Royce didn't know who made the claim, but he swore, his shout echoing in the now eerily silent bailey. Burke reached him, appearing just as concerned.
"How did this happen?"
Burke shrugged. "I didn't see any of the rebels gain access to the keep."
The suspicions that rose nearly choked Royce. A red haze clouded his vision. Someone inside had to have given Anne aid. But who?
"Set the men to clearing this." He waved a hand around the bailey. "We must question everyone in the household. I am assigning the task to you."
"And your wife?"
Royce glared at his captain. "I will see to my wife."
"Aye. Did you see any sign of Godwin?"
Royce shook his head. "It's as if he is nothing more than a specter. I will see that man's head on a pike ere this is over."
Burke gave him a knowing smile. "No doubt you will."
"See to your tasks."
"Aye, my lord." Burke strode away, shouting at the soldiers in the bailey awaiting further orders.
Royce gave another sidelong glance toward Simon before turning back to the keep. He needed to punish his wife. Again.
Chapter Six
Gillian's fists ached from pounding on the door. Damn her husband for locking her up like this! Kept prisoner in her own home. Not even Thomas would unlock the door. Had she no voice at Lyndon anymore?
She went to the arrow slit and peered out. From here, she couldn't see much, but the battle seemed to be ending. Where was her husband? And Simon? Had he survived unscathed? She prayed so.
She sat on the bed, but jumped up as she recalled what had occurred there last eve. She never wanted to share that bed again. She picked up her bow and lowered herself into a chair by the hearth. Taking a cloth from the quiver, she wiped the weapon down, cleaning it of the sweat from her hands and any dirt acquired during her brief time on the ramparts.
Again, she silently cursed her husband. She'd done nothing but help and he acted as though she'd committed a crime. Did he not understand that with her assistance, he stood a better chance of defeating the rebels?
The sound of the key grating in the lock drew her from her thoughts. She put down the bow and stood. The door swung open, Royce filling the frame. Her heart raced.
He stepped into the room and shut the door, barring it against intruders. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Fury still lined his face and all of it was directed at her.
"Why didn't you tell me of the hidden door?"
"You didn't ask."
He clenched his fists and took one step closer. She lifted her chin, refusing to cower.
"I will have no secrets kept from me." His voice was steady, and calm.
"'Tis no secret the door is there. It was built for escape." Yet, even as she spoke the words, she suspected hemeant other secrets. She had others.
"Do not toy with me."
He stepped closer still, laying his hand on the back of her neck. He drew her near.
"Do you know how close you came to being killed today?"
His warm breath fanned her cheek. The sensation stirred things she shouldn't be thinking of. Not now.
"I was never in any danger, my lord."
