Isabella couldn't help but enjoy herself as Robin led her toward King Richard's camp. "Walking together through the woods this way reminds me of the time we were chained together, heading toward Clun," she mentioned. "Do you remember, Robin?"
All business, Robin had no desire to reminisce, especially about the tragic and painful period in his life when he believed Marian dead. Stony faced, he refused to engage in conversation with the woman who hours ago had poisoned his wife.
Isabella was undeterred by his silence. "You really should have tied us together, instead of just binding my wrists," she continued. "I might decide to try my luck and run away."
When he still said nothing, Isabella darted from him, running as fast as she could. Robin was immediately upon her, tackling her to the ground.
Panting under him, Isabella smiled seductively and said, "My luck holds true! Who would have thought when you tied my wrists we'd be lying together on the forest floor? Mmm, this is so much better than our journey to Clun! No matter how hard I tried to entice you that day, you weren't playing."
Angry and appalled, Robin released her and leapt to his feet. "I'm not playing now. Get up, Isabella."
"A little help?" she requested. "Where's your famous chivalry, Robin? I can't flip myself to my feet the way you just did, though my body can do amazing things, as you well know."
Reaching down, he pulled her to her feet. "Know this, Isabella," he snarled, "I don't want you. It was a mistake, and one I'll regret all the days of my life."
"You enjoyed it at the time," she accused. "You know you did. You were on fire for me."
"Your memories are different from mine."
"How different?" Upset at his rejection, she felt herself losing control, and she forced herself to try to regain the upper hand.
"I was never that interested," he told her. "I never meant to get involved with you...with anyone. I was desperate, seeking someone I thought I'd lost, but I shouldn't have done."
"I was not just her replacement!" Isabella screamed.
"You tried hard enough to be! You worked to learn all you could about Marian, then did your best to imitate her, even scenting yourself with her perfume. But, like you told me that same day you just referred to, you weren't her. You wonder why I wasn't playing, as you put it, that day? The more time I spent with you, Isabella, the more I missed my wife. I was trying to find a way to let you down easily, without hurting you."
"You don't care about hurting me now," Isabella stormed.
"You're right. I don't. You're my enemy, every bit as much as your brother is. Move. I'm taking you to the king to tell him what you've done, and I hope this will be the last time I ever have to see you."
Isabella began walking again, no longer trying to taunt Robin. They both remained silent the remainder of their trek, but Isabella's thoughts were filled with anticipation, knowing she would soon learn whether Guy had successfully completed her mission.
"If so, Robin Hood," she mused, "we'll see who gets hurt, and who comes out on top! I wish I could see your face, when you learn King Richard's dead, and hear the words, 'Long live King John!' "
At last they reached the king's camp, and were ushered into Richard's presence. Seeing her monarch's shoulder bandaged, Isabella drew in her breath, hoping it meant what she longed it to mean.
"Your Majesty is wounded?" she asked, unable to resist asking when it wasn't her place to speak.
Richard, hating any wound except one earned in battle, ignored her question. "Robin!" he said instead. "I did not expect to see you again so soon."
"Apologies, Your Majesty," Robin answered. "I bring Isabella of Gisbourne, who deliberately poisoned my wife, and awaits your judgment."
"Is Lady Locksley alright?"
"She's recovering, thankfully."
"Yes, it would take more than a dose of poison to kill a woman who survived a sword struck through her, I think. But what do you expect me to do with this prisoner, Robin? I am at war, and haven't the time to deal with jealous women, no matter their crimes."
Robin saw Isabella smirk and grew alarmed. "But Your Majesty, she intentionally administered poison to my wife! May I remind you, Sire, Marian almost died, risking her own life to save yours?"
"And I am grateful. But I cannot be bothered holding, trying, and sentencing a woman, while at war. I put her in your charge, Robin. You are heading home, are you not?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, but-"
"Then you may take her to my mother in London. She can try her, and see that justice is done."
Robin, thinking of making the long trip with his family with Isabella in tow, grew frustrated. "Your Majesty," he objected, "are you doing this because I am not staying to fight alongside you?"
"You dare to question your king, Robin? Do as I command."
Robin bowed his head and obeyed.
Richard, regarding Locksley so highly, grew sorry. "I would give half my kingdom to have you stay and fight with me," he said, "but I give you my blessing as you go. Take care of your family, Robin, and that part of my kingdom you call home."
Bowing, Robin departed, taking Isabella with him.
"Is His Majesty's wound serious?" Isabella asked. "Did he get it in battle?"
"No, and no," Robin answered, not wanting to say more.
"How then?" she pursued.
"You're curious," he said suspiciously. "Let's go."
Isabella felt triumphant. Not only did she witness with her own eyes, the king had been injured, but she was travelling with Robin back to England, where she hoped to be with Prince John when he would be declared king.