Perhaps you know the legend of Robin Hood. Perhaps you know me. I'm the one he fell for. His story was never mine to tell, but I can tell my story, one that will forever be entwined with his. I'm the Maid Marian and this is the story of me and my Robin Hood.
Upon my return to Locksley Manor, I was practically ambushed by Guy.
"Marian! Where have you been?!" he grabbed my arm a little too roughly for my liking. I gently eased his hand off.
"Calm down, Guy. I only went to Mass," I explained, taking a small step away from him.
"You must alert me before leaving the manor. I feared the worst."
It took everything in my power not to roll my eyes. He was not my mother. I did not have to clear everything with him.
"I fear I must return to Nottingham for a few days," he continued, "I will assign a guard to accompany you at all times."
My stomach dropped.
"I assure you, that's really not necessary."
"Marian," this time he grabbed my hand, "Your safety is my top priority."
I looked down at our hands. Guilt stirred within me. Though un-merited, it felt like I was betraying Robin.
"I know I have been busy as of late," Guy continued, "But I hope to spend more time with you once I return."
He kissed my hand, lingering for an uncomfortable amount of time, before finally walking off to prepare his guards for their journey back to Nottingham.
Thankfully, he left later that afternoon. In another stroke of luck, he left my favorite guard, Jonas Gordon, in charge me. Jonas was older and more traditional. He remembered what England was like before the terror of Prince John and the Sheriff. He trusted me and always gave me my space, which is why I knew he would agree to my request.
"Mr. Gordon, I am going to visit my father," I stated, "Alone."
"At least let me accompany you through the forest, Milady," he sighed, knowing I would convince him to leave me otherwise.
"Very well. I will get one of my father's guards to escort me back when I am ready."
Upon our compromise, I returned to my room to pack a small bag, and we were on our way.
The journey to my village was short; before I knew it, I was back in my childhood home.
"I can take it from here, Mr. Gordon. Thank you," I nodded to him. He hesitantly rode off back to Locksley. I brought my horse to the stable and took my time wandering around before going inside. I breathed in the sweet air, observed my home, talked with villagers and our servants.
"Marian?!" I heard from the front door. I turned to face the contagious smile of my father. He ran to me and wrapped me in his arms.
"It's been too long, my dear," he whispered sadly into my hair.
"I know. I'm sorry, Father. Things have been...busy as of late," I replied. He smiled knowingly at me.
"Come inside. I'll get us some tea."
Moments later, tea was served and we were sitting in comfortable chairs in front of the hearth.
"You look well, Father," I commented. His hair was graying and the wrinkles around his mouth and eyes were more noticeable, but he looked strong. He obviously found ways to keep himself busy.
"You as well my darling. I've heard word that you have been having quite the adventures in Nottingham…" he smiled slyly.
I felt my face flush. Could he have heard about everything? All the way over here?
"Yes, well, the outlaws are proving to be more trouble than we initially presumed," I answered democratically, drawing a hearty laugh from my father.
"Marian, dear, you don't have to hide anything from me. I know exactly who it is we are dealing with...our resident hoodlum," he winked. Before I could say more, a knock came at the door.
My father noticeably straightened, and I felt myself tense as well.
"Are you expecting anyone?" I asked. He shook his head, rising. He left the room to answer the knock. My eyes widened the moment I heard the voice. I did not even have to see the visitor to notice who it was.
"Sir Edward, I do hope I am not intruding. I wish to speak with you about something of the utmost importance," Guy's low, deep voice resonated from the doorway.
"Sir Guy, what can I do for you?" I heard my father state a bit too loudly, a clear warning only evident to me.
"I'm here to discuss Marian."
I was out of my seat and dashing up the stairs before I could hear more. I could almost sense Guy pushing passed my father into our house. I only managed to shut myself in the closet in the hallway before Guy made it to the living room. At the last moment, I decided to leave a crack in the door in order to hear what was happening.
"Is Marian alright?" my father feigned concern, very well I might add. I would have believed him.
"She's fine, Edward. She's staying with me."
I inwardly groaned. I hadn't managed to explain that situation to my father.
"Is that so?" my father stated louder again, warning clear in his voice.
"She is staying with me for her own protection. I presume you have heard the outlaws have been terrorizing her," Guy explained, and I rolled my eyes.
"I see," was all my father said.
"That is beside the point. The nature of my visit is a more positive one."
I perked up. What could he want from my father?
"I would like your blessing for Marian's hand in Matrimony."
Ice. It was no longer blood that pumped through my veins, but ice. I felt my stomach drop liked I had just been pushed out of the highest tower in Nottingham Castle. It was a mix of inability to breathe and the need to vomit. I braced myself against the wall, trying to steady my shallow breathing. It was not working. My head was beginning to swim. I really should have seen this coming: his concern for me, the attempts at a courtship. I thought then he would realize I was not interested. All my efforts, it seems, were in vain.
He couldn't ask me to marry him, because if he asked, I would have to say yes. I had once seen Guy on the hunt for an escaped fugitive. He got this look in his eyes: dark and menacing, the same look he gets when he talks about Robin. He was gone for weeks until he finally returned with the poor, broken man. I never asked, but I had heard rumors that he burned down entire villages to find him. He even threatened the fugitive's own family. Guy was a man who believed that the end justified the means. Once he wanted something, he would not stop until he had it. Luckily for me, I have always been on Guy's good side, but refusal to a marriage proposal would wound his pride terribly, more than any slippery outlaw or escaped fugitive would. I would not be able to refuse him without putting those I love in danger.
I did not love Guy. In fact, I hated him.
"I care deeply for her," I barely heard him say. It felt as though I was underwater, straining to hear and gasping for air.
"And she? Does she care for you?" my father asked cautiously. No! I wanted to scream.
"I think so," Guy said after a moment.
"I think she could," he mumbled as an after thought.
"Give me some time to think?" my father almost seemed to beg after what felt like an eternity of silence.
"Of course. I am on my way to Nottingham. I will return in three days for your answer," Guy seemed to reluctantly agree. I heard him gathering his things.
"But, Edward, I am only asking your permission out of respect for Marian. We will be married with or without your blessing," Guy declared before walking far enough away where I would not hear him.
Did that mean he would marry me without my permission, too? I sank down to the floor and wrapped my arms around my knees. My stomach continued to retch. I could feel myself shaking with anger, with fear.
The closet door opened as I looked up into the tearful eyes of my father. He offered his hand down to me. I took it as he hauled me up and pulled me into a hug.
"I'm so sorry, my dear. I will do everything I can to help you," he mumbled. I merely nodded, but I knew there was nothing he could do. Guy's obsessive nature frightened me. My concern was not his proposal, it was how far he would go to convince me to say yes.
What will Marian do in the face of Guy imminent marriage proposal? R&R!