Deception

Chapter 22

I hadn't left the house in several weeks. The physician visited every second day, to ensure my wounds were healing; my father tried his hardest to look after me. Guy visited as often as he could; I guess I enjoyed the company, as I was restricted to my bed. He kept asking for the men's names whom had done this to me. But I answered truthfully. I didn’t know their names only by their faces.

Robin and Djaq visited to see that I was healing and Robin being a loving brother wanted to ensure I was alright. It gave me comfort when I saw him, I was still shocked that I was never told I would have had to marry Robin if he hadn't of gone off to fight in the Holy Lands. It was the King's Birthday today, as I was dressed in my red gown, I felt much better as I stood in Locksley Manor beside my father.

A crowd of people are talking and drinking. My father and I stood near the fireplace under the stairs. I scowl at the guests.

"What is it?" My father whispered as I looked among the crowd.

"What is it? This is Robin’s house. Look at these people." I snarled as I watched as Guy started to  addresses the crowd.

"My lords, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for your attendance here today. As you know we are here to celebrate the King’s birthday." He announced as I watched as he turns to the table and pours wine into a goblet.

"We wish him success in the Holy Land..." He kept going as he picks up two goblets and walks over to me...

"..and we pray for his speedy return to these shores." Guy announced as hands a goblet each to my father and I, I smile slightly as I takes it. Gisborne goes back to the table to pick up his own drink.

"Please, raise your goblets in a toast... to King Richard." He smirked.

"King Richard." We all toasted as the guests all sip from their goblets. I noticed Guy staring at me as he drinks. I lowered my goblet and noticed him staring with a smirk as I gave an uncomfortable gulp, as he set his goblet down on the table.

"I, myself.... have a particular reason to hope for the King’s early return to England. For when that day comes, this fair lady, Esme..." He whispered my name as I stared at him with apprehension in my eyes. "... has consented to be my wife." He announced as the guests “oh” and applauds. My father took my hand giving it a squeeze; it made me relax slightly knowing he was still beside me.

"Before I toast my future bride..." He started as he takes a ring from the table and steps towards me. "... there is something that I would like to present to her." He smiled as I watched as  Gisborne walks over to me. My face is blank as Gisborne holds up the ring. I couldn't deny that the red and black engagement ring wasn't beautiful.

"May I?" He whispered smirking.

"This means so much to you, doesn’t it?" I questioned as he frowned slightly.

"This means everything to me. Have I not expressed myself?" He asked as he takes my left hand.

"You mean everything to me." Gisborne sighs, and then slips the ring on my finger. My father watches silently. Gisborne pauses, letting the satisfaction of the moment sink in.