Page 100 of Peregrine's Call
Despite the quiet all around, Cleobury was well guarded. As soon as they approached, someone yelled, “Who goes there?”
“Octavian,” the knight called out. “Along with Lady Robin and others.”
The guard’s reaction was swift. Within moments the huge gate swung open. “I’ve already sent for de Vere,” the guard announced, his attention fixed on Robin. “We’ve been awaiting any news, but we didn’t expect to see you.”
She gave him a weak smile. “Too bad. I’ve come back after all.”
Then Cecily was running from the manor house, her skirts flying behind her. “Robin!” she called.
A moment later, Robin was in the arms of the other woman, being held like she’d been gone for a year. In some ways it felt as if she had been gone half a lifetime. She’d been a child when she left, and now she was no longer.
“I’m sorry, Cecily,” she said.
“No, no,” Cecily responded instantly. “No apologies, my heart. We’re just so happy to see you back safe.”
Robin wiped her eyes. Would she never stop crying? And was it possible that Cecily wasn’t furious with her?
“You’re not angry? I ran away.”
“We can discuss everything later. I’m just grateful you’re back home. And it must be thanks to Octavian?” She now looked to the knights. “And here’s Rafe as well. There’s a story here. And this is…” Suddenly Cecily put her hand to her mouth.
“Lord Pierce of Malvern at your service,” he said, bowing as well as he could, considering he was partially bound. “It’s been too long, Lady Cecily.”
“Not long enough,” she returned. “Are you Octavian’s prisoner?”
“To be accurate,” Rafe said, “we must say he’s Robin’s prisoner, for when he escaped Martenkeep, she was the one to track him down and catch him. Very tidily done too. She hardly needed us to rescue her.”
Just then Alric strode up to the group, his eyes taking the scene in at once. “Pierce,” he said in the same tone that a person saidvermin. “What are you doing here?”
Pierce gave him a lofty nod. “I’m on my way to London to negotiate with the king.”
“Is that what you think?” Alric gestured to the guards who surrounded the whole group. “Take this man to the south tower room. Untie him and then lock him in.”
“You can’t do that!” Pierce objected, his calm shaken at last. “I am a lord! I have certain privileges, and you can not impede me.”
“Watch me.”
The guards obeyed Alric instantly, taking Pierce by each arm and leading him away. Robin watched him go and felt only numbness. It was over. She was back where she started, and everything she’d set out to do was accomplished. Cecily kissed her and welcomed her home. Her life could resume exactly where she’d left it.
The thought should have been reassuring, but instead it rang hollow.
She looked to Tav again, unable to do otherwise. He was watching her with an unreadable expression, but then took a small step toward her, his hand rising as if to reach for her.
“Please take me inside,” she said to Cecily. “I can’t bear anything right now.”
“Of course.” Cecily wrapped an arm around her, blocking out the world. “Come with me. You don’t have to worry about anything.”
Robin walked with Cecily and didn’t look back, because she was a coward and she was terrified of what she’d see on Tav’s face now.
Chapter 33
Octavian should have been relievedthe mission was almost over. But he wasn’t. As promised, Pierce was confined in a room that featured narrow windows, no other exits, and a sturdy bolt on the door. Two men were posted outside as an extra precaution, but Pierce wouldn’t be leaving the room until Alric decided he would.
After that, everyone gathered to discuss what must be done. Everyone, that is, but Robin. Cecily had spirited her away to the women’s bedchamber, where Robin would be doted on like a lost lamb. She had looked incredibly tired and drawn, but Tav could never get her to say what was the matter, so he’d been unable to help on the way.
In fact, he couldn’t get her to say much of anything since…well, since the night he’d ruined her. Which was understandable. But despite the fact that he couldn’t change anything about what he’d done, he still desperately wanted to talk to her. However, Robin didn’t want to talk to him.
“Tav?”
