Chapter Thirteen
Royce rode beside Edward as they made their way through the forests. He and the king were far enough ahead to be out of earshot of the other men. Good. He wanted no one to hear, not even Burke.
"I don't believe Gillian is the traitor, Sire."
Edward nodded. "I suspect you are right."
"If she had anything to tell, she would have by now as I ... excuse me?"
"I believe you, Panther. While I harbored some suspicion after the rebels claimed her, I quickly realized she was not in league with them."
"Why did you not tell me?" A bitter annoyance, one he often felt with Edward's sometimes illogical decisions, roused anew. This time, a strange panic also lurked in his thoughts.
"I am telling you now."
A recollection of Gillian's angry tirade after he'd chained her in the kitchens rose in his thoughts.
She'd called names he'd heard many times, though the ones he'd not recognized roused amusement.
The way she'd hurled several cooking pots at his head when he'd left ensured a later punishment, though he suspected 'twas half the reason she'd done so to begin with.
His wife had admitted liking the torment he inflicted upon her.
"Gillian will be pleased to know she is no longer under suspicion."
"You must not tell her."
"Why not?"
"I would not have her give the brother any reason to think he is beyond suspicion. You are watching him when he is not with us?"
Royce nodded. "I've set men to the task. He remains unaware."
Edward nodded. "Good. We depart for Shrewsbury within a few days. I hope the threat from Lyndon is soon quelled. Parliament convenes and there is still the matter of the trial. I'll have no challenges to the sentence."
The last Welsh prince languished in captivity in Shrewsbury, waiting to likely be put to death. Daffyd had been unsuccessful in his attempt to overthrow the king, as Godwin would be.
If they ever found him.
"Here!"
A shout from the men behind had Royce wheeling his horse around.
Several of the soldiers had dismounted, swords pointed at a tight cluster of trees and bushes.
The men held off, awaiting his command. Royce withheld the order, worried the tiny hut concealed in the grove's midst might be a false lead.
He dismounted and strode over to the crude shelter. He slammed open the door, not surprised to find the hut empty. Still, anger at failing to remain ahead of the rebels burned.
No longer.
He heaved a deep breath, determined to regain an advantage over the rebels. He ordered several men into the hut before following. Standing just inside the door, he studied the gloomy interior.
The table was free of dust and the blankets on the cot looked fresh.
He turned to Edward. "A rebel hideout."
The king nodded. "Aye. I want the forest searched for more of these huts. They're nearby, I can feel it. Flush them out."
"Aye, Your Majesty."
Burke bowed. Something Royce had been considering for months arose again. He would speak to Edward about it this eve.
"If you find any of the rebels, finish them on sight."
Burke nodded and turned back to the men. With shouted orders, he mounted before leading his group of knights deeper into the forest.
Royce watched until he had disappeared among the trees.
He thought about the days when they'd been boys and Burke's father had been executed by Henry.
Burke and his mother had been banished and it had been many years before he'd found Royce again.
By then, Royce had inherited his title and lands from his deceased father, and had happily given Burke his captain's position.
Edward had concurred, even encouraged the appointment.
Royce felt sure once he settled the plan with the king, Burke would be restored to his former prestige, as he deserved.
He followed Edward back to their horses. Satisfied his captain would accomplish what was necessary, he ordered Lyndon's men to accompany them back to the manor. This ensured Simon remained with him and under constant observation.
"Sire, I would ask a favor."
"What is that?"
"I wish to bestow Apshire upon Burke once all this is finished."
"That old decrepit estate? Whatever for?"
Royce explained what he'd planned. While the old, mostly abandoned lands consisted of little more than a small crumbling keep and a few other buildings, it could still be rebuilt and become prosperous once more.
Burke had made several scouting missions to the lands, which lay a little more than a day's ride south, to determine the state of the manor.
From his reports, Royce believed Burke could restore the keep and find villeins to work the land.
He looked expectantly at the king when he finished his explanation.
Edward nodded. "The idea has merit. I will think on it."
***
Gillian wiped her brow, the heat from the fires in the kitchen overpowering, even in the chill of the autumn air. A mug of ale was held before her.
"Drink, my lady."
Dilys, one of the many cooks who helped feed Lyndon's residents, nodded in encouragement. Gillian accepted the offering.
"Thank you." She took a long drink, her thirst quenched for the moment.
"My lady, how long do you think your husband will... that is..."
Dilys' words faded and she twisted her hands on her apron. Several of the other kitchen workers moved closer.
"Keep me chained like a criminal?" Gillian finished for the girl. "I don't know. He thinks I am a traitor to England. I suppose I'm lucky he hasn't hanged me yet."
"Oh, no, my lady, you are no traitor!" Another of the younger girls spoke up.
Gillian smiled. "My husband apparently doesn't agree. Come, we must finish the supper preparations. The men will return soon. I don't wish to keep the king waiting."
On her order, the servants dispersed to their tasks. Gillian sipped at her ale. Dylis still lingered nearby.
"Did you want something else?"
Dylis looked nervously around the room and stepped closer. She nodded, speaking in a low voice.
"I saw one of the guards go through the door. To the tunnel."
The traitor? The excitement burst upon Gillian suddenly.
"Who was it? When did you see this?"
Dylis hesitated again, a deep red staining her cheeks. "I-it was last night. After all were abed. I..."
Her hands twisted frantically in the apron and Gillian feared the girl would tear it to shreds.
At the downcast eyes and ever-darkening blush, Gillian understood.
"You needn't tell me who you were meeting with. But you must tell me who you saw."
Dylis raised her head and met Gillian's gaze. "'Twas Jervais."
Gillian frowned. Jervais was a close companion of Simon's. No wonder her husband and the king suspected her brother. She must get word to him, warn him. And mayhap give him the chance to prove his loyalty.
"Dylis, I need to see Simon. I know the earl has assigned him to help with the searches while I am chained here, but the moment they get back, can you get word to him?"
"Aye, I will do it. I will tell..."
Gillian smiled as Dylis broke off once more.
"Might there be a wedding in the spring?" she asked.
Dylis' eyes widened, yearning evident in her dark gaze. "Oh, my lady, I hope so."
"Please keep me advised."
Dylis nodded and turned back to her work. Gillian took another sip of her ale and turned her attention back to peeling vegetables. The stores grew lower each day and she knew 'twas from feeding the king and his party.
A sudden silence fell over the room, the crackle of the flames at the open end the only sound. Aware of the servants looking beyond her, she turned. Eleanor stood at the entrance. Gillian sank into a deep curtsy.
"Your Majesty. Is there aught I can do for you?"
"Rise, Lady Gillian. I have sent for the steward to free you."
"But... Your Majesty, my husband and the king have –" Gillian stood, her questioning gaze focused on her queen.
"Two stubborn fools, to my eyes."
Eleanor offered a smile just as Thomas came up behind her. He quickly unlocked the padlock around the shackle.
She was free! She longed to dance with joy, but refrained, aware the queen watched her closely.
"Come, I have much I want to discuss."
Gillian followed Eleanor to the hall and sat beside her before the hearth.
"Do you have everything you need, Your Highness? If there is something not to your liking –"
"Nay, naught is amiss. But I think I may be able to help you. One of my ladies has become quite taken with one of the men in Lyndon's garrison."
"I see," said Gillian. But she didn't.
"She snuck out of our chamber last night. To meet with him." Lyndon appeared to be a hive of amorous activity. Gillian supposed 'twas likely with all of the extra people about. Gillian's heart raced.
"Lady Gillian, she saw someone making their way to the secret door." Eleanor chuckled at what must be a surprised look on Gillian's face. "Yes, my dear. My husband shares most everything with me."
Gillian nodded. "Yes, I would expect Royce to have informed the king of the doors."
"'Twould seem the guard at that door has been neglecting his duty. You should inform your husband."
Again, Gillian found herself confused. "Have you not mentioned this to the king?"
Eleanor shook her head, her long blonde hair falling into her face before she brushed it aside.
"Nay. I think 'twould do you and your brother well if you provided this information to the earl."
Gillian gaped. The queen offered help to prove her innocence.
"But Your Majesty, I don't understand."
Eleanor leaned over and patted Gillian's hand. "Men can be quite foolish sometimes. This would be best coming from you and your brother, rather than someone else. I've ordered Lady Madelaine to declare she has told you of this. I will act surprised when I am eventually told."
"Why?"
"You are no traitor, anyone with eyes that function can see that. But my husband is desperate to end this rebellion and will accept as fact the barest clues. And not only will he have a real target for his rage, you and your brother will be cleared."
Gillian wanted to laugh with her joy. "I don't know how to thank you, Your Highness. Please tell me how I may show my gratitude."
"No need. But you must speak with your brother first."
"Why must I tell him?"
"Because he is the one who Lady Madelaine snuck out to meet."
Gillian didn't know how to respond, so she merely nodded. Simon and Lady Madelaine? Why didn't he say something? Now she understood Eleanor's insistence. Had Dylis sent a message already?
"I will speak with him soon. As soon as I can get word for him to meet me without raising –"
The wooden doors burst open and Royce and Edward strode into the hall, followed by several of their men.
At the sight of her before the hearth, Royce stopped short.
Anger blazed in his golden eyes, but after glancing at Eleanor, he remained silent.
The sudden silence seemed to make Gillian's heartbeat echo through the room.
"How dare you disobey! Who freed you?"
Royce's roar left Gillian on the verge of breath-stealing panic.
***
Royce had never been so angry. His wife had used her charm to have Thomas free her from her shackle and therefore the chores she'd been tasked with tending in the kitchens. He took a step closer, fists clenched, his anger taking hold.
"I freed her, Langley."
Royce stopped at the queen's words.
"Why, Your Highness?" His confusion deflated his anger.
"Because the poor girl has suffered enough. She is your wife, and should be treated with respect. Not like one of those rebels you fools seem to think she is in league with."
""They named her as conspirator." Edward strode over to his wife. "How dare you interfere with a man's right to punish his wife!"
Eleanor waved a dismissive hand at her husband. "You know as well as I Lady Gillian is no traitor."
"You are not the one to make that judgment."
Royce remained silent as Edward and Eleanor argued.
He moved to stand beside Gillian. She peered up at him with defiant eyes.
He didn't dare tell her he believed her innocent; his plan with Edward required him to continue to suspect her, at least outwardly.
Aware that several of the servants had paused in their work to watch the royal couple argue, he barked orders for them to leave the hall.
He leaned over to his wife's ear. "You may have won the queen's favor, but you will be punished for this."
"I have no doubt. My lord."
The acid in her voice almost drew a chuckle but he suppressed it. Yet, he noted a spark in her gaze that betrayed her excitement. He also looked forward to this eve.
"Langley, please excuse us." Edward took Eleanor's hand and pulled her to her feet, hurrying across the hall to the stairs.
"I suspect Eleanor will also face chastisement."
"For what? Recognizing the truth?"
"You would do well to curb your tongue. I should whip you for your insolence."
A brief moment of panic flitted into her eyes, her lips pressing together.
As quickly, she resumed her detached expression.
Still, the sight of her alarm tightened his balls.
He grabbed her arm and hauled her from the chair, following Edward's path across the hall.
Once inside their chamber he shoved her in.
She stumbled and fell to her knees. He checked the urge to help her to her feet.
"You make me a laughingstock."
"That is your own doing! Everyone on this manor knows I am no traitor, yet you and the king stubbornly refuse to accept that.
You are punishing me for nothing but the word of two cowardly rebels about to meet their death.
I have given you the names of those who were possible traitors, and yet you still treat me like a criminal. "
"Your behavior and refusal to obey make you suspect."
"Behavior? What have I done? Nothing!"
"The keeping of secrets is a very real reason to suspect you."
Her fists came at him so fast, she landed two blows before he subdued her. His jaw ached where she hit him, and he grabbed her wrist before she struck again, twisting her arms behind her back. Still she fought, slamming her foot onto his boot.
"Stubborn Wildcat!" He trapped her legs between his, stilling her attempts to kick him. "Let me go!"
"You have now lost the freedom I gave you this morn. You will remain here until I have exhausted my investigation."
"You bastard! I've done nothing to deserve this!"
He said nothing, merely turned her to the bed, forcing her face down onto it.
Again, she kicked out, but he avoided her legs.
Grabbing a sash that lay on the floor from her past captivity, he quickly wound it around her wrists.
He turned her again, lifting her so she sat on the bed, resting up on the headboard.
"I will return shortly."
He left the room, anxious to seek out Burke and find out if his captain had learned anything about Simon.