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He didn’t end the question with idiot, but his tone did.
“I’m keeping law and order.”
“Clearly,” Richard muttered dryly. Then he snapped his fingers and boomed, “You have three minutes to get down here. All of you.” Then he looked at me, and his frown deepened. “And make sure you come properly attired.”
I gulped and murmured an inner, Yes, sir.
The prince, still half hanging over the balustrade, poked me in the ribs. “You heard him. Release me.”
I growled, but Marian raised the sword she’d snatched from one of the guards. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on him.”
Reluctantly, I backed away from the prince, who straightened his clothes and whisked away the slobber I’d left on his cloak.
Heathen, his entitled expression sniffed.
I growled, hurrying him along.
I remained in lion form all the way to the main door, where I shifted and pulled on the robe Cyril tossed to me — the one I’d discarded earlier.
“I can’t believe it. You’re a lion?” Cyril gaped.
Lion. Dreamer. Knight. Shifter. All those parts of me I’d had to lock away for so long. Parts I would have to lock away again soon — forever.
Lover, my lion mourned, watching Marian.
She skipped forward eagerly, while the prince and I dragged our heels before bowing stiffly before the king.
“Richard!” Marian repeated joyously as he leaned down from his saddle for a hug. Then she ran to her father, who dismounted and threw his arms wide for an embrace.
They hugged a long time, swaying from side to side.
Despite the sorrow and despair choking my soul, I smiled. What a beautiful thing love was.
Her father cleared his throat and pulled back to touch her cheek.
“Good to see you, my dear.”
Lord Winthrop was there too, waving casually to his wife. “Oh hello, darling. Everything all right?”
She brushed the dust off her sleeve. “Of course. And you?”
“Fine, fine.”
One might have thought she’d spilled some tea when he’d bumped into a chair rather than risking their lives for king and country.
“Thank goodness you’re back,” Prince John gushed, bowing so low, his nose nearly hit the ground.
I growled under my breath.
“Indeed,” the king muttered, unimpressed. “And not a moment too soon, it seems.”
By then, the prince was dripping sweat. “Yes. I’ve captured the outlaw, Robynne Hood, as you can see.”
“Oh, I have seen plenty,” the king growled. “I have heard too. All that I need to know.” He raised a hand, hushing the prince, and motioned two soldiers forward. “Lock him up.”
“But, Richard…” the prince pleaded.
“Enough!” the king roared, making Prince John wince. “I will deal with you later. Perhaps I’ll be feeling more charitable then.”
