Page 31 of Lionheart

"Heis not worthy of you."

"Howcan you say that? You know him not."

"Doyou love him?"

"Heis my betrothed."

"'Tis not what I asked. Do you love him?"

"Of.. . course. 'Tis my duty to love my betrothed."

Her answerseemed to please him. "Have you decided to accept my proposal?"

She shookher head. "I will decide after I have spoken with Daffid and notbefore."

"Stubbornwench," Lionheart growled, pulling her against him. He would have kissedher had Vanora not turned her face aside.

"Theguard," she hissed. "Do not shame me before one of your men."

"Mostwomen would consider it an honor to become my leman. Even the king has hismistresses."

"Youare no king," Vanora said with haughty disdain.

Laughterrumbled in Lionheart's chest. Wiping away tears of mirth, he said, "What amerry chase you lead me, vixen. I cannot wait to have you writhing beneath me.Come along, our meal is waiting."

"Whenwill you allow me to visit Daffid?" Vanora persisted.

"Never.Unless," he added in a voice taut with desire, "you come to my bedtonight."

"Thenwe are at an impasse, sir knight, for I must see Daffid before I make mydecision."

"Isuggest you reach a decision before Daffid's scheduled execution."

Vanorapaled and went still. "You have already set a time?"

"Aye.His head will be removed from his body three days hence. You alone can preventhis death."

"Bastard!"Vanora hissed. "You push me too far." Whirling away from him, shestomped off.

Lionheartcould not prevent the grin that curved his lips. Aye, he was pushing Vanora,pushing her into his bed. The twinge of guilt he felt was quickly banished whenhe pictured Vanora stretched out beneath him, her glorious sable hair spreadout on the pillow, his cock buried deep inside her.

He knewinstinctively that she would be passionate, and he fully intended to exploreher passion to the fullest. He was not an inconsiderate lover. He would makesure Vanora experienced pleasure, and he would initiate her to sex gently. Hewas not a ravager of women. Forcing himself on creatures weaker than himselfwas not his way; he preferred his women submissive and willing. He pridedhimself on following the knight's code of honor. He had never raped a woman norforced himself on an unwilling maiden. Seduction, however, was an art he usedwithout guilt or self-recrimination.

Daffid didnot deserve Vanora, Lionheart decided. He doubted he would actually executeDaffid even if Vanora remained stubborn. Of one thing he was certain, however:Daffid would not have Vanora. The man was unappreciative of her specialqualities.

* * *

After arestless night, Vanora stared out the window at the gray skies and pouringrain, pulling her mantle closer about her to ward off the chill. Cragdon wascomfortable most of the time, but the thick stone walls did naught to keep outthe dampness. Only today and one other remained before Daffid was beheaded, andshe was the only one who could prevent the tragedy. It was a heavy burden tobear.

Even moredistressing was the knowledge that she could not stop wondering what it wouldbe like to make love with Lionheart. The attraction between them was intense,though she would deny it vigorously. His kisses made her tremble with longingfor something she knew was wicked, and his hands upon her made her think sinfulthoughts. Turning away from the window, Vanora clutched her mantle close abouther and left her chamber. She needed to see Daffid before responding toLionheart's ultimatum. Would Daffid want her to accept Lionheart's indecentproposal? Or would he rather die than see his betrothed dishonored? Vanorahoped to pose those questions to him very soon.

* * *

The hallwas bustling with activity when Vanora sat down to break her fast after morningMass. The inclement weather prevented normal outdoor activities, and groups ofmen huddled around the hearth, engaged in dicing and card games. Lionheart wasnowhere in sight.

A servantplaced bread, cheese and ale before her, and she ate with good appetite. Shesaw Mair and called to the tiring woman to join her. "What news is thereof Llewellyn?" Vanora asked in a hushed voice.

"Ihave heard naught," Mair replied. "Mayhap you should ask Father Caddoc.He was in the village yesterday."