Deception

Chapter 79

- Chapter 79 -

I quickly rode into Nottingham Castle courtyard where I glanced up to see Palmer is sitting in the birdcage on the ground in the middle of the courtyard looking gloomy and uncomfortable. Isabella is clinging to her brother Guy, playing the victim to being robbed to her brother as I saw that Guy was slightly suspicious yet falling for her stupid act. A stable boy came to grab my horse as I ran up the steps and practically flew down the corridors before coming to a halt at the doorway and stood patiently as the Sheriff and Prince John were talking to one another.

"Her brother will be dead before supper, yes?" The Prince clarified as I gulped slightly knowing that I needed to act quickly to protect him and warn him.

"Well, I wouldn't set a place for him myself, sire." The Sheriff chuckled.

"Mm. Have her brought to me." The Prince ordered before he glanced over to see me as he smiled and clicked his fingers before I bowed and went back down to the courtyard where Isabella froze slightly when she saw me and attempted to hide behind her brother.

"Prince John requests your presence in the Great Hall Isabella" I gruffly inform as she straightens her shoulders feeling proud with herself and picking up the base of her dress to make her way inside. Guy went to leave but I quickly catch hold of his arm as he stops and glances down at me as I watch Isabella head out of reach.

"Beware the Sheriff before dinner" I whisper in warning as he gave me a small smirk and nodded before heading off towards his chambers. I followed on after Isabella towards the Great Hall where the Prince was sitting on his throne listening to Isabella as she enacted and recounted her encounter with Robin Hood.

"Then I took the sword in my hand and tugged it from its sheath..." She continued as I stood beside the Prince, watching as she pulled the sword out from the guard's sheath. The nobles all around us gasped at her actions as Prince John looked alarmed and looked to me as I placed my hand on my sword ready to draw it if necessary. Isabella slowly sweeps the sword around, then approaches Prince John. Four guards step forward with their spears, then retreat when they see there is no danger.

"Ooh!" The Prince exclaimed as she slowly drew closer and placed the sword at his throat.

"And I put the sword to the soft part of his throat." She whispered seductively to him as he smiled. I however growled and withdrew my sword as she paled slightly that I had it angled at her ready to strike only to have the Prince wave his hand at me. I placed it back my sheath but withdrew one of my daggers from behind and held it ready.

"And?" he questioned as I watched Isabella step back to the middle of the room.

"Dozens of outlaws appeared from nowhere. And I shouted, "Long live King John!"" She cried out as I rolled my eyes knowing she was exaggerating as Isabella drops the sword and throws back her head and arms.

"Oh, you adorable girl! Everyone leave us!" He exclaimed as Isabella lifts her head upright while the nobles mumble and leave the hall. Isabella turns around, watching Prince John as he stood up clapping at her with delight. He waited until everyone had left and turned to me in my direction as I bowed knowing I had been dismissed, even though it rarely happened. I was exhausted as I made my way towards my chambers.

"You!" I called out as one of the soldier's froze and turned to me bowing slightly.

"Report to me if the Prince summons for me!" I instruct as he nodded and dashed off in the direction I had just come before I made my way towards my chambers. Yawning I removed my mask and placed it on the opposite side of the bed and curled up before closing my eyes and allowing myself to get some rest after a long day.