Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from this writing. OCs and plot belong to me.

I am SO happy with the reception Marguerite has gotten! Thank you! Today was one of *those* days, so I thought I would update to cheer myself up.

I couldn't help myself with the title. It refers to the first part here between Marguerite and Guy ^_^

I had a lot of fun writing my author's notes at the end! Some teasers/hints are envoked.

Chapter 31: Sensual Stroking

"Sir Guy!" a guard arrived the following evening as Guy was about to leave for Locksley. "Your presence is required."

"Again?" he asked. "What does she want?"

The guard didn't question how Guy knew he meant Lady Marguerite. "She would not say. She said 'tell him I won't tell anyone but Sir Guy what I want.'"

Guy sighed. He strolled up to her rooms and knocked. She called out so he entered. "You sent for me?"

"Sit," she ordered. He stared at her warily. "You mean to tell me Vaysey didn't tell you to keep an eye on me?" she asked knowingly.

"What do you need?"

"Just sit," she repeated. He warily sat down and she returned to her bureau to fetch her brush and scissors.

"What?" Guy asked alarmed.

"Shush." She brushed his hair, feeling him tense under her ministrations. "If you don't relax, I am not responsible for cutting off an ear." She brushed his hair longer than necessary until she felt him relax under her fingers. She ran her fingers through his dark locks. So different from her own. She trimmed his hair as he sat in her room, enjoying the intimacy of the action. "There, that wasn't difficult," she insisted.

"It will grow long again."

"Only if you let it," she told him. "Why do you not look after yourself?"

"That is none of your business."

"I already know," she said sitting and pouring them each a cup of tea. "You blame yourself for Marion's death."

"Blame? I killed her," he said angrily.

"Well, good riddance," she said easily as he jumped angrily to his feet.

"Don't you dare speak of her. You didn't know what a wonderful woman she was," he said seething.

To her credit she didn't flinch, just sat in her seat as she watched on. Marguerite waited for him to gain control of his anger. "Then enlighten me," she said handing him a cup of tea when he sat back down. "For I will confess now I did not know Marion before the Holy Lands debacle and I do not care for her," she said. "Tell me of your relationship with the maid Marion." Marguerite couldn't keep the snide tone out of her voice and hoped it wouldn't stop Guy from talking. She didn't like Marion, but wanted to befriend Guy.

"You are just mocking me," Guy brooded.

"You will know when I mock you," Marguerite assured him. "I am genuinely curious so tell me about your ill fated courtship of Marion. I would much rather run Marion through with a knife because I have heard of nothing but the superiority of Marion's character since I set foot in this shire. Think of this as your chance to change my opinion of Marion."

"I doubt anyone is able to change your mind," Guy said before drifting into silence. He stared at her as if trying to see if she was somehow playing him the fool. "I don't see what you could be doing."

"I am giving you the chance to talk about what you need to talk about."

He simply sat confused. "I met Marion years ago, after Robin left for the Holy Wars. The man was an idiot for leaving someone like her behind."

"I have met several of those idiots," Marguerite agreed.

"Everything was fine until he returned. I thought…" Guy's voice trailed off and she waited for him to continue. "We were going to marry," he admitted, surprising Marguerite. "She agreed, but ran off with Hood."

"Then you burned her house down and placed her under house arrest," Marguerite said when Guy stopped. "What made you think she would befriend you after burning her house down?"

"It wasn't easy at first," he said. "I wouldn't give her any chance, I was cruel. But she changed her demeanor. I thought it was something but it was only falsehoods as she spied on us for Robin."

She could see he was thinking hard. She hoped he realized the many falsehoods embedded in his relationship with Marion. "You thought she could redeem you," Marguerite repeated. "Why?"

"She was pure and good," Guy said.

Marguerite snorted. "I'm sorry," she said quickly to keep his anger abated. "But have you heard nothing about what you just said? She deceived you, she used you. She was not pure."

"She was a woman—fickle and a liar—like all women," Guy decided.

She frowned at him. "I do not appreciate being compared to Marion, especially if I am being condemned," she frowned at him. "Perhaps you should leave," she said standing and opening the door.

He just realized he had insulted her but didn't know why it bothered him. "Sir Guy," Marguerite said as he walked past. "Marion may have disappointed you, but I assure you I am nothing like her," she said as she shut the door on him.

Anne arrived to clean up the tray. She had stayed in the bedroom as Marguerite entertained Guy. "Are you going to have him in here every night?" Anne questioned and Marguerite nodded. "But why?" Anne wondered.

"We are fighting for my life and Richard's throne, Anne. And I need as many on my side as possible."

"But surely Robin will help if you ask…"

Marguerite snorted. "Robin. Ha! He is in over his head sometimes, I'm sure. In all honesty, he still has yet to realize the full extent of our little game," Marguerite said with a small smile. "Besides, I already told him to leave me alone."

"Why?"

She decided to be honest with Anne and told her about the arranged marriage, the fact Marion was alive and held contempt for Marguerite. "But Guy…" Anne trailed off.

"Doesn't know. And I promised not to tell him. Besides I want him to move on from Marion."

"Do you want him to like you?" Anne asked. "So he will help you, or because you like him?"

Marguerite smiled. "Is it so surprising I fancy him? Tall, dark, brooding, handsome."

Anne shook her head. "No," Anne decided. Marguerite changed the subject to something more lighthearted as they relaxed before the fire.

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Marion waited for her chance. Robin had gone to set new traps with the other men. Eleanor and Gretchen were playing with the children while the weather was momentarily nice. She took the opportunity to find Richard's letter to Robin in his bag. The brief thought that Allan was lucky Eleanor didn't snoop through his things and discover what he was hiding passed through her head, making her feel a twinge of guilt that she was going through Robin's.

The moment, and the guilt, passed quickly though.

My Dear Robin,

This note must be brief as another excursion has encroached upon us. The only means I can procure to settle the debt between us is to replace what was taken from you on my behalf. I do not take such debts lightly, especially from those whom I hold dear. It is not lightly that I have decided upon this, as I am sure there will be objections from several—John, William, Phillip, to name but a few.

But I believe you will love and cherish ma fae as she deserves. She will be able to help you in your grief and I hope you can return the kindness.

Just remember, Robin. It does not matter how dear you may be to me. As much as I love and favor you, Robin, if I hear of any mistreatment of my Marguerite I will finish what I started in the desert.

Divinely Ordained Sovereign of England, Duke of Normandy

Richard

Marion stashed it back, surprised by what she had read. Knowing now that Marguerite was heir to two thrones made her wonder why Richard had betrothed her to Robin. She could marry royalty. Mistreatment of my Marguerite… Richard would not be pleased of their conduct if he found out.

Robin, you fool, Marion chided. He was going to quickly find himself on the king's bad side if this continued. "You read it?" Robin asked behind her as the gang all returned.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Marion asked. "I am not so besotted with jealousy to see that our behavior towards Marguerite was deplorable."

Robin didn't point out that it was only his and Marion's behavior. The rest of the gang had adored her. "Why did you treat her like that? I think it is evident why I did," Marion continued.

"It's hard to explain…"

"Try," Marion insisted. She hated that there was a part of Robin she didn't know, didn't understand. Especially since it felt like he was purposely keeping it, and Marguerite, from her.

"Mainly I knew if you thought I was choosing her over you in any way you would not accept that. I chose you, Marion. I love you."

She grinned hearing it. "I am not so blind to the fact Marguerite is a beautiful woman. I would have liked her more if she looked less like an angel." Robin grinned at her jealousy. "Tell me what happened in London between the two of you." It had been driving her mad.

Robin reached up to grip the rafters, leaning forward slightly as he thought back. "That was before I left for the Holy Lands. We had just become betrothed before I left. I foolishly thought I would be back quickly and you would pine away for me."

Marion snorted making Robin grin. "I did say it was foolish." Marion nodded for him to continue. "I joined Richard in London as other noble's and their sons' arrived. I didn't know most of them, they came from all over England. Some from Wales and Scotland."

"When did you first meet Marguerite?"

"In London. I was chosen by Richard himself to be part of his guard because he heard of my abilities with the bow. He had his guard come to the palace in London before we left. Court was… well, everyone said it was normal. It was insane, crowded, energetic," he tried to explain. "Men and women were everywhere—talking, flirting, gossiping. Richard's arrival was always flamboyant—you can not miss the entrance of the king," he tried to explain.

"I'd imagine he wouldn't want his entrance to be missed," Gretchen smiled.

"But after his arrival, another was announced and you would have thought it was the king again the way everyone—including Richard and John—acted."

"Marguerite," Marion guessed.

Robin nodded. "Marguerite, her brother Pierre, and her brother Michel. Court simply adored the three of them. And it was easy to see why. They were all easily the most beautiful people in the room. But it was more than their looks, people basked in them. Marguerite later told me she had three marriage proposals that night alone."

"Was one of them yours?" Marion raised an eyebrow.

"I hadn't even talked to her yet," Robin said quickly.

"You were clearly besotted with her," Marion pointed out. She could tell by the look in his eye as he remembered the event. She could easily hate Marguerite for being able of putting that spark of life in Robin. Marion had the feeling, though, that Marguerite had that effect on all men, not just Robin.

"Everyone loves Marguerite. Marguerite loves everyone and no one," Robin tried to explain and saw Marion's confused look. "She loves everyone—she goes out of her way to associate with everyone. From Richard to the lowest baron she talked and made everyone smile. Even Much stuttered in her presence," Robin teased and Much blushed. "But while she doesn't discriminate in her attentions, she has yet to care for one above others."

"I'm sure she can't chose for herself who her future is with," Will spoke up.

"I'm not so sure. She has more power over her family than you would imagine," Robin said. "Later that evening, Richard had his guard in one of the parlors so we could get to know one another. As we were talking, the Les Capets-Owens, as everyone calls them, re-emerged. There were only a dozen or so of us at this time, so it was much easier to …"

"Drool over her?" Djaq interjected, unable to resist teasing their leader.

"She again talked to everyone, but we talked for most of the night. Richard said there was enough charm between the two of us to float a ship," Robin added with his signature grin. "There probably was. We just talked for a really long time. Then…"

Marion waited expectantly but he shrugged, not willing to share that memory yet.

"Others slowly went to bed. It eventually was just me with the siblings and Richard. A few days later, we—Richard's guard— traveled to Normandy to gather more troops, and then to France to meet with Phillip's forces. Marguerite and Michel traveled to their estate in France and we met up again in the palace in Paris."

That had been a completely different experience. While everyone who was titled in Britain got the respect due to them and their title, in France if you weren't one of the Noblesse d'épée or one of the 12 peers, your title wasn't worth anything.

It was in France he had truly realized the power Marguerite and her family held. It was enough to terrify any sane person and tempt the power-mad.

"We continued our acquaintance. Then I left in Richard's guard. We met up with Marguerite and Michel's other brother, Christophe, who had his own troops set up for this and left with Phillip's guard. That was the last I saw of Marguerite before she appeared here in Sherwood."

"Her brother Christophe went to the Holy Lands but her brothers Michel and Pierre didn't?" Eleanor asked, puzzling through the mystery that was Marguerite.

"They had their own campaigns elsewhere. Pierre was going to fight one of Phillip's other wars, I think against Prussia. Michel stayed in France until he and Marguerite returned to England. They go where they are needed." Robin laughed, "more like follow whatever whim that tickles their fancy."

"So, do you think if we help Marguerite in her work here, she'll forgive us for our earlier digression and not tell Richard on us?" Marion smiled.

(a/n: Noblesse d'épée = Nobles of the Sword; it's the old nobility in France)
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Anne set the tray down with the tea and biscuits on the table between the two parlor chairs in front of the fire. She was laying a fresh log on the fire when a knock on the door drew her attention. Marguerite was freshening up in preparation so Anne opened the door. "Good evening, my lord," Anne said as she opened the door for Guy.

Anne told herself she had to stop being surprised. Guy and Marguerite had their talks every evening. Someone always sent a message to Guy, and Guy always came. Anne didn't know how he felt about these meetings, but she hoped the fact he came every night was a good sign. Marguerite seemed to think so and Anne trusted her.

Marguerite came from her bed chamber and Anne studied Guy's reaction. She was most intrigued. He always seemed to notice the moment Marguerite entered a room and tonight was no exception as his head snapped up. The sky blue gown Marguerite had chosen highlighted her fair complexion and hair. A blind man would have been drawn to her, in Anne's opinion.

"Good Evening, Guy," Marguerite said happily as she walked in and took her chair. Guy waited for her to be seated before taking the one opposite her.

Anne stayed out of the way and observed them. Every night since Marguerite had arrived she had insisted on these evenings with Guy. For two weeks they talked about everything from Marion to Locksley and the castle. Anne marveled at how her mistress managed to get Guy to talk at all. He always arrived looking as if he was prepared to spend the entire night in silence but Marguerite managed to always draw him out of his shell.

Even if it resulted in arguments, Anne smiled.

Anne eavesdropped. She learned Marguerite didn't mind if Anne listened in since they usually talked about the conversations afterwards. If Marguerite didn't want Anne to listen, she would send her out.

"Guy?" Marguerite asked as they were relaxing. "I haven't asked before, but what is it you want out of this game?"

"Why do you always call it a game?" Guy countered.

Marguerite grinned. "What else should I call it? It is life, yes, and it use to be amusing to dabble into all of this."

Guy studied his companion. "I think you know far more than you let on. You may call it a game, but you understand that it is far more complex, far deadlier, than a mere game."

"Just because I say game doesn't mean I think of it in childish terms, Guy. This is an adult game, one I think Robin is out of his league in," Marguerite admitted, startling Guy. "I know exactly the results if I loose. What I am curious about is why are you playing? Why are you even here with the likes of Vaysey?"

A pregnant silence filled the room and Anne was as curious as her mistress.

"Before Hood arrived back from the war, Vaysey was the sole means for acquiring what I wanted. Even now, he has the best means of acquiring what I want."

"And what is it you want so badly?" Marguerite wondered. "The girl? The power? The land? No," Marguerite practically purred as she leaned forward. "You wanted all three, didn't you Guy?"

"You seem amused by that," Guy wondered. "Isn't it natural that a man deprived wants what was forsaken him?"

"Quite natural," Marguerite agreed. "I just am saddened by your choice of teammates is all. The game is evolving, changing, Guy. You had best reevaluate your position."

"I see that you are trying to coyly get me to your side," Guy stood.

"If you thought that was coy, we are going to have to give you a long lesson, Guy," Marguerite grinned. "I am simply saying that you are an intelligent man. If you insist on staying in this game, you may have to change your approach."

"And what could you possibly hope to gain from this?" Guy wondered.

"Gain? Who says I wanted to gain anything? I have everything I need. And most things that I want," Marguerite admitted. "Perhaps I am just hoping for a little divertissement. A change of pace and scenery." (divertissement is french for entertainment.)

Guy shook his head as he walked out. He constantly wondered why he continued to go. Especially when he usually left confused. But he had learned to expect Marguerite asking for him.

And he had stopped trying to find excuses not to go.

He would dwell on what that meant later.

Author's Note: I was so thrilled with the 5 reviews the last chapter, I couldn't wait to put this one up! I am eager to get into the dirty part of Marguerite's character and past. (Perhaps dirty was a poor choice of words; we'll go with TRAGIC-- yes, in all caps).

Crazylilreadhead (thanks! Allan and Eleanor have a lot to discuss... he begins to understand how he hurt her. It will all be very subtle, the Allan/Nora/Tom bits. As for Gretchen and Much... there wiill be more next chapter but they are doomed for a long story arc.) Fireheart (there are very few people who can tell Marguerite what to do, and I doubt any of them push her around. Marguerite much prefers leading everyone else around!) Lena (thank you! I enjoy writting it so much, it's nice to know others enjoy reading it!) Padme (I hope you like this Marguerite/Guy stuff! Gretchen/Much doesn't work to well, either. Originally Marguerite was going to be called Isabelle, but somehow my critic partner and I decided on Marguerite. I think I changed it because Prince John was married to an isabel.) and Katieee (thank you! I adore long reviews, and yours are always fantastic! No, its not just you, Marguerite is intriqued but doesn't quite know what to do with it all. Everything with Allan and Tom is going to be subtle for some time. Allan doesn't even realize it as he bonds with Tom, not until.... well, I can't say now can I? ;) I wrote that scene last chapter speciically for all the Allan/Nora fans just to tease. They still have some problems to work out, but hope is not lost!)