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That caught my attention. “Useful?”
Lady Thornton smiled that viper smile.
“Indeed. You report her movements, habits, and visitors to me. In return, I will reward you handsomely.”
“Reward me? How?”
I had no intention of taking her up on the offer, but I was curious about what she thought I could be bribed with.
She leaned in, whispering in the playful tone of a lover. “In any manner you wish. Riches. Privilege. Even freedom from that place.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“Come now. We both know you are destined for greater things than a monk’s life,” she went on, practically fondling my ear.
“But my vows…” I asked, testing her.
She snorted. “I can secure you a royal dispensation. Say, an immediate transfer to a decorated unit on the front lines of the Crusades?”
The irony killed me. For months, I’d desperately wanted to quit the clergy. Now, I had two offers to do so — and I couldn’t accept either!
Plus, royal dispensation suggested Lady Thornton considered herself in with Prince John — the very man conspiring to steal the throne. Was she in cahoots with the prince’s scheme to grab power?
“So, what do you say?” she asked.
A tiny piece of my heart died as I uttered my only option. “Thank you, but my place is in the abbey.”
Words I never thought I’d hear myself say, but there they were. I had to remain at the abbey — at least, as long as Marian was there.
Lady Thornton scoffed, sending a puff of air into my ear. I winced.
“Poverty, obedience, chastity.” She emphasized the latter with a pat to my ass. “You’d rather suffer through a lifetime of that than accept your just reward?”
Actually, I was desperate for my just reward. But Lady Thornton wasn’t the one to determine what that might be.
I shrugged. “I’m sorry, m’lady. I fear I am of little use to you.”
The door opened just then, and a footman entered with a message. I used the opportunity to stride for the door.
The words she called after me chilled me to the bone.
“Little use? Don’t be too sure, my dear lion.”
Chapter Eleven
MARIAN
I was on pins and needles the rest of the day. For all that I loved having Willa with me — and her hulking partner just outside the door — it was hard not to worry. Prince John…what was he up to? My allies, such as Lord Winthrop, whom I was counting on to rally more supporters…were they finally on the move? Then there was that bitch Lady Thornton…what was her role in all this?
Most of all, Tuck…was he all right? What was happening in Nottingham?
I touched the Ring of Aquitaine, hoping for some comfort.
Then I imagined Tuck was with me, nice and close. Not just for comfort, but more. More…
My body heated, and my cheeks burned. Well, maybe not with Willa and John around. I was glad to have them with me now, but when Tuck returned…maybe I could send them down to the scriptorium to peruse some parchments or something. Willa could read, and if John couldn’t, he could listen to her read aloud. Surely they’d find that engrossing for an hour or two…maybe even all night.
Because I wanted that time with Tuck. No, I burned for it.
