Page 58 of Lionheart

Why hadEdward brought Althea to Wales if he did not intend to remain? Lionheartwondered. With a civil war in the offing, Edward would probably take his armyback to England, and if he did, Lionheart would leave with him. Or would he?

Edward'sparty stopped briefly at noon to eat from their rations, but Lionheart found noopportunity to tell the prince about Vanora. Edward was full of plans for theinevitable war between de Montfortand his father and wanted Lionheart's opinion. Althea hovered nearby,apparently anxious to speak privately with him, but Lionheart adroitly avoidedher.

Once theyresumed their journey, there was no time for talk. After several days in thesaddle, Edward was anxious to reach Cragdon. The church bells were tollingVespers when they rode through the portcullis. The warriors bivouacked in theouter bailey welcomed their prince effusively. Edward returned their greetingwarmly and dismissed his own men to find places among their comrades; thenEdward, Lionheart and Althea rode on to the keep.

The tableswere already in place for the evening meal when Lionheart entered the hall. Hiseager gaze found Vanora standing near the hearth, conversing with FatherCaddoc.

"Thekeep pleases me," Edward said as his assessing gaze swept over the large,well-kept hall.

Lionheartknew precisely when Edward's gaze found Vanora. "God's blood, who is thatbeauty?" Edward hissed beneath his breath. "I did not think the Welshwere capable of producing one such as her. You sly dog. Now I understand why mysurprise displeased you. If I did not have sweet Eleanor waiting for me, Iwould be tempted to try her myself."

"Sendthe Welshwoman away," Althea demanded. "Lionheart no longer has needof her."

Lionheartsent Althea a dismissive look. " 'Tis not so easy, Althea. You see, Vanoraand I—"

"Ishall tell her myself," Althea said. "Prince Edward brought me herefor you, and I will tolerate no other woman vying for your attention."

"We will settle this later," Edward said. "I amfamished."

Lionheartushered him to the high table. From the corner of his eye he saw Vanorahurrying over to join them. He stifled a groan and prepared himself forVanora's reaction to Edward.

"Whatis this?" Edward asked when Vanora planted herself before the prince.

"Howsoon can I expect you and your army to leave Cragdon, my lord?" Vanoraasked sweetly.

"Vanora,"Lionheart warned. "Not now."

"Whynot now? I want my home and lands returned to me."

"Yourhome? Your lands?" Edward replied "Who are you?"

"I amVanora of Cragdon. Cragdon belongs to me."

"Iwas under the impression that Cragdon belonged to me," Edward replied."Were not your knights routed by Lionheart? Is not the castle occupied byEnglishmen?"

"Butyou will leave and take your English warriors with you, will you not?"

"Aye,my visit will not be an extended one, but Lionheart—"

"Turnher out of the keep, Lord Edward," Althea interrupted. "The Welshbitch deserves no mercy."

Vanora'sgaze found Althea. "Who is she? Have you recruited women in yourarmy?"

Edwardlaughed. "This is highly entertaining. Vanora has the tongue of an asp anda spirit to match. Methinks Lionheart has not been bored during my absence. Ibrought Lionheart's leman because I thought he would be desperate foramusement, but I see now I was wrong."

"Hisleman?" Vanora gasped.

"Aye.I made a special effort to bring Althea to Cragdon."

Vanorasent Althea a disdainful look, then directed her glare to Lionheart, oneelegant brow raised. "Have you not told him?"

"Toldme what?" Edward asked.

Lionheartshrugged. "There was no time."

Edwardraised his hand. "Cease. Tell me later. I wish to sup before listening tonews I may or may not like. Sit you down beside me, Lady Vanora, and regale mewith tales of Lionheart's misconduct whilst I eat. Lionheart, amuse yourselfwith your leman whilst I converse with Vanora; I fear Althea has sorely missedyour companionship."

Lookingextremely uncomfortable, Lionheart flashed Vanora a silent warning beforetaking his place beside Althea.