Warmth slithered along her spine. She looked at Royce, surprised to find him awake and studying her.
"How are you feeling?"
"Like my horse trampled me."
"You'll be well soon. You must rest to recover your strength."
He smiled. He reached out to run his fingers through her hair. She shivered, even as the heat within climbed. The slightest touch could set her aflame. They had been too long apart, but she didn't dare give in to her wants. Royce needed to recover. Not only from the ordeal he'd suffered, but learning how deeply he'd been betrayed.
"And how do you fare?
She knew what he asked. She placed his hand over her burgeoning belly.
"Your son grows within me."
The babe chose that moment to kick and Gillian nearly laughed at the expression on her husband's face. Even battered and with one good eye, he appeared as amazed as she had been the first time she'd felt her child's movements.
"He is quite active."
"Strong."
She nodded. "Yes."
"When?"
"Likely the night we wed. Your seed took root immediately."
"Your illness, at Shrewsbury."
She nodded again. "I didn't know until after you had left for London."
"You should have written me, I would have returned immediately."
Gillian hesitated. She had fought with herself about what to tell Royce during his time in London. She'd made the worst decision, and it had almost cost her everything.
"I feared Edward would be angry if you left. And I didn't want you to worry. But if I had told you, mayhap Burke wouldn't have revealed himself."
"What did he do to you?"
"Nothing really. Locked me in here, and Simon below. He and Anne had free rein over the entire manor. Until Edward's men arrived and helped us restore Lyndon."
His hand moved to stroke through her hair. "I'm sorry I wasn't here to help you."
"How could you know what would happen?"
"Edward did."
She held back a smile. He sounded like a grumpy child, but doubted he would appreciate being told of that.
"No matter. It's over, for now. And I will kill Burke for what he's done to you. To us."
Royce smiled and ran his hand through her hair. "Nay, Wildcat, you will not. 'Tis my fight. I will see it finished."
"But..."
He placed a finger across her lips. "Have a care for the babe. You have been through enough and we are lucky he is safe. I won't risk you or him."
"But..."
