‘Where is Prince Becket?’ Isabella asked as they walked over.
Roger appeared agitated. ‘The prince has retired for the evening.’
Upon hearing that, Eda said, ‘And I am afraid I must do the same. It seems the day’s riding has caught up with me.’ She curtsied before the queen. ‘Thank you for a pleasant evening and for being so welcoming.’
‘Your company has been most refreshing.’
Roul offered Eda his arm. ‘I will escort you to your room, then I shall retire also.’ His eyes met Roger’s a final time. ‘My lord. Your Majesty.’
There was an exchange of courteous gestures, and then Roul led Eda away. He had never felt more uncomfortable turning his back on a man in his life, and he knew the feeling of distrust was mutual. The sooner they left Harlech Castle the better.
The smile fell from Eda’s face the moment they were out of sight, but she kept hold of his arm. Neither of them spoke until they were safely inside Eda’s bedchamber. The room was warm, and the embers from the fire provided soft light.
‘What a fascinating woman,’ Eda said as she removed her cloak. ‘Clearly responsible for her husband’s death, but to be honest, I’m surprised she held off as long as she did given some of the stories she shared.’ She laid the cloak over the chair beneath the window and looked in his direction. ‘I didn’t get near the prince all night.’
The irony of what she had just said about Queen Isabella was not lost on Roul. ‘I spoke to him, the prince. When you were in the chapel.’
Eda moved closer. ‘And?’
‘Well, funny you should bring up queens killing their husbands…’
She gave him a confused look.
He wished he could tell her everything, knew his soul would be lighter for it. But the secrets he kept protected those closest to him. ‘He said Queen Fayre orchestrated his father’s death. Apparently he has proof.’
Eda blinked. ‘Oh.’ Then she fell silent for a full minute. ‘I suppose that makes sense. She’s always been a better queen than wife. It explains the gaping rift between them.’ She chewed her lip. ‘Clearly she’s unaware that he knows or she would never have sent us on this fool’s mission.’
‘It’s not a fool’s mission. He cares about the Chadorian people, and he made it very clear that he doesn’t want to be responsible for his mother’s downfall. The fact that he’s still protective of her gives me hope of reconciliation.’
‘If we can get them in the same room.’ Eda thought a moment. ‘We should go to his bedchamber and—’
‘Or give him some time to think.’
‘Then break down his door at first light and remind him that history is littered with stories of good queens killing bad kings.’ She paused. ‘From the loins of a legend, he came to sit upon the throne.’
Roul’s lips twitched. ‘I suggest you leave the door intact and think carefully about how you word your closing argument.’
‘I still don’t understand what he’s even doing here. It’s clear he’s not a fan of Lord Roger based on the conversations I overheard at dinner.’
Roul shrugged. ‘I suppose he’s exploring every option available to him.’
Exhaling, Eda looked at him properly. A concerned expression settled on her face. ‘Are you all right? You look a bit pale.’
It was the effort of keeping secrets from her. ‘I think I’ll remain outside your room tonight. Keep watch.’
‘Surely you’ve watched me enough for one evening. I felt your eyes on me all through dinner.’
‘I told you, I’m not taking chances.’
She sauntered closer. ‘At first I thought you were concerned for my welfare, but now I’m beginning to suspect it was the dress.’
‘Can’t it be both?’
A smile spread across her face. ‘You know, I’ve never really been one for fancy gowns, but I really like the way you look at me when I wear this one.’
Heat crawled up his neck.
‘I was hoping there would be other guests present this evening,’ she went on. ‘An eligible lord to flirt with.’
