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.

Thanks to all of the encouraging reviews (even if they were a little borderline threatening :)). I'm so happy all you readers have such a passion for my story! Life gets busy, but your encouragement keeps me invested in Marian's story. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy!

The week passed in a whirl of gossamer and glitter. I had to hand it to the staff, they knew how to decorate for a party. Even so, I couldn't miss the angry glares and frustrated scowls of the townspeople. I dressed down and helped around the village as much as I could, hoping to smooth things over.

As much as I tried to keep busy, as much as I tried to appease the villagers, as much as I tried to plan an escape from my upcoming engagement, I could not help but feel a constant ache deep in my chest.

It had felt like ages since I had seen Robin. I never wanted to be the type of girl to need a man, maybe I did not need Robin. Maybe, for once in my life, I could let myself want something. I wanted Robin, and his absence left an emptiness in my life, especially after our time together in Sherwood.

The "festival" weekend was upon us, and still no contact.

"Something wrong, my dear?" Guy asked, absently rubbing the top of my hand with his thumb. I subtly pulled away and tried to suppress shudders from the touch. Guy had been acting much more affectionate toward me upon his return. I was able to avoid him most of the time, but even when he wasn't near me I could feel his gaze. I would turn and his dark eyes would be filled with a certain hunger, one that I had never seen in him before. He looked at me like he already owned me, which sent my stomach rolling. I hadn't eaten a full meal in almost three days.

I was about to answer his question when the front door burst open. The Sheriff came stomping in a few moments later.

"Surprise!" he shouted, waving his hands in a flourish.

"Sheriff!" Guy jumped up from the table, nearly knocking over our glasses of wine, "I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow."

"I wanted a full day of festivities so I decided to come early!" he explained, pulling up a chair across from me. He signaled a servant to bring him food.

"And Marian, how is our beautiful Marian?" the Sheriff completely ignored Guy's flustered apologies and turned his attention completely on me. Completely taken aback, I fought the urge to squirm in my seat. Of course the day Charlotte took an early dinner would be the one I needed her most.

"I am well, Lord Sheriff," I responded politely.

"Guy is taking care of you?" his smile made me uncomfortable. He looked like he knew a dark secret, one that he would only let me in on when the time was right for him.

"Of course," I replied, my gaze never leaving his. I wanted him to know that his arrival might have flustered Guy, but it would have no affect on me.

"If you'll excuse me," I stated after a few moments of silence, "I should be retiring to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow."

I rose from my spot at the table and made my way out, feeling the Sheriff's gaze on me the entire way.

I woke the next morning with hardly any sleep. Between Guy's inevitable proposal and Robin's absence, I was on edge. Charlotte came to my room in the middle of my morning routine.

"Um, Marian," she started after a moment.

"Yes?"

"What are you doing?"

I gave her a confused look when she gestured to my outfit. Looking down, my dress was on backwards, I only had one leg in my stockings and I knew my hair had to be a mess.

"I...uh," I had no words to explain. Thankfully, Charlotte held up a hand to silence me.

"It's okay, honey. Charlie will take care of it," she gently eased me down into the chair in front of my vanity. I smiled at her use of the nickname I gave her.

"Charlie, huh?"

"It's cute," was all she offered before beginning her work on my hair. By the time she was through, I was dressed in a golden-orange gown that faced the right way. My hair was pulled into a braid down my back and my face didn't look so much like death.

"Now, that's better, right?" she asked. She kept talking before I could completely agree.

"I'll be downstairs. You can handle your shoes without me, can't you?" she teased before walking out of the door.

Slippers would have matched my gown better, but I pulled on riding boots instead. I would be outside most of the day and they would be hidden. I checked myself in the mirror once more and then opened my bedroom door to meet Charlotte only to slam right into a large chest.

"Marian."

The drawl made my skin crawl. I took a step back, and the Sheriff followed me into my room.

"We need to talk," He closed my door quietly, pushing my nerves to the edge.

"Sheriff," I tried to remain civil, "Are you sure this is entirely appropriate."

"Something tells me you are fairly accustomed to men appearing in your room."

I didn't miss the venomous, hungry glint in his eye as my heart stopped. Did he know about Robin?

"Excuse me?!" I decided to play the offended card. He held up his hand.

"This will be quick," he assured, reaching to touch me. I spun away and walked over to my window.

"Very well. What do you want, Sheriff?" I asked.

I felt his wandering eyes skimming my body. I would have slapped him had I not been so surprised. The Sheriff had never approached me in this manner.

"Today, Guy is going to ask you a question," he began as I felt my stomach flip as it always did when I remembered Guy's intentions.

"You will say yes."

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked him.

"You've got such as strong spirit, Marian," he sauntered over to me, "So wild, like a stallion. But stallions are only good to us if they are broken."

I could smell the ale on his breath already. His fingers toyed with my hair; I was backed into a corner, so I could not avoid his advances.

"I know your secret," he whispered into my ear, causing me to shiver, "If you refuse Guy today, I will kill your father."

It felt as though my heart actually stopped. I watched him sneer and begin to walk away.

"Wh-what are you talking about?" Robin, I had to protect him, "Why are you doing this?" Not my father.

His theatrical caped swirled around him as he whirled back on me.

"Guy told me about your past. How you once loved Robin Hood, Locksley, whatever name he chooses to go by. You may not love him any more, but it's exceedingly clear he still has feelings for you. I want him caught. I want him to suffer. I want him dead, but I need to catch him first. Something tells me his first love's wedding will do just the trick." He was back in my face now. He leaned in to smell me.

"And what a lucky man Gisborne is," he mumbled before stomping out the door.

"Don't be late, darling! This is bound to be a day you won't forget!" he called after me.

I sunk to the floor. I didn't even have it in me to feel violated. All this time, I had been so cautious, so careful. It didn't even occur that Robin's actions would be what gave...whatever we were...away. And my father. Years and years of captivity to keep him safe, and it would all be in vain.

Swallowing the bile that rose in my throat, I stood from my place on the ground, adjusted my dress, and attempted to hold my head high.

I resigned myself to my fate. No one else would suffer because of me.

How will Marian deal with the new developments with the Sheriff? How will she respond to Guy's proposal now? R&R!