His thoughts remained filled with a raven-haired vixen with violet eyes. He wished he had listened to her misgivings about Burke. How had he missed the signs and not known Burke was the same person as Godwin? He'd been a fool, never realizing where Burke's mother came from. Did Edward know Burke was distantly related to Llewellyn and Dafydd? Royce hadn't, and he thought he knew everything about the man he'd named his close friend and captain.
He groaned. By sending his captain to scout the lands of Apshire, he'd unwittingly aided the rebel. Over and over, he tried to find clues he'd missed, but nothing came to mind. Or maybe he was just too weak and exhausted to see it now.
Once more, his thoughts turned to his wife. Was she safe? Did she truly carry his child? He ached to see her, though feared if he did, 'twould mean the worst. He had to free himself before she ended up here, chained beside him.
The throbbing in his cheek and jaw had faded slightly, but Burke had cracked a rib, judging from the fire that burned his gut each time he inhaled.
Tugging on the chains once more, he knew there was no hope. Burke would kill him, would destroy him slowly.He'd make Royce suffer first, as he believed he had suffered all these years. All because their fathers had made bad choices.
The door to the cell creaked open and Burke stepped inside, carrying a torch. He smiled as he neared Royce, holding the torch close enough so he could feel the heat on his bruised face.
"I hope you do not feel I am neglecting you. I have been busy making plans for my future as the Prince of Wales."
"You will not succeed. Wales is Edward's now."
"Edward will run like a beaten dog once he learns I have taken down his prized warrior." "Edward will crush you like an ant under his heel when he learns of this."
"I think not. I already have Lyndon, and this ruin. I'm well-equipped to take over the remaining border properties. With your men and Lyndon's combined, plus my loyal countrymen, I will be unstoppable. The Welsh shall have their revenge and will follow me as their new king."
"They followed Dafydd and he was put to death for his actions."
"Dafydd was an unfortunate incident. But now he cannot gainsay me. And when my queen bears my son, my succession will be secured."
"Your queen? Who would have you?"
"Lady Anne is my lover. It is my child she carries. As soon as I destroy Edward, we will wed in London."
"You're daft if you think you can defeat the king."
Burke laughed. The sound chilled Royce's blood. His captain had truly gone mad.
"I know I can. Look at how easily I took Lyndon from you. Once I claim Shrewsbury, I will set my sights on the king. He cannot hope to win."
"He'll kill you. If I don't first."
Another laugh. "I shall enjoy sharing word of your death with your wife. I am looking forward even more to sharing her bed. I suspect she's got quite a fire worth savoring."
"If you harm one hair on her head, I will see you suffer a fate worse than Dafydd's."
"You will be dead. Come the morrow, you will be hanged. And your head will rest on a pike outside Lyndon as word to all what happens when you try to crush the Welsh. And she will be mine."
The idea of Gillian helpless against this man consumed Royce. One of the things he loved most about her was her spirit. Burke would break her and...
Jesu, had he just admitted he loved her? Yes, yes, he had. A glimmer of joy poked through his rage, calming him. He loved her and somehow, he would return to her and keep her safe from this madman.
"You'll not succeed." A slight smile curved his lips. "Don't forget the panther is cunning and smart. And his mate is a wildcat who will strike you down."
"If it makes you feel better about your impending death, think what you will. But know this, the countryside will resound with cheers at your death."
"Never." The calm word shattered Burke's feeble composure. He landed three swift blows to Royce's stomach and left the cell, taking the torch and pitching the small chamber into darkness.
***
Scratching sounds and whispers reached through the half slumber that claimed Royce. Coming awake, he strained to listen.
"Down here!"
"Wait, let me go first. The walls of this place could collapse at any time."
