Chapter 8

Isabella fled that night before either of us could stop her. As Guy is comforting me in our room, I feel his body tense at the sound of the door being slammed. Gazing out the window, I watch Isabella ride swiftly off into the night

Damn her! Guy mutters, unable to contain his fury. I should have known she would have tried to run.

Wait, I say, she's heading toward Sherwood. She'll run into Robin's camp eventually. We must go alert them that she's not to be trusted.

You can't be serious, Marian? Guy stares at me incredulously. It's too risky at this hour. We'll be spotted.

Slowly I draw myself away from the window, mulling over Guy's words. We had escaped a wedding fire and dealing with his twisted sister. What more trouble did we need? Someone was conspiring to come between us. Guy seems to sense my worried mind as I sink onto our bed.

You fear for Hood's safety, don't you?

I fear that Isabella could turn him against you, I say.

This isn't about me, Marian, Guy replies, his eyes not leaving mine. You still love him.

Guy…

Don't lie to me.

He is right. My feelings for Robin haven't gone away after all. I didn't think I could be in love with two men at once; I didn't even think it was possible. Was it really that obvious to Guy?

I would never…

Guy turns away from me unconvinced, pacing our room. I press him further. Guy, answer me this: if we were starving and had nothing left, how do I know you wouldn't sell our daughter to be married?

It's too late for me to bite back my words. I can already see the hurt in Guy's eyes. His jaw tenses before he's able to find the words. Is that really your opinion of me−that I would desert my family in a crisis?

Frustration clouds my voice. You tell me. What you did to Isabella isn't that different from you abandoning a baby−yours, mind you, in the forest.

There's a fury in Guy's eyes, a struggle against his old indifference. I would prefer it if you never mentioned my sister's name again. Without another word, he leaves the room.

I curl up on our bed, painfully regretting what I'd said. We had only spent one married night together and we were already fighting. Maybe I hadn't been as ready to marry Guy as I had thought. The flurry of shocking events that had occurred leading up to this were almost too much for me to handle. Then it hit me: in his anger, Guy expressed a sense of jealously toward my old feelings for Robin. Perhaps that was his insecurity more than anything: he feared my feelings for him would eventually fade and I would run away with Robin instead. In my heart, that was untrue. If only he knew that. One thing I had learned day one as Lady Gisbourne: Sir Guy's feelings for people were either all, or nothing.

After dressing, I rush down the stairs to find Guy slumped down in a chair by the hearth, his eyes staring into the fire. Quietly I order for one of our servants to fetch us some wine and serve breakfast. Afterward I slowly make my way over to where Guy sits, struggling to find the words.

Guy…I'm so sorry.

Guy sighs, rising from his seat and leaning his hands on the mantle. He can't meet my eyes; his walls are up again, a wariness to freely express his feelings. How can I possibly deal with that all over again?

I should know you better by now, I confess to him. You're right. I still have feelings for Robin Hood, but I have not regretted my choice to have this, not for one moment…you mean everything to me.

Guy finally raises his head, meeting my eyes. Marian…You're right to question my actions. I wish I could forget the past and all I've done.

I know.

I'm not used to my decisions being challenged, he admits to me. With you, I'll have to get used to it.

Guy closes the space between us, cradling my face in his hands. Before I know it, his reconciling lips meet my own.

Marian, are you alright? Guy asks me as we have our breakfast.

I nod, staring at my plate, having barely touched a morsel.

Then why aren't you eating?

Oh, I reply, awakening from my thoughts. Finally, I manage to form them into words. Don't go back to the castle…please.

Marian, I wish I didn't have to either, but I need to inform the Sheriff about our marriage. If I stay here, he'll fire me, or worse arrest you again.

Guy is right, but I still can't help feeling a sense of foreboding. I never thought after marrying Guy I would be putting his life in danger. Ever since my sudden encounter with Isabella, I had been shaken at how much she had loathed him. Compared to Kate's hatred, Isabella's would kill my husband in an instant. That is, if the Sheriff didn't choose to get to him first. None of this stops me from begging Guy not to go.

We've only been married for two days. Do you expect me to stay around the house waiting for you, hoping you won't get killed? Just send word that you are unwell today, anything!

Since when have you worried about me getting myself killed? Guy smiles as he tries to reassure me. I won't be gone long, I promise.

It's too late. I've lost the battle this time. There's nothing I can do to stop Guy; however, there's something I can do rather than stay here waiting for him. I have to warn Robin about Isabella! Guy seems to read my mind.

Marian, I'd rather you didn't go to the forest. It's not safe.

Of course I'm going, I challenge him. I've seen what your sister's capable of.

Guy sighs, tired of my stubbornness. Please, wait till I return. That's all I ask.

Fine. I am sick of quarreling with my husband. It's clear he is too. Guy smiles at me, his fingers stroking my chin.

You look beautiful this morning, Lady Gisborne.

I blush at his compliment. He leaves me with one last look before shutting the door behind him. Quickly I drape my traveling cloak around myself. Guy should know better, by now. There's no way I'm obeying his request.