I entered the council and my heart sank. Guy stood tall and proud, as if holding no convictions, but I knew differently. The minute he saw me he shank back and looked away from my judging eyes. He attempted to walk past me as if I had not been seen, but I pulled him aside.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned sharply

"I could not foresee our project, I am sorry." He said, flatly.

My eyes widened in horror at him and in return he uttered,

"Loyalty, loyalty can sometimes be divided. Lambert is dead."

He strode off before I could hiss back insults in retaliation. The Sheriff began the council with the story of a horse, but my mind wandered elsewhere. It was my fault. I put my trust in someone who I know is guilty of evil, someone who has murdered innocent people and someone…. who loves me. Perhaps that is why I betrayed my feelings. I hoped to find some spark of good in the man I am sentenced to marry. But the black leather he wears is the same black darkness that will always bind his heart.

I rose from my chair and rode to the forest as soon as the meeting concluded. Tears were filling my eyes as the trees began to form a roof over my head, the deeper I rode. I wanted to curl into a ball and cover myself with a cloak, shielding me from the world and from my shame. I dismounted my horse and could not hold the news any longer.

"He's dead." I whispered, as Robin came closer. "I'm so sorry."

And it was true. I was prepared for a scolding, yelling or rage, but instead he closed the gap between us and took me in his arms as tears washed my face. It was then, I found my shield and it was then, I found my cloak to hide me from the world. I found all of that in the man I love.

"Hush my love…. Do not wear yourself out with tears…. My darling Marian..." He lifted my face to meet his. "This was not your doing Marian, do you understand? You did not kill Lambert, you are not at fault for his death."

I shook my head, " But I trusted him! I should have listened to-" He cut me off with a kiss and I closed my eyes when our lips met. I opened them when he pulled away and he smiled at me.

"Now," He said, weaving his fingers into mine, "The others will have think we have run off, come on." We made our way back to the camp in silence.

Robin and I parted with a kiss as I rode to Bonchurch to find Much and tell him what he was to tell the girl. He was not easily persuaded, but I hope he is not foolish enough to let slip anything that would harm Robin.

Guy confronted me today. I dislike my engagement ring enough, but now I have reason not to wear it. He grabbed me by the arm as I tried to slip past him.

"I'm sorry…" He sighed and I looked down at my arm still in his grasp.

"Where is your betrothal ring?" He questioned me.

"I felt dishonest wearing it!" I shot the words like arrows, hoping to pierce his pride, the look on his face told me I succeeded. "I am afraid we have misunderstood each other lately, I assumed you would be true to your word. You perhaps though I would not mind if let me down!"

He turned his head away with annoyance. "I sincerely did not intend that." He said firmly

" I don't care, I though you were a better man. Now I realize I must content myself with disappointment!" I gritted my teeth in disgust at the very sight of him.

"I had to make a choice…" He began, loosing more and more of my respect for him at each word "You know that I am all that stands between you and the Sheriff, and I would not see you harmed. I have to protect you." He warned with blackness in his eyes. "Will you wear the ring again?" He had a glimmer of the actual question, but held on to the demanding part.

I took a few moments before answering to eye him in shame. "Of course, but we will never fin ourselves in this situation again! Everything is back in its box." I cautioned and almost struck him as I walked away with power in my steps.

I am so sorry I have not updated in a while. When none reviewed my last chapter I lost the point in writing, but I realized that the only person I should write to impress, was myself. As soon I realized that, I wrote this. Please give me feedback to improve my writing and I will return the favor!