Nottinghamshire, England: 1194
Peter Dubois had been like a brother to Robin of Locksley since birth. They were both born of Noble blood within the same year and thus grew up together. While Robin had taken pleasure in "playfully" torturing Peter's kid sister, Marian; the elder brother himself had taken to teach her self defense.
Whilst Peter had chosen to fight in the crusades, Marian preferred to stay behind in Nottinghamshire. Although she was the King's cousin, she had no interest in life at court in London proper. She felt there was too much gossip mongering and currying favor. No, she would much rather remain on her lands, protecting her King's citizens.
XOX
Prior to the King's absence for the crusades; he appointed George of Nottingham as Sheriff. He was 13 years Marian's senior; but she would be lying if she hadn't fantasized about him stealing her virtue. She had finally met the lean, dark haired man at his annual feast that was held for the citizens of Nottingham. With the crusade raging on for its 6th year, many young men hadn't returned and morale was low. George figured the least he could do was once a year hold a feast for everyone to indulge in.
Unbeknownst to each other, Marian and George had both escaped to the balcony which overlooked the gardens to get some fresh air. Neither of them enjoyed the tediousness of small talk or crowds.
Night had fallen during the evening's festivities by the time George stepped outside to enjoy a moment of peace. As he leaned against a railing, enjoying the view he was presented with of his courtyard, he caught movement out of his peripheral vision. He laid onyx eyes upon her milky flesh. Her gorgeous, cinnamon colored hair fell in tendrils, delicately framing the fair maiden's face. She was adorned with jewelry that spoke of her status. Most distinctly was a beautiful cross necklace that kissed the top of her bosom as it lay. The young woman was dressed in an aubergine gown, with a corset top which accentuated her waist and chest. The neckline swept across her chest, leaving her shoulders bare. The Sheriff licked his lips as he focused on the juncture of her neck and shoulder. He stiffened in his trousers as he fantasized about running his tongue across her sweet, supple skin. He had to meet her. He had to court her. More importantly, however, he had to have her.
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Marian had endured enough of the evening's festivities. She had been escorted by Sarah, her lady in waiting, for this event as her brother was off fighting and her mother lived in London. Marian turned to Sarah and stated she would like to go outside for fresh air. Although Sarah offered to accompany her, Marian longed for some solitude and decided to independently retire to the balcony. She had been enjoying her seclusion when she saw the commanding presence of the Sheriff step onto the same balcony. She retreated to the shadows to observe him secretly.
She hadn't had the chance to see him up close before. He was very attractive in a non classical sense. He had an iconic profile - a beautifully Roman nose with a thick brow ridge with a deep, furrowed crease between his eyes. He was blessed with thick, sable hair which had length to the back and some curl. She longed to run her fingers through it.
His lips were thinly bowed and created the most alluring smirk; which she had guessed was due to the self satisfaction of his ability to escape his own party. He was dressed in all black, like a beautiful raven. His frock coat had accents of gold and an endless amount of buttons which accentuated his broad chest. She wondered momentarily how long it would take her to undo each one.
He had a fur cape wrapped around his sturdy shoulders which bellowed behind him as he walked. His trousers immediately drew her attention. He had gold studs lined vertically across his manhood. She was unable to tear her eyes away until she heard the clearing of his throat.
"Good evening Milady", the nobleman greeted her. "What is a beautiful woman like you doing outside on a night like this?" He was leering at her now but was unable to stop himself.
"Just getting a bit of fresh air, Milord. I find I grow tiresome of such a rambunctious crowd rather quickly".
He smiled at her. He understood completely how overwhelming life within his castle could be.
"Might I have the honor of learning your name, Milady? I fear I'd never forgive myself if I was unable to call upon you again after this night."
He stalked towards her like a predator hunting its prey. He reached out with a gloved hand to grasp her soft, uncovered one. He pulled it to his lips and placed a chaste kiss upon the dorsum of her hand.
"Marian, my Lord. Marian Dubois."
"Pleasure to meet you, Love", he responded silkily as he rubbed the gloved pad of his thumb across her knuckles. "I hope this isn't too forward of me..." he hesitated, locking his obsidian eyes to her honey ones. "But perhaps I could trouble you for a kiss this evening? I find myself enraptured with your beauty."
He stepped closer still to her trembling figure. He let go of her hand long enough to remove his leather gloves so he could touch her face with his bare hands. He reached out with his right hand to touch her. His hands were so large, they encompassed her head almost entirely. He took his thumb and ran it across her lower lip, tugging it down ever so gently.
She responded to his touch immediately. She felt as if all the air had been sucked out of the room and felt charged with electricity. The goosebumps that appeared on her flesh were a delicious involuntary response. She felt a dampness run down her leg beneath her heavy skirt as she appreciated his touch. She reached out with her tongue to gently lick his thumb; she was delightfully treated to a low growl from the stoic man.
He reached out with his other hand to cup the other side of her face and pulled her in for a long and deep kiss. If it wasn't for his hold on her, she would have swooned. She opened her mouth slightly to receive his tongue as he pushed it inside her. He used his tongue to gently massage and wrestle with hers for dominance. He pushed her against the wall, deeper into the shadows as the kiss deepened further. He let go of her face with his right hand and lazily ran it down her neck , to her collar bone, and finally to her breast. He nudged her head to the side with his nose, breaking their kiss so he could lick her neck and nip at that juncture he had previously fantasized about. It was his turn to be gifted with a moan of pleasure.
She was about ready to lose herself to him completely when Sarah appeared on the balcony in search of her Lady. She gasped at the sight of Marian and the dark man. It was her job to not only protect Marian's safety, but her virtue as well. The man comically jumped apart from his woman at the arrival of Sarah. He chuckled at Marian's mussed appearance and lovely flush. He rested his forehead against hers and whispered in his baritone voice, "Come back tomorrow... please? I need to see you again".
Sarah had overheard his proposal and interrupted. "The maid Marian is a lady, Sire. She cannot partake in these activities! In fact, she should be supervised with a gentleman at all times until a the moment comes for her to be wed!"
George rolled his eyes and sniggered. He wasn't used to being talked back to but appreciated the woman's determination to protect Marian. "Quite right madam. Milady," he turned back to Marian, "I would like to formally court you. I feel I could not go another day without your company. Please, stay with me in the castle. I can see to it that your every need is met" he stated with a smirk and a wink. Marian readily agreed and returned home to prepare for her move into Nottingham castle.
