Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood BBC
Rose was nervous as her maids dressed her for the day and did her hair for her. The Sheriff had minimalized the guards around the castle as the bride claimed that there would be no fouls at her wedding because she had created some bond with the outlaws.
The bride was coming to terms with becoming the official Lady of Locksley; she had had plenty of practice doing that but she hadn't had any practice being a wife or mother to any children she might have. She was caring enough but she wondered if she would be able to fulfil Sir Guy's needs as a man. It wasn't that long ago that Sir Guy's passion had got the better of him and she had ended up with a torn gown. That was before they were married so she could hardly imagine what he would be like with her privately.
The guests were seated in the main hall and the Sheriff had taken it upon himself to give the former Duchess away as there was no sign of Prince John attending the service since she renounced her title but the Prince liked to arrive in style and just as Rose was about to walk down the aisle towards Sir Guy.
"Lady of Locksley we have let our standards slip; no satin?" he asked, gesturing to her dress.
"Your highness?" asked Rose.
The Prince pushed the Sheriff to one side and graciously led her towards her future husband, whispering in her ear as they got closer.
"There is still time to change your mind," he advised.
"I don't want to. I love him and I am going to stand by him," she defended.
They reached the altar and Prince John bit his lip as he handed his cousin over to Sir Guy, who carefully took Rose's hand and had to steady himself as Prince John clasped his shoulder.
"You treat her well and you treat her right Gisborne. She may have renounced her title and claim to the throne but she is still my blood," warned the Prince.
Rose gave the Prince a quick look of distain. Prince or not she did not appreciate him putting a stain on her wedding day. Her nerves were already at breaking point as the priest bid them welcome and she stood opposite Sir Guy with the Prince practically stood between them.
"Do you take this man as your husband; in sickness, health, wealth or poverty for as long as you both shall live? Will you honour him, love him and put him before all others?" asked the priest.
"I do," replied Rose.
Sir Guy had never imagined that there would be no hesitation from Rose. Prince John rolled his eyes as Sir Guy was asked the same question about Rose.
"Until my last breath; I do," he replied.
Sir Guy held back when asked to kiss the bride as he was under the watchful gaze of the Prince. He was ever so polite and gentle as his lips met hers and it was only for a brief moment; they had kissed better before they were married if truth be told but Sir Guy stood as a married man and practically royalty in his own right.
"Let's clear these tables and give the newlyweds a reception they will never forget!" commanded Prince John.
Sir Guy fought the temptation to roll his eyes as his only wish was to be alone with his wife. He wanted to claim her body and soul; her verbal contract wasn't enough for him and she still had the chance to leave him if Prince John manipulated her in some way. With that in mind Sir Guy kept hold of his new wife for the whole day but she didn't seem to mind as she held his arm to make it look affectionate.
"No regrets Mrs Gisborne?" asked Prince John.
Rose felt Sir Guy, her husband tense up with anger but she had made a promise to honour him and always put his needs first.
"I couldn't be happier your highness; I married the man I love what more could I possibly want?" she asked.
Sir Guy relaxed slightly and looked fondly at his wife for her answer; she was happy and she loved him; everything he had ever wanted in a woman was wrapped around his arm like his sleeve but Prince John remained unconvinced.
"How about your title and palace returned to you?" asked Prince John.
"If it means I lose the man I love then no thank you. The title Lady of Locksley is more than satisfactory," replied Rose.
Sir Guy smirked in approval. Rose loved him and the title that came with her marriage; Prince John's blackmail couldn't touch them as long as she stayed loyal and loving to her husband.
Prince John was not impressed by Rose's answer. His face fell and he continued to mock the Lady's wedding gown.
"A pity; I always visioned you quite differently on your wedding day; a crown, jewels all over you, the finest silks and satin on your gown and instead you willingly lowered yourself to this," he baited.
Rose smirked at the Prince despite the fact that her husband was struggling to hold his tongue so much that he drew blood in his own mouth by biting back his words.
"I wonder if in your vision I was as happy as I am today? I'm sure you want what is best for me but I think I am capable of figuring it out for myself," argued Rose.
Prince John sighed in defeat. Nothing he could say would make his cousin change her mind about the man she had just married. As far as he was concerned the love she had for him blinded her to the danger that she was in.
"You're still royalty; your stubbornness proves it," growled Prince John in defeat.
As the Prince walked away Sir Guy was quite tempted to follow him but Rose turned to him with a loving expression on her face and her hand on his chest.
"Guy we've done it. He has no power here," she informed.
Sir Guy had had more than his fill of guests and the wedding. He wanted out and he wanted to get home and start his life as a married man.
"Go to the court yard; I will make our excuses," ordered Sir Guy.
Rose couldn't blame him. Sir Guy gently placed a kiss on her forehead as she left his side for the first time since they met at the altar earlier that day. Rose did as she was instructed but Sir Guy regretted letting her out of his sight as she was forced into Prince John's carriage and on her way back to London.