Page 34 of Lionheart

"Ifthat is what it will take to bring you to my bed, then you may visitDaffid."

"Now."

"Vanora... do not push me."

"Now."

Impatiencemade his voice harsh. "If that is the only way I can have you, then verywell, I will take you to Daffid myself. Give me a moment to dress."

WhileVanora waited for Lionheart to don doublet and hose, her thoughts turnedinward, to that sinful thing he asked of her. Fornication was a sin, but doingnaught while a man died needlessly was a greater sin in her eyes. She glancedsidelong at Lionheart, then squeezed her eyes shut. May God forgive her, butthe thought of making love with him sent shivers of anticipation racing downher spine. She could feel her body softening and liquid heat gathering inunmentionable places. If her heart pounded any louder, she feared Lionheartwould suspect her wanton thoughts, and she did not want to feed his vanity.

When sheconfessed her sins, Father Caddoc would surely give her a penance that wouldkeep her on her knees throughout eternity.

"I amready," Lionheart said, jarring Vanora from her silent ruminations.

As theydescended the stairs, Vanora began to regret her promise to Lionheart. What ifhe had lied about not hurting her? What if he proved to be a brutal lover?

What ifshe enjoyed his lovemaking? Would that make her a traitor to her people?

"Herewe are," Lionheart said when they reached the door leading down to thedungeon. The guard opened the door, and Lionheart took the torch from the wallsconce and preceded her down the winding staircase.

It hadbeen years since Vanora had visited the dungeon, and with good reason. Thechambers below the castle were not fit for human occupancy. A succession ofsmall, dark cells lined either wall of a large, well-lit guardroom. The oakendoor to each cell was barred from the outside and had but a small barredwindow. A guard, lounging on a bench, rose to his feet when Lionheart enteredthe chamber.

"LadyVanora wishes to speak to the prisoner," Lionheart said brusquely.

"Inprivate," Vanora demanded. Lionheart sent her a warning look. "Youpromised."

Only thendid Lionheart relent and dismiss the guard. "Daffid occupies the lastcell," he said before taking his leave. "I will wait for you at thefoot of the staircase."

CautiouslyVanora approached the cell. Standing on tiptoe, she peered through the opening.To her surprise, torchlight illuminated the tiny cell, and it was not as bleakas she had feared. A stool and table with the remnants of a meal still upon itwere the only pieces of furniture in the cell besides a wide bench with a thinstraw mattress that served as a bed.

Daffid wassitting on the cot, his head resting in his cupped hands. She softly called hisname so as not to startle him. His head jerked up at the sound of her voice.Leaping from the cot, he ran to the door.

"Vanora!Thank God! Have you come to free me?"

"Itried, Daffid, I truly did, but Lionheart has only agreed to a visit. How areyou faring?"

Angersuffused Daffid's face. "You ask that when you can see for yourself how Iam forced to live? This place is not fit for an animal, much less a humanbeing. Can you do naught to free me? I was informed that Lionheart plans toseparate my head from my shoulders."

"Whatwould you have me do?" Vanora asked.

"Whateverit takes to get me out of this hellhole," Daffid spat. "You are aresourceful wench; surely you can come up with something that will work. Youmanaged to free Cragdon's warriors from the tower, did you not?"

"Thatwas a different situation. There is no escape from the dungeon."

Daffid'seyes narrowed. "Has Lionheart tired of you already? Does he no longer wantyou in his bed?"

"Daffid!I am not Lionheart's leman!" Yet. . . "Why do you not believeme?"

"Becauseif I were Lionheart, I would have taken your maidenhead the same day I capturedthe castle. I am a man, Vanora, and know how men think." His eyes narrowedwith sly innuendo. "Mayhap he prefers boys."

"Nay!"Vanora denied, outraged by the suggestion. "Lionheart desires me."

"Enoughto listen to your pleas on my behalf?" Daffid asked hopefully. "I donot want to die, Vanora. I want to live to help Llewellyn drive the Englishfrom Wales. Do whatever it takes to set me free."

"Youwant me to fornicate with Lionheart? What of our betrothal?"

"Shouldyou still retain your innocence, which is highly unlikely, the loss of yourmaidenhead is a small price to pay for my freedom. As to our betrothal, I stillwant Cragdon and will wed you without your maidenhead."