Chapter Sixteen
Royce woke her before dawn despite her resistance to his attempts to draw her from slumber.
Her body needed more sleep, and she longed to curl under the blankets a little longer.
'Twas not to be. He drew back the covers and landed a hard swat to her bare arse.
Shocked into wakefulness, she squealed and rolled away.
"Rise, wife. We depart for Shrewsbury."
"Very well. Can you send for my maid?"
He nodded and tugged on his hose. The moment the door closed behind him, a powerful wave of nausea swept over her.
Fearing the worst, she ran to the washbasin, retching violently over it.
When the sickness passed, she fell into the chair, weak, her limbs shaky, and more tired than before.
After a few moments to steady herself, she stood, just as Edith entered to help her prepare.
When she joined her husband in the hall, she had recovered considerably. Several trunks were piled near the door. She strode to her husband's side.
"You will travel with the queen and her ladies. The weather is fair, so we should arrive before nightfall."
"And you?"
"I ride beside the king. There is much to plan and discuss." He bent down and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek, near her ear. "But I would rather you rode with me, so I might enjoy the delights of your body to liven the journey."
Heat flooded her face and a shiver of delight skittered along her spine. Her sex ached already for him. When he drew away, he gave her a wink and a half-smile.
"Away with you, say your goodbyes and join the queen in the bailey."
Another hard swat landed on her arse and she glared at him, even as the sting, muted by her dress, shook through her, sending those familiar tendrils of heat through her veins. He would pay for teasing her this way.
She made her way out to the bailey. Hearing her name, she turned, shielding her eyes against the sun. Simon made his way through the people.
She hurried to him, pulling him close for a hug. "I will miss you."
"You'll be gone a fortnight at most. All will be well."
"Simon, do me one favor."
Her brother nodded. "Anything."
"Watch Burke as closely as you watch Jervais. I have doubts about him."
Simon looked around the people in the bailey. He stilled, apparently spotting the subject of their discussion.
"I must agree, Gilly. Something about the man concerns me as well, but your husband and the king trust him."
"Well, I don't. And Simon?"
"What is it?"
"Guard your own back. 'Tis only a matter of time before all know the truth and there are those who might perceive you as a threat."
"Why do you say this?"
"Call it instinct. And sisterly worry."
He grinned. "All will be well, you'll see. Now go on, I will see you soon enough."
She turned to see her husband waiting. She leaned up to kiss Simon's cheek and made her way to Royce, who promptly guided her to the queen's litter. Eleanor smiled warmly as Gillian gave a curtsy.
"Have you ever been to Shrewsbury, Lady Gillian?"
"No, Your Highness."
"Well, we must tell you all we can during the journey. Thankfully, 'tis not a very long one. Come."
Eleanor climbed the steps into the large and ornate carriage.
Gillian gave Royce one last look and followed.
She sat across from the queen, and beside Lady Madelaine.
Her brother's betrothed. The other ladies must be in the other carriages behind this one.
All too soon, the carriage jerked. They were off.
***
"Panther, are you listening?"
Edward's angry voice jolted him from his thoughts. "I'm sorry, Sire."
"Is there trouble again with your wife? I thought you'd finally stopped fighting her."
"Aye. I have. But I still possess concerns."
"She will get along fine with the nobility."
Royce mostly agreed, but he knew of at least one person who might cause trouble. Not to mention the countless others who took pleasure in spreading malicious lies for whatever gain it brought them. The king chuckled at his worry.
"Your wife is near as fierce as any of your men. And more than capable than some."
Royce gave a curt nod, conceding the point.
Still, he'd learned that despite her bravery and loyalty, and her stubborn insistence on defying him at every turn, she possessed a tender heart.
One that could easily be shredded when subjected to the conspiracies and intrigue lurking in every corner.
Many plotted against the king and his lords.
Those loyal to the king plotted against each other. And the women...
"Anyone who dares so much as a whisper of an insult to your wife will find themselves the recipients of her hellfire. Or at the tip of your sword."
Royce chose not to respond, earning another laugh from Edward.
"You've been smitten with your wife since the day you arrived."
Despite himself, Royce leveled a fierce glare on the king. "I am not smitten!"
"You forget, my queen has ways of uncovering gossip. Everywhere."
Royce averted his gaze from Edward's knowing one. His mood grew darker as the king continued to find amusement in the situation.
"The villeins of Lyndon say the moment you laid eyes on your wife, you were besotted. To the point you threatened to put out the eyes of any of your men who looked at her with kindness!"
Despite his annoyance, Royce laughed at the absurd gossip. "Rumors are based on false interpretation and easily proven such."
Edward's expression sobered. "Aye. Still, 'tis obvious you care for Lady Gillian. As she does for you."
The proud and pleasing warmth at those words left Royce momentarily startled. He quickly re-gathered his thoughts. "I will concede we've reached an accord that works well for us."
Edward chuckled. "I'm sure it does. Make sure it works for all, as well."
The unspoken words reminded Royce doubts still hovered over his wife. He vowed to prove those doubts wrong. The king's next words drew him from the dire thoughts.
"Have you told Burke of your intentions for Apshire?"
He nodded. "Having him remain at Lyndon is a test of his abilities. I think you'll find he's quite capable of running a manor such as Apshire. Once it is rebuilt, of course."
"Of course. I also think he is a good choice. I could use more forces along the border as well, and he's proven his loyalty."
Royce's thoughts turned to Gillian's concerns. A brief unease sparked, but he forced it back. His wife did not know Burke as he did. She worried for naught.
"After the trial, I suspect you'll have no more trouble with traitors." Royce knew the outcome had already been decided but for the formality. Such a sentence usually led to rebels laying down their arms and surrendering their fight.
"Mayhap. Godwin still eludes us. I have a hunch he'll be in the crowds at Shrewsbury. 'Tis why I've not announced which day the trial will start. I won't until the very morning."
"A wise decision. We must position the men carefully. Once the pronouncement is made, the crowds will be in a frenzy."
The king nodded his agreement. "We'll be ready and we'll catch him this time, I have no doubt."
Royce had several, though he didn't dare voice them.