He turned. "You're awake."
"Unless I'm dreaming now."
"'Tis no dream. She is perfect. And she will grow to be as beautiful as her mother."
He gathered his daughter close and strode over to Gillian, placing Marissa in her outstretched arms. She positioned her daughter carefully, and pulled the shift from her shoulder, exposing her breast.
"She must be hungry." Sure enough, the child easily found Gillian's nipple. The sensation of her daughter catching onto her breast stirred a strange set of emotions. When the baby's eyes opened, Gillian gasped.
"She has your eyes, Royce!"
Tawny eyes studied her from above and below. The stroke of her husband's hand along her hair brought a sense of peace.
"Edward arrives tomorrow."
His words shattered the calm. Without looking away from her daughter, she asked, "Why?"
"He was coming to await the birth of Anne's child and pass judgment on her. Now that she's died, he will assist in the search for Burke."
"And what of her babe?"
He looked away and didn't answer. She knew what Edward intended.
"Nay, he cannot! Please tell me he doesn't mean to..."
Royce met her gaze and the regret she found there left her heart lurching. She shook her head.
"He's just a babe, an innocent child!"
"He is the son of two traitors. Edward must decide based on that."
She shook her head, dislodging her daughter, who let out a protesting cry. She soothed the babe with soft whispers and eased her back to her chest. There must be some way.
"I know! We'll tell him Anne's baby died, and I birthed twins. Maida can spread the word throughout the manor. None have to know he isn't ours."
Royce shook his head. "Edward will not be fooled."
"Then I will convince him! I won't let him kill a baby!"
Royce's smile seemed full of regret. "If any can sway the king, I suspect 'twould be you. Very well, you may try. But I'll have your word you won't do anything foolish should Edward insist on ..."
"Not to worry. I will convince him 'tis the right thing to do."
Chapter Twenty-Four
The king rode into Lyndon accompanied by what seemed to be every soldier in England.
Gillian stood at the top of the steps beside Royce as the king dismounted in the inner bailey. She clutched her husband's hand, unable to quell the churning of her stomach. Exhaustion still had a firm grip on her, and her arms ached without her daughter, but before she could return to her chamber, she must convince the king of her plan. Royce assured her he would back her claim.
Edward wore a somber expression as he climbed the steps. Royce bowed, and Gillian attempted a curtsy, but her aching muscles made the movement ungraceful. She kept her head down to hide her grimace.
"I hear you are to be congratulated." Edward strode past them into the keep.
"Aye, sire. Our daughter was born yesterday."
"And the traitor's bastard." He stopped in the center of the hall and turned a piercing stare on Royce.
Gillian tugged her husband's hand, nodding to the crowd gathering in the hall. He reassured her with a squeeze of his hand.
