- Chapter 75 -

When I awoke early that morning I found that I was still wrapped in Guy's arms, I rolled over to see his peaceful face and knew this was something I wanted to be able to do forever. But sighing I eased my way out of his grip and slipped back through the secret passages to my chambers were I sighed leaning against the wall. A bath had already been drawn up for me as I removed the dress and eased into the warm water with rose petals.

I'll admit I was glad that Prince John was such a girl, that he preferred smelling like roses, which meant I could as well. I would hate to be having to spend days smelling like a man who hadn't showered in over a week. A knock came at the door as Lucinda walked in with fresh towels before her eyes widened and she just stared at me. Rolling my eyes and growling I grabbed a towel from her hands and dried myself and changed back into my tunic and pants with my boots before turning to find her still staring.

"What?" I question her as she points towards my neck causing me to frown.

"What has happened to your neck my lady?" She questioned as I lifted up a small mirror to see love bites running down my neck and on my collar bone. Grumbling I chuckled slightly at Guy's playfulness and blushed before I flicked the collar of my tunic upwards to hide the bruising. Thankfully I wore a hooded cloak and no one would have to see the love bites he had given me.

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

It had been two and a half weeks since I had been sent to collect Guy from the Sheriff to explain his fault to the Prince. Guy had returned a week and a half ago to try and kill Robin with a 'full proof' plan set by the Prince. It was pathetic to be honest but I didn't say anything, why would I want to ensure Robin's death? It was the beginning of dawn and I was staring around to see the soldier's pulling down the camp and preparing for our final day of travel.

Prince John had gotten sick and tired of getting reports from Nottingham with little to no improvement. Only I dared to enter the Prince's tent as I awoke him gently by kicking his foot at the end of the bed causing him to jump awake. One look at me he groaned like a child and went to hide his head under his sheet before I grabbed it from the bottom of the bed and tugged it away from him and storming out of the tent.

I threw the blanket to an awaiting servant to pack it ready to be off as soon as he was out of his bed. The aim was to make it to Sherwood Forest by nightfall and then unto Nottingham castle the following morning. When another hour had been wasted by the Prince's foolishness we made tracks, the carriage pulling him faster than he would have liked as I rode on my black horse beside his carriage.

"Couldn't we slow down?" He asked me as he stuck his head out the window. I gave him no response and urged my horse faster slightly as the carriage driver did the same along with the small soldier company along with us.

"So that's a no?" His voice seemed smaller before he disappeared back inside. I rolled my eyes as I guided the men through the long day of horse riding. Night was soon beginning to fall as I couldn't help but breathe in and sigh with a giant smile on my face at the familiarity of Sherwood Forest. Snapping my fingers the men got to work on assembling the Prince's tent as I knew that Robin would soon know we were here.

"Wolf!" Prince John called out as I dismounted from my horse and handed the reins to an awaiting servant before I made my way to the window of the carriage.

"Send a couple of men to fetch Gisborne for me. You! You stay here with me" He demanded as I nodded my head and opened the carriage door for him as he immediately went and hid in his tent. I saw my commander with three of his men as I walked over towards them. Seeing me approach they immediately straightened and saluted as I waved my hand allowing them to settle slightly.

"Fetch Sir Guy of Gisborne, silently. Understood?" I command as they bowed before mounting their horses and carrying out the Prince's command. I bit my lip nervous slightly of why he wanted to see Guy but I gathered I would know sooner or later. Using this time effectively I slowly vanished away from the camp and made my way through Sherwood Forest until I was close to the entrance of the camp.

Grabbing a simple stone by my feet I pulled out my dagger and carved in W before gently rolling it down the hill into the camp. I watched as it went unnoticed by the others until Tuck saw my sign. He excused himself and began to follow the direction of which it had rolled until he saw me. Smiling he quickened his pace until we were out of hearing as we embraced not having seen each other in so long.

"Esme, it's so good to see you!" He smiled as I chuckled and patted him on the shoulder.

"It's great to see you too Tuck and be back here in Nottingham" I truthfully informed as he took in my appearance of what I was wearing. I removed my hood and mask smiling to not have to wear it as he chuckled.

"I go by Wolf to Prince John. And man of few words, who used to be King Richard's assassin in the Holy Land. Prince John won't go anywhere without me" I informed him as he smirked and folded his arms over his chest.

"I see your planned worked then" He chuckled as I nodded.

"Too well. Thank you for looking after Robin" I smiled sadly missing being able to consult with my brother as he gave my shoulder a squeeze.

"It has been an honor. What brings you to Nottingham with the Prince?" He asked me.

"He's visiting all the nobles throughout England to try and buy their loyalty before King Richard returns." I informed him as he nodded by the useful information I was giving him before he frowned.

"What, he thinks he can be bought?" He asked as I nodded with a scoff.

"He knows he can. He's buying the nobles and their men to seize the throne so that King Richard returns to King John's England." I grumble kicking the ground slightly as began to realize the issue of the situation.

"Every noble he buys will bring us closer to civil war. And a war between Prince John and King Richard... It will tear this country apart." He hissed as I nodded in agreement.

"He's carrying gold. Trunks of it! Stop him stealing the crown by stealing his gold. We leave at first thing tomorrow morning, or whenever I can get his royal highness out of bed" I grumble as Tuck just laughs and nods in agreement to the plan.

"I'll send word to you through the signal if I get any important information." I instruct as he went to say something only to be silenced when we heard the crunching of boots on twigs and bushes being rustled. Quickly replacing my mask and drawing my hood I flew towards the camp and snuck my way back to see the soldiers returning with Guy.

I dashed my way over as I saw them drag Guy into Prince John's tent and throwing him to the ground before his throne. I slowly walked beside the throne as Guy kept his head remaining down. His breathing was in uneven pants as I could tell he was confused and nervous. I was frightened for him!

"Do you love me, Gisborne?" Prince John asked him in his sickly sweet voice.

"Yes, sire." He responded softly yet gruffly as I held my breath.

"I'm so pleased to hear it because I don't think the Sheriff loves his prince. No, I don't think he does at all. My time is almost here, Gisborne." The Prince began as he let out a held breath. I sighed with relief when I knew that Guy wasn't in danger as Guy, on his knees, slowly raises his head a bit, staring at the Prince's feet.

"You know my father Henry, God rest his soul, wanted me to be King, not my brother Richard. Me... King. That was his wish. And I will be... soon. My father taught me to surround myself with only those most loyal, with only those who love me." He continued letting out a mournful sigh at the mention of his father. Guy raises his head a bit more to stare at the Prince's knees as I saw them flicker in my direction as he tensed shoulders relaxed slightly but stiffened once he saw Prince John leaning forward.

"You'd make a fine sheriff, Gisborne. I'm confident in that. Does it please you that I have such confidence in you?" Prince John questioned as Guy looks at the Prince in the eyes and straightens his back, still on his knees.

"Yes, sire." He responded automatically.

"Hm.... Robin Hood isn't dead. I told you, I told the Sheriff, I wanted Robin Hood dead. His blood is a gift I covet and yet no-one gives it me. If the Sheriff loved Prince John, he would give it me. And yet I do not have it, ergo he doesn't love me. Well, I will have blood." Prince John whined as I felt my hand drift to my sword in case to defend Guy as I watched him slump his shoulders in shame and looking at the ground, thinking his end is near.

"The Sheriff 's blood." Prince John spoke again making me relax as Guy raised his head up to stare at the Prince with raised eyebrows.

"You will kill the Sheriff for me, Gisborne, discreetly. A private secret we can share. And you will do this for me, Gisborne... because you love me." He smiled his sickly sweet smile, lacing his voice with venomous honey as the Prince puts a hand on either side of Guy's head. When the meeting between Guy and the Prince had concluded Guy was sent gently back to Locksley whilst we all at the camp retired for the evening.....