Maid Marian vs. Velasca

1. The Skinny Dip

The castle grounds were quiet, the moon hanging high above, casting silver light across the landscape. The catacombs had been turned into an indoor pool, but tonight, with the cool breeze and clear sky, the outdoor spring called to me. I slipped out of my gown, leaving it neatly draped on a rock, the moonlight glinting off the water's surface like tiny diamonds. The cool water wrapped around my skin as I eased into the spring, sighing as the tension of the day melted away.

I floated for a while, gazing up at the stars, letting the night air and the silence envelop me. But then... I felt it. That little tingle at the back of my neck, the sensation of being watched.

I glanced around but saw nothing. Surely, it was just my imagination... until I heard the faintest rustle of leaves nearby. My heart quickened, but I didn't panic. Not yet.

From the shadow of the trees, a figure emerged—tall, broad-shouldered, his face obscured by the shadows. He paused when he saw me, his surprise evident, though he didn't turn away. There was something about the way he watched, curiosity mingled with something deeper.

"Well," I said, my voice soft but teasing as I remained in the water, my skin glistening under the moonlight, "it seems you've caught me at quite the vulnerable moment."

He didn't reply right away, simply stepping closer to the water's edge. "I didn't mean to intrude," he said, his voice low, rough with something I couldn't quite place.

"Yet here you are," I replied, a playful smile tugging at my lips. I tilted my head slightly, letting my eyes meet his, daring him to come closer. "What should we do about that, hmm?"

For a moment, he seemed to weigh his options, his eyes scanning the water where I lay, half-hidden by the gentle ripples. And then, as if drawn by some invisible force, he crouched down by the edge of the spring, his gaze never leaving mine.

"Looks like you've made the night a little more interesting," he murmured.

I felt the cool water lap at my skin as I shifted, floating closer to where he knelt. There was something electric in the air, a silent invitation hanging between us, though I kept it playful, not crossing the line just yet.

"Care to join me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, daring him to make the next move.

He knelt by the water, his eyes taking in every detail as I floated nearer. The moonlight caught his features now—a strong jawline, roughened by days of stubble, and dark, intense eyes that seemed to have seen more than a man his age should. His hair was dark too, thick and tousled, like he'd been wandering for a while. The kind of man who didn't quite belong in a castle, but maybe that was what intrigued me.

"Join you?" He chuckled, though there was a hint of something darker beneath the amusement. "I'm not sure that's a good idea... I don't usually get this close to royalty."

"Royalty?" I echoed, teasing. "And here I thought I was just a lady of the forest tonight."

His eyes flickered, a hint of a smirk forming. "A lady who could very well have me hanged if she wanted to."

I moved closer to the edge of the water, close enough to feel the warmth of his presence as he remained crouched, still watching me with those sharp, calculating eyes.

"Now, why would I do that?" I asked, lowering my voice to a more conspiratorial tone. "You're not here to harm me... or are you?"

The smirk returned, but there was a weight to his gaze. "No... though I've been in the business of harm before." He leaned back slightly, eyes glinting as he let that hang between us. "I was a soldier once. Fought for kings and queens, and now... well, now I fight for no one."