The image was burned in Robin’s mind, bathed in red. He had always thought it was a metaphor, but the world had lost all definition, turned the color of blood. His reactions had been instinctive, but he could not pretend they were not his.

William’s jaw dropped to his chest. “You can’t … this…” He slumped back down into the chair. “You can’t just go around killing public officials whenever it suits you!”

“And you can’t just slap on a warcrown every time you think you know better!” Robin returned, regaining his composure. It startled William, as if he thought Robin might forget his history in seizing power. “Step down. If you took the Sheriff’s office to prevent Gisbourne from doing so, as you claim, then prove it. He’s no longer a threat, not to you, not to anyone. Step down, and release Marion.”

“Marion,” William snatched the name, plucking it from the air with his hand. “Is that why you’re here? Is that all it comes down to?”

It was not a subject for him to broach. Robin repeated his question, “Will you step down?”

“Why, because you fancy her? Because you’re jealous? You can’t see beyond that?”

Don’t let him twist this. “You know you won’t, because you like the power.” Robin raised his sword again, perfectly horizontal over the table, his muscles fighting back. “You don’t care about peace, or about protecting the people, those are just your excuses. All you really care about is yourself. King William!”

“Myself? What have I gained from this?” He slammed his fist on the table, rattling its contents. “I am surrounded by strangers and enemies, all of which seek my destruction! I still try to find a peace for people that hate me, while you call yourself noble for surrounding yourself with admirers. The great Robin Hood, the savior of the people! You accuse me for thinking too much of myself? You teach the people songs defiling me and calling me a villain, and they believe the tripe about you. A thousand people saying you’re right doesn’t make it true. Look beyond yourself!”

“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.”