King Richard did not wait to hear Robin's answer in a private audience. Instead, he demanded to know at the banquet that night, where the highest peers in England would hear his answer, whether he accepted the honor to fight alongside his king or reject and disappoint him.
As the king's honored guests, having both saved his life, Robin and Marian were seated at the royal table on a raised dais, together with the king and his wife Queen Berengaria, whom Prince John and his sycophants privately called "Queen Barren-garia," gleefully mocking her inability to produce an heir. Marian admired her for her kindness, beauty, piety, dignity, patience, and devotion to the king. Also at the table were Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, Princess Johanna and her husband Robert the Earl of Leicester, and Prince John and his adolescent wife Isabella. This was John's second wife with the same name, and Marian couldn't help thinking the prince had a weakness for ladies named Isabella.
Prince John was clearly bored with his wife, and stimulated by Marian's presence. But with Richard once again on the throne, he behaved himself in public, knowing he must bide his time and tread lightly, having received his brother's pardon for all the crimes he'd committed as Regent.
"So, Robin," the king's voice boomed over the music, intentionally loud so that all would hear, "What is your answer? Will you travel with me to France, and fight to regain my lands King Philip stole?"
King Richard signaled the musicians to stop playing, and all talking ceased. The banqueting hall seemed as quiet as a tomb, as all attention focused on Robin.
Marian knew her husband was suffering and she shared his unhappiness, knowing he must disappoint his king.
Yet Robin's voice was strong. "I am sorry, Your Majesty," he began, boldly yet sincerely. "I cannot join your battle."
Robin kept his eyes on the king's face, but Marian saw Prince John smirk.
"Cannot?" the king shouted. "Or will not?"
"I cannot leave my people. By staying and protecting them, I hope I'll be serving you."
"In a small way, you will be. But I'm asking you to serve me in a big way, in a glorious way! There is no truer test nor measure of a man, than on the battlefield."
"With respect, Your Majesty, there are all types of battles."
"What? Do you mean by trying to decide how much wheat to sow? I never thought you, Robin of Locksley, Hero of Acre and legendary Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest, would turn coward by leading a soft life while turning your back on your king!"
Marian agonized at the hurt look in Robin's eyes. She was intensely proud of him, for although wounded by the king's displeasure, he did not flinch.
The king, hurt and humiliated, fought back by trying to humiliate his most loved and loyal servant. "Very well, Huntington," he said, using Robin's more formal title. "Since that is your decision, I have no more need of you. Your presence at the Council of Lords tomorrow is no longer required. You may pack your bags and leave my Court first thing in the morning."
Prince John's feet did a little dance under the table, but he tried to hide his delight under a sober face.
The musicians struck up their tune again, and the banquet continued. Robin and Marian were treated like lepers at the royal table, with no one speaking a word to them, or even glancing their direction other than Prince John, who couldn't stop himself from gloating by his smirks.
The remainder of the meal seemed to last forever, but at last the king, being unable to stand it any longer, rose and strode from the hall. Queen Berengaria, together with her ladies, humbly followed him.
"I am truly sorry, Your Majesty," Robin told the Queen Mother.
"My son King Richard will forgive you and come around," Queen Eleanor assured him. "Or perhaps it will be you who comes around, Robin, and joins him after all. I know how you love a good fight."
Robin could not explain that he hated killing. "If England is attacked, I will join his fight," he told her.
Princess Johanna could not resist goading, "I was not surprised by your answer, Robin. After all, I know better than Richard, you have no trouble denying us what we want."
"That is enough, Joan," Queen Eleanor scolded. Turning to Robin, she continued, "You and your lady wife are dismissed." Then, more quietly, she added, "Bring Big Bear along with you, the next time you visit us here at Court."
Robin saw the twinkle in her eye, and knew that she at least, could not be angry at him. It was some relief, but it could not repair the sorrow he felt, losing his king's respect.
Alone in their suite, Marian felt the heaviness in Robin's heart. He tried to hide it, but was withdrawn and quiet. So many times he had comforted her, she realized, giving her the loving care she needed! Now it was her turn to try to comfort him, even while he appeared to be strong.
Marian stood facing him and slipped her arms around his neck. "You did right," she told him, hoping he would never come to resent her for her part in earning him the king's displeasure.
Robin put his arms around her waist. His eyes showed the hurt he was feeling, and Marian's heart ached for him. "Why must he go?" Robin asked, thinking out loud and not expecting an answer. "Why must he put his foreign lands ahead of his people?"
"I assume it is because he is bored," Marian guessed. "He loves war. You told me, he once said to you he never felt truly alive expect in battle."
"He must believe his cause is just!"
Marian knew no words of hers could ever shake Robin's esteem for the king. And that was not her intention. She wanted to help him get through this, and comfort him. "I'm sure he must," she agreed, her voice soothing. "Just as your choice to remain in Locksley is just. Remember how your people suffered when you left them before. You won't let that happen again, by remaining at home."
"And I won't let you suffer," Robin told her, looking deeply into her loving eyes.
"I'm supposed to be comforting you," she teased. "Not the other way around."
"Is that what you're doing?" he asked, a small smile playing at his lips, even while his eyes remained sad.
"Trying," she admitted. Then, growing serious again, she asked, "What can I do, Robin, to help you feel better?"
"Just love me," he told her, his voice catching.
"I do love you. Now and forever."
They kissed, desperately. And then, she tried to show him how much she cared, pouring out her love for him in the most caring, soothing, tender, and passionate way she knew.