Chapter 5

"Complication"

'A week has passed since the meeting in the Great Hall, and still she avoids me.' Dagonet's thoughts were laced through with his irritation. He had been confused at the first, but as time passed, it had turned, naturally enough, to vexation. Since Rhiannon had learned that she and Dagonet were to be wed, and that she would lose this prized property of hers in Rome, she had avoided him like the plague. She refused to be anywhere near him, unless it was required of her. It galled him a little, and hurt him considerably, but Arthur had advised him to give her time. 'Perhaps things might have gone better had I told her, and not her uncle, but the woman never gave me time to say anything.' Dag's mind recalled the disbelief in her face clearly as she heard her uncle's words, and then her eyes had turned to him with skepticism, and questions that weren't really questions. She had known that her uncle spoke truly to her, and she had looked at Dagonet with eyes that clearly said betrayal. Then she had turned away from him, her actions deliberate, to convey rejection and anger. He had started to follow her, when Arthur stayed him with his hand. "Give her time to think...she will come back to you."

She had not come back though, and he felt sickened somehow. He knew what it was to be dragged into ownership of someone else. He knew what it was to be born to it, yet the woman would not let him explain himself or his reasons. She had only been told some edited version of what went on in the hall, and he wanted her to know all of it...that she was given the choice to die, or she could marry him. While he was hardly a young man by most standards, and perhaps not as handsome as she would prefer, he knew himself to be a good man, and he would care for her. She would never want for anything in his power to give. Surely that had to be better than death.

The wedding would not take place until he had a steadier foothold on his health, but that would not be long.

Ever since that fateful day with Senator Volumnius, he had been up and moving. His appetite had increased dramatically, and his wounds seemed to be nearing full repair. He was looking better by the day, good food and fresh air having driven away the sunken pallor of his face, and restoring his body. He could hold himself straight without pain now, but was still stiff when he walked. Riding was yet off limits to him, but his body was mending well, and his health was returning. Peace of mind remained elusive however.

After he had woken from his fever, he had enjoyed such a short, but happy time with Rhiannon, and now his chamber seemed desolate in her absence. Her things had promptly been packed off to another sleeping room after he'd met with Murrelus, and now she seemed to be unable to bear the sight of him. He could often see her watching him from a distance, but if he was in the same room with her, she would look everywhere but to him. If they passed in the hall, she would walk so fast that she might as well have been running. 'She truly is disappointed to have to wed me.'

If she had only come to him with questions about why he had made the decision he had, perhaps he could have explained it to her satisfaction- shown her that this was for the best, but she had not come to him. Not even to explain to him why he was not good enough for her.

Dagonet knew that had to be the problem. There was no other explanation. He was acceptable enough when he wasn't intended to be her husband. Husband. That word made him shift in discomfort. It was pleasant in a way, knowing he would soon be wed to a talented woman who charmed him in every way, however there was the fact remaining that she loathed the idea. He shook his head while his hurt, and anger continued. The time passed slowly.

As he sat sulking in the stables alone, nearly everyone gone to the tavern for the night, he decided enough was enough. He had spent far too much time in the damn stables brooding. He had made even Lucan and Bors avoid him because of his unshakeable mood. If he was to marry the difficult, little wench, then there was no time like the present to set things straight.

Dagonet knew precisely where she would be. Arthur had given over an empty chamber next to Rhiannon's new abode to be used as a pharmacea. Arthur had reasoned that it would give her an occupation, as well as equipping the castle with another competent healer. She had been laboring over her new project with enthusiasm, and Dagonet could not help but feel a touch of pride for her despite his hurt feelings. She undeniably had a gift for healing. '...and hurting.' His thoughts reminded him.

Dagonet stood up and walked outside into the dark, heading for the steps that would lead him to her. He was so tired of the merciless longing he had to speak to her, for her to be with him, and the sensuous dreams that plagued him even in his sleep. His woke from these dreams only to find himself alone and in great physical discomfort. There was no respite from her whether awake, or asleep. 'She truly is making me go mad.' He thought drily as he took the first step up the stone stairs.

Murrelus had been looking from his window into the darkened night, his thoughts far away, when movement below caught his attention.

He watched Dagonet walk rigidly across the courtyard and to the stone steps to enter part of the castle that made the fort. The grim expression on the younger man's face made him smile. He knew precisely where the Knight was going. "At last!" The senator spoke aloud with a smile. "It's about time."

Rhiannon stood back to survey her handiwork. She had toiled nearly a week, cleaning the pharmacea, visiting the seamstress for her new gowns, sewing...anything that would occupy her, and keep her from Dagonet.

His handsome image entered her mind for the thousandth time, and she loathed how much she wanted him with her. The accursed man was always on her mind. 'The accursed man I will soon be wed to.', She reminded herself.

How dare he have made those decisions without asking her? She could barely believe that in so short of a time, life as she had known it was gone.

The house she was losing didn't really matter because there was no depth of feeling or memory there. She had lived in it during her exile outside the main city of Rome. Her father had acquired a parcel of property with the small, dilapidated house upon it, and as it was unimpressive, it had quickly been forgotten. When her father had passed on, shortly after her mothers death, her uncle waited a modest amount of time before he had requested that she leave the city. She remembered that he had been adamant. Her home was coveted for being in the heart of Rome, and other families had been known to go to extreme, sometimes deadly lengths merely to gain a home situated as hers had been. It was during this time that Volumnius had reminded her of the little estate.

It had not mattered so much to her to leave. A house without memories was far preferable to one rife with loneliness, and ghosts, thus she had not resisted and had gone as he had requested. It was only later that she had come to find that he had truly exiled her.

She now felt angry at her natural born vulnerability to him. He, of course, had every right to do as he was doing. Her father had brought her up in an irregular manner, and had taught her to hold all life sacred. That included freedom. Her uncle on the other hand, was doing as custom dictated. Her life was his, and would soon pass to Dagonet.

Rhiannon felt light-headed every time that she thought about wedding the Knight who had so captured her heart. She could not deny her depth of feeling for the man, and that only made her feel worse. 'How could he not have asked me...at least given me a choice?' She frowned hard, her eyes glazed in thought.

He was all that she could wish for, and more, and he would soon be her husband... '...but he doesn't love me. His actions have shown me what regard he holds me in." Her heart sank with its weight of dejection, and of being well, and truly snared. She marveled that her hungerfor Dagonet was not lessened depite what he had done. That fact stung her pride deeply.

Lost in her own thoughts, she never heard the door to her pharmacea open, nor did she know that behind her, in the doorway, lounged a large knight content only to watch her for a time.

Rhiannon snapped out of herself, and stepped forward to the large table that had been gifted her. She lightly ran her hand over the surface of the sturdily built object, enjoying its simplicity, and slightly rough texture under her palm. Her mortar and pestle were the lone objects on the table, and she eyed them admiringly. The beautiful tools had been crafted in India, and had been a present...The whole space gave her solace. Arthur had made sure that she was given whatever was necessary for a healers chamber, and she was truly thankful. Thankful as well that he had not mentioned Dagonet to her.

With a sigh, and a sense of desolation, Rhiannon moved around the table to go to the fireplace, and retreat into her cushioned couch. It had been given to her by Arthur as well. Guinevere had apparently made it known to him that his new healer did not find her current room conducive to rest in. Now she slept here before the fire that constantly burned. Guinevere had boldly told her that her sleeping ailment would soon end once she was able to return to Dagonet's bed, and Rhiannon had seen Arthur visibly resist smiling at the remark. She had only raised her eyebrows sharply at Guinevere, even as she had mentally conceded.

Now as she recalled Guinevere's words, a new thought came to her, making her redden a bit. 'I doubt very much that my sleeping troubles will end when I return to his bed.' Rhiannon stopped at the fireplace to let the stronger heat seep into her. A deep sigh escaped her and she had only closed her eyes, enjoying the fires comfort when she heard her door shut softly.

Startled, she spun around, to find Dagonet walking toward her. His long strides had him at her side in only a heart-beats time. She knew this was an accurate count of time, because she felt as though her heart would pound out through her ribs. Coherent thought escaped her.

Dagonet had come to her in anger, but as he had watched her at the door, it had totally vanished. His throat had gone dry with his need to hear her voice. He wanted desperately to feel her gentle hands upon him again, to touch her in any way that he might. He needed to find a way to make things right between them. It was necessary that this be rectified. A part of him railed at his weakness, his being so helpless to anyone, but the need for her that had simmered for a week overwhelmed him as he watched her.

When she had moved to the fire, he knew it was either go to her now, or turn away. He did not think he could do the latter, so he had taken that first step, and had carefully shut the door behind him as he took a deep, preparing breath. He did not know what to say to her, and worse was the possibility of what she might say to him.

She had turned to him in surprise, her soft looking mouth open in a slight gasp, and he had gone to her despite his own pride and pain. His swift strides twinged him, but he had to get to her. He needed to hold her a moment before he spoke to her...before her accusing gaze could replace the surprised one. She had given so much to him, and he would always be grateful to her and her skill at mending his health. There was also the fact that he felt so lonely without her near him, and that should not have been. He had not known Rhiannon long enough to rightfully care for her as he did, but reason though he might, he did care for her and that would not be swayed it seemed. Even by his defensive anger.

Before he knew he had done it, he had crushed her to him, his arms tight about her. Whatever discomfort his body felt was shoved far away. The only thing that mattered, that was real, was the woman he held to him. To his surprise, Rhiannon had wrapped her arms fiercely around his waist, holding him to her like a dream she feared might slip away. (Had he been able to read her thoughts, he would have known that she felt exactly that way.) She was not rejecting him, and that knowledge filled him with relief and wonder.

Her cheek was pressed against his chest, and he could feel her breath warm on him through his shirt. He lowered his face into her hair, and wound his hand tightly in the untamed curls.

"Rhiannon..." Dagonet's voice whispered her name so longingly, it tore at her.

She tilted her head back to look at the man she was betrothed to, and breathlessly gazed into his eyes that brimmed full of emotions she could not completely name.

She turned her eyes to his lips. Heat coursed through her making her feel weak, and she clung to Dagonet. She had watched him every chance she had been given over the last week, missing him so much that she physically ached. Now she silently begged him to kiss her. He saw the desire rising in her, felt it radiating from her, and he was gripped tightly by his own yearnings. He felt himself growing hard against her. This was going too fast, and Dagonet knew it, but blamed it on the folly of having spent a week away from each other. Their attraction to each other had existed from the first, and trying to suppress it had led to this. He understood it well. 'Still, there are things I must deal with...'

Dagonet lowered his face till his lips barely hovered over hers. He could feel the soft puffs of breath that came from her parted lips so near his own, yet he did not move. When all was said and done this night, he wanted her to know without a doubt that she had wanted this just as much as he had. So he waited.

She raised her hand to his face, caressing his rough cheek, raising her mouth higher, even as she passed her thumb gently over his bottom lip. He fought against shutting his eyes. He needed her to see all that he felt. He wanted her to know that he cared for her, and that he would try to always make her happy and proud of him. As her husband, he would honor her, and exalt her as his wife.

She could see his heart in his eyes, as well as his desire, and could not help but shut her eyes against the intensity of it. It stayed her voice in her throat, despite part of her mind warning that there was too much undone between them. There were so many things that she needed to say to him, to ask...but in the end she pushed it away from her. All that mattered was the man who held her, the man whose dark eyes spoke to her as loudly as his words ever could. For now, that was more than enough.

She wound her arms tightly around Dagonets neck before she reopened her eyes. He was so close, yet he would not close the distance between them. She strained against him trying to reach his mouth.

He nearly moaned at the feel of her soft body somehow pressing even closer as she tried to reach his mouth, but he held the sound back, as he concentrated on keeping himself just out of reach. He had never felt so tender for a woman before, and he had certainly never dreamed of being in the situation he now found himself in with a wedding looming so near. One not exactly of his choosing and while he did not hold that against the young woman his arms, he wanted to teach her a lesson about wanting, and waiting. He had spent an endless week just wishing for a simple hello from her, and feeling her disappointment for him sharply.

He used the arm around her waist to press her even tighter into him. He knew she could barely draw breath because of his tight grip, but he was careful not to hurt her. His lust was trying to get the better of him.

"I came here to speak to you." He murmured softly, his lips very nearly brushing hers as he spoke.

Her eyes widened a bit with question.

"Would you rather we talk later?" He asked, his tone as quiet as before.

His deep voice, so softly whispering, so near, electrified her. They should speak, and well she knew it, but... 'it can wait'. She gave that thought sway, and closed out whatever reason might have turned her from him. Her attraction to Dagonet was staggering, and after spending night after seemingly interminable night apart from him, this was the reality rather than the tormenting fantasy.

"Later." Rhiannon's voice was hardly a whisper. She wanted to tell him how much she had missed him, what it had meant to her when he came out of the sickness that had nearly swallowed him,...to ask him why he had agreed to marry her, and then throw away her belongings as he saw fit, all of it without a word to her. Then he had not come to her for a week. She wanted to say all of that and more, but her mouth refused her words, and her anger would not come. She knew her need was growing, and all else was shoved away in its wake.

"Are you certain? I have been put under the impression that I do not please you."His pride would not be denied that dig at her.

Rhiannon was taken aback by his words, and her eyes widened, but Dagonet did not give her time to speak, before he crushed her lips hard under his.

He could not help the way he kissed her, full of passion and punishment. He had felt angry, starved, and deprived of her, but now she was with him, and surprisingly, wanting him as badly as he was wanting her. At last he could indulge in her, and she returned his attentions. It had never occurred to him that she might react this way when he came to her. He had expected her disgust, but her kiss was hard and demanding as she arched into him.

Rhiannon had been caught off guard at his veiled, but apparent accusation. She began using her mouth, and her body to try to show the man in her arms how much she felt for him. It wasn't that he displeased her...his decisions about her life displeased her. He was here with her with her at last.

She kissed him back as hotly as he kissed her. He suckled at her bottom lip, softening his kiss for the moment, knowing he had bruised her small lips already. His kisses became easier, more exploratory, and far more sensual. Soon he covered her mouth with his, and began parting her lips with the tip of his tongue. He wondered is she would open to him.

The feel of his tongue inflamed and beguiled her. It was a surprise that quickly passed into something deeper, and darker. A wave of intense heat and moisture washed through her most intimate of areas. She throbbed there, but soon she felt her whole body pulsing with the depth of her want.

Dagonets hand still held her hair, controlling the kiss. As she opened her lips to him, his tongue was immediately in her mouth, hot and probing, caressing her tongue in invitation. Though she could feel his urgency in the tautness of his body, he held back. It was a wracking, sensual kiss.

She began to kiss him back, giving her passion sway, her tongue tangling, and stroking his, clearly displaying the depth of her hunger and heat. She did not attempt to hide it. She tried in every movement to accentuate it. If that meant she was a wanton, she really did not care.

As they made love with their mouths, Rhiannon felt one of his hands slide down her back to cup her backside, as the other moved to a full breast. She gasped in pleasure as he hardened her nipple through her dress, and she moaned into his mouth as he molded her to him. It was as if she had entered into a fiery heaven. She wanted him and was not innocent to that fact, even if she lacked experience. She simply gave her body reign, and its instincts did not fail her. Still, she wished that she knew more, could tell him what she wanted.

Her hands moved from his muscled neck, over his shoulders, and down to his brawny forearms. She rubbed her hands over them reverently, as they simultaneously deepened their kiss.

This was going so fast, but she needed more. Wave after wave of moisture hit hard between her thighs, and her

lust was taking on a life of its own. It rose in her, and poured forth through her body in her surrender. Perhaps tomorrow she would care, but this night she would be his. He was what she had always dreamed of, and never believed she could have. She would not deny this moment, or him.

Dagonet felt the change in her, though he could not say exactly how. He pulled back to look at her sweet face, both of them panting. Her arousal was so strong he could smell her intimate, musky aroma, and it staggered him. No woman had ever been like this with him, and her eyes...they were hazy with need, and her acceptance...

Acceptance.

Now was the time he had waited for. If this continued, he doubted that he would be able to stop. He wanted her to know frustration at his hands, but had not considered how it might torment him as well.

"Why did you not come to me?"

It was such a simple question, but Rhiannon's mind took a moment to focus. He still held her tightly, but obviously expected an answer. She wasn't sure how to respond to him. His eyes were darker, and steeled to her.

"You regret that you must be wed to me."

She knew that he was not asking a question, and stiffened in his arms, as desire gave way to an anger that was swiftly rekindling. She resented his accusing tone, the anger that she sensed in him. ' What possible right does he have to be angry with me?' She thought, full of a new heat now, and physical frustration. If he wanted an answer, then she would be more than happy to give him one.

"You are not the man I took you to be. You hate the Romans, yet you act like one. You take what does not belong to you."

Dagonet dropped his arms, hardly believing the words that the little wench spat at him. He controlled himself admirably.

"This eve, what I would have taken was freely offered to me.", He stated plainly. He needed no venom in his words to make them sting. The truth was enough and that was evident in her flushed face, and mouth that had dropped open.

His traitorous body grew harder as he recalled the kisses they had shared only moments before. Her soft, thin, but shapely lips beckoned him. Dagonet ignored his desire with an iron will. He was angry, and needed to control it.

"I am a fool." Rhiannon told him, as she backed away a few steps. A small sardonic smile twisted her kiss- bruised lips that his eyes still rested on.

"Perhaps I am the fool, and you are merely a wanton." Dagonet replied, his anger growing at her twisted smile. His temper was beginning to get the best of him. He wondered briefly just what he had saddled himself with.

Rhiannon, meanwhile, had been growing more furious at his even, unemotional voice. Now his words made her break. She was humiliated with her own actions, but it simply translated itself into her defensive anger. How dare he call her something so ugly? Yet she remembered the word in her own thoughts about her behavior. It only served to enrage her more.

"You dishonor me, and I was wrong to think that you were honest. I believed you when you gave me your word that you would settle all matters. Now I find myself losing my inheritance at your hands, and I am basically enslaved to you, also at your doing. I did not think that you of all people would take advantage of a woman in such a situation to benefit yourself. You settled this to your welfare, not mine. I want no part of you." Rhiannon spoke as evenly as she could. She watched his lips tighten, and eyes narrow. ' Good.' She thought petulantly, and turned her back.

Dagonet could only endure so much.

"That tears it, woman.." Dagonet's voice came to her low, and menacing as he spun her about. Grasping her arms tightly he used his body to walk her backward into the table. She had stumbled, unable to get a sure footing in her surprise.

'How dare she compare me to the Romans!' Bors had told him that women never listen, especially to reason. Dagonet now saw the truth of his words. He was done trying to be patient. If she wanted to think the worst, then so be it.

With the edge of the table in her back, he lifted his cruel grip from her arms, and grasped her waist, sitting her hard atop it.

"I came here ready to explain this entire mess to you, but if this is how you want it, so be it." Dagonet's voice was hard, and his mouth harder as he once more crushed it into hers. Never before had a woman left him feeling so overwhelmed, so beside himself. He knew himself usually to be gentle despite his profession.

Rhiannon tasted the blood from her broken lips, as he truly punished her with his anger. She was seething, and trying to push against his broad chest, but to no avail. He would not yield. She felt his tongue once more seeking entrance, and she tried to refuse, but he would not have it, and soon broke through her lips, and ravaged her mouth. His arms had now grown so tight around her, she thought she might actually be crushed in his embrace. The worst of the whole situation was how her body insisted on reacting to him despite how she tried to hang onto her rancor.

She tried desperately to ignore the heat that was stirring in her again, but his demanding mouth, and the his hardness pressing into her intimately, were more than she could stand. She couldn't deny him, desperately as she wanted to. Her body recognized its natural mate. She hated her weakness. Her hands raised to him again.

Dagonet thought she was going to try and push him away again, but instead she wrapped her arms around his neck tightly. He relished the feel of her breasts pressing into him, and wanted badly to taste them. He was so hard and was hurting from the pressure of his breeches. He ground into her knowing he would likely bruise her sensitive flesh, but unable to stop himself. She moaned into his mouth, and wrapped her legs instinctively about his waist. 'This from the woman who allegedly wants no part of me.' He almost smiled. His betrothed was full of surprises.

Her skirts had raised partly when he had settled himself between her thighs, and her bare legs around him enticed him. He pulled her up and into his chest as he broke from her mouth. With his other arm, he swept her skirts around her hips, and out from under her. He wanted her bared to him, he was mad to devour her.

Her eyes were aflame with the desire that rocked through her. How she wanted this! He had pulled back from her, and his burning eyes bored into hers, as he caressed her naked hips, moving his hands over her till they stroked the soft inside of her thighs. She could feel the wetness flowing hotly again, and she looked into his eyes steadily, telling him exactly what she wanted. Her eyes looked like flames.

He did not let his eyes waver as he caressed the crease of her thigh. His other hand moved to her bared behind, holding her firmly. She had grown so wet, that now it ran freely, and pooled underneath her. She held her jaw clenched till she could stand no more of the teasing he inflicted on her.

"Dagonet, please." Rhiannon gasped, panting heavily. She wasn't even sure at this point what she was asking him for. She had been told about some of this, but lacked experience to cope with all the things she could not even find names for. She did not have the necessary words to tell him what she wanted, and her frustration from her ignorance showed plainly.

Dagonet took pity on her then. He recognized his mistake. She was an innocent, and he should have been slower, easier with her. She should not be before him as she was, full of confusion and angry because she lacked understanding. He would give her what she needed, but then he would have to stop no matter how much he wanted this. It was true that she had given herself to him, but he did not want it to be like this. There was still too much harm done between them, to let this be added to it.

Bearing that in mind, he covered her mouth once more, her tongue instantly in his mouth. She was so eager! He groaned wishing he could thrust into her over and over again, ridding himself of his swollen, painful erection, but he only gently entered her with a large finger.

She was small, but ready for him. When she felt the first pressure of his entrance, she had stiffened, and sucked in a hard breath despite their kiss. He pulled back to sooth her, his other hand softly rubbing her backside.

He crooned her name softly as he kissed her cheek, her forehead, her nose...all the while easing his finger deeper. Her smooth muscles no longer clenched in fear, or worry, as she responded to his soothing voice.

At last, he was deep enough that he could feel her maiden-head. He kissed her lips softly, and began retreating from her body. She looked as though she would protest, but he kissed her gently again, as he began to stroke back in. He was faster this time, and soon his hand had picked up rhythm, always careful of her virginity. Her head had dropped back, exposing the fair skin of her neck that he tasted and nibbled greedily. His thumb rubbed the tiny piece of flesh that he knew would bring her completion, as she moaned out her pleasure for him. He was in agony.

He pressed his thumb harder into the soft nub, while her wetness all but coated his hand. It pleased him that she so desired him. A soft smile touched his lips as he considered that perhaps marriage wouldn't be so unwelcome under these conditions after all.

Dagonet felt Rhiannon growing tense, and knew she was nearing the end. Her panting had turned into shallow breaths, and a sheen of perspiration covered her visible flesh. He leaned hard into her, and kissed her softly.

"Don't be afraid of it. Let go..." Dagonets words drove her over the edge and into something so deep she could never have imagined it. It was as though a light exploded behind her closed eyes. A pleasurable tingling had started at her toes, and erupted. The pleasure was almost pain, and she wondered vaguely if she would live through it. Her body spasmed hard, as she thrust her hips hard against his large, caressing hand. She cried out his name gripping him tightly, nails cutting him through his shirt. Dagonet reveled in the pleasure he gave her, and savored the intimate moment between them. He wished, as he had that morning he woke with her in his bed, that time could stand still. He did not want reality to intrude on them.

Waves of pleasure continued to erupt in Rhiannon though each one was now less than the one before it. She began to come down, and clung to Dagonet, her arms once more circling his waist. She laid her head over against his chest without meeting his eyes, her body still rippling. She fought for breath.

Dagonet drew his hand reluctantly from her core, and caressed both of her exposed hips, as he rested his chin atop her head. Rhiannon began to ease her breathing into a normal rhythm again. Neither spoke for a time. When at last the silence was broken it was by Dagonet's deep, husky voice.

"Are you alright?" It seemed a stupid question to him, but he was not sure what to say. He knew he had not hurt her body, but was growing concerned about her feelings. She had not looked at him, and he had no idea what she might be thinking.

Rhiannon had not answered immediately. This had been very wrong, yet she knew that if she could repeat this evening she most certainly would. Now she understood her mother's constant flirtation with her father, and the thought embarrassed her. ' What has just happened?' She asked herself in wonder. Her skin was beginning to feel cool as the sweat was being dried away by the warm air of the room, and she shivered slightly.

Dagonet was mildly alarmed that she shook and leaned her back so he could see her face.

She smiled at him tenderly, and relief flowed through him as he smiled back.

"Are you alright?" ,Dagonet repeated.

Rhiannon only nodded her head not trusting her voice, but her smile grew, even as she reddened. She was tired of blushing so much, because it was uncharacteristic of her. Still, this was new to her, and she had never been so exposed to a man of her own accord. She felt no shame in herself for this act however, and was surprised at herself. Dagonet felt so perfect kissing her and touching her. The feel of his him in her body had been so...she could think of no suitable word, but even the memory left her breathless. Rhiannon knew a deep desire to explore his body. She could feel the heat stir in her once more.

Dagonet saw it, and laughed softly.

"That is enough for tonight I think." He told her hugging her tightly for a moment. When he released her, he could see a trace of regret in her eyes, but she still smiled at him in that warming way she possessed. He kissed her carefully as he pulled her wadded skirts into her lap, and helped her slide off the table.

She laughed aloud ,even as she adjusted and smoothed her dress, at her backside gone numb. She raised her mirth-filled eyes to Dagonet, and excused herself to a small closet to take care of certain of her needs. He watched her go, and let out a big breath. 'What is happening?' He couldn't seem to find his bearings, and felt the need to sit down. Dagonet went to the soft couch, and sat down in a measured way. The flames in the fireplace so near him flickered over his stoic, scarred face. His body needed release, but it seemed to be subsiding in small increments. He looked around the new pharmacea and was pleased by all that he saw around him, though her shelves were virtually devoid of herbs, and barks that she would need. With the room pieced together, he knew that her next project would have to be gathering those things. He could help her, and sudden warmth from within enveloped him as he acknowledged that this was something that they could do together.

He spotted a small basin of water on a pedestal almost hidden in the shadows of a corner. Rising, he went and washed his hands of Rhiannon's fluid. He could hardly believed what had passed between them, and shook his head again

"Does something trouble you?"

Rhiannon's gentle voice came from behind him, and he turned his head to her as he dried his hands on the linen resting on the pedestal. Her brow was creased as she waited for an answer.

"I am not troubled, at least for the moment." Dagonet replied honestly. "Will you sit with me?" He motioned to her couch. She was so sweet to his eyes, and he smiled at her fluffed up hair that was perpetually unkempt in an almost deliberate sort of way. He had found that the untamed locks were trademark of her, and he loved every wayward curl.

She smiled at him fondly as well as shyly, and stepped forward to him. He secured his arm at her waist as they approached the couch together. Sitting down, her drew her to him in an embrace that she welcomed, and she kissed his jaw lightly. He let his mind slide into the rhythm of her breathing, the pulse of her body... He felt wonderful despite everything that still hindered him. Then the same thought that had been plaguing him for days broke through the comfortable stillness, and drew him up. He had known it would and had put it off as long as he could. Rhiannon felt him tense in her arms, and looked up to him in dismay. She silently questioned him with her probing eyes.

"Why will you come to me like this, but not in any other way?" Dagonet's tired tone, and eyes brought forth her compassion, and concern.

"I am not precisely sure what you mean. Could you explain just so that I may be certain of your meaning?" Their relationship was so muddled and she was beginning to get the feeling that she might have contributed more than she originally thought, albeit unwittingly. She could read much from him.

Dagonet recognized the sincerity in her and was relieved that at last he might have the answers he had so wanted, and equally dreaded. Rhiannon's head was leaned over against his cradling arm, and he touched her flame-kissed face tenderly. Surprising him, she drew his hand to her mouth and kissed his palm lingeringly.

"This is what I speak of." He told her resignedly, as he slipped his hand from her, and laid it softly on her hip. "For a week you have refused to come to me, to let me tell you what had happened in the Great Hall, to explain myself as well as my motives. You risked your life with the Saxons, you stayed by my side for weeks, and while I can attribute that to the fact of your being a healer, that does not explain your open attraction to me. You slept in my bed encircling me as a lover would, and I had thought that you cared for me." Dagonet's tone grew a bit harsh with his last sentence, but he held her just as he had.

Now it was making some sense, and she was opening her mouth to explain, when he finished his own thoughts.

"Am I perhaps not as acceptable a prospect for a husband, as I would be for a lover? I would have you to know that I did not choose this marriage without first being left with no other possible choice. The consequences of refusing would have been dire."

His tone was hard, but he remained patient. He had no idea that his careful words had cut so deeply.

'He will wed me for lack of choice! I am a punishment for him!' The voice in Rhiannon's mind was screaming.

She looked into his face feeling humiliated and horrified. She wished now that she had listened when people had tried to explain the events of a week ago, but she had been so hurt, so pissed off , that she would hear none of it. 'He did not choose me!' Her insides felt as though they had clenched in a tight ball.

'Rhiannon?" Dagonet was alarmed at the appalled expression in her wide eyes. He shook her a little.

She closed her eyes and turned her head downward. She needed to think. Two unbidden tears seeped from under her eyelids and ran their bitter course down her cheeks.

I underestimated this chapter when I began writing it, and it has turned out to be a fairly long one. I hope it reads well to everyone, and BIG thanks for all the readers, and reviews. To KnightMaiden, I can't find what I did with your review in my e-mail to post it, but I want to thank you for it. I hope this chapter was as fantastic as you were thinking it would be. I am glad to know that someone else needs to take time-outs from writing too much too fast. It's encouraging.

From: Alex -------------------

I am FLOORED by your writing style, so much better than a lot of the poor stuff out there. I write quite a bit of non fanfic short stories and i'm always disappointed by some of the poor writing out there. I'm uber-impressed! I love it, Dagonet is definately the most underrated knight and your o/c is wonderful! I can't wait to read the rest! Keep up the great work.
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God/dess bless you! This was such an awesome review, and thanks so much for this. I hope you keep reviewing, and I am so happy that people are responding to Dagonet in this story, as well as Rhiannon. Thanks for the remark about my writing style. I actually began writing this story in an effortto improve it. It had been awhile sinceI had written much, and never anything that required chapters. I couldn't believe that someone out there liked my writing enough to say they were FLOORED. Thanks for the encouragement.

From: sailorgirl013 ( http/ )
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Love the story so far please update soon

I did mean to update much sooner than this, but as I said I made an error by underestimating this chapter. Thanks so muchfor the review.

From: Essenceofcrazy ( http/ )
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I love this story sofar. You have given Dag a believable personality and made his healing time reasonable. Continue please I look forward to your next chapter!

I am definitely glad that you like the story, and I totally appreciate the remarks about Dag's personality, and healing time. I try to be careful about such things, and I am relieved that I am succeeding. I hope this chapter is as good as you had hoped for.

From: homeric ( http/ )
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So Murrelus isn't quite as bad as he seems! There must be some interesting history when it comes to Rhiannon and Rome - her uncle is pretty adamant about his wish that she not return there... Poor Dag and Rhiannon having to marry each other (smirk) I have a feeling that as far as arranged marriages go it could work out rather well, although I'm looking forward to seeing what happens between them! Happy writing, H :)

There is a lot of history that will come out over time about Rhiannon and Rome. Murrelus as well. He isn'tall bad... just a little bad.I think perhaps the up and coming marriage is going to be entertaining, and I am looking forward to it myself. Thanksso much for all the reviews so far, and I really hope this chapter readslike itplayedout in my head.

From: JustQuinn ()
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Hey Sweets,
Exciting chapter. I´m torn wether to hate her uncle or at least give him some amount of respect. He seems like somewhat of a good man, with a soft spot for love.
Imagining Dagonet standing there, tall and proud despite his injuries, made my knees go weak (good thing I´m sitting down).
But will they let Rhiannon in on her uncle´s plan? Would only be fair and I´m having trouble believing that Dagonet would betray her, after they wed, by giving her property away behind her back.
But let me tell you, that through this chapter I kept thinking: "Where does she get all this from" Your writing never cease to amaze me. You have a gift, use it as much as you can and never stop writing!

Oh, fluff on the way! I´m really looking forward to the next chapter, after reading your note. Sounds sweet. And a table? That comment certainly plays with ones dirty mind... ;o)
Anyway, I will be off to Stockholm (I´m swedish) on Thursday and staying there for a week. Hopefully I get to attack someones PC up there and check for your next update so I can review it as soon as possible.
Enjoy the holidays and I´ll speak to you soon. Take care, Sweets, and thankyou.
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I make up these stories in my head and I think it out when I am getting ready to write, so that is where all of these ideas of mine come from. I try to make plausible cause and effect to lead my story along, so I have to come up with something. I am beyond flattered at this review, and that you think so well of my writing. I cannot tell you what that means to me. Hope your trip went well, and that you enjoy this chapter. (I couldn't let Rhiannon not now about her lost property. It was something good for her to be angry about. lol)