"I did."
Simon's voice rang out before Gillian could speak. She turned and gaped at him.
"Are you daft? I know 'twas Dylis who saw. She wasmeeting with... she saw him. 'Twould seem whoever was set to guarding that door was not at his post."
"I will address that matter myself."
"I think you should worry about someone in your own troops." Gillian wondered why she insisted on baiting him this way. The stubborn fool deserved it.
"I will see to it. Now tell me, who is Dylis?"
Something in his tone and expression seemed softer. Definitely less angry. Had she finally gotten through to him?
"One of the maids. She feared telling me because she was not... that is not the point. Jervais and Simon have been in the garrison together many years. I thought Simon might be able to help."
"How would you help me?"
Though he directed the question to Simon, Gillian responded.
"He knows Jervais well, and I thought mayhap he could watch him without suspicion."
"So you are plotting again, behind my back?"
"Nay, I am trying to help you!" Her throat hurt from screaming at him. Did the man have wood for a head?
"Explain."
"My lord, your wife was trying to bring you proof that neither she nor I are the traitor. Since you will not listen to anything she says, and continue to mistreat her, we must do it ourselves."
Royce stalked over to stand before Simon. "You are already on a precarious perch. I have no reason to trust you."
"Nay, you don't, but I am trying to prove myself. If you won't permit me to do that, 'tis no matter, is it? You eliminate the threat, whether 'tis real or not."
The two men continued to rail at each other. Gillian tugged on her husband's arms. He shrugged her off as though she were no more consequential than a fly. She reached for him again, the sight of his fist landing in Simon's gut drawing a scream of fury. Simon doubled over,gasping, then righted himself. He swung at Royce, who blocked the blow and struck again.
Gillian turned on her husband, her own fists flying. A brief spark of satisfaction arose when he grunted as she landed one solid blow on his chin, followed by another to his gut. Again and again she swung, kicking at the same time and avoiding his attempts to subdue her.
"You idiot! We are trying to help you. Simon is no threat!"
She continued to pummel him, raging at his foolish and stubborn pride, until he finally caught one wrist, then the other, halting her attack.
"Quiet, you hellcat."
He nodded behind her. She looked over her shoulder.
Edward, Eleanor and Thomas stood in the doorway. Gillian groaned and her head fell against Royce's chest.
A bark of laughter echoed in the chamber. The king thought this funny? She met Royce's gaze. He appeared as flabbergasted as she.
"Panther, you've quite a task before you taming that one." Edward chuckled and walked across the room.
"Sire, I can explain..." He fell silent when Edward held up a hand.
"No need. We heard the screaming and Eleanor explained all." The king's expression sobered. "We must use caution, but I would like you and Sir Simon to join me. Thomas, send for Burke and see the queen and Lady Gillian to the royal chamber."
Her husband released her. For several moments, they stood in silent contemplation, studying each other, until he finally followed the king from the room. She had no chance to say anything at all to Simon before he too followed.
Eleanor held a hand out to Gillian. "Come. Let my ladies wait on you while you have your chamber... seen to."
