Page 68 of Ladybird

“Yes,” said the boy sadly. “He is the only family I have.”

“We will discuss this later, boys.” Hunter looked over to Robin. “I need to speak with Lord Robin about a few things right now.”

“I want to go see my birds,” said Regina. “I cannot wait.”

“Nay. You are going nowhere until I say so,” Sage scolded. “You are my patient now and you will stay right here in bed to heal until I tell you otherwise.”

“Your birds will be fine, Regina.” Hunter picked up her hand and kissed it. “Roger will take good care of them. Plus, I will sleep in the mews each night to watch over them. You will be back to flying and training them soon, I promise.”

“Thank you, Hunter. I will feel at ease now.” Regina looked up and smiled, so happy to have not only a man in her life to love, but also the return of Lightning and the safety of all her birds. “Thank you, everyone.”

“There is no need for you to sleep in the mews, thief-taker.” Robin told Hunter. “I will post a guard or two outside the door at night. Now, come to my solar. I will pay you our agreed upon fee and then you and the boy are free to go.”

“To go? Hunter, didn’t you tell him?” Regina looked up at him, thinking he looked insecure all of a sudden.

“Tell me what?” asked Robin.

“Lord Robin, I am in love with your sister and I have asked her to marry me,” Hunter said with the greatest of ease.

“You what?” Robin was shocked to say the least.

“You heard him,” Regina broke in. “We are in love and want to be married as soon as possible.”

“Oh, that is wonderful,” gushed Sage. “I am so happy for you both. Congratulations.”

“Hunter, I think we need to talk. Meet me in my solar in an hour.” Robin turned and walked out the door.

Regina’s heart fell in her chest. Why was her brother giving her such a hard time? And why did he want to talk to Hunter? This worried her to no end.

“Hunter, I’m coming with you when you speak with my brother,” said Regina. “I won’t let you face him alone.”

“Nay, Regina, it’s all right,” Hunter assured her. “It is something I have to do by myself. If not, I’ll never be able to face my inner demons. You stay here and heal.”

“Yes, you’re right,” Regina agreed. “Although something tells me that you’ve already rid yourself of those nasty voices in your head.”

Hunter knocked on Robin’s door an hour later, feeling anxious and extremely on edge. Was the man going to object to him marrying Regina? If so, he’d fight tooth and nail to make her his wife. He paused for a second, taking a moment to organize his thoughts.

That’s when he realized the voice of his departed sister was no longer taunting him, making him feel less than worthy. Regina’s love is what made that disappear. Regina believed in him and helped him see that true love can make any hate, doubt or feelings of worthlessness diminish.

He raised his fist and knocked, feeling sure of himself. He could face Lord Robin easily now and fight for the woman he loved. Hunter was sure of it.

“Enter,” came Robin’s voice from within.

Hunter opened the door and stepped inside. And stopped dead in his tracks. It was not only Robin in the room, but also Madoc, Regina’s father. His confidence wavered. Hunter half-expected the taunting voice of his sister to return right now, but was glad when it didn’t come. Still, he wasn’t at all so sure of himself anymore. Sweat beaded on his brow when it wasn’t even a hot day.

“Thief-taker, come in and close the door.” Madoc cradled a goblet in his hands. “My son tells me there is something we need to discuss.”

“Lord Madoc. I didn’t expect you to be here.” Hunter slowly entered the room and closed the door behind him.

“Robin sent a pigeon with a missive to tell me Regina was hurt and that the thief was caught. There are still things to be done regarding the death of my father-by-marriage, but just the same, I came right away. I’ve just arrived at the castle and haven’t even had time to see my daughter yet.”

“Regina will be fine, my lord,” said Hunter with a bow of his head. “Lady Sage’s expert ministrations have seen to that. Regina has now awoken after two days of being unconscious.”

“Good, good. Then I suppose there is no need to call for my wife at this time.” Madoc walked closer to Hunter. “Robin tells me you are to thank for catching the thieves and also for saving my daughter.”

“All in a day’s work, my lord,” Hunter answered.

“I am grateful for your skills, Thief-taker. I knew you’d be the perfect one for this job,” Madoc continued. “Your father has trained you well.”