Cursed by Bandits (Once Upon A Curse)

23. Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three

T he first light of day made its way through my window to shine directly in my eyes. Most days, I would have thrown the covers over my head, buried myself under the inordinate number of pillows around me, and ignored the fact that people were waking up and starting their day. At the very least, I would have pulled the bed curtains tight in an effort to block out the offending light. Instead of doing any part of my normal morning routine, I sat up and threw off the covers. Today was the first day of the tournament and I had been awake for hours, potentially all night, nervous about what the day would bring .

I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake the snoring body sleeping next to me. Jane had stayed the night with me in her attempt to calm my nerves. It had been fun giggling late into the night like we had at the nunnery. Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep my mind from running every single scenario that could possibly happen during the tournament over and over again. She didn’t need to know that I had been unable to sleep, which was why I was trying to get ready as quietly as possible.

My heart’s pounding echoed in my ears as I wrapped the binding around me to flatten my chest, wincing at the discomfort it caused. Erin insisted I use it, but I didn’t think it was necessary because my chest was practically flat anyway. But it was better to take every precaution. I would hate to have skipped this one step and it to be the reason I’m discovered.

Once I was done with that bit of unpleasantness, I stepped into a pair of pants that did nothing to flatter my curves. It was intentional, but that didn’t stop me from making a face in the mirror. The pants were so large at the waist I had to use a rope as a belt to hold them in place.

The tunic was even worse. They hung from my frame, disguising every part of my body that identified me as female .

The last thing I had to do was hide my hair. I tucked it into a cap and secured it with pins to keep any stray strands from escaping, giving my identity away.

I looked at myself in the mirror and adjusted my stance in an attempt to mimic Milo and Connor. They both stood and moved differently. I felt like I was trying on different personas and none fit quite right. So I kept trying different stances until I found something that I could maintain and I didn’t think would have anyone questioning my identity. I practiced a few phrases, deepening my voice until it sounded almost natural. It wasn’t perfect, but it was the best the transformation was going to get.

Grabbing my boots, I snuck out of the room. Once in the hallway, I quickly pulled them on and made my way to the stables. I needed a horse for today and it couldn’t be Artie.

The stable boy, Thomas, stared at me as I approached.

He squinted as if he was trying to bring something into focus that wasn’t quite clear. In response I attempted to make my stride look masculine, only to trip over my own feet. A curse, or two, slipped out before I was able to regain my balance and composure.

“Lady Rowan?” he asked, confusion lacing his words.

“It’s Robin today,” I whispered with a wink. It was unfortunate he had recognized me. I hoped he would keep my secret to himself. “I’ll need a fast horse, one that is not recognizable to the laird.”

Thomas nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “As you wish, Master Robin.”

He brought out a chestnut mare; her coat was a rich warm brown in the morning light. I mounted her in one fluid movement and felt a rush of excitement as I took the reins into my hands. This disguise hadn’t passed its first test, but it had to work if I was going to participate in the tournament and avoid all suspicion.

“Thank you, Thomas. She’s lovely.”

He nodded as he waved farewell.

I urged the horse forward, her hooves thudding softly against the ground as we made our way towards Sherewood Forest. It seemed silly to leave the keep only to return, but it was necessary to maintain my disguise. So here I was, riding out as the sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a golden hue over the landscape. The icy cold air of morning filled my lungs as I took a deep breath. Autumn wasn’t going to be around much longer if the current chill in the air was any indication. I shivered as the mare continued along the path, covered in the colorful carpet of fallen leaves.

This was it—the true test of all the planning, plotting, and practicing. Soon I would be in front of my uncle, convincing him I was Master Robin, and not the woman that had sat across from him at dinner for the last few weeks.

I directed the mare through the maze of tents set up by all the competitors, vendors, and different artisans. The area was quiet as it slowly came to life. It was like the entire place was drowsy and rubbing its eyes, trying to wake up. But that shifted as I approached the edge of the town square. The marketplace was bustling with merchants setting up their wares on the street. The aroma of breakfast drifted through town on the breeze, reminding me I needed food before the competition.

I followed my nose and the smell of meaty, smoky goodness. I tied my horse to a post near the public house and made my way into the throng of people sitting around and eating. My eyes scanned the crowd for any familiar faces, but I saw none. I needed to find Milo and the others and make sure our plan was still on track.

But first I needed to eat. Now that I was standing in the room, there was no way I was going to walk out without getting some of the delicious smelling food. I weaved my way through the scattered tables and chairs, most occupied by patrons, concentrating on not swaying my hips as I walked. Everything Jane and Erin had said about how I needed to move ran through my head. It took a moment before my movements smoothed out and my boots striking the wood floor sounded even, and I felt myself slipping into the role I set out to play. I took a seat at an empty table in the corner of the pub.

That’s when I spotted Milo walking into the building. His eyes skimmed over the crowd but didn’t rest on anyone, including me. I hoped this meant he didn’t recognize me in my disguise as Robin. The chair screeched as I pushed away from the table to make my way over to him, careful to keep the timbre of my voice low.

“Milo, it’s me,” I whispered, tugging at his sleeve.

He turned, his gaze going straight over my head before he looked down at me. His eyes widened before a smile broke out across his face. “Row . . . bin! You look—different,” he said as he took in my disguise.

“Do I pass?” My voice wavered as nerves took hold of me.

“I didn’t even recognize you at first. If I wasn’t expecting you to be dressed like this, I’m not sure I would have recognized you at all.” He paused, and his blue eyes clouded with emotion. “I’ve entered the tournament as well. I’ll be there, with you, every step of the way.” He clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Are you ready to go win this thing?”

I nodded slowly at first, my conversation with Connor flashing through my mind, and then worry knotted my stomach. Milo was built, but he’d never been interested in athletics, and as far as I knew, he hadn’t trained. He could get seriously hurt.

“Why?” I couldn’t stop myself from blurting out the question.

He glanced over at me. “To help. I want to be there for you. If you need me.”

It was an answer. I wasn’t sure if it was the entire one, but it was something. I was going to ask something else, but the questions about Milo and the tournament flitted away as I straightened my spine, faking confidence I did not have. “Let’s do this. But first, food.”

Back at the keep, the green was filled with vendors getting their stalls ready for an influx of people excited to see their wares. There were colorful banners that fluttered in the breeze, and the sounds of laughter and music reached my ears, filling me with happiness. The joy I felt coursing through me as I surveyed the field was overwhelming. It was the buzz of excitement from everyone here. As much as I disapproved of the idea behind the tournament—I was not a prize to be won—the event was doing more good for the town than I could on my own.

I pulled the brim of my cap lower, trying to blend in with the growing crowd.

Today my uncle would welcome all the competitors. This afternoon the competition started in earnest.

I meandered through all the stalls, taking in everything around me, the smell of roasting meats and freshly baked bread that wafted through the air and mingled with the scent of flowers from a nearby vendor. If I wasn’t so nervous about the tournament, my mouth would be watering instead, but right now my stomach gurgled with distaste. Near me children ran and played, waving flags in different colors to support their favorite contestants. Their faces were even painted with vibrant colors. The energy was infectious, and despite my reservations about the tournament, I felt the smile on my face, unable to stop it from spreading. I could admit when I was wrong, especially since it didn’t happen very often.

As I continued to wander, slowly making my way towards the grandstand, I spotted Jane examining a delicate necklace with a stone pendant at a jewelry vendor’s stall, her eyes alight with interest. I took a mental note. It could be an excellent way to thank her for all her help, especially the time she had spent with the sheriff .

I approached her, careful to walk in character. “Jane,” I whispered, “it’s me, Rowan.”

She quickly covered her surprise with a wide smile. “Robin, you mean,” she said with a wink. “You look convincing—short, but still convincing.”

“Thank you.” I took in the crowd in an attempt to ensure no one was paying us any extra attention. “Have you seen Milo or the others?”

“Not yet.” She handed a coin to the vendor and tucked the necklace into her pouch. “But they’ll be here. Everyone’s excited about the tournament. Even Tuck couldn’t stop smiling last night and the friar is one grumpy man. It’s too bad the reason behind it is a bit . . . unconventional. Better than being auctioned off, I suppose.”

“Is it, though?” I was on high alert, attempting to watch what everyone was doing near me. “Not that now is a good time to debate if it’s better or worse to be a prize at a tournament or auctioned off to the highest bidder. We need to stay on our guard. If my uncle suspects anything, this will all fall apart.”

Jane grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “Stop being so serious. I know you love a good caper, and this is definitely a caper.”

I thought about Jane’s words as we continued to weave through the crowd, making our way towards the grandstand where my uncle would soon make his appearance. She was right. I needed to let go of the pressure I was feeling and have some fun with what I was doing. Things always seemed to work themselves out when I was doing something I loved. This tournament, competing in it, was something that I would normally love doing. I would see it as a bit of a lark. I was doing this for much more serious reasons, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy myself while doing it.

We finally made our way through the crowd to the grandstand. The dais was decorated with rich tapestries and garlands of pine and berries. It was a stark contrast to the poverty that still plagued Lockersley and a reminder of why I was here that somehow both boosted my confidence and caused me to break out in a nervous sweat.

My eyes darted around the area as the nerves refused to settle. I spotted Milo talking with a group of competitors. His eyes connected with mine and he excused himself from the men he was talking to, then made his way over to us. A grin spread as he looked me over again.

“Robin,” he said, clapping me on the shoulder in that way men always did when they interacted with each other. “You made it. I’m happy to see you don’t look any worse for wear from your travels. Are you ready for this? ”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’m hoping for some easy matches early in the tournament.”

“That would be nice,” Milo said, his expression serious. “Let’s find Tuck and the others. Confirm each of us know where we need to be and when.”

I nodded. We made our way through the throngs of people, finding Tuck, Will, and Erin near a weapons stall. They greeted us with slight nods and tight smiles, and we huddled together to review our strategy.

“Remember,” Tuck said, his voice low, “once the tournament begins, we’ll have a better idea of what we’re up against. Well, what Robin is up against.”

I nodded, wiping my palms down the front of my pants. This was it, the moment we had been preparing for. I rolled my shoulders back, reminding myself of why we were all here. For Lockersley. For my father. For a future without my uncle. Reclaiming what my father wanted to be mine.

We broke apart and moved to our respective positions. As I watched the people around me committed to this, to me, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of hope. Despite the risks, despite the dangers, we had a chance to make a change for the better. And I was determined to see it through, no matter what it took .

With one last glance at my friends, I pulled the brim of my cap lower and melted into the crowd, ready to face my uncle and whatever challenges lie ahead.

Winnie came to a screeching halt in front of me. “Lady Rowan, your uncle . . . He’s looking for you. You’re going to be discovered if you don’t attend the opening ceremonies,” she whispered as she dragged me back to my room.

“How did you know?” It was the only thing I could think of to say.

Winnie’s eyes darted around nervously. “I have my ways. I always listen to anything being said about you. Now hurry, you need to change.”

She shoved me into my room with zero regard for my status, something I appreciated at the moment. I stripped out of my men’s clothes, tripping over myself, my clothes, and my boots. Jane steadied me, stopping me from tumbling to the ground. Winnie must have warned her as well, and now Jane was here with my silver gown, the one she had been working on late into the night.

“Here, put this on,” Jane said, her voice urgent but calm. “We don’t have much time.”

I slipped into the silver gown. I felt the whisper of Jane’s fingers move up my back as she helped me fasten the dress. The shimmering fabric felt heavier than it had earlier, weighed down by the urgency of the situation. If I didn’t get out there in time, I will have failed before I had even started.

“What did Uncle Jonathan say?” I asked as Jane adjusted my crown. The combination of silver and emeralds matched the dress and complemented my hair.

“He’s been asking everyone where you are. He doesn’t think you’re taking the tournament or the opening ceremonies seriously,” Winnie said, her eyes wide with concern.

I took a deep breath and rolled my shoulders back. “Okay, let’s do this.”

Once again, I hurried down the hallway, the sound of Jane’s footsteps behind me echoing off the stone walls. As we approached the grandstand, I could hear my uncle’s voice, tense with impatience.

“Where is Lady Rowan?” he demanded, his voice carrying over the crowd.