Page 61 of Lionheart

At onetime, it had been precisely what Lionheart wanted, but now he was not so sure.He had also thought he would be leaving Vanora and Cragdon behind, but itappeared that Edward had other ideas. If he were to be Cragdon's new lord, itwould not hurt to keep Vanora as his wife. Besides, he had not yet tired of herand had much to gain and naught to lose by being wed to a Welshwoman.

"Ibelieve I shall keep Vanora, Edward. The marriage is legal in all respects. Shehad a prior verbal agreementwith another but broke the betrothal before we wed."

"Methinksyou are smitten," Edward said, grinning. "Now you know how I feelabout my Eleanor. She is the moon and stars, and I am the luckiest ofmen."

Lionheartshifted uncomfortably. He did not like speaking openly of feelings. It was onething to admit he desired Vanora but another to reveal tender feelings when hewas not certain they existed.

For yearsLionheart had protected his heart against emotional involvement. 'Twas farbetter to remain detached than to suffer the fate of his parents. All he knewof love was that it hurt.

"Idid not know you were a poet, Edward."

"Youdo not know everything about me."

"Ihave known you since you were a youth of seven sent to foster with youruncle."

"Ah,well, I suppose you do know me better than anyone. Just as I know you. 'Tisobvious you care for Vanora. And your marriage does settle many things. Youmarried Cragdon's heiress and became its owner and lord without myintervention. No one can dispute your legal right to Cragdon. I am pleased withthis marriage, Lord Lionheart, well pleased."

"Pleasedenough to let me return to England with you?"

"Nay,I am sorry, Lionheart, but I have need of you in Wales. 'Tis possible Llewellynwill break the peace treaty and rally his countrymen around him. That couldplace England in jeopardy, for our army cannot fight effectively on two fronts.Should that happen, de Montfort would win and name himself king."

"Ilike it not, but as your vassal I will do as you wish," Lionheart groused.

"Igrow weary. It has been a long day. Is there aught else I should know?"

"Thereis a Welsh prisoner in the south tower." "You took prisoners?"

"Justone, Daffid ap Deverell. He was taken during our last skirmish with Llewellyn’sforces. I left his fate for you to decide."

"Releasehim," Edward said. "There is no reason to hold him now."

WhenLionheart seemed reluctant, Edward asked, "Is there something I shouldknow about Daffid?"

"Hewas Vanora's betrothed." "Think you he will cause trouble?""Possibly."

"'Tis best to avoid trouble while the peace treaty is in effect. Placate Daffidas best you can and send him on his way."

"AndAlthea? Will you take her back with you?" "Ah, Althea. She will haveto remain until you can make arrangements to return her to her father, for Icannot take her with me."

Lionheartbit out a curse. "My life is complicated enough without Althea underfoot.I will make arrangements as soon as possible. How many men-at-arms can youleave me?"

"Twentyis all I can spare. The rest will return to England with me. I need every manat my disposal to defeat de Montfort's army."

"'Tis not nearly enough if I am to send Althea home with an escort."

"I amsure you will find a way," Edward said, stifling a yawn.

Lionhearttook Edward's yawn as dismissal and withdrew; his disappointment was so keen hecould barely contain it. He needed to be with Edward when he rode into battle.How could Edward leave himbehind in this godforsaken land? He was a knight and a warrior, not a stewardor keeper of Edward's property. Anyone could be a steward, but not everyone hadhis skills as a warrior.

Sir Gileswas waiting in the hall for Lionheart. Lionheart saw him and swerved in hisdirection.

" Tisa fine kettle of fish Edward has delivered," Giles teased, referring toAlthea. "Will your leman accompany us when we leave?"

"Nay,"Lionheart said sourly.

"Isthat why you are upset?"

"'Tis more than that, Giles, much more. Althea is but one piece of bad newsEdward brought with him."