Read Online Mark of the Black Arrow by Debbie Viguié - Free Book Online Page B

At least his cousin understood—Robin hadn’t been the one in need of saving. He didn’t have to guess what his father would believe, though. He felt his spirits darken.
    “Come now, it’s time to join the others,” Robert turned toward the gate.
    “I am no longer in the mood,” Robin said.
    Robert looked from him to Will, who shrugged. Robert sighed deeply then turned and walked away.
    Will leaned toward Robin. “Come now, be grateful, cousin. At least you didn’t have to kill anyone.” He put his hand on Robin’s arm. “Can you imagine what the splatter of blood would do to my wonderful clothes?” He smiled, attempting to liven things.
    Robin did not even try to conjure a smile.
    “I don’t know,” he said. “I think it would have added a nice roguish touch. The ladies would likely have found you twice as fascinating.”
    “Well, tonight, there’s only one lady I’m thinking about, and not for my own sake. I refuse to leave this castle until I have seen you dance with the Lady Marian.”
    “Then for your sake,” Robin replied, “I hope she says yes. Otherwise you will have to spend the rest of your miserable life in this godforsaken place.”
    *  *  *
    A hand touched her elbow. Marian turned to find Chastity beside her.
    “What was that commotion?” she asked.
    “I don’t know, but I will find out for you.” The girl’s eyebrow twitched up at the thought of gathering information. “For now, though, it’s time.”
    “Already?”
    “The king was clear that the feast would commence at the beginning of the third watch,” Chastity replied. “That time is now.”
    “Very well. Help me with this dress.”
    Chastity moved behind her, gathering the skirt into a bustle that drew the hem from the floor so that Marian would be able to walk. As she waited, however, she watched the castle doors.
    Through the entrance strode Robin Longstride.
    Her heart caught in her chest.
    He was like a storm off the ocean, dark and full of violent potential. Fire flashed in his eyes. She was drawn to the play of muscle in his forearms as his hands clenched and unclenched. Something had happened to anger him and she could tell that he was controlling himself, but just barely.
    His eyes met hers, and he stopped.
    They stared. Unblinking. Unmoving.
    Then he took a deep breath. He held it, chest swollen, keeping the precious air caged inside for a long moment. Her own breathing locked, waiting for his. Her heart beat, hollow and rattling inside her like dice in a cup.
    With a parting of lips, he let his breath free.
    She let hers go, as well. Then, unsure, she gave a smile so barely there it might be mistaken for a trick of the light.
    Robin touched his fingers to his brow in salute to her.
    “Oi, princess. There you go.” Chastity gave a push against her now fastened bustle, forcing her to break eye contact. It was just as well. At that moment Will Scarlet—small, dark,
charming
Will Scarlet—hurried to Robin’s side.
    Shaking herself, she walked to the center of the room. Robin and Will moved to the side, and, even though he spoke to his cousin, his eyes were still on her.
    It bothered her not at all.
    Projecting assurance and confidence, she raised her arms and clapped her hands three times above her head. The room snapped to silence, all eyes turned to her.
    “My lords and ladies, gentle folk one and all,” she said, her voice loud, firm, and crisp, “it is time for the king’s feast to begin.”
    A cheer went up, hale and hearty and many-voiced. She turned and moved toward the doors of the main hall as they swung open.
    *  *  *
    The moment all were seated, servants entered from the left, where the kitchen was located. They carried platters laden with all manner of roasted meats, placing them on the tables. Fresh fruit, a particular delicacy, was present in abundance.
    Will watched as Robin reached for a leg attached to a roast pheasant, ripped it off with a twist, and pulled it onto his