent in those assassins?"

"Yes." Guy lied through his teeth again.

Left in a shocked state, she felt something wasn't right. In her very gut, her instinct was screaming otherwise, but she decided to ignore it, writing it off as overthinking. "Nottingham is under attack then! We shouldn't have left! We need to go back!"

Guy sighed, not wanting to start this again. "Katherine-"

However, she wasn't listening to it this time, stubbornly trying to get off the horse only to fall off, crashing to the ground. Guy stopped, getting off his horse to help her. Katherine stood back up, brushing herself off before running back towards the castle. "What are you doing?" He yelled out towards her.

"Going back to Nottingham."

He grunted, getting back onto his horse to catch up with her. "Why?"

"Because something needs to be done. Even if I have to run all the way back there, we can't leave Nottingham undefended."

Guy sighed, finally giving in. It seemed she wasn't going to be stopped. "Get on." She did as told, trusting in him to not break his word. He whipped the reins and the horse went running back to Nottingham. They practically flew through the gates only to see Robin Hood and his merry men running past them. Guy turned, wanting to pursue them only to find the sheriff yelling to him from the front steps of the castle. "Let them go Gisborne!"

Katherine and Robin exchanged a quick glance with each other, a displeased look. Guy looked back, feeling irritated at this new order. "But-"

"I SAID LET THEM GO!"

"Yes, my lord." Guy gritted his teeth, annoyed. Only this day would he let him run free. Next time, he would go after him and kill him. The sheriff and Katherine were safe, that was all that mattered.

"Sister!" Katherine heard Marian exclaim and looked to see her rushing down the stairs, past the sheriff.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, surprised to find her here. She didn't even know she was at the castle...and then it clicked. Marian must have come in with Robin or helped sneak him in at the very least.

As Guy helped her off the horse, Marian took her sister into a hug. "I'm glad you're okay. I was worried something happened to you."

"Katherine was with me. I made sure she was safe." Guy told her, hoping this would help Marian warm up to him.

She looked to him with wide eyes, a grateful smile on her face. "Thank you, Sir Guy. It's reassuring to see my sister is in good hands." Maybe she had been wrong about him? He obviously really cared for Katherine. Maybe, just maybe, there was good in him.