- Chapter 43 -

Esme rushes into the war room quickly, then hesitates, looking around and staring at the large map in the centre of the room. The Count closes the door and pushes her forward, beyond the pillars.

"Come. Quick!" He grabbed her hand pulling her out of sight when the door opens, then the Sheriff and Gisborne enter. Esme peeks round the side of the pillar, behind which she and the Count are hiding.

"There should be a guard on that door at all times." The Sheriff grumbled.

"I'll look into it immediately, my lord." Guy informs as he turned to leave.

"Wait." The Sheriff responded quietly as behind the pillar, the Count puts his head on Esme’s shoulder and she pushes him back a bit with her elbow and an annoyed frown. Esme turns her head back towards the room to hear better as the Count looks down and inspects her décolletage.

"First things first. Tomorrow’s meeting. Come here." The Sheriff grinned as Guy pulls the door closed as the Sheriff walks towards the map. The Count tries to take Esme’s arm but she steps around him to the other side of the pillar to try to get a better look. The Sheriff shows Gisborne a piece of parchment.

"There. I have outlined the division of the money in my strong room." He explained to Guy as the Sheriff lets the parchment curl up and hands it to Guy, who takes it with an annoyed look, then unfurls it to read as the Sheriff continues.

"You will be in charge of making sure our friends, the Black Knights, get their share." The Sheriff reaches for his pointer as the Count puts a strand of Esme’s hair over his lip like a moustache. Esme pulls it back impatiently wanting to scowl at his childlike behavior at a time like this.

"You wish to strengthen our forces in the south? The share is generous." Guy was surprised reading the amount the Sheriff was planning on giving. As he knew full well as did everyone how the Sheriff was with money.

"Strategy, Gisborne. The King is most likely to land there on his return." Gisborne gives him a puzzled look as he watched the Sheriff pointing appropriately at the map. Esme switches sides of the pillar again as the Sheriff approaches the same pillar, but stops before it. Making her hold her breathe.

"Besides, there will be plenty of funds in the war chest after our German booby loses tonight. And we'll make sure he loses big." The Sheriff chuckled darkly as the Count steps seriously beside Esme, his attention now totally focused on the Sheriff, causing Esme to gulp and watch him slowly.

"What if the Count surprises us and wins?" Guy snarls as he thinks of the Count and how affectionate he has grown towards Esme.

"Wins? That buffoon?" The Sheriff scoffed as he snarled in Guy's direction.

 “Ooh, I feel like I have been beaten as the egg.” The Sheriff spoke pretending to be the Count as Esme notices the Count’s change of attitude.

"Mincing oaf." The Sheriff spat.

"But you have made provision just in case." Guy smirked in response.

"You know me too well, Gisborne. All eventualities have been considered." He chuckled as he puts down the pointer and steps round the table to him. The Sheriff empties a small bag into his hand and holds it up to Guy.

"Dice that only roll one way, in our favour. Make sure Esme is with us tonight." He informed as Guy smirks only to snarl inwardly at the way the Sheriff thought of throwing her away like meat. Esme glances anxiously at the Count as the Sheriff leaves, letting out a sigh of relief. Gisborne starts to follow, then stops as if he heard something, then hearing nothing, follows with loud footsteps and closes the door behind him.

"What does he think? That I will not be suspicious of an invitation out of the blue from a Sheriff in—where are we? That I will not do my homework and find out who he is? Does he not think that his reputation has not spread to Europe? And you..." The annoyed Count spoke as they both appeared out from behind the pillar before he roughly grabbed hold of her arm.

".... you are in on this little plan. Do you think this is the first time I've been offered a girl to take my eyes from the tables?" He demanded as he looks down at her alluring cleavage making Esme growl in anger and discomfort.

"Let go of me!" She spat as she pulls her arms out of his grip.

"Do you people think that I am a complete idiot?" He asked angrily.

"Yes! Until now, which is exactly what you wanted, isn't it?" Esme chuckled annoyed making the Count raise an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, come on. The way you fight. You are no booby. I don’t think a booby does homework on his hosts. I think it suits you to have people think you are an idiot." Esme stated as she walked around the large map to gain an image of it in her mind.

"It helps sometimes. People play less cautiously. But I am no cheat." The Count admitted.

"And for what it’s worth, I am no lackey of the Sheriff." She defended.

"So... we are both players." The Count sighed with a smirk, relieved to know they were both on the same side. Kinda.

"And what will you do?" She asked and nodding slightly.

"Do? Leave. If the Sheriff is loading the dice, I cannot win. I'll be struck by a sudden illness." He pretended like he was going to faint dramatically causing them both to giggle like immature children. When they got control over their breaths an idea struck Esme as she gasped.

"Don’t leave. Help me." Esme whispered brightly at her sudden idea.

"Help you?"

"You heard the Sheriff. He’s using the money to plot against the King. I have friends who would like to relieve him of his money before he distributes it. And that'll have to be tonight." She informed him as she walked over towards him.

"This is a dangerous game." He responded unsure.

"But you’re a player." She smirked smiling slightly as she knew that putting up that challenge now he wouldn't be able to deny it as he smirked in response.

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

I was currently in my room out of that tight, revealing gown and into someone I missed and felt very comfortable in. My riding clothes. Feeling the familiar smoothness of my red top and black leather pants I smiled as I slipped on my boots. I grimaced slightly as my palm was bruising from the harsh slap against the Corporal earlier as I grabbed my gloves.

"Esme?" A knock came as I quickly slipped my hand into the glove.

"Come in" I called as Guy entered only to make me pause and huff as his eyes quickly watched me noticing my change in outfit.

"The Count has insisted on taking me riding" I informed refusing to look at him as I went to walk past him as he caught my making me yelp and draw it back suddenly as I watched his eyes go cold. He remained silent as he snatched my glove from my hand to reveal the bruise as his fingers trailed over my aching skin. His deep growl made me gulp as I snatched my glove back before storming down the hallways towards the castle courtyard.

One of the stable boys brought forward my own black horse that Guy had bought for me a while ago as I smiled and brushed its mane. I waited for the Count to arrive as I heard the sound of running down feet down the steps as I turned to see the Sheriff, making me turn back to my horse and rolling my eyes.

"What do you think you’re doing? You stay in the castle." He spat at me as I noticed behind him the Count walking out the doors and down the steps towards us.

"Believe me, I would rather stay here. I am merely doing as I am instructed." I stated making my voice sound annoyed and bitter.

"Lady Esme is to ride out with me!" The Count exclaimed to the Sheriff excited as I had to hide a smirk at the Sheriff's face at his shocked yet disapproving look.

"No-no-no, no." He chuckled.

"Well, if I do not ride, I might be out of sorts, and if I am out of sorts, I might decide not to play the tables at all tonight. Hm." The Count responded back as I smirked. Blackmail, using the Sheriff's own tools against him. Well played Count.

"Very well. I will provide you with an escort. Guards?! The forest is a very dangerous place." He shouted out as a few guards ran in his direction due to the sudden summit as I gulped nervous. I watched as the Count draped his arm over the Sheriff's shoulder and lead him away slightly whispering in towards him before looking at me. I narrowed my eyes as he gave me a wink causing me to roll mine. I was unsure what the Sheriff was thinking as he glanced at me before he chuckled and turned back inside dismissing the guards making me breath out a sigh of relief.

"You need to have more faith in me" The Count chuckled towards me as I shook my head laughing before we mounted and dashed out of the castle before he had a chance to change his mind. We kept quiet as we road and I must admit I enjoyed every second of the fresh air, it was delightful to be able to escape the clutches of the Sheriff even if it is only for a moment.

"Now I am better acquainted with your Sheriff, I’m beginning to understand why you have such admiration for this outlaw." The Count started making conversation as I chuckled slightly.

"It’s not just me." I informed.

"I didn't mean just you. I think I would like to take to the woods and fight in justice like your Robin Hood. What do you think?" He pretended to be dashing on his horse making me giggle.

"Why does a potential freedom fighter waste his life gambling?" I asked unsure why a man with such a spirit would let himself waste his life away.

"I am a count. My life has been managed since the day that I was born. Tradition, etiquette—it’s all so safe. I crave danger. You wouldn't understand." He tried explaining as I scoffed.

"Don’t be so sure." I grumbled. Of course I understood! I am a Lady! All I am expected to do is stand there and look pretty, find myself a husband and have heirs. That's why I am the Nightwatchman. I want danger, I want freedom which I have lost from refusing Guy at the wedding. I would take it back if I could any day, though it was far too late now. I know that. Once we were deep enough into the forest I put my fingers to my lips and whistles loudly.

"Are you sure you know how to find these friends of yours?" He asked me unsure.

"I’m hoping they’re going to find us." I truthfully told him as I saw Robin comes out from behind a tree.

"They already have!" He shouted happily though I saw his face when his eyes landed on the Count. The rest of the gang appear and all approach the Count and I, who dismount.

"Who’s your new friend?" Robin questioned as I ignored the jealously in his words. Honestly! Robin looks the Count up and down as the latter introduces himself.

"Count Friedrich Berthold Otto von Wittersburg from the German Duchy of Bavaria....... and your friend." He smiled though his voice grew to a slight panic as Djaq holds her sword near the Count’s throat. Robin jerks his head aside and I follow him a few steps out of the way. I glance back to see the Count eyeing the gang as Much steps up to take Robin’s place in front of the Count making me chuckle slightly.

"This is the Sheriff ’s guest?" He asked me bitterly.

"Yes."

"And you trust him enough to bring him here to meet me?"

"He wants to help us."

"Oh." Robin disbelievingly scoffed as I growled at his immaturity.

"It seems we have a common desire, Robin Hood….I mean, we both wish to see the Sheriff broken and humiliated. Esme and I were disc—" He began trying to show he was on his side.

"On first name terms?" Robin interrupted jealously glancing at me as I growled.

"Jealous?" I spat back! He is such a child!

"Of him?" Robin sniggers briefly as I curl my fight tightly.

"Esme has a proposition for you." The Count suggested as I drew a deep breath.

"If you want to rob the strong room, you have to do it tonight." I informed them as Robin’s eyes gaze aside and he shakes his head slightly.

"Not possible. We’re not ready." Will stated as I let my shoulders droop.

"Well then don’t bother at all. The Sheriff will divide the money between the Black Knights and they’re coming tomorrow. After that, the strong room will be empty." I informed as Robin gets a bit of a panicked look about him as Will turns to Allan behind him. I thought he was going to give up when I see Robin think for a bit before then smiling slyly at Much.

"I don’t like that look. That look means trouble." He winced as I beamed a smile.

"Robin, it’s certain death." Allan tried reasoning with him.

"Well, if that money’s going to be used to finance weapons and men to kill the King, then....we’re dead already." Robin informed clicking his tongue as I smirked. I gave them all a final hug goodbye before we rode back towards the castle. We both struggled to hide our excitement of our plans though our acting skills came in handy.

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

The Count and Esme return to the castle too see Gisborne and the Sheriff are in the cloister, watching. The Count and Esme both dismount their horses and begin to slowly walk towards the steps. Esme notices their audience and quickly grabs the Count’s arm.

"Kiss me." She hissed.

"What?" He questioned confused.

"Otherwise what will they think we've been doing all this time?" She whispered as the Count deftly glances up at the cloister, then grabs Esme, dips her in front of him and kisses her passionately. Esme felt guilty and disgusted with her own thoughts and actions as she wished it was Guy's lips upon hers and not the Counts as she swear she could hear Gisborne scowling and growling.

"Ahh. We have a budding romance after all." The Sheriff snickered, as he watched as Guy turned his head away from the view, jealous, furious and wanting to murder the Count.

"So it would seem." He growled dangerously.

"Hmm. Maybe one more, to make it really convincing?" The Count chuckled.

"Careful." Esme responded as the Count lifts her back to standing.

"Remember the skittles?" She smirked when he winced at the memory and linking her arm through his.

"Ah, ja." He winced as they go up the steps arm in arm.

"He succeeded where you failed, Gisborne. Don't give me that look, she could have been yours if you weren't such a girl. So, come along. Money to be made." The Sheriff chuckles darkly whilst rubbing his hands together eagerly. Gisborne takes one last scowling look, and then follows him inside.