He grunted and sat up, pulling her against him. She pushed away, wanting to see his face as he spoke. There was a hint of regret in his tawny eyes.
"Please explain why you continued to keep me locked up when you knew I was innocent."
Another grunt.
"Edward and I... we believed Simon was the traitor. Keeping you under public suspicion was a way of trying to make him reveal himself."
She shook her head, anger rising to take the place of her passion. She pushed him away.
"You are a fool."
"I had to be sure."
"Because of that there are others who believe me in league with the rebels."
He nodded. "Aye, which is why your presence at the execution is required."
"Execution?"
"Edward will assuredly condemn Dafydd to death for high treason."
She thought on his words and realized she had no choice. The king demanded she be there. She met her husband's gaze.
"And what finally made you realize you were wrong?"
"The queen and her ladies have a talent for uncovering secrets. And sharing them. 'Twould seem Lady Madelaine was your brother's reason for his suspicious behavior."
"I know that!" She stood and began to pace, evading his attempts to draw her back to him.
"Gillian, I would do it again."
She whirled to face him. "I know that too. You are the most mule-headed man I have ever encountered. I'd expected you to be smarter though."
His eyebrows slashed down and he stood.
"Even though I declared you innocent, I will not tolerate your disrespect."
She folded her arms and lifted her chin. "And what of your disrespect for me?"
"What do you mean?"
She shook her head. "You treat me like a criminal! Locking me away with no good reason. If you believed me innocent of the claims of treason, you could have told me. I would have helped you and the king. I still can. And I will."
"Aye, you will. By standing at my side during the trial and execution."
"Are you sure Lyndon will be safe?"
"Burke and your brother will work together to ensure Lyndon is secure. And they will investigate the other possible traitor. Burke is more than capable."
She hesitated, unsure whether to tell Royce about her discomfort with his captain. She had no wish to anger him again, but the recollection of the way Burke had leered at her remained clear and fresh in her thoughts.
"Royce, I... I don't know how to tell you –"
"Tell me what?"
She took a deep breath. "I don't like Burke."
The confusion in his gaze would have been laughable under any other circumstance.
