"Robert, Earl of Harmenberry leads them. Come."
All around, soldiers wearing the king's coat of arms either gathered the uninjured rebels together, or finished off those who'd been wounded. Gillian strode past the disheveled bunch, surprised to find herself looking forward to their executions. When had she become so bloodthirsty?
"Lady Gillian, I am glad to see you safe." Harmenberry gave her a half bow. "Thank you for coming to Lyndon's aid. Have you subdued all of them?"
The earl nodded. "Edward knew your husband had misgivings about the letters he'd received from you. Our king feared he was riding into a trap. 'Tis why he sent us."
"I must send word thanking him immediately. Have you any news of my husband?"
Robert nodded. "He's been captured by Burke. One of the men with them managed to escape and met up with us last eve. Shortly we ride for Apshire."
Gillian couldn't breathe, try as she might. Her heart seemed to stop at hearing Royce had been captured. Her legs trembled, her knees buckling. Simon caught her before she fell. For several moments, the world seemed to spin about her, but she leaned into her brother. Slowly, strength seeped back into her limbs.
"Apshire? That's only a short way from here."
Robert nodded. "It's one of the Panther's holdings, but he and the king decided to give it to Burke when... we believe Burke has your husband there. And clearly he is in league with Godwin."
Gillian shook her head. "He is Godwin. And I know about Apshire. Royce told me before he left. We must ride south immediately!"
"Gilly, you are staying here."
"No, I must save my husband."
A loud scream from the top of the stairs drew their attention. Rage filled Gillian's senses at the sight of Anne, dressed in a fine gown of emerald velvet, fought off one of the earl's men. She was quickly subdued and led down the stairs. Gillian straightened and strode over to her former stepmother.
"Traitorous whore! You'll pay with your life for your attempt on mine!"
Anne laughed, even as she fought against the bonds holding her hands behind her back.
"You can't kill me, I am with child."
"Hiding behind your babe. No matter, once it's birthed, you will hang," Gillian vowed. She clenched her fingers, longing to strike the red-haired bitch, but held herself back. She turned to Simon. "She must be kept in a chamber above until the child is born. I will send a message to the king. Robert, would you have one of your men ride for London?"
"As you wish, my lady."
Gillian nodded. "Secure her above in the small chamber off the solar. She cannot escape, but place guards anyway."
"Gilly, mayhap you should rest." Simon drew her into his embrace.
She shook her head, pushing him away. "Nay, I must save my husband."
"I forbid you to join us."
Gillian laughed. "You can't forbid me. I am thePanther's wife, and I will show I am as capable as he."
"But the babe –"
"Will be fine. He will one day tell the tale of how he and his mother saved his father."
Simon rolled his eyes. "Fine, but you heed my orders or the earl's."
Gillian nodded. "Of course." From the way he looked at her, she suspected her brother didn't believe her.
"Get me a horse."
***
The only sounds were those of the rats scurrying across the floor. Royce peered into the darkness, the last of the sunlight having disappeared hours ago. This room, while mostly intact, had still crumbled enough to allow a freezing wind to cut through. He shivered, hating feeling so weak.
