Page 75 of Lionheart

"Whywould you want to? You said Cragdon bored you."

"Icould be happy with Giles."

"Iwill not allow it," Vanora said.

"Iwill speak to Giles," Lionheart said. "I cannot say him nay if hewants to wed Althea."

Vanorasent him a blistering look. "I cannot believe you would consider lettingAlthea remain at Cragdon. We both know what she is up to. Why would you wishher on poor Giles?" Her eyes narrowed. "Unless, of course, you intendher for yourself under the guise of wedding her to your friend."

Lionheartsighed. "You are jumping to conclusions, vixen. I know not if Giles wantsto wed Althea. I will speak to him as soon as he returns from guard duty."

Vanorafumed with impotent rage. Althea's ploy would serve only herself. Risingabruptly, she excused herself and strode purposefully from the hall. Althealeft soon afterward.

Lionheartremained seated, waiting for Giles. When the knight appeared, Lionheartbeckoned to him. Giles sat down beside Lionheart and helped himself to food.

Lionheartsipped ale while Giles ate. As if aware of Lionheart's pensive mood, Giles setdown his eating knife and asked, "What is on your mind, Lionheart? I canalways tell when something is bothering you."

"I doindeed have something on my mind, Giles, and it concerns you."

Giles tooka healthy swallow of ale, then set down his mug. "I am all ears."

"Altheathinks you are enamored of her."

Gileslaughed. "In a way, 'tis true. I want to bed her. Do you object?"

"Nay,not at all, but Althea has something more permanent in mind."

Gileschoked on the bite of cheese he was chewing. "Marriage? You know me betterthan that, my friend. My parents would disown me if I wed a woman of Althea'silk. Besides," he added somewhat sheepishly, "I am betrothed. I wasgoing to ask your permission to return home long enough to wed and bed mybride. She is seventeen now and ready to become a wife. Althea is merely adiversion. I plan to bring Deirdre back to Cragdon with me after we arewed."

"Ihad forgotten you were betrothed. Once you are wed, your wife is welcome tojoin you at Cragdon," Lionheart said, "and doubtless Vanora willagree. As for dallying with Althea, I suggest you tread carefully. She isangling for a proposal. I am inclined to believe she will do anything to remainat Cragdon."

"Sendher back to England as soon as possible," Giles advised.

"Iintend to but wanted to make sure you had no tender feeling for her. I feelsomewhat guilty for my shabby treatment of her. I wish Edward had not broughther to Cragdon."

"Edwardhad no idea you were wed." Giles paused, a smile hovering on his lips."I suspect Vanora is eager to be rid of Althea."

"Youhave no idea," Lionheart replied, rolling his eyes. He rose. "I amoff to find my wife and tell her the good news."

Lionhearttrudged up the stairs to the solar, imagining Vanora's relief when she learnedGiles had no intention of wedding Althea. Smiling, he opened the door andducked just in time to avoid thepitcher that came flying at him. He was not so lucky avoiding the next missileaimed at him. He saw stars when a leather boot clipped the side of his head.

"God'sblood, what are you doing!" he roared.

Duckingthe second boot, Lionheart reached Vanora just as she hefted his sword whichhad been resting against the wall. He wrested it from her hand and tossed itaside.

"Asword is a dangerous weapon," he growled. "You could hurt yourselfwith it."

"'Tis not me I wish to hurt," Vanora snarled.

His lipsthinned. "Nevertheless, never raise a sword against me again. Do you wantto tell me what this is all about?"

"Gladly!I refuse to have your leman in my home. If Sir Giles wants her, he must leaveCragdon and take Althea with him. I cannot believe you would countenancewedding her to Sir Giles and letting her remain under my roof."

"Mustyou raise a sword against me to make your point? 'Tis not a woman'sweapon."

ToLionheart, Vanora had never looked more appealing. Anger became her. Flamesshot from her violet eyes, and her whole body seemed to glow from within. Withher hair swirling around her shoulders in wild abandon, she was incredibly,sensually arousing. His loins hardened, and he felt a strong urge to sweep herinto his arms and make love to her until they were both exhausted.

Vanorawanted to laugh in Lionheart's face. It was not the first time she had taken upa sword against him, and she prayed it would remain her secret.