Grant What I Wish

Grant What I Wish - Chapter 22. Checkmate

Once she had helped Meg bathe and dress, Marian herself bathed in the cooling bath water and donned the alien garments of her girlhood, fumbling with the clasps and ties that were so difficult for her to manipulate. Her hands were clumsy as she twisted her thick hair onto her head and fastened the jeweled clips. When all was ready, she joined Meg, who gasped in surprise at her appearance.

"You have put off your robes!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Marian smiled tenderly at the girl. Meg looked lovely in the soft gown, and her face was flushed with happiness at the thought of being united with Much. Marian stepped forward to place a wreath of flowers upon the bride's hair, tucking the small pieces of ivy and petals into place. "There, now you are perfect," she declared in satisfaction.

Meg hugged her and asked breathlessly, "Do you truly think the King will come to our wedding?"

Marian shrugged. "I would not be surprised," she replied lightly. The entire village was a-buzz with excitement-it was rumored that King Richard himself would grace them with his presence, before he returned to London. Marian knew it was true, because Guy would be accompanying the King to London after the ceremony.

Placing a hand in the small of Meg's back, she firmly guided her down the stairs and out into the yard.

As they made their way toward the church, Marian thought back to their audience with the King. To her great relief, Richard had pardoned Guy, and thanked him and Marian for their service in defending Nottingham against his brother's forces. Robin had put in a good word for his former enemy, and Richard was satisfied that the black knight's past misdeeds were behind him.

As they had turned to leave the hall, however, the Lion Heart had demanded a word in private with Guy. "You may leave," he had summarily dismissed Marian, who had no choice but to exit the room.

She had waited anxiously in her chamber for Guy's reappearance. When he arrived, his face was carefully controlled and his eyes averted from hers. He brusquely announced that he was to accompany the King to London in three days' time-there was some service that Richard desired him to perform, a service that might take quite a bit of time. He would not say what this service was or what it entailed-merely that he must go.

"Then I shall go with you," Marian had announced immediately.

Her heart had dropped to her heels when he slowly shook his head. "No, Marian," he said in a firm voice, "I must go alone."

"But why?" The childish words were torn from her-she was ashamed to sound like a small mewling girl, but she could not fathom that he would consider leaving her behind. Granted, they had been together only a few short weeks, but they had been as one during that time-or perhaps she had only thought so, if he could not suggest that they part.

Guy had taken both of her hands in his. "It is the King's wish that I go-your monarch has decreed it. Richard does not know how long it will take me to complete my mission, or what dangers may face me." He took a deep breath. "That is why you are to return to the Holy Land with Ashraf. You will be safe there and I will know where to find you when my mission is accomplished."

She had shaken her head vehemently before he finished. "No, no, my place is with you," she argued. "You cannot expect me to go without you-please, don't ask this of me."

He stiffened. "Your king asks it of you," he said swiftly. "Marian, you must return to the Holy Land. It is the only place you will be safe. Ashraf and Yousef are aware of this, and are prepared-and quite overjoyed-that you will return to their village. You must prepare yourself for your journey, as I must for mine." Giving her hands a final squeeze, he released them and left her room as if demons pursued him.