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“So, we take him on right now and end this. You and I,” I declared.
Marian rolled her eyes. “Take on the prince, his four guards, and the platoon waiting outside?”
Good point. But still…
Marian bowed her head, thinking aloud. “I’ve avoided him long enough. It’s time to make my own move.”
I stared. How was riding away with him her move?
“Let him think I’m playing along…” she whispered.
I made a face. “He’s not stupid.”
“No, but he needs me alive.”
I scowled. “For now.”
Plus, her life wasn’t all he threatened. If he laid a hand on her…
She elbowed me. “Have you no faith in my ability to take care of myself?”
“I have full faith in you. But not even a giant can hold back a flood.”
God, now I sounded like old Christopher, the oldest of the Merry Men, who was prone to spouting words of wisdom that didn’t always make sense.
“You know what I mean,” I finished a little lamely.
“We need to strike on territory where we have the upper hand,” Marian mused.
I angled the sword I’d hidden under my robe, letting it prod her foot. “I can strike him right now.”
“And be cut down by his men afterward?” She shook her head. “I want you alive, Friar.”
She squeezed my hand, sending warmth through my soul. Warmth and wonder. What on earth did a goddess like her see in a man like me?
She snorted, reading my mind. “I see honor. Honesty. Love. A desire to serve. Oh, and the robe is kind of cute too.”
I chuckled — quietly — and locked eyes with her.
Then my heart squeezed — really squeezed — and my eyes went wide in wonder.
Marian nodded, smiling. “And you thought I was kidding about the unicorn bond.”
I’d thought no such thing, but wow. I could feel it now, illuminating my soul like the noon summer sun. It shone into every corner, finding pockets of strength, patience, and determination I didn’t know I had.
I clasped her hand and blew out a long breath. The only thing I lacked was a plan.
But Marian, as usual, was ahead of me on that one.
“We have a better chance on the open road. I could kill him, then get away.”
I stared. “How?”
“Well, a diversion would be good…” Then her eyes lit up.
“Oh no,” I protested when I realized what she had in mind. “I am not leaving you.”
“Yes, you are,” she insisted. “Just long enough to race ahead and get Robynne’s help. I’ll delay the carriage.”
