Then, as she saw her companion's frowning look, her heart caught with sudden alarm. 'Does he come from my husband?' 'Yes, my lady. He says that Sir Philip has sent you a letter, and that he is to deliver it into your hands and none other.' Rosamund sighed. She had known the message must come. It had only been a matter of time, for she knew that Richard was a prisoner though she was not sure where he had been taken. It was said that he had been moved from the Tower to a secret location for fear that an attempt might be made to rescue him, but her informants were not certain of his whereabouts. Some believed he might even be dead. Henry of Bolingbroke had laid claim to Richard's throne and the small rebellions of his followers were being ruthlessly put down wherever they occurred. It seemed that all was lost. 'You may tell this messenger to bring his letter,' Rosamund said with a weary sigh. 'But let him be guarded for I would not trust anyone who comes from Philip.' After Alicia had gone she looked at the ring she wore on her middle finger. Richard's ring, given to the Welsh singer for her…but she did not believe that Morgan Gruffudd was merely a wandering bard. He had the look of a fighter, and Kestrel had told her he was a man of destiny.
