On Wednesday morning the Sheriff was alone in the private chamber with his lady. He had dismissed Lady Margaret a few hours prior, insisting he'd send for her if need be and that he would take over observation of Lady Rhiannon. She relented finally. He was relieved. He wanted to be alone with Rhiannon when she wakened. He looked down upon her. She was slowly beginning to stir.
"My angel." The Sheriff said.
Rhiannon opened her eyes. She found his eyes with hers and smiled.
"My lady, do you know where you are?" The Sheriff asked.
"Of course I do, silly!" Rhiannon replied. "I'm right where I belong. I'm in your bed with you." She said.
The Sheriff sighed. If she wasn't in such a fragile state he'd take her right now. Even in the state she was in she could still find things to say to engage his senses. She was truly remarkable. He smiled at her. She started to reach up with her right hand to touch his face but paused halfway, she grimaced.
"Ahh! Damn!" Rhiannon exclaimed, her jaw clenched.
"My lady?"
"How can I possibly hurt there, just by raising my arm? Are you sure I wasn't tortured?" Rhiannon asked.
"Yes, I am sure. But you did need to be put back together. I will speak to Thomas about what we can do for the pain." The Sheriff said.
"I don't even know how I'll be able to get out of this bed. The pain….it's unbearable." She sighed.
"Well you're not going to be going anywhere for awhile, my lady. I almost lost you! You need rest. You have no idea what you've been through." He explained.
"That may be, but I'm not staying down too long. We have a wedding to plan, my sweet prince." Rhiannon smiled.
The Sheriff looked down at her and smiled. He began to caress her cheek. He leaned down closer to her. "I was afraid I had lost you, my lady." The Sheriff said quietly.
"You shall never lose me." Rhiannon replied.
"That is good to know. Just tell me, my love, whatever I can do for you. Your wish is my command." He said.
"Good. Then kiss me." Rhiannon said.
"My lady?"
Rhiannon sighed. "I've been waiting for you to do that ever since last night when we talked then. My, you must have had a fright, my prince. For you forgot the most important thing… to kiss your girl." She smiled slyly.
"Trust me, my beautiful lady – I never forgot." The Sheriff said as he slowly moved in and touched her lips softly to hers. He kissed her softly and longingly. Without thinking, Rhiannon tried to raise herself up and lean into him. She cried out. The Sheriff stopped and looked at her with concern.
"Oh God. Curses!" Rhiannon exclaimed.
"My lady, it's okay. Just rest." The Sheriff soothed.
"Am I dying?" Rhiannon asked.
"What? No! Of course not, my angel. You are awakened now. I'm no physician, but you seem to be improving to me." He said.
"The pain is indescribable. Like nothing I've ever felt. Will it ever go away?" A beat. "Our wedding!"
"The wedding will take place when you are fully recovered. That's all that matters to me, my love – your recovery. And if you happen to be better for the date we have it scheduled for, that will be splendid. But if we have to postpone it, then that is what we must do." The Sheriff said. "Don't think on that now, my angel. It is of no consequence at the moment."
"Marrying you is everything to me." Rhiannon said.
"It is everything to me too, my lady. But it will mean nothing to me if you're not there. You will listen to the advice given you this time." The Sheriff said more sternly to enunciate his point.
"Very well." Rhiannon said. She reached over to grab one of the pillows with her right hand.
"Oh! Damn the Gods!" Rhiannon cried out. "Am I to lie still just so I won't feel it? This is ludicrous!" She lamented.
"Just rest awhile, my lady." The Sheriff said.
"How can I rest? I cannot move! Oh, this is madness!" Lady Rhiannon cried.
"It's okay, my angel. Don't worry. I'll speak to Lady Margaret, she shall be returning soon. Perhaps she'll have some advice before Thomas arrives."
"Oh, splendid." Rhiannon commented rolling her eyes. She sighed. The pain was exhausting, but it was gone just now. She closed her eyes.
"George." She whispered.
"Yes?"
"Do not leave me. I'll feel better if you stay with me. But it might be hard for me to stay awake." She said.
"No, my love, I'm not leaving you. I shall be right here." The Sheriff said as he stroked her silky hair.
"I can get through anything as long as you're with me." Rhiannon smiled.
The Sheriff bent down to her and kissed her cheek. "Sleep, my angel." He said.
An hour later Lady Margaret returned accompanied by Thomas to check on Lady Rhiannon's progress.
"She wakened again. She was in a lot of pain." The Sheriff said as he arose from where he was seated on the bed and went to them.
"When did she fall asleep?" Thomas asked.
"An hour ago." The Sheriff said.
Thomas went to the bedside. He put his bag on the table beside it. He bent down and touched her forehead.
"Lady Rhiannon?" Thomas said.
The lady opened her eyes and looked up into the silver haired man's grey eyes. "Oh, I remember you." She whispered.
"Forgive me, Lady Rhiannon, but I need to inspect the wound." Thomas said.
She sighed. "Very well. Where is my betrothed?"
The Sheriff walked closer to the bed so she could see him. "It's okay, my lady. I am here." He said.
She looked over at him and smiled. Then she looked again to the physician. "You may look at it, but only if he can stay nearby." Rhiannon nodded to her soon to be husband.
"Very well." The physician agreed. He lifted the dressing carefully and inspected the wound. Rhiannon cried out. Thomas was satisfied with the condition of it and asked Lady Margaret to redress the wound. The Sheriff came closer to the bed, concerned about the pain Rhiannon was in. She reached out with her right arm to take his hand.
"Oh….God!" Rhiannon exclaimed as she squeezed her eyes shut and appeared to be holding her breath a moment.
"What can you do about her pain? There must be something!" The Sheriff said to Thomas.
"I will issue an opium mixture for her." Thomas said. "I have some in my bag."
"What about hemlock juice?" Lady Margaret suggested.
"I prefer to give the opium. I wouldn't risk giving her hemlock with the amount of blood she lost. It could prove fatal." Thomas replied.
He turned and grabbed his bag from the bedside table. He extracted a small flask and handed it to the Sheriff. "This is the opium. It is mixed in a liquid. It should last until tomorrow when I shall bring more. Give her a small measure every four hours. No more than two sips." Thomas instructed.
The Sheriff took it from him.
"How about starting now?" Rhiannon spoke up.
The Sheriff looked to Thomas. Thomas nodded. The Sheriff opened it and took it to Rhiannon. She slowly arose from the bed. She grimaced when she did so and stifled a moan in reaction to the pain. He held the flask to her lips and she took a few sips.
"That is enough." Thomas cautioned.
The physician and the midwife took their leave ten minutes later.
The Sheriff was once again seated on the bed now beside his lady. He leaned down to her. She opened her eyes, looked up at him, and smiled.
"Do you feel a little better, my lady?" The Sheriff inquired.
Rhiannon reached her right arm up to him and gently caressed his face, then ran her fingers through his wavy black hair. She kept her eyes upon his and slowly raised herself up to meet him. It was painful but bearable. She squeezed her eyes shut when the pain reached it's peak, then she opened them and gazed into his amber hazel eyes.
"I've been waiting to do that for a long time. There – I did it. Yes, my love, I am better." Rhiannon smiled.
His mustache slowly upturned as he began to grin seductively. He cast her a brief smoldering glance, burning his eyes into hers then leaned in closer and gave her a languid and gentle kiss.
"My beautiful lady…" The Sheriff whispered.
"Not so beautiful anymore." Rhiannon sighed.
"Rhiannon?" The Sheriff stopped and looked at her curiously.
"Well, I am damaged, and now I am scarred. Not such a prize for a man of your position." Rhiannon frowned.
"Rhiannon, what are you talking about?" The Sheriff asked.
"Well, I was violated, and now I am scarred. I am not so appealing anymore am I?" She looked away.
The Sheriff sighed. He put his fingertips to her chin and lifted it to meet his gaze. "Rhiannon, you are mistaken. In my eyes, no one will ever match your beauty." He said.
"I hope so." Rhiannon said. "I feel like the crow sitting next to the dove."
The Sheriff's left eyebrow shot north. "What?"
"You are the dove." She said.
"My lady, I think the opium is working." The Sheriff chuckled. "I've been called a lot of things in my time, but nobody has ever compared me to a dove. A raven maybe, but not a dove." He grinned.
Rhiannon kissed him again briefly, then reclined back to the pillows. "You must forgive me, my lord – I am feeling rather…liberated at the moment." Rhiannon began.
"Yes?" The Sheriff said.
"So what I'm going to tell you, I wouldn't normally say." She said.
"Alright."
"To me, you are like a dove. Before we ever spoke, when I saw you, I felt things I never felt before. You see, you almost existed in my dreams long before I met you. I never really saw his face, but everything else about him – is you. So when I saw you for the first time, you were like the man who was made real for me. The prince who always rescued me in my dreams." Rhiannon confided, blushing slightly.
The Sheriff looked down at her quietly, rather stunned.
"I knew it. You think I am mad." Rhiannon said. "I am not mad, it is only the opium. Or maybe it isn't?" She stammered. "Oh – just forget it." She said.
"No, my lady. It's not that at all." The Sheriff said.
"What is it?" Rhiannon asked.
"Well, I'm pleased to hear such a compliment. It is a first - trust me. But it's more than that. Because you are like that to me." The Sheriff said.
"I am? How?"
"The woman I always dreamed might be out there for me, but I thought it would never happen. The woman I dreamed of didn't look a certain way. It was more about her character. Would she be loving? Giving? Clever? Loyal? Just basics. I never met a maiden who possessed all of those traits, and you have that and more. That is what I mean. And now I know." He said.
"Now you know what?" Rhiannon asked as she tried to stifle a yawn.
"That we are really meant to be. It's as if we somehow willed each other to find one another with all of our dreaming." He said as he looked down upon her.
"All of those years that we dreamed…" Rhiannon mused.
"Well, don't stop dreaming, my lady." The Sheriff said. "For this is only the beginning." He smiled.
"I don't know if I can handle it." Lady Rhiannon said. "It's already good."
"You can handle it." The Sheriff smiled. "Are you jesting? You're the strongest maiden I know." He paused. "I like that you can keep up with me. Nobody ever could." He smiled.
"Well that may be, my love. But right now, if you want me there, you better take two steps back for me. Because at this moment, I cannot keep up." She sighed.
He reached out to her and smoothed her hair then softly caressed her face. "I shall always be willing to wait for you." He whispered.
"Oh, my prince, come here beside me." Rhiannon sighed as her eyes began to close. "I wanted to be next to you a long time ago but they wouldn't leave us alone!" Rhiannon huffed.
The Sheriff smiled and stretched out on the bed beside her. He held her close to him. She nestled into his chest. "It was necessary, my love. Now…is that better?" He asked.
"Yes, my love. Just hold me." She said.
"I will."
"And George?"
"Yes?" He asked.
"Just keep talking to me. I don't even care about the topic. I could listen to you for…well, the rest of my life." She sighed.
The Sheriff grinned. "My, now I know why it's so difficult to obtain opium. Aren't you full of compliments?"
"It is the truth. It is not the opium." Rhiannon said. For she had always loved the sound of his voice. His perfect baritone voice. It was slow and smooth and it had a way of grabbing attention. The way it wrapped itself around his words, even if he drew out a phrase. He knew exactly when to enunciate to get a point across. The sound was like melted chocolate – smooth, sweet, and seductive.
"Alright then, Rhiannon. What do you want to hear about?" The Sheriff said.
"Your surprises for me. I'm sure you've thought of something." Rhiannon said.
"Surprises?" The Sheriff asked.
"Our wedding is fast approaching. I'm sure if you…tell me, I won't remember it." Rhiannon said sleepily. Her eyelids grew heavy. She yawned and closed them.
The Sheriff looked down upon her and smiled. "It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, my love." He whispered gently as he stroked her hair while he gazed upon her.
She murmured as she drifted off, finally rid of some of the pain. She was exhausted from coping with it. The Sheriff watched as she began to fall asleep. He wondered if she had any memory of what he told her. On Tuesday he spoke of their child being the one who was taken. As far as he could see, that was the biggest surprise in store for her. He had so much he wished to say to her, but it would have to wait. He sighed. He hated waiting. His patience had been constantly tried in the last year. He wondered why he was being tested? It was then he had a shadow of doubt about being a father. Would he have enough patience to be good enough? He shook his head and sighed. One step at a time or I shall surely go mad, he thought.
He still felt uneasy. Rhiannon was still very pale and weakened. Was the worst of it over? He worried that her condition could still worsen, even though she'd already awakened. He would speak to Thomas about it.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Robert Wordsworth couldn't believe his luck. When Isabelle and the baby returned to their cabin on Monday he was not expecting Nottingham's Black Knights to be accompanying her. He had just laid his sword down on the table moments before. Not that it would've mattered. Curses! It would all be over soon.
They were traveling toward Nottingham, over the rolling hills in the north. Robert and Isabelle were bound and inside of a wagon pulled behind one of the horses. The child was carried by one of Nottingham's Black Knights – the leader of the group. The tall, red haired man carried the infant in a sling he had made out of a blanket in front of him. No matter what Robert did he'd never see his child again. Whether he attempted to escape, which would probably be best for Isabelle, or if he resigned himself to his fate by Nottingham's hand – he was a dead man. Unless… Robert couldn't help but wonder – just how much of that time did the Sheriff remember? Robert was one of the low profile members of Robin's rabble. Would the Sheriff even recognize him, or know his name?
Robert shook his head. Who was he fooling? The Sheriff of Nottingham was a lot of things, but obtuse, he was not. The man was as sharp as an arrowhead. He would know. Robert sighed as he looked to Isabelle. She was bound as well, but she had managed to fall asleep. What kind of danger have I placed you in, my loving wife? He thought. The biggest mistake he ever made was falling for her. Her life would be in danger now because of it.
He would surely be executed. There may be a chance Isabelle would be spared, but he knew what his punishment would be. And then the heralds would proclaim the news throughout the realm. And his sister would know about the terrible lie. One which she may not forgive him for. If only he could be granted a moment with her. It was the only amends he needed to make that would grant him peace.
He had heard the Sheriff had changed his ways. But he doubted the Sheriff would grant him this request. He looked again at Isabelle. Despite being bound and in very unfortunate circumstances she was still sleeping serenely. He didn't deserve such a lady as she. For after all he had told her, of the number of omissions of himself he neglected to share with her, she was alright with it. When she found out the truth, she was angry and disappointed, but she forgave him. Somehow, she understood why he did what he did. She never once questioned him again about it since that night he revealed his true identity to her.
There was still time before he arrived in Nottingham, met with the Sheriff, was thrown in the dungeon, and the trial (if there would be one granted), would resume. So he would have plenty of time to at least try to forgive himself for the most hurtful lie he could ever tell his sister. He didn't know where she was. Was she still living in the county of York? Knowing her, she probably moved on looking for a change of scenery. If it were him, he realized he would leave. At the time, nothing would've kept him there. He truly hoped that she did leave their old home, traveled, settled somewhere, and most of all, met with a chivalrous nobleman who would love her and protect her since he had abandoned her.
Ever since his capture by Nottingham's Knights he kept asking himself: why didn't I relinquish the child when I found out the father was the Sheriff of Nottingham? He could never answer it. Even though the infant had been placed on his doorstep, he couldn't describe the innate need to protect and love the child. Yet he knew that he would not be in the circumstance he was in now if he had handed them the child then. But if he had, would he have one day told his sister the truth? As far as he knew, he was in custody because of the child. There was no mention of his involvement with Locksley. There may have been a chance he would have contacted her, one day. Now he would never know what may have happened.
He couldn't rest, even if he wanted to. He was not worried about his confrontation with the Sheriff, or the torture - which he knew would be inflicted upon him in the dungeon. What haunted him was picturing the look of disbelief and utter betrayal on his sister's face when she found out he concocted an entire scheme to make her believe he was dead, and completely abandoned her. He squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head. Oh my dear sister, what have I done? He sighed. He would not be afforded an opportunity to speak to her. So he had better attempt to make peace with it.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In the days following Rhiannon began to gradually show improvement, and it was business as usual for the Sheriff. Guy and his lady commenced their holiday three days later than planned. They weren't going to proceed with their plans at all, but the Sheriff assured Guy that Rhiannon had shown improvement and was receiving the best of care.
Late on Sunday afternoon, Lady Meridwyn awoke from a nap. She remembered penning a letter to her mother in France before she fell asleep. She arose from the bed and went to splash water on her face. She smoothed her hair and her skirts and went looking for her husband. She crept through the long hallway and looked into every room, then descended the stairs and continued in her search.
"Guy?" She called.
She looked everywhere. He wasn't inside the manor. It was chill outside. She reached up and removed her cape from the hook on the wall near the door. She opened it and a chill autumn breeze assaulted her as she walked toward the empty barn fifty yards north of the manor. She wasn't sure with the wind in her ears but she thought she could hear a rhythmic tapping noise coming from the barn. She could see light from inside the barn streaking through the outline of the door. She opened it and went inside. About fifteen feet ahead, Guy was crouched near the floor, working on something. She stepped closer.
"Guy?" Meridwyn called out to him.
His head shot up and he turned around. When he saw her he stood. "My lady…" Guy said.
"What are you – " Meridwyn began to say but stopped mid sentence as she walked closer and saw it. She caught her breath.
"Oh, Guy…" She whispered, her hand to her bosom. He had been making a cradle for their baby. She turned around to face him. She looked up at him and smiled, her blue eyes glistened.
"Oh, yes, my love." Guy said. "You, uh…know your surprise." Guy stammered. It's true he was going to give it to Meridwyn eventually. But in truth, he was labouring on it as a gesture for his cousin. For he had promised the Sheriff he would do his best to ready the manor for the child's arrival in case the child returned to Nottingham with the Duke before the Sheriff's wedding.
"You're amazing." Meridwyn said as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. "I'm the luckiest woman in England!" She sighed. "I've known you so long, yet I never knew you had this talent for creating things? What else have you hidden from me?" She teased.
"Nothing, my dearest." He said as he looked down. He hoped to God she would never find out about the sins of his past, and his recent involvement of the murder of the witch, Hestia. "It's really nothing. I learned how to make things from wood when I was a small boy. I learned from a local carpenter." Guy explained.
"I had no idea. It is exquisite." Meridwyn said as she broke free from his embrace and bent down to examine his work. "Such craftsmanship." She mused.
"Yes. Are you feeling better now, my love?" Guy asked.
"Yes. I was just tired." She said.
"Hungry?" He asked.
"I am a little, for once." Meridwyn admitted as she stood up and faced him.
"Good. The cook is preparing one of your favourites for our evening meal. Roast pheasant, and another little surprise – pot pouri stew."
"You've thought of everything, my dear husband. Do you think we can make the dining experience as interesting as your cousin and his lady did the last time we ate pot pouri stew?" She grinned.
"Oh…I'm sure we can." Guy winked.
"I hope Rhiannon will be better soon. She gave us quite a scare." Meridwyn said.
"She will, my love. She is getting the best care possible." Guy reassured her.
"Do you think she will be well enough by their wedding date?" Meridwyn wondered.
"It's hard to predict. But he will wait. As long as it takes. I never thought I'd say this, but my cousin is truly and completely in love." Guy said.
"I hope she will be as happy as I am." Meridwyn smiled. She grabbed his shirt and pulled him toward her to kiss him. She kissed him slowly and passionately.
"I'm not tired anymore, Guy." Meridwyn hinted in a whisper.
"Really?" Guy said as he smiled down at her.
"Is there enough time before supper?" She asked.
"There is always enough time for you, my love." Guy said as he kissed her again.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Late on Monday evening, September fifteenth, Rhiannon was alone in the private chamber. Lady Margaret had recently left after checking in on the Lady's progress. After she left, Rhiannon got out of bed and slowly walked toward the mirror. Another gown hung on a hook nearby. She began to wash her face using the water in the basin placed there. She slowly removed her night dress, it was difficult. When she raised her arms, there was pain. She managed to put the clean one on. It was black silk embellished with fine pale pink ribbons. It had a low scoop neckline, an empire waist, and long sheer fitted sleeves. She splashed rosewater on her décolleté and began to brush her hair. She winced as she did so, but she was determined to use her right hand. She would not weaken.
"My lady." The Sheriff spoke.
"Oh." She said, startled to hear his voice. She turned around to face him. He stood before her dressed in his breeches, boots, his flowing black silk robe, and nothing else.
"What are you doing out of bed?" The Sheriff asked as he came toward her. He resisted the urge to lick his lips as he took in the sight of her. He'd never seen the gown before. It did something to her, made her appear more sensual somehow. Her breasts looked different, or was he imagining it? They almost looked…lifted? As if they weren't already. He caught his breath and sighed.
"I'm doing what I've been doing the last three nights." Rhiannon said. The Sheriff was clearly surprised. "What – you thought I was going to remain in bed forever?" She asked.
"Would it really be so bad?" The Sheriff said with an evil grin. Then he shook his head slightly and cleared his throat. "Come, my angel. You really should rest." He said as he moved in closer and gently held her arm.
"I can't rest." Rhiannon said. "It's better if I wait a time."
"What do you mean, my lady? Because of the pain?" He asked.
"Yes. It makes it hard to sleep sometimes." Rhiannon admitted.
"But, the opium, my angel?" The Sheriff pointed out.
"True, the opium helps. It helps the pain very well. But when it wears off, the pain is intense. I feel it most in the dead of night. Then it's two or three hours later when you awake and administer the opium. I wish you would just tell me where you're hiding it." Rhiannon lamented.
"You know I can't do that, my love. Bad timing. You had only just had the unfortunate experience with the potion. I cannot take chances, not after that." The Sheriff said.
'Naturally." Rhiannon huffed as she turned back to face the mirror and continued to brush her hair. "Well, it's a good thing I'm strong. For I shall have to bear it." She said. Why did he insist on treating her like a child at times?
Unfazed by her words, he moved in toward her. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He bent his head toward her ear.
"All you had to do was wake me, my lady." The Sheriff said.
"I didn't want to do that." She said.
"Why?"
"Neediness is weakness." Rhiannon announced.
"No it isn't. Not in this case." The Sheriff said. He turned her around slowly to face him. "I spoke with Thomas. I told him I thought you were restless at night. He suggested a warm bath before bed to relax you."
"Really?" Rhiannon said.
"Yes. Here's what you're going to do: I'm going to have the servants fill the bath for you. You can use that liquid soap Mortianna gave you. I'll give you the opium, and you can do that before bed. I think it will help." The Sheriff said.
"Sounds nice, actually." Rhiannon smiled.
"I would have to stay nearby, though. Preferably in the bath chamber." The Sheriff said.
"Why is that?" Rhiannon asked with her eyebrow raised. "You think I have a stash of potion still hidden away in there?"
He shook his head. "You've lost a lot of blood, and there may be ill effects because of the opium. Thomas said the heat could heighten some of the opium's effects on you." The Sheriff explained.
"Oh, very well. Do it. I'd do anything you asked of me to be granted one night of peaceful, uninterrupted sleep." Rhiannon said.
"My lady…" The Sheriff said softly.
"Because the sooner I get sleep, the quicker I shall heal. And then, I'll be able to do with you what I would rather do than sleep."
He smiled at her. Damn her for being so irresistible. She reached down behind her and grabbed the bottle of liquid soap from the table below the mirror.
"Here. Pour some of this into the tub before the servants put the water in it. It makes better bubbles that way." She smiled, handing the bottle to him.
He took it from her and began the tasks.
Half an hour later, the Sheriff was sipping brandy in the den. The doors opened and Rhiannon stood in the doorway wearing her white bath shirt. Her hair was pinned up on her head. A few loose tendrils brushed against her cheeks.
"I'm ready." Rhiannon announced. "Can you give me a few moments, or do you need to make sure I won't fall in when I step into it?" She commented dryly.
He put the brandy on the table and picked up another cup containing a measure of opium. "Come here, you." The Sheriff said with a smile. She walked toward him. He held the cup out to her. "Your opium, my lady." He said.
She took it and drank the liquid. "Oh, it's vile." Rhiannon spat. He took the cup from her, placed it down and grabbed his goblet of brandy.
"Here…drink." The Sheriff commanded. She took a few sips and let the brandy warm her.
"Come." The Sheriff said as he took her hand.
"I can call for you when I'm ready. You can wait at the door." Rhiannon said, unmoving.
"No. Not this time." The Sheriff said as he led the way.
She rolled her eyes and relented.
Moments later, they were in the bath chamber. She walked toward the tub and began to step inside. He was right behind her. She motioned to the chair beside the tub.
"It's okay, my lord. Sit. I shall be fine." She said.
"Very well." The Sheriff replied.
She got into the tub and slid into it until the water was at the level of her chin. She was facing him. She tilted her head back, closed her eyes and smiled.
"Mmm. That does feel good. The pain is better already." Rhiannon smiled, savouring the soothing heat that served to relax her.
"Good." He said.
She opened her eyes. His eyes were fixed upon hers.
"Well – did you bring anything to read?" Rhiannon asked, feeling a little unnerved about being watched.
"No, my lady. I'm reading you." The Sheriff replied smiling.
"Yes. I see that." Rhiannon said. "Is it really necessary for you to remain here? Surely you'll find this boring."
"Yes, it is necessary, and no, it is not boring." The Sheriff replied.
She smiled. For he did appear genuinely concerned for her. She removed the pins from her hair. She quietly took a breath and held it, then leaned back down and submerged her head completely under the water. The Sheriff was somewhat startled and sat forward observing her. She was still looking at him from beneath the surface of the water. She came out of the water and sat up facing him. She was inches from him and reached up to grab the lapel of his robe. She pulled him down toward her.
"You're so good to me." Rhiannon said.
"My lady…" He smiled. Then she kissed him, slowly, passionately. She touched her tongue to his and tasted his desire. He broke free from her, breathless.
"Control yourself, my angel. For you are not ready." The Sheriff breathed.
"You're sure about that?" Rhiannon whispered. She held onto the edge of the tub with her right hand and used it to raise herself up, not thinking. "Oh!" She cried as she sat back down and winced.
"My point exactly." The Sheriff said.
"Curses!" Rhiannon huffed.
He leaned down and stroked her wet hair and dampened cheeks. "Patience, my lady. We shall be together soon." He whispered.
"I'm dying for your touch." Rhiannon murmured.
"And you shall have it, but not before you're ready." The Sheriff smiled.
"I'm so glad you're here. Every time I've needed you most, you were there for me." Rhiannon smiled as she gazed at him. Her eyes were even more green since she came up out of the water. The Sheriff caught his breath. She was a vision to him.
"Oh, my love…I will always be there for you." The Sheriff whispered easily.
"I feel incomplete when we're apart." Rhiannon said, surprising him.
He waited a moment before he responded. "No woman has ever loved me as genuinely and completely as you. When you're not there to give it to me, I – feel like less of man." The Sheriff said thoughtfully.
Rhiannon sighed. "What is it about you? The way you phrase things. I respond not just with my ears, but my body as well?" She admitted.
"Maybe because for the first time, I'm speaking from my heart." He replied.
"I know you are. I can tell." Rhiannon said.
"Really?"
"Yes. I can tell when you mean what you say." Rhiannon said.
"I've never lied about any of my sentiments toward you, my love. I hope you know that." The Sheriff said with his eyebrow raised.
"I know." Rhiannon whispered. Why did he have to do that? Look at her with desire in his warm, amber eyes, and raise his eyebrow like that? She felt a chill travel the length of her spine. She leaned back into the water and rested against the tub.
"Mmm…this is perfect. All I need is wine, chocolate, and music. But I have the main ingredients: water and you."
The Sheriff chuckled. "Hmm…maybe next time, beautiful." He said with a wink.
"I hope it's soon." Rhiannon whispered faintly, more to herself, as she stood up and slowly climbed out of the tub. He held her gently by the arm to steady her.
He handed her a large fluffy towel. She removed the bath shirt, then cast it over the edge of the tub. He caught his breath. She took the towel from him and wrapped it snug around her body.
"You were right, my prince. I do feel better." Rhiannon said as she spun around a little too quickly to face him. She began to falter as her head felt very light. His response was swift. He caught her in his arms and held her to him.
"Rhiannon. Are you alright?" He asked.
"Yes. Just a little dizzy for some reason. It's probably nothing." She said as she massaged her forehead with her fingertips and closed her eyes. He started to lift her to carry her back to the bed.
"No. It's alright, my lord. Let me walk."
"But you nearly fainted, Rhiannon?" The Sheriff began to argue.
"You cannot baby me all of the time. I shall never get strong if I don't even try. And I'm motivated to get strong – for our wedding." Rhiannon said.
"You can't do too much too soon." The Sheriff pointed out.
"It's been a week since it happened. I've had enough time. Just walk with me." Rhiannon said.
The Sheriff shook his head. There was no use arguing with her. He walked beside her with his arm around her. They made it only three feet beyond the door and into the private chamber when she had to give in.
"Oh, I'm so dizzy…" Rhiannon whispered as she began to sway.
The Sheriff caught her and scooped her into his arms. The bed was only a few more feet away. He gently laid her on the bed, then sat down beside her facing her. The edges of the towel came undone and fell away. Her perfect dampened breasts were exposed. He swallowed. The familiar rush of heat spread through him, coursing through his veins, and then settled where his need for her began. He closed his eyes and sighed. It had been so long. He couldn't remember. It was driving him mad trying to remember the last time he made love to his lady. He desired her more than anything, had wanted her for days, but he knew he needed to be patient. He almost lost her again. He would wait for her, as long as it takes.
He opened his eyes and gazed down at her. She opened hers and met his gaze immediately. She was so beautiful lying there. Her skin dampened. Her wet sable tresses clung to her skin. Her eyes were the most vivid shade of green he'd ever seen. Her full pink lips were still moist from the bath. He licked his lips surreptitiously. She took a breath and sat up slowly, only wincing once. As she did so the towel completely fell to the bed. She was naked before him. She put her hands upon his face and caressed his skin and his soft beard.
"Thank you, my love. I do feel so much better." Rhiannon smiled. Then she kissed him, slowly, sensually. He devoured her lips with his and tasted her tongue with his. They stayed like that a few moments, then she broke the kiss.
"I will be well for our wedding. I must be." Rhiannon whispered.
"You will, my love. And if you're not, it will be alright. We'll just change the date." The Sheriff smiled as he stroked her hair.
Rhiannon smiled. Her eyelashes began to flutter as her lids grew heavy. She leaned forward and softly kissed his cheek, then leaned back against the pillows.
"I don't want to wait…" She murmured. Soon she was asleep.
The Sheriff smiled as he looked down upon her. He stood up and grabbed a blanket from the foot of the bed. Then he gently covered her naked body with it.
"We shall be together soon." He whispered as he leaned down and lightly kissed her forehead.
When she awoke in the dark of night she was lying beside her lover. She could feel him beside her. She tried to alter her position by turning to face him but there was pain. A lot of pain. She moaned in response to it, without thinking. The Sheriff stirred. He heard Rhiannon moaning beside him. He opened his eyes and turned to his left to face her. She was trying to move but he could tell by her facial expression as the lone candle nearby cast its' glow upon her, she was in pain.
"My lady." The Sheriff whispered.
"Mmm hmm…" She murmured. Her eyes were squeezed shut and she held her right side with her left hand.
"Don't move, my angel. Just stay there." He said as he got out of bed. He went into the den. Moments later he returned with a cup. He went to the bed and sat upon it beside her. He put his left hand under her shoulder and raised her up slowly. She cried out at first but it settled once she was sitting up.
"It's bad." Rhiannon said when she was finally able to meet his gaze.
"I know. Here… drink." The Sheriff said as he held the cup of opium to her lips. She drank all of it. He put the cup on the table beside the bed, then leaned back against the pillows still sitting and held her to him.
"George…" Rhiannon whispered.
"Yes, my love?" He said.
"Will it ever go away?" She asked.
"Of course it will, my angel." The Sheriff reassured. Though in truth, he really didn't know. He never knew anyone to have survived a knife wound like that.
"It doesn't feel like it." Rhiannon said.
He stroked her hair and caressed her shoulders. Then he brought the blanket back up over her, for she was still exposed. "It takes time, Rhiannon." He said. He could feel her warm breath on his smooth chest. It soothed him. Because by rights, she really shouldn't be here. He shuddered slightly and sighed.
"Our wedding is a little over a week away." Rhiannon said. She started to tremble. Tears formed in her eyes. She was frustrated. Tired of feeling weakened. She couldn't imagine how she would feel by then.
"My lady, it doesn't matter. We shall be wed no matter what. Whether it's on the twenty sixth, or a week later, or a month later…you shall be my wife." The Sheriff said.
Rhiannon looked up at him. "I don't wish to wait, my love." Rhiannon said. A tear spilled from the corner of her eye and down her cheek. She turned away, angry at herself. He saw it notwithstanding, even in the dark. He reached out and wiped the tear from her face with his hand.
"Oh, my angel. Do not cry. For it will be alright." He attempted to reassure.
"It's not fair. It won't be alright. Look at me!" Rhiannon pleaded.
"Rhiannon. It's alright." The Sheriff said.
"No it isn't." Rhiannon said. She put her cheek against his smooth chest and began to weep. She couldn't begin to control it. The pain was wearing her down. Being in a weakened state was getting to her as well.
"Hush, my love. It's not the end of the world." The Sheriff said as he held her close to him, and leaned down taking in the lavender scent of her silken hair.
"I wish to be your wife right now." Rhiannon whispered.
"My love…" The Sheriff began. She looked up at him. "You are my wife. You love me completely and above all others, just as I do you. It's only a formal ceremony with papers. But the way I see it, in our hearts, we are already man and wife. I shall love no other the way I love you." The Sheriff smiled as he fixed his warm amber eyes upon hers.
Rhiannon smiled. She was so moved by his words she couldn't speak just then.
"Don't you see? You already have me, my lady. I am already your husband. I would do anything for you. I would die for you." The Sheriff whispered.
"No. No, my love. Take it back!" Rhiannon said.
"What?" The Sheriff asked, bewildered.
"Don't ever tell me you'd die for me. You must never! You must never leave me." Rhiannon pleaded as another tear suddenly appeared in the corner of her eye. She blinked it away.
"My lady, you are not yourself." The Sheriff said. "It's okay, my love. I am here with you, always." He spoke gently. Was it the pain or the opium or both that was causing her to be so emotional?
"Don't ever say that again. I cannot bear it. Everyone I've ever loved has died. I cannot bear to lose you too." Rhiannon said as she held onto him fast.
"Alright." The Sheriff said as he softly stroked her hair. They stayed like that a few moments before he spoke again. "Is it getting better?" The Sheriff asked, in regards to the pain.
"Yes." Rhiannon murmured. She pressed her breasts against his chest and rested her cheek against him.
"Good. Rest now, my angel. Do not worry yourself about the wedding. Take it one day at a time. That's all you can do for now. Just give it time." The Sheriff said soothingly.
"It's frustrating." Rhiannon said.
"I know, but it will be alright." The Sheriff said. "Sleep." He said as he closed his eyes.
"I'm awake now." Rhiannon said.
He opened his eyes. "That's what I thought." The Sheriff said with a sigh.
She looked up at him. The candle burning on the table nearby cast a glow upon him. His amber eyes burned like torches. She took a breath. Now was as good a time as any for answers.
"You never told me about Lady Marian." Rhiannon said.
The Sheriff sighed. "There wasn't much to say." He said.
"I remember now. She said something very odd that day - before she aimed her dagger into my side. She said that you tried to marry her to steal the throne from the King." Rhiannon said.
The Sheriff looked away. How dare the cursed wretch poison his lady with her insults!
"What was she talking about?" Rhiannon pried.
"It's true." The Sheriff said resolutely.
"But – I don't understand?" Rhiannon said. "All of it? It is true?"
"I was a very different man than the one I am now. It's true I tried to marry her. But the reasons were all wrong. I never loved her. When I met her, I thought she was a fair maiden, but once I got to know her it was all lost. But Locksley was a nuisance then, he practically drove me to the brink of madness. I thought if I could gain control of the throne, everything would sort itself out. I was wrong." The Sheriff explained.
"And the only way was to marry her?" Rhiannon asked.
"The King was absent. She was next in line." He said.
"Oh."
"I told you I was self absorbed then. It was all about greed, power, and control then. I had no other purpose. I had no idea how empty those purposes were until I met you. I had changed before we met. But it all became clear to me when I fell for you." The Sheriff said.
"I couldn't relate to anything she told me about you. It was as if she was speaking of another man entirely." Rhiannon mused.
"Did she say anything else?" The Sheriff asked.
"The most she told me was right before you came into the chamber, when she managed to sneak in here. I never gave her the chance before. But the times we spoke before then, she wasn't coming after me with a dagger in her hand." Rhiannon said.
"Indeed." The Sheriff seethed.
"And there was one other thing." Rhiannon said.
"What was that?" He asked.
"She said something rather disturbing. She said that you tried to steal her virtue." Rhiannon said as she looked at him with her eyebrow raised curiously.
He stiffened. He could almost feel the blood drain from his face. He could never admit to it. He could admit to the rest but no amount of explaining would smooth this one over. He could never make her understand, because looking back, he had trouble understanding it himself.
"No." The Sheriff said. "We felt nothing for each other. How could I do that?" He asked her weakly.
"I thought so. She did appear mad when she said it." Rhiannon sighed. She put her head back down against his chest. She could hear his heartbeat. She smiled.
The Sheriff sighed, and frowned. He hated having to lie about that to her but she would never understand. He had to let it go. It was over, and Lady Marian was dead.
"There is only one woman I wish to be with." The Sheriff attempted to divert the topic of discussion. "And if you can't tell by now whom that woman is, you're blind."
Rhiannon smiled. "But I'm not your first." She said.
He shook his head. This conversation could only lead in one direction.
"No. It's true. But heed my words: you're the only woman I've ever touched with true meaning behind it. Now… let's forget the past and just think about us." The Sheriff said.
"It's okay. You're older. I know you had a life before I came into it." Rhiannon said.
"You would have to remind me." He said with a chuckle.
"It doesn't matter. I was just curious." Rhiannon said.
"And if I hadn't met you when I did, you'd be with another." He pointed out.
"I can't imagine being with any other man but you." Rhiannon said.
"And that's all that matters. You and I. Us. The past is over, but our life is just beginning." The Sheriff smiled.
"I know." Rhiannon sighed. She straightened up and rested her head on his shoulder. Her lips brushed against his cheek. He felt her breath against his skin when she spoke the sweetest words to him. Words he'd been waiting to hear from her for a year.
"I do need you, George." She said.
"My lady." The Sheriff sighed. He closed his eyes and smiled.
"I never needed anyone before. I never wanted to need anyone. But I do need you." She said as she looked up at him. She sat up more and brought her face in close to his.
"I didn't think I'd ever hear you say that." The Sheriff whispered.
"Believe it." She smiled. She leaned in and kissed him, softly, slowly. He returned the kiss with as much fervor as she.
"And I want you…" She breathed.
"I know." He whispered. "I want you too. But we must be patient."
"No. I need you now." Rhiannon breathed. "It will be alright. I'm much better now." She teased.
He wanted her desperately. But he could never stomach the thoughts of hearing her moan in pain while making love to her. It would be almost as bad as killing her! And what if it reminded her of being violated by that murderous leper that held her captive? No. Not now. No matter how much she tried to seduce him, he must resist. God help me, I must resist her. He thought. You must forget that her perfect naked body is pressed against yours. You must forget that she's doing her very best to make you hard, he told himself. He squeezed his eyes shut and sighed.
She didn't notice because she was kissing his neck, then she moved down to cover his chest and abdomen with her soft feather light kisses. And then, she began to unlace his breeches.
He could feel it. He began to respond. He hated himself that he would have to stop her. He wanted more. He desperately wanted more from her but he knew that she would be in pain if they pursued this. He couldn't bear it. He gently grasped her shoulders and pulled her away.
"Don't you want me?" Rhiannon pouted.
"Oh, lady….you know I do." The Sheriff sighed.
"But why? Why did you stop me?"
"Because… I love you." The Sheriff blurted out.
"What?" Rhiannon said.
"The timing isn't right, my angel. I cannot bear the thought of hurting you. Trust me on this. It's killing me to turn you down right now, but I must."
She moved in closer to him. "You will not hurt me. I want you." Rhiannon said.
"Oh, Rhiannon…" The Sheriff sighed.
"You've made up your mind." She said.
"My lady, I'm not rejecting you. I will not hurt you. I could never do that. I'm just… postponing this." The Sheriff smiled weakly.
"Very well." Rhiannon said.
He reached out and touched her cheek. "Just a little patience, my Lady Nottingham." He smiled.
She grinned. "For you, I will be patient. But I hope you know what you're in for when the time comes. All of this yearning, just waiting to be released." She smiled knowingly.
"Oh, I know it. Believe me." The Sheriff agreed.
Monday. It was the morning of Guy's wedding. He finally remembered. That was the last time he made love to her. And on Monday night, he never thought he would again. He sighed. He hoped he wouldn't regret this. His head was telling him to go for it. The old him was asking him what was wrong with him? But his heart kept playing the sounds of her cries of pain in his ears. The cries he knew he would hear from her if they hadn't stopped. It had been a long time. He would soon show her just how much he desired her. But it couldn't be now.
