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Lionheart took long, blissful minutes undressing Vanora and himself, then made slow, tender love to her. Inserting his right hand between her knees, he began drawing teasing patterns on the inside of her thigh, his caress drifting upward by gradual increments. Her legs opened in blatant invitation as his fingers teased through dark curls and silky folds to the moist flesh beneath.

She traced the edge of his ear with her tongue, then nibbled down the length of his throat to the hollow at the base. He groaned.

His mouth found that sensitive place on her shoulder and tormented the spot with teeth and tongue. He could feel her pulse beating crazily, jerkily, at the hollow of her throat and her nipples growing hard and rigid as his fingers played with them and his thumbs brushed the turgid peaks.

He lowered his head, blew upon a wet crest, then took it into his mouth. He suckled the ripe bud, took it between his teeth, hot tongue flicking the sensitive tip until it tautened. Then he plied his mouth on her other nipple. He could feel her body vibrating with desperate need as she took his head in her hands and stroked his hair. His tongue moved from one breast to the other, his fingers slipping inside her to stroke her slick cleft.

Suddenly his mouth left her breasts, meandering down to the swollen folds of her womanhood, where, as she writhed beneath him, his lips kissed her and his tongue tasted her. She felt something unfurl inside her, then blossom wildly, making her arch her hips frantically against his marauding mouth. Over and over, she cried out as tremors shook her, until she lay quiescent and sated beneath him.

"Come inside me," she begged, pulling Lionheart over her. Lifting her head, she kissed him, tasting her own musky scent on his lips. She caught his moan in her mouth, raised her hips and met his thrust as he entered her. His hips began to move quickly, and she lost herself to the motion of the moment, to the thrusting that seemed to sweep her away to a higher plane.

"God help me, I cannot get enough of you," he said on a swift intake of breath.

He quickened the motion of his hips and grasped her legs, raising them over his shoulders for better leverage. He rode upward, moving harder and faster, until she felt herself drifting away to a place where naught but pleasure ruled. As if from a great distance she heard him shout her name and go still inside her as his warm seed flooded her.

She lay still under the weight of his damp body, sated and content, her body vibrating with ecstasy.

He drew back and stared down at her. The look on his face was one of surprise and wonder. He gazed at her as if she were someone he did not know, as if he had just learned something of great import.

"Is aught wrong?"

He traced his thumb along her bottom lip. "Naught is wrong."

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Like what?"

"Like ... I know not... as if you are seeing me for the first time."

"You are imagining things," he said gruffly. He slid off of her and onto his side.

"I am not imagining things."

"I was just thinking how beautiful you are. Your skin has a translucent glow, like shimmering pearls."

"I have never seen a pearl," Vanora said wistfully.

His brows shot upward. "Pity." His finger traced over her collarbone, down her arm and over her ribs.

"Forget about pearls," Vanora said, removing his roving hand from her body. "Tell me how soon I can expect Althea to leave Cragdon."

Lionheart sighed as he gathered his straying wits. "You are amazingly persistent when it comes to Althea. She will be gone within a sennight. I am thinking of sending Sir Giles and two men-at-arms to escort her to her village. Sir Giles wants to return home to wed his betrothed, so I thought I would kill two birds with one stone. Giles can act as escort and continue on to his home.

"Giles has asked to bring his bride to Cragdon after he is wed, and I have granted permission," Lionheart continued. "I hope you approve. Deirdre is but seventeen and will doubtless need the support of another woman."

"I shall be pleased to have Deirdre at Cragdon. I hope she can adjust to living away from England."

"I am sure any help you give her will be appreciated by both Giles and his bride."

"I plan to accompany the party to the border myself to make sure they reach English soil safely."

"Must you go?" Vanora asked.

"Aye. Edward misled Althea about her welcome at Cragdon, and the least I can do is make sure she reaches England without mishap."

Vanora digested his words and wondered if now was a good time to broach the subject of bringing Sir Ren and her own men-at-arms back to Cragdon.

"I have been thinking," Vanora began somewhat hesitantly, "that Cragdon lacks sufficient men-at-arms to defend it. Since our countries are at peace, what say you about allowing Sir Ren and Cragdon's warriors to return?"

Lionheart's frown did not bode well for her idea. "You want me to welcome back a man who put an arrow into me? I would not be safe in my bed with Sir Ren in the keep."

"We are at peace with England," Vanora reminded him.

"Let it rest, Vanora," Lionheart said tiredly. "I will not have men in my keep I cannot trust. Sir Ren is loyal to the White Knight. Once I return from escorting Althea to the border, I can concentrate on finding the knave and those who shield him."

He sent her a sharp look. "You can save me a lot of trouble if you tell me what you know about him."

Vanora shook her head and turned away. Her greatest fear had come to pass. Once Lionheart returned, he would search out and destroy her friends. 'Twas imperative that she find Sir Ren and tell him to remain out of her husband's reach.

"What will you do if you find Sir Ren and the White Knight?"

"The White Knight I will challenge and personally fight in hand-to-hand combat. If I do not kill him, he will be consigned to Cragdon's dungeon. As for the others, mayhap I will consider leniency and free them if they swear fealty to me. But my goodwill does not extend to the White Knight," he added harshly.

Vanora had naught to say to that. Squeezing her eyes shut, she prayed for her own safety as well as that of her faithful defenders. At least, she thought, Lionheart would not kill Cragdon's warriors. 'Twas only the White Knight he intended to slay. Pray God he never found the one he sought.

* * *

The weather turned cold and blustery the next day. Lionheart feared that if he did not send Althea back soon, she would be stuck at Cragdon for the winter. With that thought in mind, he spoke to Sir Giles the following morning.

"You mentioned your desire to return to England to wed your betrothed, Giles. To that end, I have decided to place you in charge of Althea's escort."

"Think you it is wise to leave Cragdon with so few defenders?" Giles asked.

"If I do not send Althea on her way now, she could be here the entire winter. Once Althea is returned to her village, you can continue on to your home. I can spare but two men-at-arms to accompany you, but I shall see you safely to the border myself. Once you are on English soil, you should encounter no trouble."

"My parents will be happy to finally see me wed," Giles said. "My only fear is leaving you shorthanded. 'Twill be at least a month before I can return to Cragdon."

"No danger to Cragdon presently exists, Giles. 'Tis a good time for you to fetch your bride. And your home is not far from Althea's village."

"How soon do we leave?" Giles asked.

"In two days. Choose two men to accompany you, and take enough food to last your journey. You will also need a tent for Althea's comfort."

"I will take care of everything, Lord Lionheart."

Everything except Althea, Lionheart thought as he spied the object of his thoughts crossing the hall. Girding himself for the confrontation, he waited for her to reach him.

"All the arrangements have been made, Althea," Lionheart said.

"What arrangements?" Althea asked warily.

"You are to leave Cragdon two days hence. Sir Giles and two men-at-arms will act as escort."

Althea's expression turned mutinous. "Nay! You cannot send me away now. The weather is too uncertain. You could be sending me to my death."

"I doubt that. I shall accompany you to the border to make sure naught goes wrong."

"Why can I not remain at Cragdon? Did you speak to Sir Giles about wedding me?"

"Aye, but he declined."

"He declined? Mayhap I should speak to him myself."

"He is already betrothed, Althea. All the wiles at your disposal will have little impact on either Giles or myself. I am sorry things turned out the way they did, but you were brought here with expectations I could not honor."

* * *

While Lionheart was speaking with Althea, Mair and Vanora were making plans in the solar.

"Lionheart intends to accompany Sir Giles and Althea to the English border," Vanora confided. "While he is away, I shall find Sir Ren and tell him to make sure he does not cross paths with Lionheart."

"I thought Father Caddoc talked you out of that foolish idea."

"He tried to, but I would not be dissuaded. I swear, Mair, this is the last time I shall don armor and leave the keep unaccompanied."

Mair's eyebrows shot up. "Are you content, then, as Lionheart's wife?"

"I could be," Vanora said wistfully.

Crossing her arms over her ample bosom, Mair sent Vanora a smug smile. "I knew Father Caddoc was right to insist that Lionheart wed you. Your husband is not a bad man, despite his English heritage. Though you have sorely vexed him, he has not raised a hand to you. Most husbands are not so indulgent. Do you love him, lambie?"

"Loving Lionheart was never my intention, but the heart does not always obey the mind. I know not when I fell in love with him, or how; I just know I want him, to love me as much as I love him, and that it will never happen."

"What makes you so sure?" Mair challenged. "Lionheart is his own man. He would not have wed you if he had no feelings for you. He could have ordered his men to escort Father Caddoc from the solar and had his way with you without benefit of marriage."

"I suppose," Vanora said doubtfully.

"I have not noticed Lionheart making use of his leman," Mair contended. "He is sending her back to England, is he not? I predict a long and happy life for you, lambie. I cannot wait to bounce your children on my knee."

"You may be right, but there is still one thing that stands between us."

Mair nodded sagely. "Aye, the knight you become when you don armor. 'Tis time that knight disappeared forever. Out of sight, out of mind," Mair reminded her. "Once the knight vanishes, Lionheart will turn his mind to other matters."

"I agree, Mair, but I cannot retire the knight until I confer with Sir Ren. One more time, and then I will end it. Lionheart is leaving. I will find no better time to accomplish my task. When I return, I shall bury my armor and sword with no regrets. Wales is at peace, and so shall I be."

* * *

Two days later, Lionheart lingered behind to bid Vanora good-bye as the rest of the party rode ahead.

"I shall not be gone long. . . four days at the most. Two to reach the border and two to return. Sir Brandon can handle whatever trouble arises, but I expect none."

Grasping her about the waist, he pulled her against him and kissed her soundly. "Take care of yourself, vixen. Try not to miss me too much."

"Why would I miss an Englishman with little to commend him save for the length of his sword arm?" Vanora teased.

Lionheart laughed. "Is that the only length you appreciate?" he asked archly. "The length of my—"

She clapped a hand over his mouth. "Enough."

His silver eyes twinkling mischievously, he kissed her again and bounded into the saddle. When he reached the gate, he turned back to wave. She returned his salute, then hurried to the chapel, where Mair and Father Caddoc awaited her.

"Do not try to talk me out of this," Vanora said by way of greeting.

"We can but try," Father Caddoc replied.

"You cannot leave now," Mair cautioned.

"I know. 'Tis too soon. I will not leave until Lionheart and his party are out of sight."

Mair wrung her hands. "Promise this will be the last time, lambie. My heart cannot stand it."

"Aye, the very last."

"Do you know where to find Sir Ren?" Father Caddoc asked.

"Aye. Father deeded him land and a manor not far from here. 'Tis where I shall find him."

"What is that I hear?" Mair asked, turning toward the altar. Vanora heard it too, the familiar scraping sound of a door opening.

She lurched forward, then stopped in her tracks when Daffid stepped out from the shadows of the altar.

"I saw the Englishman and his leman leaving the fortress with a small escort," Daffid said. "I came as quickly as I could, Vanora."

Vanora could not think, much less speak. Tense silence lay as thick as the dust beneath their feet until Mair shattered it. "What are you doing here, Daffid?"

Daffid smiled smugly. "Claiming what is mine. Lionheart has returned to England, has he not?" He turned to address Father Caddoc, his expression unyielding. "Declare Vanora's marriage to Lionheart invalid due to a previous betrothal and marry us immediately, Father."

"No betrothal agreement was drawn up or signed," the priest reminded him.

"It matters not. 'Twas what Vanora's father wanted. We all know she was forced to wed Lionheart against her will. The English bastard is gone now, and only a handful of Englishmen have been left behind to defend Cragdon against attack. Very soon I shall have sufficient men and arms at my disposal to enter the castle from the hidden entrance, kill all the guards and claim Cragdon for my own."

"You are mistaken, Daffid," Vanora said. "Lionheart is the new lord of Cragdon. He is not leaving Wales."

"I saw him leave with my own eyes," Daffid insisted.

"He goes no further than the border. I expect him to return long before you can muster men and gather arms. Should you try to enter through the hidden entrance, you will find it sealed."

"Lionheart is remaining in Wales?" Daffid said incredulously. "I cannot believe he would let Edward leave without him. I have heard rumors that civil war looms large on England's horizon, and that Edward will lead his father's army. Lionheart is Edward's right arm. 'Tis unlikely he would remain behind while his prince goes to war."

" 'Twas Edward's wish that Lionheart remain in Wales. The prince charged Lionheart with the protection of his lands in Wales."

"Does Lionheart know about the secret entrance into the castle?" Daffid asked.

"Nay." Her eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"I refuse to give up what should be mine."

"Vanora is wed to Lord Lionheart," Father Caddoc maintained. "The union is legal and binding and cannot be put asunder."

Daffid sent the priest a disparaging look. "Have you turned traitor? I will never forgive you for forcing my betrothed to wed an Englishman. The least you can do to make amends is support my effort to regain Cragdon."

"England is at peace with Wales, Daffid," Father Caddoc said. "Lionheart has become Cragdon's lord by right of marriage. Forget vengeance and return home. Find another woman to wed."

"Heed Father Caddoc," Vanora advised. "I am content with Lionheart. Please leave before you are discovered."

"You are both traitors to your people," Daffid charged. "I will leave for now, but when I return, it will be with an army behind me. There are still men willing to follow where I lead. The castle is undermanned, and I will be victorious."

"Do not try it," Vanora warned.

"I will allow no woman to dictate to me," Daffid said ominously. Moving back into the shadows, he disappeared behind the altar.

"The entrance has to be sealed," Vanora said after a long silence.

"Aye," the priest agreed. "I shall see to it immediately."

"Nay, not immediately," Vanora replied. "Leave it until after I return."

Mair hesitated. "But Daffid—"

"I promise to be back before Vespers. 'Tis imperative that I speak with Sir Ren before Daffid gets to him. I need to warn him against joining Daffid's army. I shall explain that I am content with Lionheart and ask him to ignore Daffid's call to arms."

"Let me go in your stead," Father Caddoc offered.

Vanora contemplated the priest's suggestion and promptly discarded it when she considered his frailty and advanced age. "Nay, I must do this myself."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, Mair helped Vanora don her chain mail and helm. "God go with you," Mair said as Vanora disappeared through the opening behind the altar.

The small party escorting Althea to England had made good time. They stopped briefly at mid-morning to allow their horses to drink from a stream and then continued on their way. Thus far the journey had been uneventful, and Lionheart could not wait to reach the border and return to Vanora.

But no sooner had they set out again than Althea's horse stepped into a foxhole and went down, his screech of pain echoing through the frosty air. Althea went flying, her scream nearly as loud as that of her injured mount. Lionheart's heart nearly stopped when he saw Althea lying motionless on the ground. Leaping from his steed, he ran to her side.

Relief rushed through him when he saw that Althea was conscious and stirring. "Where are you hurt?" Lionheart asked, helping her to sit up.

"My ankle. I fear 'tis broken," Althea gasped, clutching her leg and rocking back and forth. "It pains me something fierce."

Lionheart lifted her skirts and carefully inspected her ankle. His expression turned grim he noted the swelling. Carefully he probed her flesh. "I can feel no break," he said with heartfelt relief. " 'Tis naught but a bad sprain."

Giles dismounted and strode over to join them. "Althea's mount will have to be put down, Lionheart."

"Aye, see to it."

Lionheart regarded Althea with growing apprehension. He could not expect Althea to continue in her condition, even if she were to ride pillion behind him. Forcing her to continue the journey in her condition would be cruel. There was no help for it; they would have to return to Cragdon.

"I am in pain, Lionheart," Althea wailed. "Help me."

"We will return immediately to Cragdon," Lionheart replied. "Mair can treat your injury better than I."

He did not see Althea's smile through her tears, for Giles's return distracted him. "I put an arrow through the animal's heart," Giles reported. "Think you we can purchase another horse at the next village?"

"Probably, but Althea is injured and cannot ride. I must return her to Cragdon immediately. But you and your squire will continue on to your home so you can wed your betrothed." He mounted his steed. "Althea can ride pillion behind me. Lift her carefully, Giles."

Althea's arms circled Lionheart's waist as Giles placed her behind him and arranged her skirts decently about her legs. Once she was settled, Lionheart set his steed on a path toward Cragdon.

"Godspeed," Lionheart called to Giles as they parted ways.

'Twas late afternoon when Lionheart and his party reached Cragdon. Reining in before the keep, Lionheart lifted Althea from his steed and carried her inside, shouting for Vanora and Mair. Mair appeared almost immediately. When she saw Lionheart with Althea in his arms, her hand flew to her heart and the color drained from her face.

"My lord, we . . . we did not expect you to return so soon. Is aught amiss? What has happened to Althea?"

"Althea's horse broke a leg and had to be put down. Althea was injured, forcing us to return to Cragdon." He mounted the stairs to Althea's chamber. Mair hurried after him. "Where is Vanora?" he called over his shoulder.

"She ... is about somewhere, my lord. She may have gone to the village."

Lionheart reached Althea's chamber and placed her on the bed. "She is all yours, Mair. I trust you to treat her injury."

"Stay with me, Lionheart," Althea begged. "What if I am hurt worse than you think?"

"Mair will keep me informed," Lionheart replied. "I need to find Vanora."

"God help us all," Mair muttered as Lionheart strode off.

Vanora was not in the solar, and none of the servants or men-at-arms had seen her since early that morning. The guards at the portcullis had not opened the gate to her, nor had she been spotted from the parapets. The horse she usually rode to the village was still in the mews, and no other horse was missing. Lionheart sent men in every direction in search of his errant wife, but Vanora was nowhere to be found.

The only place he had not yet looked was the chapel. Since he knew she often sought the priest's counsel, he expected to find her with the holy man. He found no one but Father Caddoc bent over the altar rail, praying fervently for Lionheart knew not what.

Lionheart spoke the priest's name softly and waited to be acknowledged. Father Caddoc raised his head

and stared at Lionheart as if he were the last man on earth he expected or wanted to see. He crossed himself and rose with difficulty.

"You have returned sooner than expected," he said.

Warning bells went off in Lionheart's brain. What was going on? Both the priest and Mair were acting strangely. What mischief had Vanora gotten herself into now?

"Althea's horse stepped in a hole and had to be put down," he explained. "Althea was injured, so we returned to Cragdon. Mair is with her now. Have you seen Vanora? She seems to have disappeared."

Father Caddoc's gaze darted toward the altar before returning to Lionheart. "Not since this morning, Lord Lionheart."

"Do you know where she is now?"

Father Caddoc swallowed hard and asked God to forgive his lie. "Nay, I do not. Shall I help you look?"

"Nay, I will find her myself."

After Lionheart strode off, Father Caddoc fell to his knees and buried his face in his hands, offering prayers for their guidance. If Lionheart discovered Vanora's secret, the priest held scant hope for the survival of their marriage.

* * *

Lionheart could find Vanora nowhere. 'Twas as if she had disappeared from the face of the earth. It was growing dark, and Lionheart feared for her safety. He had long since decided there was a secret exit from the keep, though he had not yet found it. But he was convinced now that Vanora had used it to leave Cragdon.

Lionheart sent Alan to fetch a fresh horse from the mews and left the keep. Alan followed on his own mount. "Have you heard the servants discussing anything I should know about?" Lionheart asked the lad.

"Nay, my lord. These Welshmen are a secretive lot. They discuss naught while I am around. Think you something has happened to your lady?"

"Nay, lad. I am probably worrying unnecessarily. I am sure we will find her in the village. She must have slipped unnoticed from the keep."

Though Lionheart wanted to believe his own words, he could not. His men were not lax in their duty. They would have seen Vanora if she had left the keep. She had left secretly, that much was clear, and with Father Caddoc's blessing. Where had she gone? Lionheart's fears escalated when he failed to find Vanora in the village. What mischief was she up to?

"Mayhap she went walking along the cliff behind the keep and fell," Alan offered.

Lionheart considered Alan's words. He had stood on the cliff behind the castle a time or two and knew the incline to be steep and dangerous. Beneath the cliff the river ran swift and deep. If Vanora had fallen, she could be hurt, or dead, or swept away by the current. But what reason would Vanora have to walk along the cliff?

" 'Tis worth a look," Lionheart said, reining his horse toward the cliff. Though he found it difficult to believe Vanora had tumbled down the incline, he was desperate enough to search in unlikely places.

He dismounted, tossed his horse's reins to Alan and approached the edge of the precipice. His anxious gaze searched the area below and saw naught. He was about to turn away when a movement caught his eye. At first he thought 'twas merely shifting shadows caught in the moonlight, or his imagination, but a premonition kept him from turning away. Then the shadows parted, and he was certain the figure he saw was not a figment of his imagination.

As the figure stepped from the shadows, the shimmer of gold on white and the glint of chain mail caught his eye, and he knew 'twas the White Knight.

"Take my horse to the mews," Lionheart instructed Alan.

"What are you going to do?" Alan asked. "Did you see Lady Vanora? Shall I fetch help?"

"Nay, lad, 'twas not my lady I saw. And nay, I need no help. This is something I must do on my own."

Reluctantly Alan led the horses off while Lionheart sought an easy way down the cliff. He found a littleused path overgrown with weeds and scrambled down while keeping his eye on the knight. By the time he reached the riverbank, the knight had disappeared.

" 'Tis not possible," Lionheart muttered darkly. Where had the bastard gone? Glancing upward along the cliff, he knew it was impossible for the knight to have climbed to the top without his knowledge. Nay, the knave had to be hiding in the weeds and shrubs that grew along the riverbank beneath the cliff.

Lionheart began his search at the spot he had last seen the knight. Drawing his sword, he slashed through the undergrowth, sending weeds hither and yon. When his efforts failed to produce the knight, he turned his attention to the large boulders at the foot of the cliff. He sliced his way through thorny bushes and peered around rocks, cursing the knight's uncanny ability to appear and disappear at will.

Was the knight an unnatural spirit? Nay, he scoffed, he did not believe in ghosts. He had crossed swords with the knight; there was naught unworldly about the way the knight had fought.

Rage guided his sword as he slashed at the tangle of weeds and shrubs, but it was intuition combined with desperation that finally prevailed. His wild slashing had revealed a gaping opening that lay concealed behind thick foliage.

A light went on inside his head. He did not need a seer to tell him that he had stumbled upon the longsought secret entrance into the keep. The tunnel explained a great deal, but left much more unexplained.

There was no time like the present to learn where the passage led, Lionheart decided as he ducked inside. He had no torch to guide him, so he felt his way through absolute blackness by clinging to the wall and placing one foot before the other. The path was relatively dry and seemed to lead steadily upward. At length he bumped into a blank wall and stopped in his tracks. Was this the end then?

Thin shards of light seeped from around the edges, and Lionheart realized he was facing a door. Feeling blindly, he found a latch and released it. Inhaling sharply, he stepped from the tunnel, wondering where he would find himself.