On her order, the servants dispersed to their tasks. Gillian sipped at her ale. Dylis still lingered nearby.
"Did you want something else?"
Dylis looked nervously around the room and stepped closer. She nodded, speaking in a low voice.
"I saw one of the guards go through the door. To the tunnel."
The traitor? The excitement burst upon Gillian suddenly.
"Who was it? When did you see this?"
Dylis hesitated again, a deep red staining her cheeks. "I-it was last night. After all were abed. I..."
Her hands twisted frantically in the apron and Gillian feared the girl would tear it to shreds.
At the downcast eyes and ever-darkening blush, Gillian understood.
"You needn't tell me who you were meeting with. But you must tell me who you saw."
Dylis raised her head and met Gillian's gaze. "'Twas Jervais."
Gillian frowned. Jervais was a close companion ofSimon's. No wonder her husband and the king suspected her brother. She must get word to him, warn him. And mayhap give him the chance to prove his loyalty.
"Dylis, I need to see Simon. I know the earl has assigned him to help with the searches while I am chained here, but the moment they get back, can you get word to him?"
"Aye, I will do it. I will tell..."
Gillian smiled as Dylis broke off once more.
"Might there be a wedding in the spring?" she asked.
Dylis' eyes widened, yearning evident in her dark gaze. "Oh, my lady, I hope so."
"Please keep me advised."
Dylis nodded and turned back to her work. Gillian took another sip of her ale and turned her attention back to peeling vegetables. The stores grew lower each day and she knew 'twas from feeding the king and his party.
A sudden silence fell over the room, the crackle of the flames at the open end the only sound. Aware of the servants looking beyond her, she turned. Eleanor stood at the entrance. Gillian sank into a deep curtsy.
"Your Majesty. Is there aught I can do for you?"
"Rise, Lady Gillian. I have sent for the steward to free you."
"But... Your Majesty, my husband and the king have –" Gillian stood, her questioning gaze focused on her queen.
"Two stubborn fools, to my eyes."
Eleanor offered a smile just as Thomas came up behind her. He quickly unlocked the padlock around the shackle.
She was free! She longed to dance with joy, but refrained, aware the queen watched her closely.
"Come, I have much I want to discuss."
Gillian followed Eleanor to the hall and sat beside her before the hearth.
"Do you have everything you need, Your Highness? If there is something not to your liking –"
"Nay, naught is amiss. But I think I may be able to help you. One of my ladies has become quite taken withone of the men in Lyndon's garrison."
