Chapter 2

What was I thinking? How did I get myself engaged to two men at once? I can honestly say that, when I went to visit Guy, I hadn't foreseen that he would propose a third time. Either way, I meant it when I had said, yes. I would be Lady Gisborne and I was proud to have made that choice for myself. It was a huge relief now to have Guy on my side, to know for certain that he genuinely loved me no matter what.

Morning came too soon. Tired and exhausted, Guy had carried me upstairs to his room. I didn't object; his motivation wasn't to take anything from me. We just fell asleep in each other's arms for a few hours leading up to the dawn. I awoke before Guy did trying to recall the events of last night. Slowly I withdrew from my purse my engagement ring to Robin. Tears began to dim my vision until the colors of the ring were a blur. Hastily, I placed it back in my purse, trying to wipe away my tears. Either way someone was going to get hurt and it would be my fault.

Next to me I felt Guy stir. His eyes opened to seeing my lying there awake. A smile slowly lit up his face.

Good morning, I smiled at him in return.

Marian, he murmurs pulling me in closer to him. His touch is intoxicating, but I savor it anyway. He stops kissing me for a moment, drawing away uncertainly. Did you mean what you said last night? That you would marry me?

Yes. I meant it this time. I want to be your wife.

Guy gazes at me in amazement before his hand brushes my neck and moves to my lips taking them in. I think I could stay here with him all day, if not for the Sheriff needing him.

Will you come back with me to the castle? Guy asks.

It takes a moment for me to consider my answer. My relationship with Guy is still fragile and I weigh my words carefully. I want to, but as the night watchman there are some errands I need to run. Will you make sure your guards are posted elsewhere in the village?

That's too great a risk. The Sheriff will become suspicious.

Distract him. Tell him I am feeling unwell and that I am resting here.

Are you sure?

I nod. I know he expects me in the castle, but coming from you it will seem obvious, won't it?

What?

I sigh, teasing him. Use your imagination.

Guy sends me a mischievous smile as I get up from his bed. Before I can move further, he pulls me toward him, my back against him. He brushes my hair aside and his lips meet my neck as his arms around my waist pull me closer to him.

Guy, I smile, you know you're not making this any easier for me. There's so much to be done.

Not if it compromises your safety.

I turn around to face him, wrapping my arms around his neck. Remember me as the night watchman against you, Guy of Gisborne? Who won those two times?

Very funny, he murmurs, before keeping me from saying anymore with a kiss.

Eventually I have to break it again. If I stay any longer, we'll both be in trouble.

Marian, he says, his hand upon my face. Be careful.

I will. I slip on my hood before stealing out of his house to fetch my horse. Now is my opportunity to pay a visit to Sherwood.

It isn't long before I find Robin's gang having their supper, Much's squirrel as usual. It won't be the same being with them if I break Robin's heart. This is going to be painful.

Robin sends me a smile before surveying my flushed cheeks, slightly disheveled hair, and the fact that I'm wearing the same clothes as yesterday. I hadn't taken that into account.

Marian, are you alright? Did you make it home safely last night back to the castle?

Yes, Robin I'm fine. I need to speak with you though…on a personal matter.

Already I've troubled Robin. We walk together in silence farther away from his camp. Finally he speaks. What's troubling you, Marian?

Robin, it took me a while to realize it, but I have feelings for Guy. I've been repressing them. At first when I was going to marry him, I couldn't stand him and all that he stood for. While I've been living in the castle, I've seen a different side of him, someone who is compassionate, giving.

There's an edge to Robin's voice as he searches my face, his eyes in disbelief. You can't be serious, Marian! This man tried to kill the king and countless others! Are you out of your mind?

No, I am perfectly serious. I told him I was the night watchman. I persuaded him to return Locksley to you and join your side for England. There is good in him, Robin.

Robin shakes his head, shocked at my actions. And how did you persuade him? You saw him last night, didn't you?

Robin, it's not what you think, I implore, as he turns his back on me. I promise you. I did nothing against my honor. That's why I had to come here as soon as I could.

So everything you've done with me, was a lie?

No, never. It was all real. I can't stop the tears from coming. Never have I felt so pitiful. I meant every word. I'm always on your side, Robin. My feelings have just changed.

So you will be Lady Gisborne? It's difficult for him to meet my eyes, the same for me too. I don't answer him as I try to find the words to explain. Did he force that on you, a bargain to repay me? Do you not see he's been lusting after you for some time now?

I understand your concerns, but that is not the man I have to come to know. I have seen many sides to Guy, Robin. I know what I'm getting myself into.

Robin sighs. There is hurt in him he can't contain. You would give up everything, a life as a free woman here with me in the forest? Marian, he will be the death of you!

Don't say that! He loves me, Robin, for me, not just as a decoration on his arm. I could help your cause so much more as Lady Gisborne. Through me, you can have your wealth, your land back.

Robin shakes his head again. There are tears ready to fall from his eyes. Don't you see? It would all mean nothing without you!

I slowly withdraw the engagement ring from my purse, placing it within his hands. I'm so sorry, Robin. You will find someone, one day, I promise you−a brave woman who will always be there to fight by your side. You will find her, Robin.

Slowly I turn away from him, leaving one life behind me and choosing another.