Disclaimer: I do not own BBC Robin Hood; only my original characters Lady Sofia and Quentin

AN: Another one of those chapters that I spent far too long writing and constantly changing and I am still unhappy with the results. Oh well.

Chapter Fourteen

There was much celebration to be had in Nottingham as the King road gracefully down the streets. It restored hope to a Kingdom that had been struggling to find it's feet. The news that Lady Sofia was really Princess Sofia and had been on the people's side since day one, further boosted the moral of the people.

It was indeed time for much excitement as plans were laid to restore Nottingham to its former glory. King Richard called for a banquet to be held in Nottingham Castle. Everyone was invited and once the castle was filled, those who could not fit were led to different houses so they could also join in the celebrations.

As the preperations were made for the banquet, Sofia moved around the castle listening to story after story. They were all stories of how the hope hadn't been lost and how they all believed that King Richard would one day return and rid them of their enslavement.

Sofia had been seperated from Robin a while and began looking for him. She found him conversing with her brother and from the blushing look on Robin's face, knew her brother was thanking him for his work in the Holy Land.

Sofia was giddy with excitement when she got ready that night. Her gown was mostly a pearl white with hints of turquoise and green in it. Surprisingly among the guests of honour sat the occupants of Locksley (that's like a hundred plus people), Sofia assumed this move was done to honour Robin.

When Sofia entered the hall everyone stood up to meet her and Sofia felt a rare feeling of shyness creep up on her. Feeling the proud eyes of her brother gazing at her and the loving eyes of Robin, she made her way across the hall and into her seat. She sat next to her brother the King, she felt a little disappointed that Robin was not sat next to her but as he was only sat on the otherside of her brother, she tried not to let her annoyance show.

She began talking with Will, Djac and Quentin. The latter embarrassing her greatly with stories of their childhood. Much laughter was had while all the wine and food was consumed. Then the King stood and the table before him, Sofia and Robin was taken away leaving an open space behind. Sofia was glad she had finished eating or she would have been quite annoyed. The King walked into the open space, a huge smile on his face as he began to talk.

'Welcome everyone! I cannot tell you how great it feels to have English soil under my feet once more. It seems I have missed out on more than I ever thought and if I knew what was happening to my beloved England I would have hastened to return much sooner. Butthe time for regrets is not now, we are here to honour the courageous acts that have happened since I left. I believe you all know these men as the outlaws that live in the forest, united under the same cause; Robin Hood and his men' bellowed the King to a loud applause from the audience.

'I take their acts of herorism personally as they helped to save all of you, so I hearby give knighthoods to the following people and I hope that the land they are given serves them well and that they continue to credit the people around them' said King Richard.

He called each person up seperately knighting them with his sword and appointing them their own plot of land. The audience watched quietly as the occasion took place; Much, Allan, Little John and Tuck were all awarded this great honour and Sofia could not be happier as she looked on at them. It was a very personal act for the King as he gave out the knighthoods, these were people that had not only helped ease the pain of his loyal subjects but helped his sister - who would always be the most important person in his life.

Once the four men had returned to their chairs, their faces blushing red and big grins attached to their faces, King Richard spoke again.

'I once thought I was offering a great man the Sheriff of Nottingham but he turned me down. He told me that although he was honoured that I had considered him the role of Sheriff of Nottingham, he wanted nothing more than to settle down with the love of his life and I praise him for following his heart. So instead, after a conversation with my dead sister Princess Sofia - and I say this with great pleasure - I announce that the new Sheriff of Nottingham to be Will Scarlett! And lets not forget who will be joining him, his amazing wife Djac!' praised the King.

Tremedous shouts and cheers surrounded the hall as Will could do nothing more than turn bright red and desperately try to form words with his mouth. He was utterly speechless, this quiet clever man could not think of why he would be given such a momentus job. Were there not others who were more suited to the role than him?

Seeing his worry and fear Sofia approached him and spoke softly 'do not doubt yourself Will, Nottingham does not need a strong political man, it needs a caring hand to guide it on it's way. It was not the King who made the decision - though he does back my words - but I. You will make a great Sheriff of Nottingham Will because of your kind and gentle nature. You are a man who works with his hands but you also hold great knowledge and wisdom inside you. I know you will not struggle with the job that has been given to you and I am sure that Nottingham will only flurish under your skilled hands'.

'Now that you are all quiet again, I have one final annoucnement. Earlier today I was asked in confidence for my blessing upon a matter that meant the world to two people. I could not deny a request such as this especially as it rests so close to home. So I would like to ask my darling sister Princess Sofia and Robin of Locksley to come before me and all of you here so I may bless them in a life long marriage to each other' he said formally.

Sofia blushed as all eyes landed on her and as she looked towards Robin she saw the twinkle in his eyes and realised that he must have planned all of this. At least now she understood why he'd asked her to wear this dress. It was a brilliant idea to be wed in front of all these people. Sofia didn't need a wedding that was big and grand, she didn't need a formal dress or hundreds of flowers. All the people here were important to her, see had watched them all grow up in front of her and loved the fact that she could now help the people in public instead of behind a cover. What better way than to be married in front of the loyal people of Nottingham and the special people of Locksley who would forever hold a special place in her heart.

Sofia looked upon the smiling face of her brother as he began reading the rights, it wasn't a long speech, just an opening prayer, then the vows. Sofia knew that words were coming out of her mouth but she hardly understood what she was saying, she was lost as she looked into Robin's eyes. She never thought she'd get used to the love and adoration she saw there, and she never thought her heart would stop beating as fast as it did everytime she saw him.

His lips attacked hers in polite restrain as they sealed their marriage with a kiss. Screams, chants and claps surrounded them as they were blessed into their marriage by the people all around them. For a girl with a terrible past, a huge mission and a family to wait for, when she met the man she'd heard so much about, she never believed she'd fall this hard for him or that he'd fall for her in return. Was it too cheesy to say she'd found her own happy ending? Perhaps but she didn't care.