THAT NIGHT, I LAY with Emilie by a fire. I felt her nervousness as I wrapped my arm tightly around her.

Don't be worried for me, I said.

How could I not? You are walking into a lion's den.... And there are other things on my mind.

What things? The stars are out. We are here. I can feel the beating of your heart....

Please, do not mock me, Hugh. Emilie turned in my arms. I cannot help myself. My mind has been returning to Bord.

Bord... ?

Anne. Emilie rose up on an elbow. Stephen's wrath will be great now that his men have failed. He'll want this lance more than ever. I am worried for her.

I don't share your concern.

I know you have no love for her. She stroked my face. But Anne is a prisoner too, just as surely as if she were behind bars. You must understand that. I am pledged to her, Hugh. It is a bond I simply cannot run away from and break.

You are pledged to me now. I tickled Emilie's ribs. Can you break that one?

No. She sighed and kissed me on the forehead. That I will never break.

I leaned down to her and kissed her. She opened her mouth to me, but showed a little hesitation. A thousand other people were about. Her breasts came to life at my touch, hard and willing through her robe. I felt my cock spring alive too.

Come with me, I said.

Comewhere? We are in the forest.

A country boy knows. I winked a bit mischievously. I have a spot. Just for us.

I pulled her up, and in the dark of night, with the glimmer of campfires and the forms of sleeping men all around, we sneaked off.

How can you be so impressively aroused, Emilie asked, pretending to pull away from me, with what lies before you in the morning?

In a small clearing, we threw ourselves into each other's arms, cushioned by a small bed of leaves. Without speaking, we lifted our clothing and felt our bodies warm to the touch of each other-still new, a gift I could not believe was mine.

There was a deeper, knowing look in Emilie's eyes. She put my hand on her breast and took a breath. I felt her heart beating like a doe's. Her nipple grew tight and firm at my touch.

Is my spot to your satisfaction? I asked.

That depends. She grinned. Just which spot is that?

............