Guy rode back to the castle, dismounting from his black horse in the courtyard. A carriage stood still at the base of the steps, and Guy remembered the Council of Nobles meeting that day with a groan. He began walking towards the castle stairs when he paused between the carriage and the castle. Sir Edward alighted and nodded his greeting to Guy. Guy held his breath, hoping that Sir Edward was not alone today.

Sure enough, Marian poked her head out from the carriage. Guy moved quickly towards her and offered his hand to help her down.

Marian inhaled sharply and looked at his gloved hand before her. "Thank you, Sir Guy," she spoke quietly, placing her hand in his, hastily stepping from the carriage and away from him.

Guy held on tightly to her hand although she tried to pull away. She paused and turned to face him.

"My pleasure, Lady Marian," he murmured through his slight smile. Then he bent to kiss her hand.

Marian clenched her jaw as she felt his lips brush her skin. He straightened and looked into her eyes, "I hope you come to visit Locksley again soon, Marian, and this time I could give you a proper welcome."

She forced a smile, "That's very generous of you Sir Guy, but I must get to my father now, so if you'd please…" She untangled her hand from his, smiled, and walked up the stairs to the castle.

A low chuckle surprised Guy who spun around to face the sound behind him. The Sheriff's devious grin froze Guy in place. "Another woman for your wooing, Gisborne?"

Guy nervously smiled, "It would seem so, Sheriff."

The Sheriff began walking towards the steps, and then he turned around to face Guy with a wave of his hand. "Well, in that case, the phrase, 'once bitten, twice shy' means nothing to you, does it, Gisborne?"