Chapter 38
Life After Death
Noor woke two days later and stared at the wooden ceiling above her. The sun shown brightly in the room and for just a second Noor pretending that she was home in Alexandria and her mother would be coming to wake her to go into the market. Stretching languidly she rolled onto her side and away from the window.
What met her eyes was surprising. In the chair next to the bed, Robin sat dozing with Abdullah in his lap. As she stared at them two pair of identical blue eyes fixed on her. Abdullah gurgled at his mother and Robin smiled with a look of exhaustion. "You're awake."
"So it would seem, although I didn't expect to find you here when I did." Noor responded to Robin with a smile.
Returning her smile Robin shrugged. "Well I couldn't go letting you have all the fun. Now as soon as you're ready we have some business to attend to."
"Business?" Noor looked at Robin perplexed. Had he taken her hostage again?
"Mmmhmm. Come on, out of bed." Robin yanked the covers off of her and Noor rose suspiciously to her feet. "Before we go, I believe someone has a gift for you. He's given me plenty in the past two days so I think this one is all yours."
Noor smiled at Robin. Why was it men hated diapering babies so much? It wasn't like it was that big of deal. Wrapping a fresh diaper around Abdullah she placed him on her hip and turned to face Robin. "Well are we going or aren't we?" There was no point waiting.
Turning Robin left the room with Noor following him. In the main hall they found the rest of Robin's gang sitting nervously. Robin had assured them that Noor was only asleep but who could be sure? As they saw the Princess enter the room, each of them breathed a sigh of relief and Much began to silently cry. No one had realized just how much he had cared about Noor.
Robin cleared his throat. "As everyone can guess we are in a very dangerous situation here. Sir Edward has pardoned each of you and me as well. What he cannot pardon is that I have knowingly committed treason against my king. Each of you is innocent but I am not and for that if I remain in England my life is forfeit.
I ask each of you to go home now. Return to your lives, you deserve at least that for your sacrifice to me. Much, I promised you the Lodge at Bonchurch a very long time ago. Go, find Eve and make the life you deserve. You have been the dearest friend a man can ask for and I give you your freedom.
Allan, your actions helped lead all of us here. You and Djaq have given up your lives and your homes. In return I give you mine. You are lord and lady of Locksley now, be wise and treat its people well. They deserve peace and prosperity and it is your job to give it to them.
Djaq, Noor's pets are conspicuous and we can't take them with us. I haven't asked her but perhaps she will allow you to watch them for her?" With these words he looked wordlessly at Noor. He hadn't asked her opinion in any of this yet. She was staring at him in silence.