Page 29 of Lionheart

"Daffid?You captured Daffid?"

"DidI not just say so?"

"Whereis he? What. . . what are you going to do with him?"

"Heis locked in the dungeon. As for his fate, I considered letting Edward dealwith him when he arrives, but I've changed my mind. Llewellyn and his followersneed to be taught a lesson. I shall make an example of Daffid and order hisexecution."

Colordrained from Vanora's face as she staggered to a bench and dropped down uponit. " 'Tis inhuman. Say it is not so."

"Iwill not lie to you, Vanora. I have most definitely decided to executeDaffid."

"Englishdevil! Monster! Have you no mercy, no compassion? Is there aught I can do tosave him?"

Lionheartpretended to reconsider. "Mayhap there is a way."

Vanoraleapt to her feet. "Tell me! What must I do to save Daffid?"

"Becomemy leman," Lionheart replied. "Lie with me for as long as I remain atCragdon, and I will spare Daffid's life."

Vanorarecoiled in revulsion. "Why do you want me? You like me not."

"Isaid no such thing, Vanora. 'Tis you who decided we should be enemies. I likeall women, English, Irish, Welsh, Scot or Frank; they all serve apurpose."

"Isthat all women are to you? A warm body? Any man that thinks a woman is naughtbut a vessel for his lust does not deserve a wife. I pity the woman youwed."

"Ineither need nor want a wife," Lionheart said. "They are naught buttrouble. I seek my pleasure where I will and with whom I please."

"Oneday some woman will make you eat those words," Vanora predicted.

"Suchstrong words coming from so sweet a mouth," Lionheart said in a huskypurr. "What say you, Vanora? How badly do you want to save Daffid's life?Enough to lie in my arms and take me into your body?"

Indignationstiffened her spine. "I cannot betray Daffid in that way."

"Noteven to save his life?"

"Nay. . . Oh, I do not know."

"MayhapI can convince you."

His armswent around her, forcing her against the heat of his body as his lips devouredhers, draining her very soul from her being. It should not be like this, Vanorathought. Why was her will not strong enough to resist Lionheart's powerfulallure? She was not a weak woman; why did she feel as though she were beingpulled into the vortex of a raging storm?

Breakingoff the kiss, Lionheart stared down into her eyes, his questioning gaze demandingbut one answer. "What shall it be, Vanora? Your betrothed's life dependsupon your answer."

Shereturned his gaze, unable to form a reply. She was saved from committingherself when the door was flung open, admitting a vengeful Father Caddoc.

"Forshame, Sir Lionheart!" he challenged. "Remove yourself from Vanora'schamber."

"Nay,Father, I will not. 'Tis my right to take whatever I desire from Cragdon."

"Ifyou want Vanora, you will have to wed her," Father Caddoc declared.

"Father!"Vanora cried.

Lionhearttossed back his head and laughed. "Marriage? Nay, Father, marriage is notfor me. Not even Vanora is worth my freedom."

"'Tis the only way you can have her," the priest vowed. "Be gone,Satan!"

Lionheartslanted Vanora a look ripe with challenge. "Do not take too long todecide, Vanora, for I am not a patient man." Whirling, he strode away, hislaughter ringing harshly in her ears.