Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood (or BBC) or profit from this writing. OCs and plot (of events after season 2) belong to me…

I adore Marguerite, but she can be difficult to write. I hope I capture her well and people love her like I do. Let me know what you think. I miss hearing from all my readers.

I have a new poll on my profile for Robin Hood, series 3.


Chapter 30: The Game Begins

"Lady Marguerite, your presence is requested at Nottingham Castle," a man dressed in black called out.

Marguerite entertained the idea of fleeing. Her stallion gave her the advantage over the guards, and the thought of this handsome man chasing after her made her heart stir. That realization startled her as nothing else had in the past 2 years. "You have me at a disadvantage, sir. You seem to know me but I do not know you. I refuse to be accosted by some unknown brigand," she said haughtily.

He frowned. "I am far from a brigand, and you are not being accosted," the man insisted. "The Sheriff of Nottingham requests the pleasure of your presence."

"So shall I simply refer to you as the sheriff's lapdog?"

He glared at her making her smirk. If anything, his frown deepened. "I am Sir Guy of Gisborne and the lord of Locksley," he said. "Will you come?"

She knew what he meant was 'will you come quietly.' John, the things I agree to do, she thought as she led her horse towards Sir Guy. "I am honored he thinks so highly of me to request my presence," Marguerite smiled as they headed towards Nottingham.

They rode through the gate and she had the feeling of despair and doom, as if things would not end happily.

Guy looked back to see what was taking so long. She simply looked at him from the top of her horse expectantly. He walked back to help her down, just knowing she was going to be difficult.

"Thank you," she acknowledged as she led the way inside. She waited for him at the top of the steps and he led her to the parlor chamber where Vaysey was expecting them.

"Ah, Lady Marguerite," Vaysey said as she walked in. "Good, I see Gisborne brought you here safely. When word reached us you were traveling in Nottingham, I sent out guards to ensure your safety. We wouldn't want one of Prince John's dearest friends hurt."

"Of course not," Marguerite said as she peeled her gloves off. "Your kindness will not be forgotten. But let us skip such pleasantries and allow me to tell you I am on equal footing here, Sheriff," she said with a smirk. "I am assuming you are holding me here for your own political security. So be it. I am aware of the Black Knights and your plans."

She saw the incredulous look on his face. "John keeps me well informed," she smiled. "Now, while I am here I will require a companion, a young lady of my choosing. I will require a set of rooms with a parlor—and not the same rooms you kept the late Marion in," she added wrinkling her nose.

Vaysey managed to keep his frown and annoyance from showing. "I see you have heard of the late Lady Marion."

"I see our sympathies are the same," Marguerite nodded with a grin. "Excellent. Now, what are your terms? I much rather have these things out front." What he chose to tell her would be very revealing in Marguerite's opinion and set the tone for their relationship.

"You are not to leave Nottingham. A set of guards will be watching you at all times, and my entire force is under orders to kill you if you attempt to escape, or work with Hood."

She frowned over that. "That is preposterous. I wouldn't assist that spoiled, flippant child if he begged me," she insisted. "As for killing me, that I find highly amusing," she smirked.

"As will I, if the occasion should arise. There are 60 guards stationed here at the castle at all times, just so everything is out front," he repeated. Marguerite wasn't sure if he was smirking or snarling.

"I shall console myself then that it takes 60 men to kill me," she smiled happily making Guy simply ogle her. She offered her hand, drawing Vaysey's glare as he bent over it. She offered it again to Guy and he noticed for the first time she wore two different signet rings. Then she turned and walked up to the guard at the door. "Would you follow through on these orders and kill me?" she demanded. He nodded yes. She asked the same of the other guard who also said yes.

Guy had the feeling as she glided out she would question every guard in Nottingham. The thought nearly brought a smile to his face, the first in all these months. He froze in surprise.

"Why are we doing this?" Guy turned to Vaysey.

"And here I thought you would like seeing another pretty face in the castle," Vaysey drawled. "She is one of John's closest friends. Some say he is half in love with her, which would certainly be more affection then he has for his wife. Let's just say this is in case John has any misplaced brotherly affection," Vaysey said as he grabbed a scroll.

Guy was walking out to check on the guards when Vaysey called out, "Oh, Gisborne, stay close to her, less she hears anything… unpleasant. Is that going to be a problem for you?"

"No," Guy said walking out.

Marguerite was led to the kitchen and Griswald, the housekeeper, called all the female servants out. Marguerite studied them and immediately picked out a young girl with mousy brown hair. She looked compassionate and intelligent.

"Who has been here the longest?" Marguerite asked. Griswald called out for several to step forward. Marguerite dismissed them. She inspected and questioned every woman and eventually narrowed it down to the three who had been there the shortest and was happy the girl she first picked out was still there. "What's your name?"

"Anne, my lady," Anne bowed.

"How long have you been in Nottingham?" Marguerite inquired.

"Not quite three months, my lady."

Excellent. "You'll do. Bring up a tray of tea and two cups to my chambers," Marguerite ordered as she left. She waited before the fire for Anne to return. She waved Anne to the chair opposite her. "Sit, please," Marguerite said as she poured two cups of tea, handing one to Anne. She studied the girl as Anne sat nervously in the chair. "Please, relax," Marguerite said kindly. "I think we shall be good friends. I am assuming you have never been a companion before?" she asked and Anne shook her head. "Excellent. I am looking for a friend—a commodity that is scarce here in Nottingham, I dare say," Marguerite added as she stirred in more sugar.

She saw the way Anne eyed her sugar consumption. The poor girl had probably never seen sugar before, let alone tasted it. "You will accompany me on my outings, oversee the servants as to my preferences—once you know them— and be my confident. Why did you start working in the castle?"

Anne took a sip of tea to calm herself. She hoped this would be better than working under Griswald's constant supervision. "I am originally from Scarborough," Anne started. "I came because I wanted to work. My childhood sweetheart finally proposed, but things are very difficult. His father was killed by the sheriff over a year ago, and his brother is, uh, gone," Anne answered cautiously. "This was the only way to ensure we could get married in the spring."

"What is his name?"

"Luke," Anne smiled. "Luke Scarlett."

Marguerite's eyebrows rose at that announcement. "Hmm… and do you support Robin Hood, then? I believe there is a Will Scarlett in his gang."

Anne nodded. "His brother. Luke hasn't forgiven him for, well, several things. But his hatred for the sheriff is greater."

"He must not have liked you coming to work here, then," Marguerite pointed out.

Anne nodded. "We came to a terrible fight over it, I think he nearly called it off. But I was insistent. I don't want to wait two or three years to marry."

Marguerite set her cup down. "I am hoping your faith in Robin Hood, and a friendship that I hope will grow between us, will be enough to see you through this." She saw Anne's confused face. "I am here as a political hostage for the sheriff," Marguerite explained. "I am far from a passive opponent, as Vaysey will soon learn. And being my companion may prove to be difficult and dangerous. If you wish to return to the kitchens I will completely understand, Anne."

Anne studied her tea for a moment. "What would you be doing?"

Marguerite grinned. "Antagonize the sheriff, make a nuisance of myself. I can't really explain too much until I know where your loyalties lie, Anne."

"They certainly do not belong to the sheriff," Anne insisted.

Marguerite smiled. "I hoped not, which is why I chose the woman who had been here the shortest. I had hoped you wouldn't have had time to develop any loyalty to anyone else here." She studied Anne as the firelight flickered over them. "I am partially here because John—Prince John—asked me to figure out what is going on here in Nottingham. Being in Nottingham has proved an unexpected but potentially educational experience. There are plans a foot, and John is not happy. But the sheriff is so far unaware of John's true motives. This is a dangerous game, Anne. You don't have to play."

Anne studied the lady sitting opposite her. She was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen with hair so blonde it shone like a beacon of light in the dancing light of the fire, a veritable fairy amongst mortals. Marguerite was surprisingly proving to be as intelligent as she was beautiful. But there was something about her breathtaking beauty that made Anne want to cry, something about the Lady that felt out of place.

Anne nodded. "The sheriff is an evil man, my lady. Luke partially is upset with his brother for denying him the chance to avenge their father. My own brother was killed by the sheriff's men," she said angrily and saw something dark stir in Marguerite's eyes. "I am honored to assist you in whatever way I may."

Marguerite smiled. "Mainly, I need someone to help keep my sanity, what's left of it," she amended. "I need a person to center myself, to trust."

"I honored," Anne said. "What should I do now?" she asked confused, slightly embarrassed.

Marguerite smiled. "For starters, call me Marguerite. We are friends, after all. Now, tell me all about t'amour, your Luke." Anne smiled and happily talked endlessly about Luke. (t'amour is 'your love')

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tuck ran through the forest until the camp was in sight. "Tuck!" Gretchen said in alarm. "Is something wrong? What happened?" she did a quick head count but everyone was in the camp.

"I was returning from Ripley Convent and saw a contingent of guards being led by Guy. They were escorting Lady Marguerite to the castle," he said quickly.

"What do you mean she is in Nottingham?" Robin demanded, unable to believe what Tuck told him.

"I saw it with my own eyes, she was riding in with Guy and a contingent of guards," Tuck repeated.

"Do you think she went to join them?" Marion asked, startling Robin.

"That's absurd," Eleanor spoke up. She rarely voiced her opinion and Allan rubbed the small of her back in encouragement. She looked at him and he nodded. "Marguerite wouldn't betray any of us."

"How are you so sure?" Marion asked.

"Because I am not blinded," Eleanor told her. They had all seen how Marion behaved in her jealousy. "I watched her for the few days she was here, and she was a kind person. She wouldn't befriend us just to sell us out, no matter how upset she may have been. She has too much integrity." There was more, but she wouldn't try to explain what she wasn't sure of, what pain she had seen in Marguerite's shining eyes. "Furthermore, she was questioning us about the sheriff. She is up to something, something bigger, and I don't think it was to travel all this way to sell mere outlaws to the sheriff."

"She's right," Robin agreed. "That's not my concern. We have to get her out before Vaysey realizes—"

"What? That she was to marry you and didn't?" Marion asked.

"No!" Robin said, tired of her jealousy. "Before he realizes who she is," Robin said. "I'm hoping he doesn't know the extent of her connections." He ran his hand through his hair trying to think.

Everyone stared at him in confusion. "Lady Marguerite?" Marion asked. "What aren't you telling us?"

"Lady Marguerite Capet-Laurent Owens is cousin to Richard," Robin said, startling everyone, "And to Phillip, king of France."

"What?" Will said in shock, nearly falling over. Eleanor sat on Allan's lap in surprise. "She is related to both kings?"Will asked.

"Wait, does that mean she is in line for both thrones?" Marion asked, completely shocked.

Robin nodded. "And if he realizes how much power he has by holding her he will be unstoppable," Robin said. "I'm hoping he doesn't realize she is Phillip's cousin. Surely he knows about her connections to Richard…" he trailed off.

"We didn't know, surely he doesn't…" Marion started.

"Vaysey listens to court gossip. At least what trickles as far as Nottingham. And everyone knows she is related to Richard and John. You've heard Vaysey boast he is a friend of John's. Now I am afraid of whether or not John calls Vaysey a friend. It all depends on how much information John passed on about her mother's family," Robin said distracted, planning. "We'll head out at first light."

He worried it would be too late.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Marguerite woke the next morning and found guards shadowing her as she traveled in the castle and in the village. There was nothing to be done about it so she just accepted it. "What do you think of these, Anne?" Marguerite asked picking up some baubles.

"They will look lovely…"

Marguerite sighed. "You do not have to agree with everything I say. They are hideous. I want your opinion, not mine," Marguerite insisted.

"I… I think these will look better," Anne offered, pointing.

"Oh! They are lovely," Marguerite said happily, buying them. They wandered around the square for over an hour before returning to the castle.

She had just entered her rooms when the door shut behind her. "You have more guards at your back than Marion ever did," Robin's voice whispered.

She didn't even turn around as she walked on to set down her newest purchase. "It is rude to enter a woman's chambers unannounced, Robin."

"We do not have time to be polite. We need to get you out of here."

She smirked. "No need to worry your head, Robin. I have everything under control."

"You are being held hostage," Robin argued.

"Bravo, you figured it out. I am well aware of my circumstances, Robin. Believe me, I have been playing this game long before you even knew it existed," she drawled.

"Game?"

"Politics, Robin. You are a newcomer to our game."

"I don't have time to figure out what you are talking about, we have to go."

"No."

"Don't tell me 'I am more use here in the castle.' I am tired of that line."

"I am not doing this for you," she sneered. "Just go. I have work to do."

"Yes, politics," he shook his head.

"Just stop. You are no longer mon archer," she decided.

"Ah, Marguerite, I know you don't mean that," he said with a grin.

"Do not presume to tell me what I mean, Robin. You are only kind when Marion isn't around. I won't have a friend with a false face," she said and opened the door so the guards could look in.

"Did you need something, my lady?"

"Please tell Sir Guy I wish to speak with him," she announced, closing the door. She turned to find Robin gone. Good she thought. She had meant it. She wouldn't accept his friendship if they couldn't be friends in front of Marion. In her life, her station, she had enough of those to contend with.

She had sent Anne for tea when Guy knocked. She called out and he entered. "You needed to speak with me?" Guy asked confused.

"Won't you join me?" she asked as Anne returned and set the tea tray down. She poured two cups. "How do you like your tea, Sir Guy?"

"What do you need?"

"I just wanted your company," Marguerite smiled, mischief twinkling in her eyes. "You intrigue me."

He sat warily in the other chair. It was to cozy, he thought, as they sat opposite each other before the fire. "What do you need?"

"I find I am as content as I can expect. You, however, need a trimming," she clucked. "Why hide this beautiful face?"

She saw she startled him which made her smile. "Now, I am intrigued with your relationship with Vaysey. But I don't wish to spoil this so we will talk of other, happier matters. I love the snow," she commented. "We have an inch and it simply makes everything look beautiful."

"It makes the roads unbearable."

"I see you are determined to be disagreeable, but I won't let that dampen my spirits," she smiled. "Surely you enjoy at least the winter holidays?"

"I have no use for holidays," he said.

She frowned. "You must have had a miserable childhood, then. Who doesn't adore gift giving? Now, consider this a token gift from a new friend, " she studied him. "You may be interested to know that 58 of your 60 guards said they would follow through on your orders," she said, a grin on her face as she demurely took a sip of her tea.

He nearly choked on his tea. "58?"

"I daresay the sheriff is not going to be happy. Oh, if only I could remember those 2 who would show a sliver of humanity," Marguerite sighed, watching Guy over the top of her cup as she sipped. "Since I am not permitted to leave anytime soon, it looks I shall be here for quite some time. I do hope for some sweet pudding," she hinted. "I have instructed Anne to drop hints with the cooks," Marguerite grinned.

"If there is nothing you need," he said setting the cup down.

"Ah, you are spoiling my fun. Was it the pudding? Did my suggestion upset you?" she asked.

He simply stared at her. "You say the most absurd things," he shook his head as he walked to the door.

"Good evening, Sir Guy," she called out with a smile. Yes, she was most intrigued by the dark knight.

The realization startled her to her core.

Where have all my readers gone? Hmm.... I would love at least 3 reviews before I update again. Please!

HUGE thanks to Katieee, Padme4000, and lena for reviewing! I was beginning to think no one was reading this anymore!
Katieee We will definitely learn about Marguerite's past, something that is definitely haunting her, but not for some time. She has to go through a lot more first, and develop a relationship with Guy first. Guy definitely needs some exploration in my opinion, and worthy of someone. I don't think Allan resents Tom, he was just surprised (that's an understatement!) by him, and now has no idea what to do with him. I wrote a scene later that involves Tom, Guy, and Eleanor. Very cute! Allan does need to realize and fix things. I have yet to decide when the realization hits him, though.
Padme4000 Thank you!!!! You are the only person so far who has said whether or not they want a season 3 story! Thanks! I have an idea (with a very unlikely heroine), but I have to watch the entire season first to get the idea fleshed out.
Lena Thank you for reviewing!!! I have the story pretty much finished, just a few scenes here or there to tweak, so I will definitely be finishing this story ^_^ Happily ever afters will take some time, but they will come.