If anyone ever told Robin he would feel uncomfortable and unhappy pressed up against Marian in a perfectly dark and private alcove of Nottingham Castle, he would have smirked and laughed aloud. Yet that is exactly how he felt in this particular circumstance.
The two of them waited breathlessly, her body pressed deeply against a rough stone wall, his pressed deeply into hers, shielding her from sight. If only he had the power to shield her ears from the disgusting sounds assaulting them!
Robin longed to cover her ears, blocking out Sir Guy of Gisbourne's amorous grunts and Lady Sybille de Lusignan's sensual moans of delight, while the two of them took their pleasure off each other not ten feet from the surrepticiously hidden Robin and Marian.
After what seemed like hours but was really only a matter of minutes, the grunts and moans rose and crescendoed, then abruptly stopped. The only sounds audible now were Gisbourne's deep panting breaths, and the pounding of Robin and Marian's hearts.
At last, they heard the cold metallic voice of Gisbourne speak.
"Tell me," he ordered coldly. "What do you know of your husband's plans with the sheriff?"
Stunned and incredulous, Robin wanted to step from the shadows and openly mock the "gallant" Sir Guy of Gisbourne. "What? No words of affection, Gisbourne?" he wanted to say. "No words of love or regard? Nothing but plotting, to further your dreams of power and position?" But, of course, he remained hidden, pressed up against Marian, whom he couldn't help but notice, smelled deliciously of roses.
Lady Sybille's voice didn't register any surprise or distress at Gisbourne's unfeeling question. Her answer came as a whisper, carrying just enough for Robin to hear.
"Guy will do anything to oust Richard from the throne. He's never forgiven him for stealing his victory at Acre."
Unable to hold back his anger, Robin snorted. Marian quickly clapped a hand over his nose and mouth to silence him.
Gisbourne's voice seeped around them, steely as the blade on his sword. "Don't insult me," he threatened. "I didn't leave the sheriff's side to listen to 'obvious.' Tell me what I need to know!"
Despite his damaged opinion of Lady Sybille, Robin nearly jumped from his hiding place to come to the lady's defense. His anger at Gisbourne's mistreatment of the woman struck a nerve, and boiled within him.
Unknown to Robin, however, Lady Sybille found Sir Guy of Gisbourne's dark side fascinating and seethingly sexy. His cruelty and detachment only made her want him more, for she was sick and tired of men who were intimidated by her beauty and her legend. She confessed everything she knew.
"Prince John and your sheriff cannot do it alone. My husband recommends they mobilize a force...a group of nobles who stand to gain from Richard's fall. How your sheriff will accomplish this is still a question."
Her voice changed from matter-of-fact recitation, to amorous passion. "Now, Guy, tell me you're pleased with my work. Or better yet, show me, Guy!"
Robin heard Gisbourne utter another grunt, but this time, it was accompanied by the gesture of removing the clinging Melusine from him. "Time to return to our masters," he sneered, just before he turned on his heel and strode away. Lady Sybille breathed a small sigh, then followed the evil knight.
Although alone once again, Robin made no attempt to move from his proximity to Marian. He appeared to be deep in thought as she cleared her throat. "They're gone," she reminded him.
He took a single step away, and immediately regretted the loss.
In lieu of an apology, she asked, "Robin...what are you thinking?"
Turning earnest eyes on her lovely face, he vowed, "I intend to stop them, Marian. King Richard needs our help. Are you with me?"
She didn't hesitate. "Now and forever," she promised, and was rewarded by his radiant smile.