Chapter 22

Aquitaine – 2 months later, February 1192

Robin and Much felt a lot more at ease being in Aquitaine, it was a familiar place and well it was a close to home as they could get without being there. They walked into the castle and were greeted by the queen mother and Princess Joan, Richard's sister.

"Oh Robin of Locksley it is wonderful to see you safe and well. Richard sent a messenger ahead, telling us of your sacrifice and condition." Queen Eleanor said as Robin and Much bowed before royalty.

"It was wonderful to see you again your majesty." Robin said kissing the Queen's hand, "And of course to see you your highness." He continued, kissing Joan's hand too.

"Oh please Robin, call me Joan we have been friends for years." Princess Joan smiled.

"Of course." Robin paused. "Joan." He flashed a smile showing the gaps in his teeth that made him even more charming to women. Joan felt her inside do flips, she needed Robin of Locksley, he was wonderful.

"You will join us for dinner Robin and Robin's companion?" The queen asked.
"Of course, we would be honoured. And this is Much your Majesty, he has been my friend since we were young." Robin clapped his friends shoulder and Much beamed with pride.

"Well it is a pleasure to meet you Much." Eleanor smiled before turning and walking away, Joan flashed Robin a perfect smile before departing and following her mother. Robin sighed, he couldn't help but realise how different Joan was to Marian and how much, even after all these years, he still carried a torch for the dark haired beauty he left behind.

Robin walked into the dining hall where the feast had already begun, he had sent Much on ahead, Robin was in need of time to think and Much was in need of food. "Robin, there you are I was beginning to wonder if you would ever show up." Princess Joan said once she spotted Robin at the bottom of the stairs.

"And miss such a wonderful feast," Robin smiled, his exterior a beaming light, yet inside on the smallest flame was flickering. He missed home, he missed his father and Locksley. He missed Nottingham and Sherwood. But it was Marian he missed most, and now she was married and there was nothing he could do.

"Well I am glad, Mother had this party organised for your safe return." Joan said hooking her arm around Robin's. Robin tensed slightly and then relaxed again. "So where are you staying tonight?" A tinge of longing ringing in her voice, it did not go unnoticed by Robin. He cleared his throat before answering.

"Your mother has reserved a lovely room for us." Robin said feeling slightly on edge, of course the loved the Princess but more like a sister, never anything more.
"Us?"

"Yes, I and Much." Robin said, "Now if you will excuse me I need to thank your mother."

"Of course." Joan sighed, releasing his arm. He bowed before her, then trotted in the direction of the Queen.

The Queen had wanted to speak with young Locksley privately. She ushered him into the corridor and ordered her guards to wait. "So Lord Locksley, how long are you with us for?" The queen asked, she had a manner that oozed confidence, she was well stationed and ordered respect, but still had a humanly charm, she was real.

"One week, Your Majesty." Robin said.

"I see. I suspect you are glad to be going home."

"Yes your majesty." Robin sighed

"Something wrong Locksley?"

"No your majesty. Im just.."

"You are upset about that women aren't you?" Eleanor finished. Robin tensed.

"She has married another man, at least I am told."

"And yet you will never love another."

"I don't think I will."

"Well that will pain Joan to hear that." Eleanor paused. "Are you sailing to Hull?"

"No Portsmouth."

"It will take you an extra 2 weeks to get home." She stated.

"I know, but that is where they want to sail to soo," Robin sucked in his breath.

"I will sort it so that you sail to Hull, I know how much you love your village. The sooner you return home the better. And do not worry I will stop Joan's advances."

"Thank you your majesty." Robin smiled.

"You are excused master Robin." Robin bowed before the queen, and nearly skipped towards the dining hall.

6 days later Robin and Much where on board the ship ready to set sail for Hull. The queen had managed to persuade the captain to sail to Hull instead of Portsmouth. Robin could almost smell the forest and could almost smell the scent of Locksley manor. He and his best friend would soon be home, safe and well. He was the happiest man alive at that moment. He soon would be home among friends and family nothing could dampen his mood.