Page 60 of Lionheart

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"I amwell pleased with Cragdon," Edward said as he sprawled on a bench beforethe hearth, a flagon of ale in his hand.

Lionheartstood before him, legs spread, arms folded across his chest. "Do you wantto tell me why you brought Althea to Cragdon? Her presence here troublesme."

Edwardsighed. "You are not going to like this. Lionheart, but I have plans forCragdon that include you."

Dreadlanced through him. "How so?" "First, let me be the first toinform you of your father's death. As his sole heir, you will inherit histitle."

"Titleto what?" Lionheart scoffed. "My father and I have been estranged formany years. He sold his lands and everything of value he owned and became oneof Henry's courtiers, a man dependent upon the king's largess. His death doesnot affect me one way or the other."

"Mayhapit should. Apparently, your mother learned of your father's death and hasreturned to England. She is living in London."

Painflashed in Lionheart's eyes. "I care not. She abandoned me years ago. Shehas her life and I have mine. What has my father's death to do withCragdon?"

Edwardsighed and thrust his fingers through his blond locks. " 'Tis not rightthat a man of your character and rank should be landless. Therefore, I amgifting you with Cragdon and all it entails. You are now Lord Lionheart, Earlof Cragdon."

"Youare giving me a title and Welsh lands?" Lionheart asked in disbelief.

"Aye.Cragdon is a jewel, Lionheart, and important in the scheme of things. Theestate sits in the midst of Llewellyn’s kingdom. I need someone strong toprotect my Welsh holdings. When I am king, I intend to rule all of Britain, andthat includes Wales and Scotland. When the time comes, I shall wage war againstboth countries and surround them with great fortresses to bring them toheel."

Lionheartsearched for the meaning behind Edward's gift and suddenly knew that his fearshad been realized."God's blood! You intend for me to remain in Wales!"

"Aye.I need you here, Lionheart, to be my eyes and ears."

"Youneed me to lead your army," Lionheart shot back.

"Ihave men aplenty, but only one I trust enough to act as guardian of myproperty. When I begin my campaign against Wales, you and Cragdon will be hereto support me."

"Nay,I refuse!"

"Areyou not my vassal, Lionheart? You have been my mentor and my friend for as longas I can remember."

"Aye,I have followed wherever you led. I have pledged myself to you, but ask me notto sit idly by while you go to war."

"I amasking you, Lionheart. I need you at Cragdon. Your loyalty shall not gounrewarded. When I am king, you will have the greatest estate England has tooffer. 'Tis not within my power to grant you that estate now so Cragdon willhave to do."

"And,you brought Althea to cozen me into doing what you wanted."

"Altheais a boon I grant to keep you content at Cragdon. Should you desire a wife, Ishall endeavor to find one worthy of you. Althea, of course, would never do asa wife. You deserve a young heiress who has never known a man's touch. You havemy vow on this."

Lionheartrealized there would be no better time to tell Edward about Vanora. "Youare not the only bearer of surprises; I have something of import to tellyou."

Edwardsmiled. "I know. You took the lady Vanora as your leman. How you willdivide your time between Althea and Vanora should be interesting.Unfortunately, I cannot linger to watch you handle the sticky situation."

"I ammarried," Lionheart said without preamble.

Lionheartdropped the flagon of ale he was holding and looked at Lionheart as if he hadjust grown horns. "You are what? When? How? Who? God's blood, I cannotbelieve it! You, a man who has avoided marriage like the plague, have suddenlywed. What jest is this?"

"Iwish it were a jest." Lionheart began to pace. "I married Lady Vanorasome weeks ago." "My God, man, why?"

Lionheartshrugged. " 'Twas a simple matter of lust, Lord Edward."

"Whydid you not rut with the wench and be done with it?"

"Herpriest would not allow it. He stood within the chamber and refused to budgeuntil I wed the woman. My cock was so eager for her, I would have agreed toanything. You are young, you do not know what it is like to want a woman theway I wanted Vanora."

"Andnow that you have had her, do you wish me to invalidate the marriage?"