The prince’s eyes widened in utter shock. William would have felt like a god amongst men for having the balls to say it, if he had not also slightly wet himself in fear. He dared to push farther. “I’m to marry your cousin, you know. I guarantee your interests are my own. But Gisbourne? He’s married to a Longchamp. I don’t know what he’s promised you, but I would doubt every letter of it.”

Prince John’s countenance shifted into something far more skeptical, a bird that did not know if its prey was yet dead. “Interesting. I did not know that. Huh. That would indeed have been a terrible choice.” He blinked a few times. “I can’t believe Gay Wally didn’t tell me that.”

“I don’t know who Gay Wally is.”

“You’re better for it.”

They stared at each other for a moment’s silence.

William continued. “I’m not so terrible a choice as Sheriff. My father is influential in Derby, with long loyal ties to your family. It’s fitting to have a Wendenal in power here, we lost so much in the defense of this city. And my father is somewhat famous in the revenge business. You wouldn’t want him to turn against you.”

John whistled. “Was that a threat?”

“No, a political reality. You need to find allies, not enemies.” It sounded good this time around. He tried to channel de Lacy’s spirit into a knowing glare.

With no warning or fanfare, the prince shrugged and passed the weapon back to his attendant. “Do you frolic?”

William had no idea how to answer.

“I didn’t know that about Gisbourne. You may have accidentally saved me quite a bit of trouble, or embarrassment at least. Thank you for that. You’ve convinced me to let you live, and keep the little Sheriff’s seat you apparently care for so much. For now, at least.”

“Do I frolic?” William repeated the odd question.

“Well, William de Wendenal, you’re my newest friend. Friends ought to do friendly things together. We could frolic, you and I.”

William couldn’t even begin to guess what reaction was expected of him. “Are you serious?”

“No.”

The prince turned and walked away, signaling his man to follow. “I’ll be staying here, through the funeral at least. See to it that I have an entire floor in the high keep. Please be warned, that if you are up to anything sinister, your punishment will be very creative. Think of something truly heinous, let me know what it is, and then I’ll make it worse.”

William was not at all sure if he had made an ally or an enemy, but he knew he was not yet dead, which seemed an improvement over his most recent expectations. Still, he reminded himself to start wearing his boots again.