Chapter Eight
Shouts from the bailey sent the servants running from the hall.
Excited words passed among them. Royce looked around the hall for his wife, his gaze settling on her where she stood at the foot of the stair.
As always, the sight of her made his heart beat a little faster.
If he believed in magic, he might think she'd cast a spell on him.
She caught his gaze, the uncertainty in her violet eyes clear even from this distance. Did she not know what caused the excitement? He strode over to her.
"Edward arrives."
She nodded. "Aye. I think all is in readiness."
"He will be pleased."
Where had this need to reassure her come from?
He was well pleased with the efficient way Gillian had prepared the castle for Edward's arrival.
While he still harbored doubts about her loyalty and knew 'twould take some time before she became the subservient wife he wanted, her abilities as chatelaine would ultimately serve him, and Montchester, well.
"Come, shall we meet him in the bailey?"
He held out a hand and she hesitated before taking it. At the feel of her cold and clammy palm, he studied her more closely.
"Are you ill?" he asked.
"Nay. But a little nervous, mayhap."
The high pitch of her voice gave credence to her words.
The woman who openly challenged him at every turn had been replaced by an uncertain girl who needed reassurance.
A strong, lingering urge to calm her fears filtered through him.
He shook his head, disgusted with himself.
This weakness in him was maddening, and he silently cursed her. She had caused this turmoil.
Yet, much as he loathed these feelings, at this moment, he couldn't bring himself to scold her. He led her outside but she held back, earning his fiercest scowl. She would disrespect the king?
But was he really annoyed with her or with himself for finding her becoming in a violet gown that almost matched the shade of her eyes? She lowered her head, some of her dark hair coming loose from the wimple to obscure her face. He imagined twining that hair around his fingers. He sighed.
"We must greet him when his train reaches the bailey."
Her shoulders lifted with a deep shuddering breath. He silently cursed the need to pull her close. 'Twas no time now, and he didn't dare risk letting her distract him with her charms.
"Now, Gillian."
Another rise of her chest and she nodded, this time allowing him to pull her toward the door. Royce knew he shouldn't be angry with her, but if he didn't hold onto that, lust would take over and addle his wits.
***
Gillian's stomach quivered with apprehension. She'd never been to court, had never been presented to the king and queen. She feared embarrassing Lyndon. Or worse, her husband.
For a few moments, she'd thought him compassionate to her worries, but his harsh tone in ordering her to follow revealed the truth.
All she wanted was for him to care for her, even just a little.
After the last nights together, she hoped their shared passion would create a bond where she might earn his respect and affection.
'Twas clear now she had a long path ahead of her to win even that from him.
The sun shone brightly, near blinding her. She followed her husband down the steps, the king's train just coming through the gates. At the head, just before the rider carrying the royal pennant, rode King Edward.
Tall and blonde, every bit the debonair king he was rumored to be, Edward waved to the crowd and grinned, before reining in his steed to dismount. Immediately, he strode to the rider just behind. His queen.
Gillian had heard tales of Eleanor's beauty, with long blond hair and bright blue eyes. Yet, many said she was cold and greedy. Gillian saw nothing but affection and warmth in the stare the king and queen exchanged. They shared a few quiet words, Eleanor briefly touching her husband's cheek.
Gillian sucked in a breath to realize she longed to experience the tenderness that passed between the pair. 'Twas obvious they genuinely loved one another. She darted a glance in her husband's direction. He stared straight ahead.
She didn't insist her husband love her. But she did want his affection and concern. His respect. Somehow, she would gain that. Without it, she feared Lyndon faced a dire future.
Edward and his queen now approached. Gillian tried to steady her unevenly beating heart by studying the queen's sapphire blue bliaut which perfectly matched her eyes.
A girdle of gold chain surrounded the blonde woman's tiny waist and the elongated cuffs of her dress were trimmed in the finest gold ribbon.
Throughout her hair, matching gold bands twined through the thin braids that pulled away from her lovely face.
Gillian glanced down at her own amethyst-colored gown, one of her finest, and suddenly thought her clothing seemed inferior.
She glanced toward the closest litter, where several ladies-in-waiting stepped down.
All were dressed similarly to the queen, in gowns made of the finest silks and linens and tied with girdles in silver or gold.
Gillian straightened her kirtle, wishing she had more time to arrange her hair, perhaps weave ribbons through it as many of the ladies did in imitation of their queen. Her own chain girdle was not of gold, but ordinary metal, and looked, to her critical eyes, shabby in comparison.
"You look lovely."
Royce's whisper beside her ear startled her from her thoughts. She stared at him curiously, surprised by the warm smile curling his lips. How had he known what she was thinking?
She gave a nod of thanks. A warm tingle hummed in her belly.
She'd never thought he could show such kindness.
Had she somehow managed to break through to him?
How different he looked with his face softened and without the scowl he always seemed to wear.
He held her gaze for several moments. Was that actually warmth in his eyes?
For her? Her head spun with the realization.
"Panther! 'Tis good to finally set our eyes upon you."
Edward's booming voice cut across the courtyard. Once again, Gillian's heart raced nervously. Royce squeezed her hand. The simple gesture calmed her even as it raised more questions about her husband.
"Your Highness, it is my pleasure, as always." Royce bowed before his overlord. "May I present my wife, the Lady Gillian of Lyndon."
Gillian sank into a curtsy, awaiting the king's reply.
"'Tis a delight to meet the woman who will tame the Panther." Edward touched her shoulder, indicating she should rise. "Allow me to present your queen, Eleanor."
"Your Highness."
Gillian once more dropped into a deep curtsy. A hand on her shoulder drew her gaze up.
Eleanor greeted her with a friendly smile.
"Lovely girl, Royce. You've done well."
Certain her cheeks had turned scarlet, judging from the heat scorching her face, Gillian gave a nervous laugh and stood.
"Aye. I should get many sons from her."
Indignation straightened her spine. So many things to say in response sparked on the tip of her tongue. She held them back, afraid to insult either Eleanor or the king.
"Treat her well, Panther." Eleanor's voice held a clear note of warning before she turned to Gillian once again. "I am fatigued from this journey."
"Of course, Your Majesty. I have several rooms ready for you and your ladies."
Gillian gave a half glance to Royce before pulling her hand from his.
She headed for the stairs, aware of the queen and her ladies following.
Once more she found it difficult to breathe, anxious about the queen's reaction to her modest home.
'Twas no castle like Ludlow or Shrewsbury, and the town must have appeared quite small to the royal party.
Confidence wavering, Gillian clenched her fingers to steady her hands.
At the top of the steps, Thomas stood in the open doors, and dropped into a deep bow.
"Welcome, Your Majesty."
"Thomas and I will see to whatever you need." Gillian's need to assure the queen she had control of the household grew stronger than ever.
"Thank you. We are most grateful, Lady Gillian."
A modicum of relief left Gillian's knees weak.
Forcing herself to put her nervousness aside, she led the way up through the hall and up the stairs.
The large solar had been prepared for Eleanor, with the adjoining chambers for her ladies.
Gillian assumed the queen's personal maid would sleep at the foot of the bed.
Oh no! She'd forgotten to tell Royce which chamber would be for Edward.
She bade the queen to enter and stepped out into the corridor, calling for Thomas.
The steward appeared quickly, making Gillian thankful the loyal servant would manage the situation well for her.
She explained her dilemma. Thomas gave her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, m'lady, I will see to it. You tend the queen and I will assist the earl."
"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you, Thomas." She gave him a brief hug and giggled at the flush staining his cheeks before he hurried off.
Turning back to the queen's chamber, she took a deep breath and knocked, opening the door when Eleanor bade her.
"Join us, Lady Gillian."
The queen waved toward the chair beside hers. Her other ladies gathered around the room, several watching Gillian intently. Feeling as though she had been placed on display, she obeyed Eleanor's order and eased into the chair beside her sovereign.
The queen regarded her thoughtfully for several seconds. Unsure if she should say something, Gillian remained silent, folding her hands in her lap and thanking the Lord above no one could see how tightly her gut had knotted.
"Many of my ladies are quite jealous of you."
Eleanor's words broke the awkward silence. Gillian met the queen's piercing stare.
"Your Highness?"