Page 30 of Lionheart

ChapterSix

"Whatdid Lionheart mean, child?" Father Caddoc asked. "Mair fetched mewhen she saw him enter your chamber. We both feared that Lionheart would lureyou into sinning against God's commandments."

"Worrynot, Father," Vanora soothed in an effort to allay his fears. "I canhandle Lionheart. You should not have mentioned marriage to him; I am betrothedto Daffid."

"Noformal papers were signed. Besides, breaking a betrothal is less a sin thanfornication. Tis better to marry the devil than be ravaged by one. Do youdesire Lionheart, child?"

"Nay!How could you think such a thing?"

"Ihave lived a long time and see things that others do not. If I am wrong,forgive me. You must love Daffid very much."

Vanora'shesitation spoke volumes about her feelings for her betrothed. "As wellyou know, the betrothal was verbally agreed upon by Daffid and Father, but Iknow I will grow to love him."

FatherCaddoc looked unconvinced. "I shall pray that God gives you the strengthto resist Lionheart's seduction, for I fear that is what he has in mind foryou."

If youonly knew, Vanorathought, recalling Lionheart's determination to have her in his bed.

"Didyou know Daffid had been captured and placed in Cragdon's dungeon? Lionheartintends to execute him."

FatherCaddoc paled and quickly made the sign of the cross. "God preserve us all.I shall pray for his immortal soul."

"He isnot dead yet, Father. Mayhap you should pray that he escapes the fate Lionhearthas planned for him."

"So Ishall, child. Take heart, all is not lost yet. I shall be in the chapel shouldyou need me."

Vanorabolted the door after the priest left so she could dress without fear ofLionheart barging into her chamber. Never again would she allow herself to bealone with him. He was too powerful, too masculine, too sexually attractive forher peace of mind. Compared to Daffid, whom she had never even kissed, Lionheartwas sin personified.

She mustnot allow herself to be tempted by him.

Noteven to save Daffid's life? a little voice within her asked.

Thereinlay her dilemma. Did she have a choice? She would not be able to live withherself if she let Daffid die while the means to save him lay within her grasp.Giving herself to Lionheart was a small price to pay for her betrothed's life.Her maidenhead would be of little use if Daffid died. That thought broughtanother. Daffid already believed Lionheart had stolen her innocence.

Herdecision, however, was not an easy one. Before agreeing to lie with Lionheart,she was determined to explore other means of saving Daffid. She prayed thatLionheart's patience would hold.

A shorttime later, Vanora tried to visit Daffid and was turned away. Duties kept heroccupied until the tables were being set up for the evening meal; then she madeanother attempt to visit her betrothed.

"Letme take him some food," Vanora pleaded with the guard. "Evenprisoners have to eat."

"The prisonerhas not been denied food," the guard answered.

"Whatharm will it do to let me visit him?" Vanora argued.

" Tisfor Lionheart to decide," the guard replied, apparently unmoved byVanora's plea.

Hands onhips, Vanora said, "Very well, I shall take my request to Lionheart."

"Didyou wish to speak to me, my lady?"

HearingLionheart's voice, Vanora whirled to face him. "I wish to see Daffid. Howdo I know he is not being mistreated?"

"BecauseI say he is not."

"Itrust you not!"

He graspedher elbow and steered her away from the dungeon. "Come away. 'Tis time tosup."

Vanora dugin her heels. "When may I see Daffid?"