Page 103 of Lionheart

Notlikely, Lionheart's demonreplied.

So what inthe hell was he going to do? Should he lead his men into a battle they couldnot win to rescue a woman who by her own words neither needed nor wantedrescuing?

Lionheartwas still undecided when he sought out Sir Brandon a short time later and toldhim that, although the men were to remain on alert, they would stay within thekeep this night. He needed time to mull over Vanora's words.

* * *

In asparsely furnished chamber that overlooked the courtyard, Vanora slept poorlythat night. She had awakened early and had just pulled on her chausses when aknock sounded on the door. It opened scant seconds later, admitting aswaggering Daffid carrying a drab garment over his arm.

"Daffid,I am not dressed!" Vanora said, diving for a coverlet to wrap around herbare torso.

"I amyour betrothed. There is no shame between us."

"Istill have a husband," Vanora reminded him.

Daffidgave her a smug smile. "Not for long. Preparations are being made forLionheart's expected attack even as we speak."

Vanora'schin angled upward. "He will not come."

"Isay he will."

He walkedtoward her, a stalking beast with a lustful gleam in his eyes. "In themeantime, there is no reason why we cannot satisfy our desire for oneanother."

Vanorarecoiled. "There is every reason in the world. First, I do not desire you,and second, I am still wed. You cannot touch me without fear of going straightto hell when you die."

Helaughed. "I do not fear hell, and you are not strong enough to keep mefrom taking what I want." He forced her backward against the bed with thestrength of his stocky body.

Vanorabared her teeth. "Touch me before I am willing and I swear you will regretit the rest of your life. You know I am not a fragile damsel, and I am morethan capable of defending myself. You have seen my strength, Daffid. You know Ihave a strong sword arm. Take me against my will and I swear I will sever yourmanhood from your body."

Thefierceness of her words and the determination behind them brought Daffid upshort. "I do not fear you, Vanora."

Vanorastifled a smile. The indecision in his voice belied his words. "You shouldfear me. Respect my position as a married woman and we shall get along for aslong as I choose to remain at Draymere."

"'Tis not your decision to make," Daffid responded. "You will remainhere until I slay Lionheart. Once he is dead, we will wed and live out our daysat Cragdon. I can wait. The reward will be all the sweeter when you come to mewillingly."

"Lionheartwill not come, and Cragdon is impenetrable."

"Thereis still the secret entrance."

"Ithas been permanently sealed."

Daffidshrugged. "No matter. If Lionheart plays the coward and does not come, wewill surround the keep and wait until starvation drives him out. Once he leavesCragdon, he is a dead man."

Vanoraturned her back on him, unable to deny his words. The sheer number of men atDaffid's command would most assuredly prevail if Lionheart left Cragdon and attempted an attackupon Draymere.

"Here,"Daffid said, tossing the garment he had been carrying onto the bed. "Putthis on. Your armor offends me. I will not have you wearing it atDraymere."

Vanoraturned her head and stared at the rough garment. "I prefer my armor."

"Aservant's garment was all I could find. 'Twill have to do until you have accessto your own clothing. It will not be long, Vanora, this I vow. Come down to thehall when you are dressed and we will break our fast together."

"Iwould attend Mass first."

"Therehas been no priest at Draymere since my father's death many years ago. Myestate is poor compared to the size and wealth of your lands. There is novillage and but a few villeins who dwell within the keep. The nearest priest isFather Caddoc, and he is at Cragdon, a half-day's journey away."

"Nevertheless,I shall go to the chapel to pray before I break my fast," Vanorapersisted.

Daffidfrowned. "Very well, but do not linger overlong."