She gave him a sly smile and lowered her voice. "You may use it on me when you return." Understanding sparked in his eyes and he chuckled. "I cannot wait, Wildcat."
She stepped back. Royce wheeled his destrier around and fell into place beside the king. She waved, forcing the smile to remain until he had vanished through the gates. Only when he disappeared from view did she let her tears fall.
Simon's arm around her shoulders opened the floodgates. She turned into his embrace. When had she lost her heart to her husband, to be so upset to see him go? Why did he have to leave when they'd only just reached a place where they could be happy? She silently railed at the unjustness of the situation, then forced the tears to stop. She had a manor to run and protect, and wanted to prove herself capable to Royce upon his return.
***
The recollection of the tears welling in his wife's eyes soured Royce's mood. He watched
over the uneven landscape ahead, hoping the trip would take less time than he anticipated.
"Panther, are you listening?"
Edward's angry voice jolted him from his thoughts. "I'm sorry, Sire."
"You'll be back to your wife soon enough. I'm glad you've finally stopped fighting her."
"I suspect she'll still defy me. She's willful and stubborn."
"Aye, as are you."
Royce ignored the comment. "We have finally reached a solidarity that works well for us."
Edward chuckled. "I'm sure it does. Once matters are settled in London, I expect you to finish the problem here with the rebels."
Royce nodded. "Burke has stepped up patrols. He's uncovered and destroyed several camps.
Soon, there won't be any place for them to hide."
"And the brother?"
Royce hesitated. His instincts told him Simon was indeed loyal and honorable, but Burke clearly remained displeased at having to include Gillian's brother in all matters requiring Lyndon's safety.
"I don't think he's a threat, Sire." He ignored the way Edward peered at him.
"But?"
"Burke is concerned, but I think 'tis only because he'dhoped for a clear command in my absence."
"He'll have Apshire to worry about soon enough. Is Simon worthy of running Lyndon when you return to Montchester?"
"From his reports, I think he can, though he is still green. But he knows Lyndon as well as Gillian."
"And the soldier in Lyndon's garrison?"
"So far, he's done nothing more to warrant suspicion. He's still being watched."
The king nodded. "Crush them, Panther."
"I will, Sire." Royce heaved a deep breath. "We should reach London in less than a sennight."
"And thankfully Eleanor and her ladies are travelling separately," Edward remarked.
At that, Edward spurred his mount. Royce followed, anxious to have this journey over so he could return home.
***
With the gates lowered and the train no longer in sight, Gillian turned back to the keep. The weeks seemed to stretch ahead to the day when they'd open again and Royce would ride into the bailey. She said nothing as, flanked by Simon and Burke, she climbed the steps.
