Part 4 – Robins Secret.

Robin watched Marian's window all day, she went in and out of her room at least ten times, and each time he wanted to call to her, but she was always shadowed, by a Guard. He knew that the only time she would be left alone was when she was getting changed and was going to sleep, the Guards would just be on the other side of the door so he'd still have to be quiet, but he'd been building up to this for weeks and he didn't think he cold wait any longer.

He fumbled around in his left pocket and drew out the small silver ring. The jeweler had made it for him for free, as a thanks for the time he, and his gang, has helped him out when he was in a bit of financial trouble.

The little ring was exactly Marian's size, he still remembered from last time he had given her a ring, and it has one circular diamond on it. Simple, yet beautiful, Robin was sure Marian would love it, even though she wouldn't be able to wear it, yet. He put it back in his pocket, and sat in wait.

Night was falling, he saw Marian enter her room, alone. Taking his chance he threw a small stone at her window, enough to make a small sound, but hopefully not to alert the Guards.

Marian looked down at once and a smile spread across her face, she opened the window as quietly as she could.

"Robin, what are you doing here?" she asked in an urgent whisper.

"I need to speak to you" he answered as quietly as he could, still making sure she could hear him.

"How are you going to get up?" she asked.

"Excuse me." Robin sad, drawing his bow and arrow.

Marian moved out of the way as Robin shot straight into one of them poles on her four poster bed. Marian discarded the arrow, to get rid of the evidence, and attached the rope he had fired up to her bed.

He used the rope to pull him up and, one minute later, he was in the room next to her.

"Hello," he smiled.

"You want something don't you." Marian sighed, although she still could not suppress a grin.

"Sit down Marian." Robin said leading her over to the bed, where Marian sat down obediently.

Suddenly Robin was down on one knee, Marians jaw dropped in shock as he produced a beautiful diamond ring form his pocket.

"Now we've known each other for many years." Began Robin, "And we were once betrothed, but then I left you," he hung his head sadly. "To fight, for glory, for fame. I should have stayed everything I ever wanted was right here and now, she, is sitting in front of me. Marian, I love you, will you marry me?"

He presented the small silver ring to her. And she struggled to keep her jaw from dropping again.

"Well?" Robin asked tentatively.

"Yes, of course!" Marian shrieked, throwing herself into Robins arms.

"Are you ok milady?" asked a Guard from out side the door.

It took Marian a moment to compose herself. When she was ready she called,

"Sorry, it's just I found something I thought I'd lost when we were taken to the castle." Marian improvised.

"Very well milady." The Guard answered going silent again.

"Robin? Do you really mean this?" Marian whispered.

"Of course." Robin replied smiling as Marian held out her finger.

He slid the ring on, it perfectly, just as he had thought it would.

"You'll have to put it away somewhere in the meantime. We'll have the wedding when King Richard returns, and when I have my lands back."

"Ok." Marian smiled again and leaned towards Robin.

Their lips met and they shared a meaningful kiss.

"I have to go." Robin said sadly. "Keep that ring safe, and don't wear it around anyone else."

"I'll guard it with my heart." Marian answered wistfully.

And with that Robin abseiled back down the castle and ran back into the woods, not able to stop a grin spreading a cross his face.