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“Edmund’s dead,” I told Will as he approached me at the base of the stairs. Behind me, Bishop Sutton was also gone, and I caught his shadow escaping down a nearby alley.
“Who?” Will asked, tilting his head.
I sighed. “Crisp.”
He grunted, unconcerned. He’d never liked Crisp much, especially how he spoke of Robin and the girls we rescued.
“Where’s Robin?” he asked.
“I thought she was with you.”
His smug attitude died on a breath. The look he gave me stabbed my heart with panic. My stomach dropped to my bloody fucking leg.
“Fuck,” he hissed. “That sneaky little thorn.”
“Let’s go, we have to find her!”
I spun around—
And nearly ran headfirst into Emma.
“Ah!” I cried out, shock running through me. Too many goddamn surprises for one day. “Emma, lass, what in God’s name are you doing out here?!”
Her eyes were huge. “W-We came to help! Heard the fighting’s over, so me and the other girls came to help aid the wounded, Father.”
I clenched my teeth. “You know not to call me that. And you shouldn’t be here.” My heart soared at her bravery, but my stomach sank at her stupidity. Or maybe the sinking feeling was knowing Robin had gone missing again, and neither me, Will, or Alan had managed to keep her in sight.
As we fucking promised we would.
I took the petite lass by the shoulder, leading her away from the carnage. “You shouldn’t have to see all of this, Emma.”
“I’ve seen death before, sir. Many times.”
I sighed. “I know, lass. I know.” Over my shoulder, I told Will, “Find her, dammit. Bring Alan. I’ll be right behind. I’m going to take the girl to safety.”
Will nodded curtly, not giving me any argument. His eyes were still wide, filled with worry.
“Show me where Gracie, Ada, and the others are,” I said.
I should have scolded her for this—lectured her, even, about the perils of such a stubborn maneuver . . . but I was so damned tired. The slog of war was waning, crippling me and biting into my bones and muscles. Weakening me.
Emma took me through an alley, where some peasants from the riot were huddled near crates and barrels, hiding from the battle.
I nodded as we passed the poor, shivering folk. I was in too much of a rush to stop and help them.
Emma led me to the other side of the alley. We were no longer in the square, and it was almost . . . peaceful here.
Blinking my tired eyes, I followed Emma as she searched.
She said back to me, “She was right over here and—” Her eyes grew huge as her gaze swept past me. “Tuck!” she screamed.
I spun around—
Just as something thudded into my skull with a jolt of quick pain . . .
Followed by blessed darkness.
Chapter 29
