Different Worlds

Chapter 10

Emma's POV

When we arrive in Sherwood Forest, I am rather surprised that arrows don't immediately ambush the royal carriage. Even so, the guards nervously force me ahead of them, spears drawn and armor tight on their bodies.

"The Queen will have your head if anyone of us die," one guard says.

I see right through his brave façade and shake my head at him. "I used to live at the castle. I was above you and favored by that same queen."

'You're a prisoner now," the same guard says. He pushes me forward, almost as if to shield himself. "The Queen is not who she was years ago. She's changed."

"What happened to her?" I ask as we walk along.

"None of us know," one guard answers. "One day we found a couple of our guards dead right outside our chamber door. We thought it may have been an attack, until we saw the Queen kill with her own hands."

"Why didn't you leave? Find a new kingdom to serve?" I ask curiously.

"We are loyal to our queen. And we also feared we would be killed for treason if we left."

"Halt!" A familiar voice commands from nearby. Suddenly, we're surrounded by all of the merry men as well as other men from the tavern.

Robin points his bow at the guard closest to me, aiming for his chest. "Release her."

The guard pulls me closer to him, shielding the front of his body. "The girl is the Queen's prisoner. She was sent to you with an agreement, which you shall abide by or you will die."

"Robin." I motion for him to lower his bow. He does, both him and Will embracing me as I come forward.

"Are you alright? Did she harm you?" Robin looks me over for any signs of harm. "What in heaven's name are you wearing?"

"I'm sorry I failed you." Tears fill my eyes as I pull out the scroll. "But now I must pay my dues and face the consequences.

Robin shakes his head. "You could never fail me. You are forevermore a part of the merry men. We've all gotten into scrabbles from time to time, and we all worked together to bring our men home. You are no different."

Will takes the scroll and skims over it. "This is ridiculous, mate! The Queen can't do this!"

"The Queen?" Robin takes the scroll and looks it over. "Is this the same queen that cared for and protected you and the other girl with all her heart?"

I nod. "She's not like that anymore."

Robin tries to rip the scroll, but magic prevents him from doing so. "I won't stand for this. She can't force you back to someplace you don't want to be!"

I try to remain confident, despite my emotions threatening to take over. "It's only a year, Robin. You and the men keep doing what you do best, and I'll join you soon enough."

Robin shakes his head. I lay a hand on his arm, prompting him to look up. "Just think of it as another adventure."

He sighs and signs it. "This isn't binding. Some men will be stationed by the castle to watch over you, and I will be dropping by to visit. If I see one single mark on you, there will be hell to pay." He glances up at the guards. "Make sure to tell your queen that I will keep my word. One wrong move, and there will be a war."

I hug him and Will tight before the guards pull me away. The other men salute me, laying down their bows on the ground in respect. Nonetheless, I feel like I failed them. They are in danger because of me. I should never have been allowed to be part of them. A little watch girl was all I was good for.