Page 73 of Ladybird

“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.”