My father never claimed him as son, though he saw to his training and well-being. No one knows. Except..."
He slid his fingers under her chin and forced her to look at him. "Except who?"
"Myself and Simon, of course, and mayhap Edward."
Royce's brow furrowed. "If Edward knew, he would have told me."
"A letter was sent. I don't know if it reached him. And I can't say for sure what it said. I didn't see it."
"I will discuss it with the king in the morn."
"Royce, what will you do to Simon?" She had to know. Fear her husband might send Simon away, or worse, took over.
"Do to him? What do you mean?"
"He is a threat to your holding." She tried to turn away again, but her husband didn't release her chin.
"He is no threat. He can make no claims on Lyndon."
She heaved a sigh. "So you will not kill him?"
He gave her the oddest look, as if he thought her daft. "Of course not!"
"Or banish him?" She still held half a breath.
He shook his head, chuckling. "Nay, I will not send him away. You ask the oddest questions, Wildcat."
"I feared, that is, we both worried you might see him as a threat."
"Nay. In fact, now that I know, I feel he can help us."
For the first time in hours, Gillian's breathing came steady. "How?"
"He is knowledgeable about Lyndon and the surrounding lands. He can aid us in our search."
"I can as well –"
"You will not! You will do nothing except tend to matters of the household."
"But I know the lands as well as any here. I can help you!"
Frustration grew again, this time with her husband's pigheadedness.
"If I must lock you in again, I will. You will not join us in our search."
"But –"
"That is an order. To disobey will get you punished. And you won't like that one."
The shiver passing along her body told her otherwise.
Chapter Eleven
Gillian stopped at the foot of the stairs. She'd summoned Simon almost an hour ago. He should be here by now. She spotted Royce seated with Burke at the head of the table. Her husband looked up and caught her gaze. Her body warmed at the affection she found in his stare. Worried he might go back on his word faded. Simon would be permitted to stay, even to help.
She walked to her husband, her gaze darting to Burke. She'd not spoken much with the captain, but knew him to be efficient at keeping the men ready for Royce's orders. She caught his gaze and an uneasy tremor passed over her. Again, she detected the coldness in his eyes. The thin line of his lips gave him a menacing look. Yet, he merely nodded courteously. Nothing unseemly; as always, he remained properly polite and respectful. Still, a foreboding shiver ran along her spine.
"Good morn, my lady."
