Page 62 of Lionheart

"Thereis more?"

"Aye.Edward has ordered me to remain at Cragdon and hold the keep for England. Hehas made me Earl of Cragdon."

"Anearl? Edward made you an earl?"

"In amanner of speaking. I learned from Edward that my father has died, and that Ihave inherited his title. Since the title is an empty one, I care not about it,but Edward has gifted me with Cragdon, and now, it seems, I am a man ofproperty and income."

"Congratulations,Lord Lionheart." . "I like it not. 'Tis not my decision to remain atCragdon while Edward leads his army against de Montfort. He is leaving buttwenty men behind to defend the castle." He searched Giles's face."Can I count on you, Giles? I have need of you at Cragdon."

"Likeyou, I prefer a good battle to inactivity. But if Edward thinks 'tis necessaryto hold Cragdon, then I shall not desert you, my lord."

"Ipray Sir Brandon agrees with you, for I will have need of him too. Edward willchoose which warriors are to stay at Cragdon, but I will feel better if my twoprincipal knights remain in my service."

"Thinkyou Althea will cause trouble between you and Vanora?" Giles asked.

"Moretrouble than either of us knows," Lionheart surmised. "Althea is notan easy woman to placate. Once she learns that Vanora and I are wed, she willmake all kinds of mischief until she can be returned to England."

Giles'seyes sparkled. "Althea is a beautiful woman. I would not mind taking heroff your hands."

"Bemy guest, Giles. Vanora is more than I can handle at the present time. Excuseme, I had best find my wife now and tell her I am to remain at Cragdon."

"Goodluck, Lord Lionheart." Giles's grin told Lionheart that he did not envyhim his task.

Gilesstrode off to find his own bed, but Lionheart lingered, his mind still reeling.How could this have happened to him? Of all the men Edward could have chosen asCragdon's new lord, why him?

"MayI have a word with you, Lionheart?"

Lionheartwhirled to find Father Caddoc standing behind him. "You will have your saywhether I wish it or not," he grumbled.

"Ilike not this situation with your leman," the priest chided. "Thinkyou Vanora will allow her to remain at Cragdon after you leave?"

"Thingshave changed, Father," Lionheart explained. "Edward has gifted mewith Cragdon. I am to remain as its new lord."

"Youbecame Cragdon's lord when you wed Vanora," Father Caddoc informed him."Did you not know that?"

"Ihad not thought much about it since I did not intend to remain at Cragdon. Myplace is with Edward, but he has other plans for me."

"DoesVanora know?"

"Notyet. She will not be pleased."

"Mayhapyou will be surprised."

"Whatis that supposed to mean?"

The priestsent him an exasperated look. " Tis not for me to say. You still have notexplained what you intend to do with your leman. I seriously doubt Vanora willallow you to bed another woman."

Lionheartfrowned. " 'Tis not for Vanora to allow or disallow." Lionheart hadno intention of bedding Althea but he would never admit as much to Vanora. Thewoman already had too much power over his senses.

The prieststifled a smile. "You have much to learn about Vanora."

How true,Lionheart mused. "Worry not about Althea, Father. I intend to send herback to England."

The priestnodded and bade Lionheart good night. Lionheart glanced toward the solar andresolutely started up the winding staircase. He was striding down the gallerywhen a figure detached itself from the shadows and stood in Lionheart's path.His hand flew to the hilt of his sword, then relaxed when he recognized Althea.A sigh hissed past his lips. His life was becoming more complicated by theminute.

"Whatare you doing here, Althea? Does your chamber not please you?"

"Thatbitch refused to take me to your chamber. A servant told me you slept in thesolar, so I waited here for you."