Gillian looked up at her husband and fear sliced sharply into her. His stony countenance warned she wasabout to suffer again under his hand. Excitement sprouted in the midst of her worry. She ignored it, aware that an accusation of treason could subject her to far worse than any sexual torment her husband put her through.
"Nay, you cannot think I have betrayed you, Sire!" The desperation in her voice was due to Royce's ever tightening hold on her. "'Tis Anne who is behind this!"
Edward said nothing as Royce pulled her toward the keep. She stumbled once, but he righted her. Where was Simon? He could make them see the truth.
Several times, she caught the glances of soldiers or servants. Many bore expressions of surprise and sympathy, but a few actually appeared pleased by her predicament. Had she been a fool to think everyone here was loyal to England? To her? Had she protected them for naught? She made note of who looked satisfied. If they would betray Lyndon, they betrayed her and she owed them nothing. She would tell her husband their names once they were alone in their chamber.
She shivered at the thought of what he might do to her this time. An eagerness for him to touch her, in any manner, poked through the bedlam of emotions, but fear kept it from taking over.
He said nothing as he dragged her through the great hall and up the stairs to the lord's chamber. He shoved her into the room. She stumbled and nearly fell, but he made no move to aid her. She pulled herself upright and met his gaze defiantly.
"You know I am no traitor!"
He folded his arms. "I don't know what to believe anymore. Your insistence on keeping secrets has not worked in your favor. Daring to question the king's actions only makes you more suspect."
"What will you do to me?"
"Whatever I must to ensure you are indeed loyal. For now, I have more urgent tasks to see to. You will remain here until I return and decide what is to be done with you."
He turned and left the room. She ran to the door,hearing the now-familiar sound of the bar sliding into place, followed by the rasp of the key in the padlock. She slumped, wondering how such a promising day had turned into such hell.
***
Royce found Edward in the hall and joined him before the hearth.
"What have you done to the girl?"
"She's locked in our chamber for now. I will see to her later. First, I must –"
"My lord, what have you done with Lady Gillian?"
Simon's angry shout preceded him by mere moments. His dark eyes flashed in anger as he stalked over to stand before Royce.
Royce stood. "She is secure. For now."
"Surely you know she's no traitor!"
"We know nothing of the sort."
Edward's words drew Simon's attention from Royce. He paled at the sight of the tall king rising from his chair.
"She would never be disloyal to you, Your Majesty." Simon bowed.
"How can you be so sure?" Edward asked. "Both rebels have said she passes secrets to their leader."
Royce leaned close to the king. "This is the brother, Sire."
"I see. And are you loyal?"
"Of course, Sire. I would never betray you, nor would Gillian. Our father was your man until the end."
"You hold no anger at not being acknowledged?"
Simon hesitated. "I won't deny I would rather William had recognized me, but I harbor no malice."
"We shall see."
"May I speak with her?" he asked.
