“And yet when a thousand people say you’re wrong,” Robin rolled his head, “you take it as proof you’re right.”

Out the window behind William, a slight blue warmth caught Robin’s attention, the first sign of the coming dawn in the sky beyond the city. A blur in his vision spoke to how many hours he had been awake, and active. He had to settle this soon.

“I can make a difference, Robin.” William was stammering. “With Marion by my side, I can restore a peace here—”

“I will denounce you,” Robin closed his eyes, refusing to let him speak of her. His sword wavered. “I will show everyone that letter from Prince John.”

“Prince John supports me!” William threw his hands out wide. “He’s here! He’s … two floors down! Shall we go ask him together?”

“Then I’ll take it to the Chancellor,” Robin answered. “I’ll send a message to Richard himself and detail every step of your treason. What, then, will be the point of marrying Marion? Step down, William!”

“And then what?” William erupted, his face flush. “Who will take my place? If not Gisbourne, then who? You and I should know better than anyone. It doesn’t matter who wears the crown, the orders are the same. If you kill the king, there’s another one behind him. What did killing Roger de Lacy get you? Me. What would denouncing me get you? Hm? This man, perhaps.” He flung his hand at Ferrers. “William de Ferrers, why not? His father is the Earl of Derbyshire, so let’s make him Sheriff. So, what would you do if you were Sheriff, Ferrers?”

Again, the lad’s answer was immediate. “I’d raze the forest.”

“You see?” William snapped his teeth together, turning his back to Robin. “I can make this better! I can enforce peace over revenge! This isn’t a war. You don’t win by killing the most people! There are those who would sit here and do just that. We should be working together—I need your help Robin, but all you offer me are threats.”

“You call it peace,” Robin sighed, “but you’re building it on lies. Peace needs to be built with trust, William. It will all come crumbling down when your corruption is exposed, and you’ll do far more damage in the long run. You’re not creating anything. All you’re doing is destroying.”

William struggled for words, because they couldn’t support him. His voice was strained, he was begging, because it was all he could do. “I am Nottingham’s only hope.”

“What you are,” Robin’s lips tightened, “is a tyrant.”

They both gasped for air, eyes red, almost at tears. William opened his arms wide, every word slick with emotion. “How long have you known me?”