Cursed by Bandits (Once Upon A Curse)

24. Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

T he crown weighed heavily on my head as I stood outside the grandstand and took a deep breath. This was the first time I was going to be Lady Rowan in public. I didn’t count my birthday ball because at the time I was still reeling from everything I learned upon my arrival and wasn’t really playing the part of the young woman my uncle expected. Now, it was different. In a way, presenting myself here, today, was showing my people how I intended to show up for them every day.

Gathering the shimmering silver fabric that Jane had insisted on making for me and taking a deep breath, I walked towards the grandstand. With each step, I felt the weight of the crown and the responsibility it symbolized. My heart pounded in my chest, but I kept my head high and my pace steady. This was my moment to show my people that I was ready to lead, ready to fight for them.

I stepped into view of my uncle and the crowd, raising my hand in greeting, my head held high, attempting to look as regal as my father had been, like the nuns attempted to teach me to be.

“I’m here, Uncle,” I called out, my voice quiet but steady.

Our eyes locked for a moment. He nodded his head in acknowledgment. I couldn’t help but quirk an eyebrow up, a challenge and a question rolled into one barely perceptible expression.

His eyes narrowed as he took me in, his smile forced. “Ah, there you are. We were beginning to worry.” He held his hands out.

“I apologize for causing any concern.” I took his hands. I’m sure this looked like a meaningful family moment. “The tournament is so important I wanted to make sure everything was perfect.”

He nodded, but I could see the suspicion in his eyes. “Very well. Let’s proceed. ”

My uncle turned, raising our hands over our heads. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to introduce Lady Rowan of Lockersley!” His voice boomed across the green, and a wave of applause followed.

I stepped forward, releasing my uncle’s hand. I waved to welcome everyone. The crowd’s applause grew louder, and I felt a swell of emotion. These were my people, and they were looking to me for guidance and hope.

“Thank you,” I began, my voice steady and clear.

The crowd quieted as I spoke, listening intently.

Pausing for a moment, I started again. “Thank you all for being here today. Because today is the beginning of a new chapter for Lockersley. This tournament means so much to us all. It is not just a celebration; it is a testament to your strength, your unity, and your resilience. Together, we will overcome any challenge that comes our way. Together, we will build a brighter future for all.”

The crowd erupted into cheers, and a sense of pride washed over me. Their applause might be from the excitement of the tournament and have nothing to do with me, but soon they will realize what I was willing to do for them.

My uncle stepped forward again. His hand rested on my shoulder and his fingers dug into my skin. “Let the tournament begin!” he declared, and the crowd’s excitement surged once more .

As I stepped back from the dais and the crowd, Jane appeared at my side, slipping her arm around mine. Her gaze conveyed so many emotions, not the least, pride.

“You did it,” she whispered. “You were amazing. I’ve never seen you like that.”

I smiled, the weight of the crown feeling a little lighter now. “Thank you, Jane. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Together, we moved to our seats, ready to watch the tournament unfold. The first day was filled with excitement and anticipation, but I couldn’t focus; I needed to find a way to get away. My first match was this afternoon.

Finally, the ceremonies were over, and the competitors were announced. The crowd cheered as each name was called and they stood, recognizing the audience, including Master Robin. I’m not sure who it was, but someone stood and waved at the crowd in my place. I found myself glancing over at Milo and Will, who were standing together. Milo caught my eye and winked reassuringly.

As the last competitor was announced, my uncle leaned towards me. “You should mingle with the guests, meet some of the more promising contestants,” he said. “Make sure they feel welcome.”

“Of course, Uncle,” I replied, bowing my head slightly. Relief washed over me as he provided the excuse I needed to leave his side and return to my other role. Little did I realize how intently he would watch me as I mingled with the contestants.

Jane and I moved through the crowd, greeting people and exchanging pleasantries as my uncle watched my every move. I had to be careful. I needed to leave, change into Robin, but I couldn’t escape the suspicious eyes of my uncle. One wrong step and everything we had worked for could be in jeopardy.

Eventually, I made my way back to where Will and Milo were standing, Jane following behind me.

“Everything okay?” Milo asked quietly.

“Not really. My uncle is suspicious,” I replied, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. “I need to change before my first match, but it feels like his eyes follow me wherever I go.”

“That’s easy enough to fix.” Jane rubbed her hands together.

Will moved towards Jane. “What’s going on in that devious mind of yours?”

Jane grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I figure we have two options here. One, we cause a distraction. There’s enough going on here that we can cause some chaos to distract your uncle, and you can slip away. Or, two, you can be the distraction. Let your uncle know you aren’t feeling well and excuse yourself from the rest of the day’s events. Both have risks.”

Milo raised an eyebrow. “And what type of distraction were you thinking of causing?”

Jane’s smile widened. “Well, the event is in full swing. There’s bound to be something we can capitalize on. Maybe an argument or a small fire—something that will require your uncle’s immediate attention.”

Will nodded, catching on. “I like it. But it would have to be something that he would have to take care of himself. He can’t send an underling.”

I glanced around the square packed with people, trying to think of something that would meet all the elements required for it to work. “What about the jousting area? If something were to happen there, he’d have to investigate. It’s the most important event of the competition. Uncle Jonathan wouldn’t be able to ignore it.” I stopped for a moment, deep in thought.

Milo nodded. “That could work. Maybe a fight between two competitors. No one needs to get injured or anything. Just something that would draw a crowd.”

“Would it be better for me to fake illness?” I hadn’t heard a word Milo said. “It would be a useful excuse for the rest of the event. ”

“You have a point, Rowan, but maybe this time we use the distraction and next time we go with the not-feeling-well plan. Today I think it’s more important that you look strong and capable whenever it’s you in public.” Jane clapped her hands together. “Now, I’ll handle the details. Make sure you’re ready to move as soon as it’s time. Your clothes are in the stables; it was closer than your room, and I didn’t want you to get caught going in and out of the castle.”

Will looked at me, his expression serious. “You sure you’re up for this?”

I took a deep breath and winced. The crown was heavy and my head was aching. “I have to be. We decided on this path. It’s not like I’m going to bail right as we might actually accomplish something.”

Jane and Will both squeezed my hand, one after another, and left to put the plan into action, leaving Milo and me alone for a moment. He took my hands in his and brought them to his lips.

“You’ve got this,” he whispered in my ear, sending a tingling sensation through my body. “Just remember why you’re doing it.”

I nodded. “For Lockersley,” I whispered. “For my father. ”

I leaned on Milo, my head on his shoulder. There wasn’t really time for this and if my uncle saw me with Milo, I didn’t know what would happen. But I could feel his belief in me as I stood there in his arms. It gave me the strength I needed to continue. Especially since there was no turning back. The plan was in motion, and I had to play my part to perfection.

A few minutes later, the sound of angry voices reached my ears. I turned to see two burly men shoving each other near the jousting area, their faces red and their biceps bulging. A small crowd was gathering, and I turned to see my uncle storming towards the commotion, his expression thunderous.

“This is it,” Milo whispered, giving me a nudge. “Go.”

I disappeared into the crowd, moving towards the stables where Jane had left my bundle of clothes. Milo stood watch as I quickly donned my Robin attire. The transformation was almost complete when I heard footsteps approaching. I froze, afraid to move or even breathe. The footsteps stopped for a moment and I knew it was over. But then the footsteps started again, fading away in the distance.

“Hurry,” Milo hissed, his eyes darting, taking in every nook and cranny of the stables .

I laced up my boots and pulled my cap over my hair. Feeling extra cautious, I wrapped a scarf around the bottom of my face, threw on a cloak, and pulled the hood up over my head, leaving only my eyes visible. With one last glance at Milo, I nodded. “I’m ready.”

We moved quickly through the maze of tents, heading towards the hand-to-hand combat competition ring where the first match had just begun. I was in the next match. This was the competition I was the most nervous about. I struggled fighting Jane because of her height, and every man here was taller than me. How in the world was I going to win today? These thoughts continued to race through my head as we neared the edge of the crowd. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves that were overwhelming me.

Milo stopped me, taking me by the shoulders. “You can do this, Robin. Jane wanted me to remind you to fight to your strengths instead of attacking their strengths. I want you to remember that you are not alone.”

I nodded despite the fact that out in the ring I was alone. No one could do this for me. “Let’s get this over with.”

I don’t know how I missed the end of the first fight. But the next thing I heard was my fake name being called out. I stepped into the ring, the roar of the crowd filling my ears. This was it. The moment we had been working towards. That’s when I looked up into the honey-colored eyes of Prince Connor Blackwood.