Page 64 of Lionheart

Vanoradigested that, then asked, "Did Edward bring news of Llewellyn?"

"Aye.He is in England. It appears that our countries are at peace now. He and Henrysigned a treaty. There are rumors that Llewellyn will wed Simon de Montfort'sdaughter."

"Ifthere is peace between our countries, why must you remain at Cragdon?"

"BecauseEdward asked it of me, and because I am a Welsh landowner by virtue of ourmarriage."

That wasnot what Vanora wanted to hear. But then, she seriously doubted the words shecraved were in Lionheart's vocabulary. "What about Althea? Just say theword and I will relinquish my place in your bed to her."

"God'sblood, think you I want Althea? 'Twas not my idea to bring her to Cragdon.Edward acted on his own because he thought it would please me. He knew heneeded to placate me after ordering me to remain at Cragdon."

"WillEdward take her back to England when he leaves?"

"Hesays he cannot. I intend to send her home to her village as soon as I am able."

"Ishall move into another chamber until your leman is gone," Vanora said."Mayhap you will change your mind about bedding her, since she is soeager."

Shegrabbed her chamber robe from the bench and moved toward the door. Lionheartgrasped her arm in passing and hauled her against him. "We spoke vows. Youcannot leave my bed unless I approve, and I do not approve."

"Iobey my God and no one else," Vanora retorted.

"Shallwe summon Father Caddoc to settle the dispute? You know what he willsay. A woman must cleave to her husband and obey him in all things. Even if Itook Althea as my leman, you would have no say in the matter."

"Tryit and see," Vanora challenged.

Lionheartlaughed. "If I did not know better, I would think you were jealous."

Vanorasnorted. "Do not delude yourself, my lord. Would you not protest if I tooka lover?"

His eyesdarkened to stormy gray. "You are mine, Vanora. I do not share what ismine. Do not even consider it."

"If Idid not know better, I would think you were jealous," she tossed back athim.

"MayhapI am," he admitted. His arms tightened around her. "Kiss me,wife."

"Areyou sure 'tis me you want to kiss and not Althea?"

"Verysure." He cupped her chin and raised it, waiting for her to obey him.

Temptationoverwhelmed her. 'Twas not much of a stretch to reach his lips. Tilting herhead back, she touched her lips to his. 'Twas all the encouragement Lionheartneeded. His mouth opened on hers, their tongues tangled and breaths mingled. Hekissed her endlessly, until her heart pounded and her knees began to buckle.

Placinghis hands beneath her buttocks, he lifted her and carried her to their bed.Then he stripped off her shift, tore away his tunic and hose and joined her.

"Wait,"Vanora said as he bent to take a pert breast into his mouth. "You did nottell me what Edward said about our marriage."

He liftedhis head. "Later," he growled, returning to his succulent feast.

"Now."

He sighed."Very well. He is pleased."

"Obviouslynot pleased enough to take Althea with him when he leaves."

"Enough!I will deal with Althea in my own way."

"I'vechanged my mind about wanting to remain married to you," Vanora declared."Our marriage was not supposed to be a permanent arrangement. You wereforced to wed me."

A growl ofexasperation emerged from Lionheart's throat. "Most marriages arearranged. 'Tis the way of things."