Disclaimer: I do not own robin Hood. Plot and OC's belong to me.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Sorry for the delay in this update. I was waiting to see if I would get any more reviews (only 2 last chapter!) and then my computer crashed. Most of my work was saved (Thankfully!) but I did loose an important scene that was dealing with Marguerite's past. Definitely back up all your work!

Blue Foundation was an inspiration to the ending of this chapter. I love scenes between Vaysey and Marguerite but they are so difficult to write (capturing the right tone with the banter and all).

Some modern day lingo at the end, but trying to phrase it in 12th century vernacular would probably ruin the moment.

Chapter 34: A Jealous Guy

Marguerite carefully locked her necklace up, fingering each piece lovingly as she slipped it off her neck. She wouldn't dare let Vaysey set eyes on them even if it tore her heart to part with them. She slipped herself into the gown; Anne and several servants helping her to get in and stay in. Others dressed her hair, placing in the jeweled decorations from her jewelry box. "Well?" she asked Anne.

"I don't know what Marion looked like, but I think you have to be the most stunning woman in the world," Anne said in awe. "Helen of Troy."

Marguerite laughed. "Let's hope Guy thinks so." She stood, the skirt of the blood red gown spreading out as if taking a breath now that she was standing. It had taken a lot of work to find enough fabric to make it into a full skirt. The bodice shaped her like a glove, showing of her curves. She picked up her gold coronet and expertly fit it on her head.

She found the guards waiting to escort her down to the ballroom. She reached the door and found herself pacing before going in. So much was riding on this. If Vaysey wasn't happy with how she worked the room, the value of holding her as a hostage would disappear. Equally important, for a reason she couldn't explain, was to make an excellent impression on Guy. One that would make him forget all about Marion.

"I know you are not staring at me," she told the guards ogling her. They immediately went back to staring at space. "God may have given you a pair of eyes. I can take them back," she threatened. "Besides, if you think you have it tough, try walking in."

Guy had been sent to find out what was taking her so long, and had hidden himself in the shadows watching her. He was thankful he was in the shadows since it hid his amusement from any observers as he watched Marguerite chastise the guards. No woman had peaked his interest like this except Marion. But Marguerite was certainly not Marion. She was upfront about her role in this game they were all playing.

What are you playing, Guy? What do you want? He asked himself not for the first time. He drank in the site of Marguerite while he had the opportunity. Here no one could see him ogle the lady but once they were both inside the ballroom they would both been under the hawk-like eyes of Vaysey.

After drinking in his fill he returned inside to tell Vaysey Marguerite was approaching.

Marguerite gave a nod and the guards opened the doors for her. She glided in, a smile in place, as everyone inside stopped to watch her grand entrance. "Ah, our guest has arrived," Vaysey said and everyone nodded their heads in reverence. They may not know the extent of her family but they knew she outranked all the country nobles. None except Vaysey had ever even been to London.

"You are too kind, Vaysey," she said brightly. "I am most happy to meet all of your peers," Marguerite said easily.

A man approached and bowed before her. "Ah, Lord Evan," Vaysey said, staring at Marguerite's crown more than the man. "Lady Marguerite." A wave of his hand had musicians playing and Evan escorted Marguerite to the floor. They were joined with other couples as a dance began.

She laughed at all of his jokes, paid attention to all of his stories, and doted on him during the two dances they shared before moving on to another noble and plying him with equally flattering attention. She subtly kept track of all the signet rings in the room to mark who was a Black Knight and who wasn't.

"Gizzy, you don't dance?" Vaysey said. "I think our little champ has danced with everyone but you."

"Now you want me to dance?" Gisborne asked mortified.

"Look at how she works the room! We may have underestimated our little prisoner. Just look at how everyone fawns over her."

"So she can work a crowd," Gisborne said. He had watched her all night and was a little disappointed at seeing her pay so much attention to everyone else.

Vaysey tutted. "Now, now, Gisborne. Tonight is to show off our little jewel. And a marvelous job. We may have further use of her."

That caught Guy's attention. "For what?"

"We'll see."

Guy waited until her current partner bowed low before her and, seeing Guy behind him, scurried off. "I believe you just frightened off my dance partner," Marguerite frowned. It was the only frown she had worn all evening and it was directed at him. Marvelous he thought sarcastically. "You had better take his place, I refuse to be left standing awkwardly in the middle of a crowd," Marguerite said expectantly.

"I doubt you could ever look awkward," he said as he took her in his arms. "It seems Hood had fun terrorizing our guests as they traveled here."

"Am I suppose to be surprised?" Marguerite asked as he led her around. He was graceful and knew how to dance. That didn't surprise her. What did was the enjoyment she got from being in his arms. Don't think, don't feel, all it will take is one crack… "You look even more upset than usual, though. And Vaysey seems to glower at me more than usual," she smirked.

"I think you know quite well what it is that took us by surprise," he accused.

"What? Me?" she grinned. "Your saying little me surprised the big bad Black Knights?"

"Whose crown are you wearing, Marguerite?" he demanded. How could he explain his tone? Vaysey told him to find out, but his anger boiled up inexplicably. "Is it your father's?" He asked, although he already knew it wasn't. The mere thought of her wearing another man's insignia ignited a reaction within him he couldn't explain.

"Why on earth would I wear the coronet of my father's estate?" she asked confused.

"Because you are the lady of Canterbury, daughter of the Earl," he said. She was entitled to wear her father's coronet. "But you don't wear his crest, so whose crest are you wearing?"

She simply stared at him. "What has gotten into you, Guy?" she asked. "Why shouldn't I wear my own crest?"

They stopped as soon as he heard that. "You are wearing the crest of the earl of Kent." He refused to even acknowledge she may be married now.

"I am the earl of Kent," she explained. It was the only explanation he could come up with, other than a previous husband. But to have her admit that it was her own estate…

"That's absurd…."

She frowned at him. "And to think it was such a lovely evening up until now," she frowned. Again. She had frowned at him twice in 5 minutes. She turned away before they could draw attention to themselves as she went to say farewell to the guests. The sun was starting to rise and everyone was beginning to retire.

Anne woke up when she heard Marguerite enter. She went to help her change, beginning with her hair as Marguerite sat at her desk and wrote down the names of the Black Knights she had met that evening. A knock on the door had her shoving the paper into her jewelry box as Anne opened the door. Guy strode in.

"It is late, Sir Guy," Marguerite said. "I'm surprised you have finished telling Vaysey about me already," she said.

Guy seemed to pace back and forth in her parlor. "Vaysey didn't seem nearly as surprised as I was, or as I expected him to be."

"Why are you taking this so hard?"

"How the bloody hell do you have lands of your own when all I have is a landless title," he spat out angrily.

Guy watched as she frowned as she approached him. Her blonde hair was cascading down her back. Even without some intricate hair knot, the simpleness of her hair being down was stunning—a cascading river of white gold. "You are trying to manipulate me against the sheriff. You are just like Marion was."

Marguerite glared at him. "Yes, I am fighting for my life, I am not above playing this arduous and conniving game. At one time in my life, it was most entertaining. And yes, I think you can do better than the sheriff!" she huffed. "I think the only similarity I share with Marion is that I see something good in you, Guy. But while Marion may have manipulated that part of your soul to her own ends, I can honestly tell you that I am in this game whether you are on my side or not. I am playing this game on my own. I do not expect anything from you, Guy. And I am beginning to not expect anything of you," she added. "If all you can see looking at me is Marion, another person toying with your affections, then you are deaf, dumb, and blind."

He stormed up to her but she held her ground. "That's the problem," he said. He looked at her tonight and didn't see Marion. He should have been reminded of her all evening in that goddess-like gown Marguerite had worn, but, he realized, for the first time that the demons were at bay.

Before he did something stupid—like pull her to him and steal a kiss—he stormed out, leaving Marguerite confused. "What was the problem?" Marguerite asked aloud. She turned to see Anne in the doorway who looked just as confused. She let Anne take off her gown as she mulled over the conversation in her head but couldn't come up with anything.

She dropped off the sleep as Anne grabbed the slip of paper and went to meet Luke. Marguerite and Anne had discussed that if Luke was able to come back soon and take another message to the outlaws than he could also take the shoes Marguerite had ordered for baby Tom and little Ygrainne. Anne didn't question the affection and attention her mistress had for the children; Marguerite constantly talked about her own nieces and nephews so Anne assumed Marguerite simply loved children.

Marguerite avoided all of Anne's questions about her family anyways. Anne had stopped asking as her questions seemed to agitate Marguerite, pushing her further along a dark cliff. Anne was frightened what would happen if Marguerite fell off that cliff.

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Allan felt Eleanor slip from bed only a few short hours after having fallen asleep. She really needed to sleep more, he thought sleepily. He listened as she checked on Tom but judging by the fact she moved on meant Tom was still sound asleep.

Nora was generally the first one up in the morning and had developed a routine. A routine he listened to now as she stepped out for a few minutes. She returned and poured the nearly-frozen water into the pot after she added another log to the embers, stirring the flame till she had a strong blaze.

She returned when Tom first began to stir and he felt her sit softly on the end of the bed as she began to feed Tom. Nora use to do it in private outside but with the cold weather she had to settle for doing it before everyone else was up. Allan watched through his lashes, pretending to be asleep.

He still couldn't believe everything. This certainly wasn't how he planned on his return from the Holy Lands. He still couldn't believe he was a father. And Tom seemed to be growing so fast, Allan was afraid he would come back one day and find him already walking and talking and (God forbid) chasing after girls.

Well, like father like son he supposed.

Gretchen was the next to stir. Unsurprising, considering their life in the castle. He always wondered when they slept. The two women were stirring in the kitchen so that when the outlaws were all awake they would have warm water to wash with and something warm to eat and drink.

His thoughts soon turned to Greta. He was fond of her, like a brother would be. And he was worried about her attempts to entice John. Not that John was a bad fellow, but he couldn't understand why.

Gretchen and Nora stepped outside. He continued to ponder what was running through Gretchen's mind. He would have to ask Nora. She would know. He already knew that Nora noticed Robin was upset last night. It was the same reason he was upset. He didn't doubt Nora would figure it out soon. She saw and understood more than most people. He would ask her why Greta was shunning Much.

Much stirred as Allan was pondering. The image of Much's face when he discovered Ygrainne came to mind and Allan nearly grinned. It must have been what he looked like when he discovered Tom.

Wait….

Bloody Hell.

"Are you just going to laze about all day in bed?" Eleanor teased Allan as she ran her fingers through his hair.

"The thought crossed my mind. Only if you stay with me," Allan smirked as he pulled Eleanor down on top of him.

"Allan," Eleanor laughed. He whispered something in her ear making her blush. "Just see if I share my bed with you tonight," she threatened as she pushed herself up. "Between John and Tuck there isn't going to be any food left, you had best hurry or forage for yourself."

"Your breakfasts are always better than Much's," Allan decided getting up.

"Hey!" Much said offended.

Eleanor and Gretchen kept sharing looks as everyone puttered around in the morning and seemed relieved when everyone was finally leaving. "ey, what are you up to?" Allan wondered.

"None of your business," Eleanor insisted, practically pushing him out.

"Not very subtle Nora," Allan grinned.

"It has nothing to do with you," Eleanor insisted.

"I'm hurt," Allan pouted.

"You'll get over it," Eleanor promised with a grin. He pulled her away for a minute.

"I think I know what Greta is doing, and it's ridiculous."

"And why would it be ridiculous?"

"Am I right?" Allan asked. "I'll tell you why Robin was upset yesterday and you tell me what Greta is doing."

"No deal, now go," Eleanor insisted as she went back inside. Allan sighed and went off with the gang to secure more funds.

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

"I thought they would never leave," Greta murmured.

"I want to help!" Ygrainne announced. Gretchen handed her a bowl to stir. "When do I get to open my present?"

"Tonight," Gretchen promised.

"Is this right?" Ygrainne asked.

"I hope so," Gretchen grinned. They were trying to throw a surprise celebration as a late Christmas celebration and wrapped the new mittens, socks, and cap up for Ygrainne to open up. Since Djaq didn't celebrate Christmas, though, they wanted to make something special for her, something to remind her of home. They had subtly asked questions all week from the outlaws to get an idea of what the food was like in the Holy Lands.

Besides, they had finished their first secret project. They just had to find a way of sneaking it into the castle.

"Will Robin get angry we are using some of the supplies?" Gretchen wondered. "I used what was left over from my own cottage as much as I could."

"I hope not," Eleanor said. "I mean, he wouldn't throw out 2 women with children to survive in the forest on their own," she pointed out. "Besides, Djaq disobeyed him in making black powder for his birthday. He didn't get angry," she remembered.

A few hours later the alarm sounded, startling the three girls. "Is everything okay?" Ygrainne asked.

"Of course it is," Gretchen promised. "You watch Tom for a minute."

"Are you robbing? Can I help?!" Ygrainne asked.

"You can help by protecting Tom, okay?" Eleanor asked. "Make sure he stays asleep." Eleanor and Gretchen grabbed their cloaks and snuck out.

A minute later they saw Luke waiting for someone to show up. He looked as if he was bracing himself for another confrontation with his brother. "Luke?" Gretchen called out. He seemed relieved to find the two of them. "I have another message for Robin to pass on," Luke said holding up a letter.

"Perfect!" Gretchen and Eleanor said together. "Come back to camp, it's just us," Gretchen insisted. They led him back and he seemed relieved to find Will wasn't there. "Can you give this to Robin when he gets back? Marguerite needs it passed on to Prince John."

"Certainly. We are having a celebration tonight, would you like to join us?" Gretchen offered.

"I don't think so… thanks, though," he said quickly.

"Could you get this to Marguerite?" Eleanor asked as she took out several parchments from her things.

"Sure," Luke nodded eagerly. "Marguerite asked me to pass these on. For Tom and Ygrainne," he said as he pulled out two packages.

Gretchen took them and looked at Eleanor in surprise. She had felt through the bundles and discovered they were shoes. "We can't…"

Luke shook her head. "Marguerite told me if you try to deny the gift, she will simply buy a new pair for each day of the week," Luke grinned.

"But…" Eleanor said in shock as she took the one for Tom. "How can we repay her?"

"I think you just did," Luke said holding up the parchment.

"I don't even know if it will help her, I mean, Lady Marguerite has been in the castle for over 2 months," Eleanor insisted.

"It was a good idea," Gretchen complimented.

"I'm going to go back and find Anne. Thanks," Luke grinned as he finished the biscuits and tea.

"Don't worry, Luke," Gretchen said. "Whatever your Anne is doing with Lady Marguerite has got to be loads easier for her than working for Griswald," she encouraged.

"Just don't get caught," Eleanor cautioned as Gretchen kissed him quickly on the cheek before he left the camp. "You know, you almost seem relaxed around him," Gretchen commented. She was finally comfortable around the gang, and that took weeks for her to feel comfortable enough for anyone but Allan or Gretchen to touch her.

"I'm trying," Eleanor said. "It is easier with time. I just can't seem to help this natural tendency…"

"Elle," Greta smiled, "I understand. I think I would have behaved the same way if my family was like that. I'm just saying I'm happy for you. You are getting braver, you have Allan, you have Tom," she sighed as they returned to working on the surprise.

"You are still flirting with John," Eleanor pointed out. "He still gets along great with Ygrainne." Something seemed to make Gretchen even more upset. Eleanor tried to think of a different topic. "If you think our love life is complicated, I know someone's who's is completely tragic," Eleanor decided and shared with her the story of Father Tuck as they cooked.

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Marguerite unrolled the parchments and grinned. "Those smart, kind girls," she grinned as she looked over the detailed maps. Each parchment showed a different level of the castle. Each level showed details of every room, servant's passages, and secret passage ways. "Anne, I think my estimation of Hood's gang has just gone up," she said happily as she studied them. She pulled the one of the level with her floor to the top.

"Are you planning an escape, Marguerite?" Anne asked curiously.

"Perhaps, once I am done here," she admitted.

"Don't you know enough to tell John, though?" Anne asked curiously.

Yes, she did. She could tell John all about Vaysey's attempts at stealing the throne and making John a puppet king. She knew most of his conspirators. So what is holding you back? Rule of combat: get out while you still can. "Soon," was all Marguerite said.

She locked them inside the chest and pocketed the key. "I think I am going to go for a walk," she decided. She slipped on the jacket as she walked out her door, the guards automatically trailing her. Anne was by her side and they chatted as they made their way into the village.

"Shopping again?" Guy's voice drawled behind her.

She glanced over her shoulder. "What else would you have me do?"

"Snoop about the castle," he shrugged.

Marguerite rolled her eyes. "If you think I am going to lower myself to snooping and eavesdropping," she chided. "I don't know what Marion did, but I have told you plenty of times I am not her. Nor do I operate the same way as she. Marion was in over her head, as Robin is now. The question is, are you in over your head, Guy?"

"Now what are you trying to say?"

"You are all going about this wrong. John is not a stupid man, contrary to popular beliefs. For all your thirst of power, you don't understand the game. John is patient—he is second in line for the throne, and the heir is a mere infant. How hard do you think it will be to challenge for the throne with Richard's lust for war?"

"Why were you acting strangely before the party," he said startling her with the change of subjects. "You have always been vivacious. I didn't think you could be anything else."

A sad smirk graced her features. It seemed so out of place. "A part of me adores and needs the excitement and entertainment of court, crowds. Another part—equally important—wants peace and solitude. Surely you can understand that, Guy. It is impossible to be happy all the time." Any time, she mentally corrected.

"You seemed … unhappy over the party."

"Of course I am happy," she said. "Who isn't happy to act a train monkey on command?" she added. "Don't try to pretend it was for my benefit. We both know what Vaysey wanted out of the party. He got what he wanted, too. All the shire thinks him now rubbing elbows with the highest of London society, John's right hand man since John simply dotes on me," she said snidely.

Guy shook his head. "You are a difficult woman to understand."

"Good. I am trying to be honest with you, Guy," she said. "And that means telling you I understand what the sheriff wants, and I will perform like he wants."

He was startled but just ignored it. "I am trying to be your friend and be honest with you Guy. You could at least tell me if I am making any headway," she finally spoke up.

"You know I am here under orders."

"So Vaysey told you to come to my rooms every evening?" she huffed.

"For someone who is so outspoken about the 'game' you seemed surprise," he said. "Marion didn't let on she knew."

She frowned at him. "I am not Marion," she reminded him. "For starters, do I even remotely look like her?" she challenged. She was as fair as Marion was dark. She was also taller as the top of her head came to Guy's mouth. "And for all your talk about wanting power," she snarled because in their conversations he had confessed that is why he worked with the sheriff, "you don't even know what power is, cher."

"And you do?" Guy smirked.

She simply smiled at him. It was her greatest weapon, he realized, at it was beautiful. "I have more power in my pinky than you could ever dream of attaining with the sheriff."

"Then why are you here?" Guy countered. "If you have as much power as you boast, why not gain your freedom? Leave Nottingham?"

"Freedom?" she repeated. "Freedom to do what, Guy? To go home simply to be forced to marry some other stranger? Simply because he wants my power? To play the intrigue expected of me in court? No, I am having just as much fun here," she smirked. "I'll stay as long as I am having fun. Don't disappoint me, Guy," she said as she walked off to her room.

Guy watched her leave. You are a fool, Guy he told himself. Yes, Marguerite seemed to be keeping the demons at bay, but he knew he couldn't have her.

Unless the sheriff could convince John to let him have her.

You may be right, Marguerite, but this is the only way he realized.

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

Marguerite was redirected to the Sheriff's study. "A worth wile party," Marguerite said as she walked in, the guards remaining outside.

"You sound surprised. Did you doubt your host could pull off a party worthy of such a guest?" Vaysey questioned from his throne-like chair. The high back and arm rests were clearly meant as a subtle message of his ambitions.

"Ah, cher, it was a compliment, take it as such," Marguerite grinned as she walked around. "Now to what do I owe the pleasure of this meeting? Another letter? Another theatrical performance? Perhaps you want someone to witness me kissing your signet ring?" Marguerite drawled. "I would suggest Lady Cordelia. She is the biggest gossip in the entire shire." Five minutes with the woman and Marguerite knew everything of importance about all the other nobles.

"Most would cower to be in my presence alone," Vaysey pointed out. "No guards are your friends here. Not even your companion. She belongs to me, her loyalty can be bought. Yet you don't cower, instead you flaunt and strut like a peacock."

"For the record, I do not strut. I glide," Marguerite corrected him as she took a position standing beside his chair. "I suppose this is where I should apologize," Marguerite admitted.

"Really?" Vaysey asked amused.

"I suppose this is where most would apologize for not cowering before you," Marguerite clarified. "I think you'll find apologizing is a foreign concept to me, however. I do not tend to act or say anything I regret later," Marguerite laughed.

"You insolent brat. You think you can manipulate the rules here with your beauty and sass. Will it work? A clue: No. You will end the same way all of my problems end. Six feet under."

"Robin Hood excluded, right?" Marguerite grinned. "I'm not afraid of you or your stolen power. I see right through you. Perhaps that is why you dislike me so," Marguerite said thoughtfully.

"You have upped your game last night," Vaysey pointed out snidely, referring to her presenting herself as the Earl of Kent. "A most opportune moment to announce your new tactics."

"If you wanted to know my game, all you had to do was ask, ma puce," Marguerite smirked. She leaned closer, leaning down to whisper to Vaysey. "I'm taking it slow, feeding this flame between us as I shuffle the cards of your game. And in just the right time, in the right place, suddenly I will play with my ace," Marguerite smirked as Vaysey attempted to remain passive but couldn't stop the tick from emerging in his temple.

"Battles don't matter, my dear. We'll see who wins this war at the end," Vaysey promised.

Marguerite grinned as she walked towards the exit. "I suppose this means you will now be bringing you're A game," Marguerite smirked as she opened the door. "Perfect."

She closed the door before Vaysey could respond.

100 reviews!! Thank you so much! this chapter is longer to make up for the long time between updates. POLL ON MY PROFILE for season 3 of Robin Hood.

Padme4000 (Thank you! Vaysey won't find out about her family connections until after... after what, you'll have to wait and see! But now they know more than Robin because Robin has no clue about her being an Earl.) and Leafy (Wow! Thank you so much! I work hard on my characters to make sure they are fully developed and have their own story. I want people to believe they are real and could exist in the story I put them in ^_^)