Chapter Fourteen #2
"She'll have you. And we are well aware of who you are.
Fear not, you'll be given the means to support your wife.
The queen insisted upon that." Edward's mouth quirked in a half-smile, which just as quickly disappeared.
"And whilst you are still not completely free of suspicion, this explains at least some of your secretive actions.
Royce and I agree you are not who we seek. For now."
While the unspoken warning was clear in the king's icy tone, Simon's body lost its tension. Royce caught the king's glance and nodded. Edward lowered himself into a chair.
"Who is Jervais and how did he come to be here?"
"He's been a knight in Lyndon's garrison for many years. The baron took him on when he was still a squire."
"Does he possess any Welsh blood?" Royce asked, taking up a position beside the king, He studied Simon closely. The man didn't appear intimidated, though worry lined his brow.
"Not that I am aware. His father is a silver merchant, wealthy enough to foster Jervais out."
"Do you know his family?"
Simon shook his head. "I have never met them. He is from near York."
Edward stroked his beard, his gaze contemplative. "What do you suppose he might have been doing sneaking around last night?"
Simon shrugged. "I don't know, but I plan to find out."
Royce nodded and turned to Burke. "Keep a close watch on Jervais, but allow Simon to attempt to uncover the man's true loyalties."
This would be another test of Simon's loyalty. Part of him hoped the bastard son would prove true to England, for he worried about his wife's reaction should her brother turn out to be a traitor.
"Aye."
Burke nodded his agreement, but the hostility in his eyes confused Royce. He watched his captain closely, wondering at the anger he seemed to direct at Simon. Had the two men argued? If so, surely Royce would know. Why did Burke appear to despise Simon?
"We depart in the morn for Shrewsbury," said Edward. "Panther, you'll need to come with us."
"Sire, with respect, I feel 'tis a bad idea to leave Lyndon with the rebels still at large."
"Leave Burke in your stead. And most of your men."
Royce didn't like it, but didn't dare refuse the king's orders. "Very well, I will advise my wife."
Edward shook his head. "Tell her she must join us."
Royce hadn't expected to bring Gillian, as he would be spending most of the time in Shrewsbury closeted with the king and other lords.
"But I thought –"
"She's been claimed a traitor by two of the rebels. She must witness the execution to lay any further rumors to rest."
Royce understood. She must show her support for the king in public. He nodded. "Very well, Sire, if you think that will work."
Edward held up a hand. "We no longer believe her to be a traitor but sometimes even my word is not enough."
Royce grinned at the king's grumbling. "She will likely not be happy."
"Well, she's married to you now; surely you planned to move her to Montchester."
"We've never discussed it at length. She's never been to court. This I know."
"My wife will see to Lady Gillian. She's looking forward to it."
Royce wondered if Gillian would as well. While she got on well with the queen, what she would deal with at court was a very different matter. He worried about what lay ahead.
Edward turned once more to Simon. "Uncover what you can from Jervais and work with Burke to determine if he conspires against us. When the Panther returns, he will decide the best way to use what you've learned."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Simon bowed and turned to leave, Burke on his heels. Once they were alone, Royce turned to the king.
"I worry the traitor will announce I am no longer here and they will think Lyndon is unprotected."
"If Jervais is the spy, he'll know just how protected the manor is with your men in residence."
Royce nodded, knowing to argue further would not change Edward's mind.
"You don't like my decision, Panther?"
"Nay, Sire, 'tis only that I worry for my wife. She's never been away from Lyndon."
"And still she's as fierce as any knight in either of our armies. I suspect your wife will do very well with the court." Edward chuckled. "You have a bruise already on your chin."
Royce scowled and rubbed the spot where Gillian's fist had landed. He knew well his wife's capabilities. Still, a few particular nobles came to mind and he scowled.
"Are you truly that worried for her?"
Royce said nothing. Edward laughed.
"I suspect I know what troubles you. Never fear, should any of your former... paramours pester your wife, I suspect she will reduce them to shreds."
Royce gave a curt nod, conceding the point. "Aye. I had best go tell her."
"Away with you."
Royce turned to the door, Edward's laughter echoing around him. While he wanted to see Gillian right away, he needed to speak with his captain first. He found him in the great hall, deep in conversation with Simon.
He strode over to the two men. "Simon, go about your business. Let none suspect you. Burke, I would speak with you now."
He motioned Burke to join him by the hearth. He pointed to a chair, then seated himself in the other.
"I am counting on you to keep Lyndon safe while I am gone."
"Of course, Royce. I will defend the manor with my life. But is it wise to leave the brother unattended?"
"Edward and I are reasonably sure he isn't the threat, though some doubt remains. Work with him, but if you learn anything suspicious, send me a message."
"I will. Is there anything else?"
Royce nodded. "I've already discussed this with Edward, and will do so again in Shrewsbury. But I want you to know that there is a real possibility you will be given Apshire to rebuild."
Burke said nothing for several moments, surprise widening his eyes. "Why?"
"You've served me, and the king, well these past years, despite what happened under the old king.
Edward bears you no malice, and you are deserving of the title.
It's merely a barony, and will need rebuilding, but you know the land better than even I do.
And it will reassure me to know I have allies in this area when I am at Montchester. "
"I don't know what... thank you."
"I expect Edward to make the declaration after Parliament ends."
Burke grinned. "Me, a baron?"
"As you always should have been. I am glad we can restore your position."
"My thanks, Royce. 'Tis your doing in taking me on as your captain. I owe you much."
"Never forget that."
Royce laughed, his captain joining in.