“You’ll nae tell me what to approve! Be silent or I’ll send you out in chains,” the King snapped, shaking with anger. He glared until Carr lowered his eyes, cheeks aflame, then took the sword from the Queen and patted the back of her hand, clearly relieved that she approved this new favorite despite her glee at the embarrassment of the old.

Turning to Villiers, the King said gently, “Kneel, George.” Villiers stepped forward, eyes fixed upon his monarch.

The King touched the great sword to Villiers’s shoulders, while Robin Carr shifted on his feet like a spooked horse, then passed the sword to the Earl of Pembroke and held out his hand for the new knight to kiss. Villiers did so with touching humility, a blush on his pale cheek as he rose.

The King acted then as if Carr were not in the room. He wished his wife good health and, having waited for George to offer her the deepest of bows, processed out with him. Carr barged his way to the front of the line that followed, at the heels of his monarch and Villiers.

24

“Sit,” I commanded.

Frankie sat.

“Weston has been arrested,” I told her.

Frankie jumped up. Her eyes were huge and full of questions. She flapped a hand at me, unable to speak. I helped her back onto the stool.

“I do not know the charge. He was taken at dawn and is held close prisoner at Sir Thomas Parry’s house. I cannot see him.”

Frankie’s fright helped me calm the terror that had been building within me since William Weston had come to the apartments, too early for it to be good news.

“Parry?” repeated Frankie, her wits reviving. “He is a privy councillor. Robin helped him to the position. I shall ask for news,” she said, standing and moving to the door. I grabbed her arm.

“Do not go out there until you are calm.”

Frankie looked blankly at me until the implication of my words struck home. Weston was arrested. She must appear to be above suspicion.

“He will not talk, I am sure of it,” I said.