"I trow we are all full weary, even as our lord the King."
As she passed out, she said in the ear of a trusted servant: "Gymbert, be ready against I need thee!"
Edric the seneschal stayed behind, searching the floor and the tables for property mislaid, smothering the torches himself with meticulous care. He heard a light step brush across the strewn rushes. Ethelfrith stood before him, darkly cloaked and hooded.
"My little hare was ailing this evening," said she. "I might not find thee, Edric, though I sought. But even now he is better than I could earlier have hoped."
"I will go see him early to-morrow," said Edric, "if ye do think he will live through this night." He was a man of few words.
"He will live through the night…. Edric, I have no wish to sleep. I have thoughts and fears which break through my rest…. And then … Eadburh said … at least I do fancy that she meant to say…."
"Her tongue wags ever too fast," Edric rejoined. "Well, lady, what said she?"
"It was of my lord King Ethelbert she spake…. I am sorely troubled. Meseemeth that the Queen and King Ethelbert love each other not, or mayhap…. And there is strife between my mother and Sexwolf…. I hate Eadburh!" cried Ethelfrith. "God forgive me!" she added, horrified.
Surprise and interest went far to conquer Edric's wonted reserve. The little princess irked him usually; but now—yes, and formerly throughout that evening—she showed signs of a spirit that he had never suspected to exist in her.
"Listen, lady," said he. "King Ethelbert should go his ways, taking you with him. He loveth you dearly, as all may see. Here hath he been three weeks, and is no nearer the settlement of that which brought him hither. Ye are scarce even a moment together. This is a drear betrothal."