The Tudor Secret - C. W. Gortner [64]
To my disbelief, Barnaby assented. “There’s a secret passage to the bedchamber. In times past, His Majesty your late father used it. Last time I checked, the duke hadn’t set a guard there. But I must warn you, if he does, the only way out is through the apartments, and they’re infested with his minions.”
“I’ll take my chances.” Elizabeth returned her gaze to me. “Don’t try to detain me. If you wish to help me, do so. If not, you can meet me at the gatehouse. But I must do this. I must see my brother before it is too late.” She paused. “I … I have to say good-bye.”
Her words tugged at my soul. This, I understood.
Barnaby stepped forth. “I will take Your Grace.” He shot me a look. “I’ll see her to His Majesty and back to the gatehouse safely.”
“Thank you, Barnaby.” She didn’t take her eyes from me. I finally conceded defeat with a sigh, lifting my own gaze past her to the palace and rows of glowing windows. The fireworks display had ended. Furtive storm clouds leaked fragrant humidity. The festivities would reach their apex soon, with the court imbuing free wine and dancing in feverish delight in front of the morose couple ensconced on the dais. The duke would be obligated to stand attendance, keep close watch on the nobles, seeing as the king had not made his promised appearance to bless the nuptials. If ever there was a time to sneak into royal apartments, this was it. Why, then, did I feel a terrible presentiment?
“Ash Kat has sent word to the hall that I’m indisposed,” said Elizabeth, misinterpreting the reason for my silence. “My assorted stomach complaints and headaches are notorious, as is my temper when disturbed. In addition, the duke knows what he said to me this afternoon and he’ll not wish to push his luck. I didn’t tell Robert as much, naturally, but I did not refuse Northumberland completely. I merely said I needed some time to contemplate his offer.”
She smiled coldly. “Of course, that time will soon run out, but unless they decide to break down my bedchamber door, for now, no one will dare intrude on me.”
“Or not while His Majesty lives,” I said. “Once he is gone, you can’t expect mercy.”
“I never would,” she replied. “You are bold, nonetheless, to remind me.”
I looked to Barnaby. “Are you sure it’s safe to use that passage?”
“Providing it isn’t guarded and someone stands watch while we’re inside, yes. Only the king’s favorite, Harry Sidney, is with Edward now. He’ll not raise warning against us.”
“I’ll stand guard.” Kate withdrew a dagger from her cloak. I repressed immediate protest. We weren’t so many that I could afford to disdain help; and we did need someone to watch.
“Fine. Peregrine will come with us. If it looks safe, he can go to the stables. Your Grace does realize your visit with your brother must be brief?”
She pulled up her hood. “Yes.”
With Kate and Peregrine flanking her, I motioned to Barnaby and we edged past the facade of the palace, a stalwart company of five, avoiding the taper light spilling from the loggias and windows. Laughter, uninhibited, slightly frenetic, tumbled from open panes; the revelry in the hall was in full sway.
I wondered if the duke had been obliged at the last minute to let more courtiers into the palace than he’d have preferred. I hoped so. The more distractions he had to contend with, the more time it would give us to get in and out of Edward’s rooms. Elizabeth’s absence from the nuptial celebration had surely been noted; Northumberland might even have decided that some incentive was required to facilitate her contemplation of his offer and had set guards at her doors at this very moment. Much as I disliked the thought, we had to be ready for every eventuality.
I stole a glimpse at Barnaby. If I ever found myself in a brawl, he was someone I’d want on my side. “Barnaby,” I said in a low voice. “Will you promise