Lion Heart Read Free Page A

grunted, touching the wound.
    Allan shrugged. “I don’t have a very strong punch.”
    David glared at him, crossing his arms. He looked around. “My lady, we should get you off this road if you hope to remain dead.”
    â€œYou’re
trying
to be dead?” Allan asked, frowning. “I don’t understand.”
    â€œBetter dead than murdered,” I told him. “We need to get to the queen mother. Can you help us get to London?” I asked.

    Allan puffed a little. “Of course I can. But I rather think we could move a little faster if you’re alive. If he looks a little less like a knight.”
    â€œFine,” I told him. “Then I need to wash. Have you lot seen a river or well or anything?” I asked.
    â€œA river about a mile back,” David said.
    I nodded. “Can you two find clothes and food, and I’ll meet you?”
    â€œI 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.
    â€œThen I’ll get you to the queen,” he promised.
    â€œWe 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.
    â€œWe’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.
    â€œWho goes there?” called a man from the guardroom.
    â€œWe’re knights in the queen’s service,” David called. “And this boy is under her protection. We’re headed to Westminster.”
    â€œYou best go round the city,” he called.
    David frowned. “That’s not possible. Why would we avoid the city?”
    â€œThere have been riots,” the guard said. “Closer to the White Tower and the river.”
    â€œNot here, then,” David said.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œThen let us pass. We don’t have time