"Aye. A brutal age. All my life I have heard the threats, Morgan. And now the whispers begin again. Someone plots my death. I know it here."
She touched a hand to her heart and turned toward him. In the light streaming through the window behind her he saw, not a queen, but a young woman. And for one brief moment before she blinked, he saw the hint of terror in her eyes. Instantly he was on his feet, drawing her into his arms.
"I am not afraid, Morgan."
Her words were muffled against his tunic. With a wave of tenderness at her bluff, he clutched her to him and pressed his lips to her temple.
There were few in the kingdom who would dare to take such liberties with their queen. But the friendship between these two had begun in childhood and had endured through hard times and good.
"I know that, Majesty. Throughout the realm it is known that you are fearless."
He continued to hold her until the tremors passed. When she was calm, she pushed a little away and lifted a palm to his cheek.
"I needed you here with me, Morgan. You must not leave England again."
He pressed his hand over hers.
"I will not leave you. I will seek the source of these rumors. And I will uncover the truth about these accidents. But you must promise me that you will stay here, within these palace walls, until I have had time to look into this."
"I cannot stay confined in Richmond."
"If you must travel, I will beat your side. Do you understand?"
She nodded, and he saw the tension slowly drain from her.
At a sound across the room they both turned.
Brenna tossed aside her blankets, pondering what she had overheard. The words seemed to run together in her mind. Could it be that the Queen of England was truly in danger? Or had she merely dreamed it? Now that she was completely awake, she was no longer certain of anything.
Brenna glanced at Madeline d'Arbeville, who was dozing in the chair.
There would be nothing to be learned from her.
The queen walked toward the bed. From the coolly regal expression on her face, Brenna decided that she must have imagined everything. One glance at Morgan's closed expression convinced her. These two could have not been discussing anything more pressing than England's misty weather.
"So, Brenna MacAlpin. You are awake. How fare you?"
"I am fine. Majesty." Brenna pushed herself into a sitting position and waited until the dizziness passed.
Her hesitation did not go unnoticed by Morgan. In quick strides he was beside her, his hand grasping her upper arm.
"Not so fine as you pretend," Morgan said in low tones.
"Perhaps we should tarry here at Richmond for a day or two before proceeding to my estate nearby."
Brenna stared at the offending hand, wondering if Morgan felt the tremors she couldn't hide. But if he took notice, he gave no indication.
"I think that is a fine idea," the queen said. She clapped her hands and a dozen servants appeared within moments.
From her position beside the bed, Madeline d'Arbeville started, then looked up in confusion.
"Mon dieu. Is it possible that I slept?"
"That is what late nights at the gaming tables will do to you," the queen said with a laugh.
"Madeline, we have good news. Morgan has consented to stay on at Richmond for a day or two."
Brenna felt a surge of hope. As long as she was not forced to be alone with Morgan at his residence, there was a chance that she could win a reprieve. What could he possibly do to her here in the queen's home?
And perhaps the queen, given enough time, might be persuaded to allow her to return to her beloved Scotland without being forced into bondage to an English lord.
To the servants the queen said, "Prepare a suite of rooms for Lord Grey and his--guest."
The transformation in the queen was instantaneous. A warm smile touched her lips. Her eyes danced with merriment.
"Oh, Morgan. It has been too long."
Morgan returned the smile. It pleased him to see the queen forget her worries, if only for a little while.
"Aye, Majesty."
"We shall celebrate with a feast." Elizabeth cast a speculative glance at Brenna.
"Have you any clothes besides those?"
"Nay, Majesty." Once again Brenna was reminded of her bedraggled appearance.
"No matter." The queen turned to a waiting servant.
"Send a seamstress to see to the lady's needs."
The servant nodded and scurried away.
Orders were given. Servants hurried about, carrying news of their queen's latest surprise.
"Madeline, can you drag your husband from his official duties long enough to join us?" Morgan asked.
"Oui. He will be eager to see you, Morgan. He has complained of your long absence." Madeline lifted her skirts and curtsied to the queen.
"By your leave. Majesty." At the queen's nod, she rushed from the room.
In no time, Brenna found herself being ushered from the queen's bedchamber. With Morgan beside her, she followed a servant along a wide hallway toward a suite of rooms. Several of Morgan's men trailed along behind them. Guards? Brenna wondered with alarm. Could it be possible that he would have her guarded here in the queen's residence like a common criminal?
The sitting chamber assigned them was a large room overlooking the queen's formal gardens. Through the open windows of the balcony drifted the fragrance of roses and lavender. Tapestries depicting the royal lineage softened the stark walls. The floors were covered with ornately woven rugs. Chairs and settles, many draped with magnificent animal hides, were drawn up before the huge fireplace that dominated one wall. A fire had been set to ward off the chill.
Brenna was pleased to note that there were doors on either end of the sitting chamber. These led to two separate sleeping chambers. At least, for the moment, she was not being treated like a prisoner. She would have her own sleeping chamber, away from Morgan's scrutiny. She noted no chains on the doors.
The sleeping chambers were nearly identical, with huge beds hung with elegant linens, and cheery fires set in the fireplaces. Tapers were lighted in sconces along the walls, adding even more light and warmth to the rooms.
When the servants finished showing them to their quarters, they quietly withdrew, leaving Brenna and Morgan alone for the first time since their arrival in England.