Chapter 10

Loyalty to a King only goes one way

James strode toward Robin who was standing guard on the camp's east side. "Robin, a man is coming to relieve you. King Richard wants all of us in his tent as soon as possible; something about Salahadin's disappearance and his plans to exploit it to our advantage."

Robin shook his head. Noor had been right, King Richard was sure Salahadin was planning something. Robin had tried over the past two days to tell him that his "kitchen girl" - as King Richard called her – had told him Salahadin was going to Medina for religious festivities and not as an act of war. Hopefully soon the King would believe him.

When Robin reached King Richard's tent he removed his bow and the sword Noor had given him. It was incredibly light and unlike anything he had ever used before and he had grown quite accustomed to it. Upon entering the tent, Robin kneeled before King Richard. "Milord you wished to see me?"

"Yes, Robin, sit down over here with the rest of us." Surveying the room King Richard saw Robin in front of him, Much, James and several of his other captains. "It seems that the maid you have been seducing was correct Robin, Salahadin has gone toward Medina for the religious festivals. She was also correct that he would leave that beautiful new wife of his behind."

"I cannot for a moment fathom what possessed him to leave her behind. If it were me I wouldn't allow her leave my sight. Regardless, it appears that he is displeased with her and has left her behind." The men all nodded in unison at King Richard.

"Apparently Queen Noor is displeased with him as well. She has invited me to a private supper to," with this King Richard raised his eyebrows, "reemphasis Salahadin's promises of peace and friendship. You know what they say lads; there's no greater revenge than from a woman scorned."

Robin turned red around the ears and blood filled his gaze. King Richard could not be suggesting what Robin thought he was suggesting! He wouldn't dare attempt to seduce Noor during peace negotiations. If Salahadin found out he would personally kill King Richard! If he didn't, Robin just might!

James of Essex interrupted. "Sir could you be a little clearer about what you're suggesting. It would seem to me that you are telling us you intend to seduce Queen Noor while her husband is gone. Sir I am sure I am mistaken though." James prayed he was mistaken. If Richard failed and she told Salahadin they would all die; if he succeeded it would take all he and Much could do to prevent Robin from killing him.

"No, no, James as usual you've seen to the heart of my plan. In two nights time I will enjoy a private supper with the lady Noor in her apartments and as a sign of good faith will only bring three guards. That would be you, James, along with Robin and Much. So in two night's time make sure you all are clean and presentable so that you can guard your king as I go courting the lady Noor.

Robin's blood was boiling and the only thing preventing him from an unwise move was Much's restraining hand on his arm. Robin cleared his throat. "Sir, I truly believe that this is a bad idea. If Queen Noor were to reject you and tell Salahadin it would plunge us back into a nonnegotiable war."

King Richard stood and laughed. Patting Robin on the back Richard smiled. "Oh, Robin, I forget how young you are. Seduce is simply the politest word I could think of. Queen Noor can come to my bed willingly and if not – there are always other ways. Besides, regardless of how she gets there Salahadin will behead her if he finds out. So it would be in her best interest to keep quiet." With these words King Richard walked out of the tent and outside to review his troops.

Much and James restrained Robin for a few moments until he had regained calm. "Master, what do you want us to do?" Much asked Robin concerned. He had never seen his master in such a bloodlust before.

"Horses, Much, now. I am going to see Noor and end this scheme once and for all." Robin said tersely. "James, are you coming?"

"Um, yeah sure Robin. I think you should calm down some more before you talk to Noor though." James could understand exactly why Robin was so upset. If King Richard would have suggested a similar idea with his Emma he would have wanted to kill him too.