Autumn rain was just beginning to fall softly on Saturday afternoon. The rain mingled with the fallen leaves created a heady, musty scent in the air. Luke, Drake, and Adam were standing guard this day at the portcullis of Nottingham Castle. Drake took off his helm and shook out his long, dark hair. He cursed. As usual, the helm was beginning to give him a headache.

"I do hope the new blacksmith's first order of business is issuing us pieces that actually fit us!" Drake spat.

"Well, it's about time something woke you up, mate. You've been yawning and acting quiet all blessed day!" Adam remarked, shaking his head.

"I was making rather merry with my lady, Mirabelle last evening." Drake grinned deviously.

"So it would seem." Luke chortled. "You best not let our master see you like that." He added firmly.

"As if he ever drops by to see us! I'm surprised you said he knew our names." Drake remarked, rolling his eyes.

"Trust me. The Sheriff knows all." Luke said with his eyebrow quirked.

"If you bedded Lady Mirabelle last night – watch out, mate. He might know that!" Adam laughed as he slapped Drake on the back.

"You are such a royal pain in my hindquarters, you know that?" Drake spat.

Luke turned when he heard horses on the main path approaching them. "Oh, no." He muttered. He was still looking in the same direction, but his right arm shot out and he slapped Adam.

"Lads!" Luke said sharply.

"What is it, mate?" Adam asked, his eyebrow quirked over his gray eyes.

"It's them! Curses! The Sheriff was heading to Portsmouth to arrest them. Draw your swords!" Luke ordered them.

Drake quickly put his helm back on and the two men drew their swords.

Hamon and Ancel advanced closer upon their horses, unfazed that three of the Sheriff's Black Knights were brandishing swords and walking toward them.

"Halt! Drop your weapons now!" Luke commanded them.

"Make me!" Hamon laughed maniacally as he grabbed his sword and wielded it in front of them.

"You are wanted by the noble Sheriff of Nottingham. By order of his lordship I am arresting you now! Drop your weapons and dismount from your horses. Now!" Luke barked.

"Please! Do not make me laugh!" The unfortunate appearing, balding, red haired man grinned. "I'm here to give you a message to give to your… master." Hamon said facetiously.

Luke looked to Adam and Drake. "After them!" He shouted.

"I'm going to Portsmouth, but tell him I shall be in touch! Tell him there's something he has that he should keep an eye on – because I'm watching it too!" Hamon called back after he and Ancel had kicked their horses into a gallop.

"Curses! Mount your horses, men! After them!" Luke ordered. He looked through the portcullis and called to one of the Sheriff's men who was just leaving his post at the stables after his relief showed up.

"You!" Luke called to the tall, gangly, red haired knight.

The knight looked over at him curiously.

"Get over here and man the portcullis this instant! A man wanted by the Sheriff is just over there!" Luke exclaimed as he pointed east. "I must go after him. Hurry!"

The knight nodded and swiftly walked toward his new post.

Luke ran to his horse that was twenty yards away. His bow was slung over his right shoulder, arrows in a sack slung over the other shoulder, and his sword was in his hand in readiness. He would not fail his master.


Robert was busy coaxing a piece of metal into one of the new helms he was asked by the Sheriff to construct. He was tapping it with a hammer over an anvil. A fire was blazing nearby. Stephanus walked over to him and carried some new swords with him to show to Robert for approval.

Stephanus set them down then looked in Robert's direction. "The swordsmith over there wanted you to look at these before he presents them to the Sheriff." He said.

"Yes. I shall look at them soon. I need to finish this." Robert said as he pointed to the helm he was working on.

Stephanus nodded then turn to continue on with his duties.

"Wait." Robert called to him. He set the hammer down along with the metal he was working on.

"Yes?" Stephanus asked.

"Tell me – where does the Sheriff obtain his steel from to use for his swords?" Robert asked.

"He's been using steel from Spain for three years now. He swears by it and won't use anything else." Stephanus explained.

"Would you know… who supplies him?" Robert asked pointedly.

"Aye, but why do you ask?" Stephanus asked.

"Because I am the Sheriff's blacksmith now. I'd like to know whom I'm dealing with when he shows up. How often does he show up anyway?" Robert pressed.

"The man comes on the first Wednesday of every month." Stephanus replied.

"And who is this man who supplies the Sheriff with Spanish steel?" Robert asked with his eyebrow quirked curiously.

"The man who brings the steel is Diago Florez, but he is not the supplier." Stephanus said. "The supplier is a man who lives in Catalonia. His name is Maximus Herrero. I believe the Sheriff has only ever met him once, but they do communicate through Diago. He is Herrero's henchman, delivery boy, and messenger it turns out." Stephanus explained.

"I see." Robert nodded. "Well, it looks like I just missed him. You say he shall be here next month?" Robert queried.

"Aye. He was just here three days ago. He shall return to us with the next shipment on November fifth." Stephanus said.

"Why does the Sheriff need so much of it? Is he planning for war?" Robert asked.

"Our master likes to be prepared after the fiasco in the Village Square in ninety four." Stephanus stated.

"Indeed." Robert said quietly. He looked downcast. He remembered that day very well.

"He's here." Stephanus said suddenly.

"Whom?" Robert asked, as he narrowed his blue green eyes upon him.

"Our master. I'm almost certain he is behind us." Stephanus said.

"What?" Robert exclaimed, incredulous.

He whirled around and his eyes widened. It seemed that Stephanus, his blind assistant was very perceptive. The Sheriff was standing there less than three feet away, with his arms folded across his chest. Sir Guy of Gisborne was standing there beside him.

"Isn't it ironic how it seems that often it is only the blind who can see?" The Sheriff remarked dryly with his eyebrow quirked.

Robert sighed and shook his head.

"Good day, milord." Stephanus smiled as he looked in the direction of his master.

"Good day, Stephanus." The Sheriff nodded. "I need to speak to Robert a moment but don't venture too far because I shall have a word with you after that."

"Very well, milord." Stephanus said and he left them to their privacy.

"What is it?" Robert asked, folding his arms.

"It's Rhiannon." The Sheriff said.

"What's wrong?" Robert asked as his eyes widened.

The Sheriff shook his head. "She asked me to tell you about our child that's on the way. You see, today she…" The Sheriff started to say it, but looked downcast.

"What? Is she alright?" Robert asked.

The Sheriff looked up slowly and met his gaze. "She nearly lost our child today." The Sheriff said quietly. "I needed to summon the midwife to see to her needs. As you may have guessed when you went to see my son a few days ago, the midwife has been caring for him at Guy's manor. I asked your wife to go to the manor in Nettlestone to care for my son in the midwife's absence. It was a desperate situation and I saw no other choice." Nottingham explained quickly.

"Oh, I see." Robert said.

"I shall grant you leave to join her if you wish. You and your wife shall be looked after for doing this for me." The Sheriff nodded.

"Rhiannon should know about her child. This is ludicrous!" Robert spat.

"Yes. I know it is, but if you saw her now you'd understand why she still doesn't know." The Sheriff stated as his eyebrow shot north.

"I must see her, Nottingham. If I go to stay with Isabelle and I'm not back for a few days, Rhiannon will wonder why I have not come to see her. Especially after she asked you to tell me about your child." Robert said.

"Of course you are welcome to see my lady." The Sheriff agreed.

"I've been thinking, milord. I can understand your hesitation to tell my sister about my nephew. I'm sure it's difficult for you to know where to begin. If it would be easier, I am offering to be there to help you tell this story and convince her." Robert explained.

"Hmm. That idea might hold some merit." The Sheriff nodded. "You're correct. Every time I start to tell her I stammer because I do not know where to begin!" The Sheriff huffed. "How do you tell your lady: "Guess what? You do not remember any of it but you birthed a child from your body."? You see how utterly moronic that sounds?" The Sheriff exclaimed in exasperation. "God help me, she'll kill me when she finds out how many others know of her child before she does. Yet – I cannot find the words!"

"I'm glad it's you and not me, though I think my lady Isabelle would shriek with glee. We've wanted children for some time." Robert said, his eyes downcast.

"Maybe it will happen for you – now that you don't have to concern yourself with running away from me any longer." The Sheriff said with a deviant grin.

Gisborne cleared his throat.

"Oh, sorry, Gis! I forgot you were there." The Sheriff said with an impish grin.

"Indeed." Gisborne said as his eyebrow quirked.

The Sheriff looked back to Robert. "Gisborne will take you to his manor. You can take one of my horses." The Sheriff said.

"What about my duties here?" Robert asked.

"I managed a long time with a blind blacksmith, Robert. I can manage again for a few days." Nottingham smiled.

"Very well." Robert said. He looked to Gisborne. "First I see my sister, and then we leave." He said firmly.

"As you wish." Gisborne said.

The Sheriff nodded to them, and his blacksmith and Lieutenant took their leave.

The Sheriff walked over to where Stephanus was working.

"Aye, milord. You wished to speak to me?" Stephanus asked.

"Yes, Stephanus. Robert needed to take leave for a few days." The Sheriff said.

"Already! He just started working for you yesterday, milord Sheriff!" Stephanus exclaimed.

"Yes, well, this is a personal matter. His position will be held for him, but you are to resume your former duties until he returns." The Sheriff instructed.

"Very well, milord." Stephanus nodded with a smile.

Just then Mordrid came running breathlessly into the armoury.

"Milord Sheriff! There you are! Come! We must go!" Mordrid called as he came quickly toward his master.

"What's going on?" The Sheriff asked, his eyebrow shot north suspiciously.

"Those men you are after from Portsmouth are here, milord. Luke and two other of your officers are pursuing them on horses! They brazenly came to your portcullis, milord!" Mordrid exclaimed.

"Let's go!" The Sheriff said sharply.

The Sheriff ran with Mordrid fast as lightening out of the armoury. He was filled with too much adrenaline charged excitement to remember about checking in on his lady again.


"Told you that was a bad idea going there!" Ancel spat as he rode alongside Hamon. His long brown hair lashed out in the brisk autumn wind and the rain that was picking up.

"You better get used to it, Ancel! I'm not ready to present myself to him yet. I have a task to complete first. That's why we're running away from them." Hamon snapped.

"You're mad!" Ancel barked.

"Fool! He must think we've gone to Portsmouth! He'll go looking for me and guess where I shall be?" Hamon said knowingly.

"And what if you don't succeed?" Ancel asked pointedly.

"Their wedding is in a month's time. God's nightgown, how could you miss those annoying heralds we passed in the village yesterday? There will be so many people at the noble Sheriff's wedding it will be easy for us to steal our way in there." Hamon said.

"You have thought this through, I see." Ancel said as he narrowed his gray eyes.

"You're damn right I have." Hamon seethed.

"Good. So now what?" Ancel asked. He looked behind him. The Sheriff's Black Knights were gaining speed on their horses. He estimated they were about sixty yards behind.

"Follow me!" Hamon yelled as he quickly steered his equine left into a concealed pathway.

Ancel followed close behind. After that they hid in amongst some trees. They watched the Sheriff's knights pass them and continue down the path. After they were gone Hamon nodded to Ancel and they returned to the original road from which they came.

"What? What are you thinking, Hamon?" Ancel asked.

"To Sherwood Forest, fast as lightening!" Hamon exclaimed sharply. "They'll never think to look in there!" He shouted. He kicked the horse. "Ya!" He urged the equine.

Their horses sped away in the direction of the infamous forest where the legend of Robin Hood began.


Lady Meridwyn opened the door when Robert and Guy knocked on the door to the Sheriff's private chambers.

"She'll be glad to see you. She asked for you not long ago." Lady Meridwyn smiled at Robert. She opened the door wider and beckoned for them to enter.

"I'll wait here." Gisborne said to Robert. He pointed to the doors to the bedchamber.

Robert nodded and went to the double doors that led into the private chamber.

"How is she, my love?" Gisborne asked his wife.

"She is much improved from this morning." Lady Meridwyn said.

"I must leave soon, my dearest. Orders from my cousin. I shall return to you by sundown." Guy said as he softly caressed his wife's cheek.

She lowered her eyes and sighed, then looked up at him, her sky blue eyes twinkling with affection for him.

"That's fine. If you'll only be gone from me a few hours then I'll forgive him." Lady Gisborne winked.

Gisborne grabbed his lady and pulled her to him and kissed her lips hard. He was very grateful that her condition was faring well, yet fearful for her after what he heard about this morning. He planned to spoil his lady every chance he would get.

"Robert!" Lady Rhiannon exclaimed when she saw her brother walking toward her.

"Oh, Rhiannon, he was right! You're so pale, my dear!" Robert remarked as he neared the four poster bed.

"I'm doing much better now." Lady Rhiannon smiled. She was propped up against several down pillows, and toying with the silky linens.

"I am pleased for you about the child." Robert smiled.

"Yes, well, don't be too pleased until the child is born safely to me when he is due – in the spring." Lady Rhiannon said.

"Do not worry, my dear. Mother had a time with you before you arrived but you held on for her." Robert said.

"Hmm. I did not know that." A beat. "Too bad she couldn't hold on." Rhiannon frowned, her eyes downcast.

"That will not happen to you!" Robert said firmly.

He walked over to the window and gazed out of it. Robert squinted his eyes as he looked down. He was certain that was the Sheriff he saw down in the courtyard, galloping toward the portcullis on a raven black horse with one of his knights riding alongside him! No. That cannot be? He leaned out of the window a little and narrowed his blue green eyes again, shaking his head.

"Robert? Are you alright?" Rhiannon asked, curiously.

Robert sighed and turned around to face her. He folded his arms. "Yes, Rhiannon. I guess I'm just worried about you, but I see you're well cared for." He nodded to the doors as Lady Margaret entered into the room just then.

"Milady Rhiannon, you're supposed to be resting!" Lady Margaret admonished as she neared the bed with her hands upon her hips.

"I am." Rhiannon said, rolling her eyes. She nodded to Robert. "This is my brother, Robert Wordsworth." Lady Rhiannon announced.

"A pleasure, milady." Robert grinned knowingly at the midwife. He had already met her on Wednesday afternoon when Gisborne took he and his lady to the manor in Nettlestone, but Rhiannon knew nothing of this.

"I'm sure." Lady Margaret remarked flatly as her eyebrow quirked.

"Can you just give me a few moments with him, Lady Margaret? He shall need to return to the armoury anyway." Rhiannon implored the midwife.

"Very well." Lady Margaret sighed. She looked up to Robert. "Make it brief." She said sternly, then she took her leave.

"Where is Isabelle?" Rhiannon asked her brother after the midwife left the chamber.

"Isabelle?" Robert muttered absently.

"Yes. Your wife." Rhiannon rolled her eyes. "She was here earlier when the episode happened, then she just vanished and I haven't seen her since?" Rhiannon shrugged.

"Yes, well, she feels it's best to give you some space just now, dearest." Robert said smoothly. "She feels this is a private matter between you and your Sheriff and she doesn't wish to intrude." Robert explained, surprised at how effortlessly he was able to lie to her.

"Intrude? She is my sister in law! What shall she intrude upon, Robert? I'm perfectly fine now!" Rhiannon stated, shaking her head. Her sable tresses lashed around her face as she did so.

"You're not out of the woods yet, Rhiannon. One look at you and anyone would know that! She'll be back to see you, have no fear." Robert reassured.

"Well, you know her better than I. I wouldn't wish her to feel awkward." Rhiannon sighed.

"I haven't much time, dear sister. I have a list of specifications as long as my arm from the Sheriff – of orders to complete. Alas, there is much work waiting in the armoury. We're backed right up down there! I shall try to come again to see you, Rhiannon, but the next day or two may be difficult for me." Robert said as he looked away.

"What the hell is going on? You're not making sense, Robert! For pity's sake, we live in the same castle! Where is George?" She demanded.

Robert coughed. "I just saw him, dear sister. In the court – " He stopped and cleared his throat. "In the armoury, my dear! Aye! He came to see me to inquire how things are faring down there." Robert said a little too quickly.

"There is something odd going on around here, alright. What are you two up to?" Lady Rhiannon demanded as she folded her arms and narrowed her green eyes upon him.

"My dear, we are not up to anything. I hardly know the man!" Robert laughed nervously.

"Good! Then ask the sentry to summon him for me. At once!" Rhiannon said sharply.

"Yes, Rhiannon." Robert sighed. He went to his sister and kissed her forehead before taking his leave.


Luke pulled tightly on the reins to slow his horse. Adam and Drake followed suit.

"Curses! We've lost them!" Luke spat.

"I don't know how? We followed them down this cursed path!" Drake exclaimed.

"What are they wanted for?" Adam asked Luke.

"Don't know about the tall fellow but the unfortunate looking one is wanted for heresy." Luke said. "You didn't hear that from me, by the way. I don't even think the outlaw knows what he is wanted for. We cannot hamper the investigation." He explained.

"Absolutely." Adam agreed. "My! Heresy, you say?" He shuddered. "I hate those executions." Adam muttered.

"Aye. They're damned unpleasant, I'll grant you that." Drake agreed with his friend.

"Come on, let's go back. I shall have to report to the Sheriff. I'm not looking forward to this." Luke muttered in chagrin as he urged his horse along.

The men followed him and they rode back down the narrow concealed pathway toward the main road that would lead them back to Nottingham Castle. Some time later they ran into the Sheriff and Officer Mordrid of the Black Knights. Nottingham was galloping toward them and slowed his midnight black equine when he advanced closer.

"Where is he, Luke?" The Sheriff demanded of his officer.

"We followed them down a hidden path back there but lost them, milord." Luke frowned.

"Bastards!" The Sheriff spat.

"He said he was heading back to Portsmouth when he brazenly appeared at the gate, milord Sheriff." Luke said.

"That would explain the route he took." The Sheriff sighed. "Did he say anything else?" He asked quickly.

"Yes. He said he would be in touch, and that there is something you have that you must keep an eye on, because he is watching it too." Luke stated.

"I have no idea what the insect is muttering about! Isn't this similar to his last message?" The Sheriff asked.

"Aye, milord. The last time he said you should keep an eye on your belongings." Luke reminded him.

"So the bastard is a thief too!" The Sheriff spat. "What – he's after my gold?"

"I do not know, milord." Luke shook his head.

"I don't understand it? We were not that far behind them for a time. I thought we'd have them easily!" Adam exclaimed in frustration.

"The sodding bastard is a heretic – and a magician it would seem!" The Sheriff huffed. "Don't worry, lads. I'll get the cursed insect in Portsmouth!" The Sheriff laughed with a malevolent grin. "I have some grand plans in store for this one!" He snarled.


Lady Meridwyn entered into the Sheriff's private chambers later in the afternoon. She promised Lady Margaret she would administer the wine. She glided through the den, then through the doors into the bedchamber with the goblet in her hand. Her emerald green wool gown, brushed on the marble floor and the skirt swirled about her. She found Rhiannon to be standing by the window gazing out of it.

"Rhiannon! What are you doing?" Lady Meridwyn scorned.

"I needed some air." Rhiannon said as she leaned out of the window. She folded her arms, resting them upon the ledge and leaned her chin into them.

"You should be in that bed!" Lady Meridwyn said sternly as she pointed to it with her left hand.

"I'm only standing. I'm not moving. Just give me a few moments, Meridwyn. You know very well how this nausea feels!" Lady Rhiannon exclaimed.

Meridwyn sighed. "It is time for your wine." She said as she moved toward her and passed Rhiannon the goblet.

Rhiannon took it and began to sip it. "Have you seen my betrothed? I haven't seen him for hours?" Rhiannon lamented.

"No. I haven't seen him, my dear. Not since this morning." Meridwyn said.

"Where's Guy?" Rhiannon asked as she took another sip of the wine.

"He was sent on a mission by your lover. He said he'd return by sundown." Lady Meridwyn replied.

"Oh. When did he tell you that?" Rhiannon asked as she quirked her eyebrow.

"When your brother was here." Meridwyn answered.

"How strange. And another thing – Robert was acting strangely too!" Rhiannon exclaimed, shaking her head.

"Rhiannon, do not concern yourself over this now." Meridwyn said. "You shall drive yourself mad!"

"They're up to something, Meridwyn. At least my betrothed and my brother are. There's something funny about Isabelle too. And George! Why, he just up and disappeared?" Rhiannon frowned and shook her head. She took a few sips of the wine to stay her nerves and continued. "Perhaps Guy is in on it too?" She suggested.

"Guy has not given me any reason to be suspicious of him." Meridwyn said with her eyebrow quirked, shaking her head, bewildered.

Rhiannon turned toward the window again and gazed down into the courtyard toward the portcullis as she sipped her wine. She shook her head, her jaw firmly set as her eyebrow raised. "Well, George has just given me reason. What is he doing down there riding through the portcullis on his horse?" Lady Rhiannon exclaimed, incredulous. She looked over to her friend. "And do not tell me I'm imagining it!"

"What?" Lady Meridwyn asked, her jaw agape.

"Look!" Lady Rhiannon pointed in the direction she had seen him. Meridwyn moved beside her and the two of them gazed down into the courtyard. Indeed, the Sheriff was riding into the courtyard now with one of his knights alongside him.

"Hmm. Isn't that strange?" Meridwyn agreed. "I wonder if that means that Guy shall return soon?" She mused. She looked to her friend with her eyebrow quirked. "You best return to the bed, Rhiannon. You know he'll be here to see you in moments!"

Rhiannon sighed. She slowly lifted the golden goblet to her lips and began to sip more of the wine as she stared unblinking into her friend's bright blue eyes.

Lady Meridwyn shook her head vehemently, her fiery curls danced upon her slender shoulders. "Rhiannon!" Lady Meridwyn admonished. "You're asking for trouble!"

"Ha! That's why he loves me." Rhiannon grinned playfully.

"I thought this child was important to you?" Meridwyn pointed out as she folded her arms. She decided she must speak to the midwife about this ludicrous treatment recommendation. It was making her friend take complete leave of her senses!

"Of course it is, Meridwyn! But I feel much better now." Rhiannon smiled. The truth was that the lady was in denial of the danger to her now, having been reassured that her pain had stopped, and holding on now to a false sense of security.

"This morning was your sign, Rhiannon. That child is asking you to pay attention. Now, come on! The Sheriff shall be here any moment!" Meridwyn huffed. She grabbed Rhiannon by the arm and started leading her to the bed.

"Oh, alright." Rhiannon sighed and relented.


Just as Lady Meridwyn predicted, fifteen minutes later the Sheriff came into the private chamber. Lady Meridwyn had already left, and Lady Rhiannon sat up in the bed against several pillows, waiting for him.

"Oh, my prince, where were you? You said you'd stay with me." Rhiannon pouted as he came to her swiftly.

The Sheriff reached up with his hand and shook out his hair as he moved toward her.

"Forgive me, my angel. I had some business to attend to." The Sheriff smiled. He took off his gauntlets and his surcoat and cast them aside to a nearby chair. He went to the bed and sat beside his lady.

"My love, your hair is wet! Were you outside in the rain? Where on earth did you go to?" Rhiannon asked innocently.

"I needed to speak to some of my knights. I was only out there a few moments, but I got drenched!" The Sheriff laughed nervously. He knew he'd have to answer to her for this when he snuck out when she fell asleep. At the moment, the only thing he felt slightly guilty for was taking off after Homely Hamon.

"I see." Rhiannon said as she quirked her eyebrow.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" The Sheriff asked her curiously.

"Because I saw – " She stopped herself. Curses! I cannot tell him I was standing at the window and saw him upon his horse! He'll never forgive me! She shook her head and closed her eyes in frustration. Angry at him for lying to her, and angry at herself for not being able to confront him about it. Then her eyes widened as a realization came over her. Does this have anything to do with that whore, Celestria?

"You saw…what exactly?" The Sheriff asked pointedly as his eyebrow shot north.

"It must be the wine." Rhiannon said absently as she nodded to the goblet on the table beside the bed.

"My love? What is it? You look rather distressed about something!" The Sheriff commented as he narrowed his eyes upon her.

"George, where were you?" Lady Rhiannon asked firmly. "Who were you with for the last three hours?" She asked pointedly.

"Rhiannon?" The Sheriff asked as his eyes widened. "What are you saying?" He shook his head and his damp raven locks sprayed a fine mist into the air around him.

Rhiannon bit her lip. He looked so sensual to her. Damn him! "You told me you would not leave me, but nobody has seen you for hours!" Rhiannon exclaimed.

"My love, I had a matter to deal with. That is all. I have been with Gisborne, your brother, and my Officer Mordrid of the Black Knights." He stated as his eyebrow shot north. "What in the devil are you implying?" Nottingham asked, incredulously.

Rhiannon sighed. "Nothing." She muttered and looked downcast.

"Rhiannon." The Sheriff said firmly.

"Yes?" She muttered absently.

"Look at me!" He commanded her.

She looked up at him and fixed her aqua green eyes upon him.

"Forgive me, my angel. I should have delegated someone to take care of it for me, but I didn't. I am here with you now, my angel." The Sheriff said. He took a deep breath and pierced into her eyes with his. "Now, tell me whom you thought I was with?" He asked pointedly.

"Oh, George, forget it." Lady Rhiannon sighed.

"No. I want you to tell me whom you thought I was with!" The Sheriff said sharply.

"It is nothing, my prince. Forgive me. I'm just frustrated. I feel like a bleeding prisoner!" Lady Rhiannon exclaimed.

The Sheriff shook his head and narrowed his eyes trying to make sense of her.

"The whole world is moving right along without me, and here I am. Stuck in this bed." Rhiannon pouted.

"My love, you haven't even been confined in it for one whole day yet." The Sheriff smirked and shook his head. This was so typical of her to be annoyed that she couldn't be mobile.

"How am I supposed to keep up with you if I have to keep lying down?" Rhiannon pointed out.

"What?" The Sheriff asked, incredulous.

"If I am asked to stay confined to this cursed bed until spring, heaven forbid – are you going to stand for that?" Lady Rhiannon asked pointedly.

"What? Of course I will! What choice would I have?" The Sheriff asked, bewildered.

"You – stuck with a lady who is infirm! Right. That will work!" Rhiannon remarked facetiously as she rolled her eyes.

"My lady, whatever is required of you, whatever you must do – it doesn't matter. I will be your husband. You are not infirm! You are doing what you must for our child!" The Sheriff exclaimed. What was wrong with her? Was the wine doing this? He must speak to Thomas about this. She's going daft – already!

"Neediness is weakness." Rhiannon stated firmly, folding her arms.

"My lady Rhiannon, you cannot control this. The situation does not mean you're weak. God knows you've never been needy – you're far too wilful for that!" He sighed.

"I want this child, George, but will I resent him or her in the end? If I must be confined to this room for days and days…" She shuddered and rolled her eyes. "God forbid – weeks… I will feel like I'm being buried alive!" Rhiannon exclaimed in a panic. She started to shake and began breathing faster than normal again.

"My angel, you're doing your usual thing again – jumping way ahead of yourself. You can only take this one step at a time." The Sheriff said. He put his hands firmly upon her shoulders. "Look at me, lady!" He said sharply.

She opened her eyes and looked up into his amber hazel eyes, searching into his eyes with hers. She was still trembling and hyperventilating.

"Come on, Rhiannon! Slow your breathing! Calm down, my lady. Listen to me!" The Sheriff commanded.

She took a deep breath as she stared into his eyes, and slowly her breathing returned to normal, though she was still trembling.

"What about our wedding? I will not postpone it again." Lady Rhiannon stated when she got a hold of herself.

"We have a little more than a month to think on it, my lady. I agree. You shall be my wife on… November eleventh." The Sheriff sighed and shook his head. "We'll figure it out if it kills me – though I'm kind of leaning toward the seventh, myself." The Sheriff added with a deviant grin.

Rhiannon smiled. "Normally I'd argue with you – but I won't." She said as she fluttered her dark lashes and cast him that seductive sideways glance that drove him to madness.

He sighed and tugged at the collar of his doublet. "Good. Do not think on this a moment longer. It was only hours ago you were in great distress, and now you seem much improved. If things remain the way they are now, I'm sure the medicus and the midwife shall be satisfied, and our wedding shall proceed just as we planned." The Sheriff smiled. He pulled her to him and held her in a warm embrace.

"I do seem better, my prince. You will be able to go to Portsmouth tomorrow." Rhiannon said as she leaned into his dampened, black leather doublet. She didn't care it was wet, as long as he was wearing it.

"No, my angel. Not tomorrow. Perhaps on Monday as long as things remain quiet with you. I need to summon the Bishop and speak to him before I go anyway. I need to bring him with me." The Sheriff explained.

"Are you going to finally tell me what this is about?" Rhiannon asked as she pulled away from his embrace and looked up at him.

"The outlaw I'm after is a heretic. That is why I need the Bishop." The Sheriff said.

"Oh, my! That's a rather serious charge!" Rhiannon exclaimed as her eyes widened.

"Yes. Isn't it?" The Sheriff sneered. "And if all goes as planned, I should have him in my custody by Tuesday evening." A beat. "What a delightful thought!" He mused as a malevolent grin began to form, curling the corners of his black mustache. His eyes glazed over and a dark, sinister shadow suddenly passed over him.

Lady Rhiannon shuddered. She looked up into this handsome man's face and she suddenly didn't know him. Not in that moment. She wondered if she was seeing a glimpse into the infamous, evil Sheriff of Nottingham just then in that fleeting second – whom everyone was so quick to tell her of but she had never known. She gazed up into his eyes as he stared over her shoulder vacantly, and realized the man she was in love with was very complex and that there were several layers to him. Perhaps that was why he was always so intriguing to her?