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A message arrived for Edward that evening. Exhausted from several days of hard riding, the messenger handed the rolled parchment bearing the king's seal to Edward and went immediately to find a meal and a bed. Edward unrolled the parchment, read the contents and cursed beneath his breath.

"Bad news?" Lionheart asked.

"Aye. The king has need of me. Civil war has begun. Simon de Montfort has announced his intention to march to Westminster if Father does not sign the Provisions of Oxford. I must return to England immediately." He rose. "Excuse me, I must inform my troops of the change in plans. I had hoped to tarry at Cragdon another few days but 'tis no longer possible."

Lionheart stared moodily into his ale after Edward left. The idea of Edward riding into battle without him did not sit well with him. Even more distressing was the niggling suspicion that he did not really want to leave Vanora despite his eagerness to follow Edward. He glanced at Vanora, wondering what she was thinking.

As if reading his thoughts, Vanora said, "I am not unhappy that Edward is leaving. It will be good to be rid of the English warriors camped in the outer bailey. 'Tis too bad you cannot go with him."

"And leave you to Daffid?" Lionheart said. "Should there be a child, I want to be sure it is mine."

If looks could kill, Lionheart would be dead. She rose abruptly. "Excuse me, I should inform Cook of the imminent departure of our guests. I am sure their leaving will please her, for they have been a huge drain on our stores."

Lionheart's fingers curled around her wrist. "Are you trying to avoid further conversation with me?"

She gave him a mocking smile. "How perceptive of you. Since you enjoy Althea's company so much, I give you leave to entertain her tonight."

"You try my patience, Vanora. I need to speak to Edward and will deal with you later. We have unfinished business, you and I."

Vanora went still. "Unfinished business?"

"Aye, the White Knight. If you do not tell me what you know about him, I shall offer a reward for the information I seek. I will question every man, woman and child until I find someone willing to accept my coin in return for the knight's identity."

"Good luck, my lord." Wresting her arm free, she hurried off.

"Your wife is a sharp-tongued shrew," Althea sniffed, moving closer to Lionheart. "What is it you see in her? She is not as beautiful as I am, nor as even-tempered. And I wager she is cold in bed."

Lionheart grinned. "You would lose that wager, Althea. How can you not think Vanora beautiful?"

"I am not as enamored of her as you are," Althea observed.

Lionheart had naught to say to that sally. Enamored? Was he enamored of Vanora? 'Twas not acceptable. There were many things he admired about her: her beauty, her spirit and her strength. He even enjoyed their verbal sparring, but he did not like being lied to. Vanora's refusal to divulge information about the White Knight angered him.

"I have business with Edward, Althea. I will send Giles to entertain you."

Giles was happy to oblige. After a word from Lionheart, he hurried to Althea's side and led her off to a private alcove where they could converse in private. Stifling a grin, Lionheart wished his friend luck in finding his way into Althea's bed, though he doubted the handsome knight would need it. Althea was ripe for bedding.

Dismissing Althea from his mind, Lionheart went in search of Edward. He found the prince conversing with his squire in the courtyard.

"We were just discussing preparations for our departure," Edward said when Lionheart joined him. "We march at dawn."

"Do you go directly to Westminster?" Lionheart asked.

"Nay. I will join the rest of my army near Lewes to await de Montfort's next move."

"You will be careful, will you not?"

Edward clapped Lionheart's back. "Aye. I learned well from you, my friend. Shall we return to the keep and drink to England?"

One drink led to another, and by the time Lionheart dragged himself up to the solar, he was well into his cups. Using the dim light of a single candle to guide him, Lionheart staggered up to the solar. Closing the door quietly behind him, he shuffled toward the bed. Vanora was curled on her side, apparently sound asleep as he cast off his clothing and slid into bed beside her. She gave no indication that she was aware of his presence, and Lionheart scooted closer, molding her body into the curve of his.

He hardened instantly, pushing his loins against the creamy mounds of her buttocks. She stirred but did not awaken. His hands slid around to her breasts, cupping them, toying with her nipples. When his hand slid down her stomach to explore the moist folds of her sex, Vanora awoke with a start.

"What are you doing?"

"Fondling my wife."

"I am not interested, Lionheart."

He slid a finger inside her, chuckling when he felt her muscles clench and moisture flood his hand. "Are you sure?"

Gritting her teeth in frustration, Vanora cursed her body's response. She wanted Lionheart, and he knew it. But she could not afford to love him. All her people knew she was the White Knight. Though she did not think they would betray her, she could not be certain. If Lionheart offered coin for information, the temptation might be too great to resist.

The worst of it was her uncertainty of Lionheart's reaction once he learned the truth about her. Would he order her death? Or had he grown fond enough of her to allow her to live?

Lionheart turned her on her back and hovered over her. "Kiss me, Vanora."

His slurred words brought her to a startling realization. "You are drunk!"

"Not too drunk to make love to my wife."

The steely arms that held her, the hard body behind her, were insistent. She knew their coupling would be heated. The rough eagerness of his voice, the tension of his muscles, sent excitement racing through her.

Then he proceeded to show her that he was capable of making love under any condition.

He did not ask, he simply took.

He kissed and caressed her until she was a mass of sharp sensation; he left no part of her body untouched.

When he finally entered her, she nearly swooned with ecstasy.

What mortal woman could resist a virile man like Lionheart, drunk or not?

He moved in her, thrusting, withdrawing, his strokes becoming frenzied as he neared completion.

She made a soft sound deep in her throat and responded with swift intensity, lost in the all-encompassing desire he kindled in her.

She heard him call her name.

The feeling inside her grew tighter and tighter until she felt as if she would snap from the strain.

Poised on the brink for a breathless eon, she exploded into a thousand tiny pieces, tumbling into a void of raw sensation.

Clinging to him, half sobbing, she held him as his own shattering orgasm released his seed into her.

With a groan, he rested his forehead against her cheek, breathing raggedly.

Then he raised his head and gazed down at her with a troubled look.

"How did this happen? When did it happen?"

"How did what happen?"

Immediately a veil slid down over his eyes. "Pay me no heed. I am too drunk to think clearly."

He rolled away but kept his hand on her hip as if loath to release her. "Go to sleep. We will talk tomorrow about the secrets you are harboring."

Her heart nearly stopped. "Secrets? I have no secrets."

No answer was forthcoming. When Vanora raised her head to look at him, his face was composed in sleep.

* * *

Edward left the following morning after Mass. Vanora, Lionheart and Althea were on hand to bid him farewell.

"Ride a ways with me, Lionheart," Edward invited. "We can discuss battle strategy while we ride."

He turned to Vanora. "Fear not, my lady, your husband will return to you ere the day is out."

Lionheart placed Sir Giles in charge and accepted Edward's invitation to join him.

Vanora's relief at seeing the bulk of Edward's army leaving was enormous, despite the fact that twenty Englishmen would remain at Cragdon.

She could deal with twenty men, but an army was daunting.

It would be good to have her home back to normal, or as normal as it could be with an Englishman for a husband.

"Lord Lionheart does not like being left behind," Althea said. "A warrior needs to fight."

"Lionheart may be disappointed but he will not disobey Edward."

"With only twenty men at his disposal, Lionheart will find it difficult to return me to England.

In the fullness of time, he may decide my bed holds more appeal than yours."

Vanora thought the same thing but withheld her opinion.

Her eyes narrowed as she considered the ramifications of Althea's presence at Cragdon.

If Althea remained, mayhap she would divert Lionheart's attention from the White Knight.

Vanora seriously debated leaving Cragdon through the hidden exit and finding Sir Ren.

She wanted to ask him to plead with the crofters to keep her secret should Lionheart question them.

Since England and Wales were at peace, Sir Ren was free now to come out of hiding.

Would Lionheart allow her knights to return to Cragdon? she wondered.

That thought heartened her.

It would be good to have people she trusted around her.

Aye, she decided, she would broach the subject when Lionheart returned.

But first she needed to find out if Sir Ren was willing to return.

Vanora was so engrossed in her own thoughts, she was unaware that Sir Giles had pulled Althea aside for a private conversation.

Taking advantage of their absence, Vanora beat a hasty retreat.

Instead of returning to the keep, however, she went directly to the chapel.

She found the priest puttering about in the sacristy.

"Father, might I have a word with you?"

"Of course, child. How may I help you?"

"Lionheart intends to question the crofters about the White Knight and is going to offer a reward for information."

Father Caddoc paled and crossed himself. "That could prove disastrous. While there is a tenuous peace between England and Wales, there is none between Lionheart and the knight upon whom he has sworn vengeance. I fear for you, child. A greedy crofter willing to exchange information for coin could be your undoing. One does not goad a man like Lionheart."

"So I have learned. I am thinking of finding Sir Ren and asking him to speak to the villeins on my behalf. My palfrey is still stabled behind the forge. What if Lionheart were to recognize Baron? I shall ask Sir Ren's advice about hiding Baron elsewhere."

"You cannot ride out alone," Father Caddoc warned. " 'Tis too dangerous."

"I must."

"Nay, 'tis not acceptable. The peril increases each time you don the trappings of a knight. You are a woman, Vanora, and not meant to don armor and fight."

"I can fight as well as any man," Vanora said. "Have I not proven myself?"

"You can hold your own against most men, but not Lionheart. There is no one, man or woman, more skillful or deadly. He would cut you down without mercy."

"Nevertheless, I must go. I believe Lionheart is beginning to care for me, and I cannot risk his learning the truth."

"Do you love him, child?"

"I tried not to, Father, but I could not help myself. We both know why Lionheart wed me, and 'twas not because he cared for me. I thought that once he left Cragdon, I would never see him again. I could have accepted that, embraced it even, for then my feelings for him would not get out of hand and I could forget him. But his remaining changes everything. I yearn for him to return my love."

"What you ask is not impossible, Vanora. I believe Lionheart cares for you more than he wants to admit."

"I had begun to hope it was so, but everything would be ruined if one of Cragdon's people tells him the truth about me,"

"I shall speak to them myself."

"Forgive me, Father, but Sir Ren would be more effective. You are a kindly soul and have not the heart to speak with the firmness Sir Ren could command."

"Is there aught I can say to turn you away from your foolish course?"

"Nay, Father. I am determined."

"I see that your mind is made up, so I shall offer prayers for your safety. Is there aught else I can do for you?"

"Aye. Keep an eye on Althea. I shall ask Mair to do the same. I know not when Lionheart will return her to England and I trust her not. She will do whatever it takes to get Lionheart in her bed."

"Aye. Between Mair and me, Althea will find it difficult to seduce your husband."

"Thank you, Father. I want a chance to make Lionheart love me without Althea's interference."

Vanora left the chapel in a pensive mood. She had admitted to Father Caddoc that she loved her husband, but it had not been easy. Unrequited love hurt.

The hall was unusually quiet as Vanora crossed the empty space on her way to the storeroom. The situation at Cragdon had been hectic too long and she savored the quiet. When she saw Althea enter the hall and move in her direction, her peaceful mood was shattered.

"What do you do for entertainment around here?" Althea asked. "I am dying of boredom."

"You may mend linens if you want something to do. I can always use another pair of hands. Mair will be happy to provide you with thread and needle."

" 'Tis beneath me," Althea said with a toss of her head. "When will Lionheart return?"

"He did not say, and I would advise you to stop using your wiles on him. He has stated more than once that he does not want you."

"Is that a warning?"

"Take it however you want."

"Lionheart does not love you. He knows not the meaning of the word. Trust me, for I know Lionheart far better than you do."

"You are wasting my time, Althea," Vanora said. "If you do not wish to help, then see to your own entertainment."

"Perhaps I shall find Sir Giles. Mayhap he is not too busy to entertain me."

Vanora was more than happy to be rid of Althea and wondered how long she would have to put up with the waspish woman. There was room for but one woman in Lionheart's life, and it was definitely not Althea. * * *

Lionheart and his small entourage rode with Edward to Cragdon's eastern border. Before they parted, Lionheart extracted Edward's promise to send for him should he encounter difficulties. But Edward was adamant about keeping Lionheart at Cragdon.

"An English presence so close to the border can prevent raids on Marcher lands. The Marcher lords complain, but Henry is too consumed with his own needs and pouring money into fruitless wars to heed their cries for help. That will change when I am king."

Lionheart knew the earnest young man would rule justly and prayed that Edward lived to fulfill his destiny. Lionheart worried a great deal about the pending battle with Simon de Montfort's forces and wished there were a way to convince Edward to release him from his duties at Cragdon.

"Let me continue on to England with you," Lionheart said hopefully. "I can send word to Cragdon that I am not returning. Sir Giles will make an admirable administrator for Cragdon during my absence."

"Nay, Lionheart. Tis you I want at Cragdon. Sir Giles does not have your ability. Did I not promise I will send for you should I have need of you?"

Lionheart supposed that would have to suffice, though he liked it not.

?'I am sorry about Althea," Edward apologized. "I foresee trouble but doubt not your ability to handle it. I like Vanora. Her mind is sharp and her wit keen; she will keep you on your toes. She is not as sweet-tempered or as biddable as my Eleanor, but a woman like that would not suit you."

Lionheart bade Edward farewell and turned back toward Cragdon, his mind grappling with his problems. First and foremost, he had to return Althea to England as soon as possible, even if he must escort her himself.

Second, he must make some sense of his relationship with Vanora. He had never suspected that his heart would become involved.

Last but not least, he had unfinished business with the White Knight. Now that Edward was gone, he could concentrate on finding the vexing knave.

Lionheart considered stopping at the village to question the crofters but decided against it. He had already been away from the keep too long and could well imagine the fireworks erupting between Vanora and Althea. He smiled wryly. Althea did not have a chance. His Vanora was strong and clever and capable of handling Althea's machinations.

All was quiet when Lionheart rode through the portcullis. It seemed strange to find the outer bailey empty of tents and men and only a handful of men-at-arms about in the inner bailey. The hall was unusually quiet, except for servants setting up tables for the evening meal. Lionheart's stomach growled at the thought of food. He had not had a decent meal all day.

Glancing across the hall, he saw a woman standing in the shadows near the hearth. Her back was to him, and she seemed to be staring into the dancing flames. Assuming it was Vanora, he crept silently up to her and placed his arms around her, nuzzling her neck. He knew immediately that something was wrong when the woman in his arms giggled. Vanora did not giggle. Nor was her body so full and voluptuous.

His arms fell away instantly and he hastily retreated.

Althea whirled to face him. "Lionheart!" she cried in gleeful welcome. "I knew you would come to your senses. You wanted me, but you were being stubborn about it. Fear not, I forgive you."

"I thought you were Vanora," Lionheart replied. "Where is my wife?"

Althea pulled a face. "You have a drudge for a wife. She has been working alongside the servants most of the day. Were I an earl's wife, I would have servants waiting on me hand and foot."

"Mayhap 'tis good you are not an earl's wife." Turning, he strode away.

Aye, Lionheart thought, he would have to do something about Althea soon, very soon.

He found Vanora in the solar, mending one of his tunics. She spared him but a brief glance when he entered the chamber.

"I am home," Lionheart said. His words gave him pause. When had he begun to think of Cragdon as home?

"So I see. Did all go well?"

"Edward is well on his way to meet de Montfort."

"You will be bored at Cragdon without an army to command."

"Mayhap. 'Tis the first time in my memory that I have had a place to settle. Except when I was fostered, I have spent my life following Edward. My brief sojourns at Dunsford were but respites from battle, a place to heal from my wounds."

Vanora gasped. "How many times were you wounded?"

His eyebrows shot upward. "Too many to count. Warriors are wounded in battle, 'tis unavoidable. The scars have faded since.

He removed his cloak and tunic, poured water into a basin and began to wash. Vanora regarded him for a long moment, then said, "I see a scar on your left arm."

"A sword slash. I let my shield slip."

She walked over to him and traced the wound with her fingertip. Lionheart stiffened, then let out a groan. "Behave, wife, lest you find yourself on your back."

Vanora's hand stilled. His skin felt hot. She wanted to stroke the hair-roughened surface, to feel his muscles tauten and ripple beneath her touch, to find his scars and place her mouth upon them.

She wanted him to love her.

Lionheart covered her hand with his. "Though I am famished, I will happily oblige you, for I, too, am eager for loving."

Blushing, Vanora whirled away from him. "Nay, feed your stomach; the other can wait."

Lionheart entered the hall and seated himself beside Vanora. Alan immediately poured ale into his cup. Sensing Lionheart's gaze on her, Vanora glanced at him, flushing when she saw that his eyes were dark with desire and that his need for her still raged. Their gazes met and locked, the invitation in his eyes blatantly sensual. Her heart pounded, and heat poured through her veins. Never had she felt so consumed by a mere look. Then Althea sauntered into the hall and seated herself beside Lionheart, shattering the tension between them.

Food was set on the table and passed around. Vanora made a pretense of eating from the trencher she shared with Lionheart, but Althea's presence spoiled her appetite. Sharing a meal and home with Lionheart's leman was intolerable. She was Lionheart's wife, and should not have to vie for his attention.

"How soon will you send Althea back to England?" she blurted out. "The woman does not belong here."

Althea heard and bristled angrily. " 'Tis not for you to say, Vanora. 'Tis up to Lord Lionheart, and he does not appear anxious to part with me."

" 'Tis best for everyone that you leave as soon as possible," Lionheart said. "You will return to your village well dowered, ensuring your choice of husbands."

"Will I have an earl?" Althea asked defiantly.

"You know better than that. I am sure you will choose wisely, but do not expect to land a title."

"Sir Giles will wed me," she said, sending Vanora a triumphant smile. "He is enamored of me."

"I pity Sir Giles," Vanora muttered beneath her breath.

"I cannot tell Sir Giles whom to wed," Lionheart replied.

"If I wed Sir Giles, I can remain at Cragdon," Althea theorized.

"Why would you want to? You said Cragdon bored you."

"I could be happy with Giles."

"I will not allow it," Vanora said.

"I will speak to Giles," Lionheart said. "I cannot say him nay if he wants to wed Althea."

Vanora sent him a blistering look. "I cannot believe you would consider letting Althea remain at Cragdon. We both know what she is up to. Why would you wish her on poor Giles?" Her eyes narrowed. "Unless, of course, you intend her for yourself under the guise of wedding her to your friend."

Lionheart sighed. "You are jumping to conclusions, vixen. I know not if Giles wants to wed Althea. I will speak to him as soon as he returns from guard duty."

Vanora fumed with impotent rage. Althea's ploy would serve only herself. Rising abruptly, she excused herself and strode purposefully from the hall. Althea left soon afterward.

Lionheart remained seated, waiting for Giles. When the knight appeared, Lionheart beckoned to him. Giles sat down beside Lionheart and helped himself to food.

Lionheart sipped ale while Giles ate. As if aware of Lionheart's pensive mood, Giles set down his eating knife and asked, "What is on your mind, Lionheart? I can always tell when something is bothering you."

"I do indeed have something on my mind, Giles, and it concerns you."

Giles took a healthy swallow of ale, then set down his mug. "I am all ears."

"Althea thinks you are enamored of her."

Giles laughed. "In a way, 'tis true. I want to bed her. Do you object?"

"Nay, not at all, but Althea has something more permanent in mind."

Giles choked on the bite of cheese he was chewing. "Marriage? You know me better than that, my friend. My parents would disown me if I wed a woman of Althea's ilk. Besides," he added somewhat sheepishly, "I am betrothed. I was going to ask your permission to return home long enough to wed and bed my bride. She is seventeen now and ready to become a wife. Althea is merely a diversion. I plan to bring Deirdre back to Cragdon with me after we are wed."

"I had forgotten you were betrothed. Once you are wed, your wife is welcome to join you at Cragdon," Lionheart said, "and doubtless Vanora will agree. As for dallying with Althea, I suggest you tread carefully. She is angling for a proposal. I am inclined to believe she will do anything to remain at Cragdon."

"Send her back to England as soon as possible," Giles advised.

"I intend to but wanted to make sure you had no tender feeling for her. I feel somewhat guilty for my shabby treatment of her. I wish Edward had not brought her to Cragdon."

"Edward had no idea you were wed." Giles paused, a smile hovering on his lips. "I suspect Vanora is eager to be rid of Althea."

"You have no idea," Lionheart replied, rolling his eyes. He rose. "I am off to find my wife and tell her the good news."

Lionheart trudged up the stairs to the solar, imagining Vanora's relief when she learned Giles had no intention of wedding Althea. Smiling, he opened the door and ducked just in time to avoid the pitcher that came flying at him. He was not so lucky avoiding the next missile aimed at him. He saw stars when a leather boot clipped the side of his head.

"God's blood, what are you doing!" he roared.

Ducking the second boot, Lionheart reached Vanora just as she hefted his sword which had been resting against the wall. He wrested it from her hand and tossed it aside.

"A sword is a dangerous weapon," he growled. "You could hurt yourself with it."

" 'Tis not me I wish to hurt," Vanora snarled.

His lips thinned. "Nevertheless, never raise a sword against me again. Do you want to tell me what this is all about?"

"Gladly! I refuse to have your leman in my home. If Sir Giles wants her, he must leave Cragdon and take Althea with him. I cannot believe you would countenance wedding her to Sir Giles and letting her remain under my roof."

"Must you raise a sword against me to make your point? 'Tis not a woman's weapon."

To Lionheart, Vanora had never looked more appealing. Anger became her. Flames shot from her violet eyes, and her whole body seemed to glow from within. With her hair swirling around her shoulders in wild abandon, she was incredibly, sensually arousing. His loins hardened, and he felt a strong urge to sweep her into his arms and make love to her until they were both exhausted.

Vanora wanted to laugh in Lionheart's face. It was not the first time she had taken up a sword against him, and she prayed it would remain her secret.

"If you settle down for a moment and let me explain, I am sure you will be pleased with what I have to say."

"Does it concern Althea?"

"Aye. Are you jealous, sweeting?"

"What if I am?"

"You have naught to be jealous about."

She did not believe him. "Tell me about Althea and I shall decide for myself."

"Very well. Giles does not want her. He is already betrothed. I plan to return Althea to England as soon as arrangements can be made."

Vanora searched his face for the truth, realized he meant what he had said, and flung herself into his arms. Laughing, Lionheart swept her up and carried her to their bed.