He turned and headed out the door. Gillian followed. He pulled the door shut behind him.
The thud of the bar falling into place caused her to jump. She pulled on the handle, but it held securely. She pounded on the wood.
"Bastard! You won't keep me locked away forever!"
The grate of the key rasped like jagged swords. She pressed her ear against the door, listening to his steps grow fainter as he walked away.
"Damn you!"
Her only response was his laughter, fading as he strode away.
She folded her arms and moved to sit on the bed. Just as quickly, she jumped back up when recollections of her wedding night pummeled her once more.
She eased herself into one of the hearthside chairs, wincing at the tenderness in her bottom. How long would she have to wait?
***
Royce strode through the great hall and headed for the chambers below. Too many questions remained and he didn't want to wait for answers. His wife held many of them, of that he had no doubt, but just how deeply was she involved? He would see to her later tonight. He ignored his hardening cock as he thought of the way he would do so.
Burke met him at the bottom of the narrow stair and led him to the room where Anne had been held. It now housed three Welsh rebels. One looked to be severely wounded. Royce pointed to him.
"Question him before he dies."
Burke summoned two soldiers who dragged the man from the floor and into another room. Royce and Burke stood over the remaining two men. Their shaggy and unkempt appearance hid cunning and barbaric warriors. Their hands were bound behind them and would remain so.
"Where is your leader?"
One of the men grinned through his beard.
"You'll never find Godwin."
"Why did you attack?"
Another grin but no response. Royce kicked the foot of the other man.
"What do you know?"
"The king is coming."
Alarm rose swift. Royce reached down and hauled the man to his feet.
"How do you know? What was your plan? Tell me or you die."
"I'll die anyway."
Frustrated, Royce shoved the man back to the floor. He paced and looked at Burke, just as a piercing scream rose from the hallway. Liam came back into the room.
"He is dead, my lord. But he told us the plan was to lay in wait for Edward."
Royce spun about to face the remaining two rebels. "Your plan failed. You'll be hanged."
"Look within, Panther, to find your traitor."
The words echoed around him with each step back to the hall. He shook his head. All he needed was some ale and to discuss fortifications with Burke.
Chapter Seven
Gillian paced before the hearth. Her stomach rumbled and she wondered if her husband would leave her to starve. He was a cruel bastard, but locked in here all afternoon had left her in an odd mood.
