He nodded and tugged on his hose. The moment the door closed behind him, a powerful wave of nausea swept over her. Fearing the worst, she ran to the washbasin, retching violently over it. When the sickness passed, she fell into the chair, weak, her limbs shaky, and more tired than before. After a few moments to steady herself, she stood, just as Edith entered to help her prepare.
When she joined her husband in the hall, she had recovered considerably. Several trunks were piled near the door. She strode to her husband's side.
"You will travel with the queen and her ladies. The weather is fair, so we should arrive before nightfall."
"And you?"
"I ride beside the king. There is much to plan and discuss." He bent down and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek, near her ear. "But I would rather you rode with me, so I might enjoy the delights of your body to liven the journey."
Heat flooded her face and a shiver of delight skittered along her spine. Her sex ached already for him. When he drew away, he gave her a wink and a half-smile.
"Away with you, say your goodbyes and join the queen in the bailey."
Another hard swat landed on her arse and she glared at him, even as the sting, muted by her dress, shook throughher, sending those familiar tendrils of heat through her veins. He would pay for teasing her this way.
She made her way out to the bailey. Hearing her name, she turned, shielding her eyes against the sun. Simon made his way through the people.
She hurried to him, pulling him close for a hug. "I will miss you."
"You'll be gone a fortnight at most. All will be well."
"Simon, do me one favor."
Her brother nodded. "Anything."
"Watch Burke as closely as you watch Jervais. I have doubts about him."
Simon looked around the people in the bailey. He stilled, apparently spotting the subject of their discussion.
"I must agree, Gilly. Something about the man concerns me as well, but your husband and the king trust him."
"Well, I don't. And Simon?"
"What is it?"
"Guard your own back. 'Tis only a matter of time before all know the truth and there are those who might perceive you as a threat."
"Why do you say this?"
"Call it instinct. And sisterly worry."
He grinned. "All will be well, you'll see. Now go on, I will see you soon enough."
She turned to see her husband waiting. She leaned up to kiss Simon's cheek and made her way to Royce, who promptly guided her to the queen's litter. Eleanor smiled warmly as Gillian gave a curtsy.
"Have you ever been to Shrewsbury, Lady Gillian?"
"No, Your Highness."
"Well, we must tell you all we can during the journey. Thankfully, 'tis not a very long one. Come."
Eleanor climbed the steps into the large and ornate carriage. Gillian gave Royce one last look and followed. She sat across from the queen, and beside Lady Madelaine. Her brother's betrothed. The other ladies must be in theother carriages behind this one. All too soon, the carriage jerked. They were off.
***
"Panther, are you listening?"
Edward's angry voice jolted him from his thoughts. "I'm sorry, Sire."
