Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood or profit from this writing. Only OCs and post-season 2 plot belong to me.

AUTHOR'S NOTE/WARNING this chapter is darker than what I normally write, but it is a natural progression of where Marguerite has been heading for some time. This chapter is RATED M just to be on the safe side.

Chapter 36: Rock Bottom

Unsure what to expect after dropping half of her heritage on Guy, Marguerite hoped for the best—that he wouldn't betray her—but planned for the worse. She and Anne followed Guy around all day for over a week using the secret passageways Gretchen and Eleanor had drawn for them to see if he told Vaysey, or anyone else, what he had learned about Marguerite.

A week of spying confirmed her faith in Guy was true: he didn't say a word about her to anyone. It also revealed the fact Vaysey despised her nearly as much as Robin Hood. Marguerite wasn't surprised, but she was insulted. She wanted Vaysey to hate her more than Robin.

Marguerite woke up the next morning refreshed. She even felt a new bounce in her step. Her faith in Guy wasn't wrong, and she felt that not only did she understand how she felt about him, but that he might even return the feelings.

Sometime, through all of her long thinking, Marguerite decided to give it a try. Guy was responsive to her, and she thought she might be able to convince him to join her. To love her. She pushed all doubts away. For the first time in nearly 2 years she was feeling like her old self. It scared the hell out of her, but she felt a small presence telling her to go for it.

Of course, you could be mad as a hatter for trying this… the thought was sobering, and the thought that if Guy refused her… well, that idea nearly shattered her resolve. She couldn't imagine what would happen if Guy refused her, still nurtured love for Marion. Marguerite had never wanted a man, not like she wanted Guy.

Come on, Marguerite. In all these months here, you have seen a change, a real change, in Guy she reminded herself. He spared Robin's life. He came to her willingly every evening to talk and have tea. He sought her out. He seem to listen and accept what she had to say. And she looked forward to his company, his companionship.

Is it so wrong I want to feel alive again? Feel loved and love someone? She wondered. Her spirits renewed again, she was walking down the corridor when she spotted Guy. He dismissed the guards he was briefing, and then dismissed her guards when she approached him. "Guy," Marguerite said happily.

"You look … chipper, today," Guy observed.

"I am feeling optimistic," she agreed.

"Why do I have the feeling you are going to ask me something?" Guy asked, raising an eyebrow. She was about to say 'yes! A personal question' but he continued, "Marion acted just this way when she was manipulating me into something. Usually time away from her guards so she could, I assume, run off to Robin."

Something inside shattered, the shards cutting her deeply. "Marion?" Marguerite repeated. "Marion, Marion, Marion!" she said angrily, surprising Guy. "Dear Lord, is that all you see when you open your eyes? Have I ever once asked for you to send my guards off? Have I ever betrayed your trust in any way? I even chose to stay here with you, Guy!" she said furiously. "I am so tired of these comparisons to Marion!" she yelled, glad they had privacy. "Can't you see me, Guy? I am not Marion, nor do I appreciate the constant comparison between us from you, from every bloody person in this despicable shire. Can't you see me, Guy?" She leaned forward and startled him as she leant up to captured his lips in a kiss.

It was soft and passionate, but most importantly, Guy thought, it was sincere. He remembered when Marion had launched herself at him. It had felt so right at the time, he thought, but had been reluctant and sloppy, as if her mind was occupied elsewhere. Marguerite was passionate and demanding but so giving. It was so very different, how could he even make a comparison with Marion?

"Marion," he whispered as she pulled back. The softest of whispers but it went directly to her heart and shattered the single piece left, the piece she wanted to give to Guy.

She quickly wiped away the tear that fell down her cheek. Everything just stopped. If after that, giving him everything she felt, he still thought of Marion, than she lost. The ghost of Marion was more powerful than she. She didn't know how to fight against memories, ghosts, hauntings.

She had been failing for 2 years, stupid to think she could win now.

"Goodbye, Guy," she said, quickly kissing him and then turned to return to her room.

She sat at the desk and stared at the parchment. She wiped away the tears that couldn't stop falling. "Marguerite?" Anne asked fearfully.

"Get out," Marguerite barked the order.

"But…"

"Now!" she yelled, choking back a sob. Anne was frightened, she had never seen Marguerite so distraught. All of her moods, her good and bad moments, had never been this bad. Anne left her in peace wondering what could have happened to make Marguerite look so utterly defeated.

Marguerite penned a letter to her father, detailing everything she had yet to tell him about Nottingham and the Black Knights. Trust Robin, papa. I wish I had and had simply come home when I sent Jasper back to John. Now I will never see my little ones, or you, and I wish you to forgive the folly of my decision for I know it hurts you just as deeply as it does myself… no, worse since I have long been incapable of feeling. I can no longer go on here and I tire of this charade called life. I have no strength left—real or imaginary. So I send my last thoughts to you, mon cher papa. Know they are of the love I have for you, the little ones, and my dear, dear departed one.

She wanted to console her father that she was nearly happy at the thought of being reunited with them but that would tear his heart.

Let my estates be divided amongst the girls, especially my darling Genevieve. It is my wish for my dear one to be well looked after and cared for. I fear they are all going to be so burdened with titles but I know you can help them navigate the waters. They will be better off than your first children, I pray.

She sealed it and placed it inside a tube. She took off her necklace and looked at the signet rings she always wore. They were all that was left, she kept them guarded close to her heart, never daring to let Vaysey see them. She didn't allow even her own family to see them, they wouldn't understand her morbid need to keep them close. She took her own signet rings off, adding them on to the collection at the end. Right where they belong she thought morbidly as she slipped those inside the tube as well.

She went to pen the letter Vaysey would see addressed to her father. She knew it had to be just right.

Mon Cher Papa,

As delightful as Nottingham has been, I find myself wishing to spend the beginning of Spring with my little ones. I am leaving and shall rejoin you and the family shortly. I am afraid with the rash of bandits and outlaws roaming the forest it makes travel difficult and dangerous, but my mind is set. No one shall dissuade me from rejoining you. Not even Robin Hood himself!

She called out for Anne. "I hope you forgive me for my outburst. I took my hurt out on you, and I apologize. You have been nothing but kindness and love to me here. If I may, I ask one last thing of you."

"Last thing?" Anne repeated frightened. "Marguerite, what is going on?"

"I need you to take this to Robin. It is essential that he delivers it to my father. My father must get this, Anne. For so many reasons. Will you do this for me?"

Anne nodded. Marguerite kissed her cheek. "A letter to Robin is enclosed," she added handing Anne a pouch filled with money. "Be happy with Luke," she ordered as she grabbed another letter and walked out.

Marguerite walked in after the guard opened the door for her. She found Vaysey feeding his falcon. "I give in," she announced boldly, no tremble in her voice, only resolve.

"What?" Vaysey asked. "Do my ears deceive me?"

"You win," Marguerite repeated. "I want out."

"Out? My dear girl, there is here, in Nottingham, and then there is where I decide others go," he said.

She handed him the letter she had written to her father, what was essentially her death warrant and they both knew it. There was no going back from this but she didn't have it in her to care.

He read it over. "Oh, I think I underestimated your talents. Tis a pity you were not more inclined to help us. Shall I miss you, though? A clue," he shook his head as he handed her the sealing wax. She hoped he didn't notice she had changed signet rings, the first signal to her father something was wrong.

Guards were called in and grabbed her arms to lead her out but she jerked her arms free. She walked freely into this, she would walk freely out. "Out of curiosity, why the change of heart? Couldn't get Gizzy to admire that pretty face of yours?"

Marguerite wouldn't admit to it. "Does it matter to you? I died 2 years ago. If anything, I should be thanking you for doing me a favor."

"I knew there was something wrong with you," Vaysey shook his head. "And your act of martyrdom will even secure my hold over Hood once John learns his precious lady friend was their latest victim. I will have every royal force in England rooting Sherwood for him."

She may be dead—in every way that mattered—but she'd be damned if she didn't get the last word. She was a Capet and a Plantagenet, after all. "One last piece of advice, Vaysey. A knight may take out the queen, but this," she gestured to the fake letter to her father Vaysey was holding, "is far from checkmate."

Guards led her out to her carriage. Anne had been ordered to pack her things and her trunks were being loaded into a carriage.

Without looking back, she left Nottingham.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Anne raced through the corridor, following the carriage out the window as it made its way out of Nottingham. Marguerite couldn't be gone!

She rushed out of the steps of the castle and was running towards the gate when she ran into Guy.

"My lord!" she said horrified. "Please, don't stop me, I am on an errand for Marguerite," she said quickly.

"What errand?" Guy had been looking for her since she ran off. He had taken some time to think and get things in his own head straightened out, but couldn't find her now.

"She…" she choked. "She asked me a favor."

"Favor? Why are you being cryptic?"

"She is gone," Anne said.

He looked at Anne like it was a sick joke. "Don't try to make me a fool, Anne. If this is her way of …"

"She returned to her rooms, I have never seen her so defeated. She gave me this errand, and left to talk to the sheriff. Guards told me to pack her things, she was leaving." Not wishing to waste time explaining what she didn't understand, Anne rushed past Guy and out of the gates.

Guy's heart race as he entered the castle. He had to take a few minutes to get himself under control. If he went in and Vaysey saw he was upset over the news it would ruin everything.

Guy walked in Vaysey's parlor. "Was there anything else you needed of me, my lord, before I leave?"

"Leave?"

"I haven't been to Locksley for some time," he said.

"Ah, perhaps it is best you go," Vaysey said.

"What?" Guy asked, pretending to sound surprised as he bit back the bile rising in his throat.

"Simply that your prior assignment is no longer a concern of ours," Vaysey said.

"Marguerite?" Guy asked confused.

"She is returning home. See that this is sent to her father," he said handing Guy the message.

"Where is she really going, then?" Guy asked trying to sound curious.

"Does that part matter?" Vaysey said. "The roads are notoriously treacherous with outlaws. I am sure she will meet some unfortunate accident before leaving Nottingham. I must say I am surprised, though," Vaysey tutted. "I didn't expect her to give in so easily, practically beg for the end. And you," Vaysey turned to Guy. "Bravo for not falling for her charm and pretty looks. Didn't know you had it in you. Don't tell me its because you are still stuck on that corpse called Marion," Vaysey shook his head.

"One woman is equally as treacherous as the next," Guy said dismissively, unable to process everything. Marguerite begging for this? Surely not. "I'll send my best man to deliver this," Guy said. "Until tomorrow," he said as he left.

His heart raced as he quickly made it to the stables. His horse had already been saddled. He had to make it look like he wasn't in any hurry to leave so he casually rode out of the village.

He broke open the letter after he was out of town and read it. He knew it was tailored for her father, and he could see what Vaysey may have had planned. Stage an accident that would make it look as if Marguerite was attacked and killed as she was robbed.

Anne had seen the carriage head south so he headed that way as well.

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

It was the first day in the week since her conversation with Elle that Gretchen was able to put their plan into action and sneak into Nottingham to hunt down Marguerite's companion. As she made her way through the woods, Gretchen heard someone behind her and stood behind a tree to find Much following her. "Much? What on earth are you doing?" she demanded.

"Following you," he said as if it was the simplest thing in the world.

"Why?" Gretchen asked confused.

"None of us should go off alone."

"That's absurd, I am the safest person to send into Nottingham. I am not exactly on the sheriff's bad list, and no one in the village wants to kill me. Well, unless the mercenary Gideon is roaming around but I heard the sheriff hung him. So why are you …" he pushed her behind the tree, pressing close to her as they tried to be small, as someone's running footsteps approached. She was so surprised by the closeness that all she could sense was Much, forgetting all about the possible danger approaching them for a moment, simply enjoying his closeness.

Anne raced through the forest, yelling. She had never met Robin in her life, only heard stories about him from Luke and Marguerite. She wouldn't be able to tell him from Adam except for the tag he and his gang all wore.

Finally someone jumped out in front of her. "Who are you?!" she demanded.

"Much," the man said as a woman stepped out from behind a tree.

"Prove it," she said as she watched the man managed to keep an eye on her and glare at the other woman.

"What?" Much asked confused, wondering what was going on and angry at Gretchen for revealing herself when they didn't know what the situation was.

"Prove to me you are Robin Hood's man!" Anne yelled. Much showed her the dog tag. "Thank God. I need Robin!"

"Look behind you," a voice said. "I'm Robin."

She was so relieved she could cry. Instead she ran up and handed him the missive. "It is from Marguerite. She is in danger, and I don't know if Guy can help her."

"Guy? Danger?" Robin repeated, nodding to Much who went to get the others. "Take a deep breath and explain everything," he insisted as the others arrived.

"I'm Anne, Marguerite's companion, friend. She returned to her rooms, I had never seen her so defeated. Ever. She had just given up! She kicked me out and wrote this letter to her father. She asked me to make sure you deliver it to him. She said it was my last favor to her," she added.

He opened the letter wrapped around the tube that was addressed to him.

Mon Archer,

Forgive me for using this term now, everything—all my anger and embarrassment—seems to pale in comparison, so I can lovingly call you Mon Archer again. Remember me fondly as I do those weeks in London and Paris.

It is with a heavy heart I ask you to deliver this to my father. It has some vital information he needs, as well as some personal effects. I would eternally be in your debt, mon cher. I wish you and Marion all the happiness this world has to give, may you have what was denied me. I can't think of anyone more deserving.

Marguerite.

"What happened?" he asked Anne.

"I don't know!" Anne cried. "I wasn't with her. She just returned," she repeated.

"We have to find her."

"The carriage left Nottingham heading south, as if she was returning home," Anne said.

"She won't make it home, Vaysey will see to that," Robin said. "Come on," he told the gang.

"Guy may be out there," Anne added, a moment of clarity amidst all the confusion as she recalled that Guy thought Marion was dead.

"Marion, take Anne to the camp," Robin said. "We can't let him know you are alive." Not after spending so much time and effort into protecting her.

She looked like she would protest but agreed. Eleanor and Gretchen left Tom and Ygrainne with Anne and Marion as they went off with the outlaws.

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

Guy followed the tracks of the carriage as it veered off the path. What would make Marguerite choose this? She knew Vaysey wouldn't let her leave. She said countless times she understood the game and he knew she did. Probably better than most who were playing it. So why would she do this?

Why did she leave him?

They had a head start on him and obviously were in a rush. He abandoned his horse and crept up silently on foot. He found the carriage overturned by a mound next to the stream that had frozen over. Marguerite's body lay motionless on the ice as the group of guards surrounded her. He didn't know what they had already done to her, but he knew what they planned to do.

He silently crept up behind the straggler; he stuck his dagger through the back, severing the spine, as he dragged the body away.

One of the guards seemed to notice his absence. "Jack, the fun's just getting started," the guard said walking to where the murdered guard was standing. "You don't want to miss it."

He threw the dagger which landed straight and true in the guard's heart. Guy withdrew his sword as he charged the other 6 guards. They seemed shocked to see Guy charging at them. He used the shock to his advantage, cutting down 2 of them before they realized he was out for blood.

The other four withdrew their own swords and fought him tooth and nail but he had caught a glimpse of Marguerite and it galvanized him into a savagery he didn't know he had.

He dropped down next to her after the last guard fell down, dead. Blood stained the ice—hers and the guards— and she was barely breathing.

He sensed someone behind him and gripped his sword. "Show yourself," he ordered.

Eleanor was the first to run out. He was so surprised by her boldness he nearly dropped his sword. She had been so meek and timid in the castle he thought a mouse would frighten her. "Allan must be here," he deduced right as Allan rushed out after her. "Help her," he told Eleanor remembering other servants went to her for healing.

Eleanor dropped down next to her as the other outlaws emerged, Allan frowning at Eleanor for her actions but she ignored him.

Djaq and Eleanor hovered over Marguerite's still form. "Do something," Guy ordered.

"We will," Eleanor assured him. "Where can we take her?" she asked Robin.

"We could take her to the camp," he said.

"No," Guy said. "Somewhere I can see her. Locksley."

"Won't Vaysey find her?" Robin asked.

"No," Guy vowed.

"We must move quickly," Djaq spoke up. Will had ransacked the carriage and made an improvised stretcher. Guy gently placed her on the stretcher and he and Robin carried her between them. He would dwell on the absurdity of the situation later. He couldn't think of anything except his worry for Marguerite.

It was a difficult journey to Locksley but they managed to make it quickly. They carried her upstairs to one of the bedrooms. Djaq and Eleanor did what they could. "Will she be alright?"

Djaq shared a look with Eleanor. Neither wanted to give him the news. "We have to see if she wakes up," Djaq said as Eleanor's fear overcame her, standing in front of an extremely furious Guy.

"If?" he asked angrily. "That's not good enough."

"I'm sorry," Eleanor said sincerely. "Stay with her. Talk to her."

"Was she…" he couldn't even ask it. He saw what they had intended to do with the beautiful woman, he thought he stopped them in time, but what if he hadn't?

"No," Eleanor said quickly. "No, they didn't have time," she said. "You saved her, Guy."

"I think I caused this." He wasn't sure how, but he seemed to always kill the women he loved.

"We will tell the medicine woman to stop by," Djaq said.

"No," Robin spoke up. "We will wait," he challenged Guy. Guy didn't acknowledge anything as he moved into the room with Marguerite. They had bandaged her head and her arm and who knew what else had happened to her.

"I must get back to Tom. Anne is probably sick with worry," Eleanor commented. She looked over to the forlorn Guy and what she saw on his face made her heart ache. He still thought Marion was dead, and now he was loosing another woman.

She slipped out and Allan followed after her. "I can get back alright," she assured him.

"I know," he said grabbing her hand, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. Gretchen slipped out to walk back with them and they talked somberly back to the camp. Robin sent Much after them so he could bring Anne back to tend to Marguerite.

"It just seems so surreal, Marguerite seemed so vivacious when she was with us and now to see her so near death," Gretchen said sadly as the four of them walked to the camp.

Eleanor nodded somberly. "She… Guy is going to have fight this for her, someone has to," Eleanor sighed.

"Why?" Much asked. They were all shaken up over the turn of events.

"I don't think Marguerite is going to fight this battle on her own," Eleanor admitted. "If she doesn't want to fight to live, someone is going to have to fight for her. Guy, or someone else."

"I'm not being funny, but Anne's not going to take that well," Allan decided as they got close to the camp. When they arrived they discovered Tuck was also in the camp. Much walked back to Locksley with Tuck and Anne, who was eager to be by Marguerite's side. "I hope she can tell we are all hoping she gets better soon," Gretchen sighed.

Much dropped Anne and Tuck off at Locksley and decided not to go in himself. He walked back to Sherwood, again. He could hear their voices as he got close to the camp. He peaked in the backdoor to observe what was happening and, for a moment, he imagined what it was like in the Castle when all Allan had was Eleanor, Gretchen, and Marion. The four of them were laughing and joking around as they dished up something to eat. It was a different side to Allan, one he wasn't sure any of the other gang members had seen. Allan's time in the castle, with Guy and these 3 women, had certainly changed him for the better, even if Allan didn't know it himself. It was the most relaxed he had ever seen Eleanor; she had grown comfortable around all of the now, even Little John, but she actually seemed carefree at the moment.

And Gretchen. She put as much distance between them as possible—physically and emotionally. Here she was relaxed, enjoying herself. Something she didn't seem to do.

Much watched Tom reach up from his basinet, arms outstretched in a signal everyone knew meant he wanted to be picked up and coddled. Allan reached down, then passed him off to Eleanor announcing Tom needed a diaper change making the 3 women laugh.

If Allan, of all people, can adjust and attempt at the role of father, then why can't I? Much thought walking in. Although others may question Allan's attempts at being a father, Much saw Allan was coming around to the idea. Even if it was taking him ages to do so. He just hoped Eleanor saw Allan was changing, and that he himself still had a chance with Gretchen.

Huge thank you to momto5 for the review!

NEXT CHAPTER is when Marguerite's past is revealed. I am SO excited about the next chapter because it is done a little differently. I am going to wait until I get some reviews till I post. Where have all my reviewers gone? The more reviews I get, the quicker I'll post!