He was likely hunting for Nan, who had left Gryff’s chamber barely an hour before Will’s party was seen riding toward the manor. Finally, just as Gryff had begun to despair, Will had arrived – with nearly a dozen other men, many of them armed knights.

“There is refreshment in the hall, if my lord of Ruardean would have his men take their ease.” Lady Eluned spoke formally, her eyes not missing a thing. “More will be brought to the solar, if my lords will prefer to take their own ease in private.”

“Aye, we would, Mother.”

A few of the men ranged out behind him were greeting Lord Robert, all of them handing their horses to servants. Will called to one of the men to join them, waving the rest toward the hall. He must have seen the wariness in Gryff’s face, for he put an arm around his shoulder as they walked to the manor house and leaned in close to say, “There is naught to fear, I swear it. The news I bring is happy. These men are come to protect you should the bastard learn you are here.”

As they made their way up the stairs he explained that he had taken time to assemble these trusted men in secret, to consult most closely with the king, and to find a distraction to put in Rhodri’s path. It was not safe to send a message; the court was filled with prying eyes. It pleased Will, this kind of intrigue and maneuvering. It was plain to see that he thrived on it.

When they reached the solar, he introduced the other man as a royal clerk of the chancery, a word that sent an icy wind down Gryff’s spine. He thought he managed to hide his alarm but Will, like his mother, missed nothing.

“I have told you there is no need to fear,” he said again as they sat. “I will tell you all, but first I would learn where you have hidden yourself these many years, my lord prince.”

“Nay, Will, never call me prince.” Gryff said it firmly, leaving no doubt he meant it. “The people of Aderinyth are Edward’s subjects, not mine. So too am I his subject, and I would never be called prince again.”

At this, Will’s brows went up in surprise. His lips curved in an admiring smile and he glanced toward the royal clerk, exchanging a pleased look. “It will gratify Edward to know it,” he said. “I will not fail to tell him these were the first words from you, even before you heard his offer.”

All the air seemed to have left the room. This was not a word he had expected at all.

“Offer?”