Guy of Gisborne - This Changing Life

This Changing Life -Part 4 -A Beginning

Robin left the castle to head home to Locksley. He had been gone for a very long time fighting in the Holy Land with King Richard, and was looking forward to getting back to his life. There was enough daylight ahead of him to give him a good start, and a much shorter day tomorrow. His mind was on the Princess, and his proposal. He had hopes she would allow a courtship in order for them to get reacquainted. He had confided in her that he loved her, and she had not seen the last of him. He had gallantly kissed her hand, and was sure he had stirred something inside her. She had smiled at him, and though she offered no encouragement, he was sure  she would be his. Now that Gisborne had moved all his things back to Nottingham, he would prepare Locksley for the future, and his marriage to a princess. His thoughts strayed to Lady Marion of Knighton. She had been his betrothed before he had left for the Holy Land, but they had ended it when he left. Kes would be a better choice, and gain him standing as a Prince, rather than a Duke.  He had been lucky at that!

Back at the castle, Kes was walking nervously in the garden. She smiled softly as Guy approached, then impatience got the best of her. "Well? Was it as we thought?" she blurted out.  Sir Guy bowed elegantly. "By your leave, Princess Kessendra, may I be so bold as to request your hand?" She stood there looking at him. Was he joking? Making fun of her? "Sir Guy," she began formally, "Are you asking me to wed you?" He smiled shyly, took her hand, and raised it to his lips.  This time she felt her knees go weak, and a small gasp escaped her.  Was this really going to happen?

Still holding her hand, he asked, "Shall we go talk to Prince John?" She nodded her consent, afraid if she tried to speak words would fail her.  She walked beside him, hoping her knees would continue to hold her upright, as he gently guided her through the garden and onto the balcony. He was a bit worried by her silence and pale demeanor. What was she thinking? Had she changed her mind? Had this all been a joke to her?

Prince John stood talking to the Sheriff, watching their approach. Kes looked a bit faint.  When they stopped in front of him, he raised an eyebrow and said "yes?" Guy hesitated, waiting to see if Kes would say anything, then began asking for permission to marry the princess.  Kes remained silent. John was actually surprised, as he had thought Kes would send this landless knight packing. He began to laugh, then announced the betrothal to everyone present. In fact, he announced they would exchange vows the following morning, with everyone invited to a celebration afterwards. Anxious that Kes had changed her mind, Guy looked at the girl standing beside him. She nodded her assent. Guy breathed a sigh of relief. She had not been teasing him!

Sheriff Vaisey, surprised at this announcement, realized there was more to this than met the eye. Gisborne had not known the girl was here, so this had happened quickly. Vaisey knew John had offered substantial dowry to several others and wondered what Gisborne had settled for. He would have to consider how to use this to his advantage.  He hoped Gisborne did not expect him to accommodate the leper simply because he married her, Princess or no. 

Kes said nothing through all the congratulations. She smiled and bowed her head as appropriate, standing beside but not touching the Black Knight.  He would occasionally touch her back possessively, but only she noticed this. He watched her apprehensively, worried that this was happening all too quickly, still fearful that she would change her mind, making him look a fool. She finally looked up at him, smiling sweetly, and asked him to escort her to her quarters, as she was exhausted. 

When she reached the door she turned to him, "Are you sure?" she asked.  It had occurred to her she had tricked him into this marriage. He looked down at her and smiled, asking the same of her. "Oh Guy," she murmured, "I will try to be the best wife I know how to be for you! And I swear to keep our bargain, if you are not happy at the end of a year, the land and title will remain with you. For a moment, he looked at her, then touched a wayward lock of hair and said, "I will see you in the morning. Make sure you do not keep me waiting, Princess. He watched her face as that same soft smile crossed it, as it had in the garden. He thought it was lovely.

Both had trouble sleeping that night. Guy's thoughts were split between astonishment at his good fortune, and doubt this would really happen.  Palace Manor was actually a part of Gisborne Manor, which Prince John had taken after the fire, and Guy's disappearance. He would have his land back!

 Kes, on the other hand, would have preferred to know for sure this man felt something for her. It had happened so fast, and John's insistence it be done the next day added to that worry. It could not be good. She would have to accept that the knight had decided to marry her for land and title.  Marriage to anyone had certainly not been on his mind. What had she done!

As the night dragged on, both decided to accept the inevitable. Guy thought back on all that had happened to him to bring him to this point. And his thoughts went to the old crone at the stable. What had she known? Was this the choice she had spoken of? And what of Vaisey? How would this affect his relationship with the Sheriff. Guy despised the man. He knew how much mischief the sheriff could create. 

Kes was still in shock. She was dreaming, this was not real. The one thing she was sure of was she adored the tall black knight. And she could not let him know this. 

Authors note: I hope I didn't rush this, but I wanted both to be in a state of semi shock at what they had done. SOMETHING was happening between them, but, in spite of themselves.