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Will said, “I’m inclined to believe her. If he’s not imprisoned in some grand estate in Nottingham, then he’s lying dead in a ditch somewhere, and all of this will be pointless anyway. It makes sense to at least try.”
My blood ran cold at his heartless remark. I couldn’t possibly think of John being dead—wouldn’t allow myself to.
Emma stormed up from a nearby campfire, marching awkwardly as she tightened her layers of shifts and blankets around her like robes. “When are we going, Lady Robin? Has it been decided?”
I glanced to Tuck, who gave me a small headshake.
Then to Will, who shrugged.
“Good news, Em,” I said with a smile. “We’re leaving tonight. In just a few hours.”
“Wait—what—” Tuck stammered.
“Oh, excellent!” Emma squealed, clapping. “I’ll get my things. I need to be there to see Gracie’s face.”
“Absolutely not,” Tuck said.
On this, I agreed. Sadly. When Emma faced me for an explanation, it was difficult to find the words.
Tuck advanced on her with his stern face settling on her confused one. “It’s too dangerous, dear girl. If you’re spotted, the Sheriff will know you escaped Rufford Abbey. The last place you should be right now is Nottingham.”
Emma flared her nostrils, defiant. “But it’s my sister—”
“I know Grace well, lass.” Tuck’s face softened. “Apologies. I must forbid it. Bringing you along will only jeopardize us and put everyone in danger.”
He stopped just short of saying the obvious part: Emma would only be a hindrance.
I put a hand on her slumping shoulder. “I’m sorry,” I said. “He’s right. We have this one night before word might get back to the Sheriff. If he’s learned of your rescue, we’re in trouble. We have limited time to act in the shadows, Em.”
Emma took a deep breath, no doubt realizing she wouldn’t wriggle out of this or join the mission. “At least you’re going to find her. Right?” Her eyes were dewy.
“Aye,” I said. “If your sister is still in Nottingham, we will find her. I promise.”
She brought me into a hug, sniffling. “Be safe, Lady Robin.”
With that, we separated. I thanked the spirits for bringing Emma back to me.
I walked up to Much the Miller’s Son, who sat next to one of the afternoon fires with the other men. He was gesticulating wildly, telling a story and making another young lad named Griff laugh hysterically.
Much smiled and bit off a hunk of meat from a spit. When I toed his leg, his laugh cut short and he glanced up at me with big eyes.
My gaze swept to the heap of timber on the other side of camp. “Ready to prove yourself, Much?”
He nodded eagerly, dusted his greasy hands off, and jumped up with a salute. The men around the fire snickered at him, probably for being so stiff-backed and formal with a woman who was no longer his leader.
I resisted scowling at them, finding it endearing Much would show respect to me even after everything that happened last night.
“I’ve been itching for the moment, I have.”
“Good.” I threw an arm over his shoulder and tugged him away from the fire. “Because I have a special mission just for you . . . and it might make or break my whole plan.”
ON THE WAY TO NOTTINGHAM, Will said, “You know this is likely a trap, aye? That going into Nottingham for any reason is a foolish move?”
I swallowed hard. My knee bounced where I sat in the carriage. I couldn’t calm my nerves. “I know. It’s exactly what the Sheriff of Nottingham is predicting, I’m sure.”
“And yet you still think we have a chance of success?”
“If we can outsmart him. Yes.”
