I dropped my Nightwatchman’s mask into the fireplace, then dropped my cloak on top of it. I watched as it slowly burned letting out a long sigh, another part of my life would be over. I didn't turn to know that Robin was walking up behind me as he came and stood beside me as we watched the Night Watchman burn.

"I’ve been to see Guy. I’ve challenged him." I informed.

"And let me guess. You asked him if he was a traitor, he said he wasn’t, and you believed him." He jealously and sarcastically sneered before turning away to sit in the armchair as I sighed turning to him.

"Robin, I think you’ve been wrong about him." I stated defending Guy as I saw the dangerous glint that flashed in his eyes.

"No! Trust me. I’ve been right about him." He growled quietly.

"Maybe the difference between you and he is not so huge. And isn’t that your thesis? Isn’t that the Robin Hood world view? That one man is much like another. That the poor are no different from the wealthy and just as deserving. Why can’t you apply your charitable principles to somebody who’s been deprived in a different way? Deprived of love" I whispered the ending as Robin looked away before turning back to raise his eyebrows at me scornfully.

"Deprived of love." He spat as he got up and crossed over towards me. I took in deep breaths to calm my temper as he glared down at me I refused to look away first.

"This is goodbye, Robin. It’s time for us to both grow up and accept our lot in life." I stated maturely and wisely as I knew Robin had always hated the notion of growing up. Yet here I was using it against him. But I needed to, otherwise he would never let this go and I would forever hold onto the false hope only to have them crumble down to the point when I never hoped again.

"Are you marrying him?"

"I am marrying him." I responded unemotionally as I saw hurt flash into his eyes as he gave me a defeated nod and kissed my forehead.

"Very well." His voice showed no sign of a fight as he left my in the main room slightly shocked. Robin had never been one to grow up and let things go he always fought. Yet he had stopped fighting for me. I don't know whether I was happy he did what I asked or frustrated that Robin gave up on me so easily. Growling I slammed my hand against the post in frustration, before sighing, and retiring to my bed for the evening, knowing I had a big day tomorrow.

When I aroused to the sounds of birds I sighed deeply. I was getting married today; I glanced at my dress that was laid out for me as I sighed. I let my fingers run over the fabric, I refused to wear my mother's wedding dress as I had always dreamed I'd wear it when I was marrying the man I loved. Maybe I might love Guy but I didn't at this point in time. I think I know I cared for him, but did I love him?

"Oh dear, a bride not smiling on her wedding day" A voice cackled behind me making me jump turning around in fear.

"You" I breathed out frightened as he smirked evilly and seemed to dance around the room. I backed up until my back hit against the door as I let my hand slowly drift to the handle, maybe if I was lucky enough I could make it out but he seemed to notice my gesture as he threw a dagger, which was hidden who knows where, as it stuck into the wood narrowly missing my cheek.

"Listen here dearie! You do as I say or everyone you love will suffer. Starting with your little fiancée" He warned as I gulped terrified. Hearing him threaten Guy made my heart stop. I stood frightened as I listened to what I had to do as I felt a tear run down my cheek. I flinched when he brushed it his finger digging into my skin.

"Now now a bride should be smiling. Remember I will be watching" His voice laughed before he vanished out the window. I quickly drew in several deep breaths hoping to calm myself down. I dashed to my mirror and splashed my face with water. I glanced at the window one more time before I dashed to my desk and grabbed a strip of paper and quickly grabbed my quill. I allowed myself to get dressed as I made my way downstairs in my full wedding attire. I held the small message in the palm of my hand as I drew another breath before making my way out of the house where my father stood beside's Guy's coach.

"Be careful." I whispered as he smiled and kissed my forehead. I went to slip the message in his hand when I saw him watching me from behind the trees making me shudder and draw it back into my sleeve to hide.

"I will." He smiled before helping me into the coach. I glanced out of the window as I saw him fade into the distance as we made our way to Locksley. It didn't take too long before we arrived as I saw Guy walking over to meet me as he helped me out of the carriage. I smiled seeing the peasants so joyful.

"I hope the decorations... the church... I hope they please you…..I hope I please you." He asked me nervously yet sweetly as I gave him a smile and nodded.

"They do but you should not be here." I laughed slightly as I saw his back straightened.

"Who should be here?" He questioned agitated as I chuckled to find him watch me confused.

"You should be inside the church, waiting for me." I informed as we slowly made our way closer towards the church as I heard him let out a sigh of relief.

"Forgive me." He whispered in my ear making me shudder as I quickly stopped him by gently grabbing hold of his arm as he glanced down at me lovingly.

"Will you promise to give this to my father when you next see him please" I whispered slipping the note into his hand as he frowned before nodding as I watched him slip it into his pocket.

"Esme, I have dreamed of this day." Guy informed as I smiled sadly. I could see his love for me, yet I couldn't return it though I won't deny the looks of love made me melt.

"Go." I whispered to him as our hands seemed to reach out for each other before dropping as I watched him make him way into the church which was elegantly decorated by white flowers. Hearing the bells ringing made me take in another deep breath before I made my way inside. As I walked slowly towards the open doors of the church as the villagers applaud and toss yellow petals at me as I saw Guy was already kneeling at the altar. When I reached his side I elegantly kneeled as well as I saw Guy smiling at me as the Canon Bond starts officiating in Latin.

"Esme, Vis accipere hic praesentem Guy Crispin Gisborne, in tuum legitimun maritum..." His words seemed to just stumble in my mind as I had to take several deep breathes to ensure I stayed calm. Though it didn't last long before I could hear the sound of running boots followed by the start of the bell ringing wildly as I frowned and turned to see Much.

"Stop the wedding! Stop the wedding!" He cried out as I let out a breath of relief as everybody in the church turns back to look at him. I noticed however that Guy only looked up, staring straight ahead, not bothering to turn to see Much interrupting our 'wedding'.

"The King is an imposter! The King is not in Nottingham!" Much cried out as I saw Gisborne’s men grab Much and stop him from ringing the bell. I couldn't believe it! I glanced back at Guy horrified. He should no emotion only guilt as I felt betrayed and hurt. He deceived me!

"Whether the King is in Nottingham or not, that has no bearing on a wedding." The Canon Bond informed slightly confused at Much's accusation.

"Did you know this?" I demanded looking at Guy horrified.

"The priest is right. This makes no difference. Our happiness—" Guy tried saying, his tone hurtful as I growled.

"You lied to me! What else have you lied about?" I growled to him interrupting his previous words. I was bitter into being tricked and I wasn't going to allow him to trick me into marriage when the King wasn't really here! He lied, how could I ever trust him? Guy said nothing and refused to look at me as he continued to stare straight ahead.

"He went to the Holy Land! He tried to kill the King!" Much shouted loudly as he pointed at Guy as I began to consider Much's words.

"I have done wrong, but you will wash away my sins." Guy whispered to me not looking at me as I frowned slightly.

"If it is not the King..."

"It is a ruse by the Sheriff to flush out his enemies." Guy informed looking down at me as I began to panic. My father!

"What will happen to them?" I asked him frightened as I feared the worst when Guy returned my question with a sinister look.

"My father! I must go to Nottingham!" I cried as I hurriedly try to stand up, but am stopped when Guy grabs me by the arm.

"Your father will be safe; I have made provision. He alone will be spared. You see? My influence, it benefits you. As my father-in-law he is protected. As my father-in-law!" He emphasized his point as I growled. He wanted his way and I hated him for it.

"You are cruel!" I hissed towards him. Yet I knew he was cruel he could be caring, though sometimes I had to wonder if it ever existed and that I didn't imagine it.

"This is wrong!" Much cried out.

"You must have legal grounds to object or remain silent." The Canon Bond instructed as I saw Much trying to quickly think of something.

"I have moral grounds!" Much exclaimed trying anything to stop the wedding as I will forever respect him for it. He was trying, he was fighting. Unlike Robin!

"Get him out of here!" Guy shouted to his men making me flinch at the harsh tone in his voice as I watched as Guy's men grab Much and drag him away, but he continues to shout.

"This man is a traitor! And a liar! Is that legal?" Much cried out once more.

"And...... her heart belongs to another!" Much cried out one more as I closed my eyes sighing deeply. Gisborne’s men stop and they all turn to stare at me as I tried to think of what to do, but I knew the answer.

"It is not true." I responded unemotionally. Though what I said was true, my heart didn't belong to Robin, in fact I was starting to think my heart belonged to Guy even though I never thought I would say it. I cared for Guy and I could feel them developing stronger. It was only a matter of time before I knew that I love Guy.

"I am sorry. I know you mean well. But my heart belongs here." I looked at Much as I spoke back sadly knowing what he had tried to do. I had to advert my eyes as he stared back at me incredulously.

"Get on with it!" Guy snapped to the priest.

"What?! I don’t understand! This is surely some mistake!" Much cried out horrified as I couldn't stop myself from cringing as I watched as Guy's men grabbed hold of Much and dragged him away.

"You have a ring?" The Canon Bond asked Guy.

"He needs you! Esme!!!" Much continued to yell as I winced and looked agonizingly past Guy's shoulder, listening to Much’s last words. Guy lifted my left hand up and placed an elaborate ring on my finger.

"Wise decision. In time you will thank me." Guy whispered his tone was harsh yet I knew there was a hint of love behind it. I could still hear Much yelling followed by a loud splash which could only mean he was dunked in the pond. I gulped as I blink and calmly look down at my hand before I slowly pull the ring off and slip it onto my right ring finger as the spectators start to murmur.

"No, the left hand." The Canon Bond informed me as I shook my head.

"No." I whispered weakly as my voice cracked.

"The ring must go on the left hand." The Canon Bond stated confused as I felt myself shaking.

"No." I whispered once more glancing up at Guy as I could see his confusion as I felt a tear trickle down my face which I know didn't go unnoticed as I ripped the front of my veil from my face.

"The right is better." I stated before quickly punching guy just below the eye with my right hand. I could tell everyone was shocked as I took of the ring and let it drop to the floor and I ran out of the church slightly to the murmurs and a few chuckles and cheers.

As I continued to run outside I saw Robin galloping on his horse in my direction as I sadly knew I couldn't escape with him. I gave him a warm smile anyways and raced in his direction as he smiled brightly in return before slowly down beside me. We chuckled at the sight of seeing Much crawling out the pond covered in weeds.

"Master! The King! It’s not the King! He’s an imposter!" Much cried out as Robin’s face immediately turns serious as the peasants murmur.

"A trap! I knew it!" Robin growled.

"Robin, my father. He leads the rebellion. Go and save the day!" I smiled as he hesitated but nodded before riding towards Much holding out his hand for him to grab as he did and hoisted him onto the horse as they rode to Nottingham to save the others. Esme smiled brightly as she heard a few screams behind her making her turn only to see the men on black horses coming straight for her as she felt something hit the back of her head. Crying out she plunged into darkness as she felt someone grab her, but she already knew what was happening.

*************

When Guy got back to his feet he reached down to grab the ring she had left behind. He was humiliated, confused, angry and betrayed. Though he couldn't get out the image of her crying as she went to punch him, like she was being forced to do such an action. He knew it couldn't be the case; she had done it on her own accord. His hand went for his pocket as he grabbed the small note he remembered he'd promise to give to her father as he scolded and unraveled it.

Only to read three words that made him freeze. He's after me. He didn't know how to react only to hear a painful cry out which could be none others than Esme's as he bolted from the church to see her being taken by a band of men, unconscious of the back of one horse as they vanished into the forest……