"I don't know what... thank you."
"I expect Edward to make the declaration after Parliament ends."
Burke grinned. "Me, a baron?"
"As you always should have been. I am glad we can restore your position."
"My thanks, Royce. 'Tis your doing in taking me on as your captain. I owe you much."
"Never forget that."
Royce laughed, his captain joining in.
Chapter Fifteen
Gillian returned to her chamber, relieved that the mess she'd made had been cleaned up. After being with the queen and her ladies for the last hours, she was exhausted. She stretched out on the bed. She would rest for just a few moments.
The feel of hands sliding up her legs drew her from slumber. Still groggy, she forced heavy lidded eyes open. Royce leaned over her, her skirts around her waist and his hands seeking her sex. Heat rushed through her at the wicked smile he gave her.
"You were sleeping so soundly, I almost couldn't wake you," he said, his fingers moving ever closer to her pussy.
She should protest, especially after the way he'd treated her the last several days. But as always, the fire he stoked consumed any rational thought. At the first touch of his warm hand on her sex, she moaned, her hips tipping up to give him better access.
"I feared you wouldn't wake before we leave in the morn."
His seeking fingers stroked and caressed, and her sex dripped with excitement. Somehow, his words filtered through the haze. Awareness came slowly, but the fog of lust finally broke away.
"You are leaving?"
He said nothing, slipping two fingers inside her, stroking her until she near forgot what he said. How she held onto the barest thread of her wits, she'd never know.
"Royce, please tell me. Why are you leaving?"
He continued his sensual assault as he responded.
"Edward has called a Parliament in Shrewsbury, where we will hold the trial. You will come with us. We should return within a fortnight."
She had no chance to question him further, for heleaned down and took her mouth in a devouring kiss. His tongue was like hot velvet, and she moaned, wrapping her arms around his neck. He continued to torment her sex, until the lust threatened to once more consume her. She drew away, gasping for air. He ran a finger along her cheek, his other hand still teasing her sex.
"Please, my lord, I need..."
"Yes, you do, but you're not going to get it yet."
He withdrew his hand and she whined in protest. She tried to pull him back to her, but he resisted her efforts.
"I would make this night last, to hold me through the coming days. I suspect we'll have little time together."
Her heart raced with excitement, her thoughts awhirl with ideas of what wicked games he might play with her now.
"Why must I come with you?"
"Since you were publicly named as traitor, Edward believes your presence will put the last of those rumors to rest. Simon will remain here, with Burke, to defend Lyndon"
She gaped at him. "So you believe us now?"
He nodded. "I believed you several days ago."
"You... what do you...? I don't understand."
