Page 177

I crossed the room and sat on the edge of the desk. Directly on his figures.

He looked up. "Robin."

"Have you decided?"

"About Nottingham?"

“Yes, about Nottingham."

He set his pen aside. "I'm going to accept."

I let out a breath. "Good."

"Provided the Crown agrees to certain conditions."

"Of course." I leaned closer. "Such as?"

"First, I want the sheriff's office answerable to the King's Bench rather than whichever nobleman happens to own the largest house in the county."

I nodded.

"Second, I want every appointment Fitzwalter made within the garrison reviewed by someone independent of my office."

"Reasonable."

"And third, Hugh Reyner will serve as my senior deputy, with the authority to act in my name and in his own."

I smiled. "He deserves it."

"He should've had that authority two years ago."

"Do you think they'll agree?"

"To most of it."

Guy leaned back. "And I'll continue asking for whatever they refuse."

I laughed. "Naturally."

He turned his hand over on the desk. "There's one more condition."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Go on."

"Enough time away from Nottingham to spend with my mate."

I smiled. "That sounds terribly inconvenient for the Crown."

"The Crown will manage."

"Will it?"

"Locksley is eleven miles from Nottingham. I've ridden the distance in less than two hours, even in poor weather."

I slid from the desk. He turned his chair toward me, and I stepped between his knees. He rested his hands on my waist.

I wrapped my arms around his neck.