Worse, by evening of the next day, the Welsh population in the manor house had been depleted. Marcus suspected first. A few memorable faces disappeared. Tables appeared less cramped.

That night, when Hubert called for his personal manservant, no one arrived in his crowded chamber.

Marcus and Addis followed him down to the hall and watched him realize that the ranks had thinned. He strode outside and returned shortly, in a fury. He began an interrogation of the men who remained.

“If she keeps it up, we will be doing our own washing soon,” Addis said. “I do not think Nesta’s only goal is to make Hubert appear a fool.”

“He does not need her help there,” Marcus agreed. “They must have taken food out to the men in the camps, and simply did not return. I told Paul to be watchful, but I will not force them to stay. If the Welsh men support Carwyn, we are better with them not within the walls.”

“Eventually Hubert will realize that she is behind this, Marcus.”

Unfortunately, Hubert realized it at once. After bending his scowling face to Arundal’s ear, he bore down on Marcus with his ally in tow.

“At least twenty have left, the strongest and most fit,” he reported, his face flushed with anger. “It isn’t just servants. A third of my guard have deserted too.”

“You should have expected the latter, since most of your guards are Welsh,” Marcus said. “It is a wonder they did not hand this manor over to Carwyn months ago.”

“My men were sworn to me, not a thief. They held me in awe.”

Marcus bit back the response his mind snapped to that.

“That woman is bewitching them to her own ends,” Arundal said. “She cannot be trusted.”

“She spends her days in the chapel and is hardly a threat.”

“She must be stopped,” Hubert hissed. “Who knows what messages she has sent to those rebels with the servants. Most likely she only had some remain here so she would have someone at hand to carry later reports.”

“He is right,” Arundal agreed.

Having shown some mettle, Hubert pressed on. “She has probably told them everything. I will not have a traitor eating at my board as if she is a guest. I am going to lock her away.”

“You are going to do no such thing,” Marcus said. “I will consider your complaints and decide the proper action.”

Hubert disagreed vehemently. Arundal’s lids lowered. Glints of suspicion sparked in both men’s eyes. As they walked away, their heads bent together, Marcus had no trouble imagining their conversation.

They were questioning his judgment at best, and his loyalty at worst.

“You had better speak with her,” Addis said. “I hate to admit that they are right, but if she is sending men to Carwyn, either to carry her messages or to fight at his side, she must be confined.”