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Certain that nothing Edward had planned for him would surprise him, Lionheart swiveled in the saddle. His grin faded when the last person in the world he expected to see emerged from within the ranks of warriors and knights. His mouth dropped open and he turned to glare at Edward.

"God's blood! What have you done?"

"I hoped you would be pleased," Edward said, apparently puzzled at Lionheart's lack of enthusiasm. "Dunsford was but a few hours out of the way, so 'twas no trouble to fetch your leman."

Lionheart stared at the buxom blonde riding toward him with a coy smile fixed on her ruby lips. Althea! He had left her at Dunsford months ago. Why had Edward brought her? Young though he was, Edward had a reason for everything he did. There was no time to question him, however, as Althea reined in beside Lionheart.

"Lionheart!" she said effusively. " 'Twas so lonely at Dunsford without you. I was beside myself with happiness when Prince Edward came to fetch me."

"Welcome to Wales, Althea," Lionheart returned, trying not to show his annoyance. Just what he needed, a leman and a wife under the same roof.

"I feared you would be lonely without a woman's comfort," Edward began, "and sought to please you."

"What other surprises have you brought?" Lionheart asked in a tone ripe with annoyance.

Edward sent him a sharp look. "I have other news, but it will keep. I wish to reach Cragdon tonight."

"Then we must ride hard," Lionheart said, spurring his steed.

Lionheart took the lead, riding hard and fast to clear his head. How would Vanora react to Althea? he wondered. Knowing Vanora as he did, he wouldn't be surprised if the vixen challenged Althea to a duel. That image made him smile. Soft as a down pillow and feminine to a fault, Althea would probably swoon if Vanora challenged her. Althea was made to pleasure men, and he had spent many delightful hours rutting between her thighs. On the other hand, Vanora's lithe, supple body pleased him so well that he could not recall what it was he had admired about Althea.

Why had Edward brought Althea to Wales if he did not intend to remain? Lionheart wondered. With a civil war in the offing, Edward would probably take his army back to England, and if he did, Lionheart would leave with him. Or would he?

Edward's party stopped briefly at noon to eat from their rations, but Lionheart found no opportunity to tell the prince about Vanora. Edward was full of plans for the inevitable war between de Montfort and his father and wanted Lionheart's opinion. Althea hovered nearby, apparently anxious to speak privately with him, but Lionheart adroitly avoided her.

Once they resumed their journey, there was no time for talk. After several days in the saddle, Edward was anxious to reach Cragdon. The church bells were tolling Vespers when they rode through the portcullis. The warriors bivouacked in the outer bailey welcomed their prince effusively. Edward returned their greeting warmly and dismissed his own men to find places among their comrades; then Edward, Lionheart and Althea rode on to the keep.

The tables were already in place for the evening meal when Lionheart entered the hall. His eager gaze found Vanora standing near the hearth, conversing with Father Caddoc.

"The keep pleases me," Edward said as his assessing gaze swept over the large, well-kept hall.

Lionheart knew precisely when Edward's gaze found Vanora. "God's blood, who is that beauty?" Edward hissed beneath his breath. "I did not think the Welsh were capable of producing one such as her. You sly dog. Now I understand why my surprise displeased you. If I did not have sweet Eleanor waiting for me, I would be tempted to try her myself."

"Send the Welshwoman away," Althea demanded. "Lionheart no longer has need of her."

Lionheart sent Althea a dismissive look. " 'Tis not so easy, Althea. You see, Vanora and I—"

"I shall tell her myself," Althea said. "Prince Edward brought me here for you, and I will tolerate no other woman vying for your attention."

"We will settle this later," Edward said. "I am famished."

Lionheart ushered him to the high table. From the corner of his eye he saw Vanora hurrying over to join them. He stifled a groan and prepared himself for Vanora's reaction to Edward.

"What is this?" Edward asked when Vanora planted herself before the prince.

"How soon can I expect you and your army to leave Cragdon, my lord?" Vanora asked sweetly.

"Vanora," Lionheart warned. "Not now."

"Why not now? I want my home and lands returned to me."

"Your home? Your lands?" Edward replied "Who are you?"

"I am Vanora of Cragdon. Cragdon belongs to me."

"I was under the impression that Cragdon belonged to me," Edward replied. "Were not your knights routed by Lionheart? Is not the castle occupied by Englishmen?"

"But you will leave and take your English warriors with you, will you not?"

"Aye, my visit will not be an extended one, but Lionheart—"

"Turn her out of the keep, Lord Edward," Althea interrupted. "The Welsh bitch deserves no mercy."

Vanora's gaze found Althea. "Who is she? Have you recruited women in your army?"

Edward laughed. "This is highly entertaining. Vanora has the tongue of an asp and a spirit to match. Methinks Lionheart has not been bored during my absence. I brought Lionheart's leman because I thought he would be desperate for amusement, but I see now I was wrong."

"His leman?" Vanora gasped.

"Aye. I made a special effort to bring Althea to Cragdon."

Vanora sent Althea a disdainful look, then directed her glare to Lionheart, one elegant brow raised. "Have you not told him?"

"Told me what?" Edward asked.

Lionheart shrugged. "There was no time."

Edward raised his hand. "Cease. Tell me later. I wish to sup before listening to news I may or may not like. Sit you down beside me, Lady Vanora, and regale me with tales of Lionheart's misconduct whilst I eat. Lionheart, amuse yourself with your leman whilst I converse with Vanora; I fear Althea has sorely missed your companionship."

Looking extremely uncomfortable, Lionheart flashed Vanora a silent warning before taking his place beside Althea.

"I had hoped for a better welcome than this," Althea whined. She touched his thigh beneath the table and smiled up at him. "Are you not happy to see me, Lionheart? I have missed you dreadfully."

Somehow Lionheart doubted that. Althea was not a woman content with long spells of celibacy. She had doubtless opened her thighs to another love less than a sennight after he'd left her.

"Your presence complicates matters," Lionheart returned. "I cannot understand why Edward brought you here when we are to leave soon."

Althea's blue eyes widened in disbelief. "Has he not told you?"

"Told me what?"

"Mayhap he wants to tell you himself. Forgive me for speaking out of turn."

Lionheart could not wait for the meal to end to learn Edward's plans for him. For all his meager years, the prince was a man who did not make decisions lightly, or without good reason.

* * *

Vanora could not help liking the young prince. Longshanks, as he was fondly called, looked every bit the future king: a golden man with a golden future. But he also appeared to be the kind of man who knew what he wanted and was not afraid to seize it. She feared Wales was doomed should Edward decide to bring her country under English rule.

"Are you Lord Rhys's heir?" Edward asked, chewing thoughtfully on a piece of succulent braised veal in cream sauce.

"Aye, I have no brothers." Her chin tilted upward. "Cragdon is mine."

Edward chose not to reply as he returned his attention to his trencher. Vanora picked at her food, her gaze straying to Lionheart and his leman. Althea was a beauty—she could not blame Lionheart for claiming her—but why had Edward brought her? Surely he did not intend to leave the woman at Cragdon, did he? Althea's presence did not make sense.

Ever forthright, Vanora swallowed hard and asked, "Why did you bring Lionheart's leman to Cragdon? I thought you intended to fetch Lionheart and your army and return to England."

Edward sent her an appraising look. "Have you grown fond of Lionheart?"

Vanora flushed and looked away. "I am merely curious."

"So is Lionheart, I'll wager." He arose. "Shall we retire to my chamber, Lionheart? We have much to discuss."

"The north tower has been made ready for you," Vanora said. "I will show you the way."

"Nay, stay and entertain Althea," Edward commanded. "Lionheart can show me the way."

Vanora glanced at Althea, her ire rising when she saw the woman staring adoringly at Lionheart. She turned away and would have left the hall but Althea stopped her.

"I am weary, mistress. Show me to Lionheart's chamber so that I may ready myself for him. We have been apart many months."

"I will show you to a chamber, but it will not be Lionheart's," Vanora retorted.

Althea sent Vanora a venomous glare. "How dare you! I have traveled a long distance to be with Lionheart and will not be denied by a woman who has played the whore for him."

"How, pray tell, does that make you better than me?" Vanora charged.

She wanted desperately to tell Althea she was Lionheart's wife but decided to wait until Edward had been informed.

"You have a sharp tongue for a woman in your position," Althea said.

"What position is that?"

"A woman whose home is no longer hers, and will soon be evicted."

"Are you so sure of that?"

Althea sent her a smug smile. "Aye. I know why Edward brought me here and you do not."

"Nor do I care. Excuse me, I will have a servant show you to your chamber. Rest well, Althea," she threw over her shoulder as she stomped off.

* * *

"I am well pleased with Cragdon," Edward said as he sprawled on a bench before the hearth, a flagon of ale in his hand.

Lionheart stood before him, legs spread, arms folded across his chest. "Do you want to tell me why you brought Althea to Cragdon? Her presence here troubles me."

Edward sighed. "You are not going to like this. Lionheart, but I have plans for Cragdon that include you."

Dread lanced through him. "How so?" "First, let me be the first to inform you of your father's death. As his sole heir, you will inherit his title."

"Title to what?" Lionheart scoffed. "My father and I have been estranged for many years. He sold his lands and everything of value he owned and became one of Henry's courtiers, a man dependent upon the king's largess. His death does not affect me one way or the other."

"Mayhap it should. Apparently, your mother learned of your father's death and has returned to England. She is living in London."

Pain flashed in Lionheart's eyes. "I care not. She abandoned me years ago. She has her life and I have mine. What has my father's death to do with Cragdon?"

Edward sighed and thrust his fingers through his blond locks. " 'Tis not right that a man of your character and rank should be landless. Therefore, I am gifting you with Cragdon and all it entails. You are now Lord Lionheart, Earl of Cragdon."

"You are giving me a title and Welsh lands?" Lionheart asked in disbelief.

"Aye. Cragdon is a jewel, Lionheart, and important in the scheme of things. The estate sits in the midst of Llewellyn’s kingdom. I need someone strong to protect my Welsh holdings. When I am king, I intend to rule all of Britain, and that includes Wales and Scotland. When the time comes, I shall wage war against both countries and surround them with great fortresses to bring them to heel."

Lionheart searched for the meaning behind Edward's gift and suddenly knew that his fears had been realized. "God's blood! You intend for me to remain in Wales!"

"Aye. I need you here, Lionheart, to be my eyes and ears."

"You need me to lead your army," Lionheart shot back.

"I have men aplenty, but only one I trust enough to act as guardian of my property. When I begin my campaign against Wales, you and Cragdon will be here to support me."

"Nay, I refuse!"

"Are you not my vassal, Lionheart? You have been my mentor and my friend for as long as I can remember."

"Aye, I have followed wherever you led. I have pledged myself to you, but ask me not to sit idly by while you go to war."

"I am asking you, Lionheart. I need you at Cragdon. Your loyalty shall not go unrewarded. When I am king, you will have the greatest estate England has to offer. 'Tis not within my power to grant you that estate now so Cragdon will have to do."

"And, you brought Althea to cozen me into doing what you wanted."

"Althea is a boon I grant to keep you content at Cragdon. Should you desire a wife, I shall endeavor to find one worthy of you. Althea, of course, would never do as a wife. You deserve a young heiress who has never known a man's touch. You have my vow on this."

Lionheart realized there would be no better time to tell Edward about Vanora. "You are not the only bearer of surprises; I have something of import to tell you."

Edward smiled. "I know. You took the lady Vanora as your leman. How you will divide your time between Althea and Vanora should be interesting. Unfortunately, I cannot linger to watch you handle the sticky situation."

"I am married," Lionheart said without preamble.

Lionheart dropped the flagon of ale he was holding and looked at Lionheart as if he had just grown horns. "You are what? When? How? Who? God's blood, I cannot believe it! You, a man who has avoided marriage like the plague, have suddenly wed. What jest is this?"

"I wish it were a jest." Lionheart began to pace. "I married Lady Vanora some weeks ago." "My God, man, why?"

Lionheart shrugged. " 'Twas a simple matter of lust, Lord Edward."

"Why did you not rut with the wench and be done with it?"

"Her priest would not allow it. He stood within the chamber and refused to budge until I wed the woman. My cock was so eager for her, I would have agreed to anything. You are young, you do not know what it is like to want a woman the way I wanted Vanora."

"And now that you have had her, do you wish me to invalidate the marriage?"

At one time, it had been precisely what Lionheart wanted, but now he was not so sure. He had also thought he would be leaving Vanora and Cragdon behind, but it appeared that Edward had other ideas. If he were to be Cragdon's new lord, it would not hurt to keep Vanora as his wife. Besides, he had not yet tired of her and had much to gain and naught to lose by being wed to a Welshwoman.

"I believe I shall keep Vanora, Edward. The marriage is legal in all respects. She had a prior verbal agreement with another but broke the betrothal before we wed."

"Methinks you are smitten," Edward said, grinning. "Now you know how I feel about my Eleanor. She is the moon and stars, and I am the luckiest of men."

Lionheart shifted uncomfortably. He did not like speaking openly of feelings. It was one thing to admit he desired Vanora but another to reveal tender feelings when he was not certain they existed.

For years Lionheart had protected his heart against emotional involvement. 'Twas far better to remain detached than to suffer the fate of his parents. All he knew of love was that it hurt.

"I did not know you were a poet, Edward."

"You do not know everything about me."

"I have known you since you were a youth of seven sent to foster with your uncle."

"Ah, well, I suppose you do know me better than anyone. Just as I know you. 'Tis obvious you care for Vanora. And your marriage does settle many things. You married Cragdon's heiress and became its owner and lord without my intervention. No one can dispute your legal right to Cragdon. I am pleased with this marriage, Lord Lionheart, well pleased."

"Pleased enough to let me return to England with you?"

"Nay, I am sorry, Lionheart, but I have need of you in Wales. 'Tis possible Llewellyn will break the peace treaty and rally his countrymen around him. That could place England in jeopardy, for our army cannot fight effectively on two fronts. Should that happen, de Montfort would win and name himself king."

"I like it not, but as your vassal I will do as you wish," Lionheart groused.

"I grow weary. It has been a long day. Is there aught else I should know?"

"There is a Welsh prisoner in the south tower." "You took prisoners?"

"Just one, Daffid ap Deverell. He was taken during our last skirmish with Llewellyn’s forces. I left his fate for you to decide."

"Release him," Edward said. "There is no reason to hold him now."

When Lionheart seemed reluctant, Edward asked, "Is there something I should know about Daffid?"

"He was Vanora's betrothed." "Think you he will cause trouble?" "Possibly."

" 'Tis best to avoid trouble while the peace treaty is in effect. Placate Daffid as best you can and send him on his way."

"And Althea? Will you take her back with you?" "Ah, Althea. She will have to remain until you can make arrangements to return her to her father, for I cannot take her with me."

Lionheart bit out a curse. "My life is complicated enough without Althea underfoot. I will make arrangements as soon as possible. How many men-at-arms can you leave me?"

"Twenty is all I can spare. The rest will return to England with me. I need every man at my disposal to defeat de Montfort's army."

" 'Tis not nearly enough if I am to send Althea home with an escort."

"I am sure you will find a way," Edward said, stifling a yawn.

Lionheart took Edward's yawn as dismissal and withdrew; his disappointment was so keen he could barely contain it. He needed to be with Edward when he rode into battle. How could Edward leave him behind in this godforsaken land? He was a knight and a warrior, not a steward or keeper of Edward's property. Anyone could be a steward, but not everyone had his skills as a warrior.

Sir Giles was waiting in the hall for Lionheart. Lionheart saw him and swerved in his direction.

" Tis a fine kettle of fish Edward has delivered," Giles teased, referring to Althea. "Will your leman accompany us when we leave?"

"Nay," Lionheart said sourly.

"Is that why you are upset?"

" 'Tis more than that, Giles, much more. Althea is but one piece of bad news Edward brought with him."

"There is more?"

"Aye. Edward has ordered me to remain at Cragdon and hold the keep for England. He has made me Earl of Cragdon."

"An earl? Edward made you an earl?"

"In a manner of speaking. I learned from Edward that my father has died, and that I have inherited his title. Since the title is an empty one, I care not about it, but Edward has gifted me with Cragdon, and now, it seems, I am a man of property and income."

"Congratulations, Lord Lionheart." . "I like it not. 'Tis not my decision to remain at Cragdon while Edward leads his army against de Montfort. He is leaving but twenty men behind to defend the castle." He searched Giles's face. "Can I count on you, Giles? I have need of you at Cragdon."

"Like you, I prefer a good battle to inactivity. But if Edward thinks 'tis necessary to hold Cragdon, then I shall not desert you, my lord."

"I pray Sir Brandon agrees with you, for I will have need of him too. Edward will choose which warriors are to stay at Cragdon, but I will feel better if my two principal knights remain in my service."

"Think you Althea will cause trouble between you and Vanora?" Giles asked.

"More trouble than either of us knows," Lionheart surmised. "Althea is not an easy woman to placate. Once she learns that Vanora and I are wed, she will make all kinds of mischief until she can be returned to England."

Giles's eyes sparkled. "Althea is a beautiful woman. I would not mind taking her off your hands."

"Be my guest, Giles. Vanora is more than I can handle at the present time. Excuse me, I had best find my wife now and tell her I am to remain at Cragdon."

"Good luck, Lord Lionheart." Giles's grin told Lionheart that he did not envy him his task.

Giles strode off to find his own bed, but Lionheart lingered, his mind still reeling. How could this have happened to him? Of all the men Edward could have chosen as Cragdon's new lord, why him?

"May I have a word with you, Lionheart?"

Lionheart whirled to find Father Caddoc standing behind him. "You will have your say whether I wish it or not," he grumbled.

"I like not this situation with your leman," the priest chided. "Think you Vanora will allow her to remain at Cragdon after you leave?"

"Things have changed, Father," Lionheart explained. "Edward has gifted me with Cragdon. I am to remain as its new lord."

"You became Cragdon's lord when you wed Vanora," Father Caddoc informed him. "Did you not know that?"

"I had not thought much about it since I did not intend to remain at Cragdon. My place is with Edward, but he has other plans for me."

"Does Vanora know?"

"Not yet. She will not be pleased."

"Mayhap you will be surprised."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

The priest sent him an exasperated look. " Tis not for me to say. You still have not explained what you intend to do with your leman. I seriously doubt Vanora will allow you to bed another woman."

Lionheart frowned. " 'Tis not for Vanora to allow or disallow." Lionheart had no intention of bedding Althea but he would never admit as much to Vanora. The woman already had too much power over his senses.

The priest stifled a smile. "You have much to learn about Vanora."

How true, Lionheart mused. "Worry not about Althea, Father. I intend to send her back to England."

The priest nodded and bade Lionheart good night. Lionheart glanced toward the solar and resolutely started up the winding staircase. He was striding down the gallery when a figure detached itself from the shadows and stood in Lionheart's path. His hand flew to the hilt of his sword, then relaxed when he recognized Althea. A sigh hissed past his lips. His life was becoming more complicated by the minute.

"What are you doing here, Althea? Does your chamber not please you?"

"That bitch refused to take me to your chamber. A servant told me you slept in the solar, so I waited here for you."

She threw back her cloak, baring her nearly nude body to him. Her thin shift concealed naught. Her coral nipples glowed as if rouged, and the thatch betwixt her legs glittered like pure gold. Compared to Vanora's lean length and firm breasts, Althea's legs were too short and her body too soft, almost flabby.

"The woman you just called a bitch is my wife, Althea," Lionheart said.

Althea recoiled as if struck. "You are wed? When did this happen? Does Edward approve?"

" 'Tis not for Edward to approve or disapprove. What is done is done."

She sidled close and pushed her pillowy breasts against him. The musky smell of her arousal, combined with an exotic perfume she wore, teased his senses. He inured himself to her seduction and tried to back away, but she clung to him like a vine, pushing her soft mound against him.

He retreated. She followed. "I have a wife, Althea, and no need of a leman," Lionheart maintained.

She cupped his cock and smiled up at him. "You are growing hard in my hand, Lionheart."

She squeezed; he groaned. "You take unfair advantage of me." He slapped her hand away and set her apart from him. "Go find your bed, Althea. I have no need of a leman tonight or any night."

"I will change your mind," Althea purred as he pushed past her.

"I doubt it," Lionheart said.

Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and entered the solar. His gaze found Vanora and he nearly lost the ability to speak. She was sitting on a bench, running a comb through her long hair and gazing absently into the flames. Her shift had slipped off one creamy shoulder, exposing a firm, round breast.

She turned toward him, her face composed but her eyes as turbulent as a storm-tossed sea. "Have you finished with your leman already?"

"I was with Edward."

Disbelief darkened her violet eyes. "So you say."

He crossed the room and lowered himself to the bench beside her. " Tis the truth. Why do I need a leman when I have you?"

Vanora sniffed the air, then leapt to her feet and backed away. "Liar! You reek of sex and her." She glanced downward, her gaze lingering on his loins. "Did she not satisfy you?"

Lionheart cursed. " 'Tis not what you think. Althea accosted me on the gallery and . . . and ..."

"... made you hard," she finished.

Lionheart cursed. "I want her not, Vanora. I was with Edward for a time, then stopped to speak with Giles and Father Caddoc. I will hear no more about it."

"It matters not to me whom you bed, Lionheart," Vanora stated. "Just make sure you take your leman with you when you leave."

"Vanora ..."

She sent him a hard look. "How much longer must I put up with you? Will you leave tomorrow, or the next day, or the next? I hope 'tis soon."

"As much as you wish it, sweeting, 'tis not to be. I shall remain at Cragdon indefinitely. Edward wants me to become lord of Cragdon, though I never aspired to the title."

"Nay, it cannot be true! How am I to bear it?"