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Lionheart caught up with Vanora in the courtyard. He grasped her elbow to keep her from fleeing, then steered her into the hall. He seated her at the high table and left to speak briefly to Sir Giles. He waited until Giles departed, then returned to Vanora's side. 'Twas obvious that everyone knew about their hasty marriage the night before, for Sir Brandon surged to his feet, raised his cup and toasted the couple.

"Felicitations on your marriage," he bellowed.

"And may your marriage prove fruitful," another knight shouted.

One by one, each of Lionheart's knights stood, raised his cup and drank to the couple's health and

prosperity.

"Thank you," Lionheart said. "My bride and I would like you to join us tonight at a feast to celebrate our

nuptials."

"I do not feel like celebrating," Vanora hissed. "This marriage is a farce, and well you know it." The warmth left his eyes. " "Tis a legal marriage, signed, sealed and consummated. 'Twas contracted in a

moment of madness, but now we must live with the consequences. You will not have to put up with me overlong,

for soon Edward will have need of me elsewhere."

Vanora broke off a crust of bread and popped it into her mouth. She chewed thoughtfully, swallowed, then

asked, "Are you sure you will never return to Cragdon once Edward orders you elsewhere? Do you promise?" "So far as it is within my power to promise such a thing. I am Edward's vassal. I go where he wills for

however long he deems necessary."

"As long as you leave me in peace, I care not where you go."

"Do you not?" Lionheart said, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "You liked me well enough last night." "Can you not forget what happened last night?" Vanora beseeched. " 'Tis embarrassing to be reminded of my

wanton behavior."

"Forget it? Never. I hope to have that wanton in my bed again tonight. Even as we speak, your belongings are

being moved into the solar."

Vanora's spoon dropped from her fingers. "You have no right."

"Father Caddoc gave me the right when he married us. You belong to me, Vanora, body and soul. Never

doubt it," he said coolly. Then he looked away, as if already distancing himself from her.

"We shall see," Vanora retorted, suppressing a smile.

Though Lionheart's opinion of a woman's role in marriage did not differ from that of other men of his ilk,

Vanora liked it not. Daffid had expressed the same sentiments, and she had ended their betrothal because of them.

She had hoped to retain an identity of her own after marriage, and mayhap maintain a measure of independence,

but men like Lionheart and Daffid expected unconditional obedience from a wife.

"You are smiling. Did I say something to amuse you?" Lionheart asked, regarding her through narrowed lids. Vanora's gaze refused to meet his. Her thoughts would most definitely not amuse him. "Nay. I was merely

thinking how peaceful my life was before you came to Cragdon."

Lionheart searched her face, his expression hard and inflexible. "As was mine. I thought you might have been

remembering the pleasure I gave you last night. You enjoyed me as much as I enjoyed you." Vanora withheld a reply. The unexpected pleasure of their coupling was something she preferred to keep

private. The brief pain was naught compared to the bliss that had followed. Never had she suspected her body

capable of scaling such heights of intense pleasure. Lionheart's touch, his kisses, had driven her mad with

wanting. How could a woman hate the man who took her maidenhead with the unexpected gentleness of a caring

lover?

Vanora cast a surreptitious glance at her husband and found she did not recognize the uncompromising

warrior sitting beside her; where was the enticing lover who had seduced her on their wedding night? She could

find no trace of charm or warmth in Lionheart's remote, distracted manner. Which man could she expect tonight

when they were alone in their chamber? Would he become the tender lover again? Or would he remain the hard

man who sat beside her with a scowl on his face?

She almost preferred the hard, uncompromising warrior, for the tender lover confused her. While the

softer side of Lionheart could easily engage her emotions, Vanora preferred the inflexible warrior, for he was

a man she could hate.

"I intend to ride to the village today," Lionheart said, interrupting her thoughts. "Since my men have

found no trace of Llewellyn, I thought to question your vassals. Think you they can tell me something of

value?"

Vanora's attention sharpened. "They are simple people, Lionheart. I trust you will not punish them if they

know naught of Llewellyn."

He gave her a patronizing look. "I am not a monster, Vanora. 'Tis not my nature to hurt innocent people." Vanora's mouth flattened, but she said naught as Lionheart departed. She had much to accomplish today

before he returned, and trading barbs would only delay his leaving.

Vanora left the hall and hastened to the dungeon as soon as Lionheart departed. She wanted to be the one

to tell Daffid that she and Lionheart were wed. Silently she rehearsed the argument she would use to

convince the guard to allow her to pass. To her surprise, there was no guard to stop her. Lifting the torch

from the sconce, she slowly descended the stairs to the lower regions of the castle.

The guardroom was empty, and so were the cells. Daffid was gone. Vanora returned to the hall and

hailed Sir Brandon.

"What can I do for you, Lady Vanora?"

"The prisoner. What happened to Daffid ap Deverell?"

"Lionheart had him removed to the tower," Brandon informed her.

Vanora was stunned. She had never expected Lionheart to keep his word. "I should like to see him." "He is allowed no visitors, my lady. But rest assured he is quite comfortable in his new quarters." "I merely wished to inform him of my marriage. He was my betrothed. I owe him the courtesy of

imparting the news myself."

"If 'tis any comfort, I believe the prisoner has already been informed of your marriage." "When was Daffid moved?"

"Just this morn. Sir Giles saw to it."

"Thank you, Sir Brandon."

Since Vanora had no further interest in Daffid save preventing his death, she made no more efforts to

visit him. Apparently, he was being held until Edward decided his fate.

* * *

The stressful days that followed tested Vanora's nerves to the limit. There was naught she could do to

escape Lionheart's lovemaking even if she'd wanted to. To her dismay, she was not certain she did want to.

Each night, the tender lover returned when he climbed into bed with her. During the day she tried to think of

ways to avoid his lovemaking, but when night came he overcame her objections with his tempting kisses and

heated caresses.

There was no help for her. She had become a slave to his passion, and it galled her to think how easily he

had made her into something she swore she would never become. Each day she prayed for a messenger from

Edward, ordering Lionheart's removal to another post, but she waited in vain, for word never arrived. One afternoon Vanora rode to the village with Mair to attend a woman about to give birth. The birth was

a difficult one, and Vanora decided to sit with the woman until her husband returned from the fields. As the

day waned, Vanora sent Mair back to the keep for swaddling for the babe and settled down beside the

sleeping woman to await Mair's return. She had just started to doze off when a cool breeze from the open

door wafted over her.

"Mair, is that you?" Vanora called from the tiny bedroom.

"Nay, Vanora, 'tis I."

Vanora whipped her head around at the sound of Lionheart's voice. "What are you doing here?" The woman in the bed stirred, and Vanora held her finger to her lips and herded Lionheart from the

room, closing the door softly behind her.

"Mair told me where to find you. I bring swaddling for the infant. How fares the mother?" "I think she will be fine, and the babe is healthy. You need not have bothered. Mair could have brought

what was needed."

" 'Tis growing dark. You should not be out alone." His eyes darkened with disapproval. "Furthermore, I

did not give you permission to leave the keep."

"Why would I need permission? I have never needed it before. This is my land. No one would dare harm

me."

"You are my wife. If danger stalks me, it stalks you. A man like Llewellyn would have no qualms about

using you to force my compliance. Do you know what would happen in that instance?"

"Aye," Vanora retorted. "I know exactly what would happen. You would ignore Llewellyn’s demands,

for you care naught for me."

A growl rumbled from Lionheart's chest. "You sorely try my patience, vixen." He stalked toward her, his

eyes suddenly alight with desire. " 'Tis when you are defying me that I want you the most. When your great

violet eyes mock me, I want to toss up your skirts and thrust myself inside you."

His admission stunned Vanora. Her defiance should anger him, not arouse him. He was standing so

close, she could almost feel the waves of heat emanating from his body. She could almost taste his arousal.

What manner of man was he? Did he never tire of rutting?

He dragged her against him, and his mouth claimed hers with a mastery that answered her question more

forcefully than words. He kissed her until her head began to spin, prodding her lips apart and thrusting his

tongue inside to taste her thoroughly. Vanora suspected he would have taken her on the dirt floor of the

cottage if Bretta's husband had not returned.

Flustered, the poor man stopped just inside the door, his face turning a bright shade of red. Stuttering with embarrassment, he said, "Forgive me, master, mistress, but I was told Bretta gave birth today. Are

my wife and babe well?"

"They are fine, Gordy," Vanora said, nearly as disconcerted as the villein. "You have a healthy son. Sir

Lionheart brought swaddling clothes from the castle."

"Aye, we shall leave you now to greet your new son. Come along, Vanora."

"Let Mair know if Bretta should need further care," Vanora called over her shoulder as Lionheart led her

out the door.

"Thank ye, my lady," Gordy called after her.

"How often do you do this?" Lionheart asked as he lifted her into the saddle.

"Do what?"

"Visit the villeins without an escort?"

"Mair was with me."

" "Tis not good enough. I forbid you to leave the keep without one of my warriors in attendance." "You cannot bully me," Vanora contended. "I did as I pleased before you arrived and shall continue to do

so long after you are gone."

"You will obey me in this, Vanora. Once I am gone, you can do as you please."

"You go too far," Vanora said as she dug her heels into her palfrey's flanks. The horse shot forward,

leaving Lionheart behind in her dust.

Cursing, Lionheart caught up with her and grasped her reins. "What are you trying to do, kill yourself?" "I am an expert rider," Vanora retorted. "I am merely anxious to return to the keep." A wicked glint came into Lionheart's eyes. "I am glad, but I doubt you are as anxious as I am." Fuming, Vanora had no choice but to let Lionheart set the pace back to Cragdon. Surely he did not intend

to bed her in the light of day, did he?

He did.

Ignoring her protests, he escorted her through the hall and up the stairs to the solar. "Take off your

clothes."

" 'Tis the middle of the day," she sputtered.

"Think you I care? I want you, vixen. Morning, night, it matters not. I crave your fire, your spirit; I want

your passion. I do not wish to waste a moment of the time left to me at Cragdon."

Fighting the desire Lionheart roused in her, Vanora shook her head in violent denial. "You confuse my

senses and overwhelm my weak body," she cried. "Take what you want and leave me my dignity." "I shall take what I want but not without wringing a response from you. You are a passionate woman,

vixen. Why not admit it and give yourself over to my care?"

"Your care? You care naught for me. Temporary insanity brought us together in marriage. I submit

because I have no choice, and because I know you will not be here forever."

"Will you not miss me a little? Am I not a good lover?"

"I hoped for more in a husband. I expected to become a true partner to the man I married, to be respected

and loved for myself, not for the worldly goods I bring to the marriage."

"I doubt Daffid ap Deverell would have been the kind of husband you seek."

"For once we are in agreement," Vanora admitted.

He removed his doublet and peeled off his chausses. "Let us cry truce during our private moments,"

Lionheart said. Grasping her hand, he brought it to his groin. "Take me in your hand, Vanora. See what you

do to me? I can think of better things to do than fling insults at one another. When we are in bed, we are

lovers, not enemies." Vanora curled her fingers around his erection, gasping when she felt him harden and

expand. Her gaze flew up to meet his. His expression was hard and sensual, his eyes dilated and dark with

arousal. Her breath seized; she was stunned by her body's instinctive response to his seduction. She grew so

hot she wanted to tear her clothes off and bare her body to him. Only her pride prevented her. "Shall we get these clothes off you?" he whispered, as if she had given voice to her thoughts. His hands were swift and sure as he undressed her. Then his gaze swept over her, leaving heat in its

wake, and when he raised one hand toward her, Vanora's breath caught and her flesh tingled in anticipation. A scalding heat flared between her legs, and her nipples hardened into rigid peaks. Lost in the blaze of

his eyes, she began to tremble as his hands swept over her body, down her thighs and between, his fingers

brushing the bud of her sex. She shuddered, bowing to the inevitable as she melted against him. When his mouth slanted down over hers, passion flared instantly between them. The turbulence of their

clashing wills only added to the heat exploding between them.

Lionheart swept her up into his arms and carried her to their bed. Any lingering anger had turned to

burning fever. He no longer wanted to argue with Vanora. When he'd been told that she had left the keep

without an escort, his temper had flared. She had deliberately ignored the danger that existed beyond the

keep's protective walls. But now all he wanted to do was love her.

Casting all vestiges of anger aside, he lifted her up and set her astride him. Vanora gasped as he slowly

impaled her, yet her body accepted him without resistance, sheathing him in silken heat. Then suddenly they were kissing, mouths hungry and frantic, all the tension of the past weeks erupting in

a blaze of animal lust. Her rocking hips met his, driving him deeper inside her as his hands slid up her back

to twist in her hair. Her musky scent fired his passion, and he kissed her more fiercely, stoking the fire that

flamed between them.

Exultant, Lionheart knew her desire for him was not feigned; he felt it in her kisses, in the way she clung

to him, in her hoarse cries of pleasure. He was pure fire, and she was the tinder that set him aflame. She

matched the raw force of his passion, moving with him in furious rhythm. Their primitive mating made

Lionheart realize that Vanora had been holding back during their previous couplings, that her passion had not

been fully engaged. Now that he knew what she was capable of, he would not allow her to hold back any part

of herself in the future.

Her eager response crushed Lionheart's restraint, shredded any remnant of self-control. Delving deep, he

shattered her with a bold stroke. Breaking off the kiss, she threw back her head and gave a hoarse cry. He

watched her face as she flew apart, then followed her to a stunning climax. He held her close as his breath

eased and he slowly regained his wits.

"You did it again," Vanora said, glaring at him. The corners of Lionheart's mouth twitched. "What did

I do?"

"You touched me and kissed me and made me want you." She climbed off him and pulled the coverlet up

over her breasts. "I have no will where you are concerned. What manner of magic do you use to bring about

so wicked a response from me?" Lionheart chuckled. "Are my kisses not magic?" "You, sir knight, have an

inflated image of yourself. Once you leave Cragdon, I shall forget you ever existed."

"Mayhap I will return from time to time to remind you. A wife should not forget her lord and master." Lionheart knew he was deliberately goading her, but her anger had a way of sharpening his senses and

bringing them into focus. She stirred his emotions and made him feel alive. War did that to him, too, but the

exhilarating emotional impact Vanora had on him was far different from what he felt during the heat of

battle.

"God is my lord and master," Vanora retorted.

Her feisty words made Lionheart want to stick around and make her eat them. Everyone knew women

had their place, and that place was in the home, raising children and making sure the keep ran smoothly.

'Twas a man's place to protect his family and his lands. Women had little say in matters outside the home. But Vanora was different. She wanted to be an equal partner with her husband, but such a thing was

unheard of. It occurred to him that when he left, Vanora would be making all the decisions concerning her

people and lands, unless Edward decided to give Cragdon to one of his faithful followers. That thought

brought another ... a startling one. His marriage to Vanora made Cragdon his. Mayhap he would protest if

Edward gave Cragdon to another.

The thought of claiming Cragdon was an intriguing one, for he had never before felt the need for land.

He had pledged himself to Edward and had no desire to settle down; furthermore, this remote corner of

Wales did not appeal to him. But the thought of Vanora being evicted from her home was not comforting.

Obviously, he would have to speak to Edward when he arrived and plead Vanora's cause. Though he had wed Vanora in a moment of madness, Lionheart held himself responsible for her. The

marriage had been consummated and could not be annulled, unless, of course, Edward declared it illegal. Vanora's taunting words hung in the air between them. "God may be lord and master of all, but you are

still answerable to me," Lionheart said.

" 'Tis my fervent hope that one day a woman will be allowed to choose her own husband, and that

marriage will be a true partnership. I may not live to see the day, but I vow 'tis coming." Vanora's prediction gave Lionheart pause. He could not even imagine a world where women's opinions mattered.

"Women have not men's strength," Lionheart maintained.

"Men have not women's fortitude," Vanora retorted. "What would you say if I told you I can wield a

sword and ride as well as one of your knights?"

He sent her a hard look. "I would say you are lying. Women have neither the strength to wield a sword

nor the courage to use one."

Her secretive smile roused Lionheart's suspicion. What did she know that he did not? Pushing his

disquieting thoughts aside, Lionheart rose and walked to the washstand.

" 'Tis time to sup. My stomach is touching my backbone."

"Just like a man to think of his stomach when an argument is not going to his liking," Vanora said. Lionheart paused with the washcloth in his hands. "Were we arguing? I was not aware of it. Shall I send

water up for a bath?"

"Aye, thank you."

After Lionheart had washed and dressed and left the chamber, Vanora donned her chamber robe and

waited for the tub and water to arrive. Mair arrived first.

"You seem to enjoy Lionheart's attentions," Mair said. "Have you forgotten that Daffid is still your

husband's prisoner?"

"I have forgotten naught, Mair. As I told you before, I broke the betrothal before I was forced to wed

Lionheart. Daffid's attitude toward marriage disappointed me. I thought him a better man than he is. I still

intend to help him escape if 'tis within my power to do so, for he is a Welshman." "You have been wed to

Lionheart some weeks now. Have you changed your opinion of him? He has made you a tolerable husband.

You do not protest his attentions overmuch."

Vanora flushed. "There are certain aspects of this marriage that please me," she admitted. "I have never

lied to you, Mair, and do not intend to start now. Wedding Lionheart was not my idea, as you well know, but

I am biding my time and making the best of it until he leaves. 'Twould prove disastrous should he learn I am

the knight that prevented Llewellyn’s capture. No telling what he would do to me."

"I pray he never learns," Mair said fervently. "What do you suppose happened to Llewellyn? No one

seems to know where he has hidden himself."

"Have you seen or heard aught of Cragdon's knights, Mair? Do you know if Llewellyn’s army has

disbanded?"

Mair's voice dropped to a whisper. "Father Caddoc saw Sir Ren in the village yesterday. Sir Ren said that

he and those of your knights that have not joined another's service will remain nearby in case you have need

of them."

"I look forward to their return after the English leave Cragdon."

"Think you Edward will return Cragdon to you? Lionheart is now lord of the keep. All you once held

belongs to him."

"Lionheart cares naught about Cragdon. He is Edward's vassal, sworn to follow his prince." "What if there is a child?" Mair asked. "Your belly could already be swelling with the Englishman's

babe."

Vanora's hands flew to her stomach. "He will not care. Heirs mean naught to him; he admitted as much.

He claims loyalty only to his prince and his country. Were I to quicken with his child, the babe would remain

mine own."

Mair's eyes widened, but her answer was forestalled when the tub and hot water arrived. After the

servants were dismissed, Mair helped Vanora into the tub and laid out her clothing.

"You are making a mistake if you think Lionheart would deny his child, lambie," Mair scolded as she

bent to scrub Vanora's back.

"The point is a moot one, Mair, for I am not with child." Her voice lowered. "Know you a way to keep

Lionheart's seed from taking root inside me?"

Mair stilled. "Is that what you wish?" Pain darkened Vanora's violet eyes. Nay! She wanted Lionheart's

child. It would be something of him to cherish the rest of her lonely days. When Lionheart left, she would be

a wife without a husband, abandoned by the man who had married her in haste and left her without regret. "I can prepare a concoction but it does not always work and can harm the babe should you conceive

while taking it," Mair warned.

Vanora sighed. "I do not want to hurt my child should there be one. I do not wish to bear a child whose

father would abandon him, but I must obey God's laws."

"You are wise to listen to your heart, child," Mair said. "God will not abandon you." Lionheart summoned Alan and asked him to see what was keeping Vanora. How long could a bath take?

The meal had already begun, and Lionheart wondered if Vanora intended to defy him and eat alone in the

solar. He knew she resented him for wringing a response from her when she would have withheld one, but he

did not like her capricious moods.

Vanora ran hot and cold. He knew not how her mind worked. His brow lowered, his thoughts turning

dark. Mayhap he was better off not knowing. He was becoming obsessed with his bride, something he had

vowed would never happen.

He found himself wondering what it would be like to know Vanora's affection instead of her enmity.

Would she become a loving wife? Or would she abandon him like his mother? Experience had taught him

that love did not exist, that it was a myth, the stuff of storytellers and poets. Yet whenever he thought of

Vanora, he wondered. 'Twas lust, he decided. As long as he remembered why he had wed Vanora, his heart

was in no danger.

His heart gave an unexpected lurch when Vanora entered the hall and she strode toward him. Clad in a

royal purple overtunic trimmed in marten fur and belted with golden links, she looked as regal as a queen. It

occurred to him that he had never seen a woman with such a commanding presence. She knew exactly what

she wanted from marriage and was not afraid to demand it. Unfortunately, it was not within his power to

grant her wish.

He felt himself harden and was not surprised that he wanted to make love to her again. That startling thought brought Lionheart up short. It was not good to need a woman to the point that she

consumed his every thought. Mayhap he needed to separate himself from Vanora for a time. Aye, he

decided. 'Twas time to redirect his efforts to finding Llewellyn instead of bedding his wife. "I am leaving tomorrow," Lionheart said abruptly. " 'Tis time I broadened my search for Llewellyn." "How long will you be gone?"

"I know not. Do not give the men I am leaving behind too much trouble in my absence. You are not to

leave the keep without an escort and can go no further abroad than the village. Nor may you or your cohorts

visit Daffid. I have not forgotten what happened the last time I left Cragdon. Prisoners have a way of

disappearing from the keep when I am not around. I know there is a secret exit, though I have yet to find it. It

would ease things between us if you told me where it is."

Vanora's chin rose defiantly. "There is no secret exit."

He sent her a skeptical glare. "So you say. Rest assured that I shall find it."

Vanora was glad Lionheart was leaving. She did not know how much more she could endure of his

lovemaking. The man who bedded her, who knew her intimately, was not this man sitting beside her, issuing

orders and expecting them to be obeyed without question. This man was the real Lionheart, she reminded

herself. Any softening she felt for Lionheart the lover was instantly obliterated by his arrogant counterpart.

Her relief was heartfelt, for despite all her efforts, she had begun to care for him.

"I wish you Godspeed," Vanora said. "I shall manage quite nicely without you."

For some reason, her words appeared to displease Lionheart. He rose abruptly and stormed off. What did

he expect? Vanora wondered. He had regretted their marriage seconds after they were wed. "What did you say to anger your husband?" Father Caddoc asked when he joined her a few minutes later. "Everything I say or do angers him, except. . ." Her words fell away. "Why oh why did you insist that he

wed me?"

Father Caddoc searched her face, then nodded, as if satisfied by what he saw. "Give him time, child. A

man like Lionheart must be led gently into love."

Vanora gasped. "Love! Love is the last thing I want from Lionheart. The man does not know the

meaning of the word."

"Is he harsh with you? Does he beat you? Mayhap I should have a talk with him."

"Nay, Father, Lionheart has not hurt me." Her shoulders stiffened. "I would not allow it. But I have been

thinking," she mused. "With Lionheart away, mayhap I should find Sir Ren and warn him to beware, that

Lionheart is on the prowl."

" 'Tis too dangerous," Father Caddoc cautioned. "What if you should encounter Lionheart?" "I shan't. I will be disguised as a knight and I will have my sword to defend myself. Aye, my mind is

made up. I shall leave tomorrow morning after Mass."