Page 102 of Lionheart

"Tellme what happened."

"Peterprobably told you most of it. We were attacked upon the road and taken toDraymere. Peter was released to carry Daffid's message to you."

Thequestion burning on the tip of Lionheart's tongue came tumbling forth."Where is Vanora? Is she with Daffid?"

Giles'sexpression grew wary. "Aye. Did you send her?"

"Nay,I did not. She crept from our bed in the middle of the night and rode forthfrom Cragdon garbed as a knight. Sir Osgood raised the portcullis, but I blamehim not, for she tricked him."

Gileshesitated a moment, then said, "She was wearing chain mail and a whitetabard trimmed in gold."

"Aye.I have known that my wife was the White Knight for some time. When I confrontedher, she promised she would neverdon armor and ride as the knight again. Through some misguided notion, shethought she could save you and Deirdre without my help."

"Shesaid . . ." Giles's words fell off and his gaze slid away fromLionheart's.

"Whatis it, Giles? Did Daffid do my wife harm? Did she give you a message to carryto me?"

"Iwas given a message to deliver, but I hesitate to do so. I hate to be thebearer of unwelcome news."

"Sparenot my feelings, Giles. I would know the truth."

He sentLionheart a pitying look. "I spoke with Vanora before leavingDraymere."

Lionheart'sshoulders tensed. "Go on."

"Shesaid to tell you she does not need rescuing, for her heart belongs toDaffid."

A nerveticked along Lionheart's jaw. "Is that all?"

"Ithink so ... except..."

"Whatis it?"

"Shesaid she was forced into a marriage she did not want and wished to remain withDaffid."

It wasa lie. It had to be a lie. Butdeep in his heart Lionheart knew Vanora could not love him. No one had everloved him, not his mother, not his father, and not Vanora. He had been a foolto believe her lies.

"Leaveme. See to your wife's comfort and seek your own rest. I will meet Deirdretomorrow, when she is recovered from her ordeal."

"Ipray you are not planning to storm Draymere," Giles said. " 'Tis whatDaffid wants, you know. He has gathered a small army within Draymere's walls.They will cut our forces down without mercy."

"Mycourse of action is yet unclear."

"ThenI will leave, for I can see you wish to be alone."

Giles tookhis leave and strode toward the door, hesitating as he reached for the latch."Lionheart, about Vanora—"

Lionheartshook his head. "Nay, Giles, I do not wish to discuss my wife."

"Iunderstand," Giles said.

Once Gileshad left, Lionheart dropped down upon a bench and buried his head in his hands.What have you done, Vanora? He had thought she'd gone to Daffid tonegotiate Giles's and Deirdre's release. But after listening to Giles, herealized just how wrong he had been. The pain of betrayal made him realize whata dunce he had been to believe that Vanora cared for him. Thank God he had notdeclared his growing emotional attachment to her. He would have felt twice afool for admitting his feelings to a woman who cared naught for him.

He roseand crossed the room to the bed. The warm, womanly scent of her skin and herhair still clung to the bedding. In his mind he pictured her lying there,sprawled in wanton abandon while he feasted on the creamy curves of her body.She was a woman to drive a man to distraction, and he had allowed himself to bebeguiled by her feminine wiles. He recognized within himself the inability towithstand the power she held over him, but no longer, he silently vowed.

Wanting awoman who did not want him was a waste of time and energy. Wife or no, hewashed his hands of her.

What ifyou are wrong? an innervoice asked. What if Vanora had deliberately lied about her feelings to saveGiles and Deirdre? What if Daffid had forced her to say those hateful things?