TWENTY-NINE
Siward said very little for the rest of that day, and most of the next. It was not until after dinner on the second night away from the Wall that he finally broke the silence between them.
"There is only one way you will be queen."
Rosamond sipped from her cup of wine. "Go on."
Siward hesitated. "You won't like it."
She stared at him across the fire, wishing she could read his thoughts. "I will not condone violence. The King's Council were appointed by my father, which meant he trusted their judgement, or at least their loyalty. I will not have them killed."
Siward looked stunned. "I had not considered that possibility."
Rosamond rose. "Then consider it now. I will not rule a kingdom by fear."
"But you would hold it to ransom with the Wall."
She waved his accusation a
