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His legs braced against the wind-driven snow, Lionheart pulled his mantle close about him and stared out over the battlements with growing apprehension. He had been standing on the parapet since early this morn, waiting for the priest, his imagination running rampant. The suspense of not knowing what was taking place at Draymere was unnerving. Would Father Caddoc become another hostage? Would Vanora consent to return to Cragdon with the priest? Would Daffid let her?

Lionheart blinked once, then again as a small figure emerged through the swirling snow. He heard the sentry's warning blast, his heart sinking when he saw that Father Caddoc had returned alone.

Lionheart descended the outside staircase, arriving in the courtyard as priest and mule plodded through the gate. Father Caddoc dismounted with difficulty, his face etched with fatigue and his shoulders bowed beneath the weight of his age. Then the priest raised his head, giving Lionheart a glimpse of hell in his eyes.

"Come inside the keep to warm and refresh yourself," Lionheart said. Though he was eager to have his questions answered, he could not in good conscience do so until the priest was made comfortable.

"Nay, Lord Lionheart, I must go to the chapel and pray. I can rest and eat after I have asked God for help in your time of need. Come pray with me, my son."

Lionheart's breath seized. Something dreadful had happened at Draymere. The chapel was as cold as the chill in his heart, and a deep foreboding stirred deep within him. Shivering, he fell on his knees bedside the priest.

The profound silence was eerie; the soft, whispering sounds of the priest's prayers barely stirred the air. Though he did not know what Father Caddoc was praying for, Lionheart added his own silent petitions to those of the priest.

Just when Lionheart thought he would go insane with waiting, Father Caddoc sighed and rose on creaking joints.

"Now I am ready to warm myself by your fire and appease my appetite."

Lionheart accompanied the priest into the keep and settled him in a chair before the hearth. Though the tables were being set for the evening meal, Lionheart ordered mulled wine and food to be brought immediately. Father Caddoc took a healthy swallow of wine and regarded Lionheart with a sadness that made his heart plummet.

He knew without being told that the news from Draymere was the worst possible. His knees suddenly went weak, and he dropped onto a bench.

"Speak freely, Father. What did you learn at Draymere? Did Vanora refuse to return home with you?"

"Vanora was not given the choice. She is Daffid's unwilling prisoner."

"Nay, Father, you misunderstand the situation," Lionheart argued. He knew Vanora had gone to Draymere willingly; according to Giles, she had placed herself into Daffid's keeping.

"You understand naught," Father Caddoc said. "Although Vanora went to Draymere willingly, she had no intention of remaining."

Lionheart gave a snort of derision. "Did she tell you this?"

"She was not allowed to speak with me in private, not even to confess."

"Then how can you possibly know what is in Vanora's mind?"

"I baptized her. I watched her grow and guided her through childhood to become the kind of woman she is today. Her mind is an open book to me. She expressed through silent communication what she could not say in words. Unfortunately, she had misjudged the extent of Daffid's greed. She thought she could convince Daffid to release Sir Giles and his lady without risking her own freedom. She was wrong."

"Vanora's parting words to Giles indicated otherwise. Do you expect me to believe that Vanora's motive for surrendering herself to Daffid was purely selfless? Tis too much to ask, Father."

"Vanora loves you, Lionheart. And I believe you love her. She did not expect to love an Englishman, nor did she intend for this matter with Daffid to get out of hand."

A chill of foreboding snaked down Lionheart's spine. "What are you keeping from me, Father?"

"I bear a message from Daffid. In two days hence he intends to bring Vanora to Cragdon. He said he would kill her before your eyes if you and your men do not ride forth from Cragdon when he arrives. You are to carry no arms, nor wear armor."

"He wants me to abandon Cragdon?"

"Aye. Once you and your men have ridden through the portcullis, he will release Vanora and let you leave in peace."

"And you believe him?"

The priest shrugged. "Daffid has turned from God. I do not trust his word."

"Was it also Vanora's wish that I leave Cragdon?"

"Nay. Vanora was unhappy with Daffid's demands. Her parting words were a warning to you. She said you should not leave Cragdon, that if you obey Daffid, you and your men will be slain."

"She told you this at the risk of her own life?" Lionheart asked in a voice laden with disbelief.

"Aye. She cares naught for Daffid."

"I cannot do as she wishes, Father. Daffid may kill her if I fail to comply with his wishes. I wonder," he mused thoughtfully, "if Daffid realizes he is breaking a peace treaty his own prince has wrought. Mayhap he is bluffing."

The priest's guileless gaze probed deep into Lionheart's soul. "There is more."

"Go on."

"Daffid knows Vanora is carrying your child. He said the babe will never see the light of day if you fail to comply with his wishes."

Lionheart leapt to his feet. "What! That cannot be true."

" 'Tis not impossible, is it?"

Lionheart could not deny it. He and Vanora had lain together often enough to make a babe. Fear for Vanora and the child she carried was so great, he began to tremble. Then he swore. Once she was returned safely to him, he would beat her for placing two lives in danger ... or make endless love to her.

"Aye, Father, 'tis entirely possible. Where is Mair? Mayhap Vanora confided in her."

"I am here, Lord Lionheart," Mair said, appearing from behind him. Her face was pale and drawn, and it was obvious from her swift arrival that she had been hovering nearby.

"Where is Vanora, my lord? I am frantic with worry. Why did she not return home with Father Caddoc?"

"I will tell you everything I know, but I would ask a question of you first."

Mair gave him a wary look. "What is it you wish to know?"

"Is Vanora expecting my child? Has she spoken to you about it?"

Mair blanched. "Vanora did not confide in me, but I have reason to believe it is so. She has not had her woman's time since the day she was wed. 'Tis one of the reasons I am so worried about her."

Lionheart's lips thinned. If Mair suspected that Vanora carried his babe, then it must be true. Without mincing words, he told Mair everything Father Caddoc had said.

The news that Daffid intended to kill Vanora if Lionheart did not leave Cragdon sent Mair staggering onto a bench. "Say it is not so," Mair begged. "I cannot believe it of Daffid, Vanora's father would never have arranged the marriage if he were aware of Daffid's cruel nature."

"Think you Daffid is bluffing?" Lionheart asked in a voice taut with fear.

"Greed and frustration with one's lot can turn men against God," Father Caddoc interjected. "When Daffid lost his claim to Cragdon, he abandoned his values and repudiated his honor. In his present frame of mind, I believe him capable of... anything."

Mair burst into tears. "My lambie is lost," she wailed.

"I need to think," Lionheart said. Spinning on his heel, he strode off.

He could not think, much less carry on a conversation in his present state. His hands clenched at his sides in frustrated fury. He wanted to kill, and would have if Daffid were within his grasp. Needing to be alone, he climbed the winding staircase to the battlements and walked to the edge.

Avoiding contact with the sentries, he looked out over the frozen ground, the wind whipping his cloak and hair, feeling neither the biting cold nor the snow that stung his face. Vanora was carrying his child, and both would likely die if he did not abandon Cragdon to Daffid. He had sworn to defend Cragdon and hold it for England, and Lionheart's word was his honor. But honor was naught if it meant sacrificing his wife and unborn child for a pile of stone.

Did Daffid actually intend to let him and Vanora leave in peace? Lionheart wondered. He could not imagine such a thing. Daffid intended for him to die. But Lionheart was not the obliging kind. He would find a way to foil Daffid. His own life mattered not; 'twas Vanora and the babe she carried that must live.

Clearly, he had to abandon Cragdon as Daffid had directed. Lionheart left the parapet in a grim mood. His men deserved to know what they would face when they rode forth from Cragdon. "You have chosen the only course open to you," Giles said after listening to Lionheart's explanation. "If not for Lady Vanora, Deirdre and I would still be Daffid's hostages. As long as we are alive, we have a fighting chance to escape Daffid's plans for us."

"I agree," Sir Brandon approved. "Any one of your men would ride to his death before abandoning you, Lionheart."

Lionheart returned his regard to Giles. "Not you, Giles. You and Deirdre must leave and return to England immediately."

Giles gave him a startled look. "Nay. Do not ask it of me, Lionheart."

"For Deirdre's sake, you will obey me. Go and inform your bride."

"I like it not," Giles said, stomping off.

Lionheart turned to Sir Ren. "You and your men may remain safely within the keep if you so choose. Daffid will spare your lives because you are his countrymen."

Sir Ren looked offended. "We swore fealty to you and Lady Vanora, my lord, and will honor our pledge. If you ride into the face of danger, so shall we."

Such loyalty humbled Lionheart. He expected as much from Englishmen, but the Welshmen had a choice. That they remained loyal to him was a testimonial to their high regard for Vanora.

"So be it. Daffid wants us to abandon Cragdon when he arrives or he will kill Vanora. We are to ride forth without armor or weapons. But I have a plan that will not leave us defenseless. Listen carefully while I explain." * * *

Vanora had slept very little after Father Caddoc left Draymere. She tried to picture Lionheart's reaction when he learned she was carrying his child but gave up after imagining the extent of his anger. She prayed his fury would keep him from leaving Cragdon and riding to his death, for she knew Daffid did not intend for him to live. And if Lionheart died, so would their child. Daffid would make sure of that.

After Father Caddoc's departure, Daffid had locked her in her chamber. She had languished there until she was released just prior to their departure for Cragdon. She had wanted to don her armor, but Daffid had forbidden it. Instead, she was given a drab woolen cloak to cover her coarse brown tunic, escorted to the courtyard and hoisted upon her horse.

Surrounded by members of Daffid's ragtag army, Vanora had no choice but to follow as they rode from Draymere. She was so closely watched, she could not have escaped if she had wanted to. Snow dusted her cloak with white, and her feet felt like two chunks of ice, but the cold was the least of her worries. She prayed desperately for a miracle.

Despite her fervent prayers, Vanora knew that Lionheart would do exactly as Daffid ordered . . . and lose his life in the bargain. She racked her brain for a solution, anything that would save Lionheart and his men, but could think of naught. So she went back to praying for a miracle.

An eerie silence hung over Cragdon's snow-shrouded walls as Daffid's army approached the fortress. Naught was stirring but a chill wind that blew swirls of snow up from the ground and engulfed them in a cloud of white. Vanora could barely make out the shapes of the castle's towers as she peered through the churning storm.

Daffid signaled for a halt just beyond the reach of archers stationed on the battlements and their deadly arrows. Vanora knew Daffid was taking no chances, but his caution proved unnecessary. With growing horror she saw Lionheart lead his small cadre of men through the raised portcullis. They wore no armor and carried no weapons.

"Nay!" she cried, urging her horse through the ranks to Daffid's side. She would have ridden to Lionheart, but Daffid jerked the reins from her hands as she rode past and stopped her.

If Lionheart heard her warning cry, he did not heed it as he led his men fearlessly toward Daffid's waiting army. Terror-stricken, Vanora began to tremble. The man she loved was going to die, and she could do naught about it.

"Spare him, Daffid," Vanora pleaded. "Cragdon is yours. Let that be enough."

"Lionheart cannot live if we are to wed," Daffid said. "If I spare him, we both know he will return with an army behind him."

"Think you Edward will not retaliate once he learns of Lionheart's death?"

"That might not be for a very long time. England is fighting a civil war. Edward cannot be spared to return to Wales."

Vanora's attention returned to Lionheart. His men were now fanned out behind him in a wide arc. Lionheart reined in several horse lengths from Daffid, yet still close enough to be heard.

He glanced briefly at Vanora, then returned his gaze to Daffid. "Cragdon is yours to claim, Daffid. Release Vanora."

"Fool," Daffid rasped. "I am not stupid. Where are the rest of your men? I count but twenty."

"Cragdon's Welsh knights await you within."

"They were wise not to ally themselves with Englishmen. You do know, however, that I cannot allow you to live."

"I know you are a man without honor," Lionheart replied.

"I cannot afford to let honor get in the way of what I want," Daffid stated.

He raised his hand, and immediately archers stepped forward, their bows raised and ready to loose their arrows at the unarmed Englishmen.

"Before you meet your Maker, know you that your child will die ere it draws its first breath," Daffid said. "The child will be taken from Vanora at the moment of birth and drowned."

A cry of outrage left Vanora's lips. "You are a monster, Daffid! God will punish you."

Daffid only laughed. He seemed to derive great pleasure from taunting Lionheart. At that moment, Vanora's frantic gaze fell upon Daffid's dagger. Her horse and Daffid's were very close, and no one saw her lean over and slip the dagger from its sheath. Not even Daffid suspected until Vanora grasped his neck in the crook of her arm and held the sharp edge of the dagger against his jugular.

When he started to struggle, she pressed the blade into his flesh.

"Bitch! Whore! What are you doing?"

"Order your archers to back off and lower their bows," Vanora hissed.

"You are a woman," Daffid jeered. "You will not kill me."

"You are mistaken, Daffid. I would kill to protect my husband and child. You know I am strong. If you do not do as I say, I vow I will slit your throat."

"I am your betrothed," Daffid claimed. "You owe me your loyalty."

"Lionheart is my husband, I owe him my loyalty."

Lionheart could not believe what was happening. What had seemed like a hopeless situation had suddenly taken an unexpected turn. He watched in growing amazement as Vanora held her advantage. God's blood, did the woman have no fear?

He started forward but reined in sharply when Daffid cried, "Come any closer and I will order my archers to loose their arrows."

"Methinks you are in no position to issue orders," Lionheart replied.

"I will take my chances with Vanora," Daffid answered.

"Obey Lionheart," Vanora advised, pressing the blade deeper into his flesh.

Daffid swallowed hard. "I would rather die than let Lionheart have you and Cragdon. There are a hundred men behind me. Think you they will let Lionheart live if you slay me?"

"Look behind you!" Lionheart shouted loud enough to be heard above the howling wind. "You are surrounded! Lay down your arms."

"You lie!" Daffid cried.

Suddenly an arrow came whizzing from behind, felling one of the archers. Confusion reined and men scattered as more arrows hit their targets.

"Let him go, Vanora, and come to me," Lionheart called.

"Who is out there?" Daffid yelled when he saw his men break ranks and run.

"Vanora's Welsh knights and villeins armed with bows and swords," Lionheart answered.

"Stay and fight!" Daffid called to his men. "Do not run away like cowards."

Another volley of arrows emerged from the dense veil of snow, and Vanora could now make out shapes through the thick blanket of white. Lionheart's claim seemed to be true, but Vanora could scarcely believe her villeins had taken her husband's side against their own countrymen. She could see Sir Ren's hand in this and blessed his loyalty.

"Vanora! Come to me!" Lionheart yelled as he rode forward to meet her.

Vanora was torn. If she removed the dagger from Daffid's throat, he and Lionheart would attack one another. She also knew that Lionheart's pride would suffer if she defied him. It rankled that he would not let her fight at his side, for he was well aware of her skill with a sword. Then she remembered the babe she carried, and her anger deflated. Lionheart was right. She had already endangered the precious life she carried and could not continue on this reckless bent.

At the same time that she removed the blade from Daffid's throat, she dug her heels into her horse's sides. Cursing, Daffid lunged for her reins as she flew past.

"I will kill you both for this!" Daffid screamed.

Vanora reached Lionheart safely. There was so much she wanted to say to him, but she swallowed her words when she looked into his face. His features were set and inflexible, and his silver eyes were as dark and forbidding as the storm swirling around them.

His words were brusque, clipped. "Return to the keep, Vanora. Once you are inside, lower the portcullis. You will be safe there."

"What are you going to do?"

"Daffid cannot go unpunished."

Suddenly she became aware that Giles, who always protected Lionheart's back, was missing. "Where is Sir Giles?"

"Gone. I sent him and his lady to England, where they would be safe. No more talk, love. Do as I say. Wait for me in the keep."

Suddenly she became aware of the resounding clash of swords and realized that Lionheart's men were now engaging the remnants of Daffid's army in battle. "How did your men come by their weapons?"

"They were hidden beneath their cloaks." He withdrew his own sword and rode with grim purpose toward Daffid. "Go, love. Take care of our child," he called over his shoulder.

Her heart leapt into her mouth when she saw Daffid riding forth to meet Lionheart. Aside from the fact that Giles was not there to protect Lionheart's back, Daffid wore armor while Lionheart did not, and the lack could be Lionheart's undoing.

Vanora could not leave. Not when Lionheart might need her. She watched in dismay as Lionheart and Daffid met amidst the pandemonium around them.

Both men had dismounted and were squaring off on the ground, their feet unsteady on the wet snow as their swords flashed silver in the receding light of the lowering sky. Vanora stifled a scream when Lionheart slid and fell, but he was up within seconds, driving Daffid back with his powerful sword arm.

A thick curtain of snow prevented Vanora from following the combatants with any degree of accuracy. Lionheart had more height than Daffid, so she kept her gaze trained on the taller of the two heads as they circled and lunged, then retreated. Her heart leapt into her mouth when Lionheart's feet again slid out from beneath him, but he quickly regained his footing and drove Daffid back with skill and dexterity.

Then Daffid fell and Lionheart pounced, pinning the Welshman to the frozen ground with the tip of his sword. What Lionheart did not see was one of Daffid's men stealthily approaching him with a dagger in his hand.

"Nay!" Vanora cried. But of course no one heard her over the din of battle. She gave her palfrey a vicious kick and tightened her hold on the reins. The animal pawed the air, then shot forward.

She reached the assailant just as he raised the dagger to drive it into Lionheart's back. She rode into him at full tilt, the impact sending him flying through the air to land with a dull thud. The ruckus brought Lionheart's head around. His expression was fierce when he saw Vanora, but he said naught. There was no need; his glowering features said it all. Ignoring his silent warning, Vanora held her ground, fully prepared to defend Lionheart's unprotected back.

"Vanora, do not let him kill me!" Daffid pleaded.

Dispassionately Vanora looked down at Daffid. "You intended to kill me, Daffid. You deserve no mercy."

"Nay. I lied," Daffid pleaded.

"You would have slain my child," Lionheart accused.

Vanora was torn. She hated Daffid for what he'd intended to do to Lionheart and her unborn child, but did she want his death? She was so involved in the unfolding drama of life and death that she was unaware of the profound silence around them. Swords were stilled, the atmosphere was no longer charged, and men's voices were silenced.

Then she heard the thud of hooves upon the snow-packed ground and looked past Lionheart to find the source. Men on horseback, two score or more, heads bent against the wind, rode across the battlefield toward them.

" 'Tis Edward!" Vanora cried, recognizing the banner flying in the wind.

"It seems I have arrived just in time," Edward said when he reached them. "England is at peace with Wales, yet it appears a war is in progress." He glanced at Daffid, lying motionless beneath Lionheart's sword, then returned his gaze to Lionheart, one eyebrow raised.

Lionheart had just begun his explanation when Sir Giles reined in beside him. Lionheart's mouth dropped open. "Giles! I thought you were on your way to England."

"I was, until I met Lord Edward and his escort. I explained what happened, and he suggested that Deirdre and I return to Cragdon with him. That's not all, Edward brought—"

"Is that Daffid ap Deverell?" a man asked as he stepped from behind Giles.

Lionheart's surprise was profound when he saw Llewellyn, and it took a moment to find his tongue. "It is indeed," he answered. "Your countryman threatened to kill my wife. I am going to end his miserable life for his crime."

"Do not let him slay me, Llewellyn," Daffid begged. "I but wanted what should have been mine. Lionheart claimed my betrothed and left me with naught. Cragdon should be mine."

"What say you, Llewellyn? Shall Lionheart kill your countryman?" Edward asked.

Llewellyn appeared thoughtful. "My betrothal has tempered my warlike humor. I allow you have good reason, Lord Lionheart, but I beg you to spare Daffid. Since I am on my way to my home to prepare it for my bride, I will take Daffid with me. I vow he will not bother you or yours again, for I will wed him to my widowed sister."

"Nay!" Daffid protested. "I will not wed Caron. She is older than I by ten years."

Llewellyn shrugged. "If you prefer death, I am sure Lionheart will oblige."

"I like not my choices," Daffid spat. Lionheart's grin must have changed his mind, for he quickly added, "Very well, I will wed your sister, but only under protest."

Nevertheless, Lionheart was reluctant to let Daffid go. "He does not deserve to live."

Edward intervened. "Let Llewellyn deal with his countryman however he deems best," Edward advised.

With remarkable forbearance, Lionheart removed his sword from Daffid's throat.

Daffid sent Lionheart a fulminating look, then rose and picked up his sword.

"Listen well," Llewellyn roared to the remnants of Daffid's army. "Return to your wives and children. I have no argument with England at the present time." His gaze found Daffid. "Forget Cragdon, Daffid. It belongs to Lionheart through his marriage to Vanora. I will not dispute his claim to her lands."

"Wise of you," Edward said dryly. "I would invite you to spend the night at Cragdon, but it belongs to Lionheart and 'tis his place to extend the invitation."

When Lionheart remained mute, Llewellyn squinted up at the sky. "The snow seems to be thinning; my party will continue on to Draymere. Thank you for the escort, Lord Edward."

"I should have killed him," Lionheart muttered after Daffid and Llewellyn departed.

"I know you have just cause," Edward said, "but England is not ready to undertake a war with Wales. Rest assured, however, that when I am king, Wales will be brought to heel."

"What is happening in England? Was the civil war put down? What of Simon de Montfort?"

"My uncle is home, licking his wounds," Edward said, "but I am sure we have not heard the last of him. Father is too weak to hold him down for long."

Lionheart looked past Edward, his narrow-eyed gaze following the progress of Daffid's rapidly scattering army. "What brings you to Cragdon?"

"Father asked me to provide escort to Llewellyn. And," he added, "to bring someone who is most anxious to see you."

Lionheart groaned. "Not another surprise. I just rid myself of your last surprise."

"This one is—"

"Nay! It can wait until later. I will see to my wife first. My keep is open to you and your men. Accept my welcome and make yourselves comfortable."

Vanora gave a squeak of surprise when Lionheart reached out, grasped her about the waist and lifted her from her horse onto his.

"Little fool!" Lionheart raged. "Did I not tell you to return to the keep?"

"A 'thank you very much for saving my life' would suffice," Vanora replied dryly.

"You could have been hurt... or worse. You do not use the sense God gave you."

His jaw was clenched so hard, she feared his teeth would break. "Why are you angry? You were about to be stabbed in the back. I did not think, I simply reacted."

Lionheart withheld his reply as they rode through the portcullis. He did not stop until they reached the courtyard. Lionheart dismounted, handed the reins to a lad and hauled Vanora into his arms. He remained ominously silent as he strode with her into the keep. Mair and Father Caddoc hurried over to greet them, but Lionheart's grim expression stopped their words. He brushed past them and continued on to the solar.

Once inside their chamber, Lionheart set Vanora on her feet and slammed the door. His expression was so fierce that she backed away, fearing his anger was directed at her. She had done so many things to turn him away from her, she had expected him to abandon her to Daffid. On the other hand, he had not hurt her

when he'd learned she was the White Knight, and he had been willing to give up Cragdon in exchange for her life, even if it meant losing his own in the bargain.

No man would risk so much for a woman unless . . .

He loved her.

"Little fool," he repeated. Then he hauled her into his arms and kissed her.