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He let out a noncommittal grunt, as if he didn’t agree with my assessment.
“So?” I coaxed, leaning forward, batting my lashes and smiling.
It took another minute of silent walking for him to relent. He toyed with his red sash. “My mother was trampled to death by a Plantagenet horseman, and I was there to see it. Those French-bred bastards deserve my ire. My father is ill and not long for this world, and people take advantage of his weakness—caused through no fault of his own.”
“I’m so sorry, Will.” I looked down, ashamed. I should have known better than to ask. Everyone here had a sad story to tell.
He didn’t need to say more. I understood his pent-up rage much better now.
But he did. His voice became severe, low enough so only I could hear. “My bloodline is important to me, Robin, and we’ve been stepped on at every turn. I’ve inherited nothing in this world but grief, betrayal, and this silly fucking red sash from my mother’s crumpled body. So I continue to fight, to spite them all.
“Luckily, I’ve found the Merry Men. Likeminded people, aye? Even if I bicker with my brothers, family is everything.”
I thought about his words long after they were out of his mouth. Long after Will had continued to walk on, and I slowed my pace to walk by myself for a bit.
“Well, he’s right about that, at least,” Robert said.
I agreed. Will was right, and he made me see the truth. Made me realize what I had to do.
I went to Little John at the front of the group once I’d made my decision. It had been nagging at me all day and night, and Will Scarlet of all people put it into focus.
John said one word when I marched up alongside him, able to see the determination on my face.
“When?”
“Tomorrow. With Friar Tuck. In the carriage.”
He sighed, long and drawn-out. “I had hoped our words tonight would resonate with you, little star.”
“They have, John. More than you know.”
“Yet you still don’t trust us? Still don’t trust me?”
I fought back my worry and doubt, forcing my voice to stay steady. “You said I could leave when I wanted. That you wouldn’t keep me prisoner or try to stop me. Can I hold you to that promise?”
“Of course.”
“I have to find out if Uncle Gregory is alive.” I put my hand up when he tried to speak, because I knew he was going to mention our trust issues again. “For myself,” I clarified. “And my mother, more than anything. Even my awful fucking father. They’re my family, Little John. You must understand that. They’re all I have.”
He stopped me, grabbing my shoulders and nearly shaking me. “They’re not all you have, lass. That’s what I’ve been trying to say!”
I stared up at him, slack-jawed. When I found the strength, I said, “Will you hold this against me?”
His severe face broke, softness tilting his features. He cradled my chin with his fingers and rubbed my cheek with his rough knuckles. His smile was fond and pained. “No, I won’t. I can only hope you find what you need, and come back to us. Because I’m starting to think you’re just as much of a Merry Man as the rest of us sorry lot . . . and you might just be the thing that keeps us whole.”
His words stole the breath from my lungs. I didn’t know what to say.
And he wasn’t done.
His dark orbs pierced into mine. “Just remember, Robin. Your family isn’t just something you’re born into. It can also be something you forge.”
Chapter 34
Robin
Islept in the carriage, among the silks and dresses. The men allowed me that comfort. An owl hooted nearby, joining the chorus of the nighttime animals and sounds.
It was late when the door to the carriage creaked open. The owl stopped hooting, its silence a foreboding sign when I craned my neck to the side and saw the silhouette standing in front of the moon’s silver light.
