After re-discovering this fandom I had to write a story to go along with the fanart I drew of these two, (filled with lots of fluff, aesthetic pictures, and a few sprinkled in Taylor Swift quotes ;D).
Book cover drawn by me, please don't use withou...
After hearing about Prince John's evil plan to rid the kingdom of his brother, and claim the thrown, Robin and Marian quickly rushed back towards their friends and gestured for them to come meet behind a stack of barrels without Richard noticing.
"He what?" exclaimed Tuc.
"Capture me and Richard", Robin summarised.
"But he's never been able to pull off anything like that", argued Little John.
"True, but allegedly this time he's hired the most skilled kidnappers in the kingdom to do his dirty work, while leaving the crown waiting for him back home."
"And on top of that he's planning to marry me off to a noble of another kingdom, so no one will be able speak out against his claim to the thrown!" Marian added in anger, but still felt worry in the pit of her stomach.
Scarlett placed a hand on her best friend's shoulder in reassurance.
"We're not going to let that happen, don't worry Marian, mark my word." Robin said in determination, as he huddled his gang closer. "Now this is what we are going to do, it's risky but if we all stick to our part everything will go to plan."
Everyone discreetly came back to the centre of the courtyard waiting for Prince John to act on his plan.
"Oh Richard", the Prince chimed in on signal, "I have just heard word that our poor guests are trapped on the other side of river due to the bridge collapsing in on itself.
"Oh dear, that would explain everyone's absence. " Richard answered in worry", unfortunately I already sent the guards on an early lunch break due to the party being cancelled, so I will have to go alone unless anyone is willing to join me?" He consciously already knew that John wouldn't be coming.
"I will my King." Offered Robin.
"This is brilliant", John murmured to himself, "Robin is volunteering himself without any of my input", he grinned.
"Thank you Robin", said the King, "hopefully the bridge isn't to damaged and the two of us will be able to handle it by ourselves. We'll leave right away."
Robin nodded. "I'll go prepare our horses."
Marian followed Robin to the edge of the stables. While the rest of gang snuck off in another direction.
"Robin I know you have a plan, but still be extra careful, with John being extra sly this time and all", the princess said with concern as she rested her hands upon the handsome outlaws chest.
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He smiled. "For you Marian always, I promise I'm not going anywhere", he vowed has he gently held up her chin, and leaned in to lightly kiss her pink lips. "I'll come back to you, and teach that cousin of yours a proper lesson once and for all."
"I trust you."
Both then returned with two horses and Robin handed one over to Richard.
"Thank you Robin, let's get going. Oh but where have Little John, Tuc, and Scarlett gone?" He questioned.
"Oh I think they needed to go home for something, and Scarlett's just helping her mother in the pantry." Marian lied.
"Oh ok, we'll be off then see you soon", the King waved as he led in front of Robin, just leaving Marian and John behind.
Robin turned to gaze at Marian again in reassurance, he winked in her direction and blew a kiss to which she returned the gesture. Once both were out of sight John made a disgusted face which Marian noticed, but he was glad both were now gone.
"Come Marian while they are away, I have one more birthday surprise for you." The Prince said trying to tempt her into his trap.
"Coming."
She new this was very likely a trap but she had to play dumb until Robin returned with Richard, while she was doing this Scarlett along with Little John and Tuc would be dealing with the skilled bandits the prince had hired waiting ahead.
Marian found herself being led back into her own room, and the door was abruptly shut behind her.
"You really thought you could randomly start dating that outlaw without any consequences Marian?"
"What?" she said as she turning around trying to appear as vulnerable and clueless as possible.
"Not only do you have terrible taste, I'll tell you the truth as it might be for the better since you may now never see him again!"
"What have done this time John?!"
"Oh nothing much" he sniggered sitting himself on the bed. "You don't have to worry your pretty little head about all the details, only I'm having someone take care of him for me."
"Why do you have to always be so selfish cousin, have you ever thought once about anyone but yourself?"
"No, because one has ever thought about me!!" He snapped back. "Other than my gullible brother no one will ever pity me, so I'm changing how things are going to work around here once and for all." He stood up and closed in on the princess. "However I am thinking about you dear cousin, this is how it's going to work as I don't need anyone else threatening my claim to my rightful thrown. So you are going to agree to a betrothal to a prince I can buddy up with, and also so you are permanently out my hair and Robin's grasp. If anything I'm doing you a favour, I don't know what you could possibly see in that excess of a hero."
"Because he's selfless, handsome, and clever. Three things you'll never be."
John was unimpressed. "I'm feeling generous Marian, I'm giving you the chance to come quietly and allow you to choose your own husband, anyone you want as long as they're on this list, all you have to do is tick one and sign at the bottom."
She looked upon half a dozen regal names inscribed upon the parchment, and knew none would ever compare to her prince of thief's. She snatched the paper from his hand, screwed it up and threw it to the floor.
"NEVER! And never you will you get away with this!"
This last comment got on his nerves.
"Oh but I already have, I wouldn't be surprised if they were out of the country by nightfall. Have it your way Marian if you are going to be difficult I'll select a husband for you myself, the one with the most gold to spare of course, weddings can be expensive, not that I'm paying for it." He admitted.
She glared at him.
"Until he arrives, you will stay in here like a good little princess, to pay for your betrayal, just face it there's no Robin Hood to save you this time! He laughed.
"Happy birthday Marian!" The prince cackled slamming the door behind him and locking it.
"No!! Let me out!" She sobbed running over to the impenetrable door. Realising all the other windows and exits were sealed too in advance.
She fell to the floor with anxiety.
"I really hope you know what you're doing Ronin, not only for our sakes but the kingdoms too." Marian sighed.
