"Sire, may we speak in private?"
Edward hesitated, studying them both closely. Gillian managed to remain upright on her trembling legs, her chin high. The king nodded.
"Aye."
Royce led the way to Thomas' chamber and closed the door. He turned to the king, still holding Gillian's hand.
"My wife has a request."
Edward held up his hand, his pale eyes cold and icy. Despite her determination to convince him to grant her boon, Gillian shivered.
"I suspect I know what you will ask Lady Gillian. But Icannot –"
"Please, sire, he is an innocent child. He has nothing to do with the sins of his parents."
"That may be, but rebel blood courses in his veins. I'll not risk England."
Gillian pulled free of Royce's grip, stepping closer to the king. She clasped her hands before her.
"Please, Your Highness, Royce and I will raise him to be loyal to you. He will never know of his birth."
"And what if he does learn of it? What will he do, seek to avenge his parents' deaths?"
She shook her head. "Nay, he will not. Royce will train him, I will nurture him. He will be as one of our own."
"And how will you explain it?" Edward folded his arms and scratched his chin.
She glanced at Royce, smiling at his encouraging nod. She faced the king once more.
"We will tell him he is the twin of our daughter. Everyone else will be told Anne's baby died."
"All here at Lyndon already know."
"No, Maida, the midwife, and her girls have been sworn to secrecy. We have shared the truth with no one else."
Edward scowled. "I don't like it."
"I promise you, no one will ever know. We will raise them at Montchester and he will never be permitted near Lyndon. In time, anyone who suspects the truth of his birth will forget and no one else will discover the truth."
Edward began to pace, muttering under his breath. Finally, he turned to Gillian. She held her breath, her fingers twisting tightly together.
"Very well. But he may not be fostered." Edward faced Royce, his expression somber. "He cannot gain any of your lands, I will not have it."
"As you wish," said Royce.
"He, and many others, will wonder why your first-born son will not inherit."
"When the time comes, we will think of a reason."
Edward returned his fierce stare to Gillian. "And you will swear to keep this a secret."
Able to breathe again, Gillian grinned. She threw herself against Edward in a fierce hug.
"Thank you, Sire. I promise you will never regret this."
"Gillian!"
Her husband's voice sharpened her awareness. She gasped and released the king, who now bore an amused smile.
