For a few moments, she'd thought him compassionate to her worries, but his harsh tone in ordering her to follow revealed the truth. All she wanted was for him to care for her, even just a little. After the last nights together, she hoped their shared passion would create a bond where she might earn his respect and affection. 'Twas clear now she had a long path ahead of her to win even that from him.
The sun shone brightly, near blinding her. She followed her husband down the steps, the king's train just coming through the gates. At the head, just before the rider carrying the royal pennant, rode King Edward.
Tall and blonde, every bit the debonair king he was rumored to be, Edward waved to the crowd and grinned, before reining in his steed to dismount. Immediately, hestrode to the rider just behind. His queen.
Gillian had heard tales of Eleanor's beauty, with long blond hair and bright blue eyes. Yet, many said she was cold and greedy. Gillian saw nothing but affection and warmth in the stare the king and queen exchanged. They shared a few quiet words, Eleanor briefly touching her husband's cheek.
Gillian sucked in a breath to realize she longed to experience the tenderness that passed between the pair. 'Twas obvious they genuinely loved one another. She darted a glance in her husband's direction. He stared straight ahead.
She didn't insist her husband love her. But she did want his affection and concern. His respect. Somehow, she would gain that. Without it, she feared Lyndon faced a dire future.
Edward and his queen now approached. Gillian tried to steady her unevenly beating heart by studying the queen's sapphire blue bliaut which perfectly matched her eyes. A girdle of gold chain surrounded the blonde woman's tiny waist and the elongated cuffs of her dress were trimmed in the finest gold ribbon. Throughout her hair, matching gold bands twined through the thin braids that pulled away from her lovely face.
Gillian glanced down at her own amethyst-colored gown, one of her finest, and suddenly thought her clothing seemed inferior. She glanced toward the closest litter, where several ladies-in-waiting stepped down. All were dressed similarly to the queen, in gowns made of the finest silks and linens and tied with girdles in silver or gold.
Gillian straightened her kirtle, wishing she had more time to arrange her hair, perhaps weave ribbons through it as many of the ladies did in imitation of their queen. Her own chain girdle was not of gold, but ordinary metal, and looked, to her critical eyes, shabby in comparison.
"You look lovely."
Royce's whisper beside her ear startled her from her thoughts. She stared at him curiously, surprised by thewarm smile curling his lips. How had he known what she was thinking?
She gave a nod of thanks. A warm tingle hummed in her belly. She'd never thought he could show such kindness. Had she somehow managed to break through to him? How different he looked with his face softened and without the scowl he always seemed to wear. He held her gaze for several moments. Was that actually warmth in his eyes? For her? Her head spun with the realization.
"Panther! 'Tis good to finally set our eyes upon you."
Edward's booming voice cut across the courtyard. Once again, Gillian's heart raced nervously. Royce squeezed her hand. The simple gesture calmed her even as it raised more questions about her husband.
"Your Highness, it is my pleasure, as always." Royce bowed before his overlord. "May I present my wife, the Lady Gillian of Lyndon."
Gillian sank into a curtsy, awaiting the king's reply.
"'Tis a delight to meet the woman who will tame the Panther." Edward touched her shoulder, indicating she should rise. "Allow me to present your queen, Eleanor."
"Your Highness."
Gillian once more dropped into a deep curtsy. A hand on her shoulder drew her gaze up.
Eleanor greeted her with a friendly smile.
"Lovely girl, Royce. You've done well."
Certain her cheeks had turned scarlet, judging from the heat scorching her face, Gillian gave a nervous laugh and stood.
"Aye. I should get many sons from her."
Indignation straightened her spine. So many things to say in response sparked on the tip of her tongue. She held them back, afraid to insult either Eleanor or the king.
"Treat her well, Panther." Eleanor's voice held a clear note of warning before she turned to Gillian once again. "I am fatigued from this journey."
"Of course, Your Majesty. I have several rooms ready for you and your ladies."
Gillian gave a half glance to Royce before pulling her hand from his. She headed for the stairs, aware of the queen and her ladies following. Once more she found it difficult to breathe, anxious about the queen's reaction to her modest home. 'Twas no castle like Ludlow or Shrewsbury, and the town must have appeared quite small to the royal party. Confidence wavering, Gillian clenched her fingers to steady her hands. At the top of the steps, Thomas stood in the open doors, and dropped into a deep bow.
"Welcome, Your Majesty."
"Thomas and I will see to whatever you need." Gillian's need to assure the queen she had control of the household grew stronger than ever.
"Thank you. We are most grateful, Lady Gillian."
