When George and Marian arrived at Nottingham Castle in the early evening, the Sheriff tasked his men to unload the carriage while he took Marian and Sarah on a tour of the grounds. George dismounted his horse and chivalrously held out his hand for each of the women to exit the carriage with grace. George and Marian walked hand in hand with Sarah walking closely behind them. She would allow for a bit of privacy but knew she couldn't leave them unsupervised for too long.
George showed the women the many rooms of the castle. Their new home included a solar, which was a type of drawing room that George used as a private cabinet; store rooms, a kitchen, pantry, buttery, ice house, and lavatory. George saved what he felt to be the most important rooms for last which included the great hall, Sarah and Marian's chambers, and his own bed chamber which he hoped Marian would be sharing with him very soon.
George showed the women the great dining hall as it was being set up for their dinner which would occur within the hour. There was a long, dark wooden table placed in the middle of the room, lined with goblets and beautiful place settings. There were many candelabras, allowing for the flickering lights to illuminate the room. The great stone walls were decorated with tapestries which created a warm feeling within the room.
"George," Marian gasped, "everything is so lovely! Thank you for allowing us to stay with you." She leaned in for a quick peck on the cheek.
"It's my pleasure, I assure you. Come, let me show you to your rooms." George grabbed Marian's hand eagerly as he strode throughout his castle. His long strides allowed for his cape to billow behind him. It was easy to forget how powerful and commanding the Sheriff could be.
Marian was privy to his sweet, gentle, lustful side. But he was still the Sheriff of Nottingham, protector of Nottinghamshire whilst the king was away. If she were honest with herself, Marian seemed equally attracted to the darker aspects of the man that she had yet to see up close. She had heard rumors, of course, before she met him officially. He obviously had been responsible for the lives and deaths of many people. She knew that part of his responsibilities were to keep the peace and therefore was responsible for upholding the law, including, when necessary - death and torture. He was a fair and just man who would never inflict more pain than was necessary. George was also a good Christian and had absolutely no tolerance for anyone who was pulled into the seduction of Satan. Marian was well aware that George was responsible for the late Locksley head of house, but as far as she was concerned, he had it coming.
While she was lost in thought, George had guided the two women to the bed chambers. He showed Sarah her room, which was lovely and had a very sizable bed and a beautiful chandelier. There was a dark wooden wardrobe that had more than enough room for all of her clothing. Overall, it was a lot nicer and more spacious than her chambers at the Dubois Castle.
"Are you pleased, Sarah?" George asked genuinely. Sarah gifted the Sheriff with a rare smile and offered a genuine praise of thanks. George beamed as he spun on his heel to whisk Marian down the hall a bit further to show her to her own chambers.
"This Milady, will be your room until such a time comes for you to join me, should you ever wish to..." George trailed off suddenly anxious.
He was so adorable when he got embarrassed.
"Thank you, Milord! It is beautiful!" Marian entered her suite with George alone - Sarah had stayed behind in her own chamber to start unpacking. She walked through the threshold to find an elaborate bed with a fluffy, white comforter. It was very large and could easily hold two people. A deep red canopy decorated the dark walnut bed and fell down into curtains that could enclose the beautiful woman as she slept. There were decorative paintings on the walls as well as an elaborate fireplace at the foot of the bed. By the head of the bed, and slightly off to the left, there was a floor to ceiling tapestry that was the same deep red color as her canopy.
"George," Marian felt comfortable enough to address him informally as they were alone, "Why is that tapestry off centered to the bed? It looks a bit out of place." She questioned.
"Ah. Yes. Well, that my dear is a secret. Would you like me to.. quench your curiosity?"
Lord! She loved the way that man spoke. The way his lips curled... the deep baritone of his voice.. the purposeful hesitation and enunciation he decorated the words with as they cascaded through his mouth... and the way they seemed to vibrate throughout her body before they finally nestled into the apex of her thighs.
Her lips parted to allow her tongue to poke through to moisten her lips. He smirked... that scoundrel. He knew what he was doing.
"Show me, " Marian breathed. He took his cape off and laid it upon her bed before walking towards her, allowing his boots to slap the ground with each step to make himself seem predatory. He placed his hand on her lower back to push her towards the tapestry. He raised his left hand and curled his long fingers around the cloth before pulling it back to reveal a door. Marian reached out and grabbed hold of the handle before pushing the door open. George, having never removed his right hand from her back, ushered her through to reveal his chambers. She inhaled sharply before turning to face him.
He cocked his eyebrow.. deliciously, she thought, before he raised his index finger to his mouth in a hushing manner as he closed the distance between them. He grabbed her hips and pulled her flush against his warm body.
"Sarah doesn't know that our chambers are connected. I was hoping perhaps we could keep it that way." He pursed his lips as his eyes ravished her. She raised her hands to place on his chest. In lieu of response, she grasped at the fabric on his tunic before pulling his lips to hers forcefully. His eyes widened in surprise and he stumbled towards her, completely caught off guard with the strength she had just demonstrated. He kicked the door closed before walking forward, forcing her to walk backwards as their lips and tongues wrestled and nipped at each other. Marian broke the kiss when she fell onto his bed. He grabbed her by the waist and practically threw her deeper into the bed before eagerly clamoring in beside her.
"I want you George," she pleaded as she pressed her body against his hardening length.
"I know, Love." He pressed his lips back to hers as he swallowed the moans escaping her lips. His fingertips ghosted a trail up her leg, starting at her ankle and ascending to her knee. He gave a gentle squeeze before promptly removing his hands and raising them, palms out and fingers spread as if to show his innocence. "Come, Marian. It's time for supper." He smirked as she growled in frustration. He sent her back through the connecting door so they could exit their respective chambers separately and made their way down to the great hall for their evening meal.
XOX
Robin and Duncan had safely made their way into Sherwood Forest. They vigilantly rode deeper into what they hoped would be safety away from the Sheriff's men. Eventually the riders came upon a river. Robin dismounted his horse to take a better look at the depth of the water when suddenly he found himself flat on his back in the water. A chuckling young man emerged from his hiding spot and was singing, "There was a rich man from Nottingham who tried to cross the river... What a dope! He tripped on a rope. Now look at him shiver! Beg for mercy rich man!" He demanded.
Robin was furious. No one humiliated him. Shaking the water from his hair, he bent down to search the river for his sword to no avail. "I beg of no man," he stated before jumping when he heard the hooting and hollering of at least a dozen other men. The men rushed from within the woods to encircle Robin, his horse, and Duncan. Trapped.
"Well this here is our river," the original young man stated, "and any man who wishes to cross it must pay a tax."
"I Will pay no tax," Robin argued. "As you can see, I have nothing, not even my sword."
"Bollocks!" Roared an older voice. A grizzly man emerged from the tree line. He had a graying, full beard and was dressed in leather. He strode towards Robin with a long, wooden staff. "Any man who travels with a servant and claims he's got no bloody money, is either a fool or a liar." The other scavengers started yelling insults at Robin and Duncan.
"Who are you?" Robin queried.
"John Little, best man in the woods," the large man replied, puffing out his chest.
Robin turned his head to spit into the river. Scoffing, he says, "Well best man... Do you lead this rabble?"
"Yes, I do, Mate. And if you tosspots want to travel through Sherwood Forest, it's going to cost you that gold medallion." John nodded his head in Robin's direction, pointedly looking at a medallion that had his family crest set in gold. He had taken it from his father before burial.
"This is sacred to me."
"It's sacred to us too, mate. That could feed us for a blooming month!"
Robin shifted his feet into a wide stance and cockily stated "You'll have to fight me for it then."
"Love to!" Shouted John. He threw a wooden staff to Robin before grasping a hold of his own. Robin allowed John to take the first swing, which he easily avoided. They battled each other for several minutes, each taking turns on the receiving end of a blow. The battle ended when Robin hit John in the Bollocks. "Cheap shot," a few of the woodsmen cried. Robin towered over John before demanding safe travel through the forest.
Despite Robin's less than honorable fighting style, John invited him deeper into the forest to meet with the rest of the clan. Turns out, these men were hiding in the forest to avoid capture while leaving their women and children to fend for themselves. They were wanted criminals by the Sheriff for poaching and stealing, and feared a hanging should they ever be caught. Robin was practically salivating at the scenario presented to him. Proudly, he rose to his feet.
"Brothers, I shall leave in the morning and return with plenty of food to share. If you allow myself and Duncan to stay, I promise I will prove our worth." Robin would use this to his advantage. If he were to take down the Sheriff and his men, he would need numbers on his side. He needed to get these woodsmen to rally behind him. But first... he had to stir up some trouble.
