Page 95 of Lionheart

"Imust have been mad. In this we are very well matched, sweeting; I shall notmake the mistake of leaving your bed again."

It was astart, Vanora thought. She could make him love her; she knew she could.

* * *

During thefollowing days Lionheart made all the necessary preparations for Daffid'sexpected attack. He strengthened the walls where they were weak and postedlookouts on the wall walk. He trained his men relentlessly, preparing them bothmentally and physically for battle.

A tenuousharmony existed between Lionheart and Vanora during those days. Passion broughtthem together and kept them returning to the beckoning bed in the solar. ThoughLionheart drove himself until he was too tired to draw a breath, he still foundthe energy to make love to Vanora.

"Howsoon will Sir Giles return?" Vanora asked one night as they lay inlanguorous contentment after a satisfying bout of lovemaking.

"Soon.Within the next few days, surely."

"Youmiss him," Vanora stated.

"Aye,he is my right arm just as I am Edward's."

As youare mine, Vanora thought but did not say.

* * *

The dayAlthea left was a happy one for Vanora. She stood beside Lionheart as he placeda heavy purse in Althea's hand and bade her Godspeed.

"Spendthis wisely, Althea," Lionheart advised, "and you shall not want forthe rest of your days. Find a husband who will love you and give you children."

Altheahefted the purse and sneered. "I will take your gold, Lionheart, but youare making a mistake. Mark my words, one day your wife will betray you."

Whitelines bracketed Lionheart's mouth as he sent Althea and her escort on theirway.

"Goodriddance," Vanora muttered. "You were more than generous withher."

Threadingher arm in his, she turned him toward the keep, more at peace now than she hadbeen in a very long time. With Althea gone, there was naught to distractLionheart, naught to keep him from giving her his undivided attention. Her daysas the White Knight were behind her, and she need never lie to Lionheart again.

ButVanora's happiness was short-lived. Three days later a rider appeared at theportcullis. He was admitted immediately and brought directly to Lionheart.Vanora hurried over to join him, anxious to learn what the commotion was about.She recognized the young man immediately. It was Peter, Sir Giles's squire. Afrisson of fear slid down her spine. She knew intuitively that somethingunforeseen had happened to Sir Giles, and that the consequences were going todestroy her chances to win Lionheart's love.

Peter waswild-eyed and disheveled, his chest heaving from his exertions and a yetunnamed fear. His tunic was rent, and a stream of blood ran down his arm.

"Speak,lad," Lionheart said. "Where are Sir Giles and his bride?"

His voicewas coiled taut as a spring, and Vanora moved close, offering the comfort ofher presence.

"Wewere outnumbered," Peter said, gasping for breath. "We acquittedourselves well, but defeat was inevitable."

Graspingthe lad's tunic, Lionheart yanked him forward until they were nose to nose."What happened?"

"'Twas Daffid ap Deverell. He holds Sir Giles and his lady hostage."

"Releasehim, Lionheart," Vanora said. "The lad is wounded and in need ofattention."

Hereleased Peter's tunic; the lad nearly fell to his knees but caught himself."Aye, fetch Mair," Lionheart ordered. A man-at-arms hurried off tofind the tiring woman.

"Helpis on the way, lad. Meanwhile, tell me everything. How did you escape?"

"Idid not escape. Daffid let me go to bring you a message."

Lionheart'slips flattened. "Proceed."

Peter'sgaze lingered briefly on Vanora, then returned to Lionheart. "Daffid saidhe will not harm Sir Giles and his lady if you send Lady Vanora to him."