Recently I've been reading a lot of fanfics with Guy of Gisborne/OFC and as lovely as a lot of them are, with some great plots and brilliant characters, I've found myself getting a bit bored of the goody two-shoes girls that Guy gets put with. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of Guy finding love and hope through someone else's love. But knowing how dark and dangerous this guy (pardon the pun) can be, I can never really imagine him falling for someone who was his entire opposite.

Anyway, I've grown quite interested in the Medieval times and when doing a bit of research I found out a lot about the Crusades, King Richard and Prince John, so this is where the story stems from. Hope you enjoy and please, please read and review.

The Devil's Wife

I don't offer salvation.
I offer only my loyalty, my dominion and all the darkness that comes with it.
Make your choice, but make it wisely.
For I am the Devil's Wife and hungry for power.

I was always worried about him. Always. I thought once he had grown a little more, could run and jump and trip and fall, scrape his knee, weep in my arms and then run back to playing, with a cheerful little grin on his face; I thought I would not worry so. When he had been a babe in my arms, so soft and small and fragile, and when I had first held him and was terrified in case I broke him, I thought that would fade in time. My boy grew bigger and stronger with each passing day, he had rooted for my breast and drank well, then when he was older he would always finish his dinner and run about with the older lads. Now we were in England, my boy in his litter with his nanny and I still felt frightened for him. Still knew that if he was snatched away from me I would not live.

I could barely remember these forests; they were just a dim memory belonging to summer visits and playing with my cousin and her friends. The leaves were turning golden brown, the dark wood entwining above our heads, sunlight flickered on the pathway and a distinct chill was in the air. This was England, my old home and it was autumn. The leaves would soon fall off the trees, the muddy ground would have a gold carpet for a few days and then it would become dank and dirty and winter would set in. I shivered and pulled my cloak tighter around me, I had forgotten the coldness of England and I wondered if I missed the warm autumns of southern France already?

"Stay close, my lady. These woods are full of thieves and outlaws." my Captain of Guards, Clotaire, whispered.
"You have your orders; guard my son with your life." I switched into French.
"Of course, my lady." Clotaire turned to two of the nearest guards and said in French, "Edgard, Gaurin, stay near the litter."
The two guards draw back a little, lingering by the litter but so as to not make it obvious they are guarding it. We continue onwards, the steady noise of horses' hooves, the creaking of the trees and the occasional cries of birds filling the silence. Clotaire suddenly motions with his hand to have us stop, we all do so and wait for his order. His shoulders are tensed, his brow furrowed, he places a finger to his lips when I begin to ask why we have stopped. Silence, except for the soft moaning of wind and the call of a blackbird. My hand lingers by my sword, I will not be much use in a fight, but I can die trying.

Clotaire shakes his head and gives me a reassuring smile, he raises his hand once more and indicates for us to go, but no sooner have our horses made a step forward does an arrow whistle through the air and hit the ground at our feet.
"Ambush, draw swords." Clotaire cries, but as soon as I look back to the litter I see men with their faces masked surrounding us, they all wear dark, earth coloured clothes and all have their weapons drawn. Ynes tosses her head nervously and I gently stroke her neck, though I wonder if my horse can feel my own nerves as the leader of this gang makes his way towards Clotaire and I. His foot is sure, the swagger in his stride not kept hidden, he is pleased he has done this.
"These woods are not safe, my lord and lady. Though I must confess I am impressed by your hearing, sir." the man says, I can feel a small tingle of shock run down my spine, as I recognise his voice, but cannot remember where I have heard it. I will myself to remember, for if I can perhaps I can gain some ground with this criminal. He will know that his own life is at stake.

"I am no lord, sir." Clotaire says coldly, his accent becoming clearer as he speaks.
"Ah a Frenchman. What is your duty then, sir?"
"To guard this Lady, should you harm her, I will kill you like a dog." Clotaire growls and one of the taller outlaws steps forward threateningly. But the main man raises his hand and the man stops, instead the leader walks towards us both. I keep Ynes on a tight rein and force her back a little, when the man is too close, Clotaire wheels his round in front of mine. The gang rushes towards us, but once more the leader raises his hand and stops them.
"Alas for those who can afford it there is a charge to use this road." The man steps round the horse, while his fellows keep their bows drawn towards Clotaire, he approaches my side. "I trust the good lady will pay."
"I will pay nothing to you." I say, glaring down at the man. His grey eyes look up at me, shining with a smile clearly read on his eyes and his expression, but as he looks at me he suddenly frowns and shakes his head slightly. I glance at Clotaire who is watching us intently, should the man make any false move he will be dead.

"What's in the litter?" the leader asks.
I look down, fear tightening my throat, "Just some clothes and a serving maid of mine, should you try to harm her I will personally put the blade between your ribs."
"Oh a feisty one here!" taunts one of the men and the rest laugh, the leader smirks and turns back to me.
"I don't believe you."
I shrug, "I am not a fool to keep my jewels and an enormous amount of wealth on me while I travel."
He looks as if he will turn aside, but he quickly runs towards the litter. Edgard attempts to stop him, but another man throws him aside and crushes his hand beneath his foot.
"Stay where you are." Shouts the man.
My breath is caught in my mouth and I do not even think about it, I jump from my horse and run towards him, before a hand catches my arm in a vice like grip.
"No!" I call, "S'il vous plaît ne pas lui faire de mal.*"
The man casts aside the curtain and I can hear the nanny inside give a terrified little scream, it feels as though the world will drop away from my feet, I am certain the man will either use my boy to steal everything from me or will think nothing of plunging his dagger into him.

I cannot help it, my knees give way and I feel the prayer fall from my lips,
"Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.*"
One of the outlaws, a man with dark skin and eyes calls out, "Hood have some mercy."
"So she can say her prayers, what of it?" the man holding my arm growls.
The leader remains by the litter and it feels as though everyone watches him, waiting for some movement or command. Then his shoulders suddenly slump and he moves the curtain back over the litter, he walks towards us and the nods to his gang member.
"Let her go."
"But…"
"Let her go."
The man's tight hold on my arm loosens and I shakily get to my feet, 'Hood' gently coaxes my horse and brings her to my side.

"Why did you not say you had a son?" he says gently.
"Why would I trust you not to kill him?" I ask.
Hood shakes his head, "I do what I think is right."
"Robbing a defenceless woman is right?"
"You have guards." he points out.
"I have my son to fear for."
"My lady," Clotaire says, I look up to him, "If this man is letting us go freely, I would not advise arguing against him."

Hood gives a soft chuckle, "Well spoken, sir." He helps me into the saddle, but does not let me ride off straight away, "Why did you say nothing?"
"Because he is my son and when it comes to his safety I trust no one but myself and Clotaire."
Hood nods and then lets go of my bridle, "And where are you heading to, my lady?"
"That is none of your concern."
"No, but the purse at your hip, which now resides in my hand is. Where are you heading?"
I glare at him as he brings out my purse, concealed by his cloak, "Give it back."
"Not until you answer me."
"Give. My. Purse. Back. Now." I hiss, but the man merely smiles and throws my purse up and down in his hand.

I debate what my happen if I tell him and if I don't. It is my purse though, it has more than money in it and I desperately need it back. I am desperate to draw my sword and slice it across the man's face, but I control my anger and take a few deep breaths.
"Nottingham."
"I mean where in Nottingham, the road you are taking leads there."
"You did not specify exactly where, sir." I snap.
"Then you will not get your purse back."
I keep my eyes fixed on his, before relenting, "Knighton."
Hood frowns, "But surely you are travelling to Knighton Hall in that case?"
"I will answer no more questions, give me back my purse."
It looks as if he will demand more answers, but perhaps he has a sense of honour after all and tosses me back my purse, I secure it to my waist again.
"Good day, my lady." He gives a bow; I raise my head proudly and push Ynes forward, I will not act grateful to that dog. He and his men disappear into the woods, as quickly as they came and I urge my own guards forward, as we ride towards Nottingham.

A/N: Maybe I didn't get the grammar or form right...meh! It sounds good, who speaks French and Latin?
1st* Please do not hurt him. (French)
2nd* HAIL Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen.

Also I have no picture :( I really can't find anything I like, so if anyone's done some artwork they think would fit or would like to do some, it would be great to hear from you :) xx