Grant What I Wish

Grant What I Wish - Chapter 17. Brilliancy

Chapter 17. Brilliancy

But what can stay hidden?

Love's secret is always lifting its head

out from under the covers,

"Here I am!"

-Rumi

Nottingham

1195

Not long after Guy had departed, Marian discovered that she was much too anxious and restless to remain in his chamber, surrounded by the memories of what they had shared between these walls and her tumultuous feelings. She was sick with worry about what might happen to him if she was not nearby to keep watch; she would much rather be in the line of danger, if it meant she could keep an eye on him and protect him against any harm.

She was torn between obeying his dictate and following him onto the field of battle. She fully understood what he meant by distractions. Wanting to do nothing to endanger his life or his mission, she reluctantly remained behind. However, promising to stay off the field of battle did not mean she had to await him in this small room, in which she had begun to feel claustrophobic.

Pulling on her cloak and hood, she left the chamber to scout out the castle to see if there was news of how the mission progressed. As she turned a corner, someone reached out and grasped her about the waist, and she was pulled snug against a male body. Acting instinctively, she spun about and brought her knee up to her assailant's groin, striking with deadly accuracy. Her attacker fell to his knees and hunched over in breathless pain at her feet. Glancing down, she recognized Archer, and felt a tinge of remorse.

She allowed him several moments to compose himself before squatting in front of him. She said in a low voice, "You should know better than to surprise someone that way-I thought I was being attacked. Are you all right?"

It took him some time to bring the pain under control, but eventually he squinted up at her. When he saw her face, his expression changed immediately to one of surprise-and acute interest. He sat back on the floor and asked in a breathless tone, "You are one of Gisbourne's warriors, are you not? I had no idea you were a woman-and a damned beautiful one at that."

Reaching up, she realized that her veil had been torn away during the struggle. She snatched it up from the floor and returned his gaze impassively. "Yes, I am one of your brother's warriors," she said crisply. "What are you doing lurking in the corridors of the castle? I thought you had left, after your argument with Robin earlier today."

He scowled in remembrance. "Damned hero," he growled. "He thinks everyone else should have the same ideals as he. A man has to eat, doesn't he?"

"Not if it means he endangers innocent people by the way he earns his bread," she replied swiftly. "You have done untold harm selling that substance to the sheriff, and we shall all pay the price for your greed and folly."

He stared at her. "Who are you? You are not of eastern descent-why are you dressed that way? Who taught you to fight? And how did Gisbourne find such a beauty as you?"

She ignored his questions. "There is no time for that now," she exclaimed. "You should go and help your brothers destroy those trebuchets. Robin and Guy are out on the field of battle, risking their lives while you lurk about the castle keep."

He stroked his hand up her arm suggestively. "I can think of much more pleasant things to do."

She snorted and stood up. "I daresay you can, but you would be better served protecting those within these castle walls from the danger you have brought upon us."

The seductive smile fell from his face, and he glared at her. "Are you yet another fool enamored by the legend of Robin Hood?"

"No," she retorted, "I am someone who values the lives of those out on that field, as well as the innocent people shielded momentarily within this castle. If those trebuchets remain intact, everyone's life will be at risk. I have given my word not to go out to join the battle, but that does not mean you cannot do so. Go help your brothers," she urged him.