Page 68 of Lionheart

"Theywere discussing the White Knight. Do you know who that is?"

Lionheart'sattention sharpened. "Are you certain?"

"Aye."

"Whatdid they say?"

"Daffidthreatened to divulge the identity of the White Knight, and Vanora becameangry."

"Whatelse?"

"'Tis all I heard. But their kiss spoke louder than words. 'Twas a passionatekiss, Lionheart. Twas obvious they had been lovers and were eager to resumetheir relationship.

Lionheartknew for a fact that Daffid and Vanora had never been lovers, for he had takenher maidenhead on their wedding night. His eyes narrowed. Mayhap Vanora wantedthem to become lovers.

Lionhearthad always suspected that Vanora knew the White Knight's identity. Was itDaffid? Nay, he thought not. The knight had neither Daffid's stocky build norhis years. Who was he? Lionheart was certain he had not seen the knight at Cragdon. He would recognize him were he toshow himself. Not his face, but his carriage and build. Strange as it mightseem, the mysterious knight seemed as familiar to him as his own body.

"Areyou going to punish Vanora, Lionheart?" Althea asked. "You shouldbeat her for betraying you. I would never betray you."

"Stayout of this, Althea. I will take care of my wife. If you speak of this toanyone, I shall turn you out of Cragdon to make your own way home."

Altheathrew herself into his arms. "I will say naught. I do not want to leaveyou, Lionheart. Ever."

Catchinghim off guard, Althea shoved him backward. He had not expected her to be sostrong. He tumbled onto the bed, and she fell atop him in a tangle of arms andlegs.

"Whatare you doing, woman?"

"Relax,Lionheart. I want us to enjoy what we once had together."

* * *

Vanoraentered the hall, her gaze searching for Lionheart. She knew Edward hadreturned and wondered where her husband had disappeared. He was not in thesolar and obviously not in the hall. She spied Sir Giles and summoned him witha look.

"Howmay I help you, Lady Vanora?"

"Haveyou seen Lionheart? I was told he had returned from the hunt."

Shufflinghis feet, Giles avoided Vanora's eyes "I cannot say, my lady."

"Whatcan you not say? Has Lionheart returnee or has he not?"

"Hehas returned."

"Issomething amiss, Sir Giles? Is there some reason you do not want me to knowwhere Lionheart has gone?"

Gilescleared his throat. "I... I..." he looked anywhere but at Vanora.

Vanorafelt the beginnings of a headache behind her eyes. For some reason, Giles didnot want to reveal Lionheart's whereabouts. But that was not acceptable to her.

"Speak,Sir Giles. Tell me what it is you do not want me to know. Has aught happened tomy husband?"

"Heis well, my lady."

"Thenkindly tell me where I might find him."

"W-withEdward," Giles lied.

As if tomock his words, Edward strode into the hall. "Have either of you seenLionheart?"