“B-list movie for sure, but you gotta make sure that there’s no olives on that everything pizza.” Robert commented back quietly, giving her glass a little cheers before taking a sip. While Robert should have been looking about for the governor, he kept his eyes on the blonde in front of him. In another life this would have been heaven. Having his job, sucking up to the elites, talking to Marian and enjoying her company… In a way it disgusted him to think that all he cared about was the money and power of this all. It’s why Marian hated him. It’s why she was still so cautious to be around him. He understood, and accepted that she may never truly change her mind about him. Still, his lips tingled from the kiss they shared at the baseball game, and he was almost positive she nearly wanted to go in for a second one… His past was his own to amend, but he’d be damned if he didn’t try and express his feelings for Marian and show her the man he had become.

[i]I bet you she’d be all over you if you just told her the truth about being Robin Hood.[/i] He shook that thought away. She was already connected with the Merry Men in a way, and while Robert solely said yes to being her date because he liked her, there was a pang of guilt in his chest that he was here for another reason. If she knew that, he wasn’t sure she’d see a difference between the old and new Robert Locksley. 

Then again, his mind rushed to what she told him about the governor and his blood boiled slightly. He had to remember that getting rid of this man, and giving back to the people was the ultimate goal. No one will be hurt and alone like he was years ago. “Eddy was looking for you, by the way. Seemed appalled that you actually asked me to this, but hey.” he shrugged. “Can’t say I don’t like being your ‘eye candy’ for the evening.” He teased, knowing very well that he wasn’t the attention getter out of the two. Even if she didn’t like it, she was the police chief’s daughter. She was smart and well spoken and honestly had the best personality in this place. “You ever thought of going into any of this?” He waved his free hand lazily across the room. “Politics? Not saying you should! Or trying to offend you, just… you’re smart, witty, charismatic and most importantly you have the biggest heart I’ve ever known. You could maybe make a difference around here.” Robert looked over at the blonde with a raised eyebrow, already knowing her answer, but the thought of her stepping up and challenging Lyon and defying her dad would be incredibly interesting.

Suddenly the crowd erupted into small murmurs as a door opened to reveal Governor Lyon. A very strong and powerful man, he gave off an aura or authority that he knew he had… and Robert hated him for it. “Likes the theatrics of this, doesn’t he? Think he was late because he was staring at his reflection for too long?” He quipped quietly to Marian. while talking his hand slyly went into his pocket to press a button.

—————-

The device on the door to the building that Robert planted clicked to life. John noticed the alert on his phone. “showtime, people!” he called, and soon the small group went to work sneaking in to the building.

———-

“Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats, food will be presented shortly!” The crowd of people started to move to their designated seats. Robert and Marian were sat at a table with her father and a few other high ranking officials at the police department and it made Robert’s heart start to beat faster, but not out of nervousness. Once food and drinks were served Lyon would give his speech, and that is when Robert would have to find a way to leave. Soon a line of servers came ushering out into the room holding trays of food and drinks. A curly haired man with glasses slipped towards Robert and Marian’s table. “Ladies and Gentlemen. The house wine today is a Pinot noir aged for 5 years in the burgundy region.” He displayed the bottle before starting to pour the glasses. 

“Thank you, sir.” Robert said with a smile, offering his hand with a sum of bills in it. As the server took his hand and bills he nodded. “Thank you so much, sir.” He leaned in with a smile, and then very quietly spoke: “15th floor.” And in a flash stood up to leave to the next table.

There it was. Robert leaned close to Marian. “Excuse me for a moment. Have to use the restroom. Don’t want to get up in the middle of his highness’ speech.” He mocked the man again, and with a wink and smile he stood to leave. As he did so, he looked over at a server standing in the corner. He was larger and taller than the rest, and as the two nodded at each other, it was clear that the Merry Men were going to subtly lock the doors, keeping those inside while other members of the gang were indisposing the guards and security. 

Governor Lyon thought he was going to be giving the biggest speech of his career, when in reality it would be Robin Hood doing just that.