at you when the king asks me his questions. God's truth, I'll not say one word.'
Louddon was so enraged by Madelyne's threat, he almost hit her again. When he raised his hand, Anthony took a menacing step forward. Louddon's urge to retaliate was immediately pushed aside.
'We'll speak of this later,' Louddon said. He gave Anthony a meaningful glare before he continued. 'When we are alone, I promise you I'll change your mind.'
Madelyne hid her fear. 'We're going to speak of this now, Louddon, else I'll send Anthony to our king to tell him how you are mistreating me.'
'You think William would care?' Louddon shouted.
'I am as much his subject as you are,' Madelyne returned. 'I will also instruct Anthony to tell the king how concerned I am that you are going to kill Uncle Berton. I doubt William would like the church's reaction to a baron murdering one of their own.'
'The king wouldn't believe you. And you know damn well your precious priest is alive. But if you persist in this rebellion, I will have him killed. Goad me further, bitch, and I'll-'
'You'll send me back to live with Uncle Berton. That is what you'll do.'
Louddon's eyes widened and his face turned a blotchy red. He couldn't believe this radical change in his sister's disposition. She was standing up to him, and in front of a witness too. Worry edged into Louddon's mind. It was imperative that he have Madelyne's cooperation if he was going to sway their king into ruling against Duncan. Aye, he'd counted on Madelyne to tell how Duncan had destroyed his fortress and taken her captive. Suddenly Madelyne had become unpredictable.
'You expect me to answer only certain truths, don't you? What if I begin my accounting by telling how you tried to kill Baron Wexton?'
'You will answer only those questions put to you,' Louddon bellowed.
'Then give in to my request. Let me go to my uncle. I'll stay with him and let you take care of this problem with Baron Wexton.'
Madelyne felt like weeping over her deliberate choice of words. Problem, indeed. Louddon was out to see Duncan destroyed. 'I swear to you, I could do your petition far more damage if I'm called before the king. The truth might damn Duncan, but my silence will damn you.'
'When this is over…'
'You'll kill me, I suppose,' Madelyne announced with a forced shrug of indifference. Her voice was devoid of emotion when she said, 'I don't care, Louddon. Do your worst.'
Louddon didn't need to think about Madelyne's threat. He concluded immediately that she should be removed from court. There simply wasn't time to beat her into submission.
Just two days past he'd learned of Morcar's failure to kill Duncan. Morcar was dead, and Duncan would surely arrive in London anytime now.
Perhaps he should let his sister have her way. Her departure would serve his purpose well, he decided.
'You will leave within the hour,' Louddon announced. 'But my men will escort you, Madelyne. Wexton's men,' he added, staring at Anthony now, 'have no reason to follow after you. The baron no longer has a say in your affairs. He has his sister back and you now belong to me.'
Madelyne agreed before Anthony could offer argument. The vassal exchanged a look with his mistress and then nodded his acceptance.
He didn't have any intention of honoring the agreement, of course. Anthony would follow Madelyne no matter where Louddon sent her. He would be discreet, however, and let Louddon believe his duty was done. 'Then I'll return to Wexton fortress,' he announced before he turned and walked away.
'I must go and have a few words with the king,' Louddon muttered. 'He is expecting us. I'm giving in to your whim, Madelyne, but you and I both know the time will come when you must report what happened to William.'
'I will give him my honesty,' Madelyne returned. When Louddon looked suspicious, she hastily added, 'And that will, of course, support your cause.'
Louddon looked slightly appeased. 'Yes, well, perhaps the visit to your uncle is best after all. Seeing him again will remind you of your tenuous position.'
The bitch needs reminding of how important her uncle is to her, Louddon decided. She'd obviously forgotten what an old, frail man Berton was, and how impossible it would be for him to protect himself. Aye, she needed to see the priest again. Then he'd have his fearful, timid sister back where he wanted her.
'There is always the chance that I'll have taken care of Duncan before you're asked to return to court, Madelyne. Return to your rooms now and get your puny possessions. I shall send soldiers to escort you to the courtyard.'
Madelyne pretended humility. She bowed her head and whispered her appreciation. 'I have truly been through such an ordeal,' she told her brother. 'I hope the king does not argue with your request that I leave…'
'My request?' Louddon laughed, an obscene sound that grated. 'He won't even know, Madelyne. I need not request anything from William on such minor issues.'
Louddon turned and walked away after making his odious boast. Madelyne watched him until he'd disappeared around the curve in the corridor. She turned then and started back toward her chambers. Anthony waited in the shadows and was quick to intercept her. 'You take too many chances, milady,' Anthony muttered. 'Your husband will be displeased.'
'We both know Duncan isn't my husband,' Madelyne said. 'It is important that you not interfere, Anthony. Louddon must believe he truly has his sister back.'
'Madelyne, I know you think to protect Adela, but Gerald's duty-'
'Nay, Anthony,' Madelyne interrupted. 'I am only thinking to gain time. And I must go to my uncle. He is like a father to me. Louddon will kill him if I don't protect-'
'You must protect yourself,' Anthony argued. 'Instead, you try to protect the world. Will you not listen to reason? You'll be vulnerable if you leave the castle grounds.
She patted Anthony's hand and then said, 'I'll be vulnerable until Duncan has righted this problem. You will tell Duncan where I've gone, Anthony, and then it will be his decision.'
'What decision?' Anthony asked.
'Whether to come after me or not.'
'You actually doubt…'
Madelyne let out a long sigh. 'Nay, I do not doubt,' she said, shaking her head for emphasis. ' Duncan will come after me, and when he does, he'll leave soldiers to guard my uncle. I only pray he is quick about it.'
Anthony couldn't fault Madelyne's plan. 'I'll keep you in my sight at all times,' he vowed. 'You've only to cry out and I'll be there.'
'You must stay here and tell Duncan -'
'I'll leave another to see to that duty,' Anthony said. 'I gave my word to my lord to protect his wife,' he added, placing force on the word
Though she didn't admit it, Madelyne was relieved to have Anthony's guard. When she'd finished gathering her clothing, she hurried to the courtyard adjacent to the king's stables. Three of Louddon's soldiers had escorted her. They left her standing alone now while they prepared their mounts.
Madelyne was thankful she hadn't run into Clarissa again. And Louddon was still in conference with their king… filling his head full of lies about Duncan, Madelyne knew.
A curious crowd had gathered to watch the departure. The marks on Madelyne's face were quite noticeable, and she couldn't help but overhear the speculative comments behind her back.
A tall red-headed woman separated herself from the group and rushed over to Madelyne. She was a beautiful woman, with a regal, elegant manner, a good deal taller than Madelyne, and a bit more filled out as well. She didn't smile at Madelyne but gave her a look of hostility.
Madelyne met her stare and asked, 'Is there something you wished to say to me?'
''Tis a risk I take in speaking so openly to you,' the woman began. 'I must think of my reputation, you see.'
'And speaking to me will tarnish it?' Madelyne asked.
The woman looked surprised by the question. 'But of course,' she admitted. 'Surely you realized that you are
