Page 53 of Lionheart

Lionheartdid not doubt that Edward would defend the throne and his own ascendancy,rallying to his father's side with his army. Edward might make de Montfortthink he was wavering, but the prince was loyal to his country and his father.

As forEdward's personal news, Lionheart was willing to wager it involved his wife,Eleanor of Castile, whom he had wed as a young lad and then left behind when hehad returned to England. Had the young princess arrived in England?

Itoccurred to Lionheart that Edward's arrival would mean an end to his days atCragdon. He was pledged to Edward and would follow whichever course the princechose in the conflict between de Montfort and Henry. And, he thought with morethan a little regret, he would have to leave Vanora behind.

The thought left a curious void he was hard put to describe. Hehad never missed a woman once an affair ended and he moved on. What was thereabout Vanora that made him reluctant to leave her?

* * *

Vanorareturned to the keep late that day in a melancholy mood and went directly tothe solar to clean up before the evening meal. The child she had attended withFather Caddoc had died. She had been ill since birth with a lung ailment andher death had been expected, but Vanora still grieved along with the parents.

Lionheartwas waiting for her in the solar. "I hoped I would not have to fetch youhome," he said in greeting. " 'Tis late. Is the child well?"

"Shedied," Vanora said.

"I amsorry for it. Have the parents other children?"

"Aye,but they still mourn her."

"Newsarrived from Edward that might cheer you," Lionheart said. "He is onhis way to Cragdon."

Vanorafrowned. "Why should that cheer me?"

"Mayhapbecause I will be leaving with the prince when he returns to England."

Vanorawent still. 'Twas what she wanted, what she had prayed for, was it not? Why,then, did she feel empty, as if a void had opened in her heart?

"Thatis indeed good news," she choked out. "I cannot wait until Wales isfree of all Englishmen."

"Donot count on regaining control of your keep," Lionheart warned."Edward does not easily give up what he has won. Cragdon is a prize hewill want to add to his Welsh holdings. 'Tis possible he will leave a seneschaland a company of knights to manage the estate in his absence."

"Whatwill become of me and those who depend upon me?" Vanora asked.

Lionheartshrugged. "I know not. I shall ask Edward to allow you to remain, if thatis your wish."

"Mywish is to be left in peace."

"Isthat your only wish, Vanora? Do you not care that once we part we may nevermeet again?"

I carebut dare not admit it. "Nay,why should I?"

"Weare wed and have shared a bed, vixen."

"Willyou miss me, Lionheart?" she challenged.

Vanora wasshocked when his face expressed a myriad of emotions. Was it possible he caredfor her? What nonsense, she chided herself. Lionheart possessed, he did notlove.

"Iwill miss having you in my bed," Lionheart admitted. He tipped her face upto his. "And I will miss our spirited conversations. Few women challengeme as you do, and I shall regret having to leave before taming you."

Vanorablew out an angry breath. "I am not an animal in need of taming. I am awoman with a mind of her own and the courage to express it."

"Indeed,"Lionheart agreed. "My stay at Cragdon has been a most interestingexperience. There are many things I shall miss and some I will not. You are abeautiful woman; my lust and your priest made you my wife, but I cannot regretour wedding for you have made my time at Cragdon . . . entertaining, to say theleast. One thing I do regret, however, is my unfinished business with the WhiteKnight."

"Whycan you not forget him?" Vanora implored. "Doubtless he is someoneunimportant."

"Youmay be right, but nevertheless the knave has embarrassed me." His voicehardened. "Mayhap I will return one day, seek him out and slay him."

Vanorashuddered. She prayed that day never came. The day Lionheart learned the truthwould be the last day of her life.