Robin Hood and the Prince

Part 9

 The next day, I was brought before the Prince again. He looked down on my thin, dirty body and put on his sly smile so matching of his character.

"I had heard there was a pick-pocket in town, but I hadn't assumed you be smart enough." He said. "Anyhow, because of your poaching, lying, stealing, disrespect to your prince, and running from your punishment both you and your friend are sentenced to be hanged tomorrow morning."

"Wait, what? Will played no part in this. Leave him be! He did nothing! He has done no-"

"Oh, little Robin, that's where you're wrong. I seem to remember your friend, Will, calling his Prince awful names and lying, straight to my face. Right?" He looked around, nodding his head, and all the guards followed his example. "I tried to give you two a just punishment, but I guess some can't be taught. King Richard, my father, would not be as merciful as me and I can no longer extend it. Execution is, truly, the only way to solve this problem."

"Will would never do that! He doesn't deserve that! Ask Otto, the blacksmith, Will is the most well-mannered boy there ever was!" I pleaded.

Prince John stared at me with obvious pleasure at seeing me beg. "Oh, only if he was here to tell us. After he lost you, the blacksmith, who you so... affectionately called Otto," He paused, savoring the moment, "was executed."

My body became empty, no feelings, no thoughts entered. The laughter of the Prince echoed in my empty shell.