Illusions 14

I have tried to find dances from the time of RH, but didn't find much. What I found, however, were dances from the Renaissance. Since we are not offended by Marian in an outfit from H&M, you are hopefully not affronted by the idea of a dance that does not exactly fit in the right period.

If you like to look at this link on youtube…

/watch?vSNOa0dxb2gU

Every time I am writing about this unappealing king, I nearly cringe at the thought that his name is Richard. Couldn't he have another name?

There might be questions about Richard's mother being Queen Eleanor. But in Wikipedia I found this: She ruled England in Richard's name, signing herself as 'Eleanor, by the grace of God, Queen of England'

Illusions 14

Torches in the festively decorated hall bathed the hall in a warm light. Musicians already entertained the guests with flutes and lutes. Banners and luxurious hangings covered the walls and a wonderful tapestry with scenes from the Holy Land was resplendent directly above the King's seat: King Richard in Acre. Silver cups, tankards and plates had been placed on the long tables, flower arrangements and candles were standing in between.

Servants had waited in the atrium and had doused their hand with scented water and handed them soft towels. More and more expensively dressed noblemen streamed into the hall, the floor of which was covered with herbs and flowers, but nobody sat down but waited for the arrival of King Richard and Queen Eleanor. Marian looked around; meanwhile she knew some of the nobles at court, although she had not exchanged but a few words with them.

She felt the admiring glances of the knights and many glacial stares and barely concealed jealousy of the court ladies. She knew it was not only jealousy because of the King's grace but also because of the man at her side. Effortlessly and elegantly he moved through the crowd as if he had been raised at the royal court and not on a plain estate near Nottingham.

Clarions on the gallery announced the arrival of the King and his mother, and Marian's heart was in her throat. The murmuring died down when Queen Eleanor entered the hall, at her son's elbow. They remained motionless for moment, and then strode through the crowd of guests to their seats, while everyone present sank to a low bow. With a gesture, King permitted them to rise and, watching the king, Marian was impressed despite herself. He was an imposing figure in his white garment with the gold stitching on its hem and sleeves; a golden belt was tied around his hips and his smile was self-confident.

One could still see that Eleanor of Aquitaine must have been a very beautiful woman once. She was wearing a precious blue garment and was radiating such strength and authority one would not have thought of such a small person. But then many had underestimated her before and regretted it later. This is the woman who has made England poor so that her son could return, Marian thought heretically.

Eleanor knew that many of her subjects resented her for that. She had always been a suspicious woman and fought opponents all her life, but now she seemed to see enemies everywhere. For a brief moment, she met Marian's eye and frowned as if she had sensed the young woman's disapproval. Quickly Marian averted her eyes; it would not be wise to arouse the King's anger now. Out of the corners of her eyes she saw Queen Eleanor whispering into her son's ear. Richard's eyes were on her now and she saw his smile change. He seemed amused and answered his mother whose face brightened up, then nodded and cast a now friendly, albeit scrutinising look at Marian.

Marian swallowed, curved her lips into a brief smile and then looked back at Robin, who had not noticed the short intermezzo. I need the King if I want to save Guy, but what am I getting into here? The music was swelling once more and the noblemen of the Court were now taking their seats and the food was being carried in, roast pigeons and pig liver, throstles, partridges with candied olives, eggs and bread, calf heads, hardboiled capons, calf breasts and loins, goatlings, sausages, game and lamb in spicy sauces, vegetables, pastries, gingerbread, waffles, wine, mead and cider. Never before had Marian seen anything like it. Nothing at the Court betrayed the fact that England was a poor country now.

The King lifted his goblet. "Let us raise our cups to the woman who was not afraid of any sacrifice whatsoever to secure England's future!"

"Long live Queen Eleanor! Long live King Richard! God protect England!" Salisbury shouted while everyone present lifted their cups. Noting all the enthusiastic faces around her, Marian knew she had to play along. Inside she felt miserable. She saw the families of Nottingham who did not know most of the time what to put on the table for their children and who whose meagre earnings were being trained by ever increasing taxes. It is not right what happens here and I don't belong here… And this is the King for whom I sounded out Guy! Nevertheless she lifted her cup along with the others and beamed enthusiastically for this was her only chance to save Guy's life. Next to her, Robin had joined to overall cheering and his eyes were gleaming.

But then Marian felt the King's eye on her, who was staring at her bluntly and she know in this instant that she had not been wrong – the King desired her. This man is not your friend, Robin, but you will never notice. She shuddered inwardly and Guy's words rang in her ears. How far would she go to save Guy's life? She closed her eyes briefly and then she looked into the King's beautiful deceiving eyes. She would pay a price and could only hope it would not be too high.

Lo and behold! I was right about the little wildcat after all. She is not the innocent girl from the country Robin described to me. The dress was a test and she knew it immediately. We'll see if she keeps in bed what she promises. If so, it will definitely be a welcome change.

None of the women he had wanted had ever denied anything to them and all these court ladies with their smooth bland faces were soon boring him. Maybe Marian of Knighton would prove to be a challenge. In any case, her look had been anything but humble.

King Eleanor knew her son like nobody else knew him. "Have you not just told me that she is Robin of Locksley's fiancée?" she whispered.

Richard grinned. "So? I am the King, am I not?"

Then he clapped his hands, thus announcing the beginning of the feast. He reached for a leg of venison and took a hearty bite. Given what lay in store for him, it tasted twice as good.

Marian did not taste what had been heaped onto her plate; it might have been grass for all she cared. Absent-minded she shoved the food around on her plate and tore the bread into little bits. She had of course observed the brief scene between the King and his mother and could very well guess what it had been about when she noticed Queen Eleanor's smirk. For all her strictness she had always had a blind spot where her son was concerned. She would find nothing wrong with him seducing a court lady who was the fiancée of one of his most loyal liegemen. On the other hand she resented drunkenness and Marian knew that the feast tonight would be different from most others. Nobody would drink themselves under the table tonight.

During the feast, acrobats were entertaining the guests, parrots were doing tricks, fire-eaters and sword-swallowers were demonstrating their skills. Laughter rang through the hall when a trained monkey sole food from some of the guests and then jumped up on the gallery. Marian pretended to be fascinated by everything and was glad Robin did not expect her to talk to him much. Thus she remained silent most of the time and tried to calm herself. I must not drink too much wine, I might say something stupid and that could be the end of me. She felt dizzy and started choking when she thought of the encounter with King Richard, which would soon come.

After some time conversation and laughter gave way to an overall pleasant satiety and at last the King gave the order to take away the dishes. The guests rose and the servants carried the tables out. During the feast the gleemen had entertained the guests but now they were preparing for the dance music. Marian was glad that she had learned how to dance for now the moment would come that she had been dreading but that she could not put off any further. The King loved music and was even known for his poetic talent – something one could not have attributed to a King who had been waging wars for as long as she could think.

Gentle sounds were drifting through the room – a pavane – and it did not take long for the King to look into her eyes.

„I was right; the dress really brings out your beauty. I am glad that you accepted my gift." he said softly.

Marian tried a winning smile. „I thank you, your Majesty, although you have put a heavy burden upon me, for as I know, I am the envy of a lot of the court ladies."

King Richard's eyes were flashing. "I will take that as a good sign…"

"Your Majesty, forgive me if I…" She swallowed. "… that I am so bold as to… I have a request… Can you speak to you later – alone?"

His wolf-like smile told Marian how the King interpreted her request and that he intended much more than speak with her. "How could I ever refuse?"

"I thank you, your Majesty. It is… something that concerns Robin of Locksley as well. I will tell him that I will be speaking with you later."

Richard frowned and his eyes narrowed. Obviously the girl did not have the same kind of amusement in mind he had. What did she want? Or did she just want to make sure that everything would be totally innocent in case anyone should see her? He would find out… "It will be best if you notify Robin at once. I will be sending a reliable servant to you after the feast. Be ready." he told her noticeably cooler than in the beginning and Marian knew she had to be careful now.

Soon after, the music broke off for a short pause, and Marian noted with relief that people had been observing here but that their conversation had been quiet enough for the guests not to overhear anything. Nobody was taking notice of her. She was making her way back to Robin, when she saw him in deep conversation with a young woman. When Marian came closer, she saw that the young woman was still a girl rather than a woman. She was small and of slight stature, with blond, curly hair, gentle and fine features and was looking up at Robin with fascinated blue eyes; as usual, Robin was doing all the talking.

"Robin?"

Robin turned to Marian and blinked.

He must have missed me as little as I him. Come to think of it, this girl is perfect for him; she adores him and doesn't contradict him.

"Marian! I was just about to… May I introduce Mathilda of Dwinington? She arrived with Queen Eleanor's attendance."

Marian smiled at the girl amiably. She was still a little surprised herself that she did not feel the slightest bit of envy and that what she had mistaken for love had vanished so quickly and painlessly. It could not have been love; it had been an illusion. Maybe Robin felt the same way subconsciously, for although he had introduced her, he had not used the word "fiancée". "I am happy to meet you, Milady", she addressed the young woman. "My name is Marian of Knighton." Then she turned to Robin. "I can't tell explain it now but there is something important that I need to ask the King and he has agreed to speak to me later."

"Ah, the reward!" Robin's eyes flashed. „Choose something pretty", he grinned mischievously, and for a moment he looked just as he used to.

The rest of the feast passed by Marian like a dream, and at last silence was all over the castle. At some point there was a soft but audible knock on the door of her quarters. She opened and saw a servant standing in front of her door, who took a bow. "My lady, if you would follow me." I had cooled down; Marian put a shawl around her shoulders and followed the man through the corridors.

The servant closed the door behind Marian, who stepped closer, nervously. Just like at their first encounter the King was casually sitting in his chair, waiting. She took another bow and Richard gave her an amused smile. "So formal, my dear?" Then he got up and stopped in front of Marian, who suddenly realised how great a risk she was taking. The King desired her – what if he took by force what he coveted?

But Richard was only staring at her in interest. He was no fool and had always had a talent for observing people. This was not the look of a woman who wanted to give herself to the King. Her hands were gripping her shawl and he saw one of her feet shake slightly. "Well?" he asked.

"Your Majesty, I don't know…" She took a deep breath. You are behaving just like one of the spineless court ladies you despise so much. Tell him what you want!

"Your Majesty, you had promised me a reward, and there is indeed something that is very important to me. I was there when you arrested Guy of Gisborne and Robin told me that he… is supposed to be hanged. I know that he is… a traitor, but I am asking you for his life."

She looked at King Richard expectantly, whose face did not betray anything except for a raised eyebrow. "Continue. I am sure you will want to give me the reason for your request."

"Guy of Gisborne has saved my life several times. I can't just forget that. He spared me although he knew that I had plotted against him. I can't… my conscience…"

"So, it is Gisborne's life that you want for a reward." The King turned around and stared into the starless night. It is like I thought. Probably she has already rolled in the hay with Gisborne, but heck, I wouldn't want a nun in bed anyway. If I give her Gisborne, she will be grateful to be, very grateful, and Robin will resent her instead of me. Without any friends at her side, she will literally fall into my lap. He smiled to himself. This is very well worth a little sacrifice.

Richard turned back to Marian. "Your request is granted."