“I cannot remember when I have had such good food," Ranulf said, with a smile of satisfaction bending his usually firm mouth."I'll be sure not to mention that to our own cooks.”

“Bronwyn jumped when the door of her room sprang open and bounced against the stone wall. Something only one person would do.Lily."Lillabet! What are you doing here? Ranulf-""Ranulf?" Lily asked as she cocked her head to the side and wrinkled her nose. "I had forgotten that was his name. Lord,what a mouthful.”

“Unable to stop himself, Ranulf buried his fingers in the dark gold and whispered, "With you,I just might have found the home I never had.”

“Pasting on her most endearing smile, Bronwyn stood up and interrupted, "I must beg everyone's pardon for retiring early. I have been needing to speak with my husband all day. So, we will see you in the morning." She then looked down at Ranulf to ensure he understood that she was serious.He arched a single brow, but said nothing as he rose to join her, ignoring the short coughs and snorts of laughter of his men. Bronwyn instantly froze as she realized what the small group-including her husband-believed she had meant. Mustering up the remnants of her pride,she forced herself to march on."It's nice to know you've been wanting me all day, but if you desire for us to be alone, there are more discreet ways of letting me know," Ranulf teased as he lifted the flap of their tent.Bronwyn knew her already red face was turning an even more brilliant color, but she refused to let Ranulf believe he had totally won. "You,husband, are far more in need of a modesty lesson than I."Ranulf let go the heavy material and then crossed his arms with a smug look of satisfaction Bronwyn wanted to both remove and indulge. "Don't believe in modesty.Never have.Kind of liking the fact that you don't either," he said, hinting at what he thought was about to come next.Bronwyn took a step back and waved a finger. "I said I wanted to speak with you alone...about tomorrow.”

“Eleanor reached over and stroked his foreman."Was I fair?" Henry whispered.She nodded. "Very. Besides, I think our Ranulf gave you the justification for some of the changes you have been considering.Perhaps a court of law is needed.""He did.And besides it was all highly entertaining.I had to bite my tongue when Craven started all that nonsense about Ranulf trying to kill him with an arrow.""So you knew from the beginning..." Eleanor murmured in partial disbelief and admiration."That Ranulf was up to something? The man would never let anyone-even me-insult his honor without response. It was hard to wait until the oaf finished everything Ranulf needed him to say...and come to think of it...it was very convenient for Lady Bronwyn to be in disguise. How is it that you did not inform me earlier of what was to happen?""I did not know," Eleanor rejoined quickly. "I met with his wife, who never owned to her true identity...but I liked her and suspected she would enjoy the night much better as one of my ladies-in-waiting.It is a great honor,you know.""And the idea of coming in masquerade?""Well,it has been dull lately.""And you never knew who she was.Never thought to tell me you suspected Lady Bronwyn was not whom she professed to be.""I only knew for sure that I liked her and that she was Laon's daughter. And as for the masquerade, I did it for you, my king.""Me?""Mmm-hmmm," Eleanor purred against his ear. "I know how very much you like to be entertained.""And that it was.Quite diverting. Never thought to see the day where Ranulf would be at ease in a crowd-or so demonstrative," Henry said, pointing at the joined couple."He's in love,my king.Just like I am. Perhaps someday I'll do something about your men and their rough-mannered ways. Maybe I will convene my own court-the court of love.""I think that babe in your womb has made you soft in the head," Henry teased."Maybe," Eleanor sighed as she sat back in her chair with a smile that spoke of a mind whirling with ideas.”

“Ranulf,don't leave me.""I'll never leave you.I am yours forever.Even in the next life. I love you.Wait for me.”

“I myself like..." She paused for a second straining to remember the young soldier's name that was at the gate. "Tory.He's...sweet. He could return to Syndlear with me tomorrow since you are on the mend."Ranulf's body instantly stiffened. He had not intended for his comment to be interpreted in such a way.Just the opposite. Instead of being flattered, she produced a name and offered to leave. Well,she wasn't going to leave in the morning,but Tory sure as hell was."What if my wound gets worse?" Ranulf posed gruffly."It is fine.""It may not be.Remember.I don't get fevers. I'm not like other men."You sure aren't, Bronwyn murmured to herself.”