Chapter 3 – Your Future Kingdom

Right I'm not completely satisfied with this chapter but I thought I'd post it anyway

The next chapter will be better

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far

Enjoy

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Robin ran as fast as his legs could carry him, he was running late. His father had told him to meet him in his personal study room just after first light this morning but he had completely forgotten about it. He quickly dashed past the guards at the castle gates.

"Morning Robin, late again" Robin tried to laugh but it just came out more as a huff.

"Of course" He struggled to say still running but turning in his step. "Good luck!" The guard chuckled.

When Robin finally made it to the study room Tuck was waiting impatiently outside the door for him, no doubt ready to give him a lecture. "Where on earth have you been your mother has-" But he was cut short.

"Sorry Tuck it won't happen again" Was all he said knowing that it probably would. He barged through the door and shut it abruptly. Leaning against the heavy door he could see his father was already at his desk with his back to him, there was a slack of papers in a neat pile in front of him, he didn't even turn around when he said "So I see you decided to show your face then" Robin recognised the scolding told. Richard turned around in his chair.

"Dad look I'm sorry I'm late its just-"

"Robin you don't have to explain"

"I don't?" Robin was confused. "No because I know exactly where you were this morning" He leaning on the edge of his seat "You were with Marian weren't you" Richard smiled knowingly. Robin went to speak but Richard interrupted "Don't think that I don't understand, young love can be difficult"

"What dad your crazy I don't love Marian" Robin tried steadying his voice to make himself sound more convincing but he knew his attempt was in vain.

"Don't lie to me boy" Richard argued "I've seen the way you look at her" He watched Robin's reaction carefully "But I've also seen the way she looks at you"

"Really" Robin spoke quickly, giving himself away.

Richard laughed "Of course" The smile that had begun to grow on Robin's face faded "No dad your wrong" He shook his head. Richard gave his son a sympathetic look; he never thought Marian would see him as anything more than a friend. And he knew it was hard for him, Richard had realised from mere looks between the two of them that Robin had had a crush on Marian for quite sometime.

"Robin come and sit down" Robin grabbed a chair and put it next to his fathers "Listen to me Robin have I ever lied to you" Robin shook his head "So believe me when I say that, what I'm telling you is the truth" He paused before saying "Just give it time" Robin took comfort in Richard's words but it didn't stop the nagging feeling that maybe his father was wrong, true he had never lied to him but it doesn't mean he hadn't misinterpreted the situation. He sighed loudly.

"Right well enough of that the reason I asked you here today my boy is because I have something rather important to show you"

"Ok" Robin spoke slowly.

"Come over here" Richard then pulled out a large detailed map "You see this map Robin this is a map of your future kingdom" Robin leaned in closer to examine the map. "A Kings time as ruler rises and falls like the sun, one day Robin the sun will set on my time here and will rise with you as the new King"

"Wow and this will all be mine" Robin gasped "Everything on this map" He confirmed while Richard nodded. A huge smile graced Robin's face in excitement, he then pointed "What about over there"

"That's beyond are boarders"

"But I thought you said everything on this map is our kingdom" He smiled cockily.

"Yes it is but its not safe, Robin you must never go there" Richard tried to remain in control.

"Yeh, but I thought a King could go where ever he wants?" Richard chuckled "There's more to being King then getting your way all the time"

"There's more" Robin said cheekily.

"Don't be cheeky" Richard wrapped his arm around Robin's back "Come on lets go outside and you can show me your new found archery skills that I've heard so much about"

"Ok!" Robin jumped up in excitement.

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There was another round of applause and cheers as Robin's arrow hit the centre of the target. "Well done Robin, I can see your skill with the bow is improving"

"Thanks dad" Robin beamed he loved getting praise off other people especially his father. "Ok this time I want you to split the arrow" Richard smiled handing him another arrow.

"That's it just spilt the arrow"

"Don't get too cocky Robin it's a very hard thing to master" Robin smiled and raised his bow, he focused for a moment or two on his target then when he was ready he took a deep breath and fired. Unknown to him though Tuck was coming racing around the corner at that precise moment and only barely missed Robin's arrow. "Ooooo!" Tuck shouted he turned to see Robin expression and was more than annoyed when he saw the smile covering his face "That wasn't funny!" Richard couldn't help but laugh "Your majesty?" Tuck questioned

"I'll think your find Robin's smiling because he spilt the arrow" Richard put a hand on his shoulder "Well done"

"And you thought I couldn't do it" Robin's smiled smugly basking in his glory "Oi that enough of the attitude" Richard then turned his attention to Tuck "Did you want something?"

"Yes my lord, I have just been informed that some thieves have been spotted coming form the east boarder"

"Ok where's my sword" Richard commanded as a servant ran towards him with his blade.

"Dad can I come" Robin pleaded "No son its too dangerous, I shall be gone for a while so inform Tuck if your leaving town ok and if you do I want you to take Much with you, ok?"

"Yeh" Robin's disappointment wasn't hidden, but Richard had no time for that, he then left with a group of men. Robin huffed "I never get to go anywhere"

"Oh master Robin do you really want to be out there fighting off those slobbering, disgusting, stupid thieves when you could be here, in the safely of your own home"

"No Tuck I would rather be out there with my father where there's adventure-"

"I think its safe to say not every act a King does is filled with adventure" Robin turned away it was useless talking to Tuck at times "I'm going to retire to my bedchamber now"

"Ok" Tuck yelled as Robin had already left.

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Robin walked quickly to his bedchamber he didn't even slow down when he saw the maids and the servants coming the other way. Usually he would be courteous and move out of the way but he was in a bad mood. Did his father really believe that he wasn't brave enough? That he wasn't strong enough to come with him? Robin took a few deep breaths, how on earth would he be ready to rule a kingdom if his father wouldn't even let him have the experience of teaching criminals a lesson. Robin was too lost in thought that he didn't even realize when he connected with something solid.

"Sorry" Robin mumbled not looking up at the person.

"Watch where you're going" Came the harsh reply. Robin looked up at the retreating figure "Uncle John?"

"Yes what do you want?" His reply was impatient and short, but his manner changed when he saw it was Robin.

"Oh Robin" He forced a smile. "Its you"

"Are you alright?" Robin asked politely "Oh I'm jumping for joy" He said with as much sarcasm as he could muster. Robin just smiled "My dad just show me my future kingdom"

"Oh goody" He said with fake enthusiasm. "But I bet he didn't show you what's on that rise on the northern boarder." John said knowing how to push Robin's buttons.

"Well… no"

"Well Robin of course he wouldn't only the very bravest of people go there" John spoke slyly

"Hey I'm brave, what's out there" Robin hated people thinking he was weak. He could be strong and he'd prove it too.

"Robin you know I can't tell you now I must go" He turned on his heels and waited for the pleading cry of Robin.

"Wait" Robin howled. "Please Uncle John" that's right beg John thought sinisterly oooh your be begging later, begging for the sweet release of death.

"Well alright if you promise not to tell anyone I told you" He patronised

"Ok sure, now can you tell me please?"

"Fine it's an old battle field and most people don't go there because its haunted, but you must promise me Robin that you will never go to that dreadful place" John put his hand on Robin shoulder, making John's hand burn.

Robin face lit up wow that sounds like a good place to do some exploring "Yeh sure Uncle John I promise" And with that Robin ran to the nearest servant "Can you please bring Much to me at once and tell Tuck that we're going to Knighton Hall!"

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Prince John couldn't help but smile at what he had just done. He knew Robin like an open book and knew he wouldn't be able to resist going to have a good snoop around the old battlefields. Prince John walked quickly to the stables to saddle his horse he had some rather important business to attend to, as he turned the corner to the stables he was met by his 15-year-old son Guy.

"And where do you think your going" Startled Guy's head quickly swung around, he breathed a sigh of relief when he found it was only his father.

"Oh dad it's only you"

"You didn't answer my question," He said bluntly as he begun to saddle his horse.

"Oh I'm going to Knighton Hall to speak to Lady Marian" He spoke quietly

"Oh no your not" John demanded "Your staying right here"

"But why?" Guy protested, "Because I'm your father and I said so now do as your told and stay here" John needed to keep Guy out of the way or he may ruin his plan.

"But-"

"No buts!" John was beginning to lose his temper now. "Anyway Guy I don't know why your bothering to spend your time on her" He said sternly as Guy stared blankly at the floor "I understand she pretty but she's too spirited for her own good, she would be a rubbish wife"

"Well I like her" Guy defended "Of course you do because she's kind to you but believe me Guy she will never marry you"

"And why not" Guy was losing his temper now "Isn't it obvious she loves Robin, doesn't she" John got on his horse and looked down in pity at his son. Feeling an unusual sense of warm to him he said "But you never know she may come around, but don't get your hopes up"

"Ok"

"And you'll stay here"

"Yes I promise"

"Good because if I come back to find you have disobeyed me then the consequences will be dyer, do you understand Guy?" He voice was stern he knew full well Guy would never disobey his orders.

Guy nodded "Good now I must go" He kicked his horse into a trot and made his way out of the town f Nottingham.

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Like I said not the best chapter but if it's any consolation there will be some more Robin/Marian next chapter: D

Oh and the next chapter may not be up for a couple of days because I'm going to start writing the next chapter to 'A Life Full of Teenage Drama' ok, but it should be up soon

Thanks again

Robyn

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