Gillian followed Eleanor's gaze around the messed room, the broken porcelain and overturned table and chairs. Her mind still tumbling with all that had happened, she let herself be led from the chamber.
***
Royce closed the door after he entered the chamber behind Edward, Simon and Burke. He waited for the king to begin. Edward turned and directed a fierce glare at Simon.
"We know you and Lady Madelaine were together last night." Edward shook his head when Simon made an attempt to protest. "She has already confessed the affair. What do you plan to do? Eleanor demands you make things right for her lady-in-waiting."
Simon looked so pale, Royce feared he might pass out. He moved closer to catch the man, just in case. He might land on Edward.
"I... will be happy to have Lady Madelaine as wife. If she will have me. Sire, I am but –"
"She'll have you. And we are well aware of who you are. Fear not, you'll be given the means to support your wife. The queen insisted upon that." Edward's mouth quirked in a half-smile, which just as quickly disappeared. "And whilst you are still not completely free of suspicion, this explains at least some of your secretive actions. Royce and I agree you are not who we seek. For now."
While the unspoken warning was clear in the king's icy tone, Simon's body lost its tension. Royce caught the king's glance and nodded. Edward lowered himself into a chair.
"Who is Jervais and how did he come to be here?"
"He's been a knight in Lyndon's garrison for many years. The baron took him on when he was still a squire."
"Does he possess any Welsh blood?" Royce asked, taking up a position beside the king, He studied Simon closely. The man didn't appear intimidated, though worry lined his brow.
"Not that I am aware. His father is a silver merchant, wealthy enough to foster Jervais out."
"Do you know his family?"
Simon shook his head. "I have never met them. He is from near York."
Edward stroked his beard, his gaze contemplative. "What do you suppose he might have been doing sneaking around last night?"
Simon shrugged. "I don't know, but I plan to find out."
Royce nodded and turned to Burke. "Keep a close watch on Jervais, but allow Simon to attempt to uncover the man's true loyalties."
This would be another test of Simon's loyalty. Part of him hoped the bastard son would prove true to England, for he worried about his wife's reaction should her brother turn out to be a traitor.
"Aye."
Burke nodded his agreement, but the hostility in his eyes confused Royce. He watched his captain closely, wondering at the anger he seemed to direct at Simon. Had the two men argued? If so, surely Royce would know. Why did Burke appear to despise Simon?
"We depart in the morn for Shrewsbury," said Edward. "Panther, you'll need to come with us."
"Sire, with respect, I feel 'tis a bad idea to leave Lyndon with the rebels still at large."
"Leave Burke in your stead. And most of your men."
Royce didn't like it, but didn't dare refuse the king's orders. "Very well, I will advise my wife."
Edward shook his head. "Tell her she must join us."
Royce hadn't expected to bring Gillian, as he would be spending most of the time in Shrewsbury closeted with the king and other lords.
"But I thought –"
"She's been claimed a traitor by two of the rebels. She must witness the execution to lay any further rumors to rest."
Royce understood. She must show her support for the king in public. He nodded. "Very well, Sire, if you think that will work."
Edward held up a hand. "We no longer believe her to be a traitor but sometimes even my word is not enough."
