Chapter 2

Hayley awoke to find herself in a soft bed with thick blankets piled on top of her. She looked around the room and saw Allan asleep in a chair next to the bed, she stared at him trying to remember how she came to be here. Hayley hoped that she wouldn't have to leave wherever this was anytime soon because it had been quite some time since she had such luxury, she thought, sighing blissfully in content.

Allan woke upon hearing Hayley's sigh, immediately becoming concerned that something was wrong. He knew Guy would quite literally have his head if anything happened to Hayley while he was away at a meeting in the castle. He saw Hayley struggling to sit up and he leaped to his feet at once. "Easy now Luv, let me help you," Allan stated as he assisted his old companion into a sitting position, rearranging the covers around her so she would not become cold. "Don't strain yourself or Guy will have my head! How are you feeling? You gave us quite a scare over this past week."

"Past week!? Allan, where am I and how did I get here?" Hayley asked.

"Oh, so you remember me; I'm flattered!" Allan gave her one of his famous cheeky grins before continuing, "What is the last thing you remember? There's been a lot that's happened over the past week."

Hayley furrowed her brow as she tried to remember the past events, "I remember going into the village to steal from, err to see how the villagers were fairing. I remember the guards showing up demanding taxes, and I spoke out against their actions, something that they didn't like. They said that I needed a lesson in authority and obedience. After that it's all a blur, I think I remember Sir Guy being there but it's all so fuzzy! It's hard to know what was real and what was my imagination" She finished, mentally berating herself for almost admitting that she had gone to steal from the rich. However, if Allan had caught her slip he didn't let on, something that Hayley was thankful for.

"Sir Guy and I arrived in the village to find the guards abusing you, if we hadn't shown up when we did Hayley, I'm afraid things wouldn't have ended well for you. He commanded them to release you because you were his responsibility. The guards didn't argue much with him and released you to him. We wasted no time in leaving there, Guy sent me on ahead to borrow some clothes from Marian and to fetch his personal physician for you, as you were in bad shape. When he arrived here at Locksley manor you were unconscious and burning up, many people didn't expect you to pull through. Guy and I knew better though, and he made it very clear that no expense was to be spared in treating you. Your fever broke yesterday, and we've just been waiting for you to awake since then. Guy would have continued to stay by your side, as is only right since you and he are betrothed, but Vaisey told him he had spent enough time away and if Guy didn't show up to work today, he could kiss his job goodbye. So, until he returns you've got me lookin' after you." Allan explained, letting Hayley process the information.

If Hayley had been confused before speaking to Allan, she was even more so now. Allan had mentioned Guy told everyone they were engaged, 'Why would Guy say something like that? It doesn't make sense, we don't love each other, I'm not of noble or royal birth, so that doesn't explain it either.' She thought to herself, only to be interrupted by her stomach growling loudly, reminding both her and Allan that she hadn't eaten.

"Right then, let's get you something to eat, shall we? What's your fancy Luv?" Allan smacked his hands on his thighs before standing up. "Guy has instructed the cook to make whatever you want, and as much of it as you desire."

Hayley looked at Allan, surely Guy hadn't truly meant "anything", and besides she wasn't one for the fancy things in life. "I'm fine with whatever the cook can make, I wouldn't want to be a bother to anyone anymore that I already have." She stated the last half softly, her voice wavering, as she hung her head in shame. By the sounds of it, she had already racked up quite a debt and caused much trouble for Sir Guy.

"Hayley! Luv, you've never been a bother to anyone. How about I have the cook make up some of Much's famous squirrel stew that will put some meat back on your bones!" Allan jested, trying to cheer his friend up. He was rewarded with a smile and chuckle, for they both knew that Much's stew would do just the opposite! "Truly Allan, whatever the cook wants, I'm not picky." She replied.

"In that case, I'll have the cook make a little of everything. It will be a grand feast just you wait."

~/~

Hayley awoke the next morning feeling stronger than the previous day; however, instead of Allan in the chair asleep as she expected, it was Sir Guy. It looked to still be early morning, judging by the small amount of light coming from the window and how everything was still very quiet. The fire that had been burning full force the day before was now reduced to embers, causing the room to be slightly chilly. Thinking that Guy might be more comfortable with a blanket she pushed herself into a sitting position, taking a moment to catch her breath. She reached down and grabbed the extra blanket that was folded on the edge of her bed. She drew back her covers, a shiver running through her as she placed her bare feet on the cold wooden floor. Hayley attempted to stand and walk the short distance to him, something she realized was easier said than done, as she quickly found out she wasn't nearly as recovered as she had initially thought. Her legs started to shake moments after she took her first step, causing her to become concerned that they wouldn't be able to support her, but Hayley was determined to make sure Guy was at least somewhat comfortable, it was the least she could do at this point she figured. After her second step her legs gave out from under, causing her to fall on top of Guy.

Guy jumped up from his chair, unsheathing his sword and dumping Hayley to the floor in the process. After a few moments, Guy looked down at Hayley, visibly relaxing and sheathed his sword. He spoke to Hayley, "You should not be out of bed yet; your strength has not returned, and you are likely to injure yourself and thus delaying your recovery time." Guy stated as he helped her to her feet and back to the bed. "What were you doing out of bed anyway?" he asked pulling the covers back over her lap.

"Thank you. I thought you might be more comfortable with a blanket as it's a little chilly in here. However, I guess I haven't recovered as much as I thought; but if you give me another day or two max, I should have enough strength to be on my way. It will be like I was never here." Gesturing towards the forgotten blanket on the ground.

"Nonsense, you'll be on bed rest for at least another week, if not two. It will still be weeks after that before your strength is fully recovered, I should know," Guy stated, as he bent down and picked up the blanket and tossing it on the bed, pausing for a moment before taking a seat next to Hayley on the bed and continuing, his voice softer now and not as harsh. "Hayley, what were you trying to prove back there in the village? Did you want to get yourself killed or worse? You're lucky we came along when we did, I hate to think what would have happened if I hadn't interfered when I did." Guy stroked Hayley's cheek affectionately, causing her to gasp in surprise and blush, her heart skipping a beat. This was unlike the Guy she had known for the past five years; she had never seen him so forward with anyone!

'I'm not sure what this new feeling is that has suddenly appeared! I'll just ignore it and sort it out later, it sounds like I'll have quite some time on my hands. But he still hasn't mentioned anything about us being engaged.' Hayley thought to herself, as Guy pulled his hand away and placed it on his thigh.

"Guy, there is something I wish to ask you if you have the time that is." Guy simply nodded and Hayley continued with her question "You told the townsfolk we were engaged, but you've never asked me if I wanted to marry you, and I can't figure out why you would say that. It's not like it's a political marriage where you are marrying me for wealth or titles, as I have none. I'm not even of noble or royal blood, something that would greatly increase your status, so that can't be the reason either. Why did you say we were engaged I guess is what I'm trying to ask?"

"It's simple, I need a woman to run the household so I can focus on my work, and you need someone who can protect and provide for you." Guy stated as if it was the most logical thing in the world. Truth be told he did not love Hayley, or so he told himself, but he cared for her greatly and he did want to see her protected from Vaisey.

"But Guy, we don't love each other! I will not be rescued only to be forced into the marriage bed, what is the difference between you and the guards in that case? I thought you were better than this Guy!" Hayley stated, the panic in her voice evident. 'Have I been rescued only to be used like a common whore? Guy is supposed to be better than this, he had told Marian and I that he never had, or would, force himself upon a woman. Has something changed?'

"Enough you daft woman! This is a business transaction and nothing more. Not once did I ever say that I would force myself upon you, what have I told you over the years? 'I would never force myself on a woman' I still stand by this. There are only a few things I expect of you. You would run the day to day aspect of the household, accompany me to political events when needed, and act the part of a dutiful wife at said events. Other than those things you would be free, for the most part, to do whatever you wished. All I ask is that you be discreet in your affairs, and I will not tell you who you can and cannot see. Marry me, and I swear on my life you will never want for anything again." Guy finished, getting up and walking away from Hayley towards the open window. He didn't expect an answer to his explanation, as there wasn't a question in there. He had figured that Hayley would just agree without hesitation at this chance to be taken care of, there was also a small part of him that hoped someday Hayley and him might grow to have feelings for each other because he had always wanted a family of his own.

"If I refuse what will happen to me, will you discard me, like a toy that is no longer shiny?" Hayley asked. She wasn't stupid, shew wouldn't survive on her own, not without Roin. Perhaps, when he returned…if he came back. So, going back to Robin's camp wasn't an option, and asking Marian for shelter was out of the question. Hayley knew it would put Marian and her father at risk when the sheriff found out they were providing shelter to Hayley. Marian was innocent in all this and didn't deserve to be caught up in Hayley's mess.

Guy turned from the window and faced his friend, a look of disbelief on his face, "Hayley you know that I care about you, you are one of two people who I would call a friend. I will not force you, but I do not know how else to protect you from the sheriff! After the little stunt, you pulled, Vaisey and his men won't leave you alone, not after you insulted them so." Guy sighed, running a hand through his hair, trying to explain this. 'Why is she making this so difficult? It's so simple, she runs my household and I protect her.' He thought to himself. "You may take time to decide if you wish to take me up on my offer, remember I will not force you into this. Now, if you'll excuse me, I will see what the cook has prepared for breakfast, I shall send Allan up with your food shortly and someone to tend to the fire. If you need anything else tell Allan and he will see that it is done. I must go to the castle to serve the sheriff again today. The only thing I demand of you currently, is that you stay in this bed until you are cleared otherwise by the doctor, is that understood?"

Hayley couldn't seem to form words at this point, so she chose the next best way of communicating, she simply nodded her head in consent. She watched Guy exit the room, she had so many thoughts running through her head at this moment, and she wasn't sure where to begin!

Guy had said he wanted to marry her to protect her from the sheriff, in addition to running his household. Wasn't that why he had Robin's old servant, Thorton she thought his name was, ran the household? Guy had told her that he would never force her to do something she wasn't comfortable with, but how would he treat her should she say no to sharing his bed even after years of marriage? Was this statement similar to when kings asked people if they "consented" to having sex with them? Because in all reality there was no way you could say no to The King, not if you valued your life, or did Guy truly mean he would leave her alone unless she willingly came to him?

Being under Guy's protection would have its advantages, there was no doubt, and he did imply that her seeing others as long as she was discreet about it. That meant that she could still be friends with Robin and the gang. Robin had been a friend to her all these years, and she wasn't sure what she would do if she had to end those friendships due to a husband. Hayley knew she didn't love Guy, but she did value his friendship. If there was truth to his words would it be that bad to marry him?

'If I become Guy's wife, I would have access to his wealth, and I could use some of that money to help the village folk! I might even be able to use my relationship with Guy to help him see that the sheriff is not someone to be trusted. That it would be of great benefit to him to become allies with Robin! Together they could remove Vaisey from power, leaving the position of sheriff open and allowing Guy to fill it. Maybe he would even use that position to change things for the better?' Hayley's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door, and a moment later opening. A grinning Allan appearing holding a tray of delicious smelling food.

~/~

Several days later

Hayley sat in a chair by the window in her room, as it had been declared by Guy. She had shown remarkable ability in the recovery process and was allowed to move about her room unsupervised, under the condition that she not overtire herself. Allan had mainly been in charge of babysitting her, as Guy was expected to attend to the sheriff's beck and call at the castle. It was nice to be able to chat with Allan, who had befriended her when she had first been invited into Robin's camp all those years ago. They reminisced about the old days and talked about his servitude to Sir Guy, whom she learned wasn't as cruel as a monster as the stories claimed he was. Allan assured her that while Guy could be cruel, he could also be surprisingly kind.

While she was recovering, Marian visited Hayley occasionally, making sure to congratulate her on her upcoming marriage and providing her some company. Hayley didn't feel comfortable telling Marian the truth, so she simply thanked her and accepted Marian's help in planning the wedding. She hadn't had a chance to talk to Guy since their last encounter a few days ago. She wasn't even sure what type of wedding Guy had planned, but with what she knew of him, she knew he wasn't one for pomp and circumstance. So, it was safe to assume that he would have no objections to a small wedding, it's not like she had any real family here and the ones she did consider family were currently in the holy land. Her only friends here were Marian and Allan. Hayley still wasn't sure if she wanted to marry Guy, but a small part of her reminded her that it could be worse. She could still be out on the streets starving, exposed to the elements, and vulnerable to the dangers that came with being homeless. Guy could have let the guards continue with their treatment of her, but he hadn't. All that Guy was asking for in return was she maintain the day to day aspect of the house and accompany him to events when needed, 'which isn't asking much' she thought to herself.

~/~

One day while Hayley and Allan were outside, enjoying a rare warm winter day, Guy had approached the two of them instructing Allan to leave them until he was needed again. Allan bid Hayley adieu and bowed to Sir Guy before leaving them alone.

"I apologize for not being around recently, the sheriff has not been happy with me since he learned of my intention to marry you. He has been keeping me busy from sunup until sundown as punishment. I see that you are at least recovering well as you are outside, and the color has returned to your face… May I join you?" Guy asked Hayley.

Hayley nodded her head in approval while Guy took a seat next to her.

"Everyone has been most kind in assisting me, especially Allan. He is a very loyal servant to you and speaks highly of you as his master. However, I'm assuming you didn't come here to talk about Allan or my health. If I'm right, you came here to talk about your offer of marriage."

Guy flinched, he didn't want to push her, but he was awaiting an answer, and it had been two weeks since their initial conversation. Guy knew he wasn't a patient man, and he had told Hayley she could take her time in coming to a decision, but he didn't understand why it was taking so long. 'Surely it's not that hard of a decision' He thought. Guy didn't want their conversations to only be about marriage, Hayley was his friend first and foremost, someone whom he had learned to trust and care about over the years. "Hayley, I don't want you to think that all I care about is this business deal. We were friends before this, and I want us to remain friends. I do not wish for there to be ill will between us."

"Guy I've given your proposition a great deal of thought over the past few days, and I accept it and everything that goes with it. But I do have some questions of my own that I wish to ask. When will the wedding take place, and how grand of an event is it to be? What about our 'marriage night', how will that play out? I refuse to have an audience for something that you said you wouldn't force me to do."

Hayley figured she could be pretty easy going with most of the wedding plans and traditions, but she had never been comfortable with the idea of an audience watching her and someone having sex, in addition to making sure there was "proof" of consummation. Hayley knew this was something she would put her foot down on and not budge an inch, there would be no persuading her.

"I am pleased to hear that you've accepted my offer. In answer to your questions, the wedding will take place in one month, as I want to make sure you are fully recovered before submitting you to all the excitement of a wedding. I had planned on it being a small affair but if you would like it differently it can be arranged. As for the wedding night, there is no reason to fear, there will be no one around to witness us "consummating" our marriage. I promised that I wouldn't force you, and I don't plan on breaking that promise. I will ask Marian to accompany you to the tailors to assist you in picking a wedding gown that is befitting of your new station, you will also need clothes, as you cannot keep borrowing Marian's. I shall have Thorton show you the record books and how the household is run. No one will question your authority as I will not tolerate disobedience from anyone in my household, including you. Remember, I have given you more freedom than most husbands ever give their wives, but do not forget that I am the master of this house and I have the final say in everything." Guy explained to Hayley.

Hayley paused for a moment, letting his words sink in before speaking, "I understand, and I promise I will try not to be disobedient to you."

Guy smiled as he stood up and helped Hayley to her feet, steadying her as she found her balance. They slowly made their way into the house, Hayley leaning on Guy as she was still a little unsteady on her feet.