Lady Thief: A Scarlet Novel
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About this ebook
* "A rip-roaring tale." --Booklist, starred review, on Scarlet
Life can never go back to normal now that Scarlet has been forced to marry the man of her nightmares. In order to win a life with her love, Robin, Scarlet must abandon her knives to fight a different kind of battle--one within the castle walls at court, fought with secrets and skillful manipulation. But doing so will test the limits of Scarlet's courage, especially when she discovers a truth no one was ever supposed to know. A truth that will change the course of her life forever . . .
Don't miss these other books from A. C. Gaughen:
The Scarlet series
Scarlet
Lady Thief
Lion Heart
The Elementae series
Reign the Earth
Imprison the Sky
A. C. Gaughen
A.C. Gaughen is the author of Scarlet, Lady Thief, Lion Heart, and Reign the Earth. She serves on the board of directors for Boston GLOW, a nonprofit that makes sure young women have the support they need to become powerful leaders in their communities. She has a master's in creative writing from St. Andrews University in Scotland and a master's in education from Harvard University. For more information, visit www.acgaughen.com, and follow her @acgaughen.
Read more from A. C. Gaughen
Scarlet Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Lion Heart: A Scarlet Novel Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
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Reviews for Lady Thief
72 ratings6 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Oh, I am loving this series! Gaughen manages to create characters that you both love and hate at the same time. After the end of the first book there is no way I would have thought I'd be sympathetic to Lord Gisbourne, but more depth was given to his character in this book. Of course, even as I found myself sympathizing with him, I found myself declaring how evil he was! That, to me, is a sign of good writing.
As sequels go, I thought this book was every bit as good as the first. More secrets came out, as did more of the story of Robin Hood as we know it -- for example, the archery tournament. And the ending! Oh MY!! Can't wait to read the final book in the series (publish date is May 2015). Why oh why do I start these trilogies before all three are published?? You'd think I'd learn my lesson.
And Kudos to Gaughen for having a character respect the sanction of marriage and creating a main character who refuses to be an adulterous even when she's in love with a man whom is not her husband.
Would I recommend this to fellow book lovers? Yes!
Would I recommend this to teens? Yes. My daughter actually read the first book and was chomping at the bit to have me finish this one so she could read it. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Oh this book. The author really takes you for a spin this time around. You feel like you have something to cheer about one minute, then something not so great happens in the next minute. It's definitely an emotional rollercoaster this one. It keeps you guessing and on your toes the entire time. There were many things that I didn't see coming. There is also plenty of suspense and action, but it's different from the first book. We have more Marian in this book rather than Scarlet, so she doesn't get to help the way she knows how. But she in no way loses her fight. The end is beyond amazing, again, but now the wait for the next book is torture!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Thanks to Netgalley.com and Bloomsbury USA Children's Books for allowing me access to this book.
This is not your average retold fairytale. It's violent and bloody and has a lot of loss and trauma. And it is wonderful. There's a strong heroine, a horrible villian or two, and a relationship between the characters that makes them real. It will be interesting to see how it all comes together for the next book. And there MUST be a next. And soon.
Recommended for fans of Scarlet (book 1), Sarah Maas, and Robin LaFevers. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Good grief, this was DARK. And sick. And just relatively hard to stomach. And here I was hoping to like this one more than the first installment when I actually think I liked this one less.*spoilers from Scarlet will follow*Lady Thief opens with Robin Hood suffering through the effects of the torture he had to endure leading him to him developing PTSD. On numerous occasions Scarlet would wake in the night to find Robin in the throws of an attack, unaware of what he’s doing, but hurting her nonetheless. I understand that Robin isn’t doing any of these things maliciously but maybe sleeping next to him at night isn’t the wisest of choices? And then there’s the fact that Robin isn’t as apologetic as one would hope him to be. There was also the feeling that “love can heal” but Robin was clearly dealing with some serious mental issues at this point that would go beyond “love”. I’m well aware that there weren’t exactly psychologists during this period of time but the whole love heals message and use of PTSD as a plot-point just didn’t sit well with me. When she begins to blame herself for it all is where this one just about lost me completely. Adding to all that, Scarlet then agrees to pretend to be with Gisbourne in an attempt to get an annulment so that her and Robin can finally be together! But of course Gisbourne is abusive too (the difference is he’s fully aware of what he’s doing) but at this point Scarlet is transforming in my mind to Sansa and for fucks sake how much shit is this girl going to have to go through?And since I brought up Game of Thrones, the newly introduced character of Prince John is an exact, spoiled replica of Joffrey.He’s a horrible, miserable human being but Scarlet is determined to suffer through it all just as long as she can get that annulment. Which, seriously? Thievery is cool. Murder? Sure, why not. But heaven forbid you allow yourself to kiss the love of your life because you just so happened to be forced into marrying a sadist.Morals. Whatever. Moving on.Lady Thief is the second in a trilogy and suffers from middle-book-syndrome. The plot doesn’t consist of any forward moving progression, choosing instead to focus on stuff like pain, torture, pain, and some more pain. Seriously, I don’t understand why Gisbourne was even still alive at this point since they were able to swiftly deal with the sheriff in the last installment. Would have saved everyone a whole lotta torture (and pain) if he just ceased to exist. And alas, that ending failed to hint at any happily ever after in the near future. I enjoyed the continued expansion on Scarlet’s backstory but this poor girl just can’t catch a break. Lion Heart is the final installment and last hope for a HEA… we’ll see if it actually happens.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: This book left me completely speechless, it was that phenomenal. Brimming with romance, adventure, hope, and suspense, this is a must read for all YA fantasy fans.Opening Sentence: The Fire breathed, the dying embers flaring and cooling in a hot pulse.The Review: Scarlet is in a tough situation. She is madly in love with Robin but since she married Lord Gisbourne she is bound by honor to stay virtuous. It seems as if her and Robin will never get the happy ending she has always dreamed of, but then Gisbourne returns to Nottingham and offers Scarlet a deal. If she is willing to come and play the dutiful wife while the prince is in town, he will agree to an annulment. Scarlet knows that Gisbourne is up to something, but this might be her one shot at happiness so she agrees.Prince John has come to appoint a new Sheriff and it is the hope of the people that he will choose their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has a plan and her treacherous husband is a big part of it. Even though Scarlet is acting the part of a noblewoman she still tries to help the people of Nottingham in any way she can. Still rebellious as ever, her actions don’t go unnoticed or unpunished by her enemies. But it is all a well played game and soon she discovers that she is a much bigger player then she ever thought possible.Scarlet is the ideal heroine. Not only is she strong, intelligent, and resourceful, she is also kind, gentle, and beautiful all around. She has always had an extremely strong will and letting someone into her heart wasn’t easy. Once she opened up to Robin she became a more complete person, but she can never truly be with him until she gets rid of Gisbourne. Scarlet has sacrificed so much for the people of Nottingham, it is time she finally does something for herself. I Loved Scarlet in the first book, but I felt like she became someone I could truly admire in the sequel. She grew so much as a woman and her fierce loyalty and clever wit made her a force to be reckoned with. I completely adore her and can’t wait to read the rest of her journey in the next book.Robin Locksley is just as dashing and charming as he was in the first book. But he has some demons in his past that come to surface and he might not be the hero everyone thought him to be. For me his faults humanized him and made him a more relatable character. He is broken in his own way, which made him a perfect match for Scarlet. They have an epic kind of love that was beautiful and heartwarming. Not only do they have amazing chemistry, they also complement each other perfectly. I loved getting to know more about Robin and his past. He is an amazing man and I felt that he was deserving of all the love and devotion he got from Scarlet and the people of Nottingham.I was actually a little scared to read Lady Thief because I loved Scarlet so much, and I was worried this one wouldn’t live up to its predecessor. But I am delighted to say that this was a fantastic sequel and maybe even slightly better than the first. This was easily one of my favorite fantasy books of all time, it was seriously that good. The plot thickens tremendously and Gaughen threw so many wonderful twists into the story that kept me totally engrossed the whole time. There was action, romance, mystery, and suspense all blended perfectly into a magical setting. The characters were easy to relate to and my love for each of them grew so much more. Gaughen’s writing captivated me from the first page and the dialect adds immensely to the beautiful atmosphere she created. I’m not going to lie, the ending was torture and I am going to have a serious book hangover, but it was totally worth it. Suffice to say, I absolutely loved this book and I think everyone should read this series.Notable Scene:“Why would you even want this, Gisbourne?” I asked. “It’s a fool offer.”“You have my word I won’t kill you, and that once the prince leaves you will have your annulment. Should you accept, you will dress, speak, act, and be fully disarmed the way a lady befitting your station should. These are my terms, and if you would accept them, you need only come to the castle and join me in my chambers.”“Tell me why.”“Why isn’t important,” he told me, smiling a little.“The only thing you need to consider is what you’re willing to do to marry your dear hero. Because trust me, love, you’ll never get an annulment from me otherwise. And if this doesn’t go the way I want and you are not under my roof, when I become sheriff I will have no guarantee for what blood my displeasure will purchase. I’m being—what’s the word—kind.” He smirked at me in the darkness.FTC Advisory: Walker Childrens/Bloomsbury provided me with a copy of Scarlet. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don’t receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I got a copy of this book to review through NetGalley. I absolutely loved Scarlet and this book was just as wonderful. It was a very enjoyable continuation of the Robin Hood retelling that was started in Scarlet. There will be one more book in this trilogy which is as yet Untitled.---------------------------------------------------------------Spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read Scarlet yet! You have been warned!---------------------------------------------------------------Scarlet’s identity has been revealed and she has been forced to marry Lord Gisborne. Up to this point she has mostly ignored her marriage to Gisborne, but now Prince John is journeying to Nottingham to appoint a new sheriff. Prince John wants to see Scarlet at Gisborne’s side where she belongs. Gisborne dangles a deal in front of Scarlet, he will annul their wedding if Scarlet cooperates until the new Sheriff is appointed. Meanwhile the people of Nottingham are hopeful that the new Sheriff will be their very own Robin Hood.This is a fast-paced book full of intrigue, adventure, and danger. I really loved it. Scarlet is forced to play the part of a lady and wife to the cruel Gisborne. We get to know Gisborne a lot better in this book and learn what drives him, it made him a more sympathetic character. We also get to meet Prince John. However the most interesting addition to the story is Prince John’s mother who reveals some interesting things about Scarlet’s past. Allen of Dale joins the story too and adds some fun.The romance between Robin and Scarlet is just as wonderful as it was in the first book, if not even sweeter. Scarlet’s forced marriage to Gisborne and Robin’s struggle with his nightmares puts a lot of strain on their relationship. They obviously love each other and watching them struggle against great odds to make that work is very engaging. What makes their relationship special is that they know each others weaknesses and faults and accept them.Many of the side characters have side stories of their own as well. Little John has a romance going on with one of the village girls. Much has grown a lot as a character and has an excellent side story as well. Additionally this book includes the famous archery scene between Robin and Gisborne.There is a lot of intrigue in this book as we try to figure out what drives all of these characters, especially the evil ones. Poor Scarlet and Robin are both abused grievously throughout. In fact many of the characters suffer grievous wrongs and numerous wounds, this is not a book that coddles its characters. This book is incredibly engaging and takes the reader through a number of emotions from hope to despair. There is some snide humor throughout as well which helps to lighten things.The writing style is beautiful and engaging. Things are left at quite a cliffhanger at the end of this book which left me dying to read the next one.Overall a wonderfully done historical fantasy with lots of intrigue, action, and romance. I really enjoyed this retelling of Robin Hood. I think if you loved Scarlet you will love this book as well. It is a beautifully written story, with engaging characters. I am dying to find out what happens in the third book.
Book preview
Lady Thief - A. C. Gaughen
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CHAPTER
ONE
The fire breathed, the dying embers flaring and cooling in a hot pulse. I watched the cold black creep over the orange. The fire were going out.
The cold never worried me overmuch. We slept in the warming room of the monastery, and with plenty of blankets and a well-tended fire, a body never got too cold. I could see Much’s head curled over his knees, his body in a ball nearest to the fire. His arm that were missing a hand were tucked in tight, like he were trying to protect the thing that had been taken from him so long ago. John sprawled out farthest away from the fire, laid flat on his back like he’d fallen down drunk. None of the fights, the battles, the trials ever seemed to pierce through him and leave holes behind like they did the rest of us.
A bare foot away, Rob lay nearest me. Always near, always far. He slept on his stomach now, and he never used to. It weren’t many months since the now-dead sheriff had tortured him, laying him on a board fitted with spikes until they pressed through his flesh and tore. The holes on his back had been slow to heal, and the pains and infections they caused went so much deeper than his skin.
The embers went black, and then edges of gray started to emerge, and the light shrank full out of the room.
I never knew when it would happen. But it would happen. Few nights since the snows had forced us into the monastery were restful.
The noises came first—soft swishes. Thumps. Low gasps. I shut my eyes against it.
At the first yell, I sat up, moving close. My heart were too big in my chest, tight and hot and painful, and I felt water push behind my eyes. Rob,
I whispered, scared to touch him.
He yelled loud.
Pressing my lips hard together, sucking back my fear, I touched his head, stroking his hair, wishing each touch of my fingers could weave peace into him, like a spell.
His big shoulders eased, and he took a breath, still slumbering.
My chest didn’t feel as tight but the tears weren’t far gone, and I lay down beside him, still threading my fingers in his sand-gold hair. I pushed my head against his.
Breath and sleep came easier both, and my eyes started to slip down. I let them, unafraid. To night wouldn’t be one of the bad nights.
I weren’t sure if it were half a breath or most of an hour later, but I woke as Rob shoved me off him, hard. I rolled on the stone, and a moment later he were on top of me, his hands wrapped around my throat.
I couldn’t see him in the dark. I couldn’t see his ocean eyes, and it were too close to my every nightmare of Gisbourne. I clawed at his hands and tried to yell but it came out a cough.
Robin!
John roared, and I could bare see his steel-roped arm come round Rob’s neck, hauling him off. Rob’s hands pulled me up till he let go, and I fell to the ground. The room filled with light as Much flared a candle, his face fair white even in the yellow glow.
Tears ran slick on my face, and I pushed them off fair quick before Rob could catch it.
Rob slumped against the wall, his chest heaving with breath, his hands pressed against his face. John stood above him, keeping him from me.
I scrabbled over on my knees, going round John and kneeling between Rob’s spread legs. "Scarlet," John grunted at me.
I paid him no mind as I pushed Rob’s hands off his face. He were flushed, his eyes wild. You . . . ,
he whispered, clutching my sides, squeezing me so tight it pinched. His head fell on my chest, and he were breathing into the space between us like it were the only bit with air.
Much,
I said, turning a little. Him and John were just standing, frozen, watching. Not one of us knew what to do for Rob. Give me the candle. You lot can go back to sleep.
Much did, even as John stood still.
Rob lifted his head, still touching me. I’m all right,
he said to John, his voice rough. I won’t . . . I’m not a danger to her.
His fingers dug into my skin, and it felt like he were trying to crush me, make me shatter under his hands like an eggshell. A breath later, his fingers went gentle.
John nodded slow and wary, looking at me and turning back to his bedroll. It weren’t a full moment after that Rob’s hands uncurled from my skin and fell from me.
I stayed still, something stuck in my pipes that I couldn’t swallow down. He weren’t breathing as hard, and I reckoned that must have been a fair good sign.
His hands caught my hips again, but he didn’t pull me near like I thought he might. He pushed, gentle, moving me away from him.
He stood, and without a word, he went to the door. He swung it open and the rush of cold air were like a slap.
John looked at me, but I just shoved into my boots and grabbed up an armful of Rob’s things before going outside.
Rob were striding down the cloisters, and I ran to catch up with him.
I threw his boots down at his bare feet. Don’t run away from me,
I snapped.
Don’t?
he growled. He bent over and shoved one boot vengeful on his foot. I could have killed you, Scar!
he yelled. He put the other boot on and stayed bent over, crouching down low. I could have killed you,
he said again.
I sat on the snow-dusted stone, stretching my legs out and leaning against one of the stone pillars of the archway. You didn’t,
I said, handing him a cloak. He stared at it. Put it on. Anger may feel warm but it ain’t going to keep you from falling sick again.
Rob’s jaw rolled with muscle. "I didn’t fall sick, he snarled, swinging the cloak round his shoulders and sitting on the ground across from me.
I was laid on a board with spikes on it, and I felt it as each one pushed through my skin. And those gaping holes didn’t quite heal right, did they?"
My knuckles were rubbing over my cheek before I knew what I were about. He weren’t the only one that Gisbourne and the sheriff had left marks on. The new scar I’d gotten for marrying Gisbourne to save Rob’s life were harder than the last, like something were stuck deep inside it. It were longer too. They never do.
He let a moment pass. I don’t want you out here.
Yes, you do.
You need sleep.
I just huffed at that.
You’ll freeze,
he said.
I like the cold,
I said, tucking my cloak tighter around me anyway. He opened his mouth to try and shake me off again, so I asked the one thing I knew would hush him. What do you dream of, Rob?
He glared at me, but his eyes fluttered shut and he shook his head.
I rested my leg against his. He breathed a deep sigh, but his leg eased into mine.
We didn’t talk more. We stayed quiet and wakeful in the cloisters till we were half-froze, until the sun came up and the monks walked their silent ways and I wondered if God were making Rob pay for his sins or just my own.
CHAPTER
TWO
John kicked my boot, and I jerked. It weren’t like I’d been sleeping, just tucked inside a half-frozen stillness that had settled down on my skin. Rob kicked him back for it, and John stepped free. You really want to take me on, Rob?
he asked. John were smiling, but he were standing between me and Rob again.
Not at the moment,
Rob allowed, standing and pulling me up, going round John to do it. He held me a moment, his hands on my arms, his face glowing heat onto mine.
John looked over his shoulder at us.
Don’t want to be late,
Much said.
Rob let me go and I glared at Much. It weren’t like me and Rob had more than our share of soft moments.
What?
Much asked me, but I shook my head. The boy had less sense than a wooden post sometimes.
Rob led the way, and I followed behind him, with Much behind me and John at the flank. The winter forest were different for us; the snow covered the ground and made everything in the forest a lie, a trick. Holes were covered over, once-strong branches were brittle and weak. Everything looked beautiful and clear, like the world were at peace, but what it really meant was not a thing could live upon its frightful cold.
Not even me, and I were a creature meant for no warmth, no sun, no light. The winter forest wouldn’t hide me in its branches, weren’t strong enough for me to run along the trees, and it made me stand out against its snow.
My forest had turned on me.
The closer we got to Edwinstowe, the more the thing turned into a dance. In the winter forest, you could see farther than were fair good for a thief or her friends, so each step forward were a step to the side, stepping close to a tree to blend dark clothes to dark wood.
On the edge of Edwinstowe, the others stayed against the trees while I moved forward. I were still the best at this part, moving silent and unseen through a place. I taught the others what I could, but there weren’t no teaching the shadows to welcome you in.
I stole through the rough rows of houses to the well in the center of town. I waited on the side of the nearest house, listening.
Their heavy footfalls were loud enough to announce them from far off. The knights strode through the town, the lane empty but for them. The villagers had learned to stay well below their notice; the knights were wont to take what ever they pleased.
I heard a door open in the quiet, and the footfalls stopped. Sirs,
said a breathlike voice, so oversoft I couldn’t tell who spoke.
Miss,
the two returned.
Why, I was just headed to the well for some water,
the voice purred out.
Allow us to help.
Quick moments passed before the two knights appeared, one holding a pail and the other holding the arm of Agatha Morgan, Mistress Morgan’s redheaded eldest child. The first knight hooked the pail onto the rope and set to lowering it while Aggie leaned back against the well, batting her pretty lashes up at the second knight.
How do the menfolk fare?
she asked sweet. My father is one of the men rebuilding the wall.
Is he?
the knight asked. I’ll ask for him and bring you news. The reconstruction goes well, and since we’ve come to town the vagabonds responsible for the destruction of the castle haven’t shown their faces.
Good thing,
the first knight responded, heaving back to pull up the full pail. We’d show them what a few good English knights can do to lawless rebels.
Is it true the king himself ordered you to come look after us?
she asked.
King’s away,
the first knight reminded her. He weren’t quite noticing her game.
The second knight knew what she were about, and she arched her back from the well. He grinned. The prince sent us. The castle, the wood, and the whole county falls back to his care without a sheriff. And we promised to take very good care of it in his absence.
He stepped closer to Aggie, looking shameless at her chest as she smiled at him. Have you good ladies missed having your men about?
he asked.
It were meant to sound saucy, I’m sure, but it were all I could do not to spit. Honestly, all the knights were pigs and Aggie were a damn fool. Not many women in Nottinghamshire—specially the married ones without their husbands—had slept peaceful and safe with their men forced to work for the Crown. And Aggie may have giggled when he touched her, running his hand up her arm, but I stepped forward.
Morning, Aggie,
I called. Sirs.
Aggie’s face dropped, and her body fell back against the well. She crossed her arms. Imagine meeting you here.
The second knight took in Aggie’s change and turned back to me, sauntering closer. Why aren’t you at the wall, lad? All able-bodied men were called—even small, rather flimsy-looking ones.
Oh, for Heaven’s sake, she’s a girl in pants.
Aggie pouted.
The knight took new interest in me, looking me over. Well I suppose that’s lucky. Look, one for each of us. I’ll even let you have the pretty one.
Aggie looked wounded as the first knight put the pail down.
Don’t put your hands on her,
I warned him.
The second knight grinned. Jealous? I’ll keep you busy, pet. Though it looks like you’ve already had a man’s hands on you.
His eyes hooked on my neck.
I put my hand over it, swallowing under the pain. I knew it were swollen, but it must have bruised up overnight.
I’m right glad Rob finally taught you a lesson,
Aggie told me with a sniff. That’s what you get for being so meddlesome.
The mood changed quick, and the first knight grabbed Aggie’s arm. Rob?
he asked. Robin Hood?
The vagabond?
the second knight said, and took quick steps toward me. I stepped to the side.
Aggie had the sense to be sorry, even if it were late and little at that. N-no,
Aggie lied quick. Her husband. Robert of Gisbourne.
"Lord Gisbourne," I snapped, and the knight halted his advance.
The knight laughed. There’s no way in hell you’re Lady Leaford.
His fellow coughed, though, and the second knight looked back to see the first one leaving Aggie be. We should go.
She isn’t Lady Leaford!
the second said.
"Didn’t you hear any of the stories?" the first knight muttered to him. He shook his head and prodded his fellow farther down the lane.
As the knights disappeared, Aggie stomped her foot and turned on me. I frowned at her, going to the well and tying a scarlet ribbon to the hook. How could you?
she snapped. How am I ever supposed to get a husband with you interfering?
Go home, Aggie,
John said, coming from behind a house with the others. Or I’ll tell your father what you’re angling for.
She crossed her arms. Oh, I’ll tell him what you angled from me right back, John Little.
John frowned at her like he were losing patience. "Yes, Aggie, I’m sure you’re eager to tell your father that."
Go,
Rob told her, bare glancing her way. And don’t speak to Scar like that again, Agatha.
I didn’t mean to let it slip—
she started.
No,
he said sharp. You meant to be cruel to the girl who saved your father’s life. Who fed you when you were hungry. That’s what you meant. Go home, Agatha.
She turned heel and left, and Rob came close to me and let his fingers brush over mine. My heart caught the sunlight and tried to tuck it in so close I felt near to bursting. I beamed at him, remembering again—he loves me.
He gave me a soft, small smile, but it blew off like smoke when his eyes dropped to my neck.
Rob turned from me, my fingers going cold where they had been warm, and I pulled my collar up tight against the bruises.
Come on,
Rob told us, and we continued on to Lord Thoresby’s manor.
Thoresby’s loyal guards let us pass unbothered, and we went to the barn. It were warmer in there, full of animals and horses and wide-open space in the middle. There were three little people waiting for us.
Jack and Will Clarke came over to us, trailed by the littlest Morgan girl, Missy. She came and stood beside me, quiet, in a way that always made me want to tuck her under my coat. Jack went over to Rob and started yapping at him, and Will drifted slow to me.
Hullo, Scarlet,
he said.
Morning, Will.
His cheeks threw up a red flame, and he looked at me and then away. His small chest puffed with breath and he looked at me again, his face turning angry and sour. Did someone hurt you?
he demanded, his voice loud. Was it a knight? I’ll kill him! I’m a much better shot now!
At twelve, he weren’t much shorter than me, but I felt a need to kneel down. No, no,
I told him quick. My coat snagged on a tree and yanked me back, that were all.
I saw Rob turn away from me at the lie. Besides, who would hurt me when you’re around to protect me?
He looked at me, very solemn, and said, I’ll cut down the tree if you show me which one. And if it’s not too tall.
Trying to swallow my smile, I shook my head. We can let the tree live.
The barn door opened, and a few more of the children and women from the town came in. Will went to his brother, and Rob slipped up beside me.
I hate to make you lie,
he whispered, his breath rushing over my ear and making shivers trickle down my spine like water.
I shrugged. I’m a liar. Besides, he wouldn’t understand.
"Are we supposed to understand? John asked, glaring at Rob and not looking at me.
Because I don’t."
Shut it, John,
I told him with a frown.
Will definitely wouldn’t. All he’d understand is someone that claims to love Scarlet is hurting her. He’d probably kill you, Rob,
John said, coming close. Or happily die trying. I think the young man has a crush on Scar.
You would know what that looks like, wouldn’t you, John?
Rob asked, his voice iron hard.
Rob!
I snapped.
But John just chuckled. Well, who could blame me. I mean, you’re the love of her life, but I’m the one who knows what her kiss tastes like, right?
The boys were glaring at each other, not paying a lick of mind to me. Which were fair fine with me, for John didn’t see it coming when I kneed him in the bits. He didn’t fall, but he howled and twisted away from me.
What the damn hell, Scar!
he roared.
"You are my friend, John Little, you do not wag your chin about any bit of me like that, I snapped. I whirled around. I wanted to slap Rob, but I didn’t.
And you. John’s trying to protect me from your dreams, your nightmares, something none of us fair well understand, so don’t bait him like that. It’s cruel and you know it."
He swallowed, and he looked at me, his face open and worn. I am cruel, Scar,
he said, like it were a confession. His eyes fell to my neck, and he shook his head. Come,
he called loud, his voice rougher. He stepped away from me. Let’s practice with the bows. John, are you well enough to help?
John coughed and nodded to him. My heart twisted like a scrap of cloth, and I took the stairs two at a time to the hayloft. I sat on the edge, watching as the nine children and two women what had come lined up to listen to Rob teach them to defend themselves, and their homes, and their families.
Much came and sat beside me with a sigh.
You have to know, with John—
I know,
I said. I know better than you think.
He just wants to protect you.
I know he does. And I’ll always love him for it and many more reasons. But he and Rob are so awful to each other sometimes.
Much gave a soft noise, and I turned and took in his sad and mournful face. He saw me looking and shrugged. They may be awful to each other, but only because they know they’re brothers. And brothers can fight.
He paused a long stretch. They don’t fight with me,
he said.
We’re all family,
I told him. They just think of you like the baby.
He frowned. I’m not a baby. I’ve grown a few inches, I think.
I know.
He scowled. You know?
I laughed. All your pants are short.
Scarlet?
I turned and looked to the stair where Missy Morgan stood, hanging back. She were as pretty as milk and sun, more short and quiet than her two sisters, but she were the jewel amongst them. She crowded the rail, her shoulders sunk in.
I don’t want to learn the bow so much. Can we practice more with the knives?
she asked.
Nodding, I stood from the ledge and pulled Much up with me. Looking at her, making herself small even in this place where she knew there weren’t nothing to fear, my breath caught. I reckon so. Much, will you run and snatch a few?
He looked at my vest where I had at least three, but I met his eyes full and he nodded. He went past Missy, touching her arm a little, and she raised her eyes to him and held her breath till he passed.
Were Missy sweet on Much? That would be a match to be sure—though I weren’t the sort to know if a love could survive with so much shy and kind in it.
I waved her closer, and she drifted up to me. Did something happen, Missy?
I asked her.
A wash of color went all over her face, splotches of pink and red like fast-blooming roses. Y-yes,
she said. Sort of. I was at market, and a man, he put his arms on my waist and he said something—something awful,
she said, her gaze falling to the wooden floor and her hands shaking.
Oh—
I started, but she weren’t finished.
And I did what you said. I stepped on his foot, and I hit him with my elbow,
she said, wrapping her arms tight round herself. And he let me go, and I ran. But I think I’d feel better with a knife.
My heart filled up hard and fast, bits of happiness spilling over the edges and slopping around inside my chest. Most nights it felt like God himself were punishing me, but seeing a girl protect herself instead of asking someone to do it for her felt like some kind of redemption. Then we’ll get you a knife,
I told her.
It were late in the afternoon when Thoresby came in, two servants with him carrying food for the children. He nodded to us and came closer, leaving the children—and John, the big hungry thing—to descend