"Would someone please explain to me how Robin Hood managed to escape heavily guarded square in broad daylight with everyone watching?" the Sheriff's tone rose as his rant went on. I smirked to myself. I'd have to remember to tell Robin about this.
When the Sheriff's yelling began to mix with some more colorful words, I decided that it was time to take my leave. I slowly edged toward the entrance into the castle. Charlotte seemed to have the same idea. I looked to my left and saw her glancing around very conspicuously. I giggled as we edged out of the square.
The two of us made our way down the halls. I stopped in my room and so did she. I glanced behind me as she followed me into my room; I didn't protest.
She came in and sat on my bed. She buried her face in her hands and began to cry.
"Charlie, what's the matter?" I asked kneeling in front of her.
"I'm scared Marian! How are you so calm! What's next? I wish someone would just kill Robin Hood!" she cried. I sat back on my heels, taken aback. How dare she say that about Robin? Sure I wanted to kill him sometimes, but that was different. I had reasons! I knew him! And I didn't actually want him to die. Just as I was foolishly about to stick-up for the outlaws, she whispered something.
"I'm scared for you Marian," she sighed, eyes downcast. This took me by surprise.
"Why…why are you scared for me?" I asked honestly.
"Because this is the third time you've been around the outlaws," now she was looking at me, "They've kidnapped you twice, Marian! What's saying they're not going to come after you again?"
I smiled at her. It touched me that she was concerned with my safety.
"I just don't want to lose you," she murmured.
"Charlie, I'm not going anywhere!" I assured her.
"How do you know?" she demanded. I heaved a sigh. I couldn't very well tell her why I knew I had nothing to fear from the outlaws. Instead, I knew I had to show her. As I weighed the pros and cons in my head, I realized that Charlie really was my friend. I could trust her.
So, I stood and took a large, pointed pin that was holding my hair up. Smiling and not leaving her gaze, I flung the pin at my mirror, hitting the wood of the crest just above it. Charlotte stared at me, dumbfounded.
"See," I smiled, "You have nothing to worry about! I can take care of myself."
"How…how did you do that?" she asked, gaping at the pin.
"I wasn't raised in a castle, Charlie," I explained, walking over to the mirror to grab my pin.
"What does that have anything to do with it?"
"Well, I was taught to be able to defend myself."
She nodded. I could tell she wasn't happy with this answer, but it would have to do. I didn't know what else to say.
As the guards continued to bustle around and the sheriff continued to yell, Charlie and I remained in my room. Our meals were brought to us as we talked and practiced our sewing. I'd always been good at sewing. My mother had taught me.
Finally, the sun began to sink. Charlie decided it was time for her to retire to her room. It had been a "trying" day. I couldn't agree more and bid her good night. The moment she left, I couldn't help but go to the window. Would he be here tonight?
"Robin?" I called softly into the darkness. Instantly feeling silly, I retreated back into my room. Of course, the moment I turned around I was greeted by a familiar face.
"You rang?" Robin asked smugly. I could feel my cheeks heating up, so I looked down and walked around him.
"Yes, I just wanted to thank you for what you did today," I mumbled. He smiled that crooked smile that I loved so much.
"It was our pleasure."
"So where are they now?" I asked. Just as he was answering, a knock came at my door. The sudden sound made me jump; I hadn't realized I'd been whispering. Robin's head snapped to the door.
"Marian, are you in there?" I recognized Guy's voice. I stole a glance at Robin. He was trying to place the voice. Before he could, I began ushering him out.
"Robin, you have to go! If I don't answer he'll know something's wrong!" I exclaimed quietly.
"Are you saying something's wrong with me?" he asked smartly. Rolling my eyes, I pushed him to the window.
"Go!" I ordered. He continued to stare at the door, trying to place the voice. I did not have time for dallying. If Guy was in any mood like he was yesterday, it wouldn't be long before he knocked my door down. Robin needed to leave now! I turned back to tell him so, but he was already gone. I surveyed my room for only a moment before approaching the door and opening it. Robin was good.
"Lady Marian," Guy bowed. I curtseyed in return, but my focus was elsewhere.
"I wanted to make sure you were well. That was quite a bit of adventure you and Lady Charlotte witnessed. How are you faring?"
"Very well, thank you, Sir Guy," I half-smiled, silently wishing he would go away.
"You know I wish you to only address me as Guy," he fussed.
"Of course…Guy," I corrected, getting ready to return to the comfort of my bedroom.
"Lady Marian…" he began again. I waited patiently as any lady would.
"Lady Charlotte has informed me of her worries about your safety. I would like to make it my personal mission to keep you safe."
"Oh, that's really not necessary," I quickly explained.
"Yes it is. Who knows what the bloody outlaws will do next? And maybe…hopefully…we can become better acquainted through this time together," he grabbed my hand and kissed it. It took everything in my power not to yank my hand away, slam the door in his face, and retreat into my room for the rest of my days. But, like a lady, I simply stood there and smiled.
"Very well," I forced out. He smiled, bid me good night, and went off. I closed my door and turned to my sanctuary. All of a sudden, something dropped from the ceiling. I had to cover my mouth to keep from shrieking.
"Robin! I told you to leave!" I scolded. But he wasn't listening to me. He was still staring, no, glaring at the door.
"Robin…Robin?" I snapped him out of his reverie.
"Was that Gisborne?" was the first thing he asked.
"That was Guy, yes," I sighed. He looked a bit confused.
"Master Gisborne died a few years back," I explained further.
"He looks just like his father," Robin murmured. I saw something in his eyes: vengeance, anger, and hurt.
"Robin," I touched his arm in hopes of calming him down. He glanced down at me.
"He fancies you." It wasn't a question. Before I got a chance to explain the situation, he dashed over to the windowsill and effortlessly jumped out.
"You know you're the second person that's told me that?" I called after him. I couldn't see him, but I could almost hear a bittersweet chuckle in the distance.
What will Robin do with this realization about Guy's fascination with Marian? Will it affect their relationship? R&R!