- Chapter 42 -

It had been a good two weeks since I last saw Robin. My wounds had fully healed and my friendship with Guy puzzled me. Whenever he was with the Sheriff he seemed to be hateful and bitter. Though often when we were alone which wasn't often he would remain the same way yet his eyes would show compassion and love. He confused me though I knew my feelings for him were true, I wasn't going to deny it.

The Sheriff and Guy had just installed a new strong room to hold all the money for the black knights, and it seemed that Robin knew exactly when to come hunting for information. I told him all I could get without being obvious as I knew he was going to break into it tonight. It was in the middle of night when I awoke to a loud bell and the sound of dogs making me jump.

"Robin" I whispered as I knew they must have failed. Slipping on a dressing gown and tying it around my waist I opened my door only to hug body against the cold bite.

"What's going on?" I asked one of the soldiers who guarded outside my door.

"Nothing my Lady" He instructed as I saw Guy run past my door, we both shared eye contact but he refused to say anything as I closed my door behind me slowly. I smirked slightly; it was funny seeing the castle in an uproar. I don’t remember falling asleep again but when I woke up it was to a knock on the door.

"Enter" I responded sleepily as my Sarah walked in.

"Morning my lady. The Sheriff has asked for you in the Great Hall" She instructed me as I nodded. I brushed the sleep from my eyes and got dressed in an elegant green gown before I made my towards the great hall. I was surprised however to find the room filled with various casino games. I watched as people began doing the last-minute preparations as a small table laden with food and drink is centered in front of the balcony and above it hangs a square ring of flaming pipe. At the opposite end of the room stands a craps table. Near the foot of the stairs is a skittles table. The Sheriff pokes the ears of the roast piglet with the dice hook for the craps table, then turns around and addresses the servants.

"Good. Very good." He informed them as I slowly and cautiously walked down the stairs seeing the chaos.

"Ah, Lady Esme. There you are. Now, our guest is due to arrive very shortly…" He began as I frowned.

"Guest?" I questioned as I stood before the Sheriff placing my hands on my hips, disgruntled at being summoned.

"Yes a German Count whatever his name it and I’d like you to... be a friend to him. I’d like you to make him feel that his every desire is yours to obey." He smirked as I looked horrified.

"Every desire?" I asked shocked at the implication he was asking of me. I was a lady not some lap dog!

"Mm. Show him a good time. What do you think, Gisborne?" He chuckled as he walked behind me, moving my elbow out of his way

"Good idea." Guy smirked as he briefly raised his eyebrow as I looked at him horrified. How could he? Did he really think that low of me? I wasn't some sort of piece of meat to be passed around when they pleased!

"No!" I growled defiantly as the Sheriff raised an eyebrow. I guess he didn't think I would be so stubborn to refuse him. HA!

"Oh, yes, you will, missy. How’s your father, so to speak?" He hissed in my ear making me flinch. I felt guilty and I hated this leverage over me. I loved my father and I refuse to let the Sheriff harm him.

"What if he sees my heart isn't in it?" I quizzed as Guy scoffed making me turn to him.

"Well, then pretend. Deception comes easily enough to you." He snarled as I was taken aback by his attitude. I didn't care to show how his words wounded me as his eyes dropped from mine as did the smirk on his face.

"Now, when the Count arrives, I want you to smile for him, and, er...... buy yourself a gown that, erm, how should I say? Stimulates the imagination." He snickered as he holds up three gold coins in his left hand and looks at me below the neck. To say I felt very uncomfortable would be an understatement. As he held the coins to my face I scoffed as he removed one coin from his hand and flipped it over to Guy.

"The cheaper, the better, I think." He snarled darkly as the Sheriff leaves making me scowls at him. I didn't care if Guy could see my disgust and wounded expression as I turned back to him as he held his coin up at me, then he tosses he coin to the far end of the craps table.

"Fetch." He spoke with disdain towards me as I stood in utter disbelief. I growled and grabbed the coin and went back past him roughly shoving him aside as he grabbed hold of my arm pulling me back as I glared up at him in fury and hurt.

"Get off me!" I hissed as I ripped myself away from him and made my way down towards the market place. I didn't like the feeling of having a guard following me as I walked through the market at different stalls.

"Stand further off. You make me feel as if I am under arrest." I instructed as he nodded whilst I continued to resume looking through the different dresses. A man in a dark cloak and an olive green hood meanders through the crowd to my left side and, standing close behind me, raising his arm to reveal strings of beads and other trinkets hanging from inside his cloak.

"Trinkets for the lovely lady?" His voice was croaky as I was startled and frowned until I chuckled softly realizing it was Robin. I casually glanced around noticing Much and Little John as Robin gave them a nod to take their cue. They stride over to a nearby produce merchant and began to pick up a fight as Much threw the first punch. My guard suddenly abandoned my side as I smirked as we both quickly walked off to the side to get some privacy.

"They have you well guarded." Robin teased. I however didn't find it funny I was close to cracking.

"Why did I choose this? I can hardly breathe in there." I told him struggling to hold it together.

"Shh. What happened?" He comforted pulling me into a tight hug. What happened? I'm being blackmailed to become a piece of meat to a Count. Guy hates me! My father's life is in my hands.

"They’re expecting a guest today, a rich German count. And they’re making me fawn over him, making me dress up and—" I began explaining only to have him frown.

"A German? Do you think the Sheriff and Prince John are looking for allies abroad?" He quizzed me interrupting me as I rolled my eyes.

"He’s not an ally; he’s a gambler. The Sheriff has set up gaming tables in the castle. He’s planning to fill his new strong room with the Count’s money." I informed as I suddenly saw Robin smile greedily. Oh no, I know that look!

"You see, another good reason to rob him." He chuckled as I sighed pulling at my hair slightly.

"Robin, please, do not go down there. It’s dangerous." I begged.

"Well, you know me. I like a challenge." He smirked as Robin puts his hand on the side of my head.

"You don’t have to do this." He whispered as I shook my head.

"Yes, I do. Without me you wouldn't even know there was a strong room. And England needs you" I sighed back as a small smile tugged on his lips.

"And I need you." He whispered seriously as I saw him leaning in to kiss me as I gulped.

"Guard!" I called out as Robin audibly sucks in his breath through his teeth while giving me an “I can’t believe you did that; you’re gonna get it” kind of look, then disappears. I chuckle as the guard walks over to me confused. I quickly pay for two dressed both making me cringe as he guides me back to the castle. I passed the Sheriff on the way in as he chuckled seeing the fabrics in my arms as I roll my eyes to go get changed.

A bell is chiming in the background as I left my room in discomfort. The dress I was wearing was tight, low necked much to my distaste and a bold red. I kept drawing in deep breaths as I wanted nothing more than to burn the dress on my body. The Sheriff is waiting in the cloister as a coach enters to a fanfare. I quickly pause and wait as I watch as the Sheriff leaves the cloister to go greet his guest as Guy comes down the steps and stands behind me.

"Esme, who’d have thought?" Guy scorns at me as he folds his arms. I sullenly ignore him as the Count, dressed in a greyish purple and gold striped suit exits his coach with a flourish from the lace-edged handkerchief in his hand. I fidgeted slightly as I wanted nothing more than to escape this horrid dress.

"Ah, Count Friedrich. Welcome to Nottingham." The Sheriff smiled at him as he looked towards the Sheriff with a raised eyebrow.

"Tell me, are all of the roads in England so bad? I feel like I've been beaten like an egg." He complained as I choked away a laugh as I saw the Sheriff grit his teeth.

"Your safety was my first concern. I organized the route so as to avoid the forest. We couldn't have your fortune or your good self falling into outlaws’ hands." He spoke strained as you could tell the Sheriff was near the end of his niceties, if he even had any to begin with.

"Myself and my men are a match for any rustic ruffian, I assure you." The Count unimpressed and annoyed informed the Sheriff as he steps aside and the Count sees me. Oh great.

"Ah!" His face beamed with a smile as I roll my eyes. The Count doffs his hat and bows, then slaps it into the Sheriff’s chest as he steps towards me.

"Had I known what awaited me here I would have employed winged horses." He flirted as the Count bows to me, who I merely give him a sullen look. The Sheriff gave me a glare as I said nothing in response to the greeting.

"Er, Lady Esme has made it her personal responsibility to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible." He smiled as I could see the threat behind his eyes as I just looked back at the count as he stood up again and smiled at me.

"Really?"

"I’m very happy to make your acquaintance." I flatly spoke as he smirked at me.

"Oh, come, come. Acquaintances are for old ladies and priests." He chuckled as I saw two of the Count’s men, dressed in oversized suits made of the same striped cloth as the Count’s, carry a small, heavy chest out of the coach. What I didn't realize was he had taken my hand in his as I grimaced and gave it a kiss.

"We will dispense with such formalities. I am already your friend.... and always your servant." He flirted as I politely snatched my hand back from his. I could hear and see Guy snearing and growling towards the Count as I glanced at him it stopped as he smirked at me. Almost as though he was enjoying my torment. If he wants to play protective then it's his own fault for throwing me into this situation in the first place!

"Do be careful there! Take the chest to my rooms! Its a few shillings for the gaming tables. Tell me, do you play, Lady Esme?" The Count snapped at his men as they nearly dropped his chest. I watched as they disappeared from my sight before pursing my lips.

"Such pursuits are not entirely to my tastes." I stated clearly with a hint of disdain in my voice as I went to try and escape only to have him take another step closer. Perfect!

"Then we must find pursuits that excite you more. Tell me, do you ride?" He persisted as I scowled uncertain how to respond. Yes I ride! I love to, however due to house arrest I haven't been able to do it lately. I allowed the Sheriff to guide the Count in doors towards the great hall to show off the gaming room as Guy and I walked side by side. It hurt, as I peaked a look up at him to only see a stoned expression and a smirk at my discomfort.

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

In the Great Hall the Sheriff shows the Count the gaming room, walking in from the door under the balcony and around the food table.

"No expense has been spared for your gambling pleasure. Food... drink, company. We aim to please in every respect. Isn't that right, Esme?" The Sheriff clicks his fingers to a serving girl as the Count sees the craps table and heads straight for it. He growls slightly losing his attention and towards Esme who stands there unresponsive. The Count inspects the dice as Esme stops by the skittles and swings the ball at the pins, which clatter in response to the Sheriff ’s question. The Count and the Sheriff turn to her.

"Is this your idea of sport?" Esme asked the Count unamused.

"You do not like the skittles, my lady? But it is a charming game." He questioned Esme trying to win her affection as Esme tosses the ball back and forth between her hands.

"A child’s game, surely." She insulted as she smirked on the inside to see that didn't go well with the Count.

"Hmpf."

"Do men really waste their money playing this?" She questioned disgusted once again. What a waste! She thought, who would willingly waste their money on this!

"No waste if the prize is worth having. Come, let me show you." He flirted slightly amused by her hard-to-get act as the Count puts his hand under Esme’s holding the ball. Esme rolls her eyes and flinched at the notion which didn't go unnoticed by Guy who watched her with keen eyes.

"Gently caress the ball—" The Count began to instructed as the serving girl holds her tray out where the Count can see it. The Count smiled and turns to the girl, releasing Esme’s hand, and takes the goblet from the tray as Esme steps behind the skittles table and, with a glint in her eye, lets the ball swing round the pins to the Count.

"Danke schon. I thank you." He translated as he realized they wouldn't know what it meant. The Count turns back to resume his lesson just in time for the skittles ball to hit him in the groin.

"Ow!" He exclaimed as the Sheriff twitches and goes wide eyed as Esme catches the ball. Guy chuckled as he saw the smirk on her lips as he clenched his fists slightly. Hating how the Count was giving her so much attention, yet he felt guilty. It was his fault.

"Forgive me, Count Friedrich. My aim was a little wide." Esme apologized feigning innocence as the Count was only able to grunt and sigh in pain as he tried to recovering quickly whilst Esme tried her hardest to suppress her giggles. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad, she thought. Maybe they will see how much of a mess I am making and assign him someone else. She smirked at the thought yet flinched when she knew they would continue to use her father against her.

Not long after the Count regained his composure he went over to the craps table, something he was familiar with as Esme stands along its side, leaning sullenly on the rail. The Sheriff passes behind the Count and stops to watch.

"Come, Lady Esme, bring me some luck." He begged her as she refused to show him any recognition. The Sheriff snarled slightly in her direction as he turned to see Guy walking over towards him making him scowl.

"Where have you been?" He hissed.

"An errand." Guy responded which had its truths to a point. He did his errand, though came back to see Esme's displeasure and the annoying Count trying to win her over.

"He’s quite taken with her. Encourage him. He'll lose quicker. And make sure she does her job!" The Sheriff whispered cunningly as he pointed in the direction of the Count and Esme. Grudgingly complying, Guy steps over to Esme first as the Sheriff watched them closely. Esme took a gulp at his sudden closeness towards her as he leant down to whisper into her ear, making her breathing go uneven. This was something Guy noticed which made him smirk. Though he thought it was from fear making him flinch instead of love.

"Esme, I would try harder if I were you" He warned as she gulped and looked up at him uneasy as he left her side and strolled in the direction of the Count, but not before smirking in the direction of the Sheriff who grinned back darkly. The Count turns to him and Guy puts on a brief, amiable smile.

"Esme just needs a little coaxing. It’s her way. She says no when she means yes." He informed the Count as though he was letting him on a big secret as he smirked to see the Count raise an eyebrow at the challenge.

"Really? Then I shall relish the challenge." He bowed his head as Gisborne steps back.

"Lady Esme, I cannot roll unless you help me." He pleaded with a helpless voice as she still refused to look in the direction of the Count knowing full well that Guy was behind him. She couldn't look at him, she felt used and betrayed. She didn't feel like an individual anymore, more like a pawn on a chess board.

"No, thank you."

"No-no, Lady Esme. I insist." The Count answered more strongly this time as Esme grudgingly steps to his side. The Count takes her hand and places the dice in it, then kisses it. Esme sighs and growls slightly by his gesture before carelessly flips the dice down the table.

"Lady Esme wins!"

"Ah! You see? I win!" The Count smirked as Esme gave a pathetic smile and stepped away from him.

"Perhaps you will excuse me. I have a headache." She apologized as Guy noticed her discomfort at the close distance of the Count.

"As hard as it is, we must let you go." He replied sadly.

"Thank you for your understanding, Count." She responded quickly in order to escape as the Count nods and Esme goes upstairs with haste, the Sheriff and Guy watching her. The Count turns to the Sheriff.

"Quite the beauty. I must confess, when I first came to this country, I thought I would not like it. But now..... I like it very much!" The Count chuckled as he slapped the Sheriff on the chest before leaving. The Sheriff forces a chuckle in return and winces and follows a growl when he was gone from sight. Guy turns, raising his brows with a knowing look and also on the inside concerned for Esme. Meanwhile Esme was walking down the interior corridor in the direction of the war room when two sentries stop her.

"Oh. Excuse me, can I pass?" She asked slightly surprised.

"Orders. No-one passes, not even you. Sheriff ’s private room." The corporal instructed as from a distance behind Esme could hear the Count calling out her name as she winced and gasped desperately.

"Oh, no. Let me pass, just this once, please." She asked urgently as the Corporal slowly began to advance on Esme.

"Well, what’s in it for me? Nice gown." He smirked as he looks down at her low neckline. Esme tries to pull her collar in to cover her more, but it doesn't have much give. The Corporal continues advancing towards her and she steps backwards.

"Very fetching. Bit of a new look for you." He flirted making her slap him across the face, only to have her hand hurt from the slap to the armor.

"How dare you?!"

"Just being friendly. How about a little... kiss." He snarled evilly as Esme backs into a pillar. The second sentry doubles over after the Count punches him in the stomach. The Corporal turns to see what happened as Esme quickly steps aside.

"How about a little..... smack." The Count suggested as the Count punches the Corporal in the jaw causing him to fall and the Count grabs the other sentry’s helmet and slams his head into the pillar.

"Excuse me." He smiled at Esme as Esme steps back again and the Count throws the sentry to the floor between pillars causing Esme to smile.

"You are an impressive fighter." Esme sincerely informed him

"Yes, I know. And you are also very impressive in many ways." He causally responded.

"Please." She sighed with annoyance as she went to move away from him.

"Are you not glad I came after you?" He asked confused.

"I made no invitation." She snapped.

"You feign a headache and retire. I follow. This is the way that trysts are made all over the world." He scoffed as the Count takes her hand as if to kiss it. Esme spins round him ripping it from his grip taking everything in her power not to hit him.

"Well, this one is over, all right. As of now." She hissed towards him darkly.

"Gisborne!" The Sheriff called out from the distance making her gasp in shock, knowing they would be in trouble if they were caught.

"We mustn't be found here." She whispered as she turned and leads the Count into the war room.