“’Tis his claim.” Madoc pulled a dagger out of his boot and slid the tip under his fingernail. “I don’t like him.”
“You don’t like anyone,” Gareth replied succinctly.
“He was your brother Cedric’s man.”
Gareth looked up from his boot and nodded. “I trust your instincts. Keep an eye on Bleddyn.”
“We must discuss the issue of bathing. I’m not using their soap,” Alwyn avowed. “I won’t smell like a Norman.”
“You’ll smell like a lily flower if it’s required,” Gareth said flatly, rising from the bed. “You must learn to adapt to whatever circumstance you’re in, in order to gain control over it.” It was this wise advice given to him by his uncle that had saved his hide on more than one occasion. He’d been trained to battle his way to victory, but he preferred using his wits. Fewer people died that way. “We’re breaking bread with my betrothed and her family tonight,” he reminded them. “I don’t want any of you intentionally bumping shoulders with anyone like you did last eve. No looking for fights. Remember why we’re here.”
“To get the girl,” Cian, Madoc and Tomas’ youngest brother, confirmed, his dark gold eyes eclipsed by a wild tumble of matching curls.
“To secure peace for our people,” Gareth corrected him patiently. “Whatever the cost. If it requires that we eat, drink, and smile with Normans, then we will do so.”
“Or sleep with them,” Alwyn grumbled with disgust. He looked around the room for something to spit into.
“Alwyn.” Gareth’s voice deepened with command. “Whatever your feelings toward the Normans, I share them. But Lady Risande is to be my wife. You’ll honor and respect her, the same way you do me. Is that clear?”
“Aye, Gareth,” Alwyn scowled at him. “Just don’t forget what she is.”
“She’s one of us, and we’ll treat her well,” Gareth provided firmly. When Alwyn nodded, Gareth said in a lighter tone, “No killing anyone.” He looked directly at Madoc. “Understand? I know it’s been difficult for you.”
Madoc shrugged his shoulders, but he didn’t look happy about it. “You’re not even married yet and you’ve gone soft.”
Passing him to leave the room, Gareth laughed quietly. “Meet me in the lists later and I’ll show you how soft I am.”
As Gareth descended the stairs, his thoughts returned to Tanon. He mulled over his best course of action to take with her. This marriage had a purpose, and he would see it fulfilled. He wouldn’t forget she was a Norman, but he would try to make her happy and strengthen a Norman-Cymryalliance. That meant devoting time to her, helping her adjust to her new way of life. Taking his time to show her that he wasn’t an uncivilized barbarian. Strip her slowly and tenderly of fear, her innocence, and finally her clothes. Make love to her in every way imaginable.
All feats he could accomplish. Adapt. Be in control of the circumstances. Forget that once, long ago, she had turned his world upside down. He reached the bottom of the stairs and grew anxious at the prospect of seeing her. This wasn’t going to be easy.
*
Tanon left herchambers shortly after Gareth and his men left his. Rebecca had disappeared down the long hall, on her way to Lady Brynna’s chambers, so Tanon was alone when she began to descend the stairs and saw Gareth standing at the bottom with Eleanor Fitzdrummond. For a moment, Tanon simply remained in her spot watching them. So, the prince found full heaving bosoms as enticing as Roger found them. She should have guessed he would. No man could smile the way that Welsh snake did unless his thoughts were preoccupied with fleshly desires…or apple tarts. Well, she didn’t care if he kissed Eleanor right there in front of her. Perhaps he might even decide to drag Lady Fitzdrummond off to Wales instead of her.Oui,then she could marry Roger as planned.
She took another step down, ready to walk right past them, when Gareth smiled at something the wench said. Oh, it wasn’t just any smile that Tanon might be able to forget while she lived out the remainder of her miserable days with the drunken Earl of Blackburn. It was a knee-melting smirk alight with amusement and riddled with male arrogance.
Goodness, but seeing him with Eleanor stirred her temper. How could he so blatantly disregard her feelings by flirting with the same woman who had tried to steal her previous husband-to-be? Why did she even care? She didn’t; she decided to descend the stairs, all the while stabbing at Gareth and Eleanor with a venomous glare as she passed them.
A figure appeared from out of the shadows to her right and stepped into her path. Tanon looked up into a set of wide, dark eyes and a starkly chiseled jaw, marred by a thin scar. His jaw twitched before he spoke.
“Your betrothed is that way and will escort you into the great hall.” Without taking his eyes off her, he pointed over her shoulder toward Gareth.
Tanon would have stepped around him and proceeded on her way if she could convince her feet to move. This was Madoc, and up close he looked infinitely more deadly than he did outdoors and halfway across the lists.
“My, but you’re an ogre,” she scolded him gently.
Madoc stared at her braced shoulders with the faintest of smiles softening his features as she turned her back to him to face Gareth again.
Tanon said nothing, offered no greeting to Gareth while he sauntered toward her. Eleanor was gone, but the sting she caused Tanon remained.
“Madoc, you may go.” Gareth looked over her shoulder and waited until his first in command disappeared into the great hall before he addressed Tanon. “You really must stop running away from me.” His voice was a compelling blend of silk and steel.
Tanon did her best not to let that voice, those eyes, glittering in the soft torchlit hall, affect her. She was angry with herself for even caring about what he did with Eleanor. She hadn’t with Roger. Still, Gareth had once been her champion. Pity, he had changed into such a lout. “I’m surprised you took notice,” she replied trying to keep her voice blasé.
An amused smile softened his lips before he feigned a pout. “You think I can be lured as easily as deCourtenay? Tanon, I’m insulted.”
She gaped at him. “Oh, please do forgive me, then for being as insensitive as you.”