Royce shook his head. "Nay."
"What will you do?"
"'Tis not your concern. I suggest you worry for your own neck, rather than my wife's."
Again, Simon's face turned white. He gave a nod, another brief bow to Edward and strode out of the hall.
"They could be working together."
"Aye." Royce didn't dare gainsay the king and risk his wrath. Not until he was sure his wife had not betrayed them all.
***
He approached the tiny hut with caution. Did his lover wait for him as he'd ordered? He saw movement at the window and smiled. Already his cock ached for her. It had been too long.
He smiled again, thinking of how the rebels had turned the king's suspicion toward Lady Gillian. His plan continued to grow stronger each day. Once he had satisfied himself Anne was safe, he would see to reinforcing his army for another attack. He must strike while Edward remained at Lyndon, lest he lose his chance to win this once and for all. And once the king was slain, he would take the crown for himself. Not even his cousins had dared attempt the English throne. But he would.
He reined in his horse and dismounted securing the beast to a nearby tree. He looked around. So far deep into the forest, 'twould take days before anyone reached this hut. By then, Anne would be safely away with his heir secure in her belly.
He knocked once on the door and it swung open instantly. He found himself greeted by a warm body thrown against him, arms and legs encircling him. He grinned and stepped inside, kicking the door shut.
Her mouth upon his grew frantic and his cock hardened at the feel of her in his arms. He'd missed her. Soon, they would never be separated again.
No words passed between them as they tore at each other's clothes, until both were naked. He swept her into his arms and laid her upon the small cot in the corner. He wasted no time with preliminaries and suspected she didn't care either. He stroked his hard shaft twice then spread her legs. With one thrust, he was home.
He remained motionless for several moments, savoring her silky and wet warmth. All too soon, his urgency grew, her hips bucking to urge him on. Her nails scratched along his back and arms, spurring him on as he pounded into her. In mere moments, the rocking of her body around his had him exploding in delight, his shout matching her cries of completion.
Sated, he lay with her, his heart slowing.
"I've missed you so much," Anne said. She lifted herself on one elbow, her green eyes glowing with satisfaction.
"And I you. The plan is working well. I must see you to the village on the border, though." Her gaze reflected her concern. "Why?"
"Several reasons. Edward plans more searches and I fear they might eventually find you. Also, I would see that the babe is safe. The king will not hesitate to execute you even if you are with child."
Something in her expression alarmed him. He held her chin, forcing her to look at him. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just... my baby, I fear for the child's safety."
He nodded. "'Tis why I want you away from here."
"Will you come visit?"
He shrugged. "Mayhap, though I fear 'twill be some time. The plan is working. Lady Gillian is under suspicion of aiding the rebels. Us."
A delighted glow lit Anne's eyes. "How I wish I could see her pay for all that she's cost me."
"She will hang eventually. She is now locked away and subject to her husband's interrogation."
"And no one suspects you?"
He shook his head. "This has turned out to be much easier than I expected. 'Tis true the traitor is in their midst. By the time they realize, 'twill be too late."
The feel of her warmth against him soon had his cock stirring again. He covered her breast, squeezing and caressing until she arched against him. He took her mouth in a bruising kiss and rose above her.
Chapter Twelve
Gillian paced the chamber, chewing on a fingernail. She'd been locked in for the past three days and feared she might soon go mad.
