“I won’t leave you alone, my lady,” David said. “He can go where he wishes, but I’ll come with you.”
I were still weak, and God knew there were more dangers for us to face, so I didn’t fight him. He came with me and waited a ways from the river while I stepped into the ice cold, rubbing blood and dirt from my skin. It snaked away from my body in muddy swirls in the clear water.
And then it were gone, and the river were clear, like such filth had never truly been.
CHAPTER
Allan did well. He got fresh clothes to dress me as a boy and traded the cart for two more horses. He’d procured food somehow, and David and I swallowed oranges and roasted cauliflower, salted pork, and fresh bread.
Allan watched me. “Are you sure we shouldn’t be going to Nottingham, my lady?” he asked.
I shook my head. “I have to see the queen first, Allan. Then—” At the thought of Rob, his eyes wrapping me up and tugging me in, a thrill shot through my heart so hard it hurt. I pressed my hand there, and Allan nodded sharp.
“Then I’ll get you to the queen,” he promised.
“We should go,” David said. “We’ll make London after nightfall as it is.”
I nodded. “All right. Let’s go.”
It weren’t long past midnight when we came upon the city; we’d heard bells on our way, chasing our horses with their low, dark sound, but the hours riding felt like years. It ached everywhere until every move felt like a blow. Seeing the queen—telling her what I’d heard—were the only thing that made me grip the saddle tighter.
Even when we made the city, I knew we had a while to go. Westminster Palace were farther along the Thames, away from the dirt and grime of London proper, and we had to make our way through London first.
I shut my eyes for a moment and near fell off my horse, clutching the saddle with shaking arms.
“We’ll be at the palace soon, my lady,” David promised me.
I drew a breath. Palace. Royals. “Christ—I didn’t even think—Prince John will be there,” I realized.
He shook his head. “No, my lady. The prince said he was riding north.”
A sigh chased out of me, and it seemed to take more of my strength with it. I nodded.
We slowed at the sight of Newgate, the tall city wall that had been made into a prison under Henry’s rule. It were fast becoming legend I’d been a thief, but I’d never ended up there myself.
“Who goes there?” called a man from the guardroom.
“We’re knights in the queen’s service,” David called. “And this boy is under her protection. We’re headed to Westminster.”
“You best go round the city,” he called.
David frowned. “That’s not possible. Why would we avoid the city?”
“There have been riots,” the guard said. “Closer to the White Tower and the river.”
“Not here, then,” David said.
“No.”
“Then let us pass. We don’t have time to spare,” he said.
“Eh,” the man grunted. “It’s your necks.”
I looked at David as the gate were raised slow.
“A knight,” Allan muttered. “As if I would ever be a knight. I’m far too handsome to be a knight.”
“Shut. Up,” David ground out. “If your mouth endangers my lady, I will extract it.”
“Always so angry.” Allan sighed.
They let us pass through and lowered the gate behind us.
The road were dark and empty, but every hair on my neck stood on end.
“Not far now, my lady,” David told me.
“Let’s hope it’s not the worst of the ride,” I returned.
We made our way toward the Strand, the road that led out to Westminster Palace. We’d bare made the road when a noise started to rise behind us.
We turned round, and I could see the glow of orange light seeping through the streets.
I frowned at David, and he looked grim. “Stay close to me, my lady.”
“Something’s happening,” I told him.
“Then we should hurry,” he insisted.
I nodded, spurring my horse.
Our horses started to gallop down the lane, and the crowd finally showed themselves from between the buildings. I looked back as they pushed into the lane. We were far enough ahead, and faster besides, that I didn’t need to worry.
Looking forward, I tightened my thighs on the horse, and they shook in response. My whole body trembled and shivered, too tired and weak by half. But after months in a prison, locked in a box and brought to my knees, I were free, and I weren’t letting my own weakness stop me.
The road turned, and I thundered round the bend. It weren’t long until I saw the tall turrets of Westminster Palace in front of us. I stared at the flags, trying to see well enough to make sure the prince’s flag weren’t up there.
My head snapped forward when I heard David roar, “My lady! ”
He and Allan were stopped; there were a wall of guards with swords drawn, guarding the palace from the rioters. I pulled sharp on the reins, looking behind me to the growing noise of the crowd.