"Whose is that?"
She shrugged. "I don't know his name." She searched the jumping and cheering crowd. "There, that's him."
Royce didn't look to see who she pointed at. He merely studied her, his gaze roving over her to ensure she was unharmed.
"He didn't hurt you?"
She shook her head. "He needed me. To take care of Rowan."
He said nothing for a few moments, too many thoughts racing through his head for him to be coherent about any one. Instead, he grabbed her shoulders and drew her near, taking her mouth in a hungry kiss. It seemed the only way to tell her what he felt. To his delight, she wrapped her arms around him, opening her mouth to him. His fingers caught in her hair, holding her still as he ravished her mouth.
When he drew away, she leaned weakly against him.
"Thank you." He buried his face into her hair, crushing her tightly against him.
"There is nothing to thank me for. I did what had to be done. That man and his lover caused me no end of trouble. I enjoyed it!"
He chuckled. "You are truly a Wildcat, in every way."
The sound of the babe crying had her stiffening in his arms. "Rowan!"
He released her. "Go."
"I wondered if you'd ever let her go."
Royce turned to Edward. The king grinned broadly, pulling Royce in for a boisterous hug. "Once I learned this was all his doing, I knew 'twould end this way." He sobered. "I am sorry it had to come to this."
"I had no idea he'd harbored such hatred. Madness." Royce stared at the body of his childhood friend. Hell, all of them had been close, growing up as they did. Before Edward was king, he'd been much more lighthearted. As boys, they'd shared everything, from pranks to training, even women. 'Twasn't often he thought back on those days and missed them. He heaved a deep breath.
"Sire, I would make a request."
"Anything. You have done England, me, a great service today."
"I wish to retire to Montchester."
"Of course."
"I don't want to return to London for some time." He held the king's gaze.
Edward gave a brief nod. "I see. I suppose it won't do any harm. I will, of course, be visiting sometime this summer."
"Of course, Sire. My home is open to you any time."
"Are you sure that's all you want?"
"I have another request I'd like to discuss, but not right now."
"Very well. Attend me later and we'll talk about it."
Gillian appeared beside him, the baby in her arms. Aburst of joy shot through him, and he slid his arm about her shoulders.
"With two children, we must be settled for some time. I'd rather they be more grown before we travel."
Edward grinned. "Of course. Now, let's return to Lyndon."
The king turned and mounted, his men following suit. Royce led Gillian to Viking. He took the baby as she mounted. Dark eyes stared up at him. Another glance at Burke's body and the question solidified. Mayhap Anne had lied to them all and the child wasn't truly Burke's. He contemplated the child again. No matter. This was his son, and he would protect him.
"Royce?"
