“John Dee got himself away from Dudley Castle as soon as they appeared and came to warn me. Not two hours later I had another warning. You met that man my sister picked up in France—Walsingham?”
Dominic nodded. William continued, “He was at Hatfield when Elizabeth left. He was already suspicious, and then Minuette’s maid came to him and confessed their destination. I’m glad she at least has the sense God granted her.”
It was unclear whether he meant Minuette or Carrie, but it was manifestly clear that William was furious with his sister. “They’re untouched, Will,” Dominic said. “I saw Minuette less than forty-eight hours ago. She swore Elizabeth is perfectly all right. Northumberland threatens, but he would never harm women.”
“Do you think so?” William looked at him with a flat but dangerous expression, a gleam in his blue eyes that made Dominic wary. “I have a man in the Tower who has confessed to daubing monkshood on Minuette’s pendant. This man is from Northumberland’s household.”
Dominic went still, and realized that despite his wish for vengeance, he had not wanted it to be Northumberland. He rather liked Robert Dudley.
“What does Northumberland ask?” William continued.
“To speak to you. He was unwilling to bargain with me.”
“Bargain?” William gave a shout of not at all humourous laughter. “Oh, I’ll bargain. Come to London so I can have his head, or wait for me to raze his castle—and his family—to the ground. That’s the bargain he’ll get from me.”
Just what he needed—Dominic thought—two hotheaded and impulsive men to control. “Northumberland’s castle is ringed by at least three thousand men, Will.”
“I ordered Rochford to muster five thousand to march behind me. It shouldn’t take more than a week to get them here. But I would prefer to end this before then, so let’s go.”
“Now?”
“My sister and my beloved are being kept from me, Dom. Can you think of a better time to go?”
Yes,Dominic wanted to say,when there’s more light than just a quarter moon in the sky.But Dudley Castle was only two miles away on a straight road. He sighed. “I’ll get you a fresh horse.”
“And bring Robert. I want all my enemies where I can see them tonight.”
William set a hard pace to Dudley Castle, leading Dominic and Robert and two dozen armed guards. Dominic had argued for more, but William merely looked at Robert and said, “Do you think it likely your father will try to kill me at first sight?”
“No, Your Majesty.”
“Nor do I. If he kills me, he has no one to barter with.”
Dominic had shaken his head, but kept his mouth shut after William said he would continue to wear the brigandine. That should stop an errant arrow, at least.
The party slowed as an outrider approached them from the encampment. The man had the hardened face of a professional soldier. “Your Majesty,” he called. “If it please you, you are to be granted safe passage through the camp. At the base of the motte, you will dismount and walk on foot to the Triple Gate. The duke will meet with you there.”
William wished he were an Old Testament ruler just now so he could smite the man for his impudence. Forcing conditions upon the king? But he knew when to channel his fury into something more useful. “Lead the way,” he snapped.
He and Dominic and Robert dismounted at the base of the motte, leaving their horses and their guards surrounded by Northumberland men. Dominic kept a warning grip on Robert’s arm, but Robert didn’t appear ready to bolt. He looked like he was ready to negotiate, but then the Dudleys always had that look.
Northumberland waited for them under the outermost arch of the Triple Gate. He stood alone, torchlight alternately revealing and then concealing his face. His eyes flicked over his son, ignored Dominic completely, and focused on William.
“Your Majesty.”
“What do you want, Northumberland?”
“No wasting time in pleasantries, I respect that. I want Guildford out of the Tower. Banish him to the Continent—I’ll ensure he keeps far away from the Clifford girl and their babe.”
“And in return?”
“I’ll submit myself to answer any questions you care to put to me. Other than love my son, I swear I have done nothing against Your Majesty’s honour or the kingdom’s safety.”
“You don’t count it against my honour to hold my sister against her will?” William allowed his voice to be deceptively mild.
“A desperate action by a desperate father. I had to ensure you would listen to me.”
“You make no plea for your other son?”
