Robin lost no time questioning Isabella once again. "Alright, Isabella, are you ready to tell me what I need to know, or are you prepared to remain my prisoner?"

Isabella only stared mockingly at him.

"Perhaps we're making your stay here too comfortable," Robin threatened.

"What are you planning to do to me?" Isabella asked softly, moving provocatively toward him.

"Talk, and you'll never have to find out."

"You're bluffing, Robin Hood. Go ahead. I dare you to do your worst."

"Where is the king?"

Isabella laughed. "I thought so. Robin Hood would never harm a woman. Too much chivalry was pounded into your head, while you were being raised. Besides, even if one of your gang were to hurt me, I wouldn't crumble. You've no idea all I've endured. My tolerance for pain is higher than you can imagine."

"I've no wish to hurt you," Robin agreed. "But make no mistake. I will, to protect England."

"And suffer for it the rest of your life, as your conscience plagues you? Mmm, you got all sweaty from your practice, didn't you? I like the smell of outlaw, when the outlaw's you."

"You just admitted you know more than you've let on, saying you wouldn't crumble. Final chance, Isabella. Where in Austria is the king being held?"

She smiled seductively at him, laughing under her breath.

"Little John, Allan," Robin commanded, "tie her to a tree."

Marian stepped forward. "There's no need to be brutal. Why not negotiate first?"

Allan grabbed a rope, thinking it would be fun to tie Isabella up. Little John waited for Robin's decision.

"John, do as I say."

"Stop!" Marian ordered. "Robin, if I were a prisoner, would you want me tied to a tree?"

"That is not a fair comparison."

"Why?"

"Because you're..." He couldn't think what to say.

"A lady?" Marian offered. "So is she."

"Hardly."

"She is, Robin. Please, don't harm her. You are so good at convincing others, without resorting to threats. Try it now, for me."

Isabella wondered at Marian's plea. Why was that woman being so kind? Quickly, she stored her words, her tone of voice, and the appeal in her eyes, to better mimic them later and win Robin back.

"We'll try it your way, for now," Robin told his wife.

"Spoil sport," Allan objected, putting away the rope.

Robin took a deep breath. "I just now sent Tuck south to Leicester, to learn what Princess Johanna knows about her brother's captivity. I will learn where he is, Isabella, if not from you, then elsewhere. It's in your best interest to join our side, even if you care nothing for your country."

"How exactly do you see that?"

"The king will return. He is strong and cannot easily be defeated. Prince John is weak, and will be."

"You seem so sure."

"I have faith in the king. I know him. And with God on our side, we will prevail."

Isabella smirked, then yawned openly in his face. "As the prince and the sheriff are so fond of saying, 'Bored now.' Who's to say God's on your side, Robin? My brother fears God. He may not have rebuilt your church yet, but lately he's spent more and more time on his knees in the castle chapel, praying for the forgiveness of his sins."

"Really?" Marian asked. She was surprised, yet pleased. Perhaps Guy wasn't past redemption after all. The information only confirmed her desire to befriend Isabella, hoping to help redeem her as well.

"You claim to hate your brother," Robin pursued, determined to draw information from her. "I stopped you once from killing him. Why be on his side?"

"I told you. He is my protector."

"Then let me be your protector instead."

"What?" Marian asked.

"You?" Isabella was excited by his offer. She wasn't ready to give in and tell him what she knew, but she felt she had made definite progress in getting closer to him again. "You can't mean for me to join your gang!"

"She can't!" Kate shrieked. "Not another girl! Robin, she's evil."

"Gisbourne's sister?" Little John growled.

"Master?" was all Much could add. "Surely not!"

Will and Djaq remained silent, trusting Robin and waiting to see what he had in mind.

"You won't have to help us fight, at least not physically," Robin told Isabella. "You just tell me the truth about the king, and you may either come with us to rescue him, or go where you will. I will protect you, Isabella, better than your brother will. Trust me."

"Trust us both," Marian added, reaching for her husband's hand in a show of unity, if not also staking her claim on him.

"I need time to think," Isabella told them. "You're very convincing, Robin, but I'm no pushover. Let me consider your offer overnight."

"Let me add one final argument in my favor," Robin said. "With me protecting you, you need not fear Prince John's treachery. But without me, relying only on your brother, the king will show you no mercy when he returns."

Isabella got lost in his eyes, just as she had the very first moment she looked into them.

That idiot servant, Lot, broke her thoughts. "Master," he was saying, "With Tuck gone, does that mean I'm making supper?"

"That's right, Much," Robin told him. "I suggest you get started on the cooking fire."

Isabella realized having him cook for the gang would make her job poisoning Marian so much easier, than if the intelligent friar were still in charge of the meals. It was time to pretend to be helpful, especially as the man seemed anxious about what to serve for supper.