The chill of the autumn night soon enabled him to gain control, though did nothing to cool his yearning. Lady Gillian was an intriguing contradiction. One moment she challenged him, sparks in her eyes. Other times, she viewed him with wariness and hesitation. He preferred the sparks. His cheek still tingled from her slap. He gave a wry smile. She would pay for that tomorrow.
He thought about what Burke had told him. And wondered why his bride didn't. Her mother was Welsh,rumored to be a distant cousin of the prince who waited in Shrewsbury for his trial. Was there any chance Lyndon was not loyal to Edward? It might explain Gillian's lack of concern over her safety. If she had shared this herself, he might be inclined to trust her, but since she had not, suspicion remained.
He frowned. He had many ways to lure secrets from prisoners. Mayhap he should approach this marriage in the same way until he absolutely proved she wasn't a traitor. The very real heat between them was a valuable tool, one to wield to gain what he needed. He smiled as he formulated a plan to learn all of his betrothed's secrets. Once she was his wife, he would exercise complete power over her.
Pleased with his solution, he gave a last glance around the bailey. All appeared still. He entered the hall, surveying the combined forces of his and Lyndon's men. There were more than sufficient troops to subdue any rebellion attack. But if the danger came from within, 'twould not matter how many able men he had.
***
He kept his step light, not wanting anyone to know of his presence here. Though the chambers on this lower level of the keep went mostly unused, he did not want to take the chance of being seen by anyone other than his lover. His worry for her outweighed his anger at her foolish actions.
When he neared her chamber, her face came into view against the small window in the door.
"'Tis about time," she snapped. "I wondered if you would ever come."
"I had to make sure none knew I was here. The Panther seeks his bride; there is little time before he returns."
"Free me." She reached her hand through the door.
He shook his head. "Nay, 'tis not the right time. Soon, our forces will arrive and you will be brought to safety."
"But the babe..."
"Why did you attack Lyndon's daughter? 'Twas a foolish mistake."
Anne lowered her head. "I'm sorry. I... that girl and herwedding has ruined all we've planned. My anger overtook me."
The remorse in her tone softened his brusque manner. "But now you are locked away, where you cannot help me. I depended on you and you failed."
"Please, forgive me. The babe has made me ill. I wasn't thinking clearly."
He sighed. He knew her condition made her emotions more uneven than usual. "Here."
He slipped a cloth-wrapped bundle through the small hole. Inside were several pieces of meat, a few tarts and some bread. 'Twas all he could manage to gather without raising suspicion and he hoped it would be enough. He doubted anyone had given her a meal since locking her in here.
"Please let me out."
"Soon, my love, I promise. I must go before anyone grows suspicious of my absence."
"Wait. I've learned something. We've not spoken ere now, so you do not know."
"Know what?"
"There is another who can claim Lyndon for Edward."
His fingers tightened on the bars of the window. Anne reached up and laid her hand against them. Why did he not know of this?
"Tell me."
"My husband has a bastard-born son. He has acknowledged him in a letter to the king, which is to be given to him should anything befall the Panther and his bride."
"It cannot be." This news required changes to his plan and little time to implement them.
Anne nodded. "He gave the letters to a messenger be delivered to the king the night before he passed."
"Who is it?"
"I don't know. I only happened upon this when they were almost finished. They don't know what I've learned."
