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 for all of the encouragement and I'm sorry the update took so long! I all hope you loyal readers enjoy!

The festival was already in full swing by the time I got downstairs. Even amidst the suffering, children laughed and played. The fields were silent as parents had their first day off in years. The environment was joyous, but all I felt was numb.

"Hey," Charlotte called from somewhere to my left. I stopped where I was as she approached me

"What's wrong?" she asked, already noting my mood. I simply shook my head. I was in no mood to discuss what just occurred in my room. Instead, I slapped on a fake smile and linked my arm with hers.

"So, where do we begin?" I tried to ask happily, though I'm sure it came across rather pathetic. Thankfully, instead of pressing the issue, she dragged me over to the small lake where a boat race was about to begin.

All day, Charlotte towed me from activity to activity. Sometimes, I could almost forget what was going to happen today.

After lunch, we found our way to the dance floor. We spun round and round with each other and the children there, and then fell into place as a village jig we knew began to play.

"Well this is all rather grandiose," my first partner mumbled, causing my heart to soar.

"Robin," I whispered. His glowing green eyes met mine from under his hat. I gazed around us with new eyes as I picked out Much, Will and Alan. Their disguises were very good.

I relaxed into his Robin's arms, feeling more relieved than I had in days.

"Everything alright, love?" he whispered in my ear. We were supposed to switch partners, but Robin held tight to me. I was suddenly reminded of my morning conversation. What if the Sheriff was watching. I pulled out of Robin's hold slightly, trying to ignore the look he gave me.

"Everything's great," I reassured as I reluctantly spun away. The dance ended moments later. I couldn't ignore the sadness in my heart as I searched, realizing I'd lost Robin. It was like a light had been snuffed out, and all of a sudden everyone felt too close. I was alone on the dance floor, just as I was alone in my life. Trying to catch my breath, I made my way around the back of the stables and, after a quick look around to see if I'd been followed, sank to the ground.

I closed my eyes and tried to steady my breathing, in and out, in and out. I gripped the ground to keep the world from spinning. I would find a way out of this, I had to.

"So, nothing's wrong, huh?" I heard the deep and smooth voice of Robin Hood. His question wasn't accusatory, simply curious. I gazed up at him as he slid down beside me.

"Marian, I know I've done nothing to deserve your trust, but I hope you know you can tell me anything," he assured, taking me hand, "Always."

I could feel the tears brimming in my eyes, threatening to spill over. I took a deep breath to hold them back and gazed at Robin. His green eyes were expectant, all but begging me to go on. I gave him a soft smile before laying my head on his shoulder. Maybe I could tell him...maybe I should. He ought to be prepared for what was coming; I could take this time to explain everything. Maybe I didn't have to go at this alone.

Resolved, I took a deep breath.

"Now, for the main event!" the Sheriff bellowed in the distance. I sprung up as if on fire, startling Robin.

"The archery contest!"

I barely managed to contain a groan. Contestants would be competing for the golden arrow and a kiss from yours truly. If I didn't move soon, my absence would be noted.

"I'll explain later, I promise," I assured Robin before taking off.

"I'll hold you to that," he mumbled after me before darting the opposite way from me.

"The winner will receive the silver arrow," Silver? Weren't we cheap, "And a kiss from the lovely Maid Marian!"

The crowd cheered as I waved shyly. As I took my place beside the Sheriff, I couldn't miss the conniving in his eyes. He was up to something. The archers filed in to present Charlotte and me with flowers. A familiar green hat caught my eye, but surely he would not be so bold. The man presented Charlotte with a wild daisy, and then moved on to me. He handed me a flower, but caught my hand before I pulled away. He kissed it tenderly, mischievous green eyes gazing up at me. I froze, worried the Sheriff was watching. Fortunately, his wandering eyes had found a barmaid.

"It is a privilege to perform for such a beautiful lady," he whispered. Was that an accent? I couldn't help but giggle.

"Best of luck to you, kind sir," I winked. Something warmed inside me when Robin couldn't hide his grin. He practically skipped to his spot by the other archers. Guy was last in line behind Robin.

"Marian," he dark eyes gazed up at me and I felt my heart sink. He wouldn't ask now, would he?

"After I win, I have something very important to ask you," he finished, also kissing my hand but much more forcefully than Robin. He didn't speak loudly, but those in the vicinity could hear him. I stole a glance at Robin, confusion etching his face...and then anger and determination. He'd heard.

"Archers!" the Sheriff roared, causing me to jump, "Take you marks!"

As the contestants released, most of the effort was comical. The crowd cheered and laughed. Archers were eliminated one by one until we were down to the final two. Guy, and Robin.

Robin hadn't even tried to let up. I'd never seen him shoot so accurately in my entire life. Didn't he know people were watching, hunting him? Could he be any more obvious?

Somehow, this felt like my fault. Robin had heard Guy, and there was no way he was letting him win.

Guy took his place for the final shot. He raised his bow and loosed his arrow, imbedding it about five inches lower than the center. An admirable effort, but I knew Robin could make that shot in his sleep.

Robin couldn't win. It would be far too obvious, thus putting himself and then my father in danger. I begged for Robin to look at me.

Please look at me.

His eyes found mine moments before he stepped up. He was determined, but faltered when he saw me. I hope he could see how much regret, how much love was in my eyes as I imperceptibly shook my head. Robin was proud; I was almost certain he wouldn't listen, which had me falling back into my seat on weak legs. He took a deep breath and loose his arrow. He missed the target so absolutely that he had to be aiming: he caught the target right on the end.

The disappointment in the crowd was palpable and the cheering was pathetic as Guy arrogantly bowed. He sauntered to the platform and snatched the arrow from the Sheriff. Never taking his eyes off me, he roughly snatched me into his arms.

"Marian of Knighton!" he bellowed. Surely he wouldn't be so bold to ask me in front of the whole village. But then, there was only one person I was really worried about. I stole a glance at my outlaw and was afraid for the first time. Robin would never harm me, but that anger in his eyes was blazing. He looked rabid, staring at Guy.

"Will you marry me?" Guy finished. Everyone was silent for a beat. I didn't know what to do. I knew I should say yes, I was supposed to say yes, but it seemed so cruel that I should do it in front of my true love when he wasn't the one asking.

Guy gazed at me expectantly as I took a deep breath, ready to seal my fate, when suddenly, a cry came out from the crowd.

"Hey, isn't that Robin of Locksley!" Much's distinct voice shouted. And then, all hell broke loose.