Chapter 17
TWO DAYS LATER
“ G o on, boys. You know what you have to do.” Hunter helped Regina out of the wagon, having stopped in front of the tailor’s shop in town. Luke and Fred were in the back of the wagon. Luke clutched Inky in his arms.
“I don’t want to give up my cat,” whined Luke.
“Whose cat?” Hunter gave the boys a nasty stare.
“William’s cat,” said Luke sadly, scooting out of the wagon. Fred did the same.
“Hunter, can’t we just buy the cat from William?” asked Regina.
“We could, but we won’t.” Hunter shook his head. “The boys are in my care now, and I can’t let them get away with stealing.”
“They said the cat followed them home,” Regina tried once again.
“With a lot of coaxing,” Hunter answered, pulling open the door. “Let’s go, boys. There is a lot of planning to do for the wedding and we need to get back to the castle quickly.”
“Yes, Uncle,” said Luke, slowly entering the building, clutching on to Inky.
“Yes, Uncle,” repeated Fred, following his friend inside.
Regina grabbed onto Hunter’s arm. “Did Fred just call you…Uncle?”
“Yes,” said Hunter, looking extremely pleased. “He asked if he could call me that since I am now his guardian. I think it is because he admires Luke and my nephew has started calling me Uncle again instead of Hunter.”
“That makes you happy, doesn’t it?” Regina felt so happy with everything that she couldn’t stop smiling.
“It does,” he admitted. “But not half as happy that tomorrow, you and I will be wed and you will be my wife.” He bent over and kissed her on the mouth.
“I still think you’re being a little too hard on the boys. Luke loves that cat and will do anything for her.”
“I know. Did you see how fat the cat’s become? I think Luke has been feeding her way too much.”
They entered the shop and were greeted by both William and his wife, Bernadette.
“Regina, you’re all right, thank goodness.” Bernadette ran to Regina, giving her a big hug. “We heard what happened and we were so frightened for you.”
“Thank you, Aunt Bernadette,” Regina answered. “Because of Hunter and Sage’s ministrations, I feel just about back to normal.”
“Hello,” said Hunter to the couple with a nod of his head.
“I hear congratulations are in order,” said William. “So, the wedding is tomorrow at the castle?”
“Yes,” answered Hunter. “Regina and I decided we didn’t want to wait.”
“Mother, Dot, and Martine are coming, but we decided to keep it a small gathering,” Regina told them. “You’ll be there, though, won’t you?”
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” said William. “Besides, I don’t see my brother, Madoc, that much anymore and cherish visiting with him. Since this is such short notice, I don’t suppose you have a wedding gown, do you?”
“Nay,” answered Regina. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll just wear a nice gown.”
“No, you won’t.” William walked over to the worktable, holding up a beautiful gown made of blue velvet. It was trimmed in an ornate burgundy satin with white lacing at the bodice. “I’ve been working on this gown, and I’d like you to have it. As a present from us for your big day.”
“Really?” Regina walked up and gently ran her fingers over the soft cloth. “It is so beautiful, Uncle William, I love it. However, I am sure it is for another noble.”
“Nay, it isn’t. It is just something I wanted to construct, hoping some beautiful woman would want to wear it someday.”
“I do,” she said, with wide eyes. “I would be honored to wear such a fine creation at my wedding.”
“Then it’s yours,” said William. “I’ll come to the castle later today for your final fitting. Oh, and I will make up a quick wedding tunic for you as well, Hunter.”
“Thank you. That is kind of you.” Hunter nodded, sounding choked by such kindness.
“Uncle, you are the best.” Regina gave William a hug and a kiss.
Hunter cleared his throat. “William, Luke and Fred have something to tell you. Go on, boys.”
“We’re returning Inky to you.” Luke sadly held out the cat and William took her.
“Really? Why?” William’s gaze traveled over to Hunter.
“Fred? Did you want to tell him?” asked Hunter.
“Yes, sir.” Fred let out a deep sigh and looked at the floor when he spoke. “We stole your cat and we’re sorry.”
“I always wanted a black cat and so we coaxed her with lots of food until she followed us home,” admitted Luke.
“I see,” chuckled William, petting the cat in his arms. “Well, this cat is good at catching mice, and I’d hate to lose her.”
“William, let the boys have the cat. We can get another one,” said Bernadette softly.
“Nay, I cannot allow the boys to get away with thinking they can take whatever they want,” protested Hunter. “I’m afraid this is a hard lesson that they’re going to just have to learn.”
“I agree,” said William. “Stealing is not an admirable trait. I learned that many years ago. However, I would like to make a deal.”
“A deal?” asked Luke. “What kind of deal?”
“If you boys want to work in my shop for the next few weeks sweeping up and doing a few other chores, you can visit with Inky. Anytime you want, actually. I’ll also make sure you each end up with a cat of your own very soon. Cats that are earned, not stolen.”
“Uncle, what are you saying?” asked Regina.
“Did any of you notice how fat this cat has become?” William rubbed the cat’s belly.
“I’m afraid Luke must have gotten a little overzealous in feeding her,” answered Hunter.
“Mayhap so, but this cat is pregnant and about to give birth soon.”
“She is?” Luke’s eyes opened wide.
“Then there are going to be lots of kittens?” asked Fred with a huge smile.
“Yes,” chuckled William. “More than I can use in this little shop. Therefore, you boys are both welcome to choose a kitten of your own when they are old enough to leave their mother.”
“Can we?” both the boys asked at once, looking over at Hunter.
“If you work off your debt at the shop, then I don’t see why not,” Hunter answered.
“We have a lot of mice in the castle,” Regina told William. “If you have any extra cats, the castle could always use them. I might even be able to train the cats to bring the mice to me to feed the rodents to my birds.”
“You’ve got it,” answered William with a chuckle.
“So, Hunter. You and Luke will be living at the castle from now on?” asked Regina’s aunt.
“Aye,” Hunter answered. “Lord Robin and Lady Sage were kind enough to welcome us into their home.”
“I’m going to be a stableboy with Fred,” Luke proudly announced.
“Really? That’s great,” said William. “Hunter, will you still be needing your house in the woods? If not, my daughter and her husband are looking for a place to live since it is getting crowded here with so many people.”
“I’d be happy to make negotiations with you after the wedding.” Hunter put his arm around Regina. “After all, I am starting a new life as a married man, and I think I’d like to rid myself of everything from my past. So, this will be perfect.”
“Will you still be a thief-taker?” Bernadette wondered.
“Nay,” said Hunter. “I have decided that those days are behind me now.”
“Hunter will have the courtesy title of Lord once we’re married,” explained Regina.
“What will you be doing at the castle?” asked William.
“Well, I’m not sure yet.”
Regina noticed how uncomfortable Hunter felt and her heart went out to him. She wanted the best for him and his new life. “Robin offered the position of castle guard to Hunter, but Hunter turned him down.”
“Why?” asked William. “You are a skilled protector and fighter. It would be a perfect job for you.”
“I’m tired of fighting,” said Hunter. “I want a true skill. An admirable skill like my wife-to-be has.”
“Good thing,” said Regina. “Because I will be needing another trainee in the mews now that Cassian is gone.”
“Regina? What are you saying?” asked Hunter. “You still have Roger.”
“Yes, but I plan on getting a few more birds. Therefore, I will need more help in the mews. Hunter, I think you would be perfect for the job.”
“Me?” He looked to be in shock.
“Thank you, sweetheart, but I know nothing about birds.”
“That’s not true,” she protested. “I’ve already been training you and I can tell that the birds like you.”
“You can tell, huh?” He didn’t seem as if he believed her.
“I would like to work with my husband. What is wrong with that?”
“If you don’t take the offer, you may never see your wife,” said William. “Regina spends way too much time with those birds.”
“Well, I do see your point,” said Hunter with a chuckle. “We can’t be newlyweds and never be together.”
“Then you’ll accept the position of falconer’s apprentice?” asked Regina.
“Mayhap,” said Hunter. “I mean, yes. Yes, I would like that,” he said with newfound confidence. “With you as my teacher, I have nothing to fear.”
“Perfect.” Regina took Hunter’s head in her hands and kissed him passionately right there in front of everyone. “Now, let’s get home because we need to get ready for our wedding.”