Hostage

Chapter Six

Look Back

Waking up to the sound of jingling keys, the handmaid saw Guy unlocking her cell. The captain of the guard pressed a finger to his lips, indicating for the lady to stay silent. It was nighttime and dark in the dungeon, but the fire torches helped light the way. He opened the door of the prison hold, and stepped inside of the cell.

"We have to get you out of here," he whispered as they drew closer together.

"Why? Has something happened?" Christine's heart raced as she heard the urgency in his voice.

"The Sheriff has arranged for you to be hanged by the end of the week, if the Count of Ventadour doesn't pay the ransom, and... you're not his daughter and we caught you by mistake..."

One of her hands was over her face as the thought of the death sentence went through her mind. This made Christine even more glad that Audrey's stubbornness made the two switch identities. If she hadn't pushed her, Audrey would have probably been dead.

"If we move quickly, I can get you out of here. I've arranged a horse for you to get out of Nottingham. Everyone's asleep and the head guard drank to much again, so nobody will hear us..."

She could feel Guy's hand holding hers as she felt herself moving out of the prison. Everything moved so quickly... First she was out of the dungeon, then through the corridors of the castle, then out of the doors that lead to the outside and she found herself and Guy in the stables. A saddled horse was ready for the long journey ahead. The horse was a dark bay, the mane a deep black and the coat a rich, dusky brown. It had a white star on it's forehead, it's beady eyes gleaming in the low light. Christine backed away from the massive beast, quivering in nervousness and discomfort. The nobles rode horses in recreation and hunting, while Christine, a servant never rode them in her life. She was always used to horse drawn carriages, but in her situation, she had to ride one for the sake of her life.

"Do you know how to ride?" asked Sir Guy, feeding the horse a strand of hay.

Christine shook her head in nervousness, glancing at the ground in embarrassment.

"Where was your mistress going before we took you?"

"We..." stammered Christine. "We were going to Count Brandon of Millbrook's castle for Lady Diana's birthday."

After Guy took a moment to think, he looked at Christine.

"Castle Millbrook isn't that far," he began. "I can take you."

They quietly sneaked out of the castle with the horse, being careful not to draw too much attention to themselves. After a long period of trying to mount on the horse, Christine grew tense as she looked towards the ground. It looked so high up! Soon, Guy mounted on and was behind Christine, taking the reins in front of her. She could feel his body behind her, his arms open while holding onto the reins. It was like as if he was about to wrap her in an embrace. Already, she could feel the warmth from his body as the wind blew a cool breeze. Her face was a deep pink as the thoughts darted through her mind. Oh, would the Sisters at the abbey in Ventadour make her repent until her knees gave way...! But she was in a big predicament, and Guy was saving her life. She should be thankful for that part, and the Sisters would definitely understand if she explained...

"Hold on tight...!" Gisborne whispered.

Soon, they were galloping off into the night, feeling the night air brush against her face. As the horse continued it's fast pace, Christine felt the ride was rocky and found it a tad uncomfortable. As they were further on in their trek, she got used to the bumpy aftermath on the horse's back.

The lady's eyes pulsed in jet lag. What time of night was it? How long would it take to get to Millbrook Castle? At least her life was safe and she was free of the Sheriff's grasp. Once she set foot in Millbrook Castle, Audrey's face was the first she wanted to see. Home... oh, finally, the safety and sweet smell of home! When they get back to France, she was going to embrace all of her family once she saw them.

The horse stopped all of a sudden, causing Christine to lightly collide into Guy. She turned to look at him, and at that moment she couldn't help but feel lost as she looked into his eyes as their glance locked onto each other...

"Are you alright?" he asked, breaking the silence.

"Yes, I'm... I'm fine." She turned back to the front, looking down at the horse's mane as they began to continue their journey.

During the past few days she was held in the dungeons at Nottingham, she didn't know why she felt so uptight when Guy was around her. Was it because of his overwhelming appearance that seem fearsome? That he was in charge of what was going on in the dungeons? But those feelings didn't spark fear at all. It was the total opposite.

Was she... in love with Sir Guy of Gisborne?

Perhaps she did have feelings for him, but... now he knew that she was a servant, and not a noble... did his opinion of her change at all? Did that put down any possibilities of the feelings she had for him to be returned? Marriage between a noble and a servant was often looked down upon, the servant getting the worst end of the stick for social climbing... but the feelings the handmaid felt for Sir Gisborne... Were they genuine enough so they could be safe from harm and harsh words?

But she'll be back in France... England and her home country were a body of water a part. It wouldn't work, but... as Christine realized the distance between them, she realized she officially had feelings for Sir Guy of Gisborne.

The lady felt her eyes closing, and soon she drifted off to sleep.

"Wake up... we're here."

Guy saw the woman waking up from her sleep, glancing at the castle as she blinked her eyes. The birds sang to the low sunrise, indicating that dawn was coming.

She was so fragile... so vulnerable. Yet she was still fine, no matter how bad things were at the dungeon. Was... that the part of her that reminded him of Marian? He showed her the worst of him during her days in the prison, yet she didn't think badly of him and seemed understanding. When they touched hands when he learned she wasn't the real Lady Audrey of Ventadour... why did he still felt those warm sparks on his skin even though they were apart for hours? Did he have feelings for the Frenchwoman?

The Lord of Locksley dismounted off the horse, extending an arm to assist the lady. As she dismounted from the horse, Guy realized this was the moment she was about to leave. The last moment the two of them would see each other. When they left where they stood, she would be off back in France and he would be doing his usual duties in Nottingham. They weren't going to see each other from this point on for a very long time, probably not meeting again ever in their lives.

They stood in their positions, a long moment of silence filling the atmosphere. The lady's eyes were glancing at the ground, at some moments she would look at Guy before breaking eye contact. He tried to keep steady eye contact with the lady, but when he felt overwhelmed with the moment, he couldn't help but break his glance on her. Guy finally broke the silence.

"Well, I'm... I'm sorry for taking you so suddenly, when... when we took you from the carriage."

"It's... fine." nodded the woman.

"Well... have a safe journey home back to France, and... have a good time at Castle Millbrook."

"Thank you." A small smile was on her face, but soon disappeared as her eyes were dazed with emotions.

Guy could feel himself leaning down towards the woman, his eyes closing, and could feel her lips on his. His heart swelled with warmth as the beat went faster. Her lips felt soft, smooth and warm... He felt a mild twitch from the other side, but he felt her kissing him back, most tenderly and ardently. God, how good it felt against his skin... but the pleasure ended when he felt their lips being separated. A kiss was planted on his forehead, a hot tear dripping on his skin.

"Good bye..."

Opening his eyes, he saw Christine running to the castle, the ribbon on her dress flying in the wind. The golden strains of hair floated in the breeze, the sunlight bring out the shiny luster. She was gone... she was finally free from Nottingham Castle, but why... Why did Guy feel empty? He should run after her, take her in his arms and make her his prisoner again, but... that wouldn't make her happy. A breeze brushed by Guy's face, and he felt his skin was damp. A tear was rolling down his cheek.

He came to one conclusion. He was in love with Christine, the maidservant.

"Look back… look back at me."

As if on command, he could see the woman looking back at her footsteps, her gray irises glancing towards where Guy stood.

Note*~

It's done... it's over! Finally.

I wanted to have more chapters, but since this was a suspense story, I suppose they're short for the "effect".

Thank you all for your love and support everyone... I love each and everyone of you. I am grateful, really, I am. :) :D :'D

Yes, that was a North and South reference when he said "look back at me". haha XD I had to do it. :3 Richard's birthday's coming up anyways, plus ladies we MUST plan something! :O :'D

Bold = French

I'm so tired, I probably forgot to write more on here, but... I am planning a sequel. :3 :D Title hint's on my latest poll... :D

zzzzz from this authoress, she bids you aduie! See you on my next story! :D ^.^

*hearts and lurvesss*