A/N: To those of you actually following this story; I apologize for the extra long wait. It's summer now so I have a little more free time for writing.

We are now in season 2. This particular chapter takes place during the episode, 'Sisterhood.'

Chapter 6

A Venomous Visitor

Three weeks ago, a wedding occurred. Guy of Gisborne was supposed to marry Marian that day, but his lady had another idea, apparently. That day she threw her fist into his face and ran away. Ever since that day, Guy seemed even more dark and glum, which I did not think was possible.

At least no one bothered me this day so I could wake up at peace whenever I pleased.

I slipped on a simple green dress and started down the hall in hopes of getting something to eat. I had no idea what time it was. Based on the way the sun gleamed through the windows I would guess sometime around mid-day.

I caught sight of our cook's tall broad shoulders and motioned for her.

"I'll be needing breakfast, quickly now," I demanded with a wave of my hand.

For a moment, she looked at me sharply. I could tell she wanted to point out to me that it was in fact midday. The cook, however, merely nodded and went on her way.

As she walked away, I came across Brian. He appeared more manly than I remember him last. I could see the beads of sweat glisten on her forehead. His arms seemed to grow more muscular. He must have been working out. As I recall, I invited him once to my bed, but he was too much of a boy so it did not happen again. Now, perhaps I'll give him another chance…

"Oh Brian," I called to him.

When his brown eyes met mine, he did manage a grin, but I could also see he appeared unease.

"Hi Lacey," Brian muttered, with his head down. He sounded out of breath.

I playfully took a hold of his shirt and pulled him forward. "So I know I just got up but I was thinking about going back to bed for a little bit. Care to join me?"

Brian nervously scratched his head. "Well… I, uh…"

I frowned. He should be eager. He definitely was the first time I invited him to my chambers. Unless…

I smacked his cheek. "You bastard! You already had sex… just now, didn't you?"

"Uh…"

That explained why he was already so sweaty.

"Lacey."

I turned my head and say Guy standing against the wall, motioning me. Ugh, what does he want?

Brian took advantage of my momentary distraction and scurried away like a timid cat.

As I approached Guy, I tried to think of who Brian would lay with. A dreadful thought hit me.

"No," I whispered as I stepped in front of Guy. "She's here, isn't she?"

Guy smirked. "Let's just say, you're not the only whore in town anymore."

"Oh Lacey, darling."

No… not her.

I turned and put on my best fake smile. "Hello, Aunt Davina."

She stood just outside the door of the guest chambers. Her blonde braid was slightly messy. I knew why. On her face, she wore a mix between a smile and a smirk. She must have somehow known sleeping with Brian was the best way to tick me off.

Growing up, Vasiey would make me call her 'Aunt' Davina since she was his sister. I never understood why seeing as he never had me call him 'Father.' Every time she would visit she made her dislike for children quite clear, insisting they were all 'filthy little beast.'

"Your friend, Brian, has been quite kind," she said with her nose up. "He made sure to make me feel quite as home."

"I bet he did," I grumbled.

She tapped her cheek and leaned in towards me. "Now, how about giving your aunt a kiss?"

I tilted my face towards hers and merely touched my lips against her cheeks for a split moment.

Davina wiped it and let out a snort and muttered, "Children are disgusting little beasts."

"I'm not a child," I gritted.

Guy briefly covered his mouth. I could tell he was attempting to hold back laughter. I glared at him.

"Well, then," Davina said with a wave of her hand, "My brother says you two are to dine with me."

"Yeah, I'm not hungry," I grumbled, starting to walk away.

"That's quite alright, Lacey, I'll just tell my brother Sir Guy and I had a nice meal together while you refused to attend."

I paused and huffed. I had no choice.

The moment the three of us sat down, I immediately motioned one of the servants to bring me some wine.

"So Sir Guy," Davina began, taking a bite of her bread, "My brother told me of your little wedding. I am sorry. I can't imagine what could have possibly come over Lady Marian."

"I can," I muttered, sipping my wine goblet, but then quickly covered it with a cough as Guy glared at me.

"It was a mistake her and her father paid dearly for," Guy muttered.

I looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

Davina waved her hand. "Never mind her. My brother wants to focus on the future between the two of you."

I eyed her and then glanced at Guy, who's emotionless face remained pointed downward towards his plate of food.

"Does this mean he's finally decided which one of us will be his successor?" I asked her.

She wiped her mouth with a cloth. "In a manner of speaking. He mentioned his recent intentions to have the two of you marry. I expressed my agreement with him. After all, joined together the two of you can make Nottingham more powerful than ever before."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Not this again.

"Well…" Davina moved her eyes from me to Guy. "What do you say?"

Without even bothering to look up, Guy placed his fork down and muttered, "Fine."

I gawked at him. "What?"

With a huff, he continued, "We already make each other miserable. We may continue on for the rest of our lives."

I stood up and thrashed my cloth on the table. "Just because you are wallowed up in your own pool of self pity does not mean you need to drag me down with you!"

Davina let out an exasperated sigh as she placed her hand on her head. "Oh Lacey, I would expect you to make this difficult, as did my brother. He said if you were to be disobedient, you were to accompany me when I depart so I can use my own methods to teach you respect and how to behave yourself."

I snorted at her. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

"I'm afraid you won't have a choice, dear."

I glared at her. "Like hell I won't. I will talk to Vaisey myself if I have to."

She chuckled and shook her head. "Once my brother's mind is made up there is no changing it. You should know that very well by now. So, what will your choice be?"

I looked back and forth between her and Guy. Either I had to marry him or go live with my aunt who I know despised me as much as I did her. I could not tell which scenario caused bile to rise up from my gut at this moment.

The door bursts open. "Lady Laceyna, pardon the interruption but you have a visitor, claiming their matter to be urgent."

I sighed, picking up my goblet to take one final sip. "Please excuse me, dear Aunt, but I need to attend to my visitor."

She waved her hand. "Very well. We'll finish this discussion later then." Davina then added with a smirk, "By the way, if your visitor is Brian, tell him to meet me in the guest chambers this evening."

I clenched my fist, feeling the blood in my body steam. However, I ignored her and followed my messenger out to the courtyard.

"This way," he said motioning his hand before turning off.

I was startled by who I saw.

"Marian," I said, stepping towards her. "What brings here at Nottingham castle?"

She stepped closer to me, keeping her voice hushed. "My father and I were forced out of our home just last night."

"What?" I gasped. "Was it Vaisey?"

Marian looked down, distressed. "Well, yes, but Guy was the one that committed the act. He burned our home down."

"My god, Marian, I'm sorry," I replied quickly, feeling uneasy.

I knew Guy had some business he had to take care of last night but he never told me just what it was. Now, I understood what he said earlier today about making Marian pay.

"Please, Lacey," she continued, "My father is in poor health and this is no place for a man his age. He needs food. What the Sheriff provides is not enough."

There it was, the reason she sought me out. Marian needed my aid. I may be her only potential friend in a castle of enemies. If I try to aid her and her father, I risk facing Vaisey's wrath. However, Marian has saved my life twice now. Usually, I refused to let my conscious cloud my thinking, but this time I could not shake it off.

I reluctantly nodded. "Alright. I'll see what I can do."

xXx

While Vaisey and Davina devised a scheme to capture Robin Hood, I used that time to sneak to the kitchen and get some extra food for the former sheriff. I was actually grateful for Hood sometimes. After all, he was always good at keeping Vaisey busy when I needed to be unnoticed.

I crept into the small den of a kitchen and grabbed some leftover bread and meats. Luckily the cook was not there. Her piercing gaze always made me uncomfortable. I suppose if I were stuck in this small square room, I would be miserable too.

As I walked down the narrow hall, I clenched the plate close to my ribs. I had it covered with a cloth. Marian told me her and her father were put in west wing of the castle under house arrest. Of all areas of the castle that was the worst. Most of the servants remained there.

I stopped as I could have sworn I felt a breeze against my cheeks. Soon after, I heard shooting between the guards. I continued forwards hoping whatever was going on would provide enough distraction. The next thing I knew a hooded figure landed in front of me.

I gasped barely able to whisper, "You're the Night Watchman."

The figure didn't speak, but took a step closer to me.

I turned, moving the plate of food away. "Look, I know you like to steal things but this is just food, nothing of value. Please, I really need to get it to a friend of mine's father."

The hooded vigilante merely tilted his head. He stepped aside and motioned his arm as though to let me pass.

I stepped forward with caution, preparing for this thief to attack me as I passed. However, he remained still.

"There!"

Guy, followed by a group of guards hustled towards us. I looked to my side and saw the Night Watchman had vanished.

"Lacey!" Guy fumed, infuriated. "That was the Night Watchman!"

"I'm aware of that," I retorted, holding the plate to my side.

Guy flung his arms up, his sword in his right hand. "Why didn't you try to stop him?"

I shrugged. "I figured you wanted to capture him yourself. Besides, I've got other things to do."

I turned my back to him and continued walking.

"Go!" I heard Guy order the guards. "He might try to rescue Hood."

I turned back around. "We have Robin Hood?"

But Guy had already taken off with his men. I huffed and walked on. At least I had my distraction.

I found the former sheriff sitting on a ledge, gazing out the window. He did appear weaker than I remember seeing him last.

"Uh… sir?" As he turned his head, I continued, "I brought you something to eat."

He offered a gentle smile, one I don't see often here.

"Bless you, child," he said, taking the plate.

"Where's Marian?" I asked him.

He shrugged, but I could see the worry in his eyes. "She told me she was going for a walk in the garden."

I only nodded. Perhaps I should try to find her and warn her about the Night Watchman running about. But then again, I already brought her father food. I decided to call that my good deed for today.

xXx

I learned, despite the Night Watchman's efforts, we held Robin Hood Captive here in the castle. Vaisey was already celebrating as though Hood were already dead. Guy told me the infamous Robin Hood only had hours to live.

While Vaisey sang and drank by the fire, Davina placed her cold, non-nurturing arm around my shoulders.

"Well, as soon as he dies, I'll be leaving with my children," she told me.

By children, I knew she meant her filthy snakes.

"Good," I said back to her. "I wish for you safe travels."

She sneered, "Vaisey says you are to accompany me so I can teach you a few valuable lessons."

"Over my dead body," I gritted.

"That could easily be arranged," Davina answered with a chuckle. "But I'm afraid you don't have a choice. My brother will see to that."

I took in a deep breath and looked over to the man I have spent years despising. He leaned against the wall in his black leather with a stiff expression on his face.

"Unless I were to marry Guy of Gisborne," I reminded her.

She looked at me curiously. "So that is your decision then?"

I suddenly felt nauseous but still managed a nod. "Yes."

Davina pinched my cheek, her long nails digging into my skin. "Well, aren't you a good girl. You better not cause my brother any more trouble."

With that she strolled off towards Vaisey. I rubbed my cheek and looked around the fire lit room. Everyone laughed and cheered with their goblets, everyone except Guy. I imagine he was sulky as the Watchman got away again. The thought of spending the rest of my life with him made me feel like I was suffocating from inside.

When I was certain no eyes were upon, I tiptoed out of the room, making my way to Robin Hood.

I found him in a room, hanging over a pit of snakes, Davina's pets I am certain. He somehow did manage to knock over a spear beneath his feet for balance.

I could see the sweat of Hood's struggle glisten on his forehead, but he still managed a grin, when his eyes fell to me. "Ah, Lacey, to witness another one of my grand escapes."

I knelt over by the spear and smirked. "Or perhaps I can put you out of your misery faster."

"You don't want to be doing that," Hood said to me.

My eyes moved up to meet his. "And why would that be?"

"I saved your life, don't you remember," he said, "in the forest?"

I tilted my head. "I remember you held me captive there and it was Marian that came and bargained for my freedom."

"Well, perhaps," he consented, "but I didn't have to agree to her terms."

I shook my head and started to move the spear. Robin's breaths began to thicken.

I stopped. "But maybe there is something you can help me with."

"I'm listening," Hood said. "It's not as though I have anywhere else to go at the moment."

"I am to marry Guy," I said out loud. Those words pierced my own ears.

He laughed and said, "I don't know what I can do for you there."

I looked directly at him. "I need you to make him disappear."

"What do you mean?" he questioned.

"I don't care how you do it," I explained, wiping a bead of sweat from my forehead. "You can slit his throat in his sleep, drown him in a river, or perhaps try to expose him for whatever deed against the king you had on him. Only, leave me out of it this time. Just make him disappear and make it permanent and I'll help you quietly escape this castle unnoticed. Do you agree?"

He studied me for a moment to see how serious I was and then grinned again. "You've got yourself a deal."

While he balanced on the sphere, I held my hand out to his tied hands and guided him to the side of the pit. The snakes tossed and tumbled below. Once Hood was on the edge, I pulled a knife out from my dress and started to cut the rope.

"Not so fast!"

Davina stood with an arrow, aimed right at me. I held my hands up, dropping the knife.

"Step away from him!" she shrilled, letting out a disgusted snort. "I always knew you were a rotten child."

Having no choice, I obliged, stepping back.

She continued to aim the weapon at me. "Well, we'll see what my brother has to say about this treachery."

Robin Hood took advantage of her attention to me and lunged at her. Even with his hands bound, Hood still seemed to have the upper hand for a moment. However, during their struggle Davina whirled her way on top, wrapping the ropes around his neck. I saw with his hands bound, there was no way he could escape her clutches. I stepped forward and nudged Davina's backside, causing her to flip over in the pit. She let out a shriek.

Robin turned over and looked down in the pit and ordered, "Don't move!"

I picked up the knife and cut the ropes binding his hands. I whispered, "If she lives, she'll tell the Sheriff I helped you."

"I can't let someone die," he said and then smirked, "Perhaps, you can join me and the other outlaws?"

I could not tell if he was serious, but maybe life as an outlaw would not be as bad as a loveless marriage.

"What is going on!" Vaisey demanded, storming into the room.

I gathered a panicked breath. "Aunt Davina fell in. I'm not strong enough to pull her out myself so Robin Hood agreed to help if I cut him loose."

"Well get her out then! Quickly!" His breaths grew rapid with worry.

Fortunately for me, Robin did proceed to help her, but not before one venomous snake gave her a bite.

Once Hood pulled Davina out, Vaisey took her in his arms. Robin Hood pointed an arrow directly at the Sheriff's back. I thought he might actually go for the kill until Davina informed him that Prince John would have Nottingham burned to the ground if anything were to happen to it's Sheriff.

Not taking her bluff, Hood lowered his weapon. He briefly glanced at me as though I might follow. I quickly shook my head once and he quietly slipped away.

I stepped closer to a dying Davina, wanting to hear what she might say next.

She eyed me and looked up at her brother. "There's something you should know about her…"

Without turning his head, a whimpering Sheriff leaned in closer. "What is it, sister?"

"She…" Davina started to point her hand up but it dropped down like a sack. Her head tilted towards the side in her brother's arm.

I knelt down quietly beside her while Vaisey wept and gently closed her eyes.

Vaisey started to wipe his eyes. "What was she trying to say?"

I looked down at her and said quietly, "I told her when she leaves I wanted to go with her. I had hoped one day I will be as strong and independent as her. I figured the best way to learn was to spend more time with her."

He looked down at her and nodded. "She would have liked that."

I sighed, relieved he bought that. If Vaisey had discovered the truth I seriously doubted I would be able to talk my way out of my fate. I could see it in his eyes this very moment. Vaisey's hatred for Robin Hood burned brighter now more than ever.