She glared at the woman her father had married. Anne looked well, her belly large with the child she carried. Where had she found such a fine gown?
Burke gave a strange smile. "Yes, I have. But then, I'veknown where she was the entire time."
Gillian's eyes narrowed as confusion took hold. Aware of Simon rising behind her, she straightened her spine. "What are you talking about? All this time, you've known where this murderer has been hiding and you never told us? Or Royce?"
Her voice rose on each word until she shouted. She pulled her dagger from her belt and strode toward Anne, noticing for the first time the way Burke held the woman's hand. Realization and shock halted her mid-stride.
"Explain yourself."
Burke chuckled, but the loathing in his eyes belied the sentiment. "You are a fool, as is your husband, and most of all the king. All these years, I've been biding my time, with help from my lovely baroness."
He lifted Anne's hand and placed a kiss on the back. Gillian fought the urge to vomit.
"You vile bastard! How could you betray him? He gave you everything you have; Edward is granting you a manor of your own."
Burke sauntered toward her and she tightened the grip on her dagger. Behind her, the sound of Simon's sword unsheathing grated on her ears. Her heart raced. She'd been right, but how she wished she was wrong.
"Yes, surveying those lands made it very easy for me to plan. Perhaps you are unaware I was banished as a child, when the old king stripped my father of his lands and had him executed. Banished me and my mother. So I returned to her family. In Wales."
Even as the thought formed, Gillian tried to deny it. "You're Godwin."
"And you are very smart. My lady." He sneered with the last words.
She lunged with the dagger, but Burke easily evaded the move. He reached for her, but Simon's sword at his throat stopped him.
"My men will kill you and the countess if you so much as nick me."
Simon looked around as the men gathered close, swords and knives at the ready. He caught Gillian's eye. She could barely breathe, but gave Simon a nod. He lowered his sword.
"Take him below," Burke ordered.
Two of the men grabbed for Simon. Gillian jumped in front of him.
"Nay! Leave him be!"
"I want him locked away. My loyal clansmen have already taken control of the garrison. He is the last."
Burke grabbed her arm, pulling her from her brother and yanking her dagger away. She screamed and fought against the traitor's hold, but Simon was dragged away to the chambers below. Finally with a mighty pull, she yanked free of Burke. She turned to face Anne. Wasting no time, she strode over and slapped the woman.
Anne screeched in rage, moving to return the blow, but Gillian stepped free of her reach. "You bitch! I've longed for this day. And while I can't kill you now, rest assured, your day soon approaches."
"Murderer! You will pay." She spun about. "All of you will pay! When my husband learns of this."
"Your husband won't be returning."
She froze, leveling a terrified stare on Burke. "What have you done? If you've harmed him in any way, I will see you hanged!"
"For now, he lives. But when he attempts to return here..."
The unspoken threat lingered in the air. She looked around at the men surrounding her. Welsh rebels, every one of them. As was the messenger. But if Royce hadn't sent the letters who had?
"You sent these false messages!"
"Aye, as I've sent false messages to your husband. He is involved with political strife, but your responses are keeping him away longer. He has no idea how very much you miss him, especially during the cold lonely nights."
Flames scorched her face to hear her words tossedback at her. Royce had never received those missives, didn't know how she longed for him.
"He thinks you are content without him. He is in no rush."
