"I see," said Gillian. But she didn't.
"She snuck out of our chamber last night. To meet with him." Lyndon appeared to be a hive of amorous activity. Gillian supposed 'twas likely with all of the extra people about. Gillian's heart raced.
"Lady Gillian, she saw someone making their way to the secret door." Eleanor chuckled at what must be a surprised look on Gillian's face. "Yes, my dear. My husband shares most everything with me."
Gillian nodded. "Yes, I would expect Royce to have informed the king of the doors."
"'Twould seem the guard at that door has been neglecting his duty. You should inform your husband."
Again, Gillian found herself confused. "Have you not mentioned this to the king?"
Eleanor shook her head, her long blonde hair falling into her face before she brushed it aside.
"Nay. I think 'twould do you and your brother well if you provided this information to the earl."
Gillian gaped. The queen offered help to prove her innocence.
"But Your Majesty, I don't understand."
Eleanor leaned over and patted Gillian's hand. "Men can be quite foolish sometimes. This would be best coming from you and your brother, rather than someone else. I've ordered Lady Madelaine to declare she has told you of this. I will act surprised when I am eventually told."
"Why?"
"You are no traitor, anyone with eyes that function can see that. But my husband is desperate to end this rebellion and will accept as fact the barest clues. And not only will he have a real target for his rage, you and your brother will be cleared."
Gillian wanted to laugh with her joy. "I don't know how to thank you, Your Highness. Please tell me how I may show my gratitude."
"No need. But you must speak with your brother first."
"Why must I tell him?"
"Because he is the one who Lady Madelaine snuck out to meet."
Gillian didn't know how to respond, so she merely nodded. Simon and Lady Madelaine? Why didn't he say something? Now she understood Eleanor's insistence. Had Dylis sent a message already?
"I will speak with him soon. As soon as I can get word for him to meet me without raising –"
The wooden doors burst open and Royce and Edward strode into the hall, followed by several of their men. At the sight of her before the hearth, Royce stopped short. Anger blazed in his golden eyes, but after glancing at Eleanor, he remained silent. The sudden silence seemed to make Gillian's heartbeat echo through the room.
"How dare you disobey! Who freed you?"
Royce's roar left Gillian on the verge of breath-stealing panic.
***
Royce had never been so angry. His wife had used her charm to have Thomas free her from her shackle and therefore the chores she'd been tasked with tending in the kitchens. He took a step closer, fists clenched, his anger taking hold.
"I freed her, Langley."
Royce stopped at the queen's words.
"Why, Your Highness?" His confusion deflated his anger.
"Because the poor girl has suffered enough. She is your wife, and should be treated with respect. Not like one of those rebels you fools seem to think she is in league with."
""They named her as conspirator." Edward strode over to his wife. "How dare you interfere with a man's right to punish his wife!"
Eleanor waved a dismissive hand at her husband. "You know as well as I Lady Gillian is no traitor."
