Disclaimer to all this RH...unfortunately.
So here's chapter 15...my apologies for the short length...but at least I think I know where the plot is going. Thanks to everyone for all of the reviews. I'm flattered to say the least.
Marian rode almost as quickly towards Knighton, as she had from it. However, her mood was greatly changed. How dare Robin make such bold assumptions about her? Especially when they weren't true, well mostly anyways. That was all she would allow herself to admit. She wanted to think that she regreted saying that she forgave Robin, but she couldn't even bring herself to think that. Being able to tell Robin that she forgave him, brought such a great weight off of her shoulders. However, there was a tiny whisper in her heart that told her that she wanted to tell him more, but her ever practical mind yelled at her, saying that it was out of the question.
Absolutely out of the question.
As she finally approached her house, she saw two soldiers walking away from the door where her father was standing. A wave of concern washed over her as she went to the stables to get off of her horse. She ran quickly through the back door of the manor and found her father sitting quietly at a table, his face unreadable.
"Father!" Marian cried as she reached him, grabbing his arm in earnest, "What happpened?"
Edward looked at his daughter with tears in his eyes, "The Sheriff has sent for you. I told them you were not at home so they went back, saying that you would be expected as soon as you came in." The quietness and calmness in his voice chilled her to the bone.
Marian's emotions grew to a violent fear. It had to be something to do with the Nightwatchman. Someone must have seen her. She knew that it would mean her neck.
"Do you think that-" she began hesitantly
" Yes." her father answered shortly, reading her mind, "I told you it would lead to this." he looked into the fireplace, as if it hurt him to look at her. "And now you will hang." he muttered.
Marian's eyes welled with tears, "I'm sorry." she whispered.
Edward closed his eyes and sighed, "You must leave. I can't protect you here. You were lucky that you were out when they came the first time."
"Where do I go?" Marian asked, the reality of the events still sinking in.
"Kirklees would be my best guess. Anywhere that is out of the reach of the Sheriff."
"Those places are becoming few and far between." Marian observed gently.
"Yes." her father said simply. "But you must leave while you can." Before Marian could even nod her head in agreement a voice cut through the air.
"Pardon me for asking, but why should Lady Marian be leaving if she was already gone for most of the day?" Both Marian and Edward turned their attentions to the front door where the Sheriff stood with an evil and amused smirk on his face. Marian recovered from the shock and spoke first.
"Sheriff, to what do we owe this pleasure?" she tried to keep the small tremor of fear out of her voice.
"I wanted to stop in for a chat." the Sheriff said sarcastically. "A clue: NO!" he grinned maliciously at his little joke. He seemed is fairly good spirits considering that the outlaws had recently stolen the largest amount of tax money to date. Marian knew that meant that the Sheriff had a plan. "I need to speak with Lady Marian if you don't mind." he continued, passing Sir Edward a look that said get out. The former sheriff quickly took the hint and feebly left the room.
"Is there some news of my betrothed?" Marian asked, attempting to play oblivious.
Vaisey rolled his eyes in annoyance. "No, he should be gone for a week or so, thank God. Now he won't get in the way."
Marian raised her eyebrows, "Get in the way, my lord?"
"Yes. I needed a way to get rid of him so he wouldn't be sulking with jealousy."
Marian looked even more confused. "Why should he be jealous?"
Again, the Sheriff rolled his eyes "Must I give all the answers?" Marian was a about to speak but he cut her off, " There is a...shall we say nobleman coming to Nottingham in a few days. I need you to be a...friend to him." he grinned as he thought about how uncomfortable it would make her.
"But, my lord, I am betrothed." she did not like where this was going.
The Sheriff was not the slightest bit phased by it. "A detail that he doesn't need to know about."
"I do not wish to be unfaithful to Sir Guy." Marian stated, sounding like the dutiful fiance. Of course, she was anything but dutiful, especially since she had just been in the arms of a certain outlaw, not an hour ago.
The Sheriff appeared bored by that last comment. "Guy doesn't need to know. Besides, I think you know this nobleman quite well."
"But-"
"Don't play loyal fiancee with me missy!" The sheriff hissed, all sign of his evil comedy gone. "Now, you will do as I say or else Daddio over there is going to pay." Marian hardened her expression into a defiant glare. "Think I'm joking?" he continued, "Disobey me and you'll find out." The sinister look left his face almost as quickly as it arrived. "So, I will send for you when it is required. And uhhh...dress practically." he cast her another grin as he strode out the room.
"That's all you are going to tell me?" she asked
The Sheriff stopped and turned back. " For now. I wouldn't want you to fret about it now would I?" his yellow toothed grin widened as he left, leaving Marian trapped and her mind full of questions.
It seemed that she would be engaged to one man, pursued by another.
And in love with an outlaw.
TBC Any guesses as to who the nobleman could be this early on?its not an OC.
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