"Burke." She turned to Royce, shaking off her musings. "My lord."
Her reward was a warm smile from her husband. Her stomach gave an odd little flutter when he indicated she should sit beside him. She did, assailed by a shiver of giddy delight when he took her hand and kissed the back.
"I trust you slept well?"
"Like a babe." She had, once she'd finally drifted off. So heavily did she slumber, she hadn't felt him rise and leave her.
He placed a trencher of cheese and porridge before her. "Eat. You need to recover your strength."
Her cheeks heated and she focused her attention on breaking her fast.
She'd nearly finished when footsteps drew her attention. Simon approached the table, concern lined intohis face. He gave a bow toward Royce, a nod to Burke and a glance at Gillian.
"Good morn, Simon. We must talk." Royce took a long drink of ale from the flagon before replacing it on the table.
"About what, my lord?"
Her brother sent a questioning glance her way. She tried to reassure him with a smile, unsure if she succeeded.
"Burke, leave us. The king will want to interrogate the rebels shortly."
"Aye." Burked faced her once again. "My lady."
This time, Gillian noted an unmistakable lust flickering in Burke's eyes before he concealed it. She shuddered, grateful when he turned away and strode toward the lower chambers.
"I know of your parentage. Gillian told me last night." Royce's voice, low and deep, drew her out of the troublesome thoughts. Simon turned to her. She'd never seen such anger spark in his eyes.
"We agreed." His words croaked out between clenched teeth.
"I know, but –"
Royce cut in. "I made her tell me. Fear not, you are welcome at Lyndon and always will be. In fact, we will require your assistance during the search for the rebels."
Simon shifted uneasily and looked between Royce and Gillian. She stood.
"'Tis true I had no choice. But trust him. You have nothing to worry about anymore. Trust me."
"I don't know what to make of this. I... thank you, my lord."
"You will continue your role as my wife's guard. I trust you'll keep her safe and protect her as you must."
Gillian caught the stern stare Royce fixed on her brother. The words left unspoken promised a gruesome retribution if Simon should fail.
"Of course. I would lay down my life for her."
Simon's voice rang true and strong as he made thevow. He gave Gillian a smile. All would be well.
***
Royce, with Burke at his side, awaited Edward's arrival in the lower chambers. The two rebels remained bound in the tiny room. Though they were injured, and weak, having not eaten since their capture, they still glared at Royce with defiance. He wondered how long they would last under Edward's interrogation.
The king entered, as always, his trusted advisor Burnell right behind him. He paused and quietly gave the other man some instructions. Burnell left the room to carry out his sire's wishes.
"These are the only ones you captured who survived?"
"Aye. The third died of his wounds but did tell of the intentions behind the raid."
Edward stalked over to the two Welshmen and kicked one of their legs. "You will die for your foolish daring. Have you anything to confess before you are hanged?"
