Page 61 of Ladybird

“I don’t want to sit.” Anything they suggested now, the boy was sure to object.

Hunter looked up as if he were going to command the boy to sit, but Regina raised her hand in the air to stop him. “That’s fine,” she said, playing with the brooch. “I’m really sad about Lightning being stolen. I am scared that I might never see her again.”

“I didn’t take her. Honest, I didn’t.” Luke’s eyes opened wide.

“I know you didn’t,” said Regina. “I just want you to know that it isn’t right for anyone to steal anything. No matter how small or insignificant it might be.”

“I didn’t steal nothing, Lady Regina. I got the boots by bluffing,” Luke told her. “Hunter does it all the time.”

She saw Hunter look up and then drop his arms to his sides, shaking his head slowly.

“Hunter?” Regina gave him an opportunity to explain what this meant.

“Luke, I was wrong by bluffing to get things I wanted,” said Hunter. “You shouldn’t do it either. It’s just not right.”

“Bluffing? What exactly does that mean?” She looked over to Hunter once again.

“Lying,” said Hunter softly.

“Oh.” She sighed and put the brooch into a pouch at her side.

“I won the boots playing cards with the guards,” Luke continued. “Hunter taught me how to gamble.”

“He did, did he?” She didn’t need to even look at Hunter to know he was probably cringing right now.

“Even though I bluffed and didn’t really have a winning hand, I still won the game.” Luke slowly sat down next to Regina. “You believe me, Lady Regina, don’t you?”

Regina’s gaze shot over to Hunter and then back to the boy. “Yes. Yes, we both believe you. Right, Hunter?”

She was afraid Hunter was going to object, but when she shook her head slowly, he went along with her plan.

“Yes, I believe you, Luke.” Hunter came over and sat on the bench next to Luke, making it cozy between the three of them. “What about the cat? William from town says Inky has a white spot on her paw just like his did. He swears she is his cat.”

“She is,” said Luke, looking so sad. “It was Fred’s idea.”

“What do you mean?” asked Regina, really having hoped that this part wasn’t true. She saw how happy the cat had made the boy and how much love he gave her.

“Well, I told Fred I always wanted a black cat,” Luke explained. “Fred said he saw one in William’s tailor shop and said I should take her.”

“So you really were hanging out in front of the tailor’s like William said?” asked Hunter.

“Even though Fred wanted me to take her, I just wanted to pet her,” protested Luke. “Then it was Fred’s idea to start feeding her. Once we did, she started to follow us.”

“All the way back to the castle, I’ll bet,” said Hunter. “With a little coaxing?”

“Yes. I’m sorry,” said Luke. “But I really love Inky. Do I have to give her back?”

Hunter looked over to Regina, obviously not sure what to say.

“I’m sure if we talk to William he might let us buy her from him,” suggested Regina.

“Really?” Luke came to life, becoming excited by the idea.

“Slow down,” said Hunter. “We will discuss the cat later. Right now, you need to tell me more. Like how in heaven’s name did you get a crossbow? I’m sure you didn’t win that in a game of chance.”

“Nay, I traded for it.” Luke looked to the ground again.

“Traded for a crossbow? You don’t have anything valuable enough to make anyone—oh hell, no. You traded my father’s sword for it, didn’t you? That’s why I didn’t see the blade in the bedchamber.”