"You are not the one to make that judgment."
Royce remained silent as Edward and Eleanor argued. He moved to stand beside Gillian. She peered up at him with defiant eyes. He didn't dare tell her he believed her innocent; his plan with Edward required him to continue to suspect her, at least outwardly. Aware that several of the servants had paused in their work to watch the royal couple argue, he barked orders for them to leave the hall.
He leaned over to his wife's ear. "You may have won the queen's favor, but you will be punished for this."
"I have no doubt. My lord."
The acid in her voice almost drew a chuckle but he suppressed it. Yet, he noted a spark in her gaze that betrayed her excitement. He also looked forward to this eve.
"Langley, please excuse us." Edward took Eleanor's hand and pulled her to her feet, hurrying across the hall to the stairs.
"I suspect Eleanor will also face chastisement."
"For what? Recognizing the truth?"
"You would do well to curb your tongue. I should whip you for your insolence."
A brief moment of panic flitted into her eyes, her lips pressing together. As quickly, she resumed her detached expression. Still, the sight of her alarm tightened his balls. He grabbed her arm and hauled her from the chair, following Edward's path across the hall. Once inside their chamber he shoved her in. She stumbled and fell to her knees. He checked the urge to help her to her feet.
"You make me a laughingstock."
"That is your own doing! Everyone on this manor knows I am no traitor, yet you and the king stubbornly refuse to accept that. You are punishing me for nothing but the word of two cowardly rebels about to meet their death. I have given you the names of those who were possible traitors, and yet you still treat me like a criminal."
"Your behavior and refusal to obey make you suspect."
"Behavior? What have I done? Nothing!"
"The keeping of secrets is a very real reason to suspectyou."
Her fists came at him so fast, she landed two blows before he subdued her. His jaw ached where she hit him, and he grabbed her wrist before she struck again, twisting her arms behind her back. Still she fought, slamming her foot onto his boot.
"Stubborn Wildcat!" He trapped her legs between his, stilling her attempts to kick him. "Let me go!"
"You have now lost the freedom I gave you this morn. You will remain here until I have exhausted my investigation."
"You bastard! I've done nothing to deserve this!"
He said nothing, merely turned her to the bed, forcing her face down onto it. Again, she kicked out, but he avoided her legs. Grabbing a sash that lay on the floor from her past captivity, he quickly wound it around her wrists. He turned her again, lifting her so she sat on the bed, resting up on the headboard.
"I will return shortly."
He left the room, anxious to seek out Burke and find out if his captain had learned anything about Simon.
Chapter Fourteen
Gillian tugged at her bonds, cursing her husband. Surely someone must hear her shouts. Royce had likely threatened anyone who dared come to her aid. Her arms had gone nearly numb. She scooted to the edge of the bed and stood, waiting a few moments to ensure she could balance. What could she use to get free?
Her gaze landed on the ewer and basin on the table beside the wardrobe. She moved cautiously across the room, halting completely when she thought she heard someone on the other side of the door. When no one entered, she resumed her trek across the chamber. She stared at the porcelain. The notion tempting her grew stronger with each heartbeat, but she knew the noise would attract attention. 'Twas the only way. She turned and with her bound hands, sent the ewer and basin shattering to the floor. She studied the broken pieces. Spotting several that might serve her needs; she carefully stepped amidst the shards and slowly lowered herself. With her hands behind her back, she couldn't see, but her fingers finally closed on a piece she deemed the right size.
Taking a deep breath, she rose once again and returned to the bed. She willed her hands to steadiness, but due to her bonds, her efforts were lackluster at best. Still, she maneuvered the broken piece of porcelain until she was able to slip it between her wrists. With slow and careful movements, she used the shard to cut through the sash holding her arms behind her.
The edges were not as sharp as she'd hoped, further slowing the process. She bit her lip, concentrating, maintaining a mostly steady movement against the cloth until finally, with a sharp tearing sound, she made a significant cut. She tugged with her arms and the ties ripped, freeing her. She dropped the glass, trying not to cryout with the pain of the sudden movement. Her stiff arms didn't want to respond to her commands, but slowly feeling returned. She let out a few deep breaths, her stomach rolling.
She'd best not be sick, not after she'd shattered the washbasin. A few more deep breaths calmed her senses, and a few tentative motions soothed the discomfort in her arms. She set about clearing the larger broken porcelain pieces. She'd need a broom for the rest. She carefully set the shards aside and turned to the door when it swung open.
Panic rose up to choke her, but dissipated just as quickly when she recognized Simon. She let out a happy cry and ran to him, hugging him tightly. She'd missed him these last days.
He set her away and closed the door. "I don't have much time. Your husband is in conference with his captain and the king, and could return at any moment. Dylis said you needed to see me."
