The apprehension in Gillian's soft question drew his attention. He handed the child to her.
"He is our son."
His declaration drew wide eyes and a blinding grin.
"I feared you were angry... at him. You looked so fierce."
Royce climbed up behind his wife. He wrapped his arms around them both. Soon, they'd be back at Lyndon, where their daughter awaited. He almost laughed at the realization his eagerness for the next battle, political or otherwise, had utterly vanished.
"We will leave for Montchester after the planting."
His wife said nothing.
"I know you don't want to leave."
She shook her head. "It's not that. I know my home is with you, and our children. But..."
"Simon." He chuckled at the way she turned to look at him. "Yes, I have an idea and I think Edward will agree."
***
Gillian gaped at her husband. He stared straight ahead. She slapped at his arm.
"Tell me your plan!"
"Do you think Simon would do well as baron?"
Did he mean it? When he caught her stare, she knewhe did. Each day, he gave her more reasons to love him.
"Thank you! Royce, that makes me so happy."
"Well, after he weds Lady Madelaine, he will need lands to provide for her. Her dowry is not inconsiderable, but he will still need wealth of his own."
"Edward knows?" She supposed she should thank the king for ordering her marriage. If he hadn't insisted, she wouldn't be here with this man, this Panther, who claimed her for his own.
"I've mentioned it. And now that this is all done, he is willing to grant me whatever I wish."
"Except that I stopped Burke before he could strike!"
Indignation rose. Did he not intend to give her any credit?
"Aye, you did. And I thanked you for it. I will do so again later."
He stole her breath when he covered her mouth with a bruising kiss. When he drew away, she could barely, her vision hazed with lust.
"I love you, Wildcat. I will forever."
Tears of joy burned her eyes. "As I love you."
His lips moved along her cheek, back toward her neck. Tendrils of heat wisped through her veins, and she must have clutched Rowan a little too tightly, for he let out a protesting whine. Royce's fingers sliding her hair from her neck, following the motion with his lips, soon had her forgetting anything else but the way fire scorched her skin.
"When we get back to Lyndon, you are to give both children to the wet nurse. For the night."
Her heart clenched at the thought of being away from the babies. "Gladys is dead. Burke killed her."
"He lied. Gladys is alive and well and able to care for the babes tonight."
"But –"
