The Lion Returns: My Lady Robin Hood, #3

By Aron Lewes

During the Massacre at Ayyadieh, King Richard "the Lionheart" was responsible for one of the worst genocides in human history. He ordered the slaughter of over 3000 Saracens, including women and children.

When he returns to England after his long Crusade, he wants all Saracens expelled from his country by any means necessary, even if it means bloodying his hands again. 

Robin and The Sheriff of Nottingham were starting to get along... until Richard shows up and changes everything.

The Lion Returns is the third book in the My Lady Robin Hood series. Knowledge of the first two books is recommended.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aron Lewes
• Release date: May 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386879336

Book preview

Chapter One

SO, WHAT BRINGS YOU back to England, Your Majesty? Eleanor asked the question as she set the table for King Richard and his guest. The king's presence in her tiny inn was an unexpected honor. They were ten miles from the Cliffs of Dover, and the inn's nearest neighbor was nowhere in sight. If he wanted a warm bed that night, The Galloping Dragon Inn was Richard's only option.

And it was a good option. Richard already liked Eleanor. She shared her name with his mother, and she had his mother's golden red hair. Best of all, her massive bosom was perfect for a man's weary head. If the inn lacked decent pillows, he could always use her breasts.

It was scurvy that sent me home, my lady, Richard replied. I wanted to recover in my own country.

Eleanor's silverware clattered as she moved the forks and spoons to their appropriate places. And how are you feeling now, Your Majesty? You're not unwell, I hope?

I'm feeling much better, thank you, he replied. I suppose you could say I had two reasons to return. I recently heard some troubling rumors about my sister.

Such as? Eleanor hoped she didn't sound too ignorant. She lived on the coast, far from civilization's reach. Apart from the occasional guest, encounters with outsiders were rare. With only her three daughters for company, her knowledge of current events was limited.

It's nothing I need to share with a wench who works at an inn. When he saw the surprise in her eyes, he quickly added, No offense.

King Richard the Lionheart was a handsome man by most accounts. His eyes resembled a blue sky, lashed by stormy gray clouds. His hair was a nondescript color, somewhere between blonde and brown. His gingery beard was trimmed and sculpted. Even when his scurvy was at its worst, he never missed a day of grooming.

You said you had... three daughters? Richard asked.

Aye. Gloria, May, and Bluebell.

Bluebell. A chuckle slipped from Richard's throat as he repeated the name. And how old are Gloria, May and Bluebell?

Seventeen, eighteen and fourteen, sir.

Hmm. Richard ran a hand along his immaculate beard. Could you set the table for six? I would love for your daughters to join us.

A-are you sure, sir?

Indeed. I believe I would enjoy the company. It's been too long since I've dined with women at my side. Richard sank into the chair at the table's head. Wolfe's company is getting... tiresome.

He was referring to his right hand man. Wherever King Richard went, Sir Reginald Wolfe wasn't far behind. The king traveled with over one hundred men, but only Wolfe was his constant companion. Sir Reginald was his bodyguard, as well as a friend. The rest of Richard's men were scattered throughout the inn, neglected by their liege.

A few minutes before supper, Eleanor's daughters arrived. Richard's smile grew as the three charming redheads gathered around the table.

This is King Richard, girls, Eleanor said. "That's right. A king. Be sure to greet him properly."

The three young ladies dropped into curtsies as they muttered variations of, a pleasure, Your Majesty, and good evening, Your Majesty.

Which one of you is Bluebell? Richard asked.

The youngest, slenderest girl shyly stuck up her hand.

It's a lovely name. Richard's compliment made her blush, and the older sisters lost themselves to a fit of giggles. As the girls tittered, Reginald Wolfe entered the room and sat beside his king. Bluebells are one of my favorite flowers, young lady. One day, a beau should bring you an entire bouquet of them. If I was your suitor, that's what I would do.

Eleanor's nostril twitched as she listened to the king's speech. It sounded suspiciously like he was flirting, and a man in his thirties had no business flirting with a fourteen-year-old child.

Richard turned to Eleanor's eldest daughter. And who is this one with the wild red curls?

The girl softly replied, Gloria.

Well... you're lovely, Gloria. As is your hair. When he heard her stifling a giggle, Richard's smile expanded again. There was nothing he enjoyed more than a young lady's reaction to his flattery. Finally, he faced the last girl. And you must be May?

Aye.

Your freckles are very fetching, May. I've always had a weakness for young ladies with freckles.

The king's compliment left her speechless. For the next few minutes, she flirtatiously fussed with her copper red hair.

"You've been blessed with three very lovely daughters, Eleanor, Richard said to the mother. Absolutely blessed."

I'm, uh... I'm glad you think so, Your Majesty. Eleanor knew she sounded nervous. Ever since he sat down, Reginald Wolfe never stopped staring at her—and he hadn't uttered a single word. The king's taciturn knight made her uncomfortable, as did Richard's flirtatious nature.

I daresay I'm already besotted, Richard continued. If you lived in a large city, I'm sure your daughters would be smothered by the attention of many admirers.

"Then I'm glad we don't live in a large city, sir, the mother said. My hair would go gray within a week, I'm sure."

"And that would be a shame. Your hair is lovely as well, my lady." As he sipped his wine, Richard grinned at Eleanor over his cup's rim. It was the cheapest wine he had ever tasted, so his ability to maintain a smile was nothing short of a miracle. Even Holy Land heathens served better drinks.

After supper, Richard rose from his chair and politely asked Eleanor to join him in the hall. Sir Reginald followed, as he usually did. As soon as they were alone, the king's countenance was dreadfully serious.

Your daughters... Richard began. He went silent for some time, keeping the mother in suspense. When he finally spoke again, his voice was cold. Are they virgins?

Eleanor's mouth fell open. P-Pardon, Your Majesty.

Gloria, May and Bluebell... are they virgins? Have they been touched by the hands of another man?

Eleanor was stunned, but she somehow managed to keep her composure. I... I don't think so, sir.

"You don't think so... or are you sure?"

Eleanor wanted to glare at him. She wanted to strike him. She wanted to give him the tongue-lashing he sorely deserved. But Richard was the king, so she answered with a sigh, I'm fairly certain they're... untouched.

Good. I find them to be quite beautiful, and I want one for myself, Richard matter-of-factly stated. Bring them to me. Line them up. I'm going to lay with one tonight.

Eleanor blanched at the king's request. I'll do no such thing, sir!

Yes. You must. I'm not giving you a choice, dear. Richard gave a nod to Sir Reginald, whose fingers tapped the hilt of his sword.

"If you must bed someone... bed me, Eleanor said. I'll not hand over one of my daughters,

sir!"

I don't want you. Richard's arms crossed. "You're old, sweetheart. You're almost certainly as dry as a Saracen desert. Why would I want you?"

I'll not give you one of my daughters! I don't care if you're the king. I don't care if—

Reginald's hand suddenly clamped around the back of Eleanor's neck. When he squeezed, she went silent.

Tie up the mother, Reginald. Make sure she doesn't intervene. When you've finished restraining her, bring the daughters to me. As he gave the commands, Richard had the audacity to look bored.

You'll not get away with this, sir! Eleanor screamed as Richard's knight jostled her down the hallway. Everyone will know what a monster you are! I'll drag your name through the muck, I swear!

Richard answered her threats with a yawn. When she was gone, he almost applauded. Her squawking made his head ache. By comparison, silence was a treat.

A few minutes later, Reginald returned and collected the daughters from the dining room. As they assembled in front of the king, their faces were terrified.

Was our mother screaming? Gloria asked.

Your mother's fine, dear. You needn't concern yourself. As he studied the young women, Richard's smile returned. To him, there was nothing sweeter than unplucked virgin fruit. "Ladies... let me be blunt. I'm taking one of you to my bed. This is an honor for me and an honor for you."

The sisters exchanged glances, but none of them said a word. Unlike their mother, they weren't brave enough to stand up to the king.

Richard slid closer to Bluebell and took her chin between his thumb and forefinger. He turned her head left and right, assessing her cherubic features. You know... I think you might be too young, dear, he concluded with a sigh. And it's a shame, because you're a beautiful young thing.

When he approached the older sisters, they were trembling. Gloria's eyes were full of tears, so May reached for her hand.

"Lovely. So lovely, Richard whispered. You're both extraordinarily beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful pair of sisters."

Isn't this... wr-wrong, sir? Gloria's voice crackled when she spoke. You shouldn't force women into your bed.

It might be wrong, but I don't care, Richard answered with a grin. After patricide, all other sins tend to pale in comparison. Now, which one of you should I choose? His gaze shifted between Gloria and May. Do I want freckles or curly hair? Do I want thick or slender? To May, he added, "You are the thick one, dear."

Richard glanced back at Sir Reginald, hoping to get his knight's opinion, but he was as quiet as ever.

After a moment of deliberation, Richard took May's arm and dragged her forward. "A soft body and freckles. That is what I want tonight! Richard declared. Wolfe, take the other young women to their mother. I'm done with them."

As he led her away, May didn't protest—after all, it was the king who wanted her company. How could she refuse the most powerful man in the country? If she complained too much, she was afraid he would choose one of her sisters instead, and she didn't want to subject them to such a fate. When he asked her to remove her clothes, she dutifully obeyed.

I've been abroad so long, May. I've missed English women, Richard said as he watched her strip. They're so pink and shy and supple. I daresay we have some of the loveliest women in the world.

When her dress fell away, May's face and shoulders flushed. She clung to her petticoats and prayed he wouldn't ask her to shed them. Should I remove... everything, sir?

Yes. Everything. Richard, who was sitting on the end of a four-poster bed, lunged for May's hips and dragged her forward. She was taking too long, so he assisted. He tore off her petticoats and pushed her onto the bed. She was crying, but he didn't care. In his mind, tears added to the experience.

When their intimate moment was over, Richard wiped her tears, kissed her cheeks, and thanked her heartily. Before he left the room, he gently touched the bed's bloodstain—proof of her stolen chastity.

He reunited with Sir Reginald, who was guarding Eleanor's door. While the king had his way with May, the mother and her daughters were cloistered.

I'm finished, Reginald, the king reported. As you might have guessed, I have another order for you.

Sir Reginald nodded. Having traveled with the king for over a decade, he already knew his next request.

It's unfortunate, but the women have to die, Richard nonchalantly said. If I let them live, they might ruin my reputation. And... heaven forbid, what if the girl is with child? I already have two illegitimate children. I don't need more.

At long last, Reginald uttered his first words of the day. In a clear voice, he said, It will be done, sir.

Assemble the men and tell them we're leaving. Oh... and torch the inn, Richard commanded him. Leave no evidence that we were here.

Chapter Two

PRINCESS ETHANNA WAS in the middle of a pleasant afternoon teatime with Marian when King Richard stormed into her garden with sixteen dour knights. She was so surprised to see him, Ethanna dropped her cup. Hot, amber liquid spilled down the front of her pale pink dress, but she was too scared to notice the heat.

On your feet, Ethanna! Richard growled. When she didn't move, he added, "Get on your feet or I will make you get up!"

"I should have gone into hiding..." Ethanna whimpered as she rose. Her eyes stayed on Marian. The princess wasn't a fool—she knew Marian didn't enjoy her company. Not even a bit. Even so, she hoped her long-time companion would pity her when Richard's dark nature was revealed.

As soon as she was standing, the back of Richard's gloved hand lashed across Ethanna's pale cheek. He hit her so hard, the force of the blow made her collapse.

On your feet! he demanded again. When Ethanna didn't budge, he grabbed a fistful of his sister's dark hair and forced her to stand. He waited for Ethanna to regain her footing before he slapped her again.

Marian couldn't stand to watch the abuse, but when she tried to leave the table, Richard's hand clamped around her shoulder. As he pushed her into her chair, he said, Sit, Marian. It's been years since I've seen you. As soon as I've dealt with my sister, I would like to speak to you.

Marian obeyed, but she couldn't bear to look at Ethanna, so she kept her eyes on her empty teacup.

Sister... Richard dragged a finger along the red hand print that colored Ethanna's cheek. It was already soaked by tears, which he lightly swept away. I left you in charge while I was gone. I put my faith in you. But according to everything I've heard... my trust was misplaced. You've been a very naughty girl, Ethanna.

What have I done? Ethanna weakly asked.

When her head sank between her shoulders, Richard roughly raised her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. Look at me when I'm talking to you, Ethanna! Don't act like such a child.

V-very well, she sniffled.

"Very well, sir, Richard corrected her. Anyway, as I was saying, you've been a very bad girl. You've overtaxed the people. You've kept prisoners as pets. You play with dolls, and you make a public spectacle of yourself. Because of you, the royal family is a laughingstock, and I'm stuck with your mess! I'll have to undo everything you've done. Because of you, regaining the respect of my people will  be a challenge."

I... Ethanna failed to complete her thought. Her entire body shuddered as her brother's eyes burned into hers.

"You what? When his sister's gaze dropped, Richard shook her. Look at me, Ethanna! Don't look at Marian. Don't look at the ground. Don't look at the flowers. Look at me."

Richard didn't stop shaking her until Ethanna's eyes were back on his. Her throat constricted as she forced herself to finish her thought. I didn't think I was doing such a bad job, sir.

"But you were. You were doing a terrible job. As a regent, you were a failure. As a sister, you're a disappointment. As a human being, you're barely worth the air you breathe. And my god, you've gotten fat! Richard threw back his head and laughed. I imagine you sitting in this grand castle all day, stuffing your fat cheeks with sweet treats and taking advantage of the power I put in your hands. You disgust me. Richard sat across from Marian and flashed a wicked grin. He pilfered one of the biscuits from the ladies' shared plate and pitched it through his lips. Mmm! This is delicious! After eating this biscuit, I understand why you've gotten so doughy, Ethanna. Treats like this are very dangerous for one's physique, are they not? He scooped up another biscuit and offered it to his sister. Here. Eat one."

Ethanna was too petrified to move, so he stood up and shoved the crumbly tart into her mouth. When some of the crumbs tumbled down her dress, her brother swatted them away. What do you think? Richard asked. It's delicious, isn't it?

Ethanna didn't speak. She was frozen. Only her mouth moved as she chewed.

When your king speaks, you need to answer him! Richard demanded. And then he screamed, "did you enjoy the biscuit or not?"

A pair of tears simultaneously skipped down the princess' cheeks as she whispered her answer. I did, sir.

Pardon? I couldn't hear you. Say it again.

I did, sir! Ethanna repeated more clearly.

Richard snapped his fingers. And again.

I did, sir!

"Again!" he roared, snapping his fingers a second time.

I did, sir!

"You did what?" His sister was already sobbing. Richard's grin climbed higher as each tear fell.

I... I really enjoyed the biscuit, sir, Ethanna answered with a shudder.

Of course you did. My fat lump of a sister couldn't resist such a treat. Richard wagged his fingers at a nearby guard, urging the man to come over. When the guard was within range, he said, Take my sister to the castle's highest tower and lock her up. Don't let her leave. She can have all the biscuits she wants, but she's not allowed to leave her room. Do you understand?

Of course, sir, the guard answered with a bow. Turning to the princess, he asked, Will you come with me, Your Highness?

"No, no, no! Richard spoke so loudly, his voice echoed through the garden. Marian swore she could see the flowers shrinking at the sound. You don't have to be gentle with her. In fact, I'd prefer it if you weren't. Grab her arm and drag her along. Oh... and on second thought, don't give her biscuits. I'd rather starve her instead."

The guard seized Ethanna's elbow and led her from the garden. Her tears liberally fell as she was hauled to her prison.

As Richard poured himself a cup of tea, Marian's nose twitched. How long will you keep her locked up? she asked.

I'll keep her locked up as long as I need to, dear, Richard softly replied. If I keep her locked up for the next half-century, so be it.

Would you really do that?

Perhaps. Is it really any less than she deserves? Can you deny that she's been a terrible ruler, sullying my good name? Richard poured a bit of cream into his cup and stirred. Then he sweetened his concoction and took a sip. Ah. The tea's gone cold. That's a shame.

Would you like the servants to brew another pot? Marian asked the question as politely as she could. Richard was a dangerous man. He was an erratic man. For that reason, her excessive politeness was necessary.

No. I don't care about tea. I don't even like tea. Not really. Richard's smile softened as he studied Marian's face. I would, however, like to have a word with you. Will you stay for awhile?

Of course.

It's been years since I've been in England, Richard noted. You're lovelier now than you were back then.

I'm surprised you remember me, Your Majesty.

"Of course I remember you! Your face is impossible to forget. You were lovely back then as well... but now? Your beauty astounds me."

That's... very kind of you.

Are you still a maid? Are you yet unmarried?

I am, Your Majesty. Marian had been eying the castle ever since Richard sat down. She wanted to get away, but she couldn't abandon the king. It would have been the height of rudeness.

It will be a lucky man who finally wins your heart, Richard said. Or... does someone already have it?

Marian took a moment to consider her answer. Joseph was lost to her, Little John was out of the question, and Alan was officially a cad. No, she said. There's no one.

"Good. Then perhaps I have a chance with you? I could not imagine a more noble, beautiful, virtuous wife than you. You're the definition of poise, my lady. Richard took a sip of his too-cold tea and smiled over the cup's rim. Will you let me court you?"

Marian's throat felt dry, and her hands were sweating. How could she refuse? I... suppose.

Wonderful! I look forward to it. Do you consider yourself a good listener, Marian? When she nodded, he continued, Good, because I need to speak to someone about my time in the Holy Lands. It was very... tumultuous. There are days that will haunt me forever, I'm sure.

What happened?

Should I speak of it? Richard debated with himself. "I desperately need to unburden myself, but