Denial II, chapter 30: Order in the Court
Title: Denial II, chapter 30: Order in the Court
Author: robinfanatic
Characters/Pairings: Robin, Queen Eleanor, Much, Brooks
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama, Angst
Words: 2,295
Disclaimer: BBC & TA own; we just want to play in their universe
Notes: Beta'd by jagnikjen & darkentwisted. Takes place after AU 2x13 but prior to 3x01
Introduction and chapter links for Denial II are here...
Summary: The queen's spies bring news of Vaizey and Gisborne.
>>>---------------->>
Chapter 30: Order in the Court
by robinfanatic
Robin barged past two guards and through the door of the queen's throne room. Unperturbed by his explosive entrance, Eleanor looked up as others in the room drew their swords to protect her. Her courtier recognized Locksley. He moved to step in front of the queen, but she raised her hand to stop him.
"Is it true then?" Robin half-shouted as the guards grabbed his arms and held him fast. "About Vaizey?"
"Robin--"
Robin struggled to free himself from the guards, his eyes blazing. "What news have you?" he demanded.
Eleanor stood, waved her hand to dismiss the guards and her courtier, and looked apologetically at Le Marquis de Tours. The older noble bowed and followed the others out of the room. She waited to speak until the door closed behind them and only Robin remained. "What is the meaning of this, Robin?" she asked, a solemn look on her face.
Robin fell to one knee. "I am sorry, Your Majesty. I should not--"
"That is correct, Lord Locksley. You have no right to barge into a private meeting."
"But--"
"No buts, sir." She looked down then softened her gaze. "Really Lord Locksley, you are one of my favourites and I do admire your, ah, exuberance, but this blatant lack of respect is inexcusable. Go now. I will summon you later when you have had an opportunity to calm yourself and remember the protocols of this court. Should you ever do that again, I will not hesitate to chastise you in front of whomever is present at the time." She smiled wickedly. "And trust me, I will enjoy it."
Robin lowered his head. "I would deserve much worse, Your Majesty." He stood and bowed his head then backed out of the room.
Guards shut the door in his face and he turned with a huff. He nearly bowled into Brooks.
"Thought I'd find you here," Brooks said. "Bad outlaw!" he mockingly fussed and pointed down the hall. "Go to my room!"
"I came to ask the queen about the rumours spreading through the palace. I must know if they are true," Robin replied impatiently. He stomped down the corridor like a man on a mission. Brooks struggled to keep pace with him.
"Did you think to ask Legrand before charging in to see the queen?" Brooks asked. "He is your friend and the captain of her guard. He'd be just as likely as anyone to know."
"Legrand was not in his quarters," Robin said. "No one seems to know where he is."
Brooks looked aside innocently, a movement that escaped Robin's scrutiny. "The big guy's been quite busy since our arrival," Brooks said. "You probably hadn't noticed that, haven't seen the way he's been avoiding John. You haven't noticed a lot of things, Locksley. Too busy wallowing in self pity, not even allowing your best friend - your only friend - to cheer you."
"Shut it, Brooks," Robin growled.
"Just giving you an update on your gang," Brooks replied. "But about Vaizey. What good would it do if you knew the truth?"
Robin stopped and stared Brooks down. "If Vaizey has crossed the channel, it means he still has the support of Prince John."
"I suppose that's true."
"It means he will return to Nottingham as sheriff." Robin resumed his trek down the long corridor.
Brooks shrugged and moved in step right behind him. "And there is nothing you can do about that," he said.
"I will see him dead, Brooks. He is responsible for my wife's death--"
"And then what happens to you? To the people who need your help?" Brooks asked.
"You and John will take care of them."
"I like Little John but I didn't sign on for a duo, Robs," he chided Robin as they entered the dining hall. He grabbed a handful of grapes from the table and plopped two into his mouth. "Where is everyone?" he asked.
Much wandered in from the opposite corridor. "I am here."
Much caught sight of the feast on the dining table and Brooks grinned until he noticed that Much's appetite seemed to disappear when he saw the angst on Robn's face.
"I was just telling Robin the futility of knowing that Vaizey has returned to England," Brooks said.
Much's hand went instinctively to the pommel of his sword. "He has?"
"See," Brooks nodded, plopping another grape into his mouth, "even my gorgeous blue-eyed friend hasn't heard the news."
Robin began pacing the room. "We've been here far too long," he said. "We could have stopped him before he crossed the channel."
"Queen Eleanor hasn't give us leave, Robin," Much reminded him.
Robin gave Much a tired look. "I know that, Much," he scowled, his eyes meeting Brooks' gaze. "And just what do you know?"
Brooks sat and stretched out, his legs crossed, feet resting on the edge of the table. "He is traveling with someone. Another Englishman. A man who drinks heavily and is quite handsome in black leather, despite dark hair that is long and unwashed."
"Black leather?" Much exchanged a glance with Robin. "It couldn't be--"
"Gisborne?" Robin snarled. He clenched his fists and pounded the table. "I left him for dead in the chapel. Any names?" he asked, turning to Brooks.
"Sorry," Brooks replied, shaking his head.
"How do you know this?" Robin asked.
Brooks ripped a chunk of bread from one of the warm loaves and waved it at the outlaw. "I happened to overhear a conversation between the queen and her spy."
"You were eavesdropping!" Much exclaimed.
"It's what any good sleuth would do," Brook smirked as he grabbed some cheese to go with his bread.
"How did you manage that?" Robin asked.
Brooks sat up and leaned forward, beckoning Much and Robin close. He cocked his head toward the courtier standing near the drink buffet.
Robin looked at the man. "Laissez-nous," he said.
The courtier bowed and departed quickly.
"Damn you're sexy when you speak French." Brooks ignored Robin's glare and growled deeply as he took an exaggerated bite from his bread. He placed it back on the plate then smoothed his hair back and threw his companions a grin. "Gotta love castles, don't you? All those secret passages, like one into the throne room. Her Majesty's courtier, a cute little thing named Jacques, was giving me a...a tour when the queen arrived."
Much's eyes widened. "That is a euphemism! You were fooling around in the throne room with one of the queen's servants. If she discovered you--"
"We would have asked her to join us," Brook interjected. He was certain Queen Eleanor would have recognized the lack of traitorous intent had she found him standing half-naked in a darkened passageway with the young courtier on his knees.
"Brooks!" Much exclaimed.
"What? I really like her Majesty. She's a very free-thinking woman, isn't she?" Brooks looked at Much. "You told me about the lavender baths and how understanding she was when you and Cart--" Brooks stopped short. He looked from Much to Robin, and realized that he was bringing up a memory that was still painful for Much, and one that Robin knew nothing about.
"Yes, well," Much said, avoiding Robin's eyes, "I think I'll see if I can find Legrand."
"You need Legrand to confirm my story? I'm crushed," Brooks said. And I really don't want you to find Legrand... He wasn't about to tell Much what else he and Jacques had overheard whilst wandering through the secret passages. "Why don't you start with John? He was out in the garden."
"John won't know anything about Vaizey, and I doubt he'll know where Legrand is."
"I hope you're right," Brooks murmured under his breath.
"What?" Much frowned.
"I said yes, you're right," Brooks replied. "But I think he could use a friend about now, Much."
Much glanced toward the door and then back at Robin. The outlaw leader needed a friend but still closed himself off from everything and everyone around him. After all they'd been through, nothing had changed.
"Go, Much," Brooks said. He cocked his head toward Robin. "I'll watch over this one."
Robin grumbled beneath his breath as Much departed. He wandered to the table and filled a plate with generous helpings of bread, fruit, and meats then chose a seat as far from Brooks as possible.
Brooks ignored the slight and savored the tender leg of lamb he'd appropriated from amongst the spread of beef and pork. He picked up his goblet and sipped the spicy ale lovingly - the queen certainly had good tastes.
Robin picked at his food avoiding Brook's scrutiny as he peered at him over the top of his cup.
"Robin."
Robin and Brooks turned with a start and Brooks jumped to his feet nearly spilling wine down his tunic. Both men bowed.
Eleanor, regal in forest green and deep brownish-red, stood at the door of the dining hall. "My servant said you'd booted him from his duties here. Are you preparing and serving the meal? Ah, I see Brooks could serve you," she said with a sly wink at the yeoman.
"Brooks is not my servant, Your Majesty," Robin said.
"Stand, please," Eleanor told her two subjects. "No, he is one of your men. And a very loyal one I think."
Brooks nodded.
"I shall see you later, Charles, to...finish that discussion we started."
"My pleasure, Your Majesty," Brooks said. He bowed again then left, leaving Robin with a bemused expression on his face.
Eleanor ignored Robin's questioning look and waited until the door closed behind Brooks. "And, Lord Locksley," she finally said, "you treat him no better than you treat your old friend, Lord Much."
"Your Majesty, I--"
Eleanor held up a hand to silence Robin then approached him ever much his queen, more so as a friend. "I have been watching all of you and it saddens me, Robin. You reject the friendship of those who care for you. It has caused a rift between Lord Much and Sir Carter. I saw Much just now headed into the garden. He looks like a man whose heart has been wounded. And that is not entirely because you won't let him help you."
"I do not need help," Robin snapped. He immediately lowered his head. "I am sorry, Your Majesty."
Eleanor placed a hand on his arm. "We all need help from time to time, Robin," she sighed. "Now, you wished to see me."
"Vaizey?"
"Yes, it is true," Eleanor nodded. "He boarded a boat in Calais yesterday. Guy of Gisborne is with him."
Robin clenched his fists. "I must leave, Majesty--"
"Vaizey must come to no harm. He is under John's protection, and whether we like it or not, my youngest son controls the army and thus the people of England. There is nothing we can do to change that until Richard returns."
"But Prince John continues to plot against the king."
"All the more reason that Richard come home. He will settle this matter. Vaizey will see his due. Richard needs allies like you, Robin. And if you seek your revenge by taking another's life you are just as misguided as the man who killed Marian."
"Gisborne," Robin snarled.
"Put vengeance out of your heart, Robin. Find a way to make peace with your soul. Find a way to enlist Gisborne's help."
"What? That man murdered my wife!" Heat rose on Robin's neck. "He tried to kill the king--"
"And he could be a powerful ally against John," Eleanor argued. "My spies tell me that Vaizey is disgusted with him. I fear that John may take advantage of this situation if you do not find a way to work with Gisborne."
Robin's eyes burned. "No, Majesty. I cannot."
Eleanor studied Robin's face a moment then wandered over to the buffet. Three pitchers rested there and she inspected each one before choosing an ale over the mead and juice. She took a long slow sip of her drink. Returning to the table, she instinctively took her seat at the head. Her gaze met Robin's. "Sit, please," she said. "You knew Gisborne when you were boys."
"Yes," Robin replied as he settled into a chair next to her.
"You were never friends?"
"Competitors."
"They make the best allies. And I know you have more in common with him than you realize." She paused, weighing her words carefully. "His mother was a member of my court."
"I did not know that," Robin replied, showing interest. "She was a kind woman."
Eleanor smiled recalling fond memories of Ghislaine. "Kind and beautiful. We corresponded frequently after she married and whilst Sir Roger served King Henry in the Holy Land. She wrote about you and Guy frequently, and about her daughter."
"Isabella," Robin nodded.
Eleanor's eyes took on a mischievous glint. "She had hopes...for you and Isabella."
"What?" Robin exclaimed.
"But you were quite young when Ghislaine died."
Robin turned away. "When my father died..."
"So many tragedies," Eleanor said, resting her hand atop Robin's. "If Henry had not imprisoned me, I would have taken Guy and Isabella into my court. How different all our lives might have been."
The fire returned to Robin's eyes and his gaze met hers again. "But they are not, Your Majesty. Guy of Gisborne killed my wife. He must pay."
"Robin--" Eleanor said, squeezing his hand.
"May I have leave of you, Majesty?"
Eleanor sighed. She took another sip of her ale. "We will meet tomorrow to discuss your departure. By the way, I like Brooks. A good man. I am glad he has joined your gang. He has many...talents...that will serve us well."
"Con man, spy, gambler," Robin said.
Eleanor smiled mischievously. "Then he is in good company, no?" She met Robin's eyes with a look of hope. "The people of England need you, Robin. I won't have you here much longer." Eleanor gazed toward the doors leading to the gardens. "None of you."
Author: robinfanatic
Characters/Pairings: Robin, Queen Eleanor, Much, Brooks
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama, Angst
Words: 2,295
Disclaimer: BBC & TA own; we just want to play in their universe
Notes: Beta'd by jagnikjen & darkentwisted. Takes place after AU 2x13 but prior to 3x01
Introduction and chapter links for Denial II are here...
Summary: The queen's spies bring news of Vaizey and Gisborne.
>>>---------------->>
Chapter 30: Order in the Court
by robinfanatic
Robin barged past two guards and through the door of the queen's throne room. Unperturbed by his explosive entrance, Eleanor looked up as others in the room drew their swords to protect her. Her courtier recognized Locksley. He moved to step in front of the queen, but she raised her hand to stop him.
"Is it true then?" Robin half-shouted as the guards grabbed his arms and held him fast. "About Vaizey?"
"Robin--"
Robin struggled to free himself from the guards, his eyes blazing. "What news have you?" he demanded.
Eleanor stood, waved her hand to dismiss the guards and her courtier, and looked apologetically at Le Marquis de Tours. The older noble bowed and followed the others out of the room. She waited to speak until the door closed behind them and only Robin remained. "What is the meaning of this, Robin?" she asked, a solemn look on her face.
Robin fell to one knee. "I am sorry, Your Majesty. I should not--"
"That is correct, Lord Locksley. You have no right to barge into a private meeting."
"But--"
"No buts, sir." She looked down then softened her gaze. "Really Lord Locksley, you are one of my favourites and I do admire your, ah, exuberance, but this blatant lack of respect is inexcusable. Go now. I will summon you later when you have had an opportunity to calm yourself and remember the protocols of this court. Should you ever do that again, I will not hesitate to chastise you in front of whomever is present at the time." She smiled wickedly. "And trust me, I will enjoy it."
Robin lowered his head. "I would deserve much worse, Your Majesty." He stood and bowed his head then backed out of the room.
Guards shut the door in his face and he turned with a huff. He nearly bowled into Brooks.
"Thought I'd find you here," Brooks said. "Bad outlaw!" he mockingly fussed and pointed down the hall. "Go to my room!"
"I came to ask the queen about the rumours spreading through the palace. I must know if they are true," Robin replied impatiently. He stomped down the corridor like a man on a mission. Brooks struggled to keep pace with him.
"Did you think to ask Legrand before charging in to see the queen?" Brooks asked. "He is your friend and the captain of her guard. He'd be just as likely as anyone to know."
"Legrand was not in his quarters," Robin said. "No one seems to know where he is."
Brooks looked aside innocently, a movement that escaped Robin's scrutiny. "The big guy's been quite busy since our arrival," Brooks said. "You probably hadn't noticed that, haven't seen the way he's been avoiding John. You haven't noticed a lot of things, Locksley. Too busy wallowing in self pity, not even allowing your best friend - your only friend - to cheer you."
"Shut it, Brooks," Robin growled.
"Just giving you an update on your gang," Brooks replied. "But about Vaizey. What good would it do if you knew the truth?"
Robin stopped and stared Brooks down. "If Vaizey has crossed the channel, it means he still has the support of Prince John."
"I suppose that's true."
"It means he will return to Nottingham as sheriff." Robin resumed his trek down the long corridor.
Brooks shrugged and moved in step right behind him. "And there is nothing you can do about that," he said.
"I will see him dead, Brooks. He is responsible for my wife's death--"
"And then what happens to you? To the people who need your help?" Brooks asked.
"You and John will take care of them."
"I like Little John but I didn't sign on for a duo, Robs," he chided Robin as they entered the dining hall. He grabbed a handful of grapes from the table and plopped two into his mouth. "Where is everyone?" he asked.
Much wandered in from the opposite corridor. "I am here."
Much caught sight of the feast on the dining table and Brooks grinned until he noticed that Much's appetite seemed to disappear when he saw the angst on Robn's face.
"I was just telling Robin the futility of knowing that Vaizey has returned to England," Brooks said.
Much's hand went instinctively to the pommel of his sword. "He has?"
"See," Brooks nodded, plopping another grape into his mouth, "even my gorgeous blue-eyed friend hasn't heard the news."
Robin began pacing the room. "We've been here far too long," he said. "We could have stopped him before he crossed the channel."
"Queen Eleanor hasn't give us leave, Robin," Much reminded him.
Robin gave Much a tired look. "I know that, Much," he scowled, his eyes meeting Brooks' gaze. "And just what do you know?"
Brooks sat and stretched out, his legs crossed, feet resting on the edge of the table. "He is traveling with someone. Another Englishman. A man who drinks heavily and is quite handsome in black leather, despite dark hair that is long and unwashed."
"Black leather?" Much exchanged a glance with Robin. "It couldn't be--"
"Gisborne?" Robin snarled. He clenched his fists and pounded the table. "I left him for dead in the chapel. Any names?" he asked, turning to Brooks.
"Sorry," Brooks replied, shaking his head.
"How do you know this?" Robin asked.
Brooks ripped a chunk of bread from one of the warm loaves and waved it at the outlaw. "I happened to overhear a conversation between the queen and her spy."
"You were eavesdropping!" Much exclaimed.
"It's what any good sleuth would do," Brook smirked as he grabbed some cheese to go with his bread.
"How did you manage that?" Robin asked.
Brooks sat up and leaned forward, beckoning Much and Robin close. He cocked his head toward the courtier standing near the drink buffet.
Robin looked at the man. "Laissez-nous," he said.
The courtier bowed and departed quickly.
"Damn you're sexy when you speak French." Brooks ignored Robin's glare and growled deeply as he took an exaggerated bite from his bread. He placed it back on the plate then smoothed his hair back and threw his companions a grin. "Gotta love castles, don't you? All those secret passages, like one into the throne room. Her Majesty's courtier, a cute little thing named Jacques, was giving me a...a tour when the queen arrived."
Much's eyes widened. "That is a euphemism! You were fooling around in the throne room with one of the queen's servants. If she discovered you--"
"We would have asked her to join us," Brook interjected. He was certain Queen Eleanor would have recognized the lack of traitorous intent had she found him standing half-naked in a darkened passageway with the young courtier on his knees.
"Brooks!" Much exclaimed.
"What? I really like her Majesty. She's a very free-thinking woman, isn't she?" Brooks looked at Much. "You told me about the lavender baths and how understanding she was when you and Cart--" Brooks stopped short. He looked from Much to Robin, and realized that he was bringing up a memory that was still painful for Much, and one that Robin knew nothing about.
"Yes, well," Much said, avoiding Robin's eyes, "I think I'll see if I can find Legrand."
"You need Legrand to confirm my story? I'm crushed," Brooks said. And I really don't want you to find Legrand... He wasn't about to tell Much what else he and Jacques had overheard whilst wandering through the secret passages. "Why don't you start with John? He was out in the garden."
"John won't know anything about Vaizey, and I doubt he'll know where Legrand is."
"I hope you're right," Brooks murmured under his breath.
"What?" Much frowned.
"I said yes, you're right," Brooks replied. "But I think he could use a friend about now, Much."
Much glanced toward the door and then back at Robin. The outlaw leader needed a friend but still closed himself off from everything and everyone around him. After all they'd been through, nothing had changed.
"Go, Much," Brooks said. He cocked his head toward Robin. "I'll watch over this one."
Robin grumbled beneath his breath as Much departed. He wandered to the table and filled a plate with generous helpings of bread, fruit, and meats then chose a seat as far from Brooks as possible.
Brooks ignored the slight and savored the tender leg of lamb he'd appropriated from amongst the spread of beef and pork. He picked up his goblet and sipped the spicy ale lovingly - the queen certainly had good tastes.
Robin picked at his food avoiding Brook's scrutiny as he peered at him over the top of his cup.
"Robin."
Robin and Brooks turned with a start and Brooks jumped to his feet nearly spilling wine down his tunic. Both men bowed.
Eleanor, regal in forest green and deep brownish-red, stood at the door of the dining hall. "My servant said you'd booted him from his duties here. Are you preparing and serving the meal? Ah, I see Brooks could serve you," she said with a sly wink at the yeoman.
"Brooks is not my servant, Your Majesty," Robin said.
"Stand, please," Eleanor told her two subjects. "No, he is one of your men. And a very loyal one I think."
Brooks nodded.
"I shall see you later, Charles, to...finish that discussion we started."
"My pleasure, Your Majesty," Brooks said. He bowed again then left, leaving Robin with a bemused expression on his face.
Eleanor ignored Robin's questioning look and waited until the door closed behind Brooks. "And, Lord Locksley," she finally said, "you treat him no better than you treat your old friend, Lord Much."
"Your Majesty, I--"
Eleanor held up a hand to silence Robin then approached him ever much his queen, more so as a friend. "I have been watching all of you and it saddens me, Robin. You reject the friendship of those who care for you. It has caused a rift between Lord Much and Sir Carter. I saw Much just now headed into the garden. He looks like a man whose heart has been wounded. And that is not entirely because you won't let him help you."
"I do not need help," Robin snapped. He immediately lowered his head. "I am sorry, Your Majesty."
Eleanor placed a hand on his arm. "We all need help from time to time, Robin," she sighed. "Now, you wished to see me."
"Vaizey?"
"Yes, it is true," Eleanor nodded. "He boarded a boat in Calais yesterday. Guy of Gisborne is with him."
Robin clenched his fists. "I must leave, Majesty--"
"Vaizey must come to no harm. He is under John's protection, and whether we like it or not, my youngest son controls the army and thus the people of England. There is nothing we can do to change that until Richard returns."
"But Prince John continues to plot against the king."
"All the more reason that Richard come home. He will settle this matter. Vaizey will see his due. Richard needs allies like you, Robin. And if you seek your revenge by taking another's life you are just as misguided as the man who killed Marian."
"Gisborne," Robin snarled.
"Put vengeance out of your heart, Robin. Find a way to make peace with your soul. Find a way to enlist Gisborne's help."
"What? That man murdered my wife!" Heat rose on Robin's neck. "He tried to kill the king--"
"And he could be a powerful ally against John," Eleanor argued. "My spies tell me that Vaizey is disgusted with him. I fear that John may take advantage of this situation if you do not find a way to work with Gisborne."
Robin's eyes burned. "No, Majesty. I cannot."
Eleanor studied Robin's face a moment then wandered over to the buffet. Three pitchers rested there and she inspected each one before choosing an ale over the mead and juice. She took a long slow sip of her drink. Returning to the table, she instinctively took her seat at the head. Her gaze met Robin's. "Sit, please," she said. "You knew Gisborne when you were boys."
"Yes," Robin replied as he settled into a chair next to her.
"You were never friends?"
"Competitors."
"They make the best allies. And I know you have more in common with him than you realize." She paused, weighing her words carefully. "His mother was a member of my court."
"I did not know that," Robin replied, showing interest. "She was a kind woman."
Eleanor smiled recalling fond memories of Ghislaine. "Kind and beautiful. We corresponded frequently after she married and whilst Sir Roger served King Henry in the Holy Land. She wrote about you and Guy frequently, and about her daughter."
"Isabella," Robin nodded.
Eleanor's eyes took on a mischievous glint. "She had hopes...for you and Isabella."
"What?" Robin exclaimed.
"But you were quite young when Ghislaine died."
Robin turned away. "When my father died..."
"So many tragedies," Eleanor said, resting her hand atop Robin's. "If Henry had not imprisoned me, I would have taken Guy and Isabella into my court. How different all our lives might have been."
The fire returned to Robin's eyes and his gaze met hers again. "But they are not, Your Majesty. Guy of Gisborne killed my wife. He must pay."
"Robin--" Eleanor said, squeezing his hand.
"May I have leave of you, Majesty?"
Eleanor sighed. She took another sip of her ale. "We will meet tomorrow to discuss your departure. By the way, I like Brooks. A good man. I am glad he has joined your gang. He has many...talents...that will serve us well."
"Con man, spy, gambler," Robin said.
Eleanor smiled mischievously. "Then he is in good company, no?" She met Robin's eyes with a look of hope. "The people of England need you, Robin. I won't have you here much longer." Eleanor gazed toward the doors leading to the gardens. "None of you."