She did not break their embrace, but listened to his heartbeat and nestled in the surrounding strength of his arms. Escaping into the magic of their passion had been wonderful, and she wanted to pretend it would not end. She could not ignore, however, that the emotions that he had brought back to Anglesmore tonight still churned in him.

She did not need his quiet statement to tell her that. She felt it in him, as she had even in their pleasure. A dark current flowed in him, touching everything, even his desire and ecstasy.

“You were wrong, Nesta. What you said earlier. That no one would care about those villagers. I did not see the bodies of Welsh people hanging there. I saw the bodies of my people. If I had followed my blood not only would Arundal’s men be dead, but I would have probably taken my men into Arundal’s land, looking for him.”

“I am glad you did not go that far, although a war between two marcher lords would be useful.” She laughed after she said it, hoping to lighten his mood. Their profound connection meant that she sensed too well the turmoil in his head and heart.

He kissed her hair, as if acknowledging her small attempt to soothe him. They lay silently in their embrace, and she tried to let their closeness bring some peace.

“How was it between you and Edward?”

The question jolted her out of her stupor of contentment. “I thought you did not want to know which of the songs was true.”

“The man who holds you does not, but the Lord of Anglesmore has decided he needs to know.”

“I do not think the King holds any affection for me now, if that is your—”

“I am not concerned about his reaction to our love. I need to know for other reasons.”

Our love. They had slipped out, forbidden words spoken while he concentrated on something else. The affirmation planted a spot of startling, pristine happiness in her heart. Her reaction was instant and helpless.

She rose up a bit, so she could see his face. He still gazed at the stars, and did not even appear very thoughtful. His expression was too calm, too firm.

His eyes burned with the lights of a man who had made a decision and only waited for the signal to ride. I saw my people.

His gaze shifted to meet hers. Suddenly it was just the two of them in the world, bound by a mutual knowing of each other that was deeper than any words.

“Was it rape, Nesta?”

She knew what he was contemplating. Whether it was because of her or the villagers, or because of the centuries his family had lived in Wales, his loyalty was wavering. Only one thread had ever held it to England, and that was what he owed the King.