"Is there trouble again with your wife? I thought you'd finally stopped fighting her."
"Aye. I have. But I still possess concerns."
"She will get along fine with the nobility."
Royce mostly agreed, but he knew of at least one person who might cause trouble. Not to mention the countless others who took pleasure in spreading malicious lies for whatever gain it brought them. The king chuckled at his worry.
"Your wife is near as fierce as any of your men. And more than capable than some."
Royce gave a curt nod, conceding the point. Still, he'd learned that despite her bravery and loyalty, and her stubborn insistence on defying him at every turn, she possessed a tender heart. One that could easily be shredded when subjected to the conspiracies and intrigue lurking in every corner. Many plotted against the king and his lords. Those loyal to the king plotted against each other. And the women...
"Anyone who dares so much as a whisper of an insult to your wife will find themselves the recipients of her hellfire. Or at the tip of your sword."
Royce chose not to respond, earning another laugh from Edward.
"You've been smitten with your wife since the day you arrived."
Despite himself, Royce leveled a fierce glare on the king. "I am not smitten!"
"You forget, my queen has ways of uncovering gossip. Everywhere."
Royce averted his gaze from Edward's knowing one. His mood grew darker as the king continued to findamusement in the situation.
"The villeins of Lyndon say the moment you laid eyes on your wife, you were besotted. To the point you threatened to put out the eyes of any of your men who looked at her with kindness!"
Despite his annoyance, Royce laughed at the absurd gossip. "Rumors are based on false interpretation and easily proven such."
Edward's expression sobered. "Aye. Still, 'tis obvious you care for Lady Gillian. As she does for you."
The proud and pleasing warmth at those words left Royce momentarily startled. He quickly re-gathered his thoughts. "I will concede we've reached an accord that works well for us."
Edward chuckled. "I'm sure it does. Make sure it works for all, as well."
The unspoken words reminded Royce doubts still hovered over his wife. He vowed to prove those doubts wrong. The king's next words drew him from the dire thoughts.
"Have you told Burke of your intentions for Apshire?"
He nodded. "Having him remain at Lyndon is a test of his abilities. I think you'll find he's quite capable of running a manor such as Apshire. Once it is rebuilt, of course."
"Of course. I also think he is a good choice. I could use more forces along the border as well, and he's proven his loyalty."
Royce's thoughts turned to Gillian's concerns. A brief unease sparked, but he forced it back. His wife did not know Burke as he did. She worried for naught.
"After the trial, I suspect you'll have no more trouble with traitors." Royce knew the outcome had already been decided but for the formality. Such a sentence usually led to rebels laying down their arms and surrendering their fight.
"Mayhap. Godwin still eludes us. I have a hunch he'll be in the crowds at Shrewsbury. 'Tis why I've not announced which day the trial will start. I won't until thevery morning."
"A wise decision. We must position the men carefully. Once the pronouncement is made, the crowds will be in a frenzy."
The king nodded his agreement. "We'll be ready and we'll catch him this time, I have no doubt."
Royce had several, though he didn't dare voice them.
Chapter Seventeen
The king's train crossed the bridge into Shrewsbury with much fanfare. Royce, riding beside Edward, usually enjoyed the cheering crowds, but this time, he only wanted the dreaded task that lay ahead over and finished. Everyone knew Dafydd awaited trial, and most assumed the outcome. The question everyone seemed to be shouting was when would the trial occur?
Royce turned to the king. "Would be best to get the Parliament over with quickly."
