Sleep wasn't coming back; at least, not for a long while. I couldn't get my mind off of the eventful day. Was Guy really as terrible as Marian had painted him? Although she didn't elaborate on the subject, I knew there had to be a major reason behind her accusation.

I lay there a few more moments; thoughts flooding through my mind. When I was absolutely sure I couldn't possibly fall back asleep, I decided to go for a stroll around the castle. Surely there had to be a garden?

I got dressed in a light, flowing blue gown and stepped outside.

It was very cold; I was fighting the urge to go back inside.

No, I wanted to explore the castle.

I trudged on down the long hallway and prepared to turn the corner.

My heart skipped a beat and I nearly screamed as Guy stepped out from around the corner, the same moment I turned it. I ran head-on into him.

It seemed to startle him also.

"Rebecca, what are you doing out of bed this late?" His voice melted my thoughts.

"I couldn't sleep. I thought I would go for a walk."

"Would you mind if I joined you? I couldn't find sleep either."

I nodded my head and he took my arm.

"Is there a garden in the castle?" I asked, almost too innocently.

"Yes, we have a garden," he smirked and led me towards the back of the castle.

My mind raced as I walked on the arm of this mysterious man. I'd escaped my bed to try to rid myself of thinking of him, and now I was with him!

His voice disturbed me from my thoughts.

"Did you enjoy your first day in Nottingham?"

"Yes, everyone is so wonderful."

I struggled with my internal thoughts as we kept walking. Was he really dangerous? What did he do that would make Marian leave him? Would I ever find out?

I reflected on these questions as we entered the garden.

It was beautiful; although quite small, it was simply cluttered with many flowers and rose bushes. There was even a tree in the corner.

He ushered me to the bench, directly under the tree, and we sat down.

We were both silent for several moments; each consumed in our own world of thoughts.

As usual, Guy began the conversation.

"When are you marrying your Lord Weston?"

"On the first of next month."

"Do you love him?"

I hesitated a moment, not sure if I would regret my words. I decided to answer honestly.

"No, I do not. How could I?"

He simply asked me why it was so difficult to try to love him.

"I crave passion in my life; Weston seems to be lacking romance entirely. Why is it that a woman may be forced into a marriage to someone she does not love?"

"I would say it's a matter of duty and honor. Tell me, Rebecca, how many men have you loved in your time?"

I dropped my head and sighed. How could I possibly answer that question without seeming naive and inexperienced?

Once again, I answered honestly.

"None," I replied.

He chuckled.

"It is no wonder you crave passion so deeply. Romance is an interesting thing. In spite of the few women I would dare say I loved, I have not yet found the one I would share my life with."

He corrected himself.

"Well, there was one."

"Marian?" The moment those words left my lips, I realized I may have said more than was welcome.

He did not show the anger I was preparing myself for. Instead, his face seemed regretful; even sad.

"Marian." He echoed my words.

As I did to Marian in my bedchamber, I reached an arm out to gently comfort him. I realized he must have really loved her. No man would wear such pain on his face if he was not truly hurting inside.

He gently touched my hand, starting at my fingertips and slowly creeping up. His touch chilled my skin. He must have realized what he was doing and dropped his hand immediately.

We sat in silence for several minutes. I wasn't entirely sure how to comfort him. What would I say? I'd known this man for less than a day. Yet, in my heart, I knew he was perfect.

I started to feel sleep returning to me, but I dared not say anything. I may never get another chance to be alone with Guy like this. I had to savor the moment, treasure it.

I heard him breathe deeply and whisper something to me. I had to listen intently to hear it.

"Thank you for coming here, Rebecca." He said, with a glimpse directly into my eyes. I got chills again. He looked down at my shivering arms and said "You are cold."

With one swift motion, he removed his riding cloak and draped it softly over my shoulders, covering me completely in its warmth.

I thanked him and he threw a gentle glance in my direction. He just sat there staring at me for a long moment.

I turned to look at him. I noticed a certain dark intensity set in his eyes. I had never seen that look on a man before.

He slowly leaned forward, steadily closing the gap between us. I sucked in my breath.

He turned his face to the side and reached out to touch my hair and hold my cheek.

In only a moment, I felt his hot breath on my face. I took a deep breath.

Just as I began leaning in to close the space between us, he pulled away quickly, rising to his feet in his swiftness.

"I'm sorry," I muttered, as my voice cracked. I knew I was not at fault, but I figured the only way to possibly get a response out of him was by apologizing.

"No," he raised his hand to keep me from speaking further, as he continued.

"I cannot be doing this. You are to marry Weston in a month. Best of luck to the both of you."

He started to turn and leave when I called after him.

"But I do not love him!"

I realized after I said that, I had definitely gone too far.

He marched over to me and grabbed my shoulders, his teeth locked together.

"Oh and you love me? Is that it?" He snarled and dropped his hands.

For the first time, I had actually begun to witness the start of Lady Marian's accusation of this mysterious man. I could tell he had a violent temper; he was displaying a taste of it at that very moment.

"I do not know," I answered honestly, tears began streaming down my face.

"Forgive me, I just wanted a choice," I said before I set off running back up the garden path, tears still in my eyes, blinding me.

I took a turn down the hallway and ran into a dead end. I turned around and tried to find my way back to my room. I glanced down another hallway and realized it looked somewhat familiar. I decided to turn down that way when I felt an arm snake around my waste and twist me around.

"Rebecca, I am sorry. I should never have treated you with such hostility, forgive me. From the first moment I met you, I believed you to be special; too special for that Weston fool. I am only angry that you do not have a choice as to who you marry."

The tears came again and he pulled me into his arms and held me against his chest. I felt like I belonged there in his arms, forever.

I suddenly felt faint; I needed rest. I closed my eyes and breathed deep, lost in this wonderful moment.

"Come, we must get you back to bed," he said as he pulled away from me.

I was only too happy to oblige at this point. I was exhausted.

I leaned on him for support as we trudged down the hall to my room.

We finally arrived at my door.

Guy looked at me and said "Pretend this never happened, and we shall go about our separate lives. Once again, I am sorry." He bent down, kissed my hand, and left.

I wondered how long it would be before he was willing to speak to me. I had made a complete fool out of myself.

I undressed and lay in my bed.

What did I know of Guy?

I knew one thing for sure: he bottled things up inside himself until he eventually exploded. Had he really had that much emotion for me? I knew what I was beginning to feel for him, but could he possibly share the same feelings?

I threw the thoughts out of my head. I knew I couldn't be thinking them. I was here in Nottingham to marry Weston, not to engage in a love affair with a tall, dark stranger.

I knew it would be very difficult to see him again in public after this.