It was Friday morning September fifth. Rhiannon had just come from Mortianna's apothecary for her daily measure of potion. A stroke of luck happened on this day. Rhiannon finally had an opportunity to obtain more of the potion when Mortianna's pet crow managed an escape from his cage. This was the first opportunity that arose in days. And it was also the first morning in several days she found herself to be alone in the private chamber. She went to the bed and crouched down. She reached across the smooth marble floor and found the flask. She pulled it out from under the bed, removed the stopper, and poured the contents from her vile into the flask. She stood and took the flask to the table located below the mirror on the wall. There was a goblet waiting there. She poured some of the potion into the goblet, then went back to hide the flask under the bed. Rhiannon got up and went back to the table. She picked up a large bottle that was sitting there, the lavender soap that Mortianna had given to her, along with the goblet and headed to the bath chamber. The servants had already brought several buckets of warm water for her.

She went to the tub. She placed the goblet and the soap on the chair beside it, then she opened the bottle. It was a liquefied version of the soap, Mortianna had just given it to her this morning. She poured it into the tub and then added the water. Finally the tub was filled and was overflowing with heavenly, creamy bubbles. She removed her dressing gown, letting it fall carelessly to the floor and stepped into the bath, sliding into the water until it was at the level of her shoulders. She closed her eyes and reclined back into it. A few minutes later she was startled by a knock on the door. There was only one person it could be.

"Yes?" She called.

"My Lady?" The Sheriff replied.

"You may enter." Rhiannon said. She reached beside her and grabbed her goblet. She was sipping it when the Sheriff stepped inside the chamber.

He was rather surprised when he saw the bubbles foaming all around her.

"What's this?" He asked.

"Isn't it divine? It's a liquefied version of Mortianna's soap. She just gave it to me. It's dreamy!" Rhiannon sighed.

The Sheriff shot her a devilish grin at her choice of words. It looked strange to him, but he guessed he'd have to be a woman to understand. Like their fascination with fancy gowns and boots. He never did get the fascination with boots.

Then she startled him by a sudden change in her mood.

"So, what do you want?" Rhiannon asked abruptly.

"My lady?" The Sheriff said.

"You are interrupting my morning ablutions, in case you didn't notice that." Rhiannon rolled her eyes.

"Yes." The Sheriff said. He cleared his throat. "Well, I just wanted to inform you that we shall be dining this evening with my cousin and his lady. There won't be much time after today for this, and they shall be gone a week after they are wed." The Sheriff said.

"I shall look forward to it, my Lord. It is a grand idea." Rhiannon said.

"Also, my chef, Jean Louis will be preparing the dishes tonight. I thought you could get an idea of his culinary talents for the feast at our wedding. We never did speak with him about it." The Sheriff smiled.

"Oh. Yes. Well, I forgot all about that. I don't know any chefs so whomever you recommend is fine with me." Rhiannon said nonchalantly.

"Really? You're okay with it if I ask Jean Louis to do it?" The Sheriff asked.

Rhiannon sighed and took a sip of the potion from her goblet. Why didn't she remember to bring ale to chase it down? It was just as well, he would wonder why she was drinking from two goblets.

"This is boring. Can we talk about flowers instead?" Lady Rhiannon asked, startling him.

"We shall have many guests present at our wedding, my lady. The feast is an important part of it." The Sheriff pointed out.

She took another sip. She was beginning to feel warmed. She cast him her seductive sideways glance. He exhaled a sigh. He was starting to feel warmed and tugged at his collar.

"I don't care about food. Do you honestly think I'll be thinking about food on the day that you will marry me?" Rhiannon asked. "That will be the last thing on my mind." She grinned.

"Yes. I can promise it will be the last thing on my mind as well." The Sheriff agreed. He loved her innuendo. "But the point is we will be entertaining our guests." He said.

"I suppose you're right." Rhiannon sighed. "So, when do we dine with Sir Guy and Lady Meridwyn?" She asked.

"At dusk." The Sheriff replied. His eyes kept roaming over her. Through the creamy bubbles he thought he could detect her skin. He swallowed. "Are you wearing a bath shirt?" The Sheriff asked.

"No. Why bother? Nobody's going to see me. Nobody…except you. Besides, who needs it? I wouldn't be able to feel the foam on my skin." Rhiannon winked.

He closed his eyes a moment and breathed deeply. She didn't even have to try and she was the most seductive creature he ever laid his eyes on. Her voice. Those words. Her expressions. He opened his eyes.

"Right. Well, I have to venture out this day into the village. I won't be leaving until after high noon, but you'll see me in time for our engagement with Guy and Lady Meridwyn." The Sheriff informed her.

"That's fine. Whatever you need to do. I'll live." Rhiannon rolled her eyes and took another sip from her goblet. Her vision was becoming blurry, she blinked a few times.

His eyebrow shot north. Was that an insult he detected?

"What did you mean by that?" He asked suspiciously.

"You make it sound like it's going to be the end of the world for me because you'll be gone all day." Rhiannon said.

"My lady?"

"There's more to me than meets the eye." Rhiannon added.

"Oh yes. That I know." The Sheriff remarked sarcastically.

"Do you think the only thing I am good for is pleasing you?" Rhiannon asked pointedly.

He knew it was a rhetorical question. He said nothing but raised his eyebrow at her. She tried to fight her body's response to his mindless facial expression.

"Do you think the only thing I'm good for is kissing you? Stroking every inch of you?" She whispered. "Enveloping you with my lips, and tasting you with my tongue?" She added slowly.

The Sheriff sighed. His eyes were narrowed upon her. He was infuriated with her and yet, strongly aroused all at the same time. He licked his lips and swallowed.

"What is going on with you?" He suddenly questioned.

"Whatever do you mean?" Rhiannon asked.

"You have not been yourself ever since I returned home on Sunday! Your moods are all over the place. Sometimes they're up, and then they're down, sometimes moment to moment. You've almost turned into a shameless hussy? What has gotten into you, Rhiannon?" The Sheriff implored her.

"I don't know. I suspect nothing. Maybe that was just your poor excuse to cover up the fact that your ego had just been injured!" Rhiannon exclaimed.

"You know, I seriously do not know what to make of you these days. You're lucky I love you so much." The Sheriff spat.

"Really?" She raised her eyebrow and sipped from her goblet. "Why do you say that?" She asked him pointedly.

"Because lately you're acting insufferably!" He barked. "I'll see you at dusk in the dining hall!" He remarked sternly.

"Oh, yes, my dark prince. You can count on that." She grinned.

He let out a low growl and turned and quickly exited the bath chamber.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Later in the afternoon, the Sheriff approached the familiar grey stone manor on the outskirts of Nottingham. He secured his horse, walked along the cobblestone path and knocked on the door. Lady Rebeccah answered in moments.

"My Lord Sheriff. I'm surprised to see you. Come in." Lady Rebeccah smiled. She gestured for him to come inside.

"I received your message." The Sheriff said. "You hinted at Lady Marian's demeanor. I thought maybe you could tell me more about it if I paid you a visit."

"Yes." Rebeccah said.

"When did you see her?" The Sheriff asked.

"The last Monday in August. Almost a fortnight ago." Rebeccah replied.

The day I left on my mission, the Sheriff thought. "Do you think she's still here?" He asked.

"I'm not certain, but she might be. She said she had some business to take care of."

"Yes. I'm sure." The Sheriff said. "So, what was it about her that troubled you?"

"Just little things I picked up on. It wasn't very obvious by her words. But whenever she spoke of you, there was this look in her eyes. Like…rage." Rebeccah said.

"That's not surprising." The Sheriff remarked.

"She is still angry. She speaks of Robin as if he died yesterday. It's like she's in her own fantasy world! She makes very little sense." Rebeccah said. She pushed a shiny dark tendril from her face.

"How unfortunate. It has been a long time since his demise." The Sheriff said.

"Not for her. She truly spoke of him as if he lived and breathed yesterday. I was rather awed by it if I were being honest."

The Sheriff shook his head. "She has always hated me, Lady Rebeccah. This is nothing new. So, why the need to send me a message about this?" The Sheriff pried.

"Because, she gave me a strong feeling that she might be here to seek some sort of revenge. I don't know how. She was most interested to learn about Lady Rhiannon." Lady Rebeccah answered.

The Sheriff swallowed. "She knows of my lady? What does that little wench know about my lady?" The Sheriff demanded.

"Lady Marian came to visit me here at Lady Rhiannon's home. I had obtained permission from Lady Rhiannon two days prior. Lady Marian inquired about the lady of the manor. She wondered where she was. I told her she was staying at the castle of her betrothed where she'd been cared for since falling ill." Lady Rebeccah explained.

The Sheriff sighed.

"Naturally, she asked me whose castle my lady was staying at." Rebeccah added.

"Naturally." The Sheriff huffed. He could just imagine the look on her face when she put two and two together and found out the lady of the manor was his soon to be bride!

"And what did she say to that?" The Sheriff asked. "Not that I care." He added.

"I don't think I should repeat it." Rebeccah blushed.

"Coming from her, trust me, I won't be surprised." The Sheriff said.

"She said that it was curious Lady Rhiannon was staying at the castle, yet you're not married yet…" Lady Rebeccah stammered.

"Mmm… hmm? And? Oh, do go on, Lady Rebeccah. I'm sure there's more to it." The Sheriff remarked facetiously.

"She said that Lady Rhiannon was rather like…a courtesan."

"That bitch!" The Sheriff spat.

"My Lord?"

"Forgive me, my lady. That woman has always gotten under my skin. I do not care what she thinks of me, she's never hidden it. But when she insults my lady, she is making a grave mistake!" The Sheriff warned.

"I'm sure they have never spoken." Lady Rebeccah pointed out.

"I agree. I'm sure Rhiannon would've mentioned to me the curious wench she'd met if she had spoken to her. I'm sure my lady would see right through her." The Sheriff mused.

"And I'm sure she'd defend you if Lady Marian said anything against you to her." Rebeccah stated.

"Really?" The Sheriff asked.

"I know she would. She's done it with me." Rebeccah admitted.

"Is that so?" He pried.

"Yes. When your lady came here almost a fortnight ago she announced her upcoming nuptials to you. I told her…forgive me, my Lord – that I never saw you as the marrying kind." Rebeccah said.

The Sheriff sighed. He agreed that was the truth about him – before he met Rhiannon.

"She told me that George of the House of Nottingham was to be her husband and she wouldn't hear of me insulting you. Then she went on to say she could tolerate that from ignorant villagers, but she wouldn't tolerate it from me."

The Sheriff couldn't hide the smile that spread across his face.

"She loves you." Rebeccah said.

"Sometimes I wonder." The Sheriff said quietly, thinking of their discussion earlier. He wondered what her mood would be when they dined with Guy and Lady Meridwyn?

"My Lord?"

"It is nothing. Just the usual wedding jitters I suppose. If you see Lady Marian again I want to be informed." The Sheriff instructed.

"Yes, my Lord. I will tell you if I see her again." Lady Rebeccah promised.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

It was growing later in the day. Rhiannon was dressed and groomed, ready for her dinner engagement. She was gazing at her reflection in the mirror. She was pleased. There was one way to make the Sheriff forget he was angry at her. When he saw this gown – he would forget.

After she finished bathing she went through her trunk to search for it. Her heart leaped when she spotted it. She hoped he would remember. She ordered the servants to bring more buckets of strictly hot water to the bath chamber. She placed the gown in the bath chamber and hung it on a hook in the wall. She closed the door and the steam began to work its' magic on the soft velvet.

Now, she stood gazing upon her reflection. The gown was perfect, it looked new. She pinched her cheeks and they instantly flushed. She was slightly nervous. She needed courage. The flask was upon the table before her. She began to pour a measure of potion in the goblet. She began to drink. She liked the way it made her feel. Like nothing could hurt her, because she couldn't care. She especially loved the way it heightened the sensation of the Sheriff's touch, and that it removed her modesty in response to it. Besides, she justified it by telling herself that sometimes she could still remember what that man did to her. Like last night, in a nightmare she had. When she awoke, her lover was looking down upon her. He looked concerned but said nothing. She just smiled and closed her eyes, wishing she could just run into a cave instead. She finished the potion and chased it with ale. She looked back into the mirror. She knew it had worked. She was feeling it already.

"Watch out, dear Sheriff, your lady is coming." She grinned.

She heard a knock on the door leading into the den. She went to the door. The page was standing before her when she opened it.

"Forgive me, milady, but Lady Marian is here to see you again." The page said.

"This is not a good time." Lady Rhiannon frowned. "Where is she?"

"In the Council Quarters." The page replied.

"No. She can't be! The Sheriff will be stopping by there before he prepares himself for our dinner engagement!" Rhiannon exclaimed.

"Milady?"

"Never mind." Rhiannon said. She was just about to head there when she remembered the flask sitting out. She dismissed the page and ran back into the chamber. After she moved the flask back under the bed, she left and made her way to the Council Quarters.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

The Sheriff was getting closer to the castle. He was about fifteen minutes away. It was nearing dusk. He hoped that his lady would behave herself tonight. He thought of what Lady Rebeccah said, of how she admonished Rebeccah for insulting him. And he thought of what Rhiannon said to him this morning in the bath chamber. She was the biggest tease he'd ever known. He was angry when he closed the door behind him when he left her in the morning. But the truth was he was angry that she could completely enrage him, and yet cause him to have lustful thoughts toward her all in the same moment! He'd never met a woman like her. But she was different lately. Not at all like the woman he met. She was always headstrong and self sufficient, but this was different. There was an arrogance taking hold of her. He'd never seen it in her before until he returned six days ago. Could it be this Richard character she mentioned to him last night? She seemed curiously passionate about the whole thing. Had she been having an affair? Or, was her previous affair with this man Richard, so steamy that she couldn't get him out of her mind? Was that the reason for the sudden change in her?

He would have words with her later about the way she spoke to him earlier. And he was going to keep prying until she told the truth of the man in the sketch that caused her such anger that she barged in upon his meeting. Nothing she could do tonight would change his mind. He was not going to give in to her feminine charms!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Rhiannon opened the door to the Council Quarters.

"We cannot be seen here, Lady Marian. My betrothed will return soon and he always comes to this chamber before he retires his duties at the end of the day." Lady Rhiannon said.

"He does not know I'm here?" Lady Marian asked.

"No. I never told him. I think you know why." Rhiannon said.

"Very well." Lady Marian sighed.

"Come. We'll go to the gardens. I must make it brief though, because I have a dinner engagement at dusk." Rhiannon said.

Lady Marian walked toward her. Rhiannon led her through the long halls, then eventually they came to the exit that led out into the gardens.

They walked for a few minutes then Marian spoke.

"You did not come to see me on Wednesday, Lady Rhiannon. Did you not receive my message?" Lady Marian asked.

"Yes. I received it. But I had no wish to visit Locksley Castle. I heard all about the shape it's in. I knew you only wanted me there so you could gloat." Rhiannon said matter of factly.

"There's some things you don't know." Marian began.

"Really? Like what? Oh, wait a minute – why don't you ask me if I care, first?" Rhiannon blurted, suddenly not caring a damn for propriety.

"How dare you!" Lady Marian exclaimed.

"No. How dare you! You are standing upon the property of the Sheriff of Nottingham, and you dare to come here to warn me of him?" Rhiannon accused. "I don't care about the Sheriff you knew. I only care about the one that I know." She added.

"That's very romantic and sweet, Lady Rhiannon. But I will not have my Robin forgotten about either! I wanted to tell you about him. Go ahead, think what you will. You're cold. Just like him. You really are a perfect match." Lady Marian said. Her excuse was a lie. She did in fact invite Lady Rhiannon to Locksley Castle to fill her in on the story behind why it was nothing but ruins. The cursed wretch! The Sheriff's lady was clever too!

"How can you even speak of him without mentioning my betrothed? They were enemies. They were against each other from the beginning." Rhiannon pointed out.

"Oh, so he did speak of Robin to you?" Marian hinted.

"Of course. He wanted me to know about his past, about the man he used to be. But he is not that man anymore." Rhiannon said adamantly.

"Really? I wouldn't be so sure of that. He'd shoot an arrow in your back if he were provoked. I've seen it. You better mind your behaviour around him. You're in for a real treat." Marian said. Then she left and went on her way.

Rhiannon was angry. She was angry at many. How dare she! She did it again – insulted the Sheriff to her. She wouldn't let this get to her. She had a task ahead. She sighed. It was time. She was going to use all of her feminine power to bewitch the Sheriff. She knew exactly what she would do.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

The Sheriff was standing in the dining hall with Guy and Lady Meridwyn. The Sheriff and Guy were drinking brandy, and Lady Meridwyn was sipping on water. They had been waiting for Lady Rhiannon about fifteen minutes.

"So, where is she, cousin? It is almost dusk." Guy asked.

"Who knows? Maybe she's drinking a pitcher of water!" The Sheriff spat.

"It's curious, my Lord. This thirst she has all of the time." Meridwyn said.

"Yes." The Sheriff said. He realized he'd already said too much.

"Why is she so thirsty so much of the time?" Meridwyn asked.

The Sheriff cleared his throat. "She's been dehydrated ever since she awakened from her last illness. Nothing to worry about. She shall be fine." The Sheriff lied.

"Oh." Meridwyn said.

The Sheriff began to pace. "I do hate it when she keeps me waiting!" He exclaimed, mildly irritated. He walked closer toward the door near the table. Guy and Meridwyn were near the back of the room.

"I'm sure she'll be here soon, my Lord." Guy reassured.

"Well she better be!" The Sheriff barked.

Suddenly the door opened. The Sheriff turned toward it. Lady Rhiannon stood there. She cast him her special seductive glance. She was wearing the black and burgundy velvet gown she had been wearing the day they first met. He let out a soft gasp then he swallowed.

The skirt was black, but the rest of it a beautiful shade of burgundy. Like the rich colour of wine. It had a sweetheart neckline tied together with ribbons in a matching hue, and fitted sleeves. The bodice was fitted and pushed her breasts upward. They peaked slightly from the top of it. She began to slowly glide toward him. He never took his eyes off of her.

Guy smiled as he watched from his vantage point. It was like watching a play. It was the most seductive dance he'd ever witnessed, and yet all that was happening was Lady Rhiannon was walking slowly toward his cousin. It was the looks they cast at each other. Then he saw Rhiannon stop in front of the Sheriff.

Rhiannon stopped when she was just inches from the Sheriff. He stood staring at her. She raised her eyebrow and gave him a knowing grin.

"Miss me?" She asked in a hushed tone. She leaned in close to his ear. "Careful. Your tongue is showing. Save it for later…Sugar." Then she moved away, and winked at him before she smiled at Guy and Lady Meridwyn.

The Sheriff closed his eyes and exhaled a sigh. He knew she was being facetious but he could feel himself growing hard for her. It was going to be an interesting evening. He could already tell. Curses!

"Sir Guy! Meridwyn! I must say I was delighted when my man told me about our dinner engagement." Rhiannon said to them.

"We should have done this a long time ago." Meridwyn agreed.

"Indeed." Guy said.

"Some brandy, my dear?" The Sheriff asked Rhiannon, curtly.

"Oh yes, I could use something to warm me, for I feel a slight draft in the room." Rhiannon was quick to add.

"Touche." The Sheriff said.

Guy and Lady Meridwyn looked at them strangely then cast curious glances at each other.

They were interrupted when the door flew open. A tall, balding man, who was a little on the stout side stood there. He was wearing a long white apron over a black shirt and matching breeches.

"Bonsoir, mon Seigneur Sheriff." The man spoke. "Are you ready to begin?"

"Yes, Jean Louis." The Sheriff replied. "I don't believe you've met my bride to be." He said. He looked to Rhiannon and motioned for her to come forward. She sighed and obeyed.

"This is Lady Rhiannon. She is going to be my bride." The Sheriff said.

"How do you do?" Rhiannon said.

"C'est un plaisir, ma dame." Jean Louis said.

"I know this is short notice, but we are in need of your services. Our wedding feast will be on September twenty sixth. Would you be willing to do it for us?" The Sheriff asked.

"It will be my pleasure, my Lord." Jean Louis said.

"Why don't you tell us what you're serving tonight?" The Sheriff suggested.

"Oui. Tonight's specialty is pot pouri stew, followed by galimafree." Jean Louis announced.

"Galimafree." The Sheriff mused. "Have you ever served that here before?"

"No, my Lord. It is a new recipe. It is a poultry fricassee sprinkled with verjuice and certain spices. It is surrounded by a special sauce made of vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, and breadcrumbs." Jean Louis explained.

The Sheriff made a face.

"That sounds divine." Lady Rhiannon said.

"Droit. Eh bien prendre votre place, je vais faire la vaisselle out." Jean Louis instructed as he scanned all of their faces.

"Pardon, Jean Louis?" The Sheriff asked.

"Forgive me." Jean Louis cleared his throat, embarrassed he'd forgotten himself. "Take your seats. I shall bring the dishes out." He said.

The Sheriff nodded. Jean Louis left the room.

The four of them took their seats at the rectangular table. The Sheriff and Guy were seated beside each other on one side of it, and their ladies were appropriately seated directly across from their men.

Rhiannon began to lightly trace the rim of her goblet. The Sheriff looked up. He watched her moving her fingertips slowly across it. Then she dipped her finger in the brandy and brought it up to her lips. She tasted it with her tongue and winked at him. He blinked. Then he shot her a look of warning. He glanced at Guy and Meridwyn. Luckily they hadn't noticed.

He looked back upon her. She returned his gaze. Her eyes were glazed over like she was completely bewitched. She was going to drive him to madness!

He sighed in frustration. Then he mouthed the words 'control yourself' to her.

Jean Louis returned to the room carrying a large tureen.

"The stew, mon Seigneur Sheriff." Jean Louis announced. He placed the tureen in the center of the table. He picked up a ladle that was already placed there on the table and began to ladle it into bowls for them.

"What's in this? It smells delicious." Meridwyn asked.

"Oui. It is a blend of veal, beef, mutton, vegetables, and bacon. Very tasty indeed." Jean Louis said.

The Sheriff nodded and Jean Louis left the room.

The stew was flavourful and satisfying. They were all exclaiming over it when Rhiannon reached across to grab the pitcher of water.

"Too much brandy, my dear?" The Sheriff asked.

"No. I'm just thirsty. The stew was rather salty." Rhiannon said. She picked up the pitcher and poured some water into the goblet.

He shot her a half smile. Why did she have to look so damn ravishing?

The door flew open again. Jean Louis was there holding a serving tray. A member of the kitchen staff accompanied him. He directed him to remove the bowls from the table. Jean Louis was placing the tray in the middle of the table when Rhiannon looked up at him.

"The stew was very good, Jean Louis. You must tell me sometime of your culinary secrets. For, I wish to please my Lord in every way." Rhiannon smiled. "More than just in the bed chamber if you know what I mean." She winked.

The Sheriff cleared his throat and tugged at his collar.

Guy grinned and cast a knowing look upon Meridwyn. She grinned back at him, trying not to burst out giggling.

"Oui." Jean Louis said. He began to carve the chicken and served it to them. Then he spooned sauce from the serving tray, and ladled it onto their plates.

"Thank you, Jean Louis." The Sheriff said.

Guy and Meridwyn were having a brief discussion about their upcoming nuptials. The Sheriff looked down at the poultry dish before him. He stabbed a small piece with his fork, dipped it in the sauce and tasted it. He made a face and swallowed. It was just as he imagined. Unpleasant. He reached across for his goblet of brandy. He looked up. Rhiannon was watching him. She smiled at him seductively. He took a sip of the brandy as he kept his eyes focused on hers, and she leaned forward so she could lower her voice. He raised his eyebrow but leaned in toward her.

"I'll have something satisfying for you to chew on later, lover." Rhiannon teased in a whisper.

"Rhiannon." The Sheriff growled. "Control yourself!" He admonished.

"You wish!" She said as she leaned back in her seat.

She took a bite of the galimafree. "Mmm." She smiled at him. "So good." She drew the words out slowly and sensually as she licked her lips.

He sighed. She was like a demon possessed!

Guy cleared his throat. "Yes. It has a very interesting flavour." He agreed.

"Isn't it remarkable?" Lady Meridwyn interrupted the awkward moment. "Your wedding is just three weeks from today." She smiled at the Sheriff and Rhiannon.

"Yes. That is remarkable." The Sheriff said.

"Are you excited?" Lady Meridwyn asked.

The Sheriff opened his mouth to answer but as usual - couldn't form the words quickly enough.

"Of course he is, Meridwyn. I like to keep him satisfied." Rhiannon said slowly.

The Sheriff shot her a warning gaze. Guy raised his eyebrow. Meridwyn turned her head to the right and shot her friend a suspicious glance.

Rhiannon looked around at their faces. "Oh, please. Don't act like you've never heard of what I'm talking about!" She brazenly admonished them.

The Sheriff realized he was finally shocked by the asinine words uttered from her lips. His jaw flew agape.

Rhiannon looked to Meridwyn, then to the Sheriff. "Funny, if either of you were alone with me, you'd agree with every word I'm saying. You'd participate in the discussion. But now that you're in each other's presence, you act like total prudes. You people sure know how to be party killers!" Rhiannon rolled her eyes.

"Rhiannon. Shut up." The Sheriff whispered gruffly.

She rolled her eyes but obeyed.

Ten minutes later, Guy and the ladies were just finishing their galimafree. The Sheriff and Guy were discussing the matter of the blacksmith among other points of business, when the Sheriff stopped in mid sentence. He felt something soft moving over his crotch. It was beginning to massage him.

The Sheriff tugged once more at his collar, sighed, and looked up. Rhiannon had an elbow leaned on the table and was chewing on her fingertip looking at him very seductively. His eyebrow shot north. He slowly and discreetly looked down to his lap. Her foot was there, massaging him, trying to make him hard – when he could do nothing about it!

"My Lord? You were saying?" Guy asked.

"It doesn't matter." The Sheriff growled.

Rhiannon increased the pressure applied to his manhood. He sighed. He had to stop her without calling attention to her. Why was she doing this to him now? In front of his cousin and Lady Meridwyn? Was she testing his reaction? Once again he was infuriated and aroused at the same time. He couldn't let her embarrass herself, however, so it was going to stop now.

"Did I tell you about a curious development regarding the kidnappers, cousin?" The Sheriff said to Guy. Rhiannon was undeterred. She kept up her act of seduction. He tried to ignore her.

Guy shot him a curious glance.

The Sheriff turned his head toward him and whispered. "Work with me, Guy."

"No, my Lord. You didn't tell me." Guy said.

"Yes. Well, it seems my lady knows the man who holds the child." He said. He turned his head back to face Rhiannon. "Don't you, Rhiannon?" The Sheriff asked with a snarl and his eyebrow raised.

She stopped massaging him with her foot and removed it from him.

"Yes." She said.

"She once courted him. Isn't that curious?" The Sheriff said.

"That's untrue!" Rhiannon said. "What's even more funny is the story he told me about it." Rhiannon said to Guy and Meridwyn.

The Sheriff shot her a warning look and shook his head.

"Really? What is that?" Guy went along with it.

"Oh, I couldn't begin to tell you." Rhiannon said as she kept her eyes upon the Sheriff. "It is so absurd I couldn't say. I wouldn't do that to him." She said.

"Really?" The Sheriff remarked.

"It's too deranged to comprehend." Rhiannon grinned.

The Sheriff sighed.

Guy cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should retire, my lady. You need your rest." Guy said to Meridwyn.

"Oh?" Meridwyn said. She looked up at Guy. He nodded to his left toward the Sheriff and Lady Rhiannon. "Right, my love. Some rest would do me good." Meridwyn agreed.

"I'm glad we could do this, cousin. It was…interesting." Guy said as he stood up.

The Sheriff held onto the edge of the table. He kept his eyes upon Rhiannon's when he answered.

"Yes…interesting." The Sheriff agreed, his jaw tightly set.

After his Lieutenant and Lady Meridwyn left, he slowly stood up and leaned across the table toward her.

"What do you think you were doing?" He asked gruffly.

"Playing." Rhiannon said.

He raised his eyebrow.

"Well, you told me I was playing at something, so I decided to show you the kind of game I can play." She said.

"You could've waited until we were alone!" The Sheriff admonished.

"Now, what would be the fun in that? You liked it didn't you?" Rhiannon asked.

"God. You angered me! Don't you get it?" The Sheriff asked as he walked around the table toward her.

"I get it. But you were more than just angry. You wanted it. I could see it in your eyes." Rhiannon grinned.

"You think." He said curtly.

"Oh, I know it. You wanted me. You couldn't wait for them to leave us so you could take me here and now."

He stood in front of her and put his hands upon her shoulders. "You think so?" He asked, sarcastically.

"You want it right now, don't you?" Rhiannon whispered. She began to untie the laces of her bodice.

"Why are you doing this?" The Sheriff whispered.

"To spice up your love life." Rhiannon said.

"It's not going to work." He said.

She pulled the edges of her bodice apart until her breasts were exposed. He gasped. Then she reached up and grabbed him by his collar and pulled him toward her.

He closed his eyes. "Rhiannon…" He whispered.

"I know you want me." She said as she pulled him closer then placed her soft lips upon his. He began to devour her with his lips and his tongue. Then he lifted her and sat her on the table. She lifted her gown and wrapped her legs around him. Rhiannon reached down and untied his codpiece then unlaced his breeches. The Sheriff reached behind her and in one sweeping motion, moved the dishes off the table. They fell to the floor in a great clamour. Then he pushed her back on the table and entered her. She was wild, like nothing he'd ever seen. Even though he was still angered with her, he liked what she was doing to him.

Their bodies moved in an urgent dance of desire. She loved the way he felt moving inside of her. The sensations always heightened after she drank the potion. She liked what it did for them. Afterward, he fell on top of her, both of them breathless while he kissed her. A few moments later she broke the kiss and surprised him with another stab at innuendo.

"Told you it's hard for me to think about food." She grinned.

The Sheriff shook his head and smiled. "You're truly something else, my lady. We should be going. I'm surprised my chef didn't come in when he heard the noise. Maybe he guessed?" The Sheriff winked.

"Perhaps." Rhiannon smiled.

"That was uh…interesting, my lady. But in future however, it would be nice if you wouldn't be so public about it." The Sheriff said.

"I could try. But I don't know if I can promise." Rhiannon smiled.

"Rhiannon." The Sheriff admonished.

"Oh, alright. But I can still try, can't I?"

"Flirt with me all you want, my angel. It will not go unnoticed I can promise you that. But massaging me under the table is a little more than flirting." The Sheriff said.

"It worked for now, didn't it?" Rhiannon asked.

"Yes." He cleared his throat. "Alright, I admit it. I liked it. But once was enough, unless we're alone." He said. "You can do that to me whenever you want…if we're alone." The Sheriff added with a grin.

"I thought you'd like that." Rhiannon smirked.

"Come, my love, let's get out of here." He stood up and began to lace his breeches. She tied the ribbons on the bodice of her gown. Then she stood up and smoothed her skirts.

"A fine choice of attire, my lady." The Sheriff smiled. "I remembered." He added.

"I know." Rhiannon said. He moved toward her and offered her his hand. She took it.

"How did you know?" The Sheriff asked.

"I could tell by the look on your face when you first saw me tonight." Rhiannon replied. "I knew right then that you recognized my gown."

"A very clever strategy to get my attention, my lady." The Sheriff smirked.

"Just one of the tricks I have up my sleeve for you, sugar." Rhiannon teased.

He sighed. He didn't know where all of this sensual behaviour of hers was coming from, but he liked it. A little too much he realized.

They left the dining hall and ran into Jean Louis in the corridor.

"I think she approves of your culinary talents." The Sheriff said to him as he nodded to Rhiannon.

"Oh yes. You're very skilled in the kitchen." Rhiannon agreed as she smiled at Jean Louis.

"Merci, Mademoiselle Rhiannon."

"Ce n'est rien." Rhiannon replied.

The Sheriff shot his head toward her and raised his eyebrow, surprised that she just spoke French.

"Mademoiselle! You know French?" Jean Louis asked.

"No. Only a little. Just what I picked up from a few visits with my seamstress." She said.

Jean Louis smiled.

"Oh, I regret to tell you there was a small accident in there." The Sheriff said as he nodded toward the dining hall. "I'm uh…sorry about the mess." The Sheriff said.

Jean Louis looked at him strangely.

"Oui, mon Seigneur Sheriff." Jean Louis said.

The Sheriff and Lady Rhiannon continued on their way. After a time, Rhiannon began to giggle.

The Sheriff smiled. "What is so amusing, my angel?" He asked her.

"Do you think he'll figure out why the dishes are on the floor?" Rhiannon asked.

"Who cares?" The Sheriff laughed. "I'm sure he'll figure it out, but I don't care what he thinks." The Sheriff said.

She stopped and turned to face him. "Come on, admit it. You liked it, didn't you?" Rhiannon asked.

The Sheriff grinned. "Yes, my lady. Although, it was rather…awkward." The Sheriff said.

"Where's your sense of danger?" Rhiannon challenged. "Don't you know that was what attracted me to you to begin with?"

"What was, my lady?" The Sheriff asked, his curiousity piqued.

"It was this air of danger about you. I was drawn to it. I had to try, you understand." Rhiannon explained.

"I'm glad you did." The Sheriff smiled. He cleared his throat. "I might come across as wild and dangerous to you, but I can assure you I've never engaged in public displays of intimacy before. Yes, it was fun, Rhiannon. It was dangerous and it was exciting. In fact it was amazing. But I wouldn't want to make a habit of it. Just control that foot of yours." The Sheriff reminded her.

She sighed. "Yes, my Lord." Rhiannon said.