The open, friendly expression on the king's face changed to one of concern and displeasure. "The rebels?"
"Aye. Come rest, and have some ale to refresh yourself first."
"Don't toy with me, Panther. What have you learned?"
Royce resumed walking and Edward followed. He tossed over the words he would use to tell the king of what had happened in the last days without setting off Edward'srage. Thankfully, the king didn't continue to press for answers as they climbed the steps.
Once inside the hall, Royce bade Edward to sit by the hearth and summoned the steward. After requesting refreshments and confirming the king's chambers, he joined Edward, seating himself beside the king before the hearth. He hesitated. Choosing the right words would be difficult, and he knew he'd then have to justify his own actions. Or lack thereof, depending on how the king might view them.
"The baron's wife is rumored to be with child."
Edward's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure?"
"To be honest, nay, I am not. 'Tis only her claim. However, if 'tis true, Gillian says the child cannot be her father's. Apparently, William swore this to her before he passed."
"Then there is naught to worry about. Where is the baroness now?"
Royce paused again, his gut knotted. He gave silent thanks for the timing of the maidservant who brought ale and some cheese with bread. When she had departed, Royce handed a tankard to the king.
"We secured her in the chambers below. She attempted to murder my wife."
"And she still lives?"
Royce stared into his ale and nodded. "Without proof of her condition, which I intended to learn as soon as possible, I didn't dare."
The law did not allow for women with child to be tortured for information, no matter their crimes. Royce had no doubt Edward could, and would, discount the law to get what they sought, but he would not. Not until he knew for sure.
"Summon a physic and confirm it then."
Yet again, Royce took a few extra moments before answering. "She's escaped."
Edward slammed his tankard on the table, spilling the ale and almost upending the food. "Damn it to all that's holy, Langley, how the hell did that happen?"
Royce sighed. "I fear there may be a traitor within Lyndon's walls. 'Tis the only explanation."
He relayed the events of yesterday, the attack and Anne's subsequent escape. He paused to gulp a few mouthfuls of ale and continued. When he finished, if Edward's eyes had been swords, they would have felled Royce in an instant.
"Who've you questioned?"
Royce's thoughts immediately focused on his attempts to get his wife to talk last night. His mouth went dry and he tried to force the images of her naked bound body from his head.
"There are several on the manor who may hold information. I've set my men to gathering them for interrogation."
Edward nodded. "Very well. And the rebels you captured?"
"To be hanged. I'd thought on the morrow."
Edward scratched his chin, eyes narrowed in thought. "Nay. The day after, mayhap the next. I want to question them. We'll uncover the traitor ere long."
Royce hoped so, but if everyone proved as stubborn as his wife, he worried about what methods Edward would employ to gain the information they sought. When necessary, the king could be brutally ruthless. Royce didn't want those on Lyndon to turn against him, especially not when he still wasn't knowledgeable enough about the manor and its village. With the Welsh known for their heathen ways, he feared an uprising to be a real possibility. He didn't share this concern with the king, knowing Edward wouldn't care. After years of friendship, Royce knew exactly how his king achieved his goals and when to keep silent about anything he might disagree with.
Mayhap this was another way he could use his wife. The idea certainly merited consideration, in case he needed to employ such trickery. Royce knew well Edward had a tender spot for women, especially those as comely as Gillian. 'Twould seem his bride could be even morebeneficial than he'd thought.
As if he'd conjured her with his thoughts, she appeared at the foot of the stairs, her face ashen. Even from his position across the large room, he saw her tremble. What had spooked her?
Edward apparently noticed Royce's focus and turned as well. He smiled.
"Your bride is quite lovely, Langley. I've chosen well for you."
