"Silence!" The King ordered. "We have yet to hear from the remaining witnesses. I ask the Lady Alyss to take the stand." Alyss swallowed nervously and did her best to summon her courage as she stepped forwards. She could feel every eye on her, and she knew that this was her chance to try and free Gisburne, so she could not fail. It did not matter how much pain and anguish this caused her. All she knew was that she had to tell the truth.

"Sire, it is true that I was not happy at hearing about my upcoming nuptials, but I had accepted that it was my duty as a nobleman's daughter. By the time that I met Hugh of Dunwich, I was excited for the wedding. I appeared distracted that afternoon purely because I was thinking about everything that needed to be done before the ceremony." She explained. "I retired to bed early that evening, for the men had been drinking, and I wished to be well rested for the next day. However, as I was settling in for the night, Hugh of Dunwich entered my room. He was drunk, and he…" she hesitated, trying desperately to ignore the memories of that night. "He tried to assault me. I cried out for help, for though I knew he was to be my husband, I wished to do things properly. It seemed that Sir Guy heard and came to help me."

"Just what was Gisburne doing in Nettleworth that day my lady?" The younger of the King's advisors asked.

"He had been wounded near to the village a few weeks prior, and was staying in the manor until he was well enough to return to Nottingham." Alyss explained. "I had no idea that he was nearby that evening, for he had told me that he was staying elsewhere. I had no wish to see either man fight, but when Hugh tried to attack me once more, Gisburne knocked him out. Neither of us conspired to murder him. Hugh of Dunwich was to be my husband. By killing him I would lose everything I held dear."

"Liar!" Hugh called, but the King's glare silenced him.

"This debt which has been mentioned. What is it?"

"My father had fallen behind on paying his taxes." Alyss explained. "I was taken a prisoner until he paid, or else the manor was forfeit. It appears that Earl Geoffrey agreed to give my father the money so long as I married his son."

"And this agreement- whose idea was this?"

"I believe it was the Sheriff's." Alyss paused. "Sir Guy was the one who took me from my home and kept me prisoner for the best part of a year. I do not know why Hugh claims to have found us together when I cannot stand the man. Gisburne has caused nothing but grief and misery for me and my people." She felt terrible saying this, but knew it was the only way of protecting them both.

"Very well. What did you do after Hugh was knocked out?"

"I…" She hesitated. "Soldiers arrived then, and took Sir Guy away. Hugh was given the medical attention he required, and I was left alone." Alyss sighed, blinking back tears. The advisor looked at her with pity, then gestured.

"You may stand down. Lord Edgar of Nettleworth, if we may hear you speak?" Alyss returned to her seat, where Osric handed her a drink and she downed it gratefully. She had no idea if her testimony had been enough, but her father was doing his best to back her claims. Shortly after this Osric was called forwards, and the soldier gave her a reassuring smile as he stood in front of the court.

"Tell me Osric, you know both Lady Alyss and Sir Guy rather well. Do you believe they conspired?"

"I do not, my lord. I have known the Lady since I was a child, and she would not do anything to hurt anyone. She has only ever wished to make her father happy. It is true that she spent time here in Nottingham Castle as Sir Guy's prisoner, but they have never been friends. Alyss despises him for tearing her away from her home and all that she holds dear."

"And do you believe that Sir Guy had planned to kill Hugh of Dunwich?"

"No." Osric stated. "I know that he was unhappy upon hearing the news of the marriage, but I believe that Sir Guy of Gisburne had been fond of Lady Alyss. On the evening in question Sir Guy had gone to check on his horse which was staying in Nettleworth Manor's stables."

"And he did not seem agitated to you?"

"No." Osric paused. "My lords, you should be aware that myself and a number of the residents of Nettleworth were approached shortly after Gisburne's arrest, and were either threatened or bribed." There was an outcry from the Earl's side, but this only seemed to strengthen Osric's point. "I believe that since Hugh of Dunwich could not have his way with the Lady Alyss, he was determined to cause nothing but devastation."

"Do you have proof of this?"

"I do." Osric said as five members of Nettleworth village stepped forwards. Alyss took one look at them and smiled, for she knew it could not have been easy for any of them to travel this distance and act in Gisburne's defence. All of them testified, revealing coins and the threats they had been given. The King looked thoughtful as he listened, and Alyss hoped that this had done enough to free Sir Guy.

"De Rainault, Gisburne has been in your employ for a number of years now. Did he show any interest in the Lady Alyss during her imprisonment?" The advisor queried, and De Rainault bowed his head.

"Gisburne has been known to act foolishly when a pretty woman catches his eye." The Sheriff began. "I do believe he did have some form of attachment to the Lady Alyss, but it was not returned by her. There is certainly no evidence that they would work together on anything. She despised him, and I believe she only helped Gisburne recover so as to save the heavy fine her village would have to pay if he had died on their estate."

"My Lady?"

"That is true." Alyss agreed. "My village could not afford to pay, so I took him in, knowing that I would only have to get through a small number of weeks before he left."

"The man is not capable of plotting anything. He has consistently failed to capture the outlaws in Sherwood, and it is rare that he succeeds in anything. I truly believe he is incapable of plotting to murder an Earl's son." Alyss risked a glance at the knight, and found that he was staring at the ground. She knew it could not be easy hearing these things spoken aloud, and she desperately wanted to tell him that her words were untrue.

"From what I know of Sir Guy, he was blinded by love and acted on that alone." De Rainault finished.

"Is this true?" The question was directed to the prisoner, and Sir Guy looked a little reluctant. "Gisburne, is this true?"

"It is." The knight spoke softly, and Alyss knew she could not react, no matter how much she wanted to. Her heart skipped, and she knew instantly why he had kept her actions silent.

"And what exactly happened that night Sir Guy?"

"My lords, I had been staying in Nettleworth during my recovery. I had been attacked on my return to Nottingham after travelling to Newark." He began. "The Lady Alyss had kindly taken me in and ensured that I recovered. Once I was able to, I moved to stay in one of the cottages so that I could allow the manor to prepare for the ceremony. Though I had been upset upon hearing the news that the Lady Alyss was to marry, I had no plans to prevent it. I knew how much her home means to her, and would do nothing to risk her losing it. I went to check my horse that evening, which is when I heard her scream. Shortly after I found her with Hugh trying to force her. Her dress was torn and he held a blade to her."

"Lies!" Hugh shouted.

"We fought, and after I was disarmed, I saw him try to attack the lady again. Out of desperation I grabbed the nearest item and hit him with it."

"And then?"

"We were found. I did not struggle with the soldiers. I knew I had assaulted an Earl's son, though it was to protect the Lady."

"He lies! He is protecting her!" Hugh called. "She is the one who hit me! She was trying to protect him!"

"And why would that be?" The King asked. "She obviously despises him, and until now no one has mentioned anything of her involvement."

"Tell me Sir Guy, had you heard of Hugh of Dunwich previously?" The advisor asked.

"I had heard rumours my lord." Sir Guy hesitated. "I had heard of two previous wives who had died in mysterious circumstances."

"So you hoped to prevent the Lady Alyss from being the third?"

"No. She had made her decision, and I would not interfere."

"I have heard enough." The King announced as he got to his feet. "I believe that the knight has acted foolishly, but it was honourable to try to protect the Lady Alyss." He paused. "However, he did assault an Earl's son, and that cannot go unpunished. Therefore, you are to fight in Normandy for five years." Sir Guy bowed his head to show that he understood, while Alyss waited for the court to be dismissed, wanting nothing more than to talk to the knight and get away from the Earl of Dunwich and his son.

"As for Nettleworth, the lands will belong to the crown upon Lord Edgar's death, and the Lady Alyss will marry a man of my choosing." Alyss looked at her father in confusion, but both knew that there was nothing they could do. Meanwhile Hugh and his father were arguing, and the King sighed. "As for Dunwich, you no longer have any claim to Nettleworth, and no debt is owed to you. For lying to the court and your king, you are to be fined 1000 marks to be paid by Easter, and there will be an investigation as to the deaths of your previous wives."

"No! That's not fair!" Hugh cried out.

"Court is dismissed." Alyss watched as the King and his men left, while the Sheriff spoke to Sir Guy. Edgar kept hold of Alyss as they waited for Dunwich's party to disappear, and then smiled gently at her.

"It is too late to travel home today. Would you prefer to stay here or at an inn on the way?"

"Can we stay here?" She asked, and he nodded.

"Of course." They waited a little longer, before retiring to their room.

Two hours after the trial had ended, Alyss decided she could not stay put for much longer. Her father had dozed off by the fire, while Osric had gone in search of food, and she was restless. She desperately needed to talk to Guy, for she knew that there was a possibility she would never see him again, and she had to make things right. How she would do this without the King discovering that she had lied, she did not know, but she was determined to see him.

"May I suggest a walk in the gardens?" Osric said when he returned and found Alyss pacing. "They always were a favourite of yours, and there are many secluded spots." Alyss frowned, before realising that the soldier was smiling.

"I believe I shall do that. I will return in an hour."

It did not take her very long to reach the castle gardens, for she knew her way through the castle rather well thanks to her time spent here. The servants moved out of her way, and she was glad that Dunwich had left so she did not have to worry about bumping into him. Stepping out into the gardens, she allowed herself a smile as she found the plants starting to bloom with no sign of anyone else, and so she followed the path, hoping that Osric had been hinting at something. She was sadly disappointed though, for she reached the corner farthest away from the entrance, but found no one waiting. Sighing deeply, she knew she had limited time available, and she had no idea where to…

"I hoped I would find you here my lady." Alyss looked up and was surprised to find the knight in front of her. He was clean shaven now, his hair cropped and he wore some of his finest clothes. She could scarcely believe that this was the same man who had been stood before the court just a few hours earlier.

"Sir Guy, I…" She began, but he just smiled at her.

"You do not need to thank me, nor apologise. I understand why you said those things."

"I was trying to protect you." She admitted. "Please know that I do not despise you in any way. I have thought of us as friends, and I am so grateful that you were there that night. I do not know how I can ever repay you."

"Just stay safe, and be happy." He told her. "That is all I have ever wished for you Alyss."

"Is that why you took the blame?" She asked. "Though the truth could have released you?"

"You always have been perceptive. I take it that is why you kept your actions quiet?" He smiled at her.

"I did not wish to undermine your decision." She explained, though she felt bad. They were quiet for a moment, and Sir Guy inspected the branches of the blossoming tree they were stood beneath.

"I am sorry about your manor." He said.

"It seems it was never destined to be my inheritance." Alyss shook her head. She desperately wanted to hug him and tell him the truth, but her courage was gone. She knew that this was the last time she would see him, and the sorrow in his eyes told her that he knew it too.

"When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow, at first light." Alyss felt her heart sink, for this would be the only opportunity she had to tell him the truth of her feelings.

"And what will you do when you return?"

"Five years is a long time my lady." He warned. "I have been relieved of my position here, so if I return, I shall have to find somewhere to settle down."

"I am truly sorry Sir Guy. This is my fault. Had I only…"

"There is nothing to be sorry for." He assured her. "You were never going to marry him. I was going to make sure of that. This is my doing, and mine alone." He hesitated. "I would do it all again if it kept you safe."

"I…" Alyss sighed deeply, before realising something. "You say you only want me to be happy?"

"I do."

"Then promise me something."

"My lady?" He looked confused.

"Promise me that you will return to Nettleworth when your time abroad is at an end." She said as she stepped closer to him.

"I may not return." He warned.

"You must." She stated as she reached for the phoenix she wore around her neck. "For you will return this to me."

"But…" Guy tried to object, for he knew just how much it meant to her.

"It is to protect you." Alyss explained. "Guy, I truly am sorry for the pain I have caused you. I know that I do not deserve your kindness or your forgiveness."

"There is nothing to forgive." He said as he placed the pendant safe, before taking her hand in his. "My lady, there is so much I wish to say to you, but I fear our time grows short."

"Then say it when you return." She told him, for she knew exactly what he wanted to say. She so desperately wished to hear it, but knew it would only break her heart.

"Why are you so adamant that I…?" He asked, then caught her eye. She was staring at him pointedly, but there was something in her gaze. Was it love? "You may not be in Nettleworth."

"Then you shall have to find me." She half smiled. "I cannot promise much, for five years is a long time, and my fate lies with the King. I can only ask that I see you again."

"But why? You made your feelings towards me quite clear."

"Is it not obvious Sir Guy?" she asked him. "Is it not clear that I have lied to you to protect you?"

"Alyss?" He queried as he stepped closer to her.

"I…" She began, then realised that she could not find the words. Instead she pressed her lips to his, hoping to prove her feelings to him. The knight wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, and Alyss felt tears fall down her cheeks as she knew that this was a taste of something she could never have. Their feelings were poured into that one kiss, and Alyss felt a mixture of emotions overwhelm her as Guy held her tight. She was overjoyed that she had found love, but her heart was breaking at the knowledge that she was about to lose him.

"I wish you did not have to go." She sighed after they broke off. Both were smiling, yet sorrow gripped them, for they knew they were to be parted.

"I swear to you my lady, I will do everything I can to get back to you, and to return your manor to your hands." He promised her as he tucked a stray curl behind her ear.

"Just return to me safely. I do not care about anything else." She told him, before they heard the church bells strike. The knight looked torn, and Alyss knew that he had to go.

"You have my word Alyss." He said, before kissing her once more. Alyss closed her eyes, savouring the feeling, but when she opened them, he was gone.

"Farewell my lord." She whispered as tears streamed down her cheeks, for she knew that she would never see him again.